all entertainment offerings had to be approved by the government, and the Reichmusikkamer controlled every aspect of the music scene. Public and private dance events were banned along with “degenerate” music and styles of dance. The prohibition covered swing and jazz and any music by non-Aryan artists or with connections to enemy countries, which included most of the popular songs and artists of the day. The Gestapo was vigilant in its enforcement, zealously seeking out and raiding venues where the forbidden music was played.
