Classical Crossovers
This Motown harmony group had a massive 1965 hit with "A Lover's Concerto," which set sweet pop lyrics to the melody of Johann Sebastian Bach's Minuet in G major.
The Toys
This beloved, energetic bandleader was famous for his infectious smile, his swinging big band, and his signature theme song, "Bubbles in the Wine."
Lwrence Welk
Louis Armstrong warmly reminded us: "I see trees of green, red roses too. I see them bloom for me and you. And I think to myself..."
What a Wonderful World
Known as the "First Lady of Song," this vocal powerhouse was famous for her incredible vocal range, her scat singing, and her definitive songbook recordings.
Ella Fitzgerald
The gorgeous song "Stranger in Paradise" from this musical was adapted from Alexander Borodin's Polovtsian Dances.
Kismet (1955)
This "King of Swing" was a clarinet virtuoso who led the first jazz band to ever headline a historic, roaring 1938 concert at Carnegie Hall.
Benny Goodman
Nat King Cole wisely crooned: "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and..."
…be loved in return (from Nature Boy)
Nicknamed "Lady Day," this deeply expressive singer wore a gardenia in her hair and turned songs like "God Bless the Child" into timeless masterpieces.
Billie Holiday
In 1965 Peter, Paul and Mary showcased their breathtaking three-part harmonies on "Because All Men Are Brothers." This powerful anthem for peace and unity was set to a classical melody originally composed by this German Baroque master.
JS Bach
This virtuoso trumpet player and bandleader scored a massive, smooth hit in 1941 with "Saturday Night Is The Loneliest Night Of The Week" and featured a young Frank Sinatra.
Harry James
Frank Sinatra confidently belted out his life's motto: "I've faced it all and I stood tall and did it..."
“My Way”
Known for her deep, rich contralto voice and her nickname "The Divine One," she won a talent contest at the Apollo Theater to launch a legendary multi-decade career.
Sarah Vaughan
This legendary, velvet-voiced baritone took a 19th-century classic and turned it into the 1960 arrangement "Baubles, Bangles, and Beads," based on a Borodin string quartet.
Buddy Greco
This sultry, rhythmic dance hall favorite became a massive hit for Dean Martin in 1954 was originally composed by Pablo Beltrán Ruiz and Luis Demetrio in 1053 as a fiery Mexican mambo titled "¿Quién será?" (meaning "Who will it be?").
“Sway”
The standard "Smile," with the line "Smile though your heart is aching," features a beautiful melody originally composed by this legendary silent film star.
Charlie Chaplin
This dynamic, blues-focused jazz singer, nicknamed "The Queen," scored massive crossover hits in the late 1950s including "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes.
Dinah Washington
The iconic lyrics to "Over the Rainbow"—"Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly"—were written by this legendary American lyricist.
Yip Harburg