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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.
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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