On recommendation of my tutor, I have decided to look at the historical context of the modernity in 1950's America, not just the case of be-bop jazz records.
The modernity in american graphic design did not start and end with Bebop Jazz, nor did it with Blue Note records. The records and their sleeves were merely a reflection of what was happening around them, so it would be wrong not to see the design that surrounded these records, in the books and on the shelves.
As one of my possible resources I have found a book that I have seen a few times, and it's really pretty much the most obvious choice for me. The book is titled – quite rightly – American Modernism by R. Roger Remmington (http://yalepress.yale.edu/book.asp?isbn=9780300098167)
I'm pretty sure I've seen it kicking around in the local bookshop, so it'll be a sure purchase for the next time my loan comes in.
Whilst having a little browse around I also came across a specific webpage listing modernist, and quite usefully it lists a lot of designers that operated in the 1950, and unsurprisingly it has many designer that I'm already aware of and quite admire. http://www.citrinitas.com/history_of_viscom/modernists.html
Though it's not strictly all american's that are listed, it's still a good insight into the design and modernism of that era.
A very influential designer that worked through the 1950's, and a favourite of my own would be Massimo Vignelli. Looking at him and his works would be a good way of judging how the modernity carried through the years as he continued working until the late 20th century.
http://www.aiga.org/medalist-massimoandlellavignelli/
One book I just found on my university library catalogue is Robert Brownjohn: Sex and Typography: 1925- 1970 Life and Work which sounds truly amazing indeed, considering how iconic of a designer he is.
I have also found a few links that could be possibly helpful, but they are really quite wildcards indeed.
http://www.anglistik.phil.uni-erlangen.de/dozenten/skripte/American_Modernism_1900-1950.pdf
http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/features/slideshows/selections-from-the-modern-and-contemporary-collections.html
http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/modern-art-movements.htm
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