90’s Swing Retrospective
In the mid-1990s, when grunge ruled the airwaves and flannel was the uniform of the day, something magical and entirely different began to stir. It was quiet at first—just a few people clinking cocktail glasses, spinning across dance floors, and rediscovering the charm of swing music. This was a rebellion against the status quo, a dive into grandparents’ closets and record collections to find a world that felt classy, vibrant, and alive. It was a counterculture for those who longed for something more than the brooding angst of the times.
Then came 1998, and the quiet scene became a full-blown explosion. The Gap launched its iconic “Khakis Swing” ad, a cultural phenomenon that put swing dancing into living rooms across America. That same year, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy took the Super Bowl stage, cementing swing music as more than a niche—it was a moment. This era was special, existing just before the digital revolution transformed how we connect. It was tangible, real, and alive in a way that’s hard to explain if you weren’t there.
Exclusive Interviews
Read expanded interviews in a Hollywoodland News exclusive. Discover personal stories and behind-the-scenes insights from the key players who defined the swing revival era.
Exclusive Photos
Mark Jordan was the photographer of the swing revival era, capturing thousands of breathtaking moments from the early 90’s through the 2000’s. From bands and dancers to iconic clubs and larger-than-life personalities, his lens told the story of a movement that defined a generation. Now, for the first time, we’re thrilled to share these extraordinary photos—many never before seen—with you, exclusively on Hollywoodland News.
© Mark Jordan Photography, San Francisco n.d.
Legacy
For me, the 90’s Swing Revival was transformative. As a young woman trying to figure out who I was, this scene gave me direction. It was more than music or fashion—it was a way of life that shaped my identity, one swingout and one vintage find at a time. And now, decades later, it still defines me. It gave me everything—community, creativity, and even a career.
I am honored and humbled that so many people are allowing me to document and tell their stories. This journey is more than just history—it’s a celebration of lives, moments, and a cultural movement that deserves to be remembered and shared.
Got a Story About the Swing Revival?
We want to hear from you! Whether you’ve got memories to share, photos to showcase, or want to document your role in this incredible pre-digital movement, we’d love to connect. Don’t let your piece of swing history go untold—reach out and be part of preserving this amazing era.