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Artie Shaw

The composer and band leader Artie Shaw rose to prominence during the 1930s during the big band era. In 1938, after the release of his version of Cole Porter's 'Begin the Beguine', the clarinettist from New York was launched into the big time. Shaw and his ensemble were suddenly in demand across America and beyond and were frequently performing live radio broadcasts from across the States. During this period Shaw is reported to have been earning $60,000 a week and during his musical career sold over 100 million records. This golden era was brought to an abrupt halt by the Ja...