I've always been a huge fan of Benny Carter, both as a multi-instrumentalist and as a composer and arranger. Oddly enough, I got to know his writing best when I picked up a DVD with a number of jazz animated shorts made by John and Faith Hubley, where Benny Carter had written much of the music. This DVD is called "Art and Jazz in Animation" and should still be available. Sadly, Benny Carter is no longer with us, and he would have been one-hundred years old today. Here are some great videos to celebrate his centennial: