"Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)" is a classic and iconic big band and swing jazz composition that was popularized by Benny Goodman and his orchestra. Here are some interesting facts about the song and its performance by Benny Goodman:
Composer: "Sing, Sing, Sing" was composed by Louis Prima, an Italian-American jazz trumpeter, singer, and songwriter. Prima recorded the original version of the song in 1936 with his New Orleans Gang.
Arrangement by Fletcher Henderson: Benny Goodman's famous version of "Sing, Sing, Sing" is largely credited to the arrangement by the great jazz arranger Fletcher Henderson. Henderson expanded and adapted Prima's original composition, turning it into an extended and dynamic piece that showcased the talents of the members of the Goodman band.
Lengthy Performance: One of the most notable features of Benny Goodman's rendition is its length. The recording from the famous 1938 Carnegie Hall concert is over eight minutes long, which was unusually long for a popular song at that time. This extended performance allowed each band member to showcase their improvisational skills.
Carnegie Hall Concert (1938): The Carnegie Hall concert is considered one of the most significant events in the history of jazz. Benny Goodman and his orchestra, with arrangements by Fletcher Henderson, presented a groundbreaking performance that helped legitimize jazz as a serious form of music in the eyes of many critics and the general public.
Gene Krupa's Drum Solo: The song features a famous and energetic drum solo by Gene Krupa, the drummer for Benny Goodman's orchestra. Krupa's solo became one of the most iconic moments in the history of jazz drumming.
Popularity: "Sing, Sing, Sing" became one of Benny Goodman's signature pieces and a major hit. The recording from the Carnegie Hall concert became immensely popular and contributed to the song's lasting legacy in the world of swing and jazz.
Recognition and Awards: The Benny Goodman recording of "Sing, Sing, Sing" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1982. The song continues to be celebrated as one of the defining pieces of the swing era.
Film Appearances: The song has been featured in several films, further contributing to its cultural impact. Notably, it was used in the soundtrack of the 1979 film "1941," directed by Steven Spielberg.
"Sing, Sing, Sing" remains an enduring classic, capturing the energy and excitement of the big band era and showcasing the exceptional talent of Benny Goodman and his orchestra.