Benny Goodman's Vandoren

A few weeks back, I posted a picture of what was almost certainly the reed used for Artie Shaw's famous 'Stardust' solo, while commenting how rare it is for reeds to survive long after they are used.

Well, yesterday evening I had another rare opportunity to see, of all things, one of Benny Goodman's reeds: one which is part of Cleveland clarinetist, saxophonist, and jazz historian John Richmond's private collection. The reed in question was part of a commemorative booklet put together for friends of Goodman after his death--the reed, attached to a gold string, serving as a type of bookmark.

The tip is quite damaged, but the Vandoren print on the back is as clear as ever. Many thanks to John Richmond for permission to publish pictures of this rarity.

Benny Goodman's Vandoren (John Richmond Collection)

Benny Goodman's Vandoren (John Richmond Collection)