GOODMAN, Benny (1909-1986) and Irving KOLODIN (1908-1988). The Kingdom of Swing. New York: Stackpole Sons, [1939].

First edition, signed on the frontispiece in blue ink by Benny Goodman. Additionally signed by Goodman’s entire band on the preliminary leaves, including Lionel Hampton on the reverse of the fourth plate. Octavo, original black cloth, with dust-jacket.

‘Behind Goodman stretches a whole generation of musicians who laboured in obscurity, for it is only recently that the jazz musician has reclaimed his heritage of independence and restored himself to a rightful position of importance’. Kolodin

[With:] an autograph letter signed ‘Benny Goodman’, 654 Madison Avenue, New York, 5 February [1951], concerning Goodman’s ‘dear friend’ Lionel Hampton. Goodman informs the unidentified ‘Ken’ that he has dissuaded Hampton from taking legal action, presumably against Columbia Records, over a perceived lack of personal publicity in connection with the 1950 release of the historic 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert: ‘I think I have taken care of the Hampton matter… it seems he was upset because he didn’t think he had received enough publicity in connection with the release of the album… I explained the matter as best I could and he said he would drop the proceedings.’ Vibraphonist Hampton was featured on only one track on the 1950 release of the concert, despite the significant part that he played as a member of the Benny Goodman Quartet that day. One page, turquoise ink on Goodman’s embossed airmail letterhead, 253 x 203 mm.

[With:] a Columbia Records in-store promotional display card for the 1945 single Gotta Be This or That, signed twice in pencil by Benny Goodman, additionally signed by nine members of his Orchestra, 168 x 261 mm.

[With:] a concert programme for a performance by Benny Goodman and his Jazz Group at the Alhambra-Maurice Chevalier in Paris, 5-6 October 1959, signed by Benny Goodman at his portrait, additionally signed by members of his band including vibraphonist Red Norvo and saxophonist Flip Phillips, wire-stitched in the original pictorial wraps, 270 x 209 mm, together with a ticket stub for the 6 October performance.

[And:] – Benny King of Swing. A Pictorial Biography based on Benny Goodman’s Personal Archives. New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1979. First edition, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint pen by Benny Goodman on the half-title ‘To Ronald, Best Wishes, Benny Goodman’. Quarto. Original black cloth gilt, with dust-jacket.