Sleigh Ride
"Sleigh Ride" is a light orchestra standard composed by Leroy Anderson. He formed the idea for the piece during a heat wave in July 1946, and finished it in February 1948. Its first performance was by the Boston Pops Orchestra, with Arthur Fiedler conducting, on May 4, 1948.[1]
This article is about the piece of music. For the recreational activity, see sledding. For the 'Fear the Walking Dead' episode, see Sleigh Ride (Fear the Walking Dead)."Sleigh Ride"
The original recordings were instrumental versions: it was first recorded in 1949 by Fiedler and the Boston Pops.[2] As a 45 rpm version issued on red vinyl, "Sleigh Ride" was a hit record on RCA Victor Red Seal, and has become one of the orchestra's most well-known works. The Pops have recorded the piece numerous times, with Fiedler as well as John Williams, their conductor from 1979 to 1995, and Keith Lockhart, their current conductor.
The lyrics, about riding in a sleigh and other wintertime activities, were written by Mitchell Parish in 1950.[3] Anderson also made arrangements for wind band and piano.[4][5]
The Ronettes recorded a cover of "Sleigh Ride" in 1963 for Phil Spector's A Christmas Gift for You, which was commercially successful in the United States and featured in various media. The song has since been associated with the Christmas and holiday season.
"Sleigh Ride"
November 22, 1963
1963
3:01
October 13, 2020
2020
Christmas
2:33
- Leroy Anderson
- Mitchell Parish
- Brent Kutzle
- Brandon Collins
December 4, 2020
2020
2:39
- Mariah Carey
- Daniel Moore II
- Marc Shaiman
- Scott M. Riesett
- Tremaine "Six7" Williams