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Benny Goodman: Quick Facts

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News •

Barbara Jay, jazz singer who worked with Benny Goodman and Ronnie Scott – obituary • Oct. 29, 2026, 2:00 AM ET (The Telegraph)
Barbara Jay obituary • Oct. 23, 2026, 11:38 AM ET (The Guardian)

Facts

Also Known As Benjamin David Goodman
Born May 30, 1909 • Chicago • Illinois
Died June 13, 1986 (aged 77) • New York City • New York
Awards And Honors Grammy Award • Kennedy Center Honors (1982)
Movement / Style big-band jazz • swing

Photos

Benny Goodman in a tuxedo with bow tie and boutonniere, smiling and holding a clarinet, circa 1945.
Benny Goodman playing clarinet at left with five band members behind him playing trumpets and trombones, all in suits, circa 1938.
The Benny Goodman Sextet performing on stage in 1939, with Lionel Hampton at the vibraphone and Charlie Christian on guitar, all musicians in formal attire.
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