Kennedy Center Honors Legend: Benny Goodman (In-Depth Interview)

"The King of Swing" -- American clarinetist and bandleader Benny Goodman reflects on his life and career in this extended interview.
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[@msjazzmeblues]

What a great interview. Benny was completely relaxed, and Brinkley paced it perfectly. I wish it had gone on longer.

[@philnewton4844]

53:50/59:01 I agree about content. Sonata form,fugue,rondo,variation form,

[@salsax8635]

Wonderful to see this. I saw him in person around this time, he still commanded the stage and I could see why he was known as the "King Of Swing"

[@bblegacy]

For those wondering when this was, the interview was done in 1982 when BG was being honored at the Kennedy Center as one of that year's Honorees.

[@jeffryphillipsburns]

Pleasantly surprised to find Brinkley so knowledgeable about so many fine details.

[@SedonaMTB]

The King of the clarinet! I studied clarinet with a man who was one of his 'consultants' for his classical gigs, and technical issues. Benny could do everything!

[@heinvanmaarschalkerwaart9799]

Wha a very good interview. Benny in a relaxed mood and interviewed by an expert interviewer. !

[@BennyGoodman1977]

He was so great...

[@MrCplChicken]

My father had many Benny Goodman records. He's passed away, but I still remember listening to those records growing up.

[@rubengreenberg2253]

Benny is very jolly and articulate here. That's not always the reputation he had. I find him enlightening and delightful.

[@rubengreenberg2253]

PS: He sounds like WC Fields!

[@mjcruiser4238]

He was known by the guys in his band for his stare known as “the RAY” when they screwed up!

[@michaelterrell5061]

Wonderful man.

[@marvingoodman7381]

What a great interview... Very relaxed and informative. One of the greatest swing bands of all time... Thanks for sharing...

[@peterpallotta2828]

Thank you so much for posting this -- I don't think I've ever seen BG more comfortable, or enjoying an interview so much. I think it's because David Brinkley was a contemporary who really knew his stuff. Great stuff -- thanks again

[@NoOne-kr4jc]

Was that Brinkley interviewing him? Really?

[@rubengreenberg2253]

That was Brinkley alright. Not who you would expect, but he did a great job.@@NoOne-kr4jc

[@DaveLynchJazzGuitar]

This is an amazing interview!! Thanks for sharing. He was the King of Swing !!!

[@user-kr6kv5nb5o]

Soy un gran admirador de quien creo que será por siempre una de las figuras más representativas de la música en el mundo! Mr Benny Goodman. Se lo ve tan relajado y divertido en este reportaje,un aplauso eterno para el querido y recordado rey del swing. Gracias, por compartir este video histórico desde Argentina, un saludo.

[@smallbusinessfinancewithkayla]

This was fascinating, especially the discussion at 27:00 about the skill and unity of the band. It's interesting the Carnegie Hall concert used only 1 microphone.

[@alanwitton5980]

Great interview

[@pritish.swings]

Can’t believe this is real😮

[@saxefoner]

Great music is a group effort at a certain place and time. A lone clarinet, even if played by Goodman, doesn't cut it. BG was extremely generous to play under those dry circumstances.

[@carmencabrera9068]

Te llena el corazón de alegría de sonidos fantasticos y hermosos

[@namj8145]

Found this after seeing my idol, Fred Astaire's KCH interview with Dick Cavett. Had no idea the Honors filmed these incredibly relaxed, pick-your-brain interviews. Brinkley certainly knew his subject, as did Cavett, and knew how to get a lot out of it. You really get a feel of who Goodman was, on a close, personal level. A great ending too. If anyone wasn't sure why this old man was getting some award, listening to him play that last song made it clear.

[@richardlanin5635]

Played hooked from my Bronx H.S. To see Benny at the Paramount theater in Manhattan. About 1944Rick L.

[@DaveBennettMusician]

WOW!!! Loving this!

[@jazzwhiskey582]

for real, this is crazy. thanks for sending to me.... this is your bass player by the way... :) just in case you didn't know

[@jazzwhiskey582]

that's the storm before the Blue Skies!

[@DaveBennettMusician]

@@jazzwhiskey582 Hello there Mr. Joseph!

[@BennyGoodman1977]

Still is the king of clarinet

[@elliottschertzer876]

Nice interview

[@carmencabrera9068]

Es lo mejor de lo mejor un grande de jazz

[@SedonaMTB]

I'd like to see that Italian movie just to hear him play again!

[@timvala7577]

Most interesting about swing. I would listen to everything up to 1934 and hardly ever heard any swing. About somewhere between 34 and 35 it I believe was born and really took off. Think Stomping at the savoy was one of the first I heard.

[@earsense]

It would be great to know when this interview took place?

[@rmo52]

1982 I’m pretty sure.

[@bblegacy]

It was 1982 when BG was honored at the Kennedy Center as one of that year's Honorees.

[@pauswing]

I guess it's impossible to know the year this interview took place

[@bblegacy]

It was 1982 when BG was honored at the Kennedy Center as one of that year's Honorees.

[@BennyGoodman1977]

He forgot "Goodbye" recorded with strings.

[@davideichler5105]

No mention of Artie Shaw here is a major omission. On purpose, no doubt, and I know why, but it is still an incomplete story if they are bringing up other big bands.

[@lurchamok8137]

Benny Goodman is undoubtedly a great musician but I would never go so far as to call him the King of Swing. Black people would never have been given this title back then.

[@doasido5757]

He is the goat. He had all the hits and he put on a lot of black guys. He was a real one

[@ENGlishJELLo-yk7up]

What's with the pride flag? 0:00

[@nataliep.9047]

Goodman died the next day.

[@carmenarmstrong1015]

😢😢😢

[@thegreatdominion949]

Benny died in 1986. This interview was circa 1982 (when he was honoured by the Kennedy Center).

[@generalgrievous3731]

How it feels to spread misinformation