AllMovie

Classic performance footage of some of the great women of jazz from the 1930s and '40s appears on this home-video collection. The Swing Era: Sarah Vaughan features rare film clips of Vaughan lending her superlative voice to five songs, including "The Nearness of You," "You're Not the Kind," and "These Things I Offer." In addition, the collection includes little-seen material from Lena Horne, Bessie Smith, Ethel Waters (backed up by Count Basie), Ida Cox, Mamie Waters, and a set from the celebrated all-female big band the International Sweethearts of Rhythm.