Born into a Welsh family, Russ Morgan was encouraged to express himself musically from the tender age of seven. His ability had come naturally since his father, a coal-mine foreman, was a former musician who played drums in the local band in his spare time with his mother, before her marriage, had been a pianist in a vaudeville act. Almost at the same age that he began to study piano, he began to work in the mines in order to earn money to help support his family and pay for his lessons.
At the age of fourteen, he earned extra money as a pianist performing in a theater in his hometown. With his extra money, he purchased another instrument: a trombone. In 1921, he used the trombone while working with a local band called the Scranton Sirens. This band became one of the hottest in the Pennsylvania area during the 1920s. In fact some of its alumni, such as Jimmy Dorsey on sax and clarinet, Billy Lustig on violin and Tommy Dorsey on trombone (who took Russ's place when he left the organization) went on to become famous.
[edit] Early career
At eighteen, he decided to try and further his career by going to New York. By 1925, at the age of twenty-one, he arranged for both John Philip Sousa and Victor Herbert. He then continued to gain experience by joining Paul Specht's orchestra and toured throughout Europe with the orchestra. Contemporaries of Morgan's in this orchestra were among greats โ names like Arthur Schutt, Don Lindley, Chauncey Morehouse, Orville Knapp, Paul Whiteman, Charlie Spivak and Artie Shaw also played in this orchestra during the 1920s.
Upon returning from the European tour, Jean Goldkette invited him to Detroit to organize, lead and arrange for his new band. Some members of the now immortal all-star Goldkette orchestra were his old associates from former days. The band included Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Chauncey Morehouse, Joe Venuti, Eddie Lang, Bix Beiderbecke and Fuzzy Farrar.
For a short time, in 1934, he arranged for Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra. In 1935, he then played trombone with the Original Dixieland Jazz Band when they recorded four sides for Vocalion. On September 12, 1935, Russ playing piano and Joe Venuti on violin cut two sides for Brunswick, โRed Velvetโ and โBlack Satin.โ Most of the songs were written by Russ and Joe.
[edit] Radio work
His biggest success in the music world came when he was offered the post of Musical Director for Detroit Radio Station WXYZ. His show, "Music in the Morgan Manner", became one of the most popular radio shows. At one time, during his radio run, he was directing nine commercial programs. While in Detroit, he arranged for the Detroit 102 piece Symphony Orchestra thus demonstrating once again his varied musical experience and ability.
In the early 1930s, Russ was in an automobile accident that almost ended his career. After several months in the hospital he decided to start again in New York City. He became arranger for bands like the George White Scandals, The Cotton Club Revue and the Capitol Theatre. When not arranging for the various Broadway shows, he worked with leading orchestras in New York, such as Phil Spitalny, Eddie Gilligan, Ted Fio Rito and Freddy Martin, as pianist and/or trombonist.
He then joined the Freddy Martin Orchestra in 1934 as a piano player. He worked chiefly as trombonist and arranger with the band. While working with Martin's orchestra, he also worked as a musical director at Brunswick Records back in New York. It was here that he met the future Mrs. Morgan, Shirley Gray, whom he married in 1939.
[edit] Career
While at Brunswick, he met Rudy Vallee, who was impressed with Morgan's musical ability. He insisted he form an orchestra of his own. He then invited Russ to appear as a guest on his popular Fleishman Yeast radio show. Vallee was also instrumental in getting Morgan in his first engagement in New York City, along with his own orchestra at the Biltmore Hotel. This first engagement was indicative of the audiences' reaction to Morgan's appearances. He started with a four-week contract. But the contract extended and Morgan remained at the hotel for two years. In the next few years, he was able to add musical directorship to the Rinso-Lifebuoy Show on NBC for thirty-nine weeks and the Philip Morris radio series on NBC and CBS for two years to his growing list of achievements.
Some of his other triumphs were his record-breaking runs in famed hotels, ballrooms and theatres across the country. A few of these engagements were at the Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles; Claremont Hotel, California; Edgewater Beach Hotel, Chicago; Aragon and Trianon, Chicago; Strand, Chicago; the Statler Hotel, New York; Orpheum, Los Angeles; Palladium, Hollywood; to name a few.
[edit] Chart success
In 1949, four songs he recorded made it big on the charts. They were "So Tired", "Cruising Down the River", "Sunflower" and "Forever and Ever." On the latter he used a vocal quartet that was just starting out and would later become famous as the Ames Brothers. 1949 was his big year.
Alan Herbert, the Morning Man on the American Forces Network Radio Station in Bremen, Germany played Morgan's "So Tired," liked the tune and played it almost daily, to the delight of his American and British audience in 1947-48. It was easily the most requested song played on the station. Herbert takes some credit for putting it on the charts, as service men and women requested it from their local stations when they got back home.
