Benjamin David Goodman was born in Chicago on May 30, 1909, the ninth of twelve children of David and Dora Goodman, both of whom emigrated from Russia but met in America. David Goodman earned a minimum living for his family by working for a tailor in a sweatshop. To help alleviate family poverty, children were encouraged to work as soon as they were old enough. For entertainment, David would take his younger children to Douglas Park on Sundays to hear free band concerts. It was here that he first heard about the Kehelah Jacob group. The classes were given for one term at the Kehelah Jacob Synagogue. David Goodman enrolled his three youngest sons in the hope that one day their music would lift them out of poverty. It was here that Benny Goodman began playing the clarinet, while his brothers learned the tuba and trumpet. The Kehelah Jacob group ultimately closed due to lack of funds. Benny and his brother then began playing in the band at Jane Addams' famous social establishment, Hull-House. Benny also began taking lessons from Franz Shoepp, a German who gave lessons to anyone who could pay his modest fees. He didn't care whether his students were black or white. (Benny Goodman, 1979). Benny played alongside Jimmy Noone and Buster Bailey and neither of them even thought about their different races. After a concert at a local high school, Franz Schoepp took David Goodman aside and said he had high hopes for Benny's future as a musician. Eventually, Benny made a name for himself at a young age and began getting professional gigs with various bands. When his father brought home a used Victrola containing several records, Benny listened and was fascinated by a clarinet solo by Ted. ..... middle of paper ...... from a variety of academies and other entities, including the state of California. He has influenced countless musicians. Along the way, he received his own crown as “King of Swing.” Finally, it is safe to say that he fulfilled his father's dream; music took him out of poverty. Works Cited Benny Goodman, S.B. (1979). Benny, the king of swing. New York: Da Capo Press, Inc. Estate of Benny Goodman. (nd). Benny Quotes. Retrieved December 12, 2011 from Benny Goodman, the official website of the king of swing: http://www.bennygoodman.com/about/quotes2.htmlThe History Channel. (2011). The era of swing begins with Benny Goodman's triumphant performance at the Palomar Ballroom. Retrieved December 12, 2011 from The History Channel: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-swing-era-begins-with-benny-goodmans-triumphant-palomar-ballroom-performance