Benny Goodman Interview
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Interview only. Musical selections not on record.
Talks about bop and the future of dance music.
Which band do you consider your best? The original band in 1936 and 1937. Less turmoil in the music business then. Bands didn't shift personnel as much as they do now.
Who is your foremost female vocalist? Ella Fitzgerald...all the time.
Which record was the most satisfying? Sometimes I'm Happy.
Which handful of musicians, arrangers, composers have advanced jazz the most during your time in the business? Bunny Berigan, Louis Armstrong, Hawkins, Lester Young, Teddy Wilson, Jack Teagarden, Charlie Christian, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Dizzy Gillespie, Earl Garner, Duke Ellington.
Plans for the future? Taking the band to Europe.
What would you consider your most enjoyable moments, playing in a big band or smaller bands like trio and sextet? Enjoyed playing with Teddy Wilson, Charlie Christian, Lou McGarrity. More fun playing with a small group. The big bands, when it hit right, sounded good too. Difficult to choose.
Formerly this catalog entry was contained interview with Teddy Wilson, catalog number 72633.
Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection
WNYC archives id: 5792
Municipal archives id: LT3831
