A British big band leader, composer, and actor who led a popular orchestra in the 1930s, known for his smooth, elegant style and hits like "The Very Thought of You"
Ray Noble, a renowned English jazz and big band musician, is best known for his signature tune, "The Very Thought of You". This iconic song has become synonymous with the Golden Age of British music, cementing Noble's status as a master composer, arranger, and bandleader.
Born on December 17, 1903, in Brighton, England, Noble was the nephew of prominent Anglican church music composer T. Tertius Noble. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music and, in 1927, won a competition for the best British dance band orchestrator, as advertised in Melody Maker.
In 1929, Noble became the leader of the New Mayfair Dance Orchestra, an HMV Records studio band featuring top hotel orchestras of the day. This marked the beginning of his prolific recording career, with US Victor releasing several of his HMV recordings, including "Butterflies in the Rain", "Mademoiselle", and "My Hats on the Side of My Head".
In 1930, Al Bowlly joined Noble's studio band, and their collaboration yielded some of the most iconic songs of the era, including "Turkish Delight", "By the Fireside", and "Goodnight, Sweetheart". The latter song reached number one on the American charts, covered by Guy Lombardo, and was later featured in the original Star Trek television series episode "The City on the Edge of Forever".
Noble's contributions to music and entertainment earned him numerous accolades, including a commemorative blue plaque on his childhood home in Brighton, England.
Noble's music and comedic talents extended beyond the realm of jazz and big band, influencing American ventriloquist Edgar Bergen's stage act, featuring Mortimer Snerd and Charlie McCarthy, and the popular comedy duo Burns and Allen. He also appeared in films and television shows, solidifying his status as a versatile entertainer.
Ray Noble's legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and composers, leaving an indelible mark on the world of jazz and big band music. His contributions to the Golden Age of British music have ensured his place in the annals of music history, and his iconic songs remain timeless classics, enjoyed by audiences around the world.
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