1930s

The Dirty '30s gave the world widespread depression, but the pain was eased by the escapist crooning of Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby, the feel-good big-band sounds of Duke Ellington — "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" — and the heartfelt melodrama of Judy Garland, who defied grim reality with "Over the Rainbow."

Johnny Hodges played alto sax for Duke Ellington, but his own "Prelude to a Kiss" perfectly illustrates the legendary bandleader's belief that Hodges possessed "a tone so beautiful it sometimes brought tears to the eyes." For novelty value, check out the Andrews Sisters' perky version of the Yiddish standard "Bei Mir Bist Du Schöen."

Ever wonder where Desi Arnaz got his rhythm? Look no further than Catalan-Cuban bandleader Xavier Cugat ("Para Vigo Me Voy"), who did more than anyone to infuse American pop with Latin exotica during the '30s. By contrast, Gene Autry — "The Singing Cowboy" — brings it down a couple o' clicks with "Tumblin' Tumbleweeds."

Life in the '30s was no walk in the park for many folks. The depressed economy informed cuts like Hal Kemp's "With Plenty of Money and You," while the horrors of racism lay behind Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit." The comforting tones of Fred Astaire helped shoulder the load, and the sheer exuberance of Cab Calloway set the Cotton Club ablaze with a sing-along ("Minnie the Moocher") that cascades back to us across the decades. We give you, in these tracks, the '30s.