Benny Goodman, born Benjamin David Goodman, (May 30, 1909 – June 13, 1986) … Read Full Bio ↴Benny Goodman, born Benjamin David Goodman, (May 30, 1909 – June 13, 1986) was an American jazz musician, known as King of Swing, Patriarch of the Clarinet, The Professor, and Swing's Senior Statesman.

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.

Don't Worry 'Bout Me
Benny Goodman Lyrics

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Don't worry 'bout me
I'll get along
Forget about me
Just be happy my love

Let's say that our little show is over
And so the story ends
Why not call it a day the sensible way

And still be friends

Look out for yourself
That should be the rule
Give your heart and your love
To whomever you love
Darlin' don't be a fool

Why do we cling to this old faded thing
That used to be
So if you can forget
Then don't worry 'bout me

Why should we cling to some old faded thing
That used to be

So if you can forget
Then you don't worry 'bout me

Overall Meaning

In Benny Goodman's iconic song "Don't Worry 'Bout Me," the singer conveys a clear message to his former lover - no need to worry about him, now that their relationship is over. The first verse, "Don't worry 'bout me, I'll get along, forget about me, just be happy my love," sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is telling his ex that she need not be concerned about him, and he encourages her to move on and be happy.

The next verse of the song, "Let's say that our little show is over, and so the story ends, why not call it a day the sensible way and still be friends," suggests that the singer wants to end the relationship amicably. He advises his ex to "look out for herself" and not be a "fool" by holding onto the past. The final verse, "Why do we cling to this old faded thing that used to be? So, if you can forget, then don't worry 'bout me," reveals the singer's acceptance of the fact that the relationship has ended, and he is encouraging his ex to do the same.

Overall, "Don't Worry 'Bout Me" is a song about moving on and letting go of the past. It delivers an empowering message to those who have gone through a breakup or a difficult situation and encourages them to move forward with their lives.

Line by Line Meaning

Don't worry 'bout me
Please don't stress over me

I'll get along
I'll manage just fine

Forget about me
Please let me go from your thoughts

Just be happy my love
Find happiness and joy in your life

Let's say that our little show is over
Let's assume our relationship has ended

And so the story ends
Our relationship has come to a close

Why not call it a day the sensible way
Let's end this relationship in a logical and calm manner

And still be friends
We can maintain a friendship even after the relationship is over

Look out for yourself
You should prioritize your own needs

That should be the rule
This is a guideline to follow

Give your heart and your love
Offer your affection and emotions