Benny Meroff was an influential American bandleader, violinist, saxophonist, clarinetist, and songwriter, born on April 19, 1901, in New York, New York, and passing away on March 4, 1973, in Elm Grove, Wisconsin. He began his career in vaudeville and gained early experience playing clarinet with Ted Lewis' "Nut" band near the end of World War I. Meroff was a versatile musician, known for his ability to play virtually every instrument in his band.

In the mid-1920s, Meroff formed his own dance band, which became prominent in the Chicago area during the late 1920s and early 1930s. His band recorded for major labels like Columbia, Okeh, and Brunswick, and included future stars such as Benny Goodman, Vernon Brown, and Wild Bill Davison. Known for his showmanship, Meroff's performances often featured a blend of jazz and dance music, with comedic elements.

Around 1936, Meroff adapted his band to align with the popular swing style, influenced by Benny Goodman, and rebranded it as "Benny Meroff and his Jibe Orchestra." Despite his success, Meroff disbanded his orchestra around the end of World War II and retired from professional music. He is remembered as a significant figure in the pre-Big Band Era and as the maternal great-grandfather of actor Kevin Alexander Clark.