Final answer:
Charlie Christian gained national prominence after joining the band led by Benny Goodman. This marked a key moment in his career and the evolution of jazz. Christian's mastery of the electric guitar made significant contributions to the sound of Goodman's band and the development of future jazz styles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Charlie Christian's Rise to Prominence
Charlie Christian came to national prominence when he joined the group led by c) Benny Goodman. This collaboration marked a significant moment in Christian's career as well as in the history of jazz music. Goodman, known as the 'King of Swing,' led one of the most popular bands in America during the late 1930s and early 1940s. Charlie Christian, notable for his innovative electric guitar playing, contributed to the band's sound and to the development of the bebop and cool jazz styles that would emerge in the following decades.
Jazz, a genre deeply rooted in African-American culture and history, encapsulated the experiences and artistic expressions of black Americans during the 1920s and beyond. Jazz was central to the Harlem Renaissance, the cultural revival where figures like Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway captivated audiences at venues such as the Cotton Club. Meanwhile, the blues, often seen as the precursor to jazz, continued to be a powerful form of expression with artists like Bessie Smith leading the way as 'The Empress of the Blues.'
Christian's induction into Benny Goodman's band was not just a personal achievement but also a milestone in the racial integration of music during that era. His tenure with Goodman allowed him to showcase his talent on a national level, thus influencing generations of guitarists and music lovers to come.