Benjamin, Bennie
(1907–1989)> COMPOSER · LYRICIST
Bennie Benjamin Composer and lyricist St. Croix, Virgin Islands, November 4, 1907; New York City, May 2, 1989. Popular song composer of the 1940s and 1950s, Benjamin is best remembered for his first hit, “I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire.” He came to New York City in the 1920s, working as a dance band guitarist and for various music publishers. His big hit came in 1941 with “I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire,” which he composed with jazz trombonist Eddie Durham (San Marcos, Texas…