January 16

Photo via Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons License

Photo via Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons License

Audreyann Rasimowicz, Editor

1938- Benny Goodman Brings Jazz to Carnegie Hall

Benny Goodman first laughed off the idea of performing in Carnegie Hall when his publisher suggested it in 1938. The King of Swing was already a star on the radio, on stage and on film. But Goodman finally warmed up to the idea. He performed along with Harry James on trumpet, Lionel Hampton on vibraphone and Gene Krupa on drums, with Goodman being famous for playing the clarinet. Tickets to the concert sold out weeks in advance, with the tickets for the best seats selling for $2.75.

 

(Taken from: www.history.com/this-day-in-history)