Benny Goodman is known as the “King of Swing” and is one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century.
He was a virtuoso clarinetist and bandleader who played a significant role in popularizing swing music. Goodman’s music and performances continue to inspire musicians and music lovers alike.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Goodman’s legacy is the clarinet that he played.
Many people wonder what kind of clarinet Goodman played and what made it so special.
There are several different answers to this question, as Goodman played a variety of clarinets throughout his career.
However, one clarinet in particular is often associated with Goodman: a Buffet-Crampon clarinet that he purchased in 1968. This clarinet was made in Paris, France in 1967 and was one of the last instruments that Goodman played before his death in 1986.
Benny Goodman: The King of Swing
Benny Goodman was an American jazz clarinetist and bandleader who rose to fame during the Swing Era.
He was born on May 30, 1909, in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in a poor Jewish family.
Goodman started playing the clarinet at a young age and quickly became a virtuoso performer. He was known for his technical skill, improvisation, and ability to blend different styles of music.
Early Life and Career
Goodman started his music career playing in local bands in Chicago.
He later moved to New York City and joined the Ben Pollack Orchestra.
In 1934, he formed his own band, the Benny Goodman Orchestra, which quickly became one of the most popular swing bands in the United States. Goodman’s band was known for its tight arrangements, skilled musicians, and innovative sound.
The Swing Era
Goodman’s career reached its peak during the Swing Era of the late 1930s and early 1940s.
He was known as the “King of Swing” and helped popularize jazz and swing music across the country.
Goodman’s most famous concert was his performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City on January 16, 1938. The concert was a huge success and is considered one of the most important events in the history of jazz music.
Goodman’s Legacy
Goodman’s legacy as a bandleader and clarinetist is still felt today. He helped shape the sound of jazz and swing music and inspired generations of musicians. Goodman’s technical skill and innovative approach to music continue to influence clarinetists and jazz musicians around the world. In 1985, Goodman was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors for his contributions to American culture.
In terms of the clarinet that Benny Goodman played, he was known for playing a Selmer clarinet. He played a variety of models throughout his career, including the Selmer Series 9 and the Selmer Centered Tone. Goodman was known for his ability to make any clarinet sound great, but the Selmer clarinet was his preferred instrument.
Overall, Benny Goodman was a true icon of jazz and swing music. His contributions to the genre continue to be felt today, and his legacy as the “King of Swing” will never be forgotten.
Goodman’s Clarinet
Overview of Goodman’s Clarinet
Benny Goodman, one of the most renowned clarinetists of the 20th century, played on a Buffet Crampon clarinet. Specifically, he played on a Buffet Crampon R-13 model, which he purchased from the shop of W. Hans Moenning of Philadelphia in 1968. The clarinet was made in Paris, France in 1967. Goodman used this clarinet during the latter part of his long career.
The Mouthpiece
Goodman’s mouthpiece was a G7* (star) mouthpiece made by New York Woodwind out of steel ebonite. This mouthpiece was known for its bright, focused sound and was a popular choice among clarinetists during Goodman’s time.
The Technology
The Buffet Crampon R-13 model that Goodman played on was crafted in the workshops of the legendary Parisian woodwinds manufacturer Buffet Crampon. The R-13 model was first introduced in 1955 and quickly became one of the most popular professional clarinet models in the world. The R-13 model features a cylindrical bore design, which contributes to its warm and rich sound.
The Sound
Goodman’s clarinet was known for its bright, clear sound. The combination of the Buffet Crampon R-13 model and the G7* mouthpiece contributed to this sound. Goodman was also known for his technical proficiency on the clarinet, which allowed him to execute complex and virtuosic passages with ease.
In conclusion, Benny Goodman played on a Buffet Crampon R-13 clarinet with a G7* (star) mouthpiece made by New York Woodwind out of steel ebonite. This combination of technology and mouthpiece contributed to the bright and clear sound that Goodman was known for.