Jackie Gleason - wow

Ah, how I remember those albums. Struck gold years ago and found a CD version of 'The Romantic Moods of Jackie Gleason' - but it's really not so rare now. Memories of my dad and I at the Magnavox. Something very 'Great Generation'-al about the smooth sound. Remember distinctly Bobby Hackett's cornet. Was so surprised to hear my favorite Gleason tune -'Laura' - in the 97 movie 'L.A. Confidential' - thought so few knew of or listened to Gleason. Good late night listening.

Very talented in a variety of arenas. Singing. Dancing. Oh, yeah, comedy, too!

Truth be told it was Bobby Hackett that did most of the arrangements as the years went on. Bobby knew what Gleason Liked and Gleason had the final say and if it was to be pressed. Rumour has it when Gleason came up with the idea he asked for 50,000 from Capitol Records for the first record and well he made them millions. I have almost all of Gleasons records,My Mom just loves the sound of the horn and strings in his recordings. Last month I found a copy of Lonesome Echo in mint shape on Vinyl featuring the cover Salvador Dali created for the album. A week later I found a 7 inch EP of the same record and cover in mint shape to add to my collection.
Bobby Hackett was a hard bopper before working for Gleason,his music can be found in a very good Mosiac box set.

You can always find treasures on Thrift stores. I picked up a few cd's on mint condition.
Gleason was born to make us laugh. :)