Benny Goodman

Goodman, Benny (Benjamin D. Goodman; 1909–86), U.S. clarinetist and bandleader, known as the King of Swing. A big-band leader since the 1930s, he performed for radio, motion pictures, and records, and also led small ensembles with such talents as Gene Krupa and Lionel Hampton. In addition to jazz, his classical virtuosity inspired compositions for the clarinet by Béla Bartók (Contrasts, 1938) and concertos by Aaron Copland and Paul Hindemith.