The Benny Goodman Story The Benny Goodman Story The Benny Goodman Story is a biographical film starring Steve Allen and Donna Reed, directed by Valentine Davies and released by Universal-International in 1956. The film is based on the life of famed clarinetist Benny Goodman, who recorded most of the clarinet solos used in the film. The film captures several major moments in Goodman's life but it has been described as less than accurate in details. Goodman's Jewish background is mentioned only implicitly, despite its playing a part in his artistic and personal endeavors for decades. In one scene, where his mother tries to talk
Benny Goodman "Bugle Call Rag". NBC hired for Goodman for the radio program "Let's Dance". He needed new arrangements every week, so he was advised by Hammond to buy them from Fletcher Henderson. Goodman hired Henderson's band members to teach his musicians how to play the music. During the Depression, Henderson disbanded his orchestra because he was in debt. Goodman's band was one of three to perform on "Let's Dance", playing arrangements by Henderson along with hits such as "Get Happy" and "Limehouse Blues" by Spud Murphy. Goodman's portion of the program was broadcast too late at night to attract a large