| Jackie Gleason was most famous for his television shows, but he also created a career for himself in the world of music. He directed, and tried his hand at conducting, an orchestra that he helped mold to produce the type of smooth, romantic music that he liked. (He was also a big fan of loud, raucous dixieland jazz.) In addition, he even came up with the tunes to some of the songs himself. Besides many recordings of the Jackie Gleason Orchestra, Gleason also recorded songs from his television show and the soundtrack to the Broadway musical Take Me Along. |
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And Awaaay We Go!
This is a collection of Gleason singing the theme songs of his most famous characters: Ralph Kramden, Joe, the Bartender, the Poor Soul, Reggie van Gleason III, Charlie, the Loudmouth, and Fenwick Babbitt. In addition, three purely orchestral recordings are included: Melancholy Serenade (the Jackie Gleason Show theme song), You're My Greatest Love (the Honeymooners theme), and Our Love is Here to Stay (the music often played at the end of a Honeymooners' episode as Ralph apologized to Alice). Two comic poems are also recited by Gleason in the character of the aristocrat Reggie van Gleason III. Gleason's singing is not the greatest, but this is a wonderful collection for fans of the Jackie Gleason Show and Gleason's numerous and unique characters. |
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The Romantic Moods Of Jackie Gleason
This CD is perhaps the best collection of various of Gleason's songs. It includes the Jackie Gleason Orchestra versions of numerous popular songs from the past turned into mood music, as well as "Melancholy Serenade," the theme song of the Jackie Gleason show. The liner notes on Gleason and his music are thorough, informative, and interesting. (2 discs, 31 songs) |