Benny Goodman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Benny Goodman
Goodman in 1942
Background information
Birth name	Benjamin David Goodman
Also known as	"King of Swing", "The Professor", "Patriarch of the Clarinet", "Swing's Senior Statesman"
Born	(1909-05-30)May 30, 1909 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died	June 13, 1986(1986-06-13) (aged 77) New York City, U.S.
Genres	Jazz swing
Occupation(s)	Musician bandleader songwriter
Instruments	Clarinet
Years active	1926–1986
Labels	Columbia RCA Victor

Benny Goodman, born Benjamin David Goodman (May 30, 1909 – June 13, 1986), was a famous American jazz musician. He played the clarinet and was known as "The King of Swing". People also called him "Patriarch of the Clarinet" and "The Professor".

Life Story

Early Years

Benny Goodman grew up in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were poor Jewish immigrants. They lived in a busy neighborhood called Maxwell Street. Benny started playing the clarinet when he was very young. He learned in a boys' band run by a charity. He became a very skilled player quickly. He even started playing music professionally while he was still a child.

Musical Beginnings

Benny was inspired by other jazz clarinet players in Chicago. Some of these early influences were Johnny Dodds, Leon Ropollo, and Jimmy Noone. They helped shape his musical style.

First Bands

When Benny was just 16, he joined a top band in Chicago. It was called the Ben Pollack Orchestra. He made his first recordings with them in 1926. Two years later, he began making records under his own name.

Moving to New York

Benny later moved to New York City. He became a popular studio musician in the late 1920s and early 1930s. He was known for being prepared and reliable. He played with famous bands like Red Nichols' and Isham Jones'. Then, in 1932, he started his very own band.

In 1934, Benny's band got a chance to play on a radio show called "Let's Dance." He needed new music every week for the show. His friend John Hammond suggested he buy music from Fletcher Henderson. Henderson had one of New York's most popular African-American bands. The mix of Henderson's music, Benny's great clarinet playing, and his well-practiced band made him a rising star.

Becoming Famous

Goodman performing in 1971

Benny Goodman's band played a big show in Los Angeles on August 21, 1935. This concert made him famous across the United States. His radio shows from New York were often too late for East Coast listeners. But in California, he had many fans. A very excited crowd greeted his band. This event got a lot of attention. Many people say this concert marked the start of the Swing Era.

Swing Era Changes

Benny Goodman's fame grew quickly in the late 1930s. He had a big band, a trio, a quartet, and a sextet. On January 16, 1938, his band played a famous concert at Carnegie Hall.

However, by the mid-1940s, big bands became less popular. Many talented musicians joined the military during World War II. Others found better-paying factory jobs. There were also rules about gasoline and rubber. Two long musician strikes also happened. Plus, popular singers like Frank Sinatra became very famous.

Later Years and Death

Benny Goodman kept playing music and making records. He often formed new small groups. He would sometimes play at jazz festivals or go on tours in other countries. He continued to play the clarinet until he passed away in 1986. He died in New York City.

Important Work

Benny Goodman also helped bring people of different races together in America. In the early 1930s, black and white jazz musicians usually could not play together. This was especially true in clubs or concerts. In the Southern states, racial segregation was even a law.

Benny Goodman changed this tradition. He hired Teddy Wilson, an African-American pianist, to play with him. They played with drummer Gene Krupa in the Benny Goodman Trio. In 1936, he added Lionel Hampton on vibes. This group became the Benny Goodman Quartet. Goodman was so famous that his band could avoid touring in the Southern states. This meant his band members would not be arrested because of their race.

Awards and Recognitions

Goodman's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Benny Goodman received many honors for his music. He was given the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. This award celebrates musicians who have made a big impact.

He was also voted the best jazz clarinetist many times. In 1957, he was added to the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the radio division of the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

After he died, his important papers were given to Yale University. He also received special honorary degrees from many universities. These included the University of Illinois, Columbia University, and Harvard University.

Images for kids

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  A crowd of Goodman fans in Oakland, California, 1940

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  Goodman in Stage Door Canteen (1943)

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  Benny Goodman (third from left) with some of his former musicians, seated around piano left to right: Vernon Brown, George Auld, Gene Krupa, Clint Neagley, Ziggy Elman, Israel Crosby and Teddy Wilson (at piano); 1952

See also

In Spanish: Benny Goodman para niños