Bennie Moten, born Benjamin Moten on November 13, 1893 (or 1894), in Kansas City, Missouri, was a pivotal figure in the development of Kansas City jazz, a style characterized by its blues-driven, hard-swinging sound. Moten began his musical journey in the heart of Kansas City's dance hall district, initially forming a ragtime trio in 1918. By 1922, he had established the Bennie Moten Orchestra, which became one of the most significant regional orchestras in the Midwest during the 1920s.

Moten's orchestra was renowned for its distinctive sound, which blended elements of New Orleans jazz and ragtime with a strong, stomping beat. His early recordings for OKeh Records, starting in 1923, were typical of the New Orleans style but soon evolved to incorporate influences from Fletcher Henderson's sophisticated arrangements. By 1926, Moten's band had signed with Victor Records, producing popular recordings like "South" and "Moten Swing," the latter becoming a jazz standard.

Moten's ability to attract top musicians, including Count Basie, Walter Page, and Jimmy Rushing, helped refine the Kansas City jazz style. His band was instrumental in developing the riffing style that later defined many 1930s big bands. Despite not being an exceptional pianist, Moten's leadership and business acumen allowed him to dominate the Kansas City music scene, securing gigs through connections with political figures like Tom Pendergast.

Tragically, Bennie Moten's life was cut short at the age of 41 when a routine tonsillectomy went awry on April 2, 1935. After his death, Count Basie took over the remnants of Moten's orchestra, transforming it into one of the most celebrated big bands in jazz history. Moten's contributions to jazz, particularly in the orchestral domain, left an indelible mark on the genre, cementing his legacy as a key architect of Kansas City jazz.