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.
Taking a Chance On Love
Benny Goodman Lyrics
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All aglow again, takin' a chance on love.
Here I slide again, about to take that ride again.
Starry-eyed again, takin' a chance on love.
I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try.
Now I'm taking that game up and the ace of hearts is high.
Things are mending now, I see a rainbow blending now.
Here I slip again, about to take that trip again.
I got that grip again, takin' a chance on love.
Now I prove again that I can make life move again.
Um - I'm in the groove again, takin' a chance on love.
I walk around with a horse shoe, in clover I lie.
And brother rabbit of course you better kiss your, foot good-bye.
On that ball again I'm ridin' for a fall again.
I'm gonna give my all again takin' a chance on love.
The lyrics to Benny Goodman and His Orchestra's song "Taking A Chance On Love" describe the singer's apprehension and excitement as they take a chance on love. They are initially hesitant, thinking that love is like a card game that is rigged, but as they take the plunge and allow themselves to be vulnerable, they begin to see the potential for a happy ending. Throughout the song, the singer uses metaphors and imagery, comparing their experiences to riding a ball or slipping and sliding, adding a whimsical and playful tone to the lyrics.
The idea of "taking a chance on love" is a common theme in jazz music, and this song is no exception. The lyrics capture the sense of risk and excitement that comes with opening oneself up to another person. The use of metaphors and imagery adds depth to the lyrics, creating a sense of whimsy that fits with the upbeat tempo and swinging sound of the music.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I go again, I hear those trumpets blow again.
I am taking another chance at love, as signified by the trumpets that sound like a call to action.
All aglow again, takin' a chance on love.
I am feeling the excitement of falling in love once again and daring to take the risk.
Here I slide again, about to take that ride again.
I am ready to embark on another journey of love, despite the possibility of getting hurt.
Starry-eyed again, takin' a chance on love.
I am filled with hope and optimism as I venture into love again, even though I know there is no guarantee of a happy ending.
I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try.
I used to think love was a scam and never considered giving it a chance.
Now I'm taking that game up and the ace of hearts is high.
But now I am willing to give love a shot, and I am willing to risk it all for the chance of finding that perfect match.
Things are mending now, I see a rainbow blending now.
As I take another chance on love, I am seeing positive changes in my life and the possibility of a bright, colorful future with a partner.
We'll have a happy ending now, takin' a chance on love.
I believe that by taking a chance on love, I am setting myself up for a happy, fulfilling future with a special someone by my side.
Here I slip again, about to take that trip again.
I am about to embark on another adventure of love, despite the risks that might come along with it.
I got that grip again, takin' a chance on love.
I am feeling confident and prepared for whatever comes my way as I once again take a chance on love.
Now I prove again that I can make life move again.
I am demonstrating my ability to ignite passion in my life by pursuing love once more, and proving to myself that I am capable of finding happiness.
Um - I'm in the groove again, takin' a chance on love.
I am feeling the rhythm of love and am ready to dance along, despite any potential obstacles that may arise.
I walk around with a horse shoe, in clover I lie.
I feel lucky and fortunate to have found love, and I am surrounded by good fortune like a four-leaf clover.
And brother rabbit of course you better kiss your, foot good-bye.
Others may be jealous of my love life and try to sabotage it, but I won't let them bring me down.
On that ball again I'm ridin' for a fall again.
I am taking a risk by putting myself out there in the dating world, knowing that I may experience heartbreak or disappointment once again.
I'm gonna give my all again takin' a chance on love.
But I am willing to put everything on the line for the chance of finding true love and happiness, and I am not afraid to try again.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LATOUCHE, TED FETTER, VERNON DUKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind