Sleigh Ride/The Glenn Miller Orchestra Video

It's been 65 years since the immortal Glenn Miller disappeared just before Christmas on December 15, 1944. His Orchestra, in the too-short run under his personal leadership, had recorded only one Christmas song, ("Jingle Bells," October 20, 1941). Dedicated fans around the world are certain that, had he lived through World War II, he would have recorded a complete album of the best-loved music of the holiday season.

In the 1980s, Richard Wilhoyte, one of the horde of Glenn Miller buffs around the world, heard about the idea of members of the Miller Orchestra recording an album of Christmas songs, His instant reaction: "Let's do itnow!" So the combination of Wilhoyte, Richy Barz, Dale Thompson and John La Barbera came together and took hold. A list of desirable players was drawn up musicians had to be working currently, had to be alumni of the Glenn Miller band, had to have recognized and outstanding talent, had to be able to take a leave-of-absence fro their current "gig," and had to be available to come to New York to record.

In The Christmas Mood was the resulting album from those sessions65 minutes of musical memories, of good cheer, of the most enduring "sound" of the Swing Era Big Bands arranged and performed by alumni of The Glenn Miller Orchestra.

"Sleigh Ride" is a popular light orchestral piece, composed by Leroy Anderson, about a person who would like to ride in a sleigh on a winter's day with another person. The composer had the original idea for the piece during a heat wave in July 1946; he finished the work in February 1948. Lyrics were written by Mitchell Parish in 1950. It was first recorded in 1949 by Arthur Fiedler and The Boston Pops Orchestra. The song was a hit record on RCA Victor Red Seal 49-0515 (45 rpm) / 10-1484 (78 rpm), and has become the equivalent of a signature song for the orchestra. The 45 rpm version was originally issued on red vinyl.

Although "Sleigh Ride" is often associated with Christmas, and often appears on Christmas compilation albums, the song's lyrics never specifically mention any holiday or religion except certain "Sleigh Ride" versions (the Carpenters and Air Supply being examples).

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JansLoveShack: I loved this one Rey, when you uploaded it on your old channel. so it has to be 5*****s a fave & into my christmas playlist. again Jan

CookieJar1957: Thank you Jan. I appreciate the stars and the playlisting. Thanks for your wonderful support. Rey

manuelarieck: Great song...great video...great images! Oh yes...Christmas is coming with big steps... Thank you so much for all the informations Rey...it's very interesting for me. another 5***** fave playlisted tune Manuela

CookieJar1957: Hi Manuela - Thanks for your lovely comment on this one. I'm so glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for the stars and for faving and playlisting. Rey

MemphisKisses: phew....

CookieJar1957: wear you out, did I? haha

allshookup77: Love this big band Christmas music! Great stuff Rey! Excellent video too, the images were excellent! Enjoyed this very much! ... FrAnK (★★★★★)

CookieJar1957: Hi Frank - So glad you enjoyed this post. Thank you for your great comment and for all the stars. Rey

rturnerful: Dear Cookie1957: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for awakening some memories I haven't remembered in a long time. It's folks like you that are truly contributing to the welfare and kindness of others. IF you didn't care, you wouldn't have posted anything. How sweet that was of you. Again.. Many Thanks... Affectionately..Rturnerful

CookieJar1957: Hi - Thank you so much for your wonderful comment. I greatly appreciate it. Rey

NunzioRaso: Great Rendition...a classic!

CookieJar1957: Thank you for your comment on this one.

infinera06: There's nothing like the power and dynamics of big band music, especially played on a great system! Love it!

CookieJar1957: Thank you. Glad you enjoyed this.

Greg51693: I love the trumpet solo from 2:35 to 3:00

mrlaymansterms1: Thanks for putting this up Cookie. I've not heard this version until now, and am loving it. Merry Chrstmas to you and yours

CookieJar1957: Thank you. I appreciate your watching and commenting on this post. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours.

KurtVachon: This is a great randition! It makes me wonder if there is a Benny Goodman version. I love this old music, my grandfather used to play it for me, in fact I most likely have this on vinyl somewhere down in my basement!

mbtgask: You have very beautiful Christmas music here. I remember my parents so much. Your collection just brought tears to my eyes. Thank you!

wyliesnyder: Great posting Rey. Thank you for sharing Paul.

CookieJar1957: Thank you. I'm happy that this music brought you good memories. Have a Merry Christmas.

CookieJar1957: Hi Judy - I'm glad you enjoyed this. Thank you. Rey

iVideoiTube: Your info is wrong, he recorded many songs, I have an entire Album of them and that's not even the surface of all he recorded.....please update your info.

CookieJar1957: The only Christmas song that the orchestra recorded while Glenn Miller was it's leader was Jingle Bells in October of 1941.

gtpluvr: Awesome music!!!

Author: CookieJar1957; Uploaded: Nov 5, 2009; Duration: 3:46; Views: 6868

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