vital stats:
given name: Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III
birth: Mar. 2, 1917, Santiago, Cuba
death: Dec. 2, 1986, lung cancer
father: a physician and Mayor of Santiago, elected
to the Congress of the Republic of Cuba in 1932
mother: Dolores de Acha, daughter of one of the
founders of the Bacardi Rum Company
wife: Lucille Ball, m.1940, div.1960
wife: Edith Mack Hirsch, m. Mar. 2, 1963, d.1985
daughter: Lucie Desiree Arnaz Luckinbill, b.
July 17, 1951
son: Desi Arnaz, Jr., b.Jan. 19, 1953
education: Colegic de Dolores, Jesuit Prep School,
Santiago
memberships:
residences: 19700 Devonshire Blvd., Chatsworth,
CA; Beverly Hills, CA; Del Mar, CA
DESI ARNAZ:
"A Discography"
by Christopher Popa
He was many things, best-remembered for being the "I" in "I Love Lucy," a classic TV comedy. As the handsome Latino husband of all-American redhead Lucille Ball (both on and off-screen), he could be considered a 1950s role model. Funny and talented in front of the camera, he was recognized as a creative genius behind it. Serving as the producer - director for "I Love Lucy," he conceived the 3-camera filming setup, used for years afterwards as the industry standard. When he joined Lucy on TV in 1951, his band literally became America's most-watched. Ironically, within a few years, his success as President of Desilu Productions led him out of the music business.
The "I Love Lucy" theme song was composed by Eliot Daniel, as a favor to his old Coast Guard buddy, Jess Oppenheimer.
DESI ARNAZ:
including Desi Arnaz, choir (vo), Paul Weston (cond) Hollywood, January 30, 1953
There's a Brand New Baby (At Our House) vDA&choir
78: Col 39937; 45: Col 4-39937; CD: Columbia
CK 48507
I Love Lucy vDA&choir as above
"I LOVE LUCY":
Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Vivian Vance, William Frawley (vo)
Hollywood, April 3, 1953
Pass That Peace Pipe BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.59, "The Indian Show")
By the Waters of the Minnetonka vDA&LB
BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.59, "The Indian Show"); CD:
Columbia CK 48507
Hollywood, April 10, 1953
I Love Lucy vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.60, "Lucy's Last Birthday")
Friends of the Friendless as above
Happy Birthday to You as above
Hollywood, May 15, 1953
Babalu vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.65, "Ricky's Life Story")
Lady of Spain as above
The Loveliest Night of the Year vDA as above
Hollywood, September 17, 1953
Friendship vLB&VV BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.69, "Lucy and Ethel Buy
the Same Dress")
Vaya con Dios vDA as above
When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob Bobbin' Along
as above
Hollywood, October 1, 1953
In Acapulco vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.71, "Baby Pictures"); CD:
Columbia CK 48507
Hollywood, October 15, 1953
Apache BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.73, "The French Revue")
Frere Jacques as above
Louise as above
Valentine as above
Hollywood, October 22, 1953
Lily of the Valley BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.74, Redecorating the Mertzes'
Apartment")
Hollywood, November 5, 1953
Granada vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.76, "Changing the Boys'
Wardrobe")
Hollywood, November 12, 1953
Stomping At the Savoy BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.77, "Lucy Has Her Eyes
Examined")
There's No Business Like Show Business as above
The Varsity Drag vVV&WF as above
Hollywood, January 7, 1954
Vesti la Giubba BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.83, "Fan Magazine Interview")
Hollywood, January 28, 1954
I'm An Old Cowhand vLB&VV BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.86, "Home Movies")
Vaya con Dios vDA as above
Hollywood, February 11, 1954
medley: Honey / Let's Have Another Cup of Coffee / I'm Putting All My Eggs in One Basket vDA
BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.88, "Ricky's Hawaiian Vacation")
Cielito Lindo as above
Hawaiian War Chant as above
How Deep Is the Ocean as above
I Get the Blues When It Rains as above
King Kamehameha as above
La Cucaracha as above
Hollywood, March 11, 1954
Twelfth Street Rag [Lucy] BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.91, "Lucy's Club Dance")
Tennessee Ernie Ford (vo) Hollywood, April 1, 1954
She'll Be Comin' ' Round the Mountain BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.94, "Tennessee Ernie Visits")
Turkey in the Straw as above
Wabash Cannonball as above
Tennessee Ernie Ford (vo) Hollywood, April 8, 1954
Wabash Cannonball BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.95, "Tennessee Ernie Hangs On")
Y'All Come vTEF as above
Hollywood, June 24, 1954
Sweet Sue - Just You BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.101, "Mr. & Mrs. TV Show")
Hollywood, July 1, 1954
By the Beautiful Sea BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.102, "Mertz and Kurtz")
On the Boardwalk in Atlantic City as above
I Found a Peach On the Beach as above
I Want a Girl as above
Oh By Jingo as above
They Would Go Over Me as above
Arnaz arrived in the U.S. in 1934, and, during the next few years, he held several jobs, including as a birdcage cleaner, train-yard checker, taxi driver, truck driver, and bookeeper. Eventually, he was hired for $75 a week as a guitarist - singer with a 7-piece band at Miami's Roney Plaza hotel.
He was part of Xavier Cugat's orchestra in
1936-37, and made several transcriptions with him.
XAVIER CUGAT AND HIS ORCHESTRA:
including Desi Arnaz (vo)
New York City, October 1937
MS 015586 Cachita vDA
TS: Thes 542A; CD:
Harlequin(E) HQ CD 106
El Marimbulero vDA
as above
Alegre Conga vDA
as above
Piensa en Mi vDA
as above
MS 015887 Tabu vDA
TS: Thes 467A; CD:
Harlequin(E) HQ CD 106
"The time I spent with Cugat was better than going to school to learn the big-band business," he later commented.
