Bennie Benjamin

Claude August "Bennie" Benjamin (November 4, 1907 – May 2, 1989) was a distinguished songwriter and musician born in Christiansted, St. Croix, in the Danish West Indies, now known as the United States Virgin Islands. Raised in challenging circumstances after the death of his father and economic difficulties in the Virgin Islands, Benjamin initially trained as a tailor and cabinetmaker before moving to New York City in 1927.

In New York, Benjamin pursued music, studying banjo and guitar at Hy Smith's School of Music. He developed a unique playing style and performed in prominent venues such as the Savoy Ballroom and the Cotton Club. Despite early struggles in songwriting, Benjamin found success in the mid-1930s when he partnered with composer Sol Marcus. Together with Eddie Durham and Eddie Seiler, they created the hit "I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire," which became a major success in 1941, reaching the top of the charts.

Benjamin served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he contributed to entertainment shows. After the war, he formed a prolific songwriting partnership with George David Weiss. This collaboration produced numerous hits, including "Oh! What It Seemed to Be," "Rumors Are Flying," and "Wheel of Fortune," which became a million-seller and inspired a television show.

Throughout his career, Bennie Benjamin wrote many songs in the traditional pop idiom, leaving a lasting impact on American music. He married Martha Flores in 1944, and they remained together until her death in 1983. Bennie Benjamin passed away in New York City in 1989, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music.