BENNY GOODMAN - DOCUMENT SIGNED 10/18/1951 - HFSID 263187

BENNY GOODMAN
Benny Goodman signs a document with and the National Broadcasting Company, Inc. for the employment of musicians under the leadership of Benny Goodman.
Partly Printed Document Signed: "Benny Goodman" as Orchestra Leader, 1p, 8¼x10¾. New York, New York, 1951 October 18. On letterhead of William Morris Agency. Contract between Goodman and the National Broadcasting Company, Inc. for the employment of musicians under the leadership of Benny Goodman. "See Attached" typed next to the "Name and Address of Place of Engagement", "Date(s) of Employment", "Hours of Employment" and "Price Agreed Upon" lines. Attachment sheet not present. Written at upper right margin (unknown hand): "Big Show". Also signed by a representative of the National Broadcasting Company, Inc. At the time he signed this contract, Goodman was appearing on the TV series, Star Time (1950-1951). The show, which was co-hosted by singer Frances Langford and actor Don Ameche, featured Goodman's band as well as several other orchestras. After playing with bands in the 1920s and early 1930s, clarinetist Benny Goodman (1909-1986) organized his own orchestra in 1934. In 1935, he formed the Benny Goodman Trio with Gene Krupa and Teddy Wilson; it became a quartet in 1936 when Lionel Hampton joined. Goodman, who became known as "The King of Swing", was the first major white bandleader to integrate Black and white musicians. Performing on radio and in motion pictures in addition to recording, his orchestra became nationally famous. Composers such as Béla Bartók, Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein and Morton Gould wrote music for Goodman. Lightly creased. ½x¼-inch paper loss at upper left blank corner, which has staple holes touching 1 line of printed text. Overall, fine condition.