In 1938, Arnaz formed his own dance orchestra, but gained more attention as an actor in "Too Many Girls," produced in 1939 as a Broadway show and then made into a movie by RKO the following year.
DESI ARNAZ AND HIS LA CONGA ORCHESTRA:
incl. Desi Arnaz (vo)
New York City, July 21, 1939
B24918 La Conga en Nueva York vDA 78: Col 35216; CD: Harlequin(E) HQ CD 106, Sony
A 33105
B24919 Ah! Viene La Conga (There Comes the Conga) vDA
78: Col 35400; CD: Harlequin(E) HQ CD 106, Sony
A 33105, Cocktail Hour
B24920 Vereda Tropical vDA 78: Col 35400; CD: Harlequin(E) HQ CD 106, Sony
A 33105, Cocktail Hour
B24921 South American Way vDA 78: Col 35216; CD: Harlequin(E) HQ CD 106, Sony
A 33105
B24922 Union Triste vDA 78: Col 35401; CD: Harlequin(E) HQ CD 106, Sony
A 33105, Cocktail Hour
New York City, December 22, 1939
co26361 Congo Conga (Asuncion) vDA 78: Col 35402; CD Harlequin(E) HQ CD 106, Sony
A 33105
co26362 Echa un Pie (Step Out) vDA 78: Col 35403; CD: Harlequin(E) HQ CD 106, Sony
A 33105, Cocktail Hour
co26363 Pero Ahora Comprendo (But Now I Know) vDA
78: Col 35403; CD: Sony A 33105, Cocktail Hour
co26364 Africa Canta vDA 78: Col 35402; CD: Harlequin(E) HQ CD 106, Sony
A 33105
New York City, February 19, 1940
co26532 Vira y Vira (Keep On Kicking) vDA 78: Col 35401; CD: Harlequin(E) HQ CD 106, Sony
A 33105, Cocktail Hour
Arnaz was a Staff Sargeant in the U.S. Army Medical Corps for 3 years, then resumed his bandleading career.
DESI ARNAZ AND HIS ORCHESTRA:
Desi Arnaz (vo) directing: Robert H. Jones, Rudie Carl Adams, Igancio Barranco (tp), John Frederick Pickering (tb/arr), Jose Garza Gutierrez (tb), Alphonso O. Sanchez (fl), Cecil K. Meadors, Julian Frank Johns, George William Wiedler (as), Jack Holmes Baker, Jack Echols (reeds), S. John Santulis, Ivan Eppinoff, Jacques E. Marx, Walt Edelstein, Al Galente, Ted Rosen (vio), Alexander Nieman, David H. Sterkin (viola), Cy Bernard (cello), Armando P. Loredo (p), Nick Escalanto (b), Mario Santos, Jesus Castillon, Charles Navarro (g), Ivan C. Lopez (maracas), L. Jose Betancourt (bg), Isabelo Ernest Marrero (d), Amanda Lane (vo)
Hollywood, CA, February 15, 1946
D6-VB-2032-1 Without You (Tres Palabras) vAL&DA
78: RCA Vic 20-2624, RCA Intl 25-1058; CD:
Cocktail Hour
D6-VB-2033-1 I'll Dream Some More (Palabras de Mujer) vDA&AL
UNISSUED
D6-VB-2033-2 I'll Dream Some More (Palabras de Mujer) vDA&AL
78: test pressing
D6-VB-2034-1 Cuban Pete vDA&AL 78: RCA Vic 20-2282, RCA Intl 25-1058; LP:
RCA Vic LPM-3096; 45: RCA Vic EPB-3096
(547-0046); CD: RCA 66031, RCA 66865, RCA
69936, Cocktail Hour
D6-VB-2035-1 Guadalajara vDA&trio 78: RCA Victor 20-1865, RCA Intl 25-1062; CD:
RCA 69936, Cocktail Hour
"COMMAND PERFORMANCE":
June Haver (m.c.), Larry Storch, Red Skelton, Pat McGeehan, Verna Felton, Desi Arnaz and His Orchestra (guests), Ken Carpenter (announcer) Hollywood, possibly March 14, 1946
Cuban Pete vDA BDCT: Program #215
Babalu vDA as above
"CUBAN PETE":
musical Hollywood, possibly from this period
DVD
Ciro's Hollywood, possibly from this period
Tabu vDA BDCT: CBS; CD: LaserLight 15 767
Chiu Chiu vDA&band as above
Begin the Beguine as above
Easy Street vAL as above
Cachita vDA as above
Good Night vDA as above
from other broadcast(s)
Speak Low BDCT; CD: LaserLight 15 767
Rico Pulpa BDCT; CD: LaserLight 15 767
The new Arnaz band performed at Ciro's in Hollywood, then began a tour of several movie theaters.
"The deal was that the theater would provide all the facilities and employees, plus a film," he later explained in his autobiography, titled, logically, A Book. "The band leader would provide the stage show and split 50-50 with the theater owner. Because the theater had to pay for the film that would be shown during the engagement, it always booked the cheapest ones it could find---such gems as Monogram's "Who Killed Tilly in the Mountains and the Valley?." My nut was in the neighborhood of five thousand dollars a week or more. Therefore, if it was a lousy week, I could lose money."
At its first movie palace, the Chicago Theater in Chicago, the band had a $65,000 week, and successful engagements followed at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee and the Orpheum Theater in Omaha.
"We broke Tommy Dorsey's record in Milwaukee and tied it in Omaha," Arnaz recalled.
Their tour led them to the Copacabana nightclub in New York City.
Desi Arnaz (vo) directing: Robert H. Jones, Rudie Carl Adams, Igancio Barranco (tp), Arthur E. Foster (tb), John Frederick Pickering (tb/arr), Alberto S. Estacis (fl), Miguel Rivera, Jack Holmes Baker, Vincent C. Ferrini, Herman "Hymie" Schertzer (as), J. Arthur "Art" Ralston (ts), Julius M. Held, Louis Horvath, Alexander Gores, Ernest Walker, Enrico Maurino, Alfred J. Rickey (vio), Isador Zir, Elias I. Lifschey (viola), Maurice Brown (cello), Marco A. Rizo (p), Nick Escalanto (b), Herman Bogert (g), Louis Ortiz (maracas), Louis R. Barreto (g), Jose Betancourt (bg), Isabelo Ernest Marrero (d), Tana (vo)
Studio #2, New York, NY, June 10, 1946
D6-VB-2033-3 I'll Dream Some More (Palabras de Mujer) vDA&T
78: RCA Victor 20-1865; CD: Cocktail Hour
D6-VB-2331-1 After Tonight vDA UNISSUED
D6-VB-2332-1 El Cumbanchero vDA&band 78: RCA Vic 20-2550; LP: RCA Vic Intl (Spain)
3L 10040; CD: RCA 66031, RCA 66865, Cocktail
Hour
Desi Arnaz (vo) directing: Robert H. Jones, Rudie Carl Adams, Igancio Barranco (tp), John Frederick Pickering (tb/arr), Ben Pickering (tb), Sol Sherman Kane, Vincent C. Ferrini, Jack Holmes Baker, Robert D. Burns, Miguel Rivera (reeds), Ernest Walker, Enrico Maurino, Louis Horvath, Victor R. Pariante, Harry Urbont, Alfred J. Rickey (vio), Victor Stern, Isador Zir (viola), Frederick Camelia (cello), Marco A. Rizo (p), Nick Escalanto (b), Pipin Betancourt (maracas), Francisco V. Pozo (bg), Louis Ortis (cg), Isabelo Ernest Marrero (d)
Studio #2, New York, NY, July 26, 1946
D6-VB-2035-2 Guadalajara vDA 78: possibly RCA Intl 25-1062; CD: RCA 66865
D6-VB-2332-2 El Cumbanchero vDA UNISSUED
D6-VB-2539-2 Tia Juana 78: RCA Victor 20-2020; LP: RCA Vic Intl (Spain)
3L 10040; CD: RCA 66031, RCA 69936, Cocktail
Hour
add Lucille Ball, Elsa Miranda (vo)
Studio #2, New York, NY, August 2, 1946
D6-VB-2587 Carnival in Rio [samba] vDA&LB 78: RCA Intl 25-1071; CD: RCA 66031, RCA 66865,
RCA 69936, Cocktail Hour
D6-VB-2588 I'll Never Love Again (La Borrachita) [bolero] vEM
78: RCA Vic 20-2020; CD: Cocktail Hour
D6-VB-2589 Carinoso [bolero] vEM 78: RCA Intl 25-2071; CD: RCA 66865
Desi Arnaz (vo) directing: Robert H. Jones, Anthony Terran, Al Reje Nunez (tp), Jose Gutierrez (tb), John Frederick Pickering (tb/arr), Ralph Elmer Brady, Joseph Miller, Jack Holmes Baker, Albert Raskin, Jack Mitchell (reeds), Sidney Harris, Charles B. Harris, Louis Horvath, Archie Leon, Alfred Rickey, Victor R. Parianto (vio), Harold R. Coletta, Nathan Nathanson (viola), Joseph Benavente (cello), Armando Loredo (p), Charles Navarro (g), Nick Escalanto (b), Isabelo Ernest Marreo (trap drums), Jane Harvey (vo)
Studio #2, New York, NY, October 18, 1946
D6-VB-3088-1 Through a Thousand Dreams vJH 78: RCA Vic 20-2094; CD: RCA 66865
D6-VB-3089-1 Mi Vida vJH 78: RCA Vic 20-2052; CD: RCA 69936, Cocktail
Hour
add Eduardo Abreu (maracas)
Studio #2, New York, NY, October 19, 1946
D6-VB-3090-1 Another Night Like This vJH 78: RCA Vic 20-2052; CD: RCA 66865
D6-VB-3091-1 A Rainy Night in Rio vJH 78: RCA Vic 20-2094; CD: RCA 66031, RCA 69936
D6-VB-3092-1 Tabu vDA 78: RCA Vic 20-2279; LP: RCA Vic LPM-3096;
45: RCA Vic EPB-3096 (547-0045); CD: RCA
66865
D6-VB-3093-1 Babalu vDA 78: RCA Vic 20-2280, RCA Vic 44-1003; LP: RCA
Vic LPM-3096; 45: RCA Vic EPB-3096 (547-0045);
CD: RCA 66031, RCA 66865, Cocktail Hour
In 1991, TV Guide observed the continuing popularity of "I Love Lucy," and asked, tongue-in-cheek, "What's Next? Babaloo [sic] on CD?"
I sent them a letter, which they printed in the Mar. 2-8 issue:
Lucille Ball's better half?
While I love Lucy, I also enjoy Desi Arnaz's comedic and musical talents. How delightful it is to watch Desi singing at the Tropicana Club. For me, that is the highlight of each I Love Lucy episode. So, to respond to your Jan. 26 "TV News Update" headline . . . the song "Babaloo" by Desi Arnaz and His Orchestra already is on CD ("Nipper's Greatest Hits: The 40s, Vol.2," RCA 9864-2-R).
