This is the ultimate guide to American Big Bands, with hundreds of entries spanning the entire history of this uniquely American musical style. The entries are presented in both an A-to-Z listing making it easy to find and chronologically by era presenting each band in their historical context (see table of content below). Each entry contains the name of the band, its leader, essential personnel, the years it existed, tops hits, and a brief description ofthe band. The book is beautifully illustrated with album cover art and photos of many of the bands, bandleaders, and famous soloists. Table of contents includes: Chapter One - A NEW CENTURY BEGINS - 1900-19, Chapter Two - BATH TUB GIN - RADIO RULES - 1920-29, Chapter Three - THE DEPRESSION YEARS - 1930-39, Chapter Four - THE WAR YEARS - 1940-49, Chapter Five - TELEVISION REIGNS - 1950-59, Chapter Six - EXIT THE BANDS - 1960-69, Chapter Seven - FINALE - 1970-99, Chapter Eight - BANDS - ALPHABETICALLY