In today’s episode, Mike spotlights bandleaders Bennie Moten and Jimmie Lunceford. While they may not be household names, their impact on the Big Band Era is still greatly felt. We hope this episode inspires you to dig more into the music of these swinging bands and uncover new music within the Big Band Era. 

Here’s a video of the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra performing “Rhythm is Our Business” in 1936. Check out the companion playlist to this episode on Spotify. 

Song Credits:

“South;” Performed by Bennie Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra; Written by B. Moten & T. Hayes; RCA Victor, 1929

“Kater Street Rag;” Performed by Bennie Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra; Written by Bennie Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra; OKeh Records, 1926

“Yazoo blues;” Performed by Bennie Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra; Written by Bennie Moten; RCA Victor, 1927

“Moten Stomp;” Performed by Bennie Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra; Written by Bennie Moten & Thamon Hayes; RCA Victor, 1927

“That Too Do Blues;” Performed by Bennie Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra; Written by Eddie Durham, Count Basie, & Benny Moten; RCA Victor, 1930

“Somebody Stole My Gal;” Performed by Bennie Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra; Written by Leo Wood;, RCA Victor, 1930

“Toby;” Performed by Bennie Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra; Written by Eddie Barefield & Buster Moten; Victor, 1932

“Moten Swing;” Performed by Bennie Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra; Written Bennie Moten & Buster Moten; RCA Victor, 1932

“Memphis Rag;” Performed by The Chickasaw Syncopators; Written by Jimmie Lunceford; Columbia, 1927

“Jazznocracy;” Performed by Jimmie Lunceford and his Orchestra; Written by Will Hudson; Bluebird, 1934

“Rhythm Is Our Business;” Performed by Jimmie Lunceford and His Orchestra; Written by Lunceford, Cahn, & Chaplin; Decca, 1935

“Sleepy Time Gal;” Performed by Jimme Lunceford and his Orchestra; Written by Lorenzo, Whiting, Alden, & Egan: Decca, 1935

“Margie;” Performed by Jimmie Lunceford and his Orchestra; Written by Davis, Conrad, & Young; Decca, 1938

“Ain’t She Sweet;” Performed by Jimmie Lunceford and his Orchestra; Written by Yellen & Ager; Vocalion, 1939

“‘Taint What You Do (It’s the Way That You Do It);” Performed by Jimmie Lunceford and his Orchestra; Written by Oliver & Young; Vocalion, 1939

“The Lonesome Road;” Performed by Jimmie Lunceford and his Orchestra; Written by Austin & Shilkret; Vocalion, 1939

“Cement Mixer (Put-Ti-Put-Ti);” Performed by Jimmie Lucneford and his Orchestra; Written by Gaillard & Ricks; Majestic, 1946

“White Heat;” Performed by Jimmie Lunceford and his Orchestra; Written by Will Hudson; Bluebird, 1934