The most famous clarinet players of all time

1. Benny Goodman – the “King of Swing”, need we say more?
2. Martin Fröst – combines a range of different arts in his playing, such as theatre and dance
3. Sabine Meyer – one of the first women to join the Berlin Philharmonic orchestra

Recommendations for beginner clarinettists 

Famous clarinet players

1. Benny Goodman (1909 – 1986) 

The “King of Swing” Benny Goodman is probably the most recognisable name on this list for all musicians – not just clarinettists. His playing was smooth and elegant, yet it was also sharp, precise, and intricate, and with the help of his band, he made swing music hugely popular in the 1930s and 1940s. 

Goodman’s big band also broke barriers by bringing Black and white musicians together on stage in the 1930s at a time when racial segregation laws were in place. This was a huge historical moment and paved the way for racial integration in other fields.

Aside from jazz, Goodman played classical music and performed with major orchestras, helping to bring the clarinet into new musical spaces. Throughout his career, he famously played Buffet Crampon and Selmer Paris clarinets. 

Recommended listening: Sing, Sing, Sing 

2. Martin Fröst (1970 -) 

Martin Fröst is an award-winning Swedish clarinettist and conductor known for how energetic and innovative he is in his playing.

He has played with leading orchestras worldwide and continually pushes the boundaries of what the clarinet can achieve. Just watch some of his performances on YouTube, you’ll see what we mean! Fröst often incorporates theatrical elements into his concerts, making him quite mesmerising to listen to and witness. 

Recommended listening: Martin Frost’s rendition of Mozart’s “Adagio from Clarinet Concerto in A Major”

3. Sabine Meyer (1959 -)

Third on the list is Sabine Meyer, a German clarinettist known for being just so technically brilliant on the instrument. She was one of the first women to join the Berlin Philharmonic before moving on to a successful solo career and performing with leading orchestras worldwide. 

Alongside performing, and like several other musicians on this list, she teaches at the Lübeck Academy of Music. Her extensive recordings span everything from Mozart to contemporary works, and she has played a significant role in raising the clarinet’s profile in classical music. 

Recommended listening: Sabine Meyer’s rendition of “Clarinet Concerto No.2 in E flat, op. 74, Allegro”

4. Nicholas Baldeyrou (1979 -) 

One clarinettist who will leave you completely awestruck by such sheer precision in his playing is Nicholas Baldeyrou. He has won several international competitions (playing the Buffet Crampon Legend Clarinet, in particular), establishing himself as both a soloist and an orchestral musician. 

Performing with top ensembles such as the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, and with such a stylistically broad repertoire, he is one of the most highly regarded clarinet players of the modern day.

Baldeyrou is also a teacher at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Lyon. He shares his expertise online and digitally connects with musicians worldwide – more ways in which he inspires the next generation of clarinettists. 

Recommended listening:  “Première Rhapsodie, L. 116 (Pour Clarinette et Piano)”

5. Sarah Watts 

Sarah Watts plays the bass clarinet (specifically, she’s a Selmer Paris and Vandoren artist) and is one of the most famous clarinet players of today to bring the low-pitched instrument to a modern audience, particularly in contemporary and experimental music. She performs regularly as a soloist and with ensembles across Europe. 

We recommend you listen to Into the Depths, Watt’s album she released with pianist Antony Clare. On this album, Watts plays the contrabass clarinet and shows off its full range beautifully.

Watts is also an academic actively involved in researching the instrument and its capabilities, and a director of the UK’s Bass Clarinet Academy. Her work has played a key role in raising the bass clarinet’s profile in solo and chamber music.

Recommended listening: Into the Depths

6. Sharon Kam (1971 -)

Sharon Kam has performed with leading orchestras worldwide and is highly respected for her interpretations of both classical and contemporary music. She’s a Buffet Crampon artist and plays the Buffet Crampon R13 model clarinet. 

Her recordings span a wide range of repertoire, from Mozart and Brahms to jazz and klezmer, demonstrating her ability to bring something fresh to every style. 

