Happy Birthday Benny Goodman

Benny Goodman would have been 100 years old on May 30, 2009. The musician dubbed the “King of Swing” by Time magazine certainly contributed to jazz history and left a host of great recordings! 
What a career Benny had as a gifted clarinetist and bandleader! Of course, there was an array of great swing bands during the Goodman days, like the Count Basie Band, Duke Ellington, the Dorsey Brothers, to name a few and don’t forget other great clarinetists/leaders like Artie Shaw and Woody Herman. 

The producer John Hammond helped Goodman’s career and many other musicians too. Benny married John Hammond’s sister, Alice. Goodman had the reputation of being somewhat strict as a bandleader. Demanding quality and integrity of the music established a musical standard, think also of the personalities of Charles Mingus, Ray Charles and Betty Carter as leaders who had similar characteristics.  

Goodman played in combos (check his groundbreaking trio work with pianist Teddy Wilson) and with his own larger band. While there were interracial groups that gave performances, especially pick up groups, Goodman’s band was first to uphold and maintain itself as an interracial band in public. No matter what size ensemble, Goodman and company produced a swing sound that had impeccable rhythmic drive and virtuosity that will be listened to for generations to come. 

So many great songs to listen to…try “Stealin’ Apples,” “Let’s Dance,” “Stompin’ At the Savoy,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” and “Indiana”