Jack Benny and the Violin – Timothy Judd, Suzuki Violin Lessons

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:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-Cl3-SUp_c

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”28″ size_format=”px”]More Jack Benny Clips[/typography]

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

4 thoughts on “Jack Benny and the Violin”

Have you seen the one where he tries to play with Liberace? It is sooooo funny.

Timothy Judd

June 25, 2013 at 4:36 pm

Thank you for suggesting this video, Jennifer. You can watch it here.
Reply

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!!

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.

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