1938

What Was Happening in 1938

Peace in our time — Chamberlain's Munich gamble buys a year while the world holds its breath.

Born in

Number 1 Songs in 1938 — UK and US Charts

UK #1

"A-Tisket, A-Tasket"

Ella Fitzgerald with Chick Webb

Ella Fitzgerald's playful reworking of the nursery rhyme, recorded with drummer Chick Webb's orchestra, was a transatlantic smash and established the 20-year-old singer as a major star.

US #1

"A-Tisket, A-Tasket"

Ella Fitzgerald with Chick Webb and His Orchestra

This infectious swing number spent 19 weeks on the charts and was the song that made Ella Fitzgerald a household name. Her youthful energy and impeccable phrasing announced the arrival of one of the greatest voices in jazz history.

Biggest Films of 1938 — Box Office Hits

The Adventures of Robin Hood

Box Office: $3.9 million

Errol Flynn's swashbuckling Technicolor adventure became the year's biggest hit and is widely regarded as the finest adventure film of the 1930s. Its lavish production values and Erich Wolfgang Korngold's stirring score set the template for Hollywood adventure films.

Fashion and Style of 1938

Fashion, clothing and visual culture from the era

Architecture and Buildings of 1938

Buildings completed and structures opened in 1938

More About 1938

What Was Happening — A journey through the years