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.
Elmer
Benny Goodman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What makes a fellow start thinkin' of fallin' in love?
It's not the season, the reason is plain as the moon
It's just Elmer's tune
What makes a lady of eighty go out on the loose?
Why does a gander meander in search of a goose?
What puts the kick in a chicken, the magic in June?
It's just Elmer's tune
Sing it, swing it, any old way and any old time
The hurdy gurdies, the birdies, the cop on the beat
The candy maker, the baker, the man on the street
The city charmer, the farmer, the man in the moon
All sing Elmer's tune
Why are the stars always winkin' and blinkin' above?
What makes a fellow start thinkin' of fallin' in love?
It's not the season, the reason is plain as the moon
It's just Elmer's tune
What makes a lady of eighty go out on the loose?
Why does a gander meander in search of a goose?
What puts the kick in a chicken, the magic in June?
It's just Elmer's tune
Listen, listen, there's a lot you're li'ble to be missin'
Sing it, swing it, any old way and any old time
The hurdy gurdies, the birdies, the cop on the beat
The candy maker, the baker, the man on the street
The city charmer, the farmer, the man in the moon
All sing Elmer's tune
The lyrics of Benny Goodman feat. Peggy Lee's Elmer's Tune speak of a mysterious force that brings about inexplicable feelings and behaviors in people. The first stanza gives vivid imagery of stars winking and blinking above and a gentleman falling in love, not because of a particular season, but the workings of the moon, and more accurately, Elmer's tune. The song asks rhetorically what makes an elderly woman be 'out on the loose' or why would a gander wander in search of a goose? These questions are meant to highlight the magical effect of Elmer's tune.
The second stanza reaffirms this sentiment, and the infectious spirit of Elmer's tune spreads to animals and people alike. It puts the kick in a chicken and the magic in June, and everyone, from the hurdy gurdies to the man on the streets, sings Elmer's tune. The overall message of the song is pointing out that there are some things in life that can't be fully explained, but they exist and not only make life more fun but also remind us how important music is to our existence.
Line by Line Meaning
Why are the stars always winkin' and blinkin' above?
What is the reason behind the constant twinkling of stars in the sky?
What makes a fellow start thinkin' of fallin' in love?
What causes a man to start thinking about and becoming interested in falling in love?
It's not the season, the reason is plain as the moon
The reason for falling in love is not tied to any particular season, but is as clear and simple as the appearance of the moon.
It's just Elmer's tune
Elmer's music has the power to inspire love in people's hearts.
What makes a lady of eighty go out on the loose?
What motivates an elderly woman to be adventurous and break free from daily routine?
Why does a gander meander in search of a goose?
What drives a male goose to wander around in search of a female mate?
What puts the kick in a chicken, the magic in June?
What is the secret behind the energy and excitement of chickens, and the enchantment of the month of June?
It's just Elmer's tune
The answer lies in Elmer's music, which has the power to bring vitality and enchantment into life.
Listen, listen, there's a lot you're li'ble to be missin'
Pay attention and be aware, as there is much you could easily overlook without giving it proper attention.
Sing it, swing it, any old way and any old time
Sing and enjoy Elmer's tune in any manner and at any moment that suits you.
The hurdy gurdies, the birdies, the cop on the beat
All aspects of life, from the music of the hurdy gurdies, to the chirping of the birds, and the vigilance of police officers, can partake in Elmer's music.
The candy maker, the baker, the man on the street
Every person, from the candy maker to the ordinary person on the street, can be moved by Elmer's tune.
The city charmer, the farmer, the man in the moon
Whether you live in the city or in the countryside, or even in the moon, you can appreciate and partake in Elmer's music.
All sing Elmer's tune
Everyone joins in and sings along to Elmer's music, as it has the power to connect and unite people from all walks of life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ELMER ALBRECHT, SAMMY GALLOP, DAN JURGENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Magic_dawn
@The78Prof You are an absolute legend for uploading all of these timeless songs from a more vibrant past. Thank you for doing the community a wonderful service sir.
@the78prof72
It's my pleasure....so glad that you've enjoying the presentation.