Wynn Nathanson

Wynn Nathanson was a jazz publicist, for a time representing Benny Goodman, credited with conceptualizing the famous Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert on January 16, 1938.

Jazz In Carnegie Hall Concert

In December 1938, Nathanson was employed by the Thomas Fitzdall agency, which was in charge of the Camel Caravan Show. In an attempt to combat decreasing sales for swing bands like Benny Goodman, Nathanson came up with the idea to put on a jazz concert in Carnegie Hall. At first, Goodman was hesitant, responding with, "You must be out of your mind". Eventually, Nathanson was able to convince him of the idea, and Goodman agreed to do it. With Goodman's agreement, Nathanson and promoter Sol Hurok began efforts to promote the concert. Before the concert took place, the press attention surrounding it was plentiful, and writers seemed to recognize the importance of the show, which helped contribute to the show selling out. The concert was an overwhelming success, and the endeavor that started out as a way to drive up record sales ended up forever changing how jazz music was perceived and performed.