1934

What Was Happening in 1934

Dust Bowl devastation and Bonnie and Clyde's violent end — America lurches between despair and a slow, fragile recovery.

Born in

Number 1 Songs in 1934 — UK and US Charts

UK #1

"Isle of Capri"

Ray Noble and His Orchestra

This romantic ballad about a holiday encounter on the Italian island became one of the most popular songs in Britain in 1934. Ray Noble's orchestra was at the height of its popularity before Noble relocated to the US.

US #1

"Stars Fell on Alabama"

Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians

Guy Lombardo's sweet orchestral style made this dreamy standard one of the year's biggest hits. The song became a jazz standard, later recorded by countless artists from Ella Fitzgerald to Frank Sinatra.

Biggest Films of 1934 — Box Office Hits

It Happened One Night

Box Office: $2.5 million

Frank Capra's screwball comedy starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert became the first film to sweep all five major Academy Awards (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay). Gable's undershirt scene reportedly caused a drop in undershirt sales across America.

Fashion and Style of 1934

Fashion, clothing and visual culture from the era

Architecture and Buildings of 1934

Buildings completed and structures opened in 1934

More About 1934

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