Whether you're a Lindy Hop enthusiast, a Balboa aficionado, or a Charleston lover, the right music is the heartbeat of every Swing dancer’s journey. From vintage classics to modern revivals, here’s a curated list of must-have tracks to fuel your rhythm and keep you moving all night long.
Classic Swing Essentials
- "Sing, Sing, Sing" – Benny Goodman
- "Jumpin’ at the Woodside" – Count Basie
- "It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)" – Duke Ellington
- "Shiny Stockings" – Ella Fitzgerald
- "T’aint What You Do" – Jimmie Lunceford
These timeless tracks are the backbone of any Swing playlist—energetic, iconic, and impossible to resist.
Modern Swing Gems
- "The Joint is Jumpin’" – Jonathan Stout & His Campus Five
- "Chase the Blues Away" – Gordon Webster
- "Alligator Meat" – The Speakeasies’ Swing Band
- "Bach’s Prelude to Swing" – Tape Five
- "Everybody Loves My Baby" – Caro Emerald
Contemporary artists keep the Swing spirit alive with fresh arrangements and infectious energy.
Upbeat Tempos for Fast Feet
- "Flying Home" – Lionel Hampton
- "C Jam Blues" – Louis Armstrong
- "Bei Mir Bist Du Schön" – The Andrew Sisters
- "Sweet Georgia Brown" – Brother Bones
- "Shout, Sister, Shout!" – Lucky Millinder
Perfect for dancers who love a challenge—these high-energy tracks will test your footwork and stamina!
Smooth & Slow for Bluesy Moments
- "Stormy Weather" – Lena Horne
- "Gloomy Sunday" – Billie Holiday
- "St. James Infirmary" – Cab Calloway
- "Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me" – Sidney Bechet
- "I’m Gonna Lock My Heart" – Dinah Washington
Ideal for late-night dances or bluesy improvisation—sultry, soulful, and dripping with emotion.
Pro Tip: Mix eras and tempos to keep your playlist dynamic. And don’t forget—live Swing bands and DJ sets are goldmines for discovering new favorites. Now, hit the dance floor and let the music move you!
What’s your go-to Swing track? Drop it in the comments!
