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Swing, Swing, Swing: The Life & Times of Benny Goodman
“A first-rate biography. . . . The narrative flows like a swinging jazz solo.” ―Dan Morgenstern, director, Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies Before Elvis Presley and rock-'n'-roll, another King ruled the roost of American popular music. His name was Benny Goodman and his domain, the gilded age of Swing. Benny's concerts, records, and radio shows catapulted the hot and controversial sounds of jazz into the hearts and homes of a hungry public. Swing, Swing, Swing at once illustrates Goodman's enormous impact on American music and culture, reflects the rich textures of the times in which he lived, and evokes the very private life of a complicated, difficult man. Raised in a tenement in Chicago's Maxwell Street ghetto, he grew up to become the symbol of glamorous high-society living. Benny's undeniable position as social groundbreaker ―his were the nation's first racially integrated bands―was characteristically downplayed by the man himself: he simply wanted the finest musicians he could find. Here are the sounds and stories that define the remarkable life of the world's most demanding and idiosyncratic band leader. The violent clashes between his smiling public persona and his intensely private nature; the infamous "Goodman Ray" (no musician who played with Benny escaped its wrath); the conflicting stories of Goodman's parsimony and his largess―these stories and many more paint a vibrant portrait of a truly original, undeniably American artist.
522 pages, Paperback
First published February 18, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 9, 2019
“No gal made, has got a shade on sweet Georgia Brown
Two left feet but oh so neat, has sweet Georgia Brown
They all sigh and wanna cry for sweet Georgia Brown
I'll tell you just why, you know I don't lie, not much.”
It was 1920, when eleven-year- old “Benyamin” Goodman first picked up the instrument in a run-down Chicago tenement. Benjamin David Goldman was the ninth of twelve children born to Jewish-Russian immigrant parents, would of course become jazz legend Benny Goodman. He would perform some of the greatest music of the big-band or any other era. This is a very good biography of the genius Benny Goodman, the eloquent clarinetist who was proclaimed the "King of Swing.” When he was just twenty-one, his dance band suddenly soared to fame in the mid-1930's and he epitomized an era in popular American music.
This insightful and well-researched book explains that one of the reasons he was so extraordinary on the clarinet is that he was an extreme perfectionist and very demanding of himself. Growing up in poverty and living in a tough neighborhood, he knew he would have to support himself at a very young age. He also wanted to get out of his "Maxwell Street" neighborhood where he reported that "a big Irish kid was always waiting to pound his head in.” He practiced for hours and hours every day as a young teen. At twelve he was winning talent contests. At fourteen, he was supporting himself as a musician (just starting to wear long pants) and he played in the early dance bands.
When he was nineteen years old, his father was killed in a street car accident and it was the biggest tragedy of his life. Money problems and depression followed and he became famous for being a nightmare to work for as a band leader. He had such exacting standards on his musicians and always wanted them to look perfect on stage. Henry James said “That Benny Goodman would practice 15 times more than the rest of his band.” He played the clarinet purely and his fans felt that his music was coming from him not the instrument. He was quoted as saying “People have often said to me, “You're so relaxed when you play.” Relaxed my elbow. It's practice.” After becoming famous, Benny married a high society girl and started a family. He traveled non-stop and later in life, he developed back problems and became addicted to pain-killers. He became even more difficult to work and live with. What I like about the book is the author lets you know that Benny Goodman turned out to be haunted by his past, his addiction and gives you an understanding just why his behavior became bizarre.
He was also famous for becoming the first major music figure to put black and white musicians together on stage in the 1930's. He said “If a guy's got it, let him give it. I'm selling music, not prejudice.” I learned that he and the band played in Russia at the height of the cold war in the 1962 which made him an international ambassador for the United States through music.
Benny Goodman died in his Manhattan apartment after an apparent heart attack. He was 77 and (still) practicing for a Mozart concert. He also played classical music like a dream which was something I didn't realize. He gave music character and style and remains one of the greatest contributors to music. I gave this biography four stars.
Two left feet but oh so neat, has sweet Georgia Brown
They all sigh and wanna cry for sweet Georgia Brown
I'll tell you just why, you know I don't lie, not much.”
It was 1920, when eleven-year- old “Benyamin” Goodman first picked up the instrument in a run-down Chicago tenement. Benjamin David Goldman was the ninth of twelve children born to Jewish-Russian immigrant parents, would of course become jazz legend Benny Goodman. He would perform some of the greatest music of the big-band or any other era. This is a very good biography of the genius Benny Goodman, the eloquent clarinetist who was proclaimed the "King of Swing.” When he was just twenty-one, his dance band suddenly soared to fame in the mid-1930's and he epitomized an era in popular American music.
This insightful and well-researched book explains that one of the reasons he was so extraordinary on the clarinet is that he was an extreme perfectionist and very demanding of himself. Growing up in poverty and living in a tough neighborhood, he knew he would have to support himself at a very young age. He also wanted to get out of his "Maxwell Street" neighborhood where he reported that "a big Irish kid was always waiting to pound his head in.” He practiced for hours and hours every day as a young teen. At twelve he was winning talent contests. At fourteen, he was supporting himself as a musician (just starting to wear long pants) and he played in the early dance bands.
