Lecture
Professor David Peimer
Saturday 21.03.2026
Professor David Peimer
Swing and Big Band Jazz Become Mainstream
Saturday 21.03.2026
How to watch
This lecture starts on 21 March at 5:00pm (UK).
Summary
Swing and Big Band Jazz dominated American popular music between 1935 and 1946. It evolved from African American communities and transitioned to a national mainstream phenomenon due to Benny Goodman, late night radio, popularity amongst youth who embraced “hot” swing and dances like the Lindy Hop and Jitterbug. During WWII, Glen Miller and other bands played for the troops. Swing became a cultural force helping bridge racial divides. Join us for an exhilarating ride through a musical and historical era, until vocalists like Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald replaced the big bands.
Professor David Peimer
David Peimer is a Professor of Literature, Film and Theatre in the UK. He has worked for the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, New York University (Global Division) and was a Fulbright Scholar at Columbia University. Born in South Africa, David has won numerous awards for playwriting and directing. He has most recently directed Dame Janet Suzman in his own play, Joanna’s Story, at London Jewish Book Week. He has published numerous books, including Armed Response: Plays from South Africa and the digital book Theatre in the Camps. He is on the board of the Pinter Centre (London), and has been involved with the Mandela Foundation, Vaclav Havel Foundation and directed a range of plays at Mr Havel’s Prague theatre.