Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

February 26, 1916 in Brooklyn, NY

Death

:

June 24, 1987 in Fort Lauderdale, FL

 

Jackie Gleason was an American composer, actor, and comedian who was born on February 26, 1916, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the son of Herbert Walton Gleason, a stockbroker, and Mae "Maisie" Kelly Gleason, a homemaker. Gleason's parents were both Irish immigrants, and he grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Brooklyn. Gleason showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. He attended John Adams High School in Queens, where he played in the school band and developed his skills as a musician. After graduating from high school, Gleason began performing in nightclubs and theaters in New York City. In the 1940s, Gleason became a popular radio personality, hosting his own show called "The Jackie Gleason Show." He also appeared in several films, including "The Desert Hawk" and "The Fleet's In." However, it was his work on television that made him a household name. In 1952, Gleason began hosting "The Jackie Gleason Show" on CBS. The show featured comedy sketches, musical performances, and variety acts, and it quickly became one of the most popular shows on television. Gleason's catchphrase, "How sweet it is!" became a cultural phenomenon. Despite his success as a comedian and actor, Gleason never lost his love for music. In fact, he was a talented composer and arranger who wrote music for many of his television shows and films. He also recorded several albums of instrumental music, including "Music for Lovers Only" and "Music, Martinis, and Memories." Gleason's music was influenced by the big band sound of the 1940s and 1950s, as well as the lush, romantic music of composers like Richard Rodgers and George Gershwin. His compositions were often characterized by their sweeping melodies, lush harmonies, and rich orchestration. One of Gleason's most famous compositions is "Melancholy Serenade," which he wrote in 1953. The song became a hit and was later recorded by many other artists, including Ray Conniff and Percy Faith. Another popular Gleason composition is "I Can't Get Started," which he recorded with his orchestra in 1956. In addition to his original compositions, Gleason was also known for his arrangements of popular songs. He recorded several albums of standards, including "Lonesome Echo" and "Opiate D'Amour," which featured his unique arrangements of songs like "Stardust" and "Body and Soul." Gleason's music was often used in films and television shows, and his compositions and arrangements have become part of the American musical canon. His influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary composers and arrangers. Despite his success as a composer and musician, Gleason is perhaps best remembered for his work as a comedian and actor. He continued to perform on television and in films throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and he remained a beloved figure in American popular culture until his death in 1987. In conclusion, Jackie Gleason was a multi-talented artist who made significant contributions to both the worlds of comedy and music. His compositions and arrangements continue to be celebrated today, and his legacy as a performer and entertainer remains strong. Gleason's life and work serve as a testament to the power of creativity and the enduring appeal of great art.

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