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 Rag
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 lyrics of Benny Goodman's classic swing tune "Bugle Call Rag" are a testament to the irresistible allure of swing music. The opening line "You're bound to fall for the bugle call" suggests a sense of inevitability in succumbing to the rhythmic pull of the song. The second line "You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag" captures the exuberance and excitement of the swing era, where fans of the music would often boast about their favorite bands and performers.
The lyrics go on to celebrate the inclusive nature of swing, declaring that whether someone is "thin or fat, young or old," they can't resist the urge to "shake their shoulders bold." Goodman's lyrics also encourage the listener to "hold me baby" and "syncopate to that blue melody," reveling in the sensual pleasures of dancing to swing music.
The second half of the chorus takes on a more urgent tone, imploring the listener to "step lively don't lag" and to "hold me tight" while they dance. The line "while a break they take Shh!" is a reference to the instrumental breaks that were a hallmark of swing music, when the musicians would briefly pause to showcase their virtuosity before resuming the beat.
Overall, Goodman's lyrics to "Bugle Call Rag" exemplify the joy and exuberance of the swing era, while also acknowledging the power of the music to bring people together and create a sense of community.
Line by Line Meaning
You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
The strong and enchanting sound of the bugle call is irresistible and capable of captivating anyone who hears it.
You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
The Bugle Call Rag is an amazing work of music and art that is worthy of praise and admiration from anyone who hears it.
Thin or fat, young or old;
Regardless of one's physical or age-related traits, anyone can appreciate and enjoy the Bugle Call Rag.
Shake their shoulders bold.
Individuals who hear the Bugle Call Rag will sway boldly to its rhythm, breaking out in dance due to its exciting energy.
Hold me baby; Let's syncopate to that blue melody;
Embrace me, darling and let us dance in syncopation to the harmonic blue melody of the Bugle Call Rag.
Just hesitate while a break they take Shh!
Pause and hush as the musicians take a brief interlude from the joyful and spirited performance of the Bugle Call Rag.
While we're dancing please hold me tight; step lively don't lag.
As we dance together, draw me close and move your feet with liveliness to not fall behind the beat of the Bugle Call Rag.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Billy Meyers, Elmer Schoebel, Jack 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!