Benny Goodman (born May 30, 1909, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.—died June 13, 1986, Manhattan, New York) was an American jazz musician, bandleader, and renowned 20th-century clarinet virtuoso. Dubbed the “King of Swing,” Goodman was also a complex personality whose relentless pursuit of perfection was reflected in his approach to music.

Goodman was born on May 30, 1909, in Chicago, Illinois. As an extraordinary clarinetist and bandleader, Goodman helped usher in the swing era in the 1930s — earning him the nickname "the King of Swing." The son of Russian immigrants, he was the ninth child born into the family and eventually he would have a total of 11 siblings.