Collection: BENNY GOODMAN: THE JAZZ HERITAGE SOCIETY RECORDINGS
In 1934, he formed his own orchestra, which initially struggled. However, a pivotal 1935 engagement at the Palomar Ballroom in Los Angeles, broadcast nationally, ignited a craze for their energetic, tightly arranged "hot" swing music. This performance is widely credited with launching the Swing Era, transforming Goodman and his band into national superstars.
Goodman's orchestra, featuring brilliant arrangements (many by Fletcher Henderson) and Goodman's own technically dazzling and fluid clarinet solos, became one of the most popular and influential musical groups of the time. His music defined the sound of the era, providing the soundtrack for a generation.
Beyond his musical impact, Goodman was a significant figure in breaking down racial barriers in music. In an era of strict segregation, he courageously integrated his band, featuring Black musicians like pianist Teddy Wilson and vibraphonist Lionel Hampton in his highly successful small group formations (the Benny Goodman Trio and Quartet).
His orchestra's legendary 1938 concert at Carnegie Hall, a venue previously reserved for classical music, was a landmark event that helped elevate jazz's status as a legitimate American art form. Goodman remained an active performer for decades, exploring classical music alongside jazz, but his legacy is forever cemented as the charismatic bandleader whose vibrant music and integrated ensembles defined the heart of the Swing Era.
