Benny Goodman And His Orchestra
This Is Benny Goodman
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

1971 2LP in gatefold. "This Is Benny Goodman" is a compilation album that showcases the influential work of Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, one of the most important swing bands of the 1930s and 1940s. The album gathers a selection of recordings from Goodman’s prolific period, highlighting his role as the "King of Swing" and his contributions to popularizing jazz among a mainstream audience. The tracklist includes both up-tempo swing numbers and intricate arrangements that reflect the ensemble’s technical prowess and Goodman’s clarinet virtuosity. The compilation serves both as an introduction for new listeners and a nostalgic collection for longtime fans, capturing the dynamic energy and sophistication that defined Goodman's orchestra at its peak.

The historical significance of this album lies in its documentation of a transformative era in American music. Goodman's orchestra was known not only for its musical innovation but also for breaking racial barriers, featuring prominent African American musicians such as Teddy Wilson and Lionel Hampton. The tracks featured on "This Is Benny Goodman" illustrate the orchestra’s tight performances, innovative charts by arrangers like Fletcher Henderson, and the spirited solos that became hallmarks of the swing era. As such, the album offers a window into the cultural and musical developments of early twentieth-century America, preserving the legacy of one of jazz’s most celebrated bandleaders.