This is the website that has collected decades of information about Ray Conniff's
extraordinary and long career. Here you will find details about his recordings,
musicians and singers he worked with and much more.
The Ray Conniff Encyclopedia with its 406 pages (searchable pdf-file, ca. 28
MB) provides a wealth of information. The latest version is dated April 16, 2024.
WISHING ALL RAY CONNIFF FANS AROUND THE GLOBE A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PEACEFUL 2017!
Click the album cover for HAPPINESS!
(Thanks to Jorge Carpes for this clip.)
January 8, 2017:
It is with sadness that I have to inform you that on New Year’s Day, one of Ray’s most
ardent fans, my dear friend Michael Leach passed away. He was listening to Ray
Conniff's '20 Greatest Hits' at the time. His health had deteriorated rapidly in the past
weeks and, after a short period in hospital, he returned home for 'end of life care'. It
was a great comfort to his family that he was able to spend his final hours in his own
bed with members of the family at his side. Michael attended many of Ray’s concerts
and also his 80th birthday party in Hollywood. He once showed him around in
Stratford-Upon-Avon.
In order to pay homage to this wonderful person, I reproduced his report of his trip to
Brazil in 1998 as featured in “’s Conniff #4/1998”. Mike will be sadly missed.
January 23, 2017:
HARD TO FIND JUKEBOX CLASSICS: THE 50s
features 31 tracks in true STEREO. Conniff aficionados will be delighted to find three of
the backings Ray did for Johnny Mathis on this CD:
•
WONDERFUL! WONDERFUL!
•
IT’S NOT FOR ME TO SAY
•
THE TWELFTH OF NEVER
February 14, 2017:
The Ray Conniff Encyclopedia
revised: The Big Band Years, part 1: composers and more details added.
If you find an entry saying “composer unknown” and can provide details, please contact me.
Thank you!
February 23, 2017:
An interview with Ray Conniff by Wink Martindale (about 40
minutes) can be downloaded as an audiobook by clicking on the
picture on the left. To me, it has been unknown so far. Enjoy!
Some statements by Ray concerning Johnny Mathis and his recording
of “The welfth of Never” are also included in another Wink Martindale
interview (36 min).
These audio books are available from Amazon worldwide.
April 1/4, 2017
May 4/5, 2017:
Available from April 7/14, 2017:
THE PERFECT ‘TEN’ CLASSICS / TV THEMES
as downloadable albums from Columbia/Legacy. “Classics” features ELEVEN tracks,
like the CD release on the Collectables label in 2008. “Excerpts from Beethoven’s
Moonlight Sonata” counts as a bonus track. In Europe, it replaced “Ravel’s Bolero”
because of copyright reasons when the album was released in Europe .
Other official releases from Columbia/Legacy include RHAPSODY IN RHYTHM,
CONCERT IN STEREO (LIVE AT THE SAHARA/TAHOE), CONCERT IN RHYTHM, VOL.
II, THE NASHVILLE CONNECTION (with bonus tracks) and DANCE THE BOP!*,
HOLLYWOOD IN RHYTHM* and AFTER THE LOVIN’* As for original albums with
original artwork, click here. (*To be released May 12)
This is our new representative for the United Kingdom:
Steve Clark
36 Spinney Road
BARNWOOD
Gloucester
Glos. GL 4 3 YX
If you want to send him an email, just click on his photograph.
Thanks, Steve, for filling in for Mike, who passed away earlier this year.
June 1, 2017:
June 7, 2017:
Last week Doug found a 1991 radio show hosted by Ray, titled
AMERICA’S BALLROOM. It was distributed on two Lps with program
notes. Clemens kindly edited the two hour show, de-clicked the sound
and eliminated background noise.
Ken added some tracks to the end of the 80 minute special and put in
some transitional jingles between segments so it's 90 minutes. It will be
on HUMBOLDT 101 on Saturday, June 10th at 4:00 p.m. PT and again
Sunday, June 11th at 10:00 a.m. - that’s 1 a.m. and 7 p.m. central
European time (UK: Midnight and 6 p.m.).
Enjoy! (Note: Ken added “They Way You Look Tonight”, “June Night”,
“Around the World”, and “For the Good Times” (take 6).
WATCH THIS SPACE for more shows with Ray on Humboldt 101!
Click on the
loudspeaker symbol
below to listen to the
promo jingle of the
programme.
June 13, 2017:
HUMBOLDT 101 will feature more radio shows with DJ Ray. The
series will air on consecutive Sundays at 10 a.m. Pacific Time -
that’s 7 p.m. central European time (UK: 6 p.m.). It will start this
Sunday, June 18. These radio shows are from 1990. Every program is
60 minutes and will be aired twice. Listen as Ray Conniff plays his
hand-picked selection of music from his own repertoire to Johnny
Mathis, Elvis Presley, Harry Belafonte, Hugo Winterhalter, Pat Boone,
Frank Sinatra, Fats Domino, Doris Day, Eileen Rodgers, Debbie
Reynolds, The Everly Brothers, Marty Robbins, Count Basie, Harry
James and many others.
Airs through August 6.
Click on the
loudspeaker symbol
below to listen to the
promo jingle of the
programmes.
July 1, 2017:
Ray Conniff Memorial Concert to feature 17-piece big band
ATTLEBORO — A free performance by a 17-piece big band, the
fabulous Dan Gabel and The Abletones, will climax a tribute to
the centennial of Attleboro music legend Ray Conniff on Sunday,
July 16 at Capron Park. More…
Please note that Jorge Iório’s Lyrics Page moved to a new address. The page still needs a couple of minor
corrections, notably lyrics in other languages than English which have special letters, such as ã, ñ or ö. Jorge is
currently working on this matter. He added transcriptions of the Russian (Cyrillic) lyrics in Roman letters so that
you can sing along. Thanks a lot, Jorge, for your efforts!
