Died On This Date (June 13, 1986) Benny Goodman / Jazz Icon
themusicsover Benny Goodman
May 30, 1909 – June 13, 1986
Benny Goodman was one of the world’s most famous jazz musicians and band leaders, making his mark on the genre for over 50 years. Goodman picked up the clarinet when his father enrolled him in music lessons when he was just ten. By the time he was 16, Goodman was in one of Chicago’s top bands, the Ben Pollack Orchestra, making his first recordings within a year. He went on to become a much in-demand session player. In the mid ’30s, Goodman was playing on a popular radio program called Lets Dance, making him one of the most popular jazz musicians in the country, so much so that he was starting to be referred to as the “King Of Swing.” In 1955, Steve Allen portrayed Goodman in the The Benny Goodman Story. Goodman continued to record and perform live up until shortly before his death of a heart attack on June 13, 1986. He was 77 years old.
What You Should Own
Danny Davis was a country musician, producer and band leader who many credit for introducing horns into country music. With his Nashville Brass, Davis won a Grammy in 1970 for The Nashville Brass Featuring Danny Davis Play The Nashville Sound. During the ’80s, Davis played as part of the band on the television hit program, Hee Haw. He continued performing well into the ’90s, and played a final performance with the Nashville Brass in July of 2005 as part of his 80th birthday celebration. Danny Davis suffered a heart attack on June 7th, 2008 and passed away five days later.