Chris Popa
Alliance, Ohio
Desi Arnaz (vo) directing: Robert H. Jones, Anthony Terran, Al Reje Nunez (tp), Jose Gutierrez (tb), John Frederick Pickering (tb/arr), Ralph ElmerBrady, Joseph Miller, Jack Holmes Baker, Albert Raksin, Jack Mitchell (reeds), Albert Saparoff, Henry F. Jaworski, Victor Arno, Charles Edward Harris, Archie Leon, Waldemar H. Roth, Harold Schneier (vio), George Sandell, David H. Sterkin (viola), Rene Touzet (p), Charles Navarro (g), Nick Escalanto (b), Isabelo Ernest Marrero, Jose Betacourt, Ralph Angel Felices, Ivan C. Lopes (d)
Hollywood, CA, January 6, 1947
D7-VB-417-1 Brazil (Aquarelo do Brasil) 78: RCA Vic 20-2280; LP: RCA Vic LPM-3096; 45:
RCA Vic EPB-3096 (547-0045); CD: RCA 66031,
RCA 69936
D7-VB-418-1 La Cumparsita 78: RCA Vic 20-2279; LP: RCA Vic LPM-3096, RCA
Vic Intl (Spain) 3L 10040; 45: RCA Vic EPB-3096
(547-0045); CD: Cocktail Hour
D7-VB-419-1 Tico Tico featuring Rene Touzet, piano 78: RCA Vic 20-2281; LP: RCA Vic LPM-3096; 45:
RCA Vic EPB-3096 (547-0046); CD: RCA 66865,
RCA 69936, Cocktail Hour
Desi Arnaz (vo) directing: Robert H. Jones, Anthony Terran, Al Reje Nunez (tp), Jose Gutierrez (tb), John Frederick Pickering (tb/arr), Ralph Elmer Brady, Joseph Miller, Jack Holmes Baker, Albert Raksin, Jack Mitchell (reeds), Daniel Lube, Henry F. Jaworski, Victor Arno, Charles Edward Harris, Archie Leon, Joseph Quadri, Nicholas Pisani, Erno Neufeld, Walter Edelstein (vio), C.R. Menhennick, Allan Harshman (viola), Irving Lipschultz, Fred F. Goerne (cello), Rene Touzet, Marco A. Rizo (p), Charles Navarro (g), Nick Escalante (b), Isabelo Ernest Marrero, Jose Betacourt (d)
Hollywood, CA, January 20, 1947
D7-VB-420-1 Siboney 78: RCA Vic 20-2282, RCA Vic 20-2624; LP: RCA
Vic Intl (Spain) 3L 10040; CD: RCA 66031, RCA
66865, Cocktail Hour
D7-VB-421-1 The Peanut Vendor CD: RCA 66031
D7-VB-422-1 Green Eyes (Aquellos Ojos Verdes) 78: RCA Vic 20-2282; LP: RCA Vic LPM-3096, RCA
Vic Intl (Spain) 3L 10040; 45: EPB-3096 (547-0046);
CD: Cocktail Hour
D7-VB-426-1 The Peanut Vendor [:25 edited from start]
78: RCA Vic 20-2281; LP: RCA Vic LPM-3096; 45:
EPB-3096 (547-0046); CD: RCA 69936, Cocktail
Hour
"THE PEPSODENT SHOW":
Bob Hope (star), Robert Montgomery, Ken Murray (guest stars), Beryl Davis, Barbara Jo Allen, Jerry Colonna, Desi Arnaz and His Orchestra (cast) Hollywood, February 11, 1947
BDCT: NBC program #170
DESI ARNAZ AND HIS ORCHESTRA:
Desi Arnaz (vo) directing: Robert H. Jones, Anthony Terran, Al Reje Nunez (tp), Jose Gutierrez (tb), John Frederick Pickering (tb/arr), Ralph Elmer Brady, Joseph Miller, Jack Holmes Baker, Jack Mitchell, Roger E. Haller (reeds), Daniel Lube, Gene Egisto Monari, Victor Arno, Charles Edward Harris, David Frisina, Joscha Seidel, Erno Neufeld, Mark Levant (vio), C.R. Menhennick, Louis Kievman (viola), Irving Lipschultz, Robert H. Sevely (cello), Rene Touzet, Marco A. Rizo (p), Charles Navarro (g), Jake Garcia (b), Isabelo Ernest Marrero, Jose Betacourt, Ralph Angel Felices (d), Carol Richards (vo)
Hollywood, CA, April 30, 1947
D7-VB-417-2 Brazil vDA UNISSUED
D7-VB-417-3 Brazil vDA UNISSUED
D7-VB-417-4 Brazil vDA UNISSUED
D7-VB-528-1 I Love to Dance vCR 78: RCA Vic 20-2499
D7-VB-529-1 Made for Each Other (Tu Felicidad) vDA
78: RCA Vic 20-2550; CD: RCA 66865, Cocktail
Hour
D7-VB-530-1 Un Poquito de Amor vDA 78: RCA Vic 20-2499
D7-VB-531-1 I'll Take the Rhumba vDA CD: RCA 66865
D7-VB-532-1 Good Night vDA CD: RCA 66865
D7-VB-533-1 I Come From New York (Yo Vengo da Nuevo York)
CD: RCA 66031, RCA 69936
The Arnaz band completed its final Bob Hope show on June 10, 1947. It then resumed touring, beginning with the Midwest Summer Music Festival in Omaha on June 12. Other stops on their itinerary included the Chicago Theatre in Chicago, and the Palace Hotel in San Francisco for 12 weeks. From the latter, the band was heard on frequent radio broadcasts.
"It was very important for an orchestra to have that in those days," Arnaz recalled. "It kept you in front of the public and it helped your record sales."
Carole Richards worked with the band as the "American" singer, while Dulcina sang the Latin songs.
"The orchestra was booked in every darn theater in the country, with split weeks or one-nighters in between," Arnaz reminisced. "We played Oakland after the Palace, then Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Omaha, Chicago again and the Paramount Theatre in New York."
After playing in Madison, Wisconsin, the band was to perform in Akron, Ohio. En route, on U.S. Highway 20, just outside Rolling Prairie, Indiana, the bus driver fell asleep and the vehicle collided with a truck. Ten members of the band were injured, and it looked like their Akron job would have to be canceled.
"I was just about to give up when I got a call from General Artists Corporation in New York, telling me that Tommy [Dorsey] had heard about the accident and was sending me two Dorsey trombone players, Duke Ellington was sending a couple of his saxophone players, and Cugat was sending a maracca player," he stated.
ENRIC MADRIGUERA AND HIS ORCHESTRA:
featuring Desi Arnaz (vo)
New York, NY, November 7, 1947
74136 Xochimilco UNISSUED
74137 Maria From Bahia UNISSUED
74138 El Cumbanchero 78: Decca 24878 (A-873); LP: Decca DL-5350; 45:
Decca 9-24878 (9-257)
74139 Jenguila, Jongoio UNISSUED
DESI ARNAZ AND HIS ORCHESTRA:
Rose Room, Palace Hotel, San Francisco, CA,
December 6, 1947
Un Poquito de Amor vDA BDCT: CBS
other selections not known
Desi Arnaz (vo) directing: Robert H. Jones, Anthony Terran, A. Duchesne (tp), Jose Gutierrez (tb), John Frederick Pickering (tb/arr), Ralph Elmer Brady, Joseph Miller, Jack Holmes Baker, Jack Mitchell, Roger E. Haller (reeds), Marco A. Rizo (p), Charles Navarro (g), Luis Barreriro (b/contractor), U. Morales (bg), Isabelo Ernest Marrero, Ralph Angel Felices, T. Martinez (d), Carol Richards (vo)
Hollywood, CA, December 29, 1947
D7-VB-2764-1 Quizas, Quizas, Quizas (Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps) vDA
78: RCA Vic 20-3256; LP: RCA Vic Intl (Spain)
3L 10040; CD: RCA 66865, Cocktail Hour
D7-VB-2764-2 Quizas, Quizas, Quizas (Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps) vDA
UNISSUED
D7-VB-2765-1 Little Romero vDA 78: RCA Vic 20-2887
D7-VB-2765-2 Little Romero vDA UNISSUED
D7-VB-2766-1 You Can in Yucatan (Capullito de Alheli) vDA
78: RCA Vic 20-3070; LP: RCA Vic Intl (Spain)
3L 10040; CD: RCA 66031, RCA 69936
D7-VB-2767-1 The Matador vDA 78: RCA Vic 20-3113; CD: Cocktail Hour
D7-VB-2767-2 The Matador vDA UNISSUED
D7-VB-2768-1 La Ultima Noche vDA 78: RCA Vic 20-3070
D7-VB-2769-1 In Santiago, Chile (T'ain't Chilly At All) vDA
78: RCA Vic 20-2827; CD: RCA 66865, Cocktail
Hour
D7-VB-2769-2 In Santiago, Chile (T'ain't Chilly At All) vDA
UNISSUED
D7-VB-2770-1 Jipi Japa vDA 78: RCA Vic 20-2087
D7-VB-2771-1 Cuban Cabby vDA 78: RCA Vic 20-3256; CD: RCA 66865
D7-VB-2771-2 Cuban Cabby vDA UNISSUED
D7-VB-2772-1 Rumba Rumbero vDA 78: RCA Vic 20-2827; CD: Cocktail Hour
D7-VB-2772-2 Rumba Rumbero vDA UNISSUED
D7-VB-2773-1 Rumba Matumba vDA 78: RCA Vic 20-3256; CD: RCA 69936
The band continued traveling for a few more years, returning to Hollywood on a regular basis.
"HOLIDAY IN HAVANA:
Columbia Pictures feature film with Desi Arnaz and His Orchestra
Hollywood, 1949
STK
Desi Arnaz (vo) directing: M.M. Banza (tp), Ralph Elmer Brady, Joseph Miller (reeds), Marco A. Rizo (p), R. Gogarty (g), Luis Barreriro (b), U. Nieto (maracas), J. Mangual (bg), C. Duchesne (cg), Isabelo Ernest Marrero (d), The Streamliners [Connie Desmond, Ian McKechnie, Jimmy Polack, Bob Swanson] (vocal group)
Studio #1, New York, NY, March 29, 1949
D9-VB-1208-1 Ah-bah-nah, Coo-bah [guaracha] vDA&S
CD: RCA 66865
D9-VB-1209-1 It's Obvious [guaracha] vDA&S UNISSUED
D9-VB-1210-1 The Straw Hat Song (Cancion del Sombreo e Paja) [boogie rumba] vDA
LP: RCA Vic Intl (Spain) 3L 10040; CD: RCA
66031, RCA 66865, RCA 69936
D9-VB-1211-1 Holiday in Havana [rumba] vDA&S
CD: RCA 66031, RCA 66865, RCA 69936
DESI ARNAZ WITH HIS LATINOS:
including Desi Arnaz (vo)
Los Angeles, CA, July 22, 1949
L5099 Un Poquito de Tu Amor 78: Decca 24713 (A-873); LP: Decca DL-5350; 45:
Dec 9-24713 (9-257); CD: Cocktail Hour
L5100 Similau [African version] 78: Dec 24713 (A-873); LP: Dec DL-5350; 45: Dec
9-24713 (9-257); CD: Cocktail Hour
L5101 Similau [Spanish version] UNISSUED
In 1950, Lucille Ball worked with the band during a summer tour which included the Roxy Theatre in New York City. The band then opened at the Chi Chi, a nightclub in Palm Springs, California, and in late November returned to Ciro's in Hollywood.
Arnaz's musical quiz show, "Your Tropical Trip," premiered on the CBS radio network on January 20, 1951. It was an un-sponsored, or "sustaining," show and aired Sunday afternoons.
"TROPICAL TRIP":
1951
El Cumbanchero vDA&band BDCT: CBS radio; LP: Star Merchants SM-1951;
CD: Columbia CK 48507
Babalu vDA&band as above
The Straw Hat Song vDA as above
Guadalajara vDA as above
THE ANDREWS SISTERS WITH DESI ARNAZ AND HIS ORCHESTRA:
LaVerne Andrews, Maxene Andrews, Patty Andrews (vo)
Los Angeles, CA, April 6, 1951
L6210-A The Mambo Man vAS 78: De 28483 (A-922); LP: De DL-5438, Pickwick
SPC 3382; 45: De 9-28483 (9-369)
L6211
Los Angeles, CA, April 7, 1951
L6212 Sing It in English UNISSUED
L6213-A Old Don Juan vAS&DA 78: De 28483 (A-922); LP: De DL-5438, Pickwick
SPC 3382; 45: De 9-28483 (9-369)
The Arnaz orchestra was hired for Bob Hope's radio show, which ran from October 1946 to June 10, 1947. As Hope's musical director, he would supply the music, bridges, or backgrounds, sing a song, and provide accompaniment for guest stars.
"THE PEPSODENT SHOW":
Bob Hope (star), Fred Allen (guest star), with Desi Arnaz and His Orchestra
Hollywood, October 29, 1946
BDCT: NBC
DESI ARNAZ AND HIS ORCHESTRA:
Ciro's, Hollywood, CA, 11:00-11:30 p.m.,
November 25, 1946
Tabu vDA
El Cumbanchero vDA
A Rainy Night in Rio vJH
After Midnight vDA
Bim Bam Bum vDA
I'll Never Love Again (La Borrachita) vJH
Guadalajara vDA
Through a Thousand Dreams vJH
Toga Pu Samba
Rhumba Rhapsody
Star Dust
Tia Juana
Originally, the idea for "I Love Lucy" was for Desi and Lucy to portray themselves, but that changed.
"Instead of my part being that of Desi Arnaz, the successful orchestra leader, he became Ricky Ricardo, also an orchestra leader, just trying to make it," Arnaz explained. "We took Lucy completely out of show business and made her just a plain housewife who would have liked to get into show business, but had no talent at all."
The program was filmed before a live audience at General Service Studios' Stage 2.
"I LOVE LUCY":
Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Vivian Vance, William Frawley (vo)
Hollywood, March 2, 1951 [filming date]
Babalu vDA pilot episode
Cielito Lindo as above
Cuban Cabby vDA as above
Granada vDA as above
Hollywood, September 15, 1951
Guadalajara vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.2, "The Girls Want to Go
to a Nightclub")
Hollywood, September 21, 1951
Mama Yo Quiero vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.3, "Be a Pal")
Hollywood, September 28, 1951
Cuban Pete vDA / Sally Sweet vLB BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.4, "The Diet"); CD: Columbia
CK 48507
Hollywood, October 5, 1951
My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.5, "The Quiz Show")
Hollywood, October 12, 1951
Babalu vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.6, "The Audition")
How Dry I Am as above
Hollywood, October 25, 1951
The Straw Hat Song vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.8, "Men Are Messy")
Hollywood, November 16, 1951
El Cumbanchero vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.11, "Lucy Is Jealous of
Girl Dancer")
Jezebel vDA as above
Hollywood, November 30, 1951
Auf Wiedersehn BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.13, "The Benefit")
Shine On, Harvest Moon as above
We'll Build a Bungalow BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.13, "The Benefit"); CD:
Columbia CK 48507
Hollywood, December 7, 1951
I'm Breaking My Back vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.14, "The Amateur Hour")
Ragtime Cowboy Joe vLB as above
Hollywood, January 5, 1952
Sweet Sue - Just You vcast BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.18, "Breaking the Lease")
El Cumbanchero vDA as above
The Mexican Hat Dance as above
I Want a Girl as above
La Raspa as above
Hollywood, January 11, 1952
Martha BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.19, "The Ballet")
Hollywood, January 18, 1952
Babalu vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.20, "Young Fans")
Hollywood, February 8, 1952
I'm On My Way to Cuba (I'll See You in C-U-B-A) vDA
BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.23, "The Moustache"); CD:
Columbia CK 48507
Hollywood, February 22, 1952
While Strolling Through the Park One Day
BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.25, "Pioneer Woman")
Hollywood, February 28, 1952
I Love You Truly BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.26, "The Marriage License")
Hollywood, March 14, 1952
The Lady in Red vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.28, "Cuban Pals"); CD:
Columbia CK 48507
Hollywood, March 21, 1952
Cielito Lindo BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.29, "The Freezer")
Mama Inez as above
Similau as above
Hollywood, April 4, 1952
Babalu vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.31, "The Publicity Agent")
I Get Ideas vDA as above
Hollywood, May 9, 1952
Down Argentine Way vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.36, "The Anniversary Present");
CD: Columbia CK 48507
Here Comes the Bride BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.36, "The Anniversary Present")
Hollywood, May 16, 1952
In Santiago, Chile (T'ain't Chilly At All) vDA
BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.37, "The Handcuffs")
Hollywood, May 23, 1952
I'm Lily of the Valley vVV BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.38, "The Operetta")
The Inn on the River Out vWF as above
I Am Queen of the Gypsies vLB as above
I'll Be True to You, Lily vDA as above
I'm the Good Prince Lancelot as above
We Are the Troops of the King as above
We're the Pleasant Peasant Girls as above
Hollywood, June 6, 1952
Glowworm LB, saxophone BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.40, "The Saxophone")
Hollywood, August 22, 1952
Sweet and Lovely vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.44, "Ricky Loses His Voice")
Carolina in the Morning vVV&WF as above
Five Foot Two - Eyes of Blue vLB as above
The Charleston as above
Mississippi Mud as above
The Varsity Drag as above
Hollywood, August 29, 1952
Cielito Lindo BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.45, "Sales Resistance")
There's a Brand New Baby At Our House vDA
as above
Hollywood, September 6, 1952
Who? BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.46, "The Inferiority Complex")
Hollywood, September 12, 1952
Cielito Lindo BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.47, "The Club Election")
Cuban Cabby vDA as above
Hollywood, October 3, 1952
Granada vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.50, "Lucy Is Enceinte")
The Lady in Red vDA as above
Rocka-Bye Baby vDA as above
We're Having a Baby vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.50, "Lucy Is Enceinte"); CD:
Columbia CK 48507
Hollywood, October 10, 1952
Cheek to Cheek BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.51, "Pregnant Women Are
Unpredictable")
Hollywood, October 17, 1952
