The Swing Shift Shuffle is a radio program of swing, big band, jazz, boogie woogie and other popular music from the 1930's and 40's that airs every Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (US Central Time) on WEVL 89.9 FM in Memphis, Tennessee, with a live webcast at wevl.org. In addition to the radio show, this blog is dedicated to all aspects of the Swing Era, including art, automobiles, cartoons, comics, history, movies, music, news, science, technology, and anything else that happened during that time. It also includes announcements about events in the Memphis/Mid-South area related to the Swing Era, such as classic movies, concerts, dances, lectures, etc. If you see something that fits the description, send it to me at tim@wevl.org. If you would like more information about the radio show, just go to the Radio Show FAQ page.

Friday, September 4, 2009

History Detectives on PBS

In the "better late than never" category:  History Detectives is a great show on PBS that discovers unusual stories from American history starting with artifacts owned by everyday people.  The actual "History Detectives" are a group of auctioneer/appraisers and academics.  The show has been on for 7 seasons, and this season is almost over, BUT you can watch full episodes from this season, and individual stories from all 7 seasons online at the History Detectives video library.  Topics related to the Swing Era from this season include a piece from Amelia Earhart's lost aircraft (left), a pencil sketch from a German POW camp during World War II, WPA murals, Tokyo Rose, and baby incubators at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair.  Coming up on September 7, one story features printing plates for "Take the 'A' Train." 

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