Sleigh Ride/The Glenn Miller Orchestra

It's been almost 66 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.

The idea for a Christmas album was planted on the Glenn Miller Orchestra bus in the late 1960s. Dale Thompson and Richy Barz, then members of the road band (Buddy DeFranco was the leader), were sitting next to each other. As often happened, the conversation got around to "What-do-you-think-Glenn-would-be-recording-now-if-he-was-still-around?" stage. One or the other sputtered, "How about an album of Christmas songs?" It didn't happen then, but two decades later, Richard Wilhoyte, one of the hordes of Glenn Miller buffs around the world, heard about it all from Dale. His instant reaction: "Let's do it...now!"

A list of desirable players was drawn up. There were a few requisites -- musicians had to be working currently, only alumni of the Glenn Miller Orchestra would be recruited, each individual had to have recognized and outstanding talent, each veteran had to be able to take a leave-of-absence from his current "gig" and, of course, be available to come to New York to record. The final lineup of musicians totaled more than 102 years of experience recreating the authentic Miller "sound." The result of this collaboration was the album In The Christmas Mood.

"Sleigh Ride" is a popular light orchestral piece composed by Leroy Anderson. The composer had the original idea for the piece during a heat wave in July 1946; he finished the work in February 1948. Lyrics, about a person who would like to ride in a sleigh on a winter's day with another person, were written by Mitchell Parish in 1950. The orchestral version 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. This original mono version has never been available on CD, although the later 1959 re-recording is available in stereo. The orchestra has also recorded the song with John Williams, their conductor from 1979 to 1995, and Keith Lockhart, their current conductor.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• pop
• light
• orchestral
• big
• band
• swing
• Glenn
• Miller
• Orchestra
• Leroy
• Anderson

[stecklein7]

Glenn Miller and his Orchestra has always had a very special place in my heart and across my face :) My mother and I would break out in dance whenever we hear his music. She is pushing 80. We bake cinnamon rolls to his music on 33 vinyl :) Warm memories. Thanks so much for posting this!!

[CookiesDen2]

I'm pleased you enjoyed this post and that it brought you some warm memories. Thanks for your lovely comment.

[mecwag]

Rey, Thanks for all the great posts. I thoroughly enjoy The Glenn Miller Orchestra's rendition of Sleigh Ride. I like almost all of Glenn Miller's music. When watching the Glenn Miller Story, I think to myself "It's a shame that Tex Beneke was not asked to appear". He was such an integral part of the band.

Thanks Again,

Mark Cromer - "MecWag)

[CookiesDen2]

Thank you Mark for taking the time to watch and for your great comment. I appreciate it.

Rey

[KathyK1950]

Wow...GLen Miller is a legend...This is a great post Rey, and i'm happy to have found it.....Many stars********** and Thumbs up high....

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!!

Kathy xoxo

[CookiesDen2]

Hi Kathy -

Thank you for your lovely comment, all the stars and the thumbs up. I'm happy you enjoyed this.

Happy New Year to you too!

Rey

[MrMaymac]

In the Christmas Mood 1 This album is wonderful with a wonderful orchestra that brings joy to Christmas, there could be none other than The Glenn Miller Orchestra.

❄❄Merry Christmas❄❄

[IngridHexerl]

THIS IS A FANTASTIC PRESENTATION

THE PICTURES ARE WONDERFUL AS ALWAYS *****

I love the Glenn Miller Orchestra

The neighing of the end is original :D

HAVE A NICE EVENING AND A GREAT SUNDAY REY

HUGS

[chrispab]

.....and John La Barbera arranged it.

[m2tt7]

365 to christmas :D

[bobbyjoe12s]

Wow, thanks so much for posting this, classic tunes, wonderful images, all this has got me into the spirit of Christmas! Fabulous.

[ThePampillo00]

Glenn Miller is just amazing!! I love his music, and I cant believe you post this, this is my favorite christmas song...and played by his orchestra is the best!!! thanks!!!

[MIAUWKES123]

We love Glenn miller ! because his music was the only thing that made my mother happy during world war 2 . thank you ! someone from Belgium .

[mattdaddyful]

@cowboyzsuk81 I know RIGHT?!?!?..I LOVE THIS STUFF

[JohnDeere47AR]

I can't believe that my high school jazz band is playing the original arrangement of this song!

[swimmerB0B]

...and i'm going to southern california and buy the biggest ranch i can afford.