Recording information: Chicago, IL (1941-1962); Los Angeles, CA (1941-1962); New York, NY (1941-1962).
One of the most revered arranger/conductors of the post-war era, Nelson Riddle was also an excellent composer and musician in his own right. His orchestrations for Frank Sinatra in the 1950s are legendary, but his work can be heard on songs by Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, and Ella Fitzgerald, among others. This four-disc collection features over 100 tracks showcasing his early years with the Charlie Spivak Orchestra, through his peak years arranging for the top stars at Capitol Records, where he even found time to release several of his own records. ~ Timothy Monger