By the Light of the Silvery Moon BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.52, "Lucy's Show Biz Swan
Song")
Carolina in the Morning as above
Goodnight Ladies as above
Strolling Through the Park as above
Sweet Adeline as above
Hollywood, October 24, 1952
Babalu vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.53, "Lucy Hires An English
Turot")
Notre Dame Victory Song as above
Tippy-Tippy-Toe as above
Hollywood, November 14, 1952
Voodoo BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.56, "Lucy Goes to the
Hospital")
"THE LONG, LONG TRAILER":
including Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz (vo) possibly from this period
Breezin' Along with the Breeze vLB&DA [lush orchestration]
STK; CD: Rhino
Breezin' Along with the Breeze vLB&DA [light trio accompaniment]
STK
"I LOVE LUCY":
Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Vivian Vance, William Frawley (vo)
Hollywood, September 16, 1954
Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.103, "Ricky's Movie Offer)
Habanera as above
In a Little Spanish Town as above
Hollywood, September 23, 1954
Canta Guitarra vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.104, "Ricky's Screen Test")
Hollywood, September 30, 1954
Bim Bam Boom BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.105, "Lucy's Mother-in-Law")
Hollywood, October 14, 1954
I'm On My Way to Cuba (I'll See You in C-U-B-A) vDA
BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.107, "Ricky's Contract")
When You're Smiling as above
Hollywood, November 4, 1954
California, Here I Come vDA,WF,LB,&VV
BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.110, "California, Here We
Come"); CD: Columbia CK 48507
Hollywood, November 11, 1954
I'm Afraid to Go Home in the Dark BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.111, "First Stop")
Hollywood, November 18, 1954
Birmingham Jail BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.112, "Tennessee Bound")
Old MacDonald Had a Farm as above
Ricochet Romance as above
Hollywood, November 25, 1954
Chopsticks BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.113, "Ethel's Home Town")
Shortnin' Bread vVV as above
My Hero vVV as above
Hollywood, December 16, 1954
A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.116, "Lucy Gets in Pictures")
Hollywood, December 23, 1954
Embraceable You BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.117, "The Fashion Show")
Hollywood, February 3, 1955
Cuban Pete vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.118, "The Hedda Hopper Story")
Green Eyes as above
The Sheik of Araby as above
Hollywood, February 17, 1955
Dear Old Donegal vVV&WF BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.120, "Bull Fight Dance")
Humoresque as above
Let Me Go, Lover as above
Old Folks At Home as above
Fernando the Matador vDA&LB as above
Hollywood, February 24, 1955
The Anniversary Waltz BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.121, "Hollywood Anniversary")
La Vie en Rose as above
Hollywood, March 3, 1955
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.122, "The Star Upstairs")
Hollywood, March 24, 1955
Take Me Out to the Ball Game BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.124, "Harpo Marx")
Hollywood, March 31, 1955
How About You BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.125, "The Dancing Star")
Hollywood, September 22, 1955
I Get Ideas vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.130, "Lucy and the Dummy")
Hollywood, October 20, 1955
Rancho Grande BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.134: "Face to Face / The
Ricardos Are Interviewed")
Hollywood, October 27, 1955
Texas Pete vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.135, "Lucy Goes to a Rodeo")
Red River Valley vVV&WF as above
Down By the Old Mill Stream vLB as above
Birmingham Jail as above
Home On the Range as above
Lily of the Valley as above
Mockingbird as above
The Old Chisholm Trail as above
Hollywood, November 10, 1955
Forever, Darling vDA&PP BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.137, "Ricky's European
Booking")
DESI ARNAZ AND HIS ORCHESTRA:
including Desi Arnaz (vo) and The Pied Pipers (vo group), Eliot Daniel (arr)
Radio Recorders, Los Angeles, CA,
November 22, 1955
55-S-88 (55-XY-80) The Straw Hat Song vDA&PP 45: MGM 12144; LP: Lion L70108,
DRG
55-S-89 (55-XY-81) Forever, Darling vDA&PP 45: MGM 12144; LP: MGM E-3375
"I LOVE LUCY":
Desi Arnaz (vo) Hollywood, November 17, 1955
Mademoiselle from Armentieres BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.138, "The Passports")
Skip to My Lou as above
Hollywood, December 15, 1955
Cielito Lindo BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.141, "Second Honeymoon")
Hollywood, January 6, 1956
The Dragon Waltz BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.144, "Lucy Goes to Scotland")
I'm in Love with the Dragon's Dinner as above
A McGillicuddy Is Here as above
'Tis Nay a Bra Bricht Nicht as above
Two Heads Are Better Than One as above
Hollywood, February 23, 1956
La Cucaracha BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.148, "Lucy in the Swiss Alps")
Schnitzelblank as above
Swiss Yodel as above
Hollywood, March 1, 1956
Happy Birthday to You BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.149, "Lucy Gets Homesick
in Italy")
Hollywood, April 5, 1956
Rock-a-Bye Baby BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.153, "Return Home From
Europe")
Hollywood, June 5, 1956
Nobody Loves the Ump vDA,LB&BH BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.154, "Lucy and Bob Hope");
CD: Columbia CK 48507
Thanks for the Memory vDA,LB&BH BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.154, "Lucy and Bob Hope")
Hollywood, June 21, 1956
Five Foot Two - Eyes of Blue BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.156, "Little Ricky Gets Stage
Fright")
Keith Thibeaudoux (vo) Hollywood, October 18, 1956
I'm a Lucky Guy vDA BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.162, "The Ricardos Visit Cuba")
Babalu vDA&KT as above
Hollywood, November 22, 1956
Jingle Bells BDCT: CBS-TV (special, "'I Love Lucy' Christmas
Show")
Hollywood, February 7, 1957
Tango BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.172, "Lucy Does the Tango")
Hollywood, February 14, 1957
Man Smart, Woman Smarter BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.173, "Ragtime Band")
She'll Be Comin' 'Round the Mountain as above
Sweet Sue - Just You as above
Hollywood, February 21, 1957
Big 'D' BDCT: CBS-TV (ep.174, "Lucy's Night in Town")
Don't Cry as above
Standing On the Corner as above
A 1950s Down Beat article, "America's Best-Known Leader," explained that, though Arnaz was a household name, his in-person appearances had been virtually eliminated by the demands of TV and business.
