Seaside Sinatra Event Celebrates the Musical Legacy of Arranger Nelson Riddle



Nelson Riddle and his children, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin. Photo courtesy of The Nelson Riddle family

(AVON, NJ) — The brilliance and musical genius of the iconic arranger, Nelson Riddle, will be the main focus and topic of discussion at the “Swingin Sinatra-Riddle Event”, presented by Karen Morris of Sand Castle Communications. Although Nelson Riddle passed away thirty-eight years ago, on October 6, 1985, his music lives on, spanning generations, as he remains a prominent influencer in the music and recording industry.

This marvelous Sinatra-Riddle celebratory event honors the artistry of Nelson Riddle and Frank Sinatra, and will be held on Sunday, October 29th, 2023, from 2:30pm to 4:00pm, indoors with a seaside view, at the Avon Marina Building, 2 Main Street, Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ. 

This is the first in a two-part series of intimate conversations with featured guest speaker, Christopher Riddle, about his dad, world-renowned arranger, composer and bandleader, Nelson Riddle, and his extraordinary collaboration with Frank Sinatra.

Christopher Riddle, son of Nelson, continues to keep the Riddle family musical legacy alive in story and song.  As the acclaimed conductor/music director of The Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Christopher has led the band since his father’s passing.

The Nelson Riddle Orchestra is often referred to as the “World’s Most Recorded Orchestra.” Nelson Riddle masterfully conducted the orchestra, arranging and recording over 100+ albums, accompanying the top vocalists of the 20th century including Frank Sinatra, Nat “King” Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Judy Garland, Linda Ronstadt and many more.

But it is Nelson’s remarkable synergy with Frank Sinatra which was exceptionally noteworthy, as he was credited for reviving Sinatra’s career with the Capitol recording and popular hit song, I’ve Got the World on a String. Quoting Frank Sinatra, “In the 1950’s, Nelson Riddle and I wanted to record groups of songs that set a mood. We recorded wonderful, soulful, tender albums; as well as hot swinging ones.”

Producer Karen Morris will share a few special photos at the event. One is courtesy of the Nelson Riddle Family. It was taken in 1964 showing Nelson, his children, Bing Crosby and Dean Martin at a recording session for the film Robin and the 7 Hoods. The song being recorded was “Don’t Be a Dobadder” and Nelson’s children sang as part of the youngster’s voices on that recording.

Joining in the Sinatra-Riddle program festivities will be guest speaker and host, Brian Mark. Brian has spent over 30 years as the Executive Producer of Orange Productions’ nationally syndicated radio show The Sounds of Sinatra with Sid Mark.

His unique perspective about his father, broadcast legend Sid Mark (who sadly passed away in 2022), and the long and loyal relationship Sid had with Frank Sinatra, will add to this memorable event.

Singing sensation and talented crooner, Zack Alexander, will open and close the show, performing a variety of Frank Sinatra songs, spotlighting the autumn season as well as Sinatra-Riddle tunes.

Karen Morris, presenter of the event, is an independent producer for over 20 years, and founder of Sand Castle Communications LLC and The Rat Pack Music Alliance.

Event parking is free and available at 2 Main Street, Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ or if lot is filled, free parking also at 43 Main Street, Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ. 

Advance tickets are required to attend. Tickets are on sale now.  A code number is necessary to enter the ticket site to purchase. For code number and ticket info, contact producer Karen Morris at  sand3737@gmail.com