Benny Goodman

"In the Mood"

In the Mood is a big band era number one hit record. The song officially released in 1939 was first debuted on public radio, and became a hit overnight. In a major magazine called the "Bill Board Charts" was listed as the top most popular song in America for over 30 weeks. In 1999, the National Public Radio included this 1939 song as one of the most important  musical pieces of American history. 

This song was originally based on a pre-existing melody that was rewritten, and played by Benny Goodman. The entire original songs length is around two minutes and 29 seconds. It is also famously known in 1951 for being one of the first songs to every be played on a computer. 

Analysis

This was the type of up-beat music that many people dance to in the 1920s, 30s, and even early 1940s. This certain song is classified as swing, but there are other versions of it in Jazz. The song was played by a "big band" and had a signature theme of a Saxophone section.

The Composer/Leader

This song was written and lead by Benny Goodman, born in May, 30, 1909, and died June, 13, 1986. Benny Goodman himself lead one of the most popular musical groups in America, and even in the world in his time. During this segregated era, he shocked people by racially integrating his band. I personally really appreciate his music and leave that his nickname, "King of Swing" fits him well. He was the most influential musicians of the 20th center. He was true pioneer in the creation of Jazz, and Swing Music.