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Considered by many as one of the greatest arrangers in the history of American popular music, Nelson Riddle was and is still well known for his talents. Having arranged for and played with big band greats Charlie Spivak and Tommy Dorsey in the 40s, he found his own sound in working with many famous vocalists from the 50’s into the 80’s: Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Dean Martin, Rosemary Clooney, and Linda Ronstadt. He also composed for movies and TV.
Read the extended biography.

As this website is a tribute to Nelson Riddle and his music, it would be incomplete without some input from Jonathan Schwartz who has always acknowledged the great gift Nelson Riddle gave to American popular music. Whether speaking from WNEW,WNYC or even XM Radio Channel 73, Jonathan has truly been doing a good job of keeping the music of Nelson Riddle out there. The following is the accolade Jonathan wrote for the back of Dad's book on arranging:
 
Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and Nelson Riddle stand, in my judgement, at the spine of American popular music. Nelson's voice, like the others, changed our thinking, pushed us forward, addressed us with startling originality. The scope of his talent dwarfs all other arrangers. His obvious pleasure in delegating authority-to the oboe, flute, bass trombone, muted trumpet, organ, bassoon, vibraphone-while still remaining in full control of his administration; his overseeing without overstating the strings; his own private melodies that whisper respectfully under the Gershwin or Kern or Rodgers on the table; his out and out passion that informs every bar of every arrangement. All these things are actively combined in the immense body of work that stands as one of the great achievements in American arts. To find that Nelson, personally, is a droll, tender, reclusive and richly intelligent fellow, adds a special kind of luster to my fondness for him, devotion to him. The book you are holding is about music. There is no more qualified an author available..
Anywhere.

Jonathan Schwartz
WNEW
 


  • The powerful synergy of Nelson Riddle and Frank Sinatra’s collaborations, producing Frank Sinatra’s most famous albums and singles like “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”
     
  • Cross Country Suite, a 1958 Grammy winning series of compositions written about some of the most beautiful parts of our country
     
  • Nelson Riddle’s exceptional arrangements for Ella Fitzgerald’s 1959 Gershwin Songbook
     
  • 1970 Oscar winning adaptation score written for “Great Gatsby”
     
  • 1983 Grammy award winning album “What’s New” with Linda Ronstadt
     
  • 1985 Grammy award winning album “Lush Life” with Linda Ronstadt
     
  • Received his star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in August 1974



  • For more information on Nelson Riddle, the following books are available:

  • Arranged by Nelson Riddle  by Nelson Riddle
     
  • September in the Rain, The Life of Nelson Riddle  by Peter Levinson


  • Sessions with Sinatra  by Chuck Granata


  • Sinatra! The Song is You  by Wil Friedwald



  • Why Sinatra Matters  by Pete Hamill
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