The tune Lullaby in Rhythm is commonly thought of as a Benny Goodman
composition. Most scores list four authors: Benny Goodman, Edgar Sampson, Clarence Profit and Walter Hirsch. The cover notes of the CD Benny Goodman and his orchestra - Wrappin' It Up - The Harry James Years - Part 2 (BMG) claim the tune was recorded on April 8, 1938, and that it was written by pianist Clarence Profit, and arranged by Edgar Sampson.
It was subsequently recorded by numerous musicians, among whom Bud Powell, Dave Brubeck, Dexter Gordon, Harry James, Les Brown, Marian McPartland, Mark Murphy, Michael Feinstein with Maynard Ferguson, Patty Page, Scott Hamilton and, of course, Benny Goodman.
However, the story of this tune is not that simple. The following account, documented in an interview with Renzo Nissim conducted by his son Robert in the early '90s, describes what actually happened.
In his home town of Florence, Renzo Nissim had become quite a successful pianist and composer. But in 1938, Renzo had to leave Italy because of the anti-Jewish laws that were being perpetrated. He took very little money, a few possessions, and headed for New York. The first few months were difficult, and he had to find ways to earn money to live on.
One day, he went to the Robbins publishing company in Manhattan with his songs to ask if they would be interested. He was asked to play them on the piano. The initial response was negative, but as he was playing, the lyricist Walter Hirsch, who happened to overhear, said he would be interested in setting words to one of the songs. Since Renzo was not a member of ASCAP, it was agreed that he would sell the song for $50 to Benny Goodman and Walter Hirsch. Benny changed the bridge, and the songe became known as "Lullaby in Rhythm".
Listen to the interview by clicking the player on the right.