When he was nineteen years old, his father was killed in a street car accident and it was the biggest tragedy of his life. Money problems and depression followed and he became famous for being a nightmare to work for as a band leader. He had such exacting standards on his musicians and always wanted them to look perfect on stage. Henry James said “That Benny Goodman would practice 15 times more than the rest of his band.” He played the clarinet purely and his fans felt that his music was coming from him not the instrument. He was quoted as saying “People have often said to me, “You're so relaxed when you play.” Relaxed my elbow. It's practice.” After becoming famous, Benny married a high society girl and started a family. He traveled non-stop and later in life, he developed back problems and became addicted to pain-killers. He became even more difficult to work and live with. What I like about the book is the author lets you know that Benny Goodman turned out to be haunted by his past, his addiction and gives you an understanding just why his behavior became bizarre.
He was also famous for becoming the first major music figure to put black and white musicians together on stage in the 1930's. He said “If a guy's got it, let him give it. I'm selling music, not prejudice.” I learned that he and the band played in Russia at the height of the cold war in the 1962 which made him an international ambassador for the United States through music.
Benny Goodman died in his Manhattan apartment after an apparent heart attack. He was 77 and (still) practicing for a Mozart concert. He also played classical music like a dream which was something I didn't realize. He gave music character and style and remains one of the greatest contributors to music. I gave this biography four stars.
July 11, 2016
As a young clarinettist, BG's recordings captured my attention from a young age. Back then I also became aware of his reputation as 'King Of Swing" and also of his importance as one of the first American bandleaders to feature both black and white musicians in his band. Other than this, I didn't know so much about him. And so, I was happy to pick up this thorough and well-researched bio.
What mostly emerged for me was how tough musicians of this era had to be in order to survive. Benny's came from a close-knit but extremely poor Chicago-Jewish family, and it is clear that music was very much an escape from that. Even before his becoming a superstar (and he very much was one), as an active and respected session man in the 30's, he was already able to provide a living for his parents which must have been beyond their wildest expectations. How they would have felt about his later fortune is not recorded, but one can guess.
Benny was clearly a complex character capable both of legendary meanness (the anecdote about him eating an apple belonging to one of his musicians while watching him take a solo is priceless) and shy generosity. No doubt the mental scars caused by his early poverty played a part in this. But he was also a wonderful artist (I have a preference for his later work to the more known swing era stuff, but it's all great), and this book is a very interesting account of the tough realities of the legendary Swing era and the development of pre-Civil Rights Era American society in general.
What mostly emerged for me was how tough musicians of this era had to be in order to survive. Benny's came from a close-knit but extremely poor Chicago-Jewish family, and it is clear that music was very much an escape from that. Even before his becoming a superstar (and he very much was one), as an active and respected session man in the 30's, he was already able to provide a living for his parents which must have been beyond their wildest expectations. How they would have felt about his later fortune is not recorded, but one can guess.
Benny was clearly a complex character capable both of legendary meanness (the anecdote about him eating an apple belonging to one of his musicians while watching him take a solo is priceless) and shy generosity. No doubt the mental scars caused by his early poverty played a part in this. But he was also a wonderful artist (I have a preference for his later work to the more known swing era stuff, but it's all great), and this book is a very interesting account of the tough realities of the legendary Swing era and the development of pre-Civil Rights Era American society in general.
July 27, 2020
A sympathetic biography but not a whitewash by any means. The many quirks and personality flaws for which Goodman was disliked (or even hated by some) are revealed and discussed and, while not excused, are explained . . . the man was such a perfectionist that he often forgot about the needs and feelings of others. And yes, he apparently sometimes surrendered to egomania. Still, his actions may not have been all that different from those of many other single-minded persons, let alone geniuses.
That this biography was written so soon after Goodman's death allowed Firestone to interview many persons who knew Goodman in a wide variety of ways. It's clear from these personal assessments that mixed feelings were common . . . some expressed resentment or dislike on one hand while admiring Goodman's abilities and the results he accomplished. Perhaps an analogy is the way one often feels about a much-disliked teacher years after the fact . . . "gee, it may have been painful, but I sure learned a lot and was better for it!"
The organization of the book is clear and chapters usually are introduced with photos relevant to the period being discussed. The author provides lots of information about sidemen and arrangers and their contributions to Goodman's bands and performances. And, as you might expect, the music is always front and center. It's been great fun for me to listen to the music as I read (thank you, YouTube!) and doing that slowed down the reading process, but who cares!
(The author cites many records and later, after long-playing albums, compilations recorded at different times with different mixes of musicians, so one can be immersed in BG for a LONG time!)
