Whether you're a seasoned Lindy Hopper or just starting out, the right music can make all the difference. A great swing track fuels your energy, inspires creativity, and keeps you moving all night long. Here’s a handpicked playlist of must-have swing tracks that belong in every Lindy Hop dancer’s rotation.
Classic Big Band Bangers
- "Jumpin’ at the Woodside" – Count Basie (The ultimate high-energy jam for fast Lindy!)
- "Sing Sing Sing" – Benny Goodman (A legendary drum-driven anthem for solo jazz or partnered play)
- "Shiny Stockings" – Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie (Smooth as silk for sultry bluesy moments)
Modern Swing Revivals
- "The Joint is Jumpin’" – Jonathan Stout & His Campus Five (New recording, vintage energy)
- "Choo Choo Ch’Boogie" – Gordon Webster ft. Meschiya Lake (A contemporary take on a swing staple)
- "42nd Street" – Glenn Crytzer’s Savoy Seven (Perfect tempo for social dancing)
Hidden Gems & Crowd-Pleasers
- "T’aint What You Do" – Jimmie Lunceford (Playful vocals and irresistible bounce)
- "Solid as a Rock" – Ella Fitzgerald (Mid-tempo groove for musicality experiments)
- "Flying Home" – Lionel Hampton (A saxophone-driven rocket for advanced dancers)
Building Your Ultimate Playlist
Mix tempos! A great Lindy Hop session needs variety—throw in some slow drag blues ("Kidney Stew Blues" by Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson) between burners to catch your breath. Pay attention to live recordings for that raw, infectious energy (try Benny Goodman’s 1938 Carnegie Hall concert).
Pro tip: Follow Spotify’s algorithm-generated "Swing Dance Essentials" playlist—it learns from real DJ sets at events like Herräng and ILHC!
What’s your desert-island swing track? Drop it in the comments—we’re always hunting for new favorites!
