Ralph Flanagan

Ralph Flanagan, born Ralph Elias Flanniken, (April 7, 1914 in Lorain, Ohio - December 30, 1995 in Miami, Florida) was a famed big band leader, conductor, pianist, composer, and arranger for the orchestras of Hal McIntyre, Sammy Kaye, Blue Barron, Charlie Barnet, and Alvino Rey.

He was educated at Lorain High School, where he was a member of the National Honors Society, the student senate, the school newspaper staff (Hi-Y) and the chorus.

During World War II he served in the Merchant Marines from October 1942 to 1946. By 1949 he formed a very successful orchestra which is credited with re-popularizing the Glenn Miller "sound," and which made many records, among them "Rag Mop" and "Hot Toddy."

The Flanagan orchestra's theme songs were "Giannina Mia" and "Singing Winds", the latter title also applying to the orchestra's singing group.

He joined American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers in 1950, and his popular-song compositions include "Hot Today" and "Flanagan's Boogie."

During the peak of his career, he also lived in the suburban village of Malverne, New York.

Discography:

    * Ralph Flanagan
    * Hot Toddy
    * Let's Dance with Ralph Flanagan
    * Let's Dance with Ralph Flanagan, Volume 2
    * Big Band Sounds of Ralph Flanagan
    * A Tribute to Glenn Miller
    * At the Hollywood Palladium
    * Always
    * Dancing in the Dark