Nelson Riddle (June 1, 1921 – October 6, 1985) was an American arranger, composer and bandleader known for his sophisticated orchestrations and collaborations with some of the biggest names in music. Born in Oradell, New Jersey, Riddle developed a passion for jazz and classical music, later studying arranging with Bill Finegan.
In the 1950s, he gained recognition as an arranger for Capitol Records, working with artists like Nat King Cole, for whom he arranged hits like Unforgettable and Mona Lisa. His most famous collaboration was with Frank Sinatra, shaping the singer’s signature sound on classic albums such as Songs for Swingin’ Lovers! and Only the Lonely.
Beyond pop and jazz, Riddle composed for film and television, earning an Academy Award for his work on The Great Gatsby (1974). In the 1980s, he arranged for Linda Ronstadt’s successful What’s New trilogy, introducing his lush orchestrations to a new generation.
Nelson Riddle’s ability to blend jazz, pop, and orchestral elements left a lasting impact on music, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest arrangers of all time.
38 recordings by Nelson Riddle you can hear on Instrumentals Forever:
A Game Of Poker • Alone Too Long • Beautiful Sunrise • Bye Bye Blues • Chemise noir • Costa Mesa • Dancing Shadows • Don’t Break My Heart • Finesse • Fireflies • I Got The Sun In The Morning • Indian Summer • Indiscreet • Isn’t This A Lovely Day • It’s A Big Wide Wonderful World • It’s A Grand Night For Singing • It’s So Nice To Have A Man About The House • It’s So Peaceful In The Country • June In January • Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries • Lisbon Antiqua • Lolita – love theme • Makin’ Whoopee • Midironde • Night Winds • Nightingale • Penny Ante • Playboy’s Theme • Queen Of Hearts • Red Silk Stockings And Green Perfume • Sun Spots • Talk About Music • The Joy Of Living • Twilight Romance • Two Hearts Wild • Witchcraft • You Fascinate Me So • You Make Me Feel So Young •
