Benny Goodman
Biography
When most people think of jazz clarinet, Benny Goodman (1909-1986) comes to mind. Although he achieved great fame and was called “king of swing,” he had humble beginnings. His parents were Russian-Jewish immigrants who raised twelve children (Benny was ninth). Goodman, his orchestra, and his small groups were hallmarks of the Swing era. He is known for his recordings of classics like “Rose Room,” “Sing, Sing, Sing,” and “Avalon.” He was the first white bandleader to fight segregation in the 1930s by working with some of the most incredible African American musicians of the day including Teddy Wilson, Lionel Hampton, and Charlie Christian.