Benny Goodman was a clarinettist and band leader, equally at home with small bands or fronting a large orchestra, whose music covered the spectrum of jazz and popular music in the four decades spanning World War Two, and who earned the nickname of “The King Of Swing” as a pioneer of that style of jazz.

He was so popular that he racked up well over 150 hits in the quarter century or so from 1930 to the early 1950s. Indeed, so successful was his catalogue, this collection has been extended across two volumes: this 68-track 3CD covers the second era from 1939-53, and the 4CD set The Benny Goodman Hits Collection Vol. 1 1931-38 (ACQCD7177) deals with his earlier years.

This collection comprises all hits with his orchestra and small bands during these years on the Victor, Columbia, Okeh & Capitol labels. It features his No.1 hits from these years Darn That Dream, There’ll Be Some Changes Made, Somebody Else Is Taking My Place, Jersey Bounce and Taking A Chance On Love. The collection includes performances by featured vocalists such as: Louise Tobin, Mildred Bailey, Martha Tilton, Helen Forrest, Peggy Lee, Art Lund, Lou McGarrity, Dick Haymes, Jane Harvey, Dottie Reid, Peggy Mann, Liza Morrow, Eve Young, Matt Dennis, Lillian Lane, Al Hendrickson, Jimmy Ricks, Nancy Reed and Helen Ward.

He continued to play swing, but he practiced and performed classical pieces and commissioned them for clarinet. Despite health problems, he continued to perform, his last concert being six days before his death on 13 June 1986, from a heart attack. It’s a fascinating and enlightening showcase for one of the most influential musicians of his times.

TRACKS