Have you ever wondered how Benny Goodman, one of the best jazz musicians in the 1930’s, became so famous? Goodman’s climb to success might not have been easy at the time but was very worthwhile. Benny Goodman was not only one of the best jazz musicians of the 1930’s, he is still one of the best musicians of all time.
Benny Goodman’s childhood is very different than the typical childhood we think of today. “Goodman was the ninth child of Russian immigrants David and Dora Rezinsky Goodman” (“Benny Goodman” 1). Goodman’s large family inspired him to be the musician and person he grew up to be. With so many siblings, he learned how to stand out and figure out his own talents. Goodman’s father “[...] David Goodman [...] was a tailor, and by 1917 …show more content…
Goodman was a very talented person and deserved all of the solo time he got. “On January 16, 1938, Goodman [...] led his band into Carnegie Hall for the first pure jazz concert ever held there” (Griffith 1).Goodman and the band did not know how big of a success this concert would be. “Carnegie Hall was dedicated to the presentation of higher things, and there was thus a tension between jazz and this sacrosanct hall” (Collier 215). Even though people were skeptical about Goodman’s band playing at Carnegie Hall, Goodman’s band was good enough to play there. “The house sold out almost immediately; Hurok then sold seats on the stage around the band and, on the night of the concert, standing room tickets” (Collier 216). Goodman’s band was very popular by that point and lots of people loved them so lots of people bought tickets for their amazing concert. Goodman and his band needed to just believe in themselves because their talent would take them very far. “Goodman had decided to open with a new arrangement of a piece by Edgar Sampson, for the Chick Webb orchestra. The piece was ‘Don’t Be That Way’” (Collier 217).The fact that Goodman decided to play a new arrangement shows how brave Goodman is. This shows that Goodman is good at leading bands and knowing what songs to play …show more content…
“Alice had met Benny Goodman briefly on a visit to New York in 1934” (Collier 297). Goodman and his soon to be wife’s brief meeting might not have been very important to them then, but later became one of the best things that has happened in their lives.Then, Goodman “[...] married Alice Hammond Duckworth, March, 1942” (“Benny Goodman” 1). Goodman was a great man and finally married Alice. Goodman then had kids, “[...] children: Rachel, Benjie” (“Benny Goodman” 1). Goodman’s kids were great kids and family was very important to Goodman. “But the marriage lasted until Alice’s death in 1978 [...]” (Collier 302). Alice’s death was a very sad time for Goodman and their kids. “By the 1980s Goodman’s problems with his health increased. He was beginning to suffer from arthritis [...] he had a chronically sore knee [...]” (Collier 358). Goodman was not doing very well and it was a very tragic event when Goodman died later that year. Even though Goodman may have died, the memories of him and his music will be remembered