18+ Benny Goodman Quotes On Music, World And War

Benny Goodman was an American jazz and swing musician, known as the "King of Swing". He was a clarinetist, bandleader, and composer, and is widely considered one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century. He is also remembered for his 1938 Carnegie Hall concert, which is often cited as a major moment in the history of jazz. Following is our collection on famous quotes by Benny Goodman on music, life, world.

If a guy's got it, let him give it. I'm selling music, not prejudice. — Benny Goodman

To this day, I don't like people walking on stage not looking good. You have to look good. If you feel special about yourself then you're going to play special. — Benny Goodman

It takes the black keys and the white keys both, to make perfect harmony. — Benny Goodman

Too many young musicians today want to win polls before they learn their instruments. — Benny Goodman

As soon as it was understood that we could handle things in our own way, it was the thrill of my life to walk out on that stage with people just hemming the band in. — Benny Goodman

I don't have any great love for Chicago. What the hell, a childhood around Douglas Park isn't very memorable. I remember the street fights and how you were afraid to cross the bridge 'cause the Irish kid on the other side would beat your head in. I left Chicago a long time ago. — Benny Goodman

Sometimes when you start losing detail, whether it's in music or in life, something as small as failing to be polite, you start to lose substance. — Benny Goodman

That night at Carnegie Hall was a great experience. When the thing was first put up to me I was a little dubious, not knowing just what would be expected of us. — Benny Goodman

Creativity grows out of two things: curiosity & imagination. — Benny Goodman

If I have something I want to do, I make a business of doing it. — Benny Goodman

Some of the guys I played with .. didn't go around learning more about their instruments from an intellectual point of view. All they wanted was to play hot jazz, and the instrument was just a means. I'd imagine that a lot of them criticized me-said my technique was too good. Something like that. But I've always wanted to know what made music. How you do it, and why it sounds good. I always practiced, worked like hell. — Benny Goodman

One way or the other, if you want to find reasons why you shouldn't keep on, you'll find 'em. The obstacles are all there; there are a million of 'em. — Benny Goodman

If you want to do something, you do it anyway, and handle the obstacles as they come. — Benny Goodman

I remember Glenn Miller coming to me once, before he had his own band, saying, How do you do it? How do you get started? It's so difficult. I told him, I don't know but whatever you do don't stop. Just keep on going. — Benny Goodman

Some of the overflow audience actually sat on the stage. — Benny Goodman

You have to look good. — Benny Goodman

After you've done all the work and prepared as much as you can, what the hell, you might as well go out and have a good time. — Benny Goodman

People have often said to me, 'You're so relaxed when you play.' Relaxed my elbow. It's practice. — Benny Goodman

Life Lessons by Benny Goodman

1. Benny Goodman taught us that hard work and dedication can lead to success, as he worked tirelessly to become one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time.
2. He also showed us the importance of collaboration, as he worked with a variety of other musicians to create some of the most iconic jazz songs of all time.
3. Finally, Goodman demonstrated the power of breaking down barriers, as he was one of the first white musicians to be accepted in the African-American jazz scene.