Bandwagon succeeded In the Mood as the CBC's musical variety half-hour devoted to big band music. The earlier show had limited itself to earlier tunes of the swing era, while Bandwagon offered more up-to-date arrangements and a quickly paced show.

The series was produced by Aubrey Tadman and Garry Ferrier, and directed by Barry Cranston. Regulars included host and vocalist Bob Francis, and trumpet player Guido Basso leading a band of top-flight Toronto studio musicians.