THE GREAT DEPRESSION ON THE WEB

Sing, Sing, Sing -- On the evening of January 16, 1938, Benny Goodman took to the stage at Carnegie Hall along with his Trio, his Quartet, and his Big Band. It was the first time ever that a Swing band played Carnegie. Historians now look to this night as the moment when Swing gained validity. The Goodman orchestra was well known in America from club appearances from New York to Chicago and from the radio. But Swing had its detractors, too. Even so, the Carnegie Hall concert marked the moment when the music itself was afforded a sign of respect.The last number on the program was Sing, Sing, Sing -- what Goodman called a "killer diller," a number intended to get a crowd on its feet, jitterbugging. Drummer Gene Krupa sets the groove with his tom-toms -- members of the orchestra take their turns soloing, including a mournful one from Benny himself. But Jess Stacy steals the show with his piano. As part of our seriesThe NPR 100, we'll hear the entire performance of Sing, Sing, Sing in addition to remarks from Goodman biographer Ross Firestone, audience member Turk van Lake, and Benny Goodman.(22:19)

 

Great Depression -- Video I
 
 

FDR's INAUGURAL ADDRESS