[78-L] I'M BEGINNING TO SEE THE LIGHT, was EFHJREM

[Jeff Sultanof]

Actually, it is well known that Johnny Thompson wrote the arrangement to
"Light," although I have seen at least one discography listing Dave
Matthews. A very talented man, Thompson was a Schillinger student,
originally from Texas, who was chief arranger for the Red Norvo 1942 big
band (and wrote arrangements for a record date with Norvo's ex, Mildred
Bailey). He also wrote for Benny Goodman after Norvo broke up the band, and
then after the war when Thompson left James. You also might know of his
arrangements for Norvo playing xylophone on a date for Capitol Records
(1947, I believe. The scoring for woodwinds is gorgeous).

Known more today because of his marriage to one of Judy Garland's sisters,
he went back to Texas and was involved in local television and radio. He
died sometime in the eighties, I believe.

Jeff Sultanof

On Mon, Jun 22, 2009 at 7:24 AM, RAY KILCOYNE <kil at roadrunner.com> wrote:

> Can't help you with the James arranger for "LIGHT".  Seems to be a
> well-kept
> secret.  I have a session list of all the musicians on the date from a CD
> booklet, but no arranger credit.
> I believe Don George wrote the lyrics.  Bob Russell did write lyrics for a
> couple of other Ellington tunes which may be the cause of the confusion.
> Russell died early in 1970, so HE AIN'T HEAVY was likely his last big hit.
> RayK
> >
>
>