Swing emerged in the United States during the 1930s, reaching its peak during the Swing Era (1935-1945). Often called "the music of integration and celebration," swing evolved from earlier jazz traditions and was popularized by bandleaders like Benny Goodman (the "King of Swing"), Duke Ellington, and Count Basie. Legendary drummers like Gene Krupa, Chick Webb, and Jo Jones pioneered the drumming style that defined the era. The rhythm features swung eighth notes (performed with a long-short pattern, roughly 2:1 ratio) and the iconic backbeat on beats 2 and 4, typically played on the hi-hat. Tempo ranges from 120-240 BPM, with around 180 BPM common for dancing. The time signature is 4/4, with the drum kit (hi-hat, ride cymbal, snare, bass), piano, bass, and guitar forming the core rhythm section. Swing rhythms remain foundational to jazz, big band, and influenced later genres like bebop and funk.