"I remember Glenn Miller coming to me once, before he had his own band, saying, How do you do it? How do you get started? It's so difficult. I told him, I don't know but whatever you do don't stop. Just keep on going"

Benny Goodman’s reflection touches on the universal struggle faced by every aspiring artist or musician at the beginning of their journey. He recounts a moment with Glenn Miller, a future icon of jazz just like himself, who approached him in a moment of uncertainty and doubt. The fact that even Glenn Miller, before his legendary fame, grappled with questions about starting and succeeding, illustrates the vulnerable, human side of creative ambition.

Goodman’s response is both humble and profound. When asked for the secrets to breaking into success, he confesses that he himself doesn’t truly know the precise formula. This humility breaks down any notion that there’s a singular path or secret to success within the competitive world of music and the arts in general. Instead, Goodman focuses on resilience and perseverance as his primary advice: whatever you do, don’t stop. He emphasizes the importance of pushing forward through difficulties, setbacks, or doubts, rather than seeking the comfort of clear answers or guaranteed success.

The exchange between Goodman and Miller highlights the persistence needed to overcome the obstacles inherent in creative pursuits. The passage reveals that experience, even from the perspective of someone as accomplished as Goodman, is marked not by certainty or easy breakthroughs, but by continuous dedication, even in the face of uncertainty. It’s an implicit acknowledgment of the winding, challenging nature of creative careers, where tenacity matters as much, if not more, than talent or opportunity.

Goodman’s counsel distills a fundamental truth for anyone facing a daunting beginning: it is persistence, not mystical knowledge or perfect timing, that most often carries artists forward. His reassurance to Miller serves as timeless encouragement for anyone striving toward a distant dream, suggesting that unwavering commitment may make the difference between giving up and eventually achieving greatness.