'Les Brown and the Band of Renown' brought Doris Day into prominence with their recording of Sentimental Journey in 1945. The release of Sentimental Journey coincided with the end of WWII in Europe and was the homecoming theme for many veterans. They had nine other number-one hit songs, including I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.
Les Brown and the Band of Renown performed with Bob Hope on radio, stage and TV for almost fifty years. They did 18 USO Tours for American troops around the world, and entertained over three million. Before the Super Bowls were televised, the Bob Hope Christmas Specials were the highest-rated programs in television history. Tony Bennett was "discovered" by Bob Hope and did his first public performance with Les and the Band.
Les Brown and the Band were also the 'house band' for the Dean Martin Variety Show, which ran for ten seasons, and for the Steve Allen show.
Les Brown and the Band of Renown performed with virtually every major performer of their time, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat "King" Cole.
In 2001, Les Brown Jr. became the full-time leader of the Band of Renown. They continue to perform throughout the world and have a regular big band show in Branson, Mo. Les Brown Jr. also hosts a national radio show on the Music Of Your Life network. Les Jr. was a television actor in the 1960s (Gunsmoke, General Hospital, Gilligan's Island), a rock musician and producer who worked with Carlos Santana, and a concert promoter for many country music artists including Merle Haggard and Loretta Lynn. In 2004 Les Brown Jr. received the Ambassador of Patriotism award from the POW Network.
Les Brown Sr. is interred in the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.
Ramona
Les Brown Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where the mountains high
Seem to kiss the sky
Someone is out yonder, o'er the hills
Waiting patiently, Waiting just for me
Ramona, I hear the mission bells above
Ramona, they're ringing out our song of love
To always remember the rambling rose you wear in your hair
Ramona, when day is done you'll hear my call
Ramona, we'll meet beside the water fall
I dread the dawn when I awake to find you gone
Ramona I need you my own
Let's wander out yonder o'er the hills
By a babbling brook
Where we'll find a nook
To build our own love nest, o'er the hills
Darling of my heart, Never more to part
Ramona, I hear the mission bells above
Ramona, they're ringing out our song of love
I press you, caress you, and bless the day you taught me to care
To always remember the rambling rose you wear in your hair
Ramona, when day is done you'll hear my call
Ramona, we'll meet beside the water fall
I dread the dawn when I awake to find you gone
Ramona I need you my own
"Ramona" is a song that reflects a love story between two people wandering in the mountains. The singer wanders around the mountains and hills, searching for her love. She is out there, waiting for him patiently. The song describes the beautiful scenery and the wonderful experience the singer is having on his search. He hears the sound of the mission bells above him, ringing out the couple's song of love.
As he continues to search, he expresses his love for Ramona and thanks her for teaching him how to care. He promises to always remember the rambling rose she wears in her hair. He declares that whenever the day is done, she will hear his call, and they will meet beside the waterfall. The singer's fear of waking up to find Ramona gone emphasizes his love for her and the deep emotional attachment he has for her.
The song's message is simple, yet powerful. It communicates a message about the power of love, the need to cherish those we love, and how love can lead us to wonderful places. The song's mountain setting and the reference to the mission bells add to the song's romantic and nostalgic appeal.
Line by Line Meaning
I wander out yonder o'er the hills
Where the mountains high
Seem to kiss the sky
Someone is out yonder, o'er the hills
Waiting patiently, Waiting just for me
I am exploring the hills, surrounded by tall mountains that appear to touch the sky. There is someone waiting for me, beyond the hills, with immense patience and eagerness to see me.
Ramona, I hear the mission bells above
Ramona, they're ringing out our song of love
I press you, caress you, and bless the day you taught me to care
To always remember the rambling rose you wear in your hair
Ramona, when day is done you'll hear my call
Ramona, we'll meet beside the water fall
I dread the dawn when I awake to find you gone
Ramona I need you my own
Ramona, the sound of the mission bells ringing symbolize the love that we share. I cherish and adore you and am thankful for the day you taught me how to love. I will always remember the rose in your hair. When the day is over, I will call for you and we will meet by the waterfall. The thought of waking up alone without you fills me with dread. You are the only one I long for and need in my life.
Let's wander out yonder o'er the hills
By a babbling brook
Where we'll find a nook
To build our own love nest, o'er the hills
Darling of my heart, Never more to part
Let us venture out together into the hills until we reach a babbling brook. There, we will find a quiet and private space to build our own love nest. You are the one I hold closest to my heart and never wish to be separated from.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: L. Wolfe Gilbert, Mabel Wayne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind