Final answer:
Early singers in big bands played a secondary role initially, but evolved to become central to the musical narrative. They contributed to the social and racial integration of music, especially in the Jazz Age, and later influenced the rock 'n' roll movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of early singers in the big band aesthetic was to add a personal touch and lyrical flair to the ensemble, which otherwise focused on instrumental arrangements. Initially, bands emphasized the music itself, with vocalists playing a secondary role. However, as the genre evolved, singers like Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra became central figures, using their voices to inject emotional depth and storytelling into the music.
The early jazz band era saw African American musicians pioneering the sound, often in venues like the Cotton Club. It attracted a mixed clientele of avid music lovers, including hip young white audiences. Black jazz bands and singers played a crucial role in the formation of this sound, influencing subsequent generations and genres, including rock 'n' roll. Figures like Elvis Presley carried the fusion of black musical traditions into the mainstream, further blurring racial lines in music.
During the Jazz Age, singers contributed to the environment that fostered social changes, particularly challenging norms and paving the way for a new societal outlook. Their contributions went beyond mere entertainment, encapsulating the rebellious spirit, breaking down racial barriers, and becoming iconic voices for periods of cultural transformation.