BENNY GOODMAN, KING OF SWING

Oznell · ‎11-08-2014

Need a break? You don't have to be a Swing Band-era fan to love Benny Goodman. What a talent! Here's a tiny slice of him, his clarinet and orchestra in that justly famous Hollywood Hotel sequence of "Sing, Sing, Sing" that also features wild drummer Gene Krupa.

I find it amusing to see Goodman, so impeccable and "intellectual", and over his shoulder is the very 'hot-doggy' Gene Krupa, sticks flying, vamping, shrugging, hair flopping-- his hair has a personality of its own. A treat to watch:'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4yGKj23jgQ

And here's Goodman in his elite Quartet, (pictured above) with these other legends-- the incredible Lionel Hampton on vibraphone, Teddy Wilson on piano, and Gene Krupa on drums. It's a longer clip, but if you just watch up to about the 2:10 mark, you get an idea of this fab quartet in action, playing off each other in the most delightful way:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzNTv5y34c8

Interesting facts about Goodman. In a time of segregation, he integrated his groups-- with him, talent reigned. He was known for being a stern task-master with his musicians-- he had a patented "glare" that he would fix them with, that came to be known among them as "the Ray".

Dinaki · ‎12-21-2010

Music by Parov Stela

Parov Stelar

The Supreme Happiness Of Life Consists In The Conviction That One Is Loved.
I come from the beautiful and sunny Athens Greece

golding76 · ‎05-19-2012

oznell,

Musicians, as a lot, have for years shown the way to be color-blind. They respect talent and dedication, and so, those who evince these traits have always regarded one another as equals.

This is as it should be everywhere.

Thank you for pointing out that Benny Goodman was ahead of his time.

alicedee · ‎07-25-2010

I am a huge Gene Krupa fan, @Oznell !

haddon9 · ‎03-09-2010

@Oznell Loved it! Thanks.

Harpa · ‎03-10-2010

When Goodman and his band were making a cross country tour (c.1934), the establishment managers insisted they play "syrupy" music.

They reached the Pallomar in LA, which broadcasted nationwide. They, too, told Goodman to play sedate fox trots.

The band sensed the crowd's lukewarm response. They thought it was curtains for them, and so decided to go down in flames and pulled out a swing tune.

The crowd went wild!

This event kick-started the swing era, lasting until 1945.

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

@Oznell

I saw his band here in our city 2 different times. My late brother-in-law played in his band when he added some brass to it. He started with the Goodman Band the 2nd time he played here.

I was pretty young, but I remember stage shows here with several Big Bands. Tommy Dorsey/Shep Fields/Harry James/Desi Arnez, and several more. Loved the Mills Brothers here also. Great music for sure.

hckynut 🏒

hckynut(john)

spiderw · ‎06-14-2010

When I was younger and into rock and roll, the blues and later the British invasion and music of that time, I remember my uncle pushing me to listen to the big bands. I resisted at first being entrenched in the music I loved and still do. However, at some point in time I saw the Glen Miller story and fell in love with his big band music and then I discovered the other big band music giants. I also became a Sinatra fan and appreciated the bands who backed him.

As far as Goodman bringing in excellent musicians no matter what their color but based on their talent was commendable for the times. Too many great musicians were left behind despite the fact they were tops in their field. Goodman's decisions of judging by talent certainly brought him success and dignity.