Benny Goodman was one of 12 children and when he was little, his father took him to a synagogue where he learned to play the clarinet. Ross Firestone's book, "Swing, Swing, Swing: The Life and Times of Benny Goodman" is full of information about the musician. Goodman was a perfectionist, always wanting to better at his craft. According to Firestone, as a band leader, Goodman never thanked any musicians that played for him or with him.