[Dixielandjazz] FW: Benny Goodman

[Marek Boym]

>
> It seems fahsionable to indulge in Benny-bashing. His eccentricity, frugality, and admitted insensitivity make him an easy mark. However, let's not forget he was an iconic figure of the 20th Century, and did a lot of generous things for people behind the scenes. (For instance, I heard he quietly picked up a hefty hospital bill incurred by an ailing Gene Krupa).

And financed bands by his sidemen.
>
> Besides,as Oscar Wilde pointed out, the job of an artist is not to be a "nice guy" (I'm of course paraphrasing Wilde here). The artist's job is to create art, which even devout Goodman-haters would have to agree he did.

As His late Majesty's loyal subject, I could not agree more!
>
Cheers