Glenn Miller: When You Wish Upon a Star

[gamora]

I was just listening to Glenn Miller's Greatest Hits, released by RCA Victor in 1996. The CD includes many Miller classics used in Disneyland Attractions like "In The Mood" (Tower of Terror and Indiana Jones), Moonlight Serenade (Indiana Jones and Jungle Cruise) and Pennsylvania 6-5000 (Tower of Terror). But what really stood out to me was a version of "When you wish upon a star". I thought the persons on this board would be able to appreciate this find since I had never noticed it before. How great would it have been if they used this specific song as a portion of area music in the park or at an attraction!

Incidentally, I also discovered a history of big bands that have played at Disneyland since it's inception.

http://www.bigbandlibrary.com/bigbandsatdisneyland.html

Interesting huh?

 

[nelsonj3]

There has also been a vast use of big band music at WDW. Moonlight Serenade, for example, used to be used at both The Land Pavillion (Interior Area Loop) and Sunset Boulevard Area Loop at the Studios. In fact, the entire Sunset Boulevard Area Loop is Big Band Era Music.

 

[SharonKurland]

Ayep...the radio at the Adventurers Club plays a lot of big band stuff. A lot of the BGM at Boardwalk is, as well (similar loops, from my uneducated ear).

-Sharon-
Orlando FL

 

[MansionFanatic]

Also, don't forget they play big band music in the Leaning Palms area at Typhoon Lagoon.

 

[Michael Zielski]

Thanks so much for this post, monorail1--I love this kind of stuff! The music played at the various Disney parks has led me on a number of interesting musical explorations that have been both fun and educational(wouldn't Walt be proud!): Main Street led me into ragtime, New Orleans Square had me listening to folks like Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton, for a few examples.

Time for a trip back to the 40's......

Mike

 

[MansionFanatic]

Btw, if anyone else is interested I found some of the complete listings of the big band music that plays in the parks for any Disney/swing music buffs like me.

Sunset Boulevard Area - Disney-MGM Studios
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy - The Andrews Sisters
Ciribiribin - Harry James
Don't Be That Way - Benny Goodman
Don't Get Around Much Anymore - Duke Ellington
Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree (With Anyone Else But Me) - The Andrews Sisters
I'm Gettin' Sentimental Over You - Tommy Dorsey
In The Mood - Glenn Miller
Jukebox Saturday Night - Glenn Miller (Vocals: Tex Beneke, Marion Hutton, & The Modernaires)
Let's Dance - Benny Goodman
Moonlight Serenade - Glenn Miller
On A Slow Boat To China - Kay Kyser (Vocals: Harry Babbitt & Gloria Wood)
Pennsylvania 6-5000 - Glenn Miller
Sing, Sing, Sing (With A Swing) - Benny Goodman
Sleepy Lagoon - Harry James
Song Of India - Tommy Dorsey
Stompin' At The Savoy - Benny Goodman
(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs Of Dover - Kay Kyser (Vocals: Harry Babbitt & The Glee Club)
These Foolish Things Remind Me Of You - Benny Goodman (Vocal: Helen Ward)

Tower Of Terror Gardens Queue Music
Alabamy Home - Duke Ellington
Dear Old Southland - Noble Sissle
Deep Purple - Turner Layton
Delta Mood - Cootie Williams
I Can't Get Started - Bunny Berigan
I'm In Another World - Johnny Hodges
Jeeps Blues - Johnny Hodges
Jitterbug's Lullaby - Johnny Hodges
Jungle Drums - Sidney Bechet
Mood Indigo - Duke Ellington
Pyramid - Johnny Hodges
Remember - Red Norvo
Sleepy Time Gal - Glenn Miller
There's No Two Ways About It - Frankie Newton (Vocal: Slim Gaillard)
Uptown Blues - Jimmie Lunceford
We'll Meet Again - Vera Lynn
When The Sun Sets Down South - Sidney Bechet
Wishing (We'll Make It So) - Vera Lynn

I don't know the complete loop, but I also know that some of these songs playing in the Leaning Palms area at Typhoon Lagoon:

At The Woodchopper's Ball - Woody Herman
Frenesi - Artie Shaw
In The Mood - Glenn Miller
On A Slow Boat To China - Kay Kyser (Vocals: Harry Babbitt & Gloria Wood)
Rum And Coca-Cola - The Andrews Sisters

 

[Michael Zielski]

Thanks so much for your list--I'll be saving it!

I have all of my mother's old 78's--many of which feature the performers on your list--I'll have to cross-reference my collection again. My plan is to transfer the Disney-related recordings/performers to CD-R; I know I can buy cleaner sounding versions, but the sound of a real 78 being played should give an eerie, Tower of Terror sound to the recording--that's my hope, anyway. Also, in the WDW Jungle Cruise queue area, big band music is featured--deliberately with a scratchy sound--I'm after that feel.

And the list of my "projects-in-waiting" goes on.......but this 78-compilation is definitely up there towards the top.......I suddenly feel a sudden surge of inspiration--thanks again for the list!

Mike