Goodman, Benny (Benjamin David) 1909-86
US clarinettist and bandleader

Born in Chicago to a poor immigrant family, he was a musical prodigy who was working in dance bands by the age of 13, and joined the Ben Pollack Orchestra at 15. He formed his own orchestra in New York in 1934 and, thanks to media exposure, became one of the best known leaders of the era with the sobriquet 'King of Swing'. Hiring top black musicians such as pianist Teddy Wilson and vibraphone-player Lionel Hampton, Goodman successfully defied racial taboos of the time. He led a succession of large and small bands for three decades, occasionally performing as a classical player, and was noted for his technical facility and clean tone.

Bibliography: James L Collier, Benny Goodman and the Swing Era (1989)