Please access the new site via links from this page. I will have to update the links on most subpages still.
Note: Jorge’s page has been appropriately re-titled (”The Ray Conniff Songs and Lyrics Page”), because soon
you will not only find the lyrics of Ray’s songs there, but you can listen to the songs as well.
August 26/
September 18, 2017:
September 21, 2017:
Click here for a selection of full page advertisements for Ray Conniff’s records,
featured e.g. in Billboard and Cashbox.
On the left: One of the latest additions. Many more will be uploaded soon.
September 25, 2017:
One of these original tote bags would be the first prize for the winner of the traditional Ray
Conniff Quiz during the next Ray Conniff Fan Convention - if there is one, that is.
Volunteers, where are you?
October 4, 2017:
NEW SUBPAGE: Promo material (flyers, leaflets, cards)
Today, 15 years ago, Ray Conniff passed away. Time to remember him by listening to a radio show from 1971.
October 12, 2017:
October 26, 2017:
On Monday, November 6, Ray Conniff would have been 101. In order to pay homage to
him, internet radio station Humboldt101 will be
RAYCONNIFF101
during the preceding weekend. Tune in, listen and enjoy!
November 6, 2017:
In order to pay homage to Ray on his 101st birthday, click here for a slide show of 101 album covers.
Click on the cover scan of Ray
Conniff’s 4th Christmas album to
listen to Christmas greetings from
Ray (recorded in 1962).
December 2, 2017:
Dutton Vocalion is now accepting pre-orders for two
more Ray Conniff SACDs (4 quad albums). Please
click on the cover scans for details.
December 18, 2017:
Some fans received their
copies early December.
January 8, 2018:
RELEASE DATE FOR
GERMANY:
January 19, 2018
For more information on SACDs
featuring both Stereo and Multi-
Channel sounds, please visit
Doug’s Ray Conniff Page at
www.rayconniff.info.
December 18, 2017:
Sony Mexico released a 3-CD set in their Tesoros de Colección series in November.
The 42 song set sells for about US $6 in Mexico:
CD1: 1 Besame Mucho 2 Lisbon Antigua 3 The Way You Look Tonight 4 The White Cliffs
of Dover 5 Say It with Music 6 Feelings 7 Frenesi 8 Love Me Tender 9 Someone 10
Patricia, It’s Patricia 11 Strange Music 12 Tammy 13 Moments To Remember 14 Don't
Cry for Me Argentina
CD2: 1 Brazil 2 Stranger in Paradise 3 The Poor People of Paris 4 Memories Are Made of
This 5 Memory 6 Paloma Blanca 7 Around the World 8 I've Got You Under My Skin
9 Early In The Morning 10 Lullaby of Birdland 11 Three Coins in the Fountain 12 's
Wonderful 13 All I Have To Do Is Dream 14 The Continental*
CD3: 1 Beyond the Sea 2 Tico-Tico 3 El Condor Pasa (If I Could) 4 Thanks for the
Memory 5 Spanish Eyes 6 As Time Goes By 7 Red Roses For A Blue Lady 8 Something
9 Jamaica Farewell 10 The Whiffenpoof Song 11 Leaving On A Jet Plane 12 Sing 13 Kiss
and Say Goodbye 14 September Song* (*not by Ray Conniff!)
For details please
click here.
January 8, 2018:
On January 7, 2018, Tamara Conniff published this sad news
on her Facebook page:
Johnny Mathis fans had to invest quite a
sum in a 68 CD set in December 2017.
Disk No. 67 (titled “Odds & Ends”) features
a previously unreleased version of "Tea-
cher, Teacher" with Ray Conniff, his Orche-
stra and Chorus. The version most of us
know was recorded with Ray Ellis and his
Orchestra.
January 21, 2018:
March 17, 2018:
LO CLÁSICO DE RAY CONNIFF
3 CD set, 60 tracks; Mexico 2018 (SKU: 7509979082206)
CD #1: Bésame Mucho / Brazil / Tico Tico / Too Young / Temptation / The Way You Look
Tonight / Tammy / Memories Are Made Of This / Green Eyes / That Old Feeling / As Time
Goes By / Young At Heart / Love Story / I Only Have Eyes For You / Young Love / I'm In
The Mood For Love / All The Things You Are / You'll Never Know / Softly As In A Morning
Sunrise / What The World Needs Now Is Love
CD #2: Stranger In Paradise / Say It With Music / Only You / Three Coins In Fountain / It's
Been A Long, Long Time / The Song from Moulin Rouge / Love Is A Many Splendored
Thing / I’ll Be Seeing You / You're The Cream Of My Coffee / April In Paris / Somewhere My Love / Sentimental
Journey / Dancing In The Dark / Night And Day / My Foolish Heart / Summertime / 's Wonderful / Greenfields /
These Foolish Things / Unchained Melody
CD #3: La Mer (Beyond The Sea) / I've Got You Under My Skin / The Continental / Around The World / The
Green Leaves Of Summer / It Had To Be You / Lovely To Look At / The Very Thought Of You / If I Loved You /
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes / I Hear A Rhapsody / Love Me Tender / Lullaby Of Birland / Lisboa Antigua / No Other
Love / Harbour Lights / Volare / Moonlight Serenade / Deep Purple / Say It Isn't So
June 9, 2018:
In early May I was granted permission by Tamara Conniff to
examine her dad‘s diaries and tons of material, such as
photographs, vídeos, audio tapes etc. All the information I
collected will gradually go into The Ray Conniff
Encyclopedia. Check it out often for updates, corrections,
modifications etc.
One of my findings was a 27 page promo set for Ray Conniff‘s 1963 West Coast
Tour. Click here or on the scan on the left to study it.
July 11, 2018:
A „West Coast
Convention“ in May
2018 in the garden of
Kevin and Tamara‘s
home.
September 3, 2018:
For exciting news please click on the photograph on the left. It shows Rick
Gerber, conductor of one of the Glenn Miller orchestras and Ray‘s
daughter Tamara. I had the honour of meeting Rick at Tamara's home in
early May, and they both excitedly told me about the forthcoming project,
but I did not intend to reveal anything about it until I knew it would
materialise.
And here is more great news: You will be pleased to know that Rick is
preparing a "new" Christmas song that he plans to release about October 1
to select radio stations as "recorded by The New Ray Conniff Orchestra &
Singers". He has been working with an arranger from Springfield and they
completed all recording of the instrumental big band in July and will be
adding the vocal group parts about the first week in September. Rick did an
extensive search on the tune and from all indications it appears that the
one and only group to have ever played it was Glenn Miller's Army Air
Force Orchestra on broadcasts of Saturday, December 18, 1943 and again
on Christmas day, two broadcasts at 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Any specialist
among you who knows the title?
Ready to revive Ray Conniff‘s sound
Get ready for the HELP THE HOMELESS HELP THEMSELVES
concert from 11/22/96! Dick Bogert recorded the show, and
Humboldt 101 will present it three times this weekend.
October 3, 2018:
Here is a message to all Ray Conniff fans from saxophonist/composer/arranger Brent Vaughan:
For all of you Ray Conniff fans that have been dreaming of a new Conniff recording, we hope that you will enjoy
this:
Songwriter Buck Ram composed and published the song "I'll Be Home For Christmas (Tho' Just In Memory)"
in 1942. The following year, Bing Crosby, hot off of the success of "White Christmas," recorded a song with a
similar title by Walter Kent and Kim Gannon, that came after Ram had published his. A court battle ensued, and
Ram was awarded composer credit, for royalties, for the more familiar song and ordered not to do anything with
his own song until 1945. Buck opted not to do anything with his own song. Minus the broadcasts of the song in
the middle of Glenn Miller's Christmas Medley (sung by Johnny Desmond), there are no known recordings of
Buck Ram's original song...
...until now.
We are pleased to present a brand-new recording of the long-neglected Buck Ram composition "I'll Be Home For
Christmas (Tho' Just In Memory)" (As Recorded By The New Ray Conniff Orchestra & Singers), complete
with the original song verse which has never been recorded. (Purchase and download link is attached below.)
I had the privilege of writing the vocal and instrumental arrangements of this song, plus playing saxophones and
being part of the vocal group, for this recording that will launch the New Ray Conniff Orchestra & Singers next
year. The group will be under the direction of Rick Gerber, who has done extensive work with various Glenn
Miller Orchestra units, dating back to working with Ray McKinley in the early 60's and leading various GMO units
overseas for throngs of Miller-hungry fans.
As for myself, having always been a fan of this song from the Miller medley, I have wanted the chance to do
something with it for over twenty-five years, especially since no one outside of the most dedicated Glenn Miller
fans even know the song. When you look at the personnel listed, you will find some VERY familiar names among
the singers!
Ray Conniff was a great musician who came up through the ranks of many great bands and made his mark in the
music world when large groups were going by the wayside. I hope that you will enjoy the presentation of this
great old song, in a great old way, with a brand new arrangement and recording!
I also wish to thank Jorge Carpes and Manfred Thönicke for their support and encouragement in our efforts to
promote the Conniff Legacy: preserving its past and looking forward to the future.
Merry Christmas!
November 29, 2018:
Click on the picture to learn more about the song,
the musicians and singers etc.
The song is available for download only.
‘tis the season to be jolly with Ray Conniff‘s four Christmas albums Christmas with Conniff, We Wish You a
Merry Christmas, Ray Conniff‘s Christmas Album Here We Come A-Caroling (Note: all three can be
purchased in a 2 CD set titled The Complete Columbia Christmas Recordings) and ‘s Christmas.
Click on Ray‘s picture on the left to listen to Christmas greetings from Ray and the Singers (1962).
December 12, 2018:
Dutton Vocalion has announced that they will be releasing The Happy Sound of Ray
Conniff and Love Story on a quadraphonic SACD in mid January 2019! You can pre-
order copies by clicking on the cover scan on the left.
•
Tamara Conniff will be doing a memorabilia exhibit of her dad’s photos, gold albums, trombone, Grammy,
etc. in Attleboro at the Arts Museum from 15th to 22nd February 2019.
•
And in May 2019, she will be presenting a music scholarship to a student at Attleboro High School in her
dad’s honor.
•
And… things are shaping up for a tour of The New Ray Conniff Orchestra and Singers, directed by Rick
Gerber, this spring. Rehearsals will start in January, and the opening night is planned for March 1. Watch
this space for more news about the tour.
•
The latest Grinch movie features Ray Conniff‘s rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas“, and the movie
Roma features Ray‘s rendition of “Those Were the Days“..
December 19, 2018 /
January 9, 2019:
February 2, 2019:
Dear Ray Conniff Fans,
Three years have passed since the last Ray Conniff Fan Convention in Hamburg, Germany. Normally,
conventions took place every two years. Places where we gathered included Paris, Amsterdam, Chantilly,
London, Basle, Pratteln, Cardiff, Berlin, Essen, Brussels, Barcelona and Rome. Our dear friend Francis
Charrière, who organised the wonderful 2009 Convention in Chantilly and Paris, hinted to me he would be
ready and willing to organise another one. (Thanks, Francis!)
