Benny Goodman & Teddy Wilson: Taking the Stage as the First Black-and-White Jazz Band in History
Benny Goodman and Teddy Wilson grew up far apart but both were serious about music and, by the late 1930s, both had embarked on musical careers. On his clarinet Benny played music that was “All sweet / All dance / All white / All the way to New York.” On his piano, Teddy played music that was “All hot / All rhythm / All black / All the way to New York.” The on-stage segregation in jazz music didn’t extend backstage, and from the time Benny and Teddy first met they loved playing together. With drummer Gene Krupa, they formed the Benny Goodman Trio. Early on a white piano player took Teddy’s place when the trio performed live. But within a year, Teddy was on stage, too. Soon Lionel Hampton on vibraphone joined the group to form the fully integrated on-stage-and-off Benny Goodman quartet. A spirited, lively narrative is set against vibrant illustrations in a volume concluding with more on Benny and Teddy, a timeline, and brief notes about other jazz musicians mentioned in the narrative. ©2014 Cooperative Children's Book Center
Illustrated by James E. Ransome
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 6-9
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
20th Century
African Americans
Collaboration
History (Nonfiction)
Music and Musicians
Racism
Segregation
Diversity subject:
Black/African
Publisher:
Holiday House
Publish Year: 2014
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780823423620
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 781 Cline-Ransome