The Soundies, a series of three-minute black-and-white films, debuted in 1941 and showcased prominent artists of the Big Band, Jazz, and Swing era, including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Louis Armstrong. These early music videos, viewable for a dime through a Panoram machine, helped launch the careers of notable performers like Doris Day, Nat King Cole, and Liberace.
Soundies: A Musical History Hosted by Michael Feinstein
In the early 1940s, Soundies emerged as a precursor to music videos, showcasing top artists of the Big Band, Jazz, and Swing era, including legendary performers like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Louis Jordan.
