Update: Rosemary Clooney: Big Band Singer will be re-broadcast on Saturday, August 3rd at 10pm.
This two-hour special, in honor of her 85th birthday on May 23rd, focuses on the big band career of local favorite Rosemary Clooney. Beginning with her performances with the Tony Pastor Band, the special highlights other big bands she worked with including Duke Ellington, Nelson Riddle, Woody Herman, and Count Basie. You’ll enjoy songs from Rosemary Clooney’s 1956 show, plus, interviews with some of her family and friends, including her brother Nick; friend and host of Song Travels on WVXU, Michael Feinstein; jazz vocalist Amy London; drummer Jeff Hamilton; and Cincinnati Pops violinist Stacy Woolley. Hosted by Bill Cartwright and produced by Lee Hay.
Track List:
Hour 1
1. “Straighten Up and Fly Right” from her Concord album “Girl Singer.” This introduction is from the Clooney Sisters’ March 1945 audition tape. WVXU restored this audio from a virtually inaudible piece of acetate.
2. “Sisters” from the “Mother & Daughters” Concord album with Paul Weston and His Orchestra. Betty and Rosemary recorded this on June 23, 1954.
3. “Bargain Day” was originally released in 1949 with the Tony Pastor Orchestra. This recording is from her double-cd “Songs from the Girl Singer.”
4. “Peach Tree Street” was recorded with Frank Sinatra, and the orchestra was directed by George Siravo. Released in 1950, and from Ms.Clooney’s cd set, “Songs from the Girl Singer.”
5. “Tenderly” is the opening theme of her television show featuring the Hi-Lo’s and the Nelson Riddle Orchestra. From “Songs from the Classic Television Show” on Concord. By 1956, Rosemary Clooney was at the peak of her fame.
6. “I Can’t Believe That You’re in Love with Me” is also from her television show. Note: Michael Feinstein wrote the liner notes to the cd, “Songs from the Classic Television Show,” a cd which he also produced.
7. “How Will I Remember You” was dedicated to Nelson Riddle for reasons both personal and professional. This song may be found on her album, “Demi-Centennial” released on Concord in 1995.
8. “Someone to Watch Over Me” was recorded with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra in 1961. She was 32 years old and in love with Nelson Riddle, but there were complications since both were married to others at the time. From the album “Love” on Reprise.
9. “Mood Indigo” was recorded with Duke Ellington and His Orchestra for Columbia on the album, “Blue Rose” in 1956.
10. “Ya Got Class,” from the cd set “Songs from the Girl Singer,” was a radio performance for the Bob Hope Show and broadcast in 1954.
11. “On a Slow Boat to China” with Bing Crosby, arranged and conducted by Billy May, was released in 1958. This song may also be found on the cd set, “Songs from the Girl Singer.”
12. “You’re in Kentucky” features the original arrangements of Nelson Riddle from the mid-50’s. From her Concord album, “Dedicated to Nelson” which was recorded in 1995.
Hour 2
Rosemary Clooney "Fascinating Rhythm" From the Album Sings the Lyrics of Ira Gershwin
Rosemary Clooney "Just You, Just Me" From the Album Songs from the Classic Television Show
Rosemary Clooney "I'm the Big Band Singer" From the Album Sentimental Journey
Rosemary Clooney "I'll Be Around" From the Album Sophisticated Lady
Michael Feinstein "Isn't It a Pity" From the Album Pure Gershwin
Rosemary Clooney "Strike Up the Band" From the Album Sings the Lyrics of Ira Gershwin
Rosemary Clooney "The Glory of Love" From the Album My Buddy
Rosemary Clooney "How Deep is the Ocean" From the Album Still on the Road
Rosemary Clooney "Ol' Man River" From the Album Still on the Road
Rosemary Clooney "It Just Happened to Happen to Me" From the Album At Long Last
Links:
Rosemary Clooney
Nick Clooney
Michael Feinstein
Jeff Hamilton
Amy London
Mike Martini
Stacey Wooley