Ken Clarke's Jazz Greats: Benny Goodman
4 Extra Debut. Ken Clarke MP explores the life of the ‘King of Swing’, clarinettist and bandleader, Benny Goodman. With Pete Long. From 2009.
**** 4 Extra marks 40 years since the death of Benny Goodman on 13th June 1986 aged 77.
American clarinettist and bandleader Benny Goodman became known as the King of Swing.
Brought up in extreme poverty in the Jewish ghetto of Chicago's South Side, by the end of the 1930s he'd achieved the adulation of a modern-day pop star.
There were reports of ballroom riots, jitterbuggers dancing in the aisles at his concerts and solemn words being written about how the nation's youth was being corrupted by his music.
Series in which Ken Clarke MP profiles great jazz musicians of the 20th century.
With:
Pete Long
Producer: Paul Evans
First broadcast on Âé¶¹Éç Radio 4 in March 2009.
Last on
Broadcasts
- Tue 24 Mar 2009 13:30Âé¶¹Éç Radio 4
- Sat 28 Mar 2009 15:30Âé¶¹Éç Radio 4
- Fri 12 Jun 2026 10:30Âé¶¹Éç Radio 4 Extra
- Fri 12 Jun 2026 16:30Âé¶¹Éç Radio 4 Extra
- Sat 13 Jun 2026 00:30Âé¶¹Éç Radio 4 Extra