Genre

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Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra was a prominent classical music ensemble that was active during the mid-20th century. The ensemble was founded by Nelson Riddle, a renowned American arranger, composer, and conductor, who was known for his contributions to the big band and orchestral music genres. Nelson Riddle was born on June 1, 1921, in Oradell, New Jersey. He began his music career as a trombonist and arranger for various big bands in the 1940s, including those led by Tommy Dorsey and Charlie Spivak. In the early 1950s, Riddle began working as an arranger and conductor for Capitol Records, where he worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat King Cole. In 1955, Riddle formed his own orchestra, which he led as conductor and arranger. The ensemble consisted of some of the most talented musicians of the time, including trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, saxophonist Plas Johnson, and drummer Shelly Manne. The orchestra's sound was characterized by its lush, sweeping arrangements, which often featured strings and woodwinds in addition to the traditional big band instrumentation. One of the highlights of Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra's career was their collaboration with Frank Sinatra. Riddle and Sinatra first worked together in the 1950s, and their partnership continued throughout the 1960s and beyond. Riddle arranged and conducted some of Sinatra's most iconic recordings, including "I've Got You Under My Skin," "Witchcraft," and "My Way." The orchestra also accompanied Sinatra on several of his world tours, including his famous "Rat Pack" shows in Las Vegas. In addition to their work with Sinatra, Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra recorded several albums of their own, including "The Joy of Living," "Hey... Let Yourself Go!," and "The Tender Touch." The ensemble's recordings were praised for their sophisticated arrangements and impeccable musicianship, and they earned several Grammy Awards over the years. Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra also made several notable television appearances, including performances on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." The ensemble's music was also featured in several films, including "Pal Joey" and "Can-Can." Despite their success, Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra disbanded in the late 1960s, as the popularity of big band and orchestral music began to wane. However, Riddle continued to work as a composer and arranger until his death in 1985. His legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of American popular music lives on, and his contributions to the genre continue to be celebrated by music lovers around the world.

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