Take Two Records

Ray Noble was born in Brighton, England in 1903. He learned to play piano as a child and during his teens was given lessons in orchestration. Noble's skill for arranging impressed Jack Payne, bandleader for the BBC, who hired Noble as his arranger. Noble began recording on the HMV label as the director on the Mayfair Orchestra and was soon given label credit under his own name. From 1929 to 1934 Noble made over 500 records for HMV, also released in the U.S.A. on Victor. Noble wrote many hit songs, four of which are provided here. His classic Goodnight Sweetheart completes this album.

In late 1934, Noble, his wife Gladys, his manager and Al Bowlly, Noble's long time vocalist, came to the States, and started arranging for Paramount Studios. In early 1935 he formed a new band with several respected jazz musicians such as Charlie Spivac, Glenn Miller, Will Bradley, Bud Freeman and Claude Thornhill. In 1935 the band had its first recording session—cutting 7 songs including Soon. During 1935-36, Noble made many others including Top Hat.

Noble was also featured on radio as a prominent bandleader for both the Burns & Allen show and the popular Charlie McCarthy program, but his lasting legacy remains his wonderful compositions and prolific recordings.