He suggested Lille, a beautiful town in the north of France, which is near the Belgian border, about 115 km
distant from Brussels. As it might be difficult to find a decent hotel for a large group there because of the
tercentennial festivities in Lille, he suggested Roubaix, another beautiful town, not far away from Lille for
accommodation. A one day trip to Lille would be included in the itinerary.
A quick survey among the usual participants revealed that the last weekend of October (October 25-27, that
is) would suit most of them. We expect fans from Switzerland, England, France, Germany, Belgium, The
Netherlands, Russia, The Philippines, and hopefully from other countries, too. Should YOU be interested in
participating, please send a short message to Francis Charrière so that we can count you in and inform you
about our plans, options, expenses etc.
For more information on the Ray
Conniff Memorabilia Exhibition at
the Attleboro Arts Museum, click
on Ray‘s picture on the left.
February 19, 2019:
Learn all about
A BACKSTAGE TOUR,
the exhibition at the Attleboro
Arts Museum on February 16 to
honour Attleboro‘s native son,
Ray Conniff, by clicking on
Tamara Conniff‘s picture on the
left. Doug Mitchell and his
daughter Jenna (pictured on
the right with Tamara) were
there and took many
photographs. More will be
added soon.
Re: Ray Conniff Fan Convention in Lille/Roubaix
For first information such as scheduled events, how to get there, expenses etc. click here (March 4, 2019).
Detailled information No. 2 uploaded March 20, 2019.
March 6/20, 2019:
March 14, 2019:
The 3 CD set “Don Cherry - Singles Collection 1950-59“ features some of Ray
Conniff‘s finest backings. Disc No. 3 includes 21 tracks arranged and backed by Ray
Conniff, his Orchestra and Chorus plus one of his arrangements. For track details
and other information click on the cover scan on the left.
April 20, 2019:
Re-released on May 24, 2019:
“EIGHT CLASSIC ALBUMS“ - a 4 CD set on the Reel to Reel Music label, featuring
the following albums:
IT‘S THE TALK OF THE TOWN, YOUNG AT HEART, SAY IT WITH
MUSIC, MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS, SOMEBODY LOVES ME,
‘S CONTINENTAL, SO MUCH IN LOVE and THE HAPPY BEAT.
These eight albums were released on a 4 CD set with the same title on
the Real Gone Music label in July 2013. See cover scan on the right.
July 25, 2019:
The quadraphonic mixes of THE WAY WE WERE and HARMONY can now be
ordered at Dutton Vocalion. Click on the cover scan for details.
This means, ten out of Ray‘s twelve quadraphonic albums are now available on the
Vocalion label. The remaining two qudraphonic albums are I Write the Songs and
Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song.
Band leader Bruno Rodrigues dedicates a part of his concerts to Ray Conniff, although
he does not imitate his arrangements. However, he creates a musical sound and style
that is clearly influenced by Ray. If you want to listen to samples, (and are a Facebook
subscriber, that is) please click here.
The picture on the right shows Bruno with Ray.
September 6, 2019:
November 8, 2019:
November 8, 2019:
“EIGHT CLASSIC ALBUMS, VOL. 2“, a previously released 4 CD set, featuring
some of Ray Conniff‘s finest albums (inclusive of a delightful album he recorded with
singer Don Cherry) recorded between 1955 and 1962, has become available again
with a new cover on November 1, 2019, at a very low price.
The 2019 International Ray Conniff Fan Convention in Lille and
Rubaix (France) was a huge success thanks to organiser Francis
Charrière. People attending were from the USA, Russia, Poland,
The Philippines, Brazil, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Belgium,
France, Germany and Switzerland. Ray Conniff would have been
very pleased with the big band who performed some of his
arrangements on Saturday night, October 26.
For Ray Conniff‘s complete Christmas greetings he taped for
Columbia Records, click here!
Click on the cover
scans for further
details.
March 27 /
September 2, 2020:
SWING COLLECTION
This is a 3 CD set featuring the
following albums:
•
Hollywood in Rhythm
•
Say It With Music
•
Dance the Bop!
BIG BAND SWING
This is a 2 CD set featuring the
albums
•
‘s Wonderful!
•
Christmas With Conniff
WINTER WONDERLAND features all tracks
from “Christmas With Conniff“.
November 9, 2020:
RAY CONNIFF - 114 Beautiful Melodies is the title of a 5 CD set available in the UK.
Click on the cover scan on the left for details. It features ten complete albums:
•
Broadway in Rhythm (12 tracks, 14 tunes)
•
Hollywood in Rhythm
•
It‘s the Talk of the Town
•
Young at Heart
•
Say It With Music
•
Memories Are Made of This
•
Somebody Loves Me
•
So Much in Love
•
‘s Continental
•
The Happy Beat
March 31, 2021,
April 15/20/28 /
May 15, 2021/
January 23, 2022 /
February 10, 2022:
Ray Conniff‘s second album “DANCE THE BOP“ was recorded in mono only, but thanks to DES*-technology
(*Digitally Extracted Stereo) three tracks from this album are now available in glorious stereo. Click on the scans
on the left and below and enjoy! (Thanks to Bob Zwolinski, who produced two of them., others are by Jacob6657
and Clemens.)
www.rayconniff.com is written, designed, created, and
maintained by Manfred Thönicke in Hamburg, Germany.
Manfred's email: thoenicke@t-online.
Added April 15, 2021:
“Hand Around“; added
April 20, 2021: “Honky-
Tonk Rock Around“, added
April 28, 2021: “Just
Boppin‘“ (audio produced
by Jacob6657, video by
Clemens); added May 15:
“Walkin‘ and Whistlin‘“ and
“Monica Lewis‘
‘Somebody Else Will‘“ /
Click on the scans of the
other ones and enjoy!
