Who led the most popular swing band of the 1930's?

Answer 1

There were so many famous composers that it's very difficult to name a single individual as best-known. Some who stand out among the hundreds include Billy Strayhorn, Fletcher Henderson, Artie Shaw, Jerry Gray and Duke Ellington. All were also arrangers, and among that group only Billy Strayhorn wasn't also an orchestra leader.

Many songs that became popular as swing tunes were composed by people who weren't actually swing musicians; they wrote for Broadway shows and what was known as "Tin Pan Alley". Again, among the many famous composers names like Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and the Gershwin brothers stand out.

Answer 2

There are various arguments in favor of different bands but certainly Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and Artie Shaw would be at the top of the list during the second half of the decade.

Answer 3

Count Basie.