Harpo's Blues By Phoebe Snow
July 17, 1950 -- April 26, 2011 Phoebe Snow was a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, best known for her 1975 hit "Poetry Man which reached #5 on Billboard. This selection was on the flip side of Poetry Man and, while it did not chart except on Adult Comtemporary, was frequently heard on jukeboxes. The album "Phoebe Snow" reached number 4 on the Billboard 200 album chart. One of President Bill Clinton's favorite vocalists, she performed for him, the First Lady, and his cabinet at Camp David in 1999.
Piel Canela By Eydie Gormé & Trio Los Panchos
Eydie Gormé is an American singer who still performs with husband Steve Lawrence, whom she married in 1957. She began her career in 1950, performing with Tommy Tucker and Tex Beneke, and released her first recordings the same year. Her last record to hit the charts was Blame It On The Bossa Nova in 1963. Her biggest selling album was a collection of songs in Spanish with the Mexican group Trio Los Panchos in 1964. The selection Sabor A Mi from the album with Trio Los Panchos has become her signature song. This song is also from the same album, which has been re-released several times in both the US and throughout Latin, Central and South America.
Like Young By André Previn
André Previn is a German-born American Academy and Grammy Award-winning pianist, conductor, and composer. In the mid 50s to mid 60s, and again more recently, he toured and recorded as a jazz pianist. He worked with Shelly Manne, Leroy Vinnegar, Benny Carter and others, and recorded with the David Rose Orchestra. Forgoing jazz for classical music, in 1967 he became music director of the Houston Symphony Orchestra. In 1968 he became principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, serving in that post until 1979. He gained wide attention and popularity with his composition "Like Young", recorded with the David Rose Orchestra. David Rose also released a version of "Like Young" featuring vibes instead of piano. "Like Young" made #22 on the R&B chart and #46 on the pop chart in 1959, receiving more jukebox play than airplay.
Bésame Mucho By Ray Conniff
Ray Conniff was an American musician, arranger and bandleader who enjoyed immense success in the 50s and 60s. He arranged for Rosemary Clooney, Marty Robbins, Frankie Laine, Johnny Mathis, Guy Mitchell and Johnnie Ray. Hit singles he backed were "Just Walkin' in the Rain", "Chances Are", "It's Not for Me to Say", and "A White Sport Coat". In 1957 he released his first album, " 'S Wonderful ", featuring an orchestra and a wordless singing chorus. The title song, " 'S Wonderful ", became a signature song for countless radio stations across the country. In 1959 he started the Ray Conniff Singers (12 women and 13 men) and released the album "It's the Talk of the Town". His biggest hit was "Somewhere My Love" ("Lara's Theme" from the film "Doctor Zhivago"), a top-10 hit in 1966. Between 1957 and 1968 he had 28 albums in the American Top 40, the most famous one being "Somewhere My Love". This selection is from the album "Say It with Music (A Touch of Latin)" released in 1960.
Chôros No.1 By Konrad Ragossnig
Arguably the cleanest and purest rendition of this Villa-Lobos classic ever recorded. Konrad Ragossnig was born in 1932 in Klagenfurt, Austria and studied with Professor Karl Scheit in Vienna. Ragossnig has wide and varying musical interests, recording and publishing music for both guitar and lute. His career began with the first prize award at the 1961 "Concours International de Guitare" in Paris. He has performed in concert as a soloist with famous symphony and chamber orchestras in Austria and abroad. He has made a large number of radio and TV performances and has produced over 60 records and CD recordings. Among the many prizes he has been awarded are the "Grand Prix du Disque" and the "Edison Award". In addition to teaching and performing, he has edited and had published over 70 scores of lute and guitar music. From 1964 to 1983 Konrad Ragossnig taught at the Music Academy in Basel. In 1983 he was offered a chair as full professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. He enjoys playing chamber works where the guitar has been neglected, and has performed with Peter Schreier at the Salzburg Festival. Concert tours have taken him throughout the world to prestigious festivals in Salzburg, Vienna, Berlin, and Paris amongst others. His best known album was "Music For Spanish Guitar", released world wide with various covers. This recording of Heitor Villa-Lobos' classic is by far the cleanest and purest rendition I have ever heard. This selection was <b>...</b>
It Ain't Necessarily So By Ray Charles & Cleo Laine
Cleo Laine, like Ella Fitzgerald, has arguably one of the purest voices ever recorded. There is little that can be said here about Ray Charles that would not be redundant. The third genius at work here was the producer who brought these two magnificent talents together. This cut is from the album set "Porgy & Bess" released in 1976.
