The Benny Goodman Trio and its Contribution to Inclusivity in Jazz

The radio on the drive home read “More Than You Know - 1996 Remastered Version” by the Benny Goodman Trio, the slow, swinging music meshing in perfection with the rainy scenery outside my car window. Teddy Wilson, the pianist in Benny’s trio, embellished the chords over Benny’s melody, adding a sort of countermelody equally bluesy to Benny’s on the tune. The hazy, reflective style of Teddy’s lines characterized the Benny Goodman Trio in its sound as a group- Benny’s trio didn’t only change the style of jazz with new innovations, but also became the first band to invite a black member in to play. The personnel in the Benny Goodman Trio consist of Teddy Wilson, a black jazz pianist, Benny Goodman, a son of Jewish immigrants on the clarinet, and Gene Krupa on drums to complete the trio. Benny Goodman’s trio being the first interracial trio changed the course of jazz forever, rooting jazz as a human art form that can be enjoyed between any group of musicians.

Teddy Wilson was invited into the Benny Goodman trio in early 1936, after playing an impromptu jazz jam session with Benny predating his invitation to the trio. The historic performance ended up with Teddy Wilson being the first black member in an all-white band, creating the first racially integrated ensemble: the Benny Goodman Trio. This trio lasted until 1954, though African-American vibraphonist Lionel Hampton was also invited to be a part of Benny’s trio, forming the Benny Goodman Quartet- the group now had two white jazz musicians and two black jazz musicians, each equally competent and eager to share their music. Lionel Hampton and Teddy Wilson went on to enjoy successful and remarkable careers, as well as Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa.

This is a clip of the Benny Goodman trio playing “Nice Work If You Can Get It”.