Lindy Focus this year in a move that it has cemented its place among notable swing dance events had an all star band led by Jonathan Stout.

Jerry Almonte has an excellent write up in his article titled, “Lindy Focus All Star Big Band Scorecard” that has an overview of why these particular nights of music were so special.

During the event the first four nights were tributes to the great big band leaders of the swing era. In addition Lindy Focus had their own blog this year which did a blog post about each band leader which you should check out.

• Count Basie Night – Saturday, 12/27/2014
• Artie Shaw Night – Sunday, 12/28/2014
• Duke Ellington Night – Monday, 12/29/2014
• Benny Goodman Night – Tuesday, 12/30/2014

Many swing dancers have listened to songs by these bands, but not everyone has seen what they looked like on film. In result I wanted to post film clips of each of these band leaders and their bands for those who have not had the opportunity to enjoy them yet.

Count Basie

Featuring Jimmy Rushing, here is “Sent For You Yesterday.”

From the 1943 Columbia film, “Reveille with Beverly” is “One O’Clock Jump.”

The Count Basie Orchestra of 1962 playing “Corner Pocket.”

Artie Shaw

From the 1938 short, “Artie Shaw and His Orchestra” is “Begin the Beguine.”:

From the 1939 film “Dancing Co-Ed” is the song “Traffic Jam.”

A clip infamous among most Collegiate Shag dancers, from the 1939 short, “Symphony of Swing” is “Lady Be Good.”

Duke Ellington

Also from the film, “Reveille with Beverly” from 1943 is “Take The A Train.”

In the 1942 Soundie “Jam Session” features Ellington and his band playing “C Jam Blues.”

A 1943 performance of a song that helped define the Swing Era, “It Don’t Mean A Thing.”

Benny Goodman

From the 1937 film titled “Hollywood Hotel” one of Benny Goodman’s classics, “Sing Sing Sing.”

From the 1943 film “Powers Girl” featuring swing dancers Dean Collins and Jewel McGowen is the song “Roll Em.”

From the 1943 film “Stage Door Canteen” featuring Helen Ward on vocals is “Why Don’t You Do Right.”