Carmichael, Ralph
Considered by many to be the musical father of Christian rock, Ralph Carmichael was born the son of a Pentecostal minister in 1927. Learning the violin as a youth, Carmichael initially sought to follow in his father's footsteps as a preacher, but decided to shift into a more music-oriented career while in college. His earliest works drew inspiration from various realms of popular music, which was considered highly controversial in the Christian music community at the time.
Carmichael's big break into the secular music community came through his work for Capitol Records beginning in the late 1950s. His collaborations with Nat "King" Cole, in particular, stand out as some of his finest work in the field. He also did notable work in television and film during this time, including serving as musical director for the sitcom "I Love Lucy" as well as scoring the soundtrack for the film "The Blob."
By the 1970s, Carmichael had largely returned to his Christian music roots, writing several songs that are considered to be modern hymns. His original compositions have been heard in places ranging from Billy Graham productions to Elvis Presley's 1972 album "He Touched Me." Carmichael's more notable work in the jazz community during this time includes arranging Christmas-themed albums for Ella Fitzgerald and Stan Kenton.
STAN KENTON A MERRY CHRISTMAS COMPLETE ELEVEN ARRANGEMENT SET
As Recorded by Stan Kenton
Eleven Jazz Big Band Arrangements
Sierra Music
SK-1000
$540.00
Based on the Stan Kenton Recordings
Jazz Big Band Arrangement
Sierra Music
SMP-1160
$65.00
![SERENATA [DOWNLOAD]](https://www.ejazzlines.com/wp-images/product/thumbnail/jlp9548.jpg)
Recorded by Nat 'King' Cole and George Shearing
Jazz Studio Orchestra Arrangement with Vocal
Jazz Lines Publications
JLP-9548DL
$75.00
