Goodman was regarded by some as a demanding taskmaster, by others an arrogant and eccentric martinet. Many musicians spoke of The Ray, Goodman's trademark glare that he bestowed on a musician who failed to perform to his demanding standards. Anita O'Day and Helen Forrest spoke bitterly of their experiences singing with Goodman. "The twenty or so months I spent with Benny felt like twenty years," said Forrest. "When I look back, they seem like a life sentence." He could also be incredibly self-absorbed; it is reported that when eating an egg onto which a ketchup bottle cap had fallen, Goodman simply ate around it. At the same time, there are reports that he privately funded several college educations and was sometimes very generous, though always secretly. When a friend asked him why one time, he reportedly said, "Well, if they knew about it, everyone would come to me with their hand out."
Some suggest that Elvis Presley had the same success with rock and roll that Goodman achieved with jazz and swing. Without Goodman there would not have been a swing era. It is true that many of Goodman's arrangements had been played for years before by Fletcher Henderson's orchestra. While Goodman publicly acknowledged his debt to Henderson, many young white swing fans had never heard Henderson's band. While most consider Goodman a jazz innovator, others maintain his main strength was his perfectionism and drive. Goodman was a non - pariel virtuoso clarinetist and -along with only Artie Shaw, amongst the most technically proficient jazz clarinetists of all time.
Goodman is also responsible for a significant step in racial integration in America. In the early 1930s, black and white jazz musicians could not play together in most clubs or concerts. In the Southern states, racial segregation was enforced by the Jim Crow laws. Benny Goodman broke with tradition by hiring Teddy Wilson to play with him ] in the Autumn of 1936. He then added Lionel Hampton on vibes in December, 1936, and in the early Summer of 1939 he augmented the famous "quartette" with pioneering jazz guitarist Charlie Christian to his band and small ensembles, who played with him until his untimely death from tuberculosis less than three years later. To give an understanding of American history at this time, Goodman's integration of popular music happened ten years before Jackie Robinson entered Major League Baseball. "[Goodman's] popularity was such that he could remain financially viable without touring the South, where he would have been subject to arrest for violating Jim Crow laws." By the mid- Summer of 1941, Benny had hired the incomparably rhythmic and show-man drummer, legendary "Big Sid" Catlett, the (later) famous John Simmons on bass, and still possessed the incomparable Charlie Christian on electric guitar -plus Cootie Williams was in the middle of his one-year contract... This amounted to virtually one-quarter of the orchestra of black heritage, but of course -following Jimmy Munday and Fletcher Henderson (who also joined the band as pianist for 6 months in July, 1939) it was really an orchestrated white extension of black big band jazz -only, curiously -better.
Bugle Call
Benny Goodman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
Thin or fat, young or old;
Shake their shoulders bold.
You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
Hold me baby; Let's syncopate to that blue melody;
Just hesitate while a break they take Shh!
The Benny Goodman Big Band's song "Bugle Call Rag" is a classic swing tune that is all about the irresistible rhythm and infectious energy of the bugle call. The opening lines of the song make it clear that once you hear the bugle call, you're bound to fall for its irresistible charm: "You're bound to fall for the bugle call; You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag." Whether you're young or old, thin or fat, the bugle call will get your shoulders shaking, your feet tapping, and your heart racing.
As the song progresses, the lyrics encourage listeners to embrace the syncopated rhythms and let loose on the dance floor: "Hold me baby; Let's syncopate to that blue melody; Just hesitate while a break they take Shh!" The song is an ode to the power of music to lift us up and bring us together, even in difficult times. It's a celebration of the joy, energy, and spirit of swing music, and a testament to the enduring legacy of the big band era.
Overall, "Bugle Call Rag" is a lively, upbeat, and infectious tune that never fails to get people dancing and smiling. It's a classic example of the swing era's unique blend of jazz, blues, and popular music, and a testament to the enduring power of music to unite and inspire people from all walks of life.
Line by Line Meaning
You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
The sound of the bugle is irresistible and will captivate you.
You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
You'll want to show off your love for this catchy tune.
Thin or fat, young or old;
No matter your size or age, everyone will groove to this beat.
Shake their shoulders bold.
People will move their bodies with confidence and enthusiasm.
Hold me baby; Let's syncopate to that blue melody;
Let's dance together and follow the rhythm of the bluesy melody.
Just hesitate while a break they take Shh!
Take a pause and be quiet when the band takes a break.
While we're dancing please hold me tight; step lively don't lag.
As we dance, hold me close and keep up with the lively pace.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BILLY MEYERS, ELMER SCHOEBEL, JOHN PETTIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Carlos Hernandez
the part when Captain Carter fights the airplanes with Steve was so good, even more with this song playing in the background excellent choice
Sammy Antoine
right
Laura Craig
Just saw that episode tonight. What made it even better was having heard the song earlier on Pandora as I was crocheting.
Gene Doss
If Disney doesn't add this song to the background music mix they play in Hollywood Studios, they're missing a golden opportunity. Most guests won't make the connection, but many of us will.
Ed McDowell
One of the hottest recordings of the swing era.
bigb5952
..if this doesn't get your blood pumping, then nothing will!!...thanks for posting this true classic!
Danae Breshears
So good! Cannot be sad when listening to this!
Perry Joseph
Real Music & Real Musicians...Thank You for posting!!
Disgursting Shat ⟭⟬
who is still listening to this masterpiece 2021?
Eduardo toledo
spectacular! ... I never get tired of hearing it!...from Colombia!