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.
Sing Sing Sing Pt. 1 & 2
Benny Goodman Lyrics
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Now you're singin' with a swing
Sing sing sing, sing, everybody start to sing like dee dee dee, bah bah bah dah
Now you're singin' with a swing.
When the music goes around,
Everybody's goes go to town.
But here is one thing you should know
Now you're singin with a swing
Swing swing swing swing, listen to the trumpet swing
Blow blow blow blow, listen to the trombones go
When the music goes around,
Everybody's goes go to town.
But here is one thing you should know
Sing sing sing sing everybody start to sing like dee dee dee, bah bah bah dah
Everybody go!
Sing sing sing sing everybody start to sing like dee dee dee, bah bah bah dah
Now you're singin with a swing
Sing sing sing sing everybody start to sing like dee dee dee, bah bah bah dah
Now you're singin with a swing
Swing swing swing, everybody start to swing
Now your swingin while you sing
When the music goes around, everybody goes to town
Just relax and take is slow
SIng sing
Start singing, keep swinging
Now you're singing with a swing
The song "Sing Sing Sing" by Benny Goodman is a classic big band tune that embodies the spirit of the swing era. The repetition of the lyrics "sing, sing, sing" and "dee dee dee, bah bah bah dah" make for a catchy and memorable melody that really drives the song forward. The opening lyrics encourage everyone listening to sing along and join the rhythm, stating "now you're singing with a swing." This establishes the communal nature of the song and invites participation from the audience.
The second half of the lyrics focus on the instrumental elements of the song, with descriptions of the trumpet and trombone sections. The name of the song itself is a nod to the emphasis on swing music and the energetic rhythm that distinguishes it from other genres. The repeated phrase "when the music goes around, everybody goes to town" reinforces the idea that this music is meant to be shared and enjoyed by all. Finally, the closing lyrics encourage the continued singing and swinging, emphasizing the infectious joy of swing music.
Line by Line Meaning
Sing, sing, sing, sing everybody start to sing like dee dee dee, bah bah bah dah
Let us all begin to sing with joy and happiness, using our voices to make the sounds of 'dee dee dee' and 'bah bah bah dah'.
Now you're singin' with a swing
By adding the element of swing to our singing, we have elevated it and made it lively and enjoyable.
When the music goes around, Everybody's goes go to town. But here is one thing you should know
When people listen to music, they become transported and lively, letting loose and having a good time. However, there is something important to remember.
Swing swing swing swing, listen to the trumpet swing
The swing of the trumpet is a wonderful sound that adds to the energy and excitement of the music.
Blow blow blow blow, listen to the trombones go
The sound of the trombones is bold and rich, adding a depth and fullness to the music that is truly something to be enjoyed.
Everybody go!
Let us all be a part of this musical experience and enjoy it together!
Swing swing swing, everybody start to swing
Let us embrace the swing and rhythm of the music and let it move us!
Now your swingin while you sing
As we sing, we are also embracing the swing of the music, adding another level to our enjoyment.
Just relax and take it slow
Let us all take a moment to pause and relax, allowing the music to wash over us and transport us to a happy place.
Start singing, keep swinging Now you're singing with a swing
By singing with a swing, we are adding a special element to our singing that makes it lively, enjoyable, and fun for all!
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LOUIS PRIMA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind