Jack Benny and the Violin

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Here are a few of Jack Benny’s classic comedy routines featuring the violin. In his performances, Benny was know for his “bad” violin playing. In reality, he was a competent violinist and the owner of a Stradivarius. Through the years, Jack Benny’s guests included Isaac Stern and Jascha Heifetz. His show broke racial barriers in the United States with its human portrayal of the African-American butler, Rochester, as well as with guests such as Louis Armstrong and the Ink Spots.

This clip with Gisele MacKenzie offers a glimpse into the genius of Benny’s violin-centered comedy.

Here is a full episode, guest starring Isaac Stern:

Here is a clip with Toni Marcus:

More Jack Benny Clips

For more funny Jack Benny clips visit Jack Benny Shows Off His Strad.

About Timothy Judd

A native of Upstate New York, Timothy Judd has been a member of the Richmond Symphony violin section since 2001. He is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music where he earned the degrees Bachelor of Music and Master of Music, studying with world renowned Ukrainian-American violinist Oleh Krysa.

The son of public school music educators, Timothy Judd began violin lessons at the age of four through Eastman’s Community Education Division. He was a student of Anastasia Jempelis, one of the earliest champions of the Suzuki method in the United States.

A passionate teacher, Mr. Judd has maintained a private violin studio in the Richmond area since 2002 and has been active coaching chamber music and numerous youth orchestra sectionals.

In his free time, Timothy Judd enjoys working out with Richmond’s popular SEAL Team Physical Training program.

View all posts by Timothy Judd | Website

4 thoughts on “Jack Benny and the Violin”

  2. It takes a good violinist to play badly… intentionally. I’d like to hear Jack play as I know he can… are there any recordings… clips… anything??
    Thanks Timothy, for sharing!!

    Reply

  3. Jack used to give benefit concerts for orchestras all over the country. When I was a teenger I was lucky enough to attend one with the University of Miami Symphony. It was hilarious – as he fidgeted during the long opening tutti of the Beethoven concerto, then was caught “day-dreaming” when it was his actual entrance. He also sat in as concertmster for Capriccio Espagnole. He was a very funny and very great man.

    Reply

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