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Which Black musicians performed in Benny Goodman’s small groups?

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Benny Goodman in a tuxedo with bow tie and boutonniere, smiling and holding a clarinet, circa 1945. — Benny Goodman Jazz clarinetist Benny Goodman, c. 1945.

Benny Goodman was a pioneer in integrating jazz ensembles, and his small groups featured several prominent Black musicians who contributed significantly to his success. These musicians included:

Teddy Wilson: A gifted pianist who became an original member of the Benny Goodman Trio in 1935.12
Lionel Hampton: A vibraphonist who joined the group in 1936, expanding the trio into a quartet.123
Charlie Christian: An electric guitarist who joined Goodman’s small groups in 1939 and became a key member of his sextets and septets.143
Cootie Williams: A trumpeter who was part of the permutations of Goodman’s small groups by 1939–40.3

By hiring these outstanding performers, Goodman helped break racial barriers in popular music, creating some of the first racially integrated jazz groups to tour the United States.23