We have a collection of 2 arrangements for Ray Noble - Cherokee
What jazz standard did Ray Noble compose that became a bebop landmark? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Ray Noble: The British Maestro of Swing
Ray Noble was a British bandleader, composer, arranger, and actor who gained prominence in the early to mid-20th century. One of his most famous compositions is "Cherokee," a jazz standard that has become a classic in the genre. Here are some interesting facts about Ray Noble and his composition "Cherokee":
Composer of "Cherokee": Ray Noble composed "Cherokee" in 1938. The song has since become a jazz standard and has been recorded by numerous artists in various styles.
Innovative Arranger: Ray Noble was known for his innovative arrangements, and "Cherokee" is considered one of his masterpieces in this regard. The song features complex chord progressions and was ahead of its time harmonically.
Notable Recordings: Although Noble recorded his own version of "Cherokee" with his orchestra, it became most famous through other recordings. Notably, the Charlie Barnet and Don Redman orchestras produced influential recordings of the song.
Influence on Bebop: "Cherokee" is often cited as a significant influence on the development of bebop, a subgenre of jazz that emerged in the 1940s. The song's harmonic complexity provided a fertile ground for improvisation, a characteristic feature of bebop.
Lyric Adaptations: While the instrumental version of "Cherokee" is well-known, lyrics were later added to the song. The vocal adaptation, titled "Indian Love Call," was written by Noble himself and has been performed by various artists.
Career in Hollywood: Ray Noble had a successful career in Hollywood as a bandleader and arranger. He worked on several film scores, contributing to the musical backdrop of movies in the 1930s and 1940s.
Collaboration with Al Bowlly: Ray Noble had a long and successful collaboration with the vocalist Al Bowlly. Bowlly sang with Noble's orchestra and was featured on many of Noble's recordings, contributing to the popularity of songs like "Cherokee."
Later Life: After his active years in the music industry, Ray Noble eventually retired to the United States and lived in New York City. He passed away on April 3, 1978, in Long Island, New York.
Ray Noble's "Cherokee" remains a pivotal piece in the history of jazz, showcasing his talent as a composer and arranger and leaving a lasting impact on the evolution of the genre.