Gershwin Porgy Bess Stereo Forgotten Treasure pop standard country jazz folk
A Beautiful Friendship By Ahmad Jamal
Ahmad Jamal is an acclaimed virtuoso jazz piano and keyboard master and composer. He began playing piano at the age of three when his uncle challenged him to duplicate what he was playing on the piano. His first album, "Ahmad's Blues", was recorded in 1951. This cut is from the album "Cry Young" released in 1966. The album "Cry Young" features the voices of the Howard A. Roberts Chorale, one of only two albums by Jamal that includes vocals. Jamal received the National Endowment of the Arts American Jazz Masters award in 1994.
Glad I Waited Just For You By Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire is a country music singer, performer and actress, sometimes referred to as "The Queen of Country". She remains 2nd only to Dolly Parton as the female performer with the most #1 country singles over the course of her career. This song was from her debut album, Reba McEntire, released in 1976, and was released as a single in 1977, reaching #88 on the country charts. This song was also included in the compilation album You Lift Me Up To Heaven released in 1992. She starred in the TV sitcom Reba from 2001 thru 2007.
The Green Leaves Of Summer By Nelson Riddle
Nelson Riddle was a well-known American bandleader, arranger and orchestrator. He provided arrangements for Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Judy Garland, Peggy Lee and Keely Smith and many others. His rendition of Lisbon Antigua was the number one song for 1956, staying in the number one chart position for four weeks. He arranged three albums for Linda Rondstat in the 80s, all of which were best sellers. This selection first appeared on the album The Best Of Nelson Riddle, released in 1962. He won three Grammy awards, the last posthumously in 1986.
Music From Across The Way By James Last
James Last is a German big band leader whose popularity has been primarily in Europe. He released his first album, Non-Stop Dancing, in 65, which helped make him a major European star. He had 52 hit albums between 67-86, which made him second only to Elvis Presley in terms of number of charting records. This selection was his own composition and was included on an album by the same name released in 67. A cover version of Music From Across The Way by Andy Williams also made the Top 40 chart.
A Hard Days Night By Gary McFarland
Gary McFarland was an influential composer, arranger, vibraphonist and vocalist. He attained a small following after working with Bill Evans, Gerry Mulligan, Johnny Hodges, John Lewis, Stan Getz, Bob Brookmeyer, and Anita O'Day, but is largely forgotten today. This cut was included on his best-known album, Soft Samba, and also on a later-released album, Sympathetic Vibrations. As well as his own albums and arrangements for other musicians he also composed the soundtrack to the film "13" (also known as "Eye Of The Devil"). He was prominent on Verve and Impulse! Records during the 60s, making a major impact on jazz during that era.
Down Under By Joe Beck
This really needs to be played in STEREO to be fully appreciated. Joe Beck was an American guitarist who was notable in jazz for more than 30 years, playing a variety of jazz mediums. He played and recorded with almost all the great jazz musicians of the 60s and 70s, including Stan Getz & Houston Person. He produced and arranged for artists such as Frank Sinatra, Gloria Gaynor, Larry Coryell and Esther Phillips. He built a strong cult following for his expressive, highly musical jazz funk recordings. This selection was recorded live on August 14, 1971, in a benefit to restore New Yorks venerable Town Hall.
Stereo guitars guitar album pop standard jazz historic town hall concert
JD's (JayDee's) Boogie Woogie By Jimmy Dorsey
Jimmy Dorsey was a prominent American jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, trumpeter and big band leader. Along with brother Tommy they formed the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, but split in 1935, each with his own band. He had numerous big hits in the 30s-50s, several featuring vocalists Bob Eberly and Helen O'Connell. In 1953 he again combined with Tommy Dorsey with the renamed band "The Fabulous Dorseys". His recording of So Rare, released in 1957, reached #2 on the Billboard chart. This selection, also released in 1957, was the flip side of June Night, which also hit the Billboard chart.
Caravan By Ralph Marterie
Ralph Marterie was a big-band leader born in Italy and, after moving to the US, played trumpet for various bands. He was primarily a traveling bandleader, but released several recordings during the 50s. His version of cover version of "Skokiaan" in 1954 reached #3 on the charts in the United States. His recordings of "Pretend" and "Caravan" also made the top ten. In 1957, he hit #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Tricky", and hit #10 with Shish-Kebab". This recording of Caravan spent 10 weeks on the US charts and made the Billboard Top Ten.
Waltz Of The Flowers By Los Indios Tabajaras
A unique and utterly delightful rendition of this classic Tchaikovsky favorite.
Sounds Like Christmas Merry pop standard classical guitar Tchaikovsky Nutcracker
Honeysuckle Rose By George Barnes & Bucky Pizzarelli
This really needs to be played in STEREO to be fully appreciated. George Barnes was a world-renowned swing jazz guitarist, who claimed he played the first electric guitar in 1931. Barnes recorded several albums with Bucky Pizzarelli, a partnership that lasted through the early 1970s. Bucky Pizzarelli is an American classical jazz guitarist perhaps most notable for his work with jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli, his son. Pizzarelli was frequently heard accompanying Julie London on her sultry hits of the 50s and 60s. In 1964 he became a member of the Doc Severinsen band on the Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson. This selection was recorded live on August 14, 1971, in a benefit to restore New Yorks venerable Town Hall.
Stereo guitars guitar album pop standard jazz historic town hall concert
Memory Lane Medley
Ice Cream Sodas & Lollipops & A Red Hot Spinning Top ~ Paul Delicato Moments To Remember ~ The Four Lads Memories ~ Elvis Presley Thanks For The Memory ~ The Platters (Featuring David Lynch) Life is so much easier for people today—why are people so much harder on life?
Time To Move On By Glenn Yarbrough
Glenn Yarbrough is an American folk singer who has a very distinct timbre to his beautiful tenor voice. In 1957 he was one of the first singers to record the traditional "The House of the Rising Sun". He was the lead singer with The Limeliters between 1959 and 1963. He recorded the theme tune from the 1965 film, Baby, The Rain Must Fall, which reached #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He also provided vocals for the Rankin/Bass animated versions of The Hobbit (1977) and The Return Of The King (1980). This selection was included on his 1964 album of the same title, Time To Move On.
Night Train By Buddy Morrow
Buddy Morrow is an American trombonist and bandleader frequently associated with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. He is known for his mastery of the upper range which is evident in records such as "The Golden Trombone." Morrow was once a member of the Tonight Show orchestra. His early 1950s records such as "Rose, Rose, I Love You" and "Night Train" rode the Billboard's national charts. Jimmy Forrest recorded the original version of "Night Train" in 1952 which was a #1 R&B hit. Buddy Morrow's version reached #27 on the charts, also in 1952, and features a classic trombone solo by Buddy Morrow himself. Although it didn't chart as high, Morrow's version remained a popular item on jukeboxes well into the mid 60s. The bump and grind tempo of this selection made it a staple for strip club performers.
Goin' Out Of My Head By Stu Phillips
Stu Phillips is a composer, arranger and producer who has amassed a quite eclectic body of work. He produced hits for Shelley Fabares, Nina Simone, and The Skyliners. He masterminded the Hollyridge Strings, a catch-all name for a series of studio orchestra renditions of then-current pop hits. The first Hollyridge Strings release, The Beatles Song Book, was a Top Ten hit. He compossed the music for television hits The Six Million Dollar Man, Quincy, Battlestar Galactica, and Knight Rider. Perhaps his most notorious work was music for the Russ Meyer film Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.
Afrikaan Beat By Bert Kaempfert
Bert Kaempfert was a German orchestra leader, songwriter, arranger and producer who had a major impact on music in the 60s. He wrote the music for a number of well-known songs, such as "Strangers in the Night", "Wooden Heart", and "Danke Schoen". "Danke Schoen", with words added by Kurt Schwabach and Milt Gabler, became Wayne Newton's signature song. His instrumental "Moon Over Naples," became "Spanish Eyes", a hit for Al Martino and also recorded by Engelbert Humperdinck. Kaempfert's own first hit with his orchestra came in 1960, with "Wonderland by Night" which hit #1 on the Billboard charts. When "Wonderland by Night" was first released, most thought that Kaempfert was the trumpet player. This selection was released in 1962 and reached #42 on Billboards Top 100.