"That would mean traveling, and I'd have to take Lucy, because I couldn't go without her-and Lucy won't leave Hollywood-so I guess I'm safe," Arnaz stated. "But I'm going to to a few dates with the band now and then when I can work them in between television and picture work-and providing the dates are close to home."
However, during the years which followed, Arnaz completely abandoned his big band, too busy serving as a TV executive, producer, or director, and appearing occasionally in dramatic roles.
In 1976 he did make a rare, and well-received, musical performance with his son.
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE:
including Desi Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr. (vo), Gilda Radner ("Sally Sweet")
New York City, February 21, 1976
Cuban Pete/Sally Sweet vDA
BDCT: NBC-TV
Babalu vDA as above
When a disco arrangement of the "I Love Lucy" theme, by the so-called Wilton Street Place Band, appeared on the pop charts that same year, Gary Lemel of First Artists Records announced intentions to record in disco style other songs from the show. Arnaz supposedly planned to regroup his band for a tour in conjunction with the release of the album, but this evidently never materialized.
Thanks to the TV reruns which he pioneered, Desi Arnaz and His Orchestra still appear every day, somewhere in the world, on the bandstand of "I Love Lucy," at the height of their fame. That, alone, is an amazing accomplishment.
Muchos gracias, Mr. Arnaz!
key to releases:
Harlequin(E) HQ CD 106, "Desi Arnaz 1937-1947," 1998 (CD)
Columbia (78 album)
Sony Music Special Products A 33105, "Desi Arnaz: Conga!," 1999 (CD)
RCA, "Babalu and Other Favorites" (78 album)
RCA LPM-3096, "Babalu and Other Favorites" (10" LP)
RCA EPB-3096, "Babalu and Other Favorites" (45 EP album)
RCA 66031, "The Best of Desi Arnaz: The Mambo King," 1992 (CD)
RCA 66865, "Desi Arnaz and His Orchestra: Babalu," 1996 (CD)
RCA 69936, "Cuban Originals: Desi Arnaz," 1999 (CD)
RCA Victor International(Sp) #3L 10040, "Desi Arnaz y Su Orchestra" (LP)
His Master's Voice(E), "Carnival" (45 EP)
Cocktail Hour, "Desi Arnaz" (CD)
Decca A-873, "Go Latin" (78 album)
Decca DL 5350
Decca DL 5438 (10" LP)
Decca 9-257 (45 set)
Pickwick SPC 3382, "The Andrews Sisters: Sing, Sing, Sing"
Columbia CK 48507, "Babalu Music!: I Love Lucy's Greatest Hits," 1991 (CD)
Star Merchants SM-1951
Rhino, "You Are My Lucky Star: Romantic Duets From M-G-M Classics," 1997
MGM E-3375, "Movie Pop Parade, Volume 3," 1956 (LP)
Lion L70108, "Celebrities," 1959 (LP)
DRG (LP)
sources:
Aaronson, Charles, ed. 1956 International Television Almanac (New York: Quigley Publications, 1956), p.8.
Arnaz, Desi. A Book (New York City: Warner Books, 1976).
Bernal, Michael. "Desi Arnaz: King of the Rumba Beat," Classic Images, Aug. 1998 (No.278), pp.30-33.
Emge, Charles. "America's Best-Known Leader," Down Beat, 6 May 1953, p.3.
Folkart, Burt A. "Desi Arnaz, Who Loved Lucy, Dead of Cancer," Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 1986.
Friedwald, Will, compiler. "Desi Arnaz - The Victor Sessions."
Golden, David. "Desi Arnaz and His Orchestra," in radiogoldindex.com
"Lucille Ball Drops Victor Disk Suit; Credit Line Nixed," Variety?, ca. Jan. 1947.
Luhrs, Joyce. "A Tribute to Desi Arnaz," Dancing USA, Jan./Feb. 2002, pp.12-14.
Page, Tim. "Desi Arnaz, TV Pioneer," Is Dead at 69," New York Times, 3 Dec. 1986.
Smith, Cecil. "More to Remember Than 'Babaloo': What About Desi Arnaz?," Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 1986.
Sweeting, Paul. "'Babalu' Releases To Debut With A Boom: Columbia, CBS Vid Prep Multiformat Arnaz Program,"
Billboard, 1991.
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