Photo: Photo by Jammes J. Kriegsmann, New York / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
My Take
Benny Goodman is one of those figures who transcends his genre entirely. The 'King of Swing' rose from immigrant Chicago to lead one of the most beloved big bands in American history, and his clarinet practically defined an era. The accolades are staggering, but what I admire most is his courage in integrating his band, putting Black and white musicians on the same stage when that simply was not done. To me that act of conviction makes him more than a virtuoso; it makes him a genuine cultural force whose music and principles have both aged beautifully.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Benny Goodman
- Name (Japanese)
- ベニー・グッドマン
- Reading
- べにー・ぐっどまん
- Born
- May 30, 1909 – June 13, 1986
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Gemini / Rooster
- Origin
- Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Blood type
- Private
- Height
- Private
- Agency
- Private
- Occupation
- composer / conductor / bandleader / clarinetist / jazz musician
2. Background
- Elementary school
- Private
- Junior high
- Private
- High school
- Harrison Technical High School
- University
- Private
Awards & achievements
- 1986 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Kennedy Center Honors
- star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
3. Relationships
- Spouse
- Private
- Children
- Private
- Parents
- Private
- Siblings
- Private
4. Personality
Motto
Private
6. Links
Frequently asked questions
When was Benny Goodman born?
May 30, 1909 – June 13, 1986.
Where is Benny Goodman from?
Benny Goodman is from Chicago, Illinois, United States.
What does Benny Goodman do?
Benny Goodman works as composer, conductor, bandleader, clarinetist, jazz musician.
Composer — see all → · Conductor — see all → · More people from United States →
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-18
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public items are marked "Private / Unknown". English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.