Benny Goodman and Teddy Wilson grew up far apart but both were serious about music and, by the late 1930s, both had embarked on musical careers. On his clarinet Benny played music that was “All sweet / All dance / All white / All the way to New York.” On his piano, Teddy played music that was “All hot / All rhythm / All black / All the way to New York.” The on-stage segregation in jazz music didn’t extend backstage, and from the time Benny and Teddy first met they loved playing together. With drummer Gene Krupa, they formed the Benny Goodman Trio. Early on a white piano player took Teddy’s place when the trio performed live. But within a year, Teddy was on stage, too. Soon Lionel Hampton on vibraphone joined the group to form the fully integrated on-stage-and-off Benny Goodman quartet. A spirited, lively narrative is set against vibrant illustrations in a volume concluding with more on Benny and Teddy, a timeline, and brief notes about other jazz musicians mentioned in the narrative. (Ages 6–9)

Teddy Wilson and Benny Goodman broke the color barrier in entertainment when they formed the Benny Goodman Trio with Gene Krupa. Here is the story of how two musical prodigies from very different backgrounds grew up, were brought together by the love of music, and helped to create the jazz style known as swing.