Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Benny Goodman

Clarinettist and bandleader Benny Goodman became known as the King of Swing. Brought up in poverty, by the end of the 1930s he had achieved the adulation of a modern-day pop star.

Ken Clarke MP profiles great jazz musicians of the 20th century.

Clarinettist and bandleader Benny Goodman became known as the King of Swing. Brought up in extreme poverty in the Jewish ghetto of Chicago's South Side, by the end of the 1930s he had achieved the adulation of a modern-day pop star

There were reports of ballroom riots, jitterbuggers dancing in the aisles at his concerts and solemn words being written about how the nation's youth was being corrupted by his music.

30 minutes

Last on

Sat 28 Mar 2009 15:30

Broadcasts

  • Tue 24 Mar 2009 13:30
  • Sat 28 Mar 2009 15:30