In 1939, Christian's career was transformed when entrepreneur and producer John Hammond brought him from Oklahoma City to Beverly Hills to audition for the Benny Goodman Sextet. As legend has it, Christian so impressed Goodman with his extended single-line soloing during a 90-minute version of “Rose Room,
” that Goodman hired him on the spot. Goodman's sextet, which also featured pianist
Teddy Wilson
, trumpeter Cootie Williams, vibraphonist
Lionel Hampton
, and drummer
Gene...