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Mainstream Jazz is a term that was first established by a music journalist named Stanley Dance. In the 1950s anything that fit the label within the Swing Era was considered to be "Mainstream" in the eyes of Stanley Dance. Another way to describe Mainstream Jazz in the 1950's is jazz music that does not incorporate the bebop style. Jazz in the Mainstream

Although Stanley Dance had determined the definition of Mainstream Jazz in the 1950s, the definition of Mainstream evolves with the change and progression of jazz music. What was mainstream then, would not be considered mainstream now. Mainstream Jazz can be considered what was most popular at the time. For example during the Swing era, swing music and big band music was at it's prime and that was what target audiences were looking for. Bebop was starting to introduce itself within the genre, but audiences have not developed an ear for it.

Mainstream Jazz Musicians
These jazz musicians listed below were either considered "mainstream" musicians, or were influenced by mainstream musicians.

Swing Era

 * Duke Ellington was considered to be a big influence on Mainstream Jazz, and was known to not break rules often during the swing era.
 * Coleman Hawkins was considered to be big on big band music prior to making moves in bebop.
 * Johnny Hodges was a band member of Duke Ellington's Orchestra and became a familiar voice within the orchestra itself.
 * Benny Carter was a big influence in the big band scene.
 * Roy Eldridge was known for his virtuosic playing. He is named to be one of the most influential jazz musicians within the swing era and to the development of bebop. His trumpet playing had a lot of influence from Louis Armstrong.

Rock and roll

 * Miles Davis worked with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and incorporated electronic gadgets such as Turntablism within his music. Miles Davis was known for having "rock rhythm sections".

Mainstreamers influenced by Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane

 * Joe Lovano is one of our most current mainstream jazz musicians and has worked with contemporary jazz musician Esperanza Spalding.
 * Branford Marsalis has worked with groups like Sting (musician) and is current in mainstream jazz.
 * Wayne Shorter has incorporated styles from bebop, swing, and styles that were not provided during the rock era. He has worked with musicians like John Coltrane and Miles Davis.

Mainstream Jazz in Pop Culture
In the 1950s and 1960s jazz was mainstream in pop culture. Jazz music was on the radio, records were being sold in stores and Hollywood incorporated Jazz in television and films frequently. It wasn't until artists like Elvis Presley and other Rock and roll influences became more prevalent that Jazz became less desirable.