Noble, Ray, 1903-1978

Ray Noble (1903-1978) was a British big band leader, composer, arranger, and conductor during the twentieth century. Born in Brighton, England, Noble first came to musical prominence as leader of the New Mayfair Dance Orchestra in London, England during the late 1920s and early 1930s. He composed several hit songs recorded by the band, including "Love is the Sweetest Thing". Noble moved to the United States in 1934 and formed the Ray Noble Orchestra, which played and broadcast over NBC Radio at New York City's Rainbow Room (1935-1937). The Ray Noble Orchestra featured a number of prominent big band musicians, including vocalist Al Bowlly and trombonist and future big band leader Glenn Miller. Noble composed and arranged a number of hits recorded by the band, including "Cherokee". After disbanding the Ray Noble Orchestra in 1937, Noble moved into radio and worked as a conductor and arranger on a number of popular radio shows between the late 1930s and early 1950s, including "The Chesterfield Show" and "The Chase and Sanborn Program".

From the description of Ray Noble papers, 1928-1954. (University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center). WorldCat record id: 181157823

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