Benny Goodman

Benny Goodman

clarinetist and bandleader

United States • 1909-05-30 – 1986-06-13

Benjamin David Goodman (May 30, 1909 – June 13, 1986) was an American jazz clarinetist and bandleader, known as the "King of Swing". From 1935 until the mid-1940s, Goodman led one of the most popular swing big bands in the United States. His concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City on January 16, 1938, is described by critic Bruce Eder as "the single most important jazz or popular music concert in history: jazz's 'coming out' party to the world of 'respectable' music." Goodman's bands started the careers of many jazz musicians. During an era of racial segregation, he led one of the first integrated jazz groups, his trio and quartet. He continued performing until the end of his life while pursuing an interest in classical music.

Bio from Wikipedia

Known for

Credited on 10,717 releases.

Frequent collaborators: Various, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman And His Orchestra, Lionel Hampton, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong.

Around the web

Benny Goodman on Gatefold — the second screen for vinyl, CD, and cassette collectors.