The Big Band Era refers to a period in American music from the late 1920s to the early 1940s, characterized by large jazz orchestras typically consisting of 10 or more musicians. These bands played a mix of jazz, swing, and popular music, featuring sections of brass, woodwinds, and rhythm instruments. Notable bands included those led by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman. During this time, dance halls and ballrooms flourished, as people flocked to hear live music and dance to the upbeat rhythms. The era also saw the rise of famous vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, who became stars through their association with big bands. The Big Band Era significantly influenced the development of modern jazz and popular music.