[edit] Later career / death
During the 1950s, his orchestra continued to be a popular one for dancing and listening music. He continued to set house records with his appearances in California and New York as well as his many tours across the entire nation. During this decade, it was mostly the long-established veteran "sweet bands" that were supplying the music for dancers, and Russ Morgan was one of them. The veterans included Jan Garber, Sammy Kaye, Wayne King, Guy Lombardo, Freddy Martin and Lawrence Welk.
In 1958, Morgan's nineteen-piece band had been reduced to eleven men, with his sons Jack Morgan on trombone and David Morgan on guitar. In 1965, he was then booked for an eight-week engagement at the Top O' The Strip at the Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas. However, it ended up lasting until 1977, a total of twelve years.
He died in 1969 at the age of sixty-five. Morganโs son, Jack, took over the leadership. He has led the band ever since.
For his contributions for recording, he has a "Star" on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Cruising Down the River
Russ Morgan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With one you love, the sun above waiting for the moon
The old accordion playing a sentimental tune
Cruising down the river on a Sunday afternoon
The birds above all sing of love, a gentle sweet refrain
The winds around all make a sound like softly falling rain
Just two of us together, we'll plan a honeymoon
Cruising down the river on a Sunday afternoon
The song "Cruising Down the River" was written by composer Eily Beadell and lyrics by Nell Tollerton. It was first recorded in 1945 by the Russ Morgan Orchestra and became a hit, staying at number one on the Billboard charts for eight weeks. The song has been covered by several artists, including Blue Barron, Patti Page, and Frankie Carle.
The lyrics of the song speak about two lovers who are cruising down a river on a Sunday afternoon. They are enjoying the sunshine and waiting for the moon to rise. The old accordion is playing a sentimental tune, adding to the romantic atmosphere of the moment. As they sail down the river, the birds sing songs of love, and the gentle winds create a soothing sound like softly falling rain. The lovers plan to go on a honeymoon together, and the song captures their feelings of joy and togetherness.
The song has a nostalgic and romantic tone, capturing the essence of a simpler time when people used to go on leisurely boat rides with their loved ones. The lyrics are poetic, using imagery to describe the beauty of nature and the warmth of the couple's love. The accordion music adds to the sentimental feel of the song, evoking a sense of longing and romanticism.
Overall, "Cruising Down the River" is a timeless classic that captures the essence of romance and nostalgia. Its poetic lyrics, soothing music, and elegant melody make it a perfect song for a lazy Sunday afternoon with your loved one.
Line by Line Meaning
Cruising down the river on a Sunday afternoon
We're calmly sailing down this river on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
With one you love, the sun above waiting for the moon
I'm enjoying the company of my beloved, admiring the shining sun as we wait for the moon to take its place.
The old accordion playing a sentimental tune
An old accordion is playing a nostalgic melody that brings back memories and emotions.
The birds above all sing of love, a gentle sweet refrain
The birds are chirping love songs, creating a soothing and harmonious environment.
The winds around all make a sound like softly falling rain
The gentle winds sound like soft raindrops, adding to the serene atmosphere.
Just two of us together, we'll plan a honeymoon
As we cruise on this river, my partner and I are discussing our plans and dreams for our future honeymoon.
Cruising down the river on a Sunday afternoon
This line repeats to emphasize the peaceful and relaxing nature of this leisurely activity.
Lyrics ยฉ MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: EILY BEADELL, NELLIE TOLLERTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tammymackay-oxner7062
My dad used to sing this when I was a kid whenever we would go canoeing. Now I have finally heard the song I still sing today everytime I am out enjoying the water. Nice!
@sweetiepie1372
My dad, born 1922, used to zoom us up and down the bath when he was bathing us, singing this. ๐
@leonardguerette688
Have loved this song since first hearing it in the early 1950s at my aunt's home. Great song!!! LRG
@davidsayre8897
My Dad grew up along the Ohio River. He loved this song
@johnderby8921
A great old tune done very nicely! NH
@andrewrobles7440
Reminds me of a carnival for some reason which is perfect :)
@margiemathias1153
I grew up in the 1940s this was song I got to know when I was about 10 in Malaya as it was known then. Later Malaysia. Still love it. Now in Canada
@emilie-kh9yx
The youngest here. Iโm a fan of the old music. Wish I lived in around the 1950s (Iโm born 2007, the time today is confusing)
@martinklussendorf2629
Nice old song. Beautifull.
@kaichan9314
First heard this tune in BBC TV series Singing Detective in late '80s.