Benny Goodman (1909–1986), known as the 'King of Swing,' was an American jazz clarinetist and bandleader who helped define the Swing Era of the 1930s and 1940s. His 1938 Carnegie Hall concert is considered one of the most important events in jazz history. Goodman's orchestra featured some of the greatest soloists of the era, and his small group recordings with Teddy Wilson, Lionel Hampton, and Gene Krupa broke racial barriers in American music. His clarinet technique and musical vision influenced generations of jazz musicians.