One2Swing Biography: Benny Goodman
As part of the One2Swing Daily, I wanted to pay tribute to a lot of the artists and musicians that provide the music that we enjoy and dance too. These bios are drawn together from a wide variety of sources and condensed down to just a few pointers. Hope you enjoy them! -Ben

Benny Goodman
(1909 - 1986)


     Known as the "King of Swing", Goodman began serious study of the clarinet at age 10 at the Kehelah Jacob Synagogue and later the Jane Addams's Hull House Boy Band. During this time he also received lessons from the classically trained clarinetist Franz Schoepp. As a child prodigy, he left seasoned pros astonished by the age of 14 with his ability.
     One of his biggest influences was Bix Beiderbecke whom he met in the summer of 1923. Beiderbecke's influences is credited for Goodman's technical sound and phrasing in many of his solos.



     He played in bands until 1934 when MCA agent Willard Alexander convinced MCA executives to enter the big band market and chose Goodman to lead the way and form his own big band.      He had great success, but it wasn't until January 16, 1938 when Goodman performed his arrangement of "Sing Sing Sing" (originally written by Louis Prima), at New York's Carnegie Hall that many say the swing era truly started.
     Ben and Sheri enjoy Benny Goodman's upbeat tempo music. It's great for fast, lively, and energetic dancing! Who hasn't heard "Sing Sing Sing" and reflexively starting clapping their hands in anticipation of a jam circle? Another one of his greats is "Jumpin' At The Woodside".Listen to 'Jumpin' At The Woodside' (mp3).



Hope you enjoyed this mini-bio. I have many more to come!
-Ben