Stereo Forgotten Treasure pop standard country jazz folk African Beat
Hot Spot By Bob Moore
STEREO version. Bob Moore is an American session musician, orchestra leader, and bassist. He has had over 17000 recording sessions, and may have played on more recordings than any other musician in the world. He as played for almost countless artists, including Marty Robbins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Sammy Davis, Jr., Frank Sinatra. He had strong roots in country music, and in 1994 Life named him the number one "Country Bassist" of all time. In 1960, he formed the Bob Moore Orchestra and recorded an album which included the song "Mexico". Mexico was released as a single in 1961 and reached #7 on the Billboard pop music chart, remaining in the Top 40 for ten weeks. This selection appeared on the flip side of Mexico, and received strong play on jukeboxes.
Fly Me To The Moon By Howard Roberts
Howard Roberts was an American jazz guitarist, educator and session musician. With the mentoring of Jack Marshall he began playing with musicians including Bobby Troup, Chico Hamilton and Barney Kessel. He played rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass and mandolin, both in the studio and for television and movie projects. He was lead guitar in the theme from "The Twilight Zone" and "The Munsters", rhythm guitar in "I Dream of Jeannie". Artists he backed included Peggy Lee (Fever), Eddie Cochran (Sittin In The Balcony), and Bobby Day (Rockin Robin). He also backed Jody Reynolds (Endless Sleep), Shelley Fabares (Johnny Angel), and Dean Martin (Houston). This selection first appeared in his 1965 album "Goodies". It is also included in remastered format in the 2001 CD "Something's Cookin' & Goodies".
I Don't Know Why (I Just Do) By Dean Martin
Dean Martin was an American singer, film actor, comedian and television star. He teamed with comedian Jerry Lewis in the late 40s and early 50s and together they starred in a series of hit movies. After going solo in 1956, he became a serious actor and appeared in a total of over 60 movies. He and friends Frank Sinatra, Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford, and Sammy Davis, Jr. formed the legendary Rat Pack. He had a long list of Billboard hits, probably the best known being Youre Nobody Til Somebody Loves You. His weekly The Dean Martin Show, was a top-10 television show for over 10 years. He was also known for hosting the television Roasts of well-known celebrities, many of which have become classics. This selection is from his album Love Songs.
Song For A Summer Night By Mitch Miller
Mitch Miller is an American musician, singer, conductor and record producer. He produced many pop artists including Frankie Laine, Johnnie Ray, Ray Conniff, Percy Faith, Johnny Mathis, & Tony Bennett. He was also known for NOT pursuing certain artistshe disapproved of rock 'n' roll and passed on Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly. His early hits included "Tzena, Tzena, Tzena", "The Yellow Rose of Texas", and "The River Kwai March. He produced "A White Sport Coat (and a Pink Carnation) by Marty Robbins. In the 1960s he became a household name with his television show Sing Along with Mitch. This selection was released in 1955 and reached #10 on the Billboard chart.
Juanita By Chuck Willis
Chuck Willis was a R&B and R&R songwriter and singer who became a major influence in the mid 50s. Major hits include his best known, "CC Rider" ('57) and "What Am I Living For" ('58), both reaching #1. The smooth beat of "CC Rider" inspired the dance known as "The Stroll". He owned 54 of his signature turbans for use onstage, and became known as "The King Of Stroll". "What Am I Living For?" sold over 1 million copies, was awarded a gold disc, and was the top R&B disc of 1958. This selection hit the Billboard charts in 1958, reaching #9 on the Pops chart and #1 on R&B. Willis died suddenly of peritonitis shortly after release of this song.
Cloudy Summer Afternoon By Bud & Travis
Bud & Travis was an American folk music duo consisting of Bud Dashiell and Travis Edmonson. Travis had previously been a member of The Gateway Singers, included in the Smithsonian's "Folk Song America" compilation. They were a part of the late-50s folk explosion that included The Kingston Trio, New Christy Minstrels, etc. Bud & Travis began recording together in 1958, releasing ten albums before splitting in 1965. They both pursued solo careers and became significant musicians on the folk revival circuit. Their influence is plainly heard in a slew of contemporary artists including David Crosby, Linda Ronstadt, and Los Lobos. This selection is from their album "Spotlight On Bud And Travis" released in 1960.