Recommended listening: Sharon Kam’s rendition of “Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K. 622: II. Adagio”

7. Woody Herman (1913 – 1987)

Woody Herman played a big role in shaping swing and bebop music, not just as a clarinettist but as a saxophonist and big band leader too.

His music had a smooth yet bluesy edge, combining technical skill with a bold, expressive sound. And to keep his music fresh and accessible to new ears, he frequently explored new styles and performed with some of the biggest names in jazz.

Over his long career, he recorded countless tracks, many of which remain influential today.

Recommended listening: Blues on Parade 

8. Artie Shaw (1910 – 2004)

As another famous swing clarinettist, Artie Shaw led some of the most popular big bands in the 1930s and 1940s. Later in his career, Shaw played the Selmer-Centered Tone clarinet. 

His recording of “Begin the Beguine” became a massive hit and remains one of his most well-known tracks. In addition to being a clarinettist, Shaw was also a conductor, leading top artists such as Roy Eldridge. 

Shaw’s influence on jazz clarinet remains strong, and his recordings are still considered some of the finest from the swing era. 

Recommended listening: “Stardust”

9. Buddy DeFranco (1923 – 2014)

Buddy DeFranco played a crucial role in bringing the clarinet into bebop jazz. Unlike most clarinettists of his time, he moved beyond swing and embraced the fast, complex style of bebop, with his smooth, quick, and incredibly precise playing blending classical technique with modern jazz phrasing. 

He performed with legends like Charlie Parker and Art Tatum, proving that the clarinet could shine in small jazz groups as well as big bands. He even led the Glenn Miller Orchestra for a time. His impact on jazz clarinet was significant, inspiring generations of musicians.

Recommended Listening: “Autumn Leaves”

10. Emma Johnson (1966 – )

Emma Johnson is a British clarinettist known for her expressive playing and diverse musical range. She first gained recognition in 1984 when she won the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition, launching a successful solo career. 

She has performed with leading orchestras worldwide and is renowned for bringing both classical and contemporary pieces to life. These range from Mozart and Brahms to jazz-inspired works.

Alongside performing, Johnson works on projects aimed at making classical music more accessible. Her clear tone and engaging style have made her one of the UK’s most well-known clarinettists, inspiring audiences and young musicians alike. 

Recommended listening: “Georgie”

11. Jack Brymer (1915 – 2003)

Jack Brymer was a major figure in British classical music, serving as principal clarinet for leading orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. 

His smooth, lyrical style made him one of the most respected clarinettists of his time. And like many others on this list, he was passionate about making the clarinet more well-known and accessible for the next generation. So, he shared his expertise through books and masterclasses, inspiring future clarinettists.  

Recommended listening: Brymer’s rendition of Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto”

FAQs 

Who is the most famous clarinet player? 

Benny Goodman is the most famous clarinet player. Known as the “King of Swing,” he revolutionised jazz with his virtuosic playing and led one of the first racially integrated bands in the U.S. His performances at Carnegie Hall and hits like “Sing, Sing, Sing” cemented his legacy in music history. 

Who is the most famous English clarinet player?  

Emma Johnson is the most famous English clarinet player. She gained international recognition after winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition in 1984. Her career spans classical and contemporary music, and she has recorded extensively, bringing the clarinet to a wider audience.  

What is a famous song that uses the clarinet?  

“Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin is a famous song that uses the clarinet. The piece opens with an iconic glissando, showcasing the instrument’s expressive range. 

Final thoughts  

The clarinet has long been a key instrument across a range of musical genres, and it continues to play an important role today. With modern famous clarinet players like Martin Fröst and legends such as Benny Goodman, the instrument remains a source of inspiration for musicians worldwide. Hopefully, this article has introduced you to some incredible clarinettists to explore and enjoy.

If you liked this article, check out some of our other posts: 

The 11 Types of Clarinets Every Woodwind Player Needs to Know 

The 9 Best Clarinet Brands For All Ability Levels 

13 East Clarinet Songs For Beginners