Discover 11,128,835 listings and 275,009 playable programmes from the BBC
30 minutes
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 2Latest broadcast: on BBC Radio 2
By 1936, Benny's reputation had built quickly, as African-Americans in all branches of culture felt 'advanced' by the fact that a smash-hit jazz group featured two black men. Show more
30 minutes
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 2Latest broadcast: on BBC Radio 2
In 1928, Benny left for New York as a member of the Ben Pollack band. Though the band initially had to retreat to Chicago, Benny soon began to thrive in the Big Apple. Show more
30 minutes
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 2Latest broadcast: on BBC Radio 2
Curtis Stigers remembers the clarinet virtuoso and bandleader Benny Goodman, who was born in Chicago on 30th May 1909 and became known as the King of Swing. Show more
30 minutes
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 2Latest broadcast: on BBC Radio 2
Curtis Stigers remembers the clarinettist and bandleader Benny Goodman at the turn of the '40s, when great musicians like trumpeter Cootie Williams were playing in Benny's band. Show more
30 minutes
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 2Latest broadcast: on BBC Radio 2
Curtis Stigers remembers the clarinettist and bandleader Benny Goodman. Trouble is brewing between Benny and his star drummer Gene Krupa and within weeks, he is gone. Show more
30 minutes
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 2Latest broadcast: on BBC Radio 2
Curtis Stigers remembers the clarinettist and bandleader Benny Goodman. By the late 1940s, the big band business in America is in decline. Show more