That this biography was written so soon after Goodman's death allowed Firestone to interview many persons who knew Goodman in a wide variety of ways. It's clear from these personal assessments that mixed feelings were common . . . some expressed resentment or dislike on one hand while admiring Goodman's abilities and the results he accomplished. Perhaps an analogy is the way one often feels about a much-disliked teacher years after the fact . . . "gee, it may have been painful, but I sure learned a lot and was better for it!"
The organization of the book is clear and chapters usually are introduced with photos relevant to the period being discussed. The author provides lots of information about sidemen and arrangers and their contributions to Goodman's bands and performances. And, as you might expect, the music is always front and center. It's been great fun for me to listen to the music as I read (thank you, YouTube!) and doing that slowed down the reading process, but who cares!
(The author cites many records and later, after long-playing albums, compilations recorded at different times with different mixes of musicians, so one can be immersed in BG for a LONG time!)
March 19, 2024
"Swing, Swing, Swing: The Life & Times of Benny Goodman" by Ross Firestone delves into the multifaceted career of the legendary jazz figure Benny Goodman, renowned as the "King of Swing." Through detailed accounts and anecdotes, Firestone paints a vivid picture of Goodman's rise to prominence during the swing era and his lasting impact on jazz music.
While the book offers valuable insights into Goodman's contributions to the genre and his influence on subsequent generations of musicians, some readers may find certain aspects of the narrative lacking in depth. Firestone's analysis occasionally skims the surface, leaving readers craving a more profound exploration of Goodman's artistry and the cultural context in which he operated.
Nevertheless, "Swing, Swing, Swing" serves as a commendable introduction to Goodman's life and legacy, providing a comprehensive overview of his achievements and highlighting key moments in his career. Jazz enthusiasts will appreciate the wealth of information presented in the book, making it a worthwhile addition to any jazz aficionado's library.
L.A. Review
Swing, Swing, Swing: The Life & Times of Benny Goodman
While the book offers valuable insights into Goodman's contributions to the genre and his influence on subsequent generations of musicians, some readers may find certain aspects of the narrative lacking in depth. Firestone's analysis occasionally skims the surface, leaving readers craving a more profound exploration of Goodman's artistry and the cultural context in which he operated.
Nevertheless, "Swing, Swing, Swing" serves as a commendable introduction to Goodman's life and legacy, providing a comprehensive overview of his achievements and highlighting key moments in his career. Jazz enthusiasts will appreciate the wealth of information presented in the book, making it a worthwhile addition to any jazz aficionado's library.
L.A. Review
Swing, Swing, Swing: The Life & Times of Benny Goodman
March 7, 2023
The writing style started out really promising, and then about a quarter of the way in it started to feel tedious. Interesting to read about Benny Goodman’s life. There was next to nothing about his personal life and his family, it was all professionally oriented. He had the Benny Goodman “ray”, his glare when he wasn’t happy about someone. He hired and fired constantly, usually out of egoistical reasons. Very standoffish and had a hard time communicating. Insistent that black members of the band be welcomed, though, or they all would walk. Benny did not like bebop at all. He had health issues with sciatica for a very long time. So he didn’t seem to have a pleasant personality but he had a huge impact on swing and the clarinet.
July 9, 2023
SWING, SWING, SWING tells the story of Benny Goodman's rise and downward slump in the music world. It is very well researched providing the history of Goodman's orchestras including the personnel/artists involved in his career.
I found the book a bit tedious but recommend it to those involved in jazz and interested in its history.
I found the book a bit tedious but recommend it to those involved in jazz and interested in its history.
March 1, 2023
They called Benny Goodman the King of Swing, a label he wasn't too thrilled with (though he probably felt it was justified), and this book takes you through Benny's formative years growing up outside of Chicago in poor immigrant neighborhoods while his father toiled away in the stockyards. Benny grew up quickly when his father was killed suddenly in an accident. After that, young Benny, who had taken private music lessons and played in small local orchestras, began to see music, not as a hobby or pastime, but as a means of making a living to support his family. He never lost that singular focus on music as a pathway to greater success, though his quest for perfection frequently got in the way of band harmony. After the Benny Goodman Orchestra's breakthrough success at the Palomar Ballroom in Los Angeles in 1935, the upward arc of Benny's career took off, culminating in the historic 1938 Carnegie Hall concert. But by then some of the band's key members like drummer Gene Krupa were already getting ready to leave, fed up with Benny's criticism of their work. It was a pattern that repeated throughout Goodman's career; enthusiastic new band members would join only to be driven off later by Benny's stern and sometimes unpredictable band management. What *can* be said is that Benny Goodman largely played the music he wanted to play and pushed back vigorously on criticism that his style of jazz was out of date. Unlike artists who struggle to adapt to changing times and fail miserably, Goodman stayed true to his muse and left a legacy of historic and unequaled recordings.
August 11, 2008
This was a super cool biography! it focused what it was like to be a musician during world war 2 and how swing music was a form of rebellion in nazi germany as well as his own life.
July 26, 2016
Thorough, detailed "warts and all" biography of the "King of Swing". Certainly a reminder of the great music he brought us.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews