Any artist’s Carnegie Hall debut is an auspicious occasion. In Benny Goodman’s case, January 16, 1938 was not only the debut of a major star, but it also marked the first time people sat in a concert hall to hear swing music rather than dance to it. That first Carnegie concert was jazz’s ‘coming out’ party to the world of ‘respectable’ music.’ Benny would appear there at least 25 more times in the next 44 years! During an era of racial segregation, Goodman led one of the first integrated jazz groups, hiring both Teddy Wilson (p) and Lionel Hampton (vb) for his quartet. His reign as “King of Swing” took off when he helped ease our nation through the darkest days of The Great Depression, with the grace and optimism offered by swing music.

Down South Camp Meetin’ (top) features Benny in a big band setting at the New York Marriott Marquis in 1985, with Dick Hyman on piano and Louis Bellson playing drums. Then a pair of tunes from the early days: Sing, Sing, Sing (middle left) with Gene Krupa on drums and Harry James on trumpet, from the 1937 film Hollywood Hotel … and Nice Work If You Can Get It (middle right) from 1960, swung by The Benny Goodman Trio with Teddy Wilson playing piano and, once again, Gene Krupa on drums. Finally, buckle up as George Benson sits in on guitar for Charlie Christian as the sextet plays Seven Come Eleven in a 1975 tribute to John Hammond.