The Greatest Day In Lindy Hop Music History

By: Bob Bednarz

January 16 may not be a date you circle on your calendar. I do…every year. In my opinion, it is the greatest day of lindy hop music history.

When you think of the greatest musicians in lindy hop history, you think of:

Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, Duke Ellington, Chick Webb, Lionel Hampton, Johnny Hodges, Lester Young, Jimmy Rushing, Harry James, Gene Krupa…

We listen and dance to these artists every social dance. Could you imagine seeing all of these musicians perform LIVE … ON THE SAME NIGHT?!?! January 16, 1938 was the day you could.

January 16 is the anniversary of Benny Goodman’s Orchestra playing at Carnegie Hall. This concert holds major significance in history for so many reasons. Learn more about the concert in this article.

Better yet, listen to the full recording (Benny Goodman Live at Carnegie Hall January 16, 1938).

The night wasn’t over yet though. After the famous Carnegie Hall performance, the musicians headed to the Savoy Ballroom to see Chick Webb’s Orchestra (featuring Ella Fitzgerald) battle Count Basie’s Orchestra featuring Billie Holiday.

It’s hard to say what the experience was like at the Savoy Ballroom that night. Could you imagine what it was like being in that room? Hear some thoughts from Frankie Manning and Norma Miller about a night they would never forget.

January 16, 1938 - I celebrate this day every year. Perhaps now, you will too.