The Great Depression posed serious challenges to American songwriters. The most interesting observation that I can presently note is the degree of escapism that they offered to potential listeners.

Songs seemed to ignore the disillusions and fears of the times, offering a fantastical escapism from reality. In many ways, that defined the very purpose of music in its time, and it remains an assured validation for songwriters who wish to alleviate sadness, disillusionment and pain to this very day.

Featured songs include:

Lover – Frank Sinatra

Sophisticated Lady – Duke Ellington

You Are Too Beautiful – John Coltrane w/ Johnny Hartman

42nd Street – Diana Krall

Boulevard of Broken Dreams – Esquivel

Carioca – Artie Shaw

Easter Parade – Gene Austin

The Gold Digger’s Song – Fred Astaire

Heat Wave – Ella Fitzgerald 

I Like the Likes of You – Victor Young

If I Were a Bell – Dinah Washington

It’s Only a Paper Moon – Nat King Cole