July 2, 2021:
Attention, vinyl lovers: On July 30, 2021 a
compilation 12“ LP was released (at least in
Germany) with the title LATIN ROCK.
Originally, it was a 10“ LP with 8 tracks released
in Japan. The 12“ LP features 18 tracks from
Ray‘s early albums. For details click on the
scan on the right. Available from e.g. jpc.de and
amazon.de.
Released Sept.
24, 2021:
An Lp titled
THE BEST OF
RAY CONNIFF
THE 2022 INTERNATIONAL RAY CONNIFF FAN CONVENTION
took place in Munich, Germany, from September 2 to 4. Fans from Brazil,
the USA, the UK, France, Belgium, Switzerland, The Netherlands and
Germany gathered to celebrate the music of Ray Conniff.
September 14, 2022:
February 18, 2023:
THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF RAY CONNIFF –
COMPARATIVE LISTENING, THE GREAT
ARRANGERS: RAY CONNIFF
FREE ONLINE MASTER CLASS
on Saturday, March 18, 2023 (18h00 Central
European Time). Registered persons will get a
link by email two hours before the event.
Duration: 90 minutes
For details, click on the photograph on the left.
June 29 /
October 16, 2023:
Released on September 1, 2023 on the German ZYX Records label
a CD titled WHITE CHRISTMAS, featuring all tracks from Ray Conniff‘s first Christmas
album CHRISTMAS WITH CONNIFF.
’S WONDERFUL!
The Ray Conniff Page
This is the website that has collected decades of
information about Ray Conniff's extraordinary and
long career. Here you will find details about his
recordings, musicians and singers he worked with
and much more.
The Ray Conniff Encyclopedia with its 406
pages (pdf-file, ca. 28 MB) provides a wealth of
information.
The latest version is dated April 16, 2024.
HARD TO FIND JUKEBOX CLASSICS:
THE 50s features 31 tracks in true STEREO.
Conniff aficionados will be delighted to find
three of the backings Ray did for Johnny
Mathis on this CD:
•
WONDERFUL! WONDERFUL!
•
IT’S NOT FOR ME TO SAY
•
THE TWELFTH OF NEVER
(Item added January 23, 2017)
February 14, 2017: The Ray Conniff Encyclopedia
revised: The Big Band Years, part 1: composers and more details
added.
If you find an entry saying “composer unknown” and can provide
details, please contact me. Thank you!
Feb. 23,2017: An interview with Ray Conniff
by Wink Martindale (about 40 minutes) can be
downloaded as an audiobook by clicking on the
picture on the left. To me, it has been unknown
so far. Enjoy!
Some statements by Ray concerning Johnny
Mathis and his recording of “The welfth of
Never” are also included in another Wink
Martindale interview (36 min).
These audio books are available from Amazon
worldwide.
Available from April 7/14, 2017: THE PERFECT
‘TEN’ CLASSICS / TV THEMES as
downloadable albums from Columbia/Legacy.
“Classics” featurs ELEVEN tracks, like the CD
release on the Collectables label in 2008.
“Excerpts from Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata”
counts as a bonus track. In Europe, it replaced
“Ravel’s Bolero” because of copyright reasons
when the album was released in Europe .
Other recent official releases from
Columbia/Legacy include RHAPSODY IN
RHYTHM, CONCERT IN STEREO (LIVE AT
THE SAHARA/TAHOE), CONCERT IN
RHYTHM VOL. II, THE NASHVILLE
CONNECTION (with bonus tracks),
HOLLYWOOD IN RHYTHM, AFTER THE
LOVIN’ and DANCE THE BOP! As for original
albums with original artwork, click here.
June 1, 2017: This is our new representative for the
United Kingdom:
Steve Clark
36 Spinney Road
BARNWOOD
Gloucester
Glos. GL 4 3 YX
If you want to send him an email, just click on his
photograph.
Thanks, Steve, for filling in for Mike, who passed
away earlier this year.
June 7, 2017:
Last week Doug found a 1991 radio
show hosted by Ray, titled AMERICA’S
BALLROOM. It was distributed on two Lps with
program notes. Clemens kindly edited the two
hour show, de-clicked the sound and eliminated
background noise. Ken added some tracks to
the end of the 80 minute special and put in
some transitional jingles between segments so
it's 90 minutes. It will be on
HUMBOLDT 101 on Saturday,
June 10th at 4:00 p.m. PT and
again Sunday, June 11th at 10:00
a.m. - that’s 1 a.m. and 7 p.m.
central European time (UK:
Midnight and 6 p.m.). Enjoy!
June 13, 2017: HUMBOLDT 101 will feature
more radio shows with DJ Ray. The series will
air on consecutive Sundays at 10 a.m. Pacific
Time - that’s 7 p.m. central European time (UK:
6 p.m.). It will start this Sunday, June 18. These
radio shows are from 1990. Every program is 60
minutes and will be aired twice. Listen as
Ray Conniff plays his hand-picked selection of
music from his own repertoire to Johnny Mathis
and Harry James. Airs through August 6.
July 1, 2017:
Ray Conniff Memorial Concert
to feature 17-piece big band
ATTLEBORO — A free performance by a 17-piece big
band, the fabulous Dan Gabel and The Abletones, will
climax a tribute to the centennial of Attleboro music
legend Ray Conniff on Sunday, July 16 at Capron Park.
More…
September 21, 2017:
Click here for a selection of full page
advertisements for Ray Conniff’s records,
featured e.g. in Billboard and Cashbox.
On the right: One of the latest additions.
