Jackie Gleason was not only a comedian but also a talented actor, writer, and composer, famously known as 'The Great One.'
He won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical, showcasing his versatility beyond comedy.
Gleason received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing his status as a television legend.
Biography
Early Life
Herbert John Gleason, known as Jackie Gleason, was born on February 26, 1916, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the son of Herbert Walton Gleason and Mae Agnes Kelly, both of Irish descent. Growing up in a challenging environment after his father abandoned the family, Gleason found solace in performing arts. He attended several schools, including P.S. 73 and Bushwick High School, where he began to develop his comedic talents.
Career
Gleason's career took off in the 1940s when he transitioned from nightclubs to film, adopting the stage name Jackie C. Gleason in tribute to his late brother. He became a household name through his television shows, particularly "The Honeymooners," where he portrayed the iconic character Ralph Kramden. His unique blend of comedy and music led to a successful recording career, producing numerous albums such as "Music for Lovers Only" and "Music to Make You Misty." Gleason's work earned him several accolades, including a Tony Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Personal Life and Interests
Gleason's personal life was marked by his fear of flying, which stemmed from a harrowing experience during his early film career. He preferred traveling by train and had a keen interest in the paranormal, often engaging in discussions about UFOs. His marriages, particularly to dancer Genevieve Halford, reflected his struggle between a vibrant nightlife and a desire for a quiet home life.
Legacy
Jackie Gleason's impact on entertainment is profound, with his work influencing generations of comedians. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1986, and his legacy continues to be celebrated, including a statue of him in Miami Beach. His contributions to both comedy and music have left an indelible mark on American culture.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
Champagne, Candlelight and Kisses1963
- 1.Theme From Bus Stop
- 2.Undecided
- 3.I Double Dare You
- 4.A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody
- 5.A Little Love a Little Kiss
- 6.All by Myself
- 7.Keepin Out of Mischief Now
- 8.It's Been a Long Long Time
- 9.That's a Plenty
- 10.Everything Happens to Me
- 11.Just You, Just Me
- 12.Fascinating Rhythm
Movie Themes: For Lovers Only1963
- 1.Days of Wine and Roses (from “Days of Wine and Roses”)3:24
- 2.Call Me Irresponsible (from “Papa’s Delicate Condition”)3:33
- 3.You’re All the World to Me (from “Royal Wedding”)3:13
- 4.The Third Man Theme (from “The Third Man”)2:49
- 5.The Man That Got Away (from “A Star Is Born”)4:21
- 6.Follow Me (love theme from “Mutiny on the Bounty”)2:38
- 7.Colette (from “Gigot”)2:54
- 8.My Romance (from “Jumbo”)2:52
- 9.A Home in the Meadow (from “How the West Was Won”)3:03
- 10.The Sweet Life (from “La dolce vita”)3:02
- 11.The Wishing Star (the theme from “Tartas Bulba”)3:14
- 12.Theme From Lawrence of Arabia2:48
Jackie Gleason Presents the Gentle Touch1961
- 1.Cheatin' on Me3:06
- 2.Looking for a Boy2:54
- 3.Will You Still Be Mine?2:19
- 4.Until the Real Thing Comes Along2:53
- 5.By Myself2:49
- 6.Moonglow2:33
- 7.I Went Out of My Way3:07
- 8.I Remember It Well2:50
- 9.How High the Moon2:12
- 10.I Don't Want to Cry Anymore3:21
- 11.Oh! Look at Me Now2:59
- 12.Everybody Loves My Baby1:59
Aphrodisia1960
- 1.Seraglio
- 2.Blue Crystal
- 3.Pastel Flame
- 4.Dawn Desire
- 5.Violet Mist
- 6.Rapture
- 7.Silver Sunset
- 8.Pink Chiffon
- 9.Perpetual Emotion
- 10.Orange Velvet
- 11.Farewell Rendezvous
- 12.Glamour
Jackie Gleason presents Lazy Lively Love1960
- 1.Speak Low3:51
- 2.Limehouse Blues2:16
- 3.Lover Man3:40
- 4.Too Close for Comfort2:51
- 5.It Had to Be You3:09
- 6.I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write2:39
- 7.Brokenhearted2:43
- 8.Breezin' Along With the Breeze2:04
- 9.Smile3:09
- 10.On the Street Where You Live2:12
- 11.Because of You2:58
- 12.Exactly Like You2:00
Opiate d'Amour1960
- 1.Caress
- 2.When Your Lover Has Gone
- 3.Casa D'Amor
- 4.The Song Is Ended
- 5.Pale Blues
- 6.You've Changed
- 7.Melancholy Serenade
- 8.Yesterdays
- 9.Pink Lace
- 10.She's Funny That Way
- 11.The Girl ("Tawny")
- 12.It's All Right With Me
That Moment1959
- 1.The Sentimental Touch2:20
- 2.The End of a Great Affair2:45
- 3.The Song Is You3:45
- 4.Lilacs in the Rain2:15
- 5.On the Sentimental Side2:49
- 6.Dansero2:18
- 7.That's All2:30
- 8.Why Was I Born?2:06
- 9.You're My Thrill2:40
- 10.I Thought About You2:25
- 11.Oh! What It Seemed to Be2:53
- 12.A Cottage for Sale2:42
The Torch With the Blue Flame1958
- 1.Let's Face the Music and Dance3:11
- 2.Dream a Little Dream of Me3:04
- 3.Just in Time
- 4.But Beautiful3:11
- 5.Hey There
- 6.Love Letters2:52
- 7.My Heart Remind Me2:59
- 8.Again3:22
- 9.I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face2:48
- 10.Soon
- 11.Careless2:28
- 12.My Silent Love2:57
- 13.I Don't Want to Cry Anymore
- 14.Fascination2:31
- 15.Alone in the Crowd2:46
- 16.Time2:08
Riff Jazz1958
- 1.Round Rock Riff2:32
- 2.Hawthorne Circle Hop2:12
- 3.Briarcliff Beat2:02
- 4.Buchanan Bustout2:27
- 5.Peekskill Peek2:03
- 6.Bear Mountain Blast2:44
- 7.Bird 'n Bottle1:55
- 8.Croton Craze3:19
- 9.Mary's Pizza Mart2:11
- 10.Furnace Dock Flip2:05
- 11.Safe Home Swing3:02
- 12.Toll Gate Treat1:45
- 13.Sawmill Slide2:38
- 14.Route '9a' Romp2:18
- 15.Harmon Hum1:38
- 16.Cortland Clipper2:09
Jackie Gleason Presents "Oooo!"1957
- 1.It's All Right With Me
- 2.How About Me
- 3.I've Got a Crush on You
- 4.Can This Be Love?
- 5.Secret Love
- 6.Willow Weep for Me
- 7.I'll Be Around
- 8.Imagination
- 9.Thine Alone
- 10.The More I See You
- 11.You Brought a New Kind of Love to Me
- 12.My Devotion
- 13.Here Lies Love
- 14.High on a Windy Hill
- 15.Beyond the Blue Horizon
- 16.Dearest You're the Nearest to My Heart
Music for the Love Hours1957
- 1.Darn That Dream2:35
- 2.Poor Butterfly2:30
- 3.Serenade in Blue2:23
- 4.How Did She Look2:28
- 5.Moonlight Becomes You2:22
- 6.Just One More Chance2:23
- 7.I Love You Much Too Much1:57
- 8.Hold Me2:29
- 9.Get Out of Town2:27
- 10.Our