In 1952, Capitol Records celebrated its 10th Anniversary, and during that same year signed a contract with ‘The Great One’, The King Of Television Jackie Gleason. The recording contract was not for his obvious brilliant comedy, but for what was to become Jackie’s dream come true, recording a lush instrumental and beautiful mood music album of great standards. The debut of Jackie Gleason and His Orchestra titled ‘Music For Lovers Only’, came out in 1953, and in prompt order went to the #1 spot on the best-selling record charts, knocking down the current hot albums of the elite at the time Frank Sinatra,

Perry Como, Nat King Cole, Eddie Fisher, Doris Day, Patti Page, Frankie Laine and Kay Starr, among others. Gleason’s album remained at #1 for an unprecedented 17 consecutive weeks and topped that amazing feat by staying on the hit charts for a solid two years, in the process earning several million in sales!.
   The arrangements for all of Gleason’s music were his ideas, he would convey to Dick Jones (former Tommy Dorsey arranger) what he wanted to hear, and when and where, in each arrangement. It was Jackie that wanted the brilliant trumpet of jazz great Bobby Hackett featured among the strings. And yes, Jackie conducted the orchestra and even designed the album covers!. Gleason released a total of 18 albums, ‘Music, Martinis, and Memories (went to #1 for a million-seller)’, ‘Lonesome Echo (also went #1 and gold)' and all the others charted on the best-seller lists.
   The Brooklyn born Gleason who first hit the TV screen in 1949 as the star of ‘Life With Riley’ on Dumont television, and went on to CBS television with 'The Jackie Gleason Show' and 'The Honeymooners' remaining at the top of the ratings into 1970, 21 years of being on top. His passing in 1987 has left an irreplaceable void in the entertainment world, but he most certainly lives on through the hilarious re-runs of ‘The Honeymooners’ worldwide, and also through his glorious music that he so loved, and was Jackie Gleason’s dream come true!.