Benny Goodman: Swing Era

Kings Of the Swing Era

The greatest of the jazz clarinetists, Benny Goodman (1909-1986) known as "The King of Swing". Even if Goodman was not the actual founder of Swing, the massive popular success of his music in the early Thirties launched the Swing era and turned him into an overnight star. A colorful, extroverted personality and a top-notch performer (who also waxed some excellent classical recordings), Goodman enjoyed a phenomenal string of hits all through the Thirties and Forties while fronting his powerhouse orchestra or resorting to the small-combo format. A charismatic figure, B.G. was also known for the quality of his bands, which at one time or another featured jazz greats such as Billie Holiday, Coleman Hawkins, Teddy Wilson, Gene Krupa, Harry James or Charlie Christian. A household name for millions, Goodman is still remembered as one of the most influential musicians in the last century.

A compilation of different clips featuring the great Benny Goodman and his band, this video is completed with a selection of assorted soundies from the Swing era starring star performers and bandleaders of the day such as Artie Shaw, Jimmy Dorsey, Hoagy Carmichael and Jack "Mr. T" Teagarden.