October 4, 2017: NEW SUBPAGE: Promo material (flyers, leaflets,
cards)
October 12, 2017: Today, 15 years ago, Ray Conniff passed away.
Time to remember him by listening to a radio show from 1971 at
http://podbay.fm/show/107142034/e/1256695200?autosta
rt=1
October 26, 2017:
On Monday, November 6, Ray Conniff would
have been 101. In order to pay homage to him,
internet radio station Humboldt101 will be
RAYCONNIFF101
during the preceding weekend. Tune in, listen
and enjoy!
November 6, 2017:
In order to pay homage to Ray on
his 101st birthday, click here for a
slide show of 101 album covers.
Click on the cover scan of Ray Conniff’s
4th Christmas album to listen to Christmas
greetings from Ray (recorded in 1962).
December 2, 2017:
Dutton Vocalion is now accepting pre-orders for two more Ray
Conniff SACDs (4 quad albums). Please click on the cover scans
for details.
December 18, 2017:
Some fans received
their copies which
they had ordered two
weeks ago.
For more information on
SACDs featuring both
Stereo and Multi-
Channel sounds, please
visit Doug’s Ray Conniff
Page at
www.rayconniff.info.
Sony Mexico released a 3-CD set in their Tesoros de
Colección series. The 42 song set sells for about US $6 in
Mexico:
CD1: 1 Besame Mucho 2 Lisbon Antigua 3 The Way You
Look Tonight 4 The White Cliffs of Dover 5 Say It with
Music 6 Feelings 7 Frenesi 8 Love Me Tender 9 Someone
10 Patricia, It’s Patricia 11 Strange Music 12 Tammy 13
Moments To Remember 14 Don't Cry for Me Argentina
CD2: 1 Brazil 2 Stranger in Paradise 3 The Poor People of Paris 4 Memories
Are Made of This 5 Memory 6 Paloma Blanca 7 Around the World 8 I've Got
You Under My Skin 9 Early In The Morning 10 Lullaby of Birdland 11 Three
Coins in the Fountain 12 's Wonderful 13 All I Have To Do Is Dream 14 The
Continental CD3: 1 Beyond the Sea 2 Tico-Tico 3 El Condor Pasa (If I Could)
4 Thanks for the Memory 5 Spanish Eyes 6 As Time Goes By 7 Red Roses
For A Blue Lady 8 Something 9 Jamaica Farewell 10 The Whiffenpoof Song
11 Leaving On A Jet Plane 12 Sing 13 Kiss and Say Goodbye 14 September
Song
(Item added December 18, 2017)
On January 7, 2018, Tamara Conniff published this sad news on her Facebook
page:
January 21, 2018:
Johnny Mathis fans had to
invest quite a sum in a 68
CD set in December 2017.
Disk No. 67 (titled “Odds &
Ends”) features a
previously unreleased
version of "Teacher,
Teacher" with Ray Conniff,
his Orchestra and Chorus.
The version most of us
know was recorded with
Ray Ellis and his
Orchestra.
LO CLÁSICO DE RAY CONNIFF
3 CD set, 60 tracks; Mexico 2018 (SKU:
7509979082206)
CD #1: Bésame Mucho / Brazil / Tico Tico / Too Young /
Temptation / The Way You Look Tonight / Tammy /
Memories Are Made Of This / Green Eyes / That Old
Feeling / As Time Goes By / Young At Heart / Love Story
/ I Only Have Eyes For You / Young Love / I'm In The
Mood For Love / All The Things You Are / You'll Never Know / Softly As In A
Morning Sunrise / What The World Needs Now Is Love
CD #2: Stranger In Paradise / Say It With Music / Only You / Three Coins In
Fountain / It's Been A Long, Long Time / The Song from Moulin Rouge / Love
Is A Many Splendored Thing / I’ll Be Seeing You / You're The Cream Of My
Coffee / April In Paris / Somewhere My Love / Sentimental Journey / Dancing
In The Dark / Night And Day / My Foolish Heart / Summertime / 's Wonderful /
Greenfields / These Foolish Things / Unchained Melody
CD #3: La Mer (Beyond The Sea) / I've Got You Under My Skin / The
Continental / Around The World / The Green Leaves Of Summer / It Had To Be
You / Lovely To Look At / The Very Thought Of You / If I Loved You / Smoke
Gets In Your Eyes / I Hear A Rhapsody / Love Me Tender / Lullaby Of Birland /
Lisboa Antigua / No Other Love / Harbour Lights / Volare / Moonlight Serenade
/ Deep Purple / Say It Isn't So
(Item added March 17, 2018)
June 9, 2018: In early May I was granted permission by Tamara Conniff to
examine her dad‘s diaries and tons of material, such as photographs, vídeos,
audio tapes etc. All the information I collected will gradually go into The Ray
Conniff Encyclopedia. Check it out often for updates, corrections, modifications
etc.
A West Coast
Convention
in May 2018
July 11, 2018:
One of my findings was a 27 page promo set for
Ray Conniff‘s 1963 West Coast Tour. Click here
or on the scan on the left to study it.
September 3, 2018:
For exciting news please click on the
photograph on the left. It shows Rick
Gerber, conductor of one of the Glenn
Miller orchestras and Ray‘s daughter
Tamara. I had the honour of meeting Rick
at Tamara's home in early May, and they
both excitedly told me about the
forthcoming project, but I did not intend to
reveal anything about it until I knew it
would materialise.
And here is more great news: You will be
pleased to know that Rick is preparing a
"new" Christmas song that he plans to release about October 1 to select radio
stations as "recorded by The New Ray Conniff Orchestra & Singers".
He has been working with an arranger from Springfield and they completed all
recording of the instrumental big band in July and will be adding the vocal group parts
about the first week in September. Rick did an extensive search on the tune and from
all indications it appears that the one and only group to have ever played it was
Glenn Miller's Army Air Force Orchestra on broadcasts of Saturday, December 18,
1943 and again on Christmas day, two broadcasts at 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Any
specialist among you who knows the title?
November 29, 2018:
Here is a message to all Ray Conniff fans from saxophonist/composer/arranger
Brent Vaughan: For all of you Ray Conniff fans that have been dreaming of a
new Conniff recording, we hope that you will enjoy this:
Songwriter Buck Ram composed and published the song "I'll Be Home For
Christmas (Tho' Just In Memory)" in 1942. The following year, Bing Crosby,
hot off of the success of "White Christmas," recorded a song with a similar title
by Walter Kent and Kim Gannon, that came after Ram had published his. A court
battle ensued, and Ram was awarded composer credit, for royalties, for the
more familiar song and ordered not to do anything with his own song until 1945.
Buck opted not to do anything with his own song. Minus the broadcasts of the
song in the middle of Glenn Miller's Christmas Medley (sung by Johnny
Desmond), there are no known recordings of Buck Ram's original song...
...until now. We are pleased to present a brand-new recording of the long-
neglected Buck Ram composition "I'll Be Home For Christmas (Tho' Just In
Memory)" (As Recorded By The New Ray Conniff Orchestra & Singers),
complete with the original song verse which has never been recorded.
(Purchase and download link is attached below.)
I had the privilege of writing the vocal and instrumental arrangements of this
song, plus playing saxophones and being part of the vocal group, for this
recording that will launch the New Ray Conniff Orchestra & Singers next year.
The group will be under the direction of Rick Gerber, who has done extensive
work with various Glenn Miller Orchestra units, dating back to working with Ray
McKinley in the early 60's and leading various GMO units overseas for throngs
of Miller-hungry fans.
As for myself, having always been a fan of this song from the Miller medley, I
have wanted the chance to do something with it for over twenty-five years,
especially since no one outside of the most dedicated Glenn Miller fans even
know the song. When you look at the personnel listed, you will find some VERY
familiar names among the singers!
Ray Conniff was a great musician who came up through the ranks of many great
bands and made his mark in the music world when large groups were going by
the wayside. I hope that you will enjoy the presentation of this great old song, in
a great old way, with a brand new arrangement and recording!
I also wish to thank Jorge Carpes and Manfred Thönicke for their support and
encouragement in our efforts to promote the Conniff Legacy: preserving its past
and looking forward to the future.
Merry Christmas!
Click on the picture to learn
more about the song, the
musicians and singers etc.
The song is available for
download only.
Click on Ray‘s picture on the right to listen to Christmas
greetings from Ray and the Singers (1962).
‘tis the season to be jolly with Ray Conniff‘s four
Christmas albums Christmas with Conniff, We
Wish You a Merry Christmas, Ray Conniff‘s
Christmas Album Here We Come A-Caroling (Note:
all three can be purchased in a 2 CD set titled The
Complete Columbia Christmas Recordings) and
‘s Christmas.
December 12, 2018:
Dutton Vocalion has announced that they will be
releasing The Happy Sound of Ray Conniff and
Love Story on a quadraphonic SACD in mid
January 2019! You can pre-order copies by clicking
on the cover scan on the left.
December 19, 2018 / January 9, 2019:
•
Tamara Conniff will be doing a memorabilia exhibit of her dad’s photos, gold
albums, trombone, Grammy, etc. in Attleboro at the Arts Museum from 15th
to 22nd February 2019.
•
And in May 2019, she will be presenting a music scholarship to a student at
Attleboro High School in her dad’s honor.
•
And… things are shaping up for a tour of The New Ray Conniff Orchestra and
Singers, directed by Rick Gerber, this spring. Rehearsals will start in January,
and the opening night is planned for March 1. Watch this space for more news
about the tour.
•
The latest Grinch movie features Ray Conniff‘s rendition of The Twelve
Days of Christmas. The movie Roma features Ray‘s Those Were the
Days.
•
February 2, 2019:
Dear Ray Conniff Fans, Three years have passed since the last Ray Conniff
Fan Convention in Hamburg, Germany. Normally, conventions took place
every two years. Places where we gathered included Paris, Amsterdam,
Chantilly, London, Basle, Pratteln, Cardiff, Berlin, Essen, Brussels, Barcelona
and Rome. Our dear friend Francis Charrière, who organised the wonderful
2009 Convention in Chantilly and Paris, hinted to me he would be ready and
willing to organise another one. (Thanks, Francis!) He suggested Lille, a
beautiful town in the north of France, which is near the Belgian border, about
115 km distant from Brussels. As it might be difficult to find a decent hotel for a
large group there because of the tercentennial festivities in Lille, he suggested
Roubaix, another beautiful town, not far away from Lille for accommodation. A
one day trip to Lille would be included in the itinerary.
A quick survey among the usual participants revealed that the last weekend of
October (October 25-27, that is) would suit most of them. We expect fans from
Switzerland, England, France, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Russia,
The Philippines, and hopefully from other countries, too. Should YOU be
interested in participating, please send a short message to Francis Charrière so
that we can count you in and inform you about our plans, options, expenses
etc.
February 19, 2019:
Learn all about
A BACKSTAGE TOUR,
the exhibition at the Attleboro Arts Museum
on February 16 to honour Attleboro‘s
native son, Ray Conniff, by clicking on
Tamara Conniff‘s picture on the left.
Doug Mitchell and his daughter Jenna
were there and took many photographs.
More will be added soon.
Re: Ray Conniff Fan Convention in Lille/Roubaix
For first information such as scheduled events, how to get there, expenses etc.
click here (March 4, 2019).
Detailled information No. 2 uploaded March 20, 2019.
March 14, 2019:
The 3 CD set “Don Cherry - Singles Collection
1950-59“ features some of Ray Conniff‘s finest
backings. Disc No. 3 includes 21 tracks arranged and
backed by Ray Conniff, his Orchestra and Chorus plus
one of his arrangements. For track details and other
information click on the cover scan on the left.
April 20, 2019
Re-released on May 24, 2019:
“EIGHT CLASSIC ALBUMS“ - a 4 CD set on the Reel
to Reel Music label, featuring the following albums:
IT‘S THE TALK OF THE TOWN, YOUNG AT HEART,
SAY IT WITH MUSIC, MEMORIES ARE MADE OF
THIS, SOMEBODY LOVES ME, ‘S CONTINENTAL, SO
MUCH IN LOVE and THE HAPPY BEAT.
These eight albums were released on a 4 CD set with
the same title on the Real Gone Music label in July 2013. See
cover scan on the right.
July 25, 2019:
The quadraphonic mixes of THE WAY WE WERE and
HARMONY can now be ordered at Dutton Vocalion.
Click on the cover scan for details.
This means, ten out of Ray‘s twelve quadraphonic
albums are now available on the Vocalion label. The
remaining two qudraphonic albums are I Write the
Songs and Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong
Song.
September 6, 2019:
Band leader Bruno Rodrigues dedicates a part of his
concerts to Ray Conniff, although he does not imitate his
arrangements. However, he creates a musical sound and
style that is clearly influenced by Ray. If you want to listen
to samples, (and are a Facebook subscriber, that is)
please click here.
Ray and Bruno Rodrigues
The picture on the right shows Bruno with Ray.
November 8, 2019:
“EIGHT CLASSIC ALBUMS, VOL. 2“, a previously
released 4 CD set, featuring some of Ray Conniff‘s
finest albums (inclusive of a delightful album he
recorded with singer Don Cherry) recorded between
1955 and 1962, has become available again with a new
cover on November 1, 2019, at a very low price.
The 2019 International Ray Conniff Fan
Convention in Lille and Rubaix (France) was a
huge success thanks to organiser Francis
Charrière. People attending were from the USA,
Russia, Poland, The Philippines, Brazil, United
Kingdom, The Netherlands, Belgium, France,
Germany and Switzerland. Ray Conniff would
have been very pleased with the big band who performed some of his
arrangements on Saturday night, October 26.
BIG BAND SWING
This is a 2 CD set featuring the
albums: ‘s Wonderful! and
Christmas With Conniff.
Click on the cover scans for
further details.
SWING COLLECTION
This is a 3 CD set featuring the following albums:
Hollywood in Rhythm, Say It With Music, and Dance the
Bop!
Added
March 27 /
September 2,
2020:
CHRISTMAS WITH CONNIFF is available on a CD
titled WINTER WONDERLAND.
RAY CONNIFF - 114 Beautiful Melodies is the title of
a 5 CD set available in the UK. Click on the cover
scan on the right for details. It features ten complete
albums.
March 31, 2021 / April 15 and 20, 2021 / January 23 and Feb. 10, 2022:
Ray Conniff‘s second album “DANCE THE BOP“ was recorded in mono only,
but thanks to DES*-technology (*Digitally Extracted Stereo) three tracks from
this album are now available in glorious stereo. Click on the scans below and
enjoy! (Thanks to Bob Zwolinski, who produced two of them.)
Added April 15, 2021: “Hand Around“ (audio: Jacob6657; video: Clemens)
www.rayconniff.com is written, designed, created, and
maintained by Manfred Thönicke in Hamburg, Germany.
Send a message by clicking on the email symbol below:
Added April 15, 2021: “Hand Around“; added April
20, 2021: “Honky-Tonk Rock Around“, added April
28: “Just Boppin‘“)
(audio produced by Jacob6657,
video by Clemens), added January 23, 2022:
“Three-Way Love“ (by Bob Zwolinski)
July 2, 2021:
Attention, vinyl lovers: On July 30, 2021 a compilation 12“
:LP was released (at least in Germany) with the title
LATIN ROCK. Originally, it was a 10“ LP with 8 tracks
released in Japan. The 12“ LP features 18 tracks from
Ray‘s early albums. For details click on the scan on the
right. Available from e.g. jpc.de and amazon.de.
August 6, 2021:
Released Sept. 24: An LP titled
THE BEST OF RAY CONNIFF
THE 2022 INTERNATIONAL RAY CONNIFF
FAN CONVENTION
took place in Munich, Germany, from
September 2 to 4. Fans from Brazil, the USA,
the UK, France, Belgium, Switzerland, The
Netherlands and Germany gathered to
celebrate the music of Ray Conniff.
February 18, 2023:
THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF RAY
CONNIFF – COMPARATIVE LISTENING,
THE GREAT ARRANGERS: RAY
CONNIFF
FREE ONLINE MASTER CLASS
on Saturday, March 18, 2023 (18h00
Central European Time). Registered
persons will get a link by email two hours
before the event. Duration: 90 minutes
For details, click on the photograph on
the right.
June 29 / October 16, 2023:
Released on September 1, 2023 on the German ZYX
Records label a CD titled WHITE CHRISTMAS,
featuring all tracks from Ray Conniff‘s first Christmas
album CHRISTMAS WITH CONNIFF.
’S WONDERFUL! The Ray Conniff Page
www.rayconniff.com
is written, designed,
created, and
maintained by
Manfred Thönicke
in Hamburg, Germany.
Send a message by
clicking on the email
symbol below:
