Benny Goodman

Solo Act – No rating Hailed as the ”King of Swing,” Benny Goodman was one of the early innovators of that genre and the first of its bandleaders to emerge as a national icon. Benny Goodman’s orchestra was nothing short of a sensation, an obsession to some. Teens and jazz fans alike flocked to see their idol in person. Often a Benny Goodman concert approached near riot status. Benny Goodman became a successful studio musician in New York City. He formed his first regular orchestra in 1934 and recorded a few sides for Columbia. Arrangements provided by Fletcher Henderson helped Benny Goodman establish a swing beat.  Swing was almost unheard of in those days. Benny Goodman’s orchestra opened in New York in October of 1936 to tremendous response and continued strong for the next three years. Ward left in 1937, to be replaced by a succession of female singers Ella Fitzgerald (on loan from Chick Webb), Margaret McCrae, Frances Hunt, Peg LaCentra and Betty Van. Benny Goodman finally found a perfect fit in Martha Tilton. In January 1938 the orchestra had its defining moment in a concert at Carnegie Hall which left tuxedoed guests dancing in their boxes. Benny Goodman also became involved in classical music, performing and guest conducting orchestras while still leading his swing outfit. Benny Goodman formed a new orchestra in 1945 which featured vocalists Jane Harvey, Bob Hayden, and Kay Penton, as well as trombonist Kai Winding and saxophonist Stan Getz. Though the band was a critical success the public’s taste in music was changing, and Benny Goodman, realizing the inevitable, decided to pull the plug for good in late 1946. Benny Goodman continued performing, but not with a group of his own until the late 1950s when he led orchestras on goodwill tours around the world. He later occasionally reunited with members of his quartet. Benny Goodman died in 1986. Sourse and more information: Wikipedia