Introduction
Benny Goodman, known as the “King of Swing,” was a pivotal figure in American music, particularly jazz and swing. Born Benjamin David Goodman on May 30, 1909, in Chicago, Illinois, he rose to fame as a clarinetist, bandleader, and composer. Goodman’s influence extended beyond his virtuoso performances, as he was instrumental in popularizing swing music during the 1930s and 1940s. He is arguably best known for his popular rendition of Louis Prima’s song “Sing, Sing, Sing (with a Swing).”His contributions to jazz and his role in breaking racial barriers in music remain significant aspects of his legacy.
Career
Benny Goodman’s career began at a young age. He started learning the clarinet at 10 and quickly progressed, joining the boys’ club band in his neighborhood. By the age of 14, Goodman was performing professionally and soon joined the Ben Pollack Orchestra, one of the leading bands of the time. His big break came in 1934 when he formed his own band and landed a regular spot on the NBC radio show “Let’s Dance.”
Goodman’s band became wildly popular, and their 1935 performance at the Palomar Ballroom in Los Angeles is often credited with launching the swing era. He was known for his impeccable technique and innovative approach to jazz, blending intricate arrangements with the spontaneous creativity of improvisation. Goodman’s success continued with his historic 1938 concert at Carnegie Hall, one of the first jazz concerts to be held at the prestigious venue, which is still celebrated as a milestone in the history of jazz.
In addition to his big band, Goodman also formed smaller groups, such as the Benny Goodman Quartet, which included notable musicians like Lionel Hampton on vibraphone, Teddy Wilson on piano, and Gene Krupa on drums. These ensembles were among the first racially integrated bands in America, challenging the segregation prevalent in the music industry at the time.
Notable Albums
| Title | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Benny Goodman Sextet | 1950 |
| Benny Goodman Today | 1970 |
| B.G. In Hi-Fi | 1954 |
| Live at Carnegie Hall 1938 – Complete | 1950 |
| Mozart at Tanglewood | 1997 |
You are invited
We would be thrilled to have you join us in our small but growing community of jazz clarinet enthusiasts. Periodically, we send out valuable information through our e-mail network in order to keep our community up-to-date on what’s happening in this specific musical genre. If you want to join in on the fun, please fill out the form. In thanks, you will receive a downloadable pdf called Getting Started on Jazz Clarinet. This tool provides 10 handy tips for people who are beginning their journey in jazz music and/or on clarinet.