Benny Goodman, born Benjamin David Goodman, (May 30, 1909 – June 13, 1986) was an American
jazz musician, known as King of Swing, Patriarch of the Clarinet, The Professor, and Swing's Senior Statesman. Goodman was regarded by some as a demanding taskmaster, by others an arrogant and eccentric martinet. Many musicians spoke of The Ray, Goodman's trademark glare that he bestowed on a musician who failed to perform to his demanding standards.
Anita O'Day and
Helen Forrest spoke bitterly of their experiences singing with Goodman. "The twenty or so months I spent with…
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