Gene Krupa wakes up Benny Goodman at Carnegie Hall

You’ve heard about musicians “talking” to each other.

Well, Benny Goodman’s orchestra was very nervous at their Carnegie Hall debut and the audience response was “tepid”

During the first number “Don’t Be that Way”, Gene Krupa was trying to wake them up, using rimshots and high hat and bass drum. Finally, he used his brief break (3:25) to “hit every drum in kit” (thanks Ken Burns) and then the orchestra loosened up.

For extra credit - see if you can not tap your feet to Sing,Sing,Sing - the beginning sets up the end but, don’t miss the last couple minutes.