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Ralph Flanagan | |
|---|---|
 Flanagan in 1956 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ralph Elias Flenniken |
| Born | (1914-04-07)April 7, 1914 Lorain, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | December 30, 1995(1995-12-30) (aged 81) Miami,Florida, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz, big band |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, bandleader, composer, arranger |
| Instrument | Piano |
Ralph Elias Flenniken (April 7, 1914 – December 30, 1995), known professionally asRalph Flanagan, was an American big band leader, pianist, composer, and arranger for the orchestras ofHal McIntyre,Sammy Kaye,Blue Barron,Charlie Barnet, andAlvino Rey.
He joined theAmerican Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers in 1950.
He was educated atLorain High School inLorain, Ohio, United States, where he was a member of theNational Honors Society, the student senate, the school newspaper staff (Hi-Y) and the chorus.
DuringWorld War II he served in theMerchant Marine[1] from October 1942 to 1946. By 1949, he formed a successful orchestra which is credited with re-popularizing theGlenn Miller "sound," and which made many records, among them "Singing Winds", "Rag Mop" and "Hot Toddy".[1] The Ralph Flanagan band was managed byHerb Hendler, anRCA A&R man who had signedGlenn Miller to his final record contract before Miller's fatal plane crash in theEnglish Channel during World War II. It was Hendler who had encouraged Flanagan to adopt the Miller sound that led to his success.[1] Hendler also co-wrote "Hot Toddy," which was recorded by many artists, includingChet Atkins,Rosemary Clooney, Red Foley andJulie London.
Flanagan's recording of "Slow Poke", a number 6 hit in early 1952, was the first song played on the initial edition of theToday Show on January 14, 1952.
The Flanagan orchestra's theme songs were "Giannina Mia" and "Singing Winds", the latter title also applying to the orchestra's singing group.[1]
During the peak of his career, he also lived in the suburban village ofMalverne, New York.
As of August 19, 2010, Ralph Flanagan and his Orchestra were listed by EMI Music as a missing royaltor, which means that EMI have lost contact with the estate of Flanagan and his heirs and band members, and that royalty checks are being returned to the record company by the Post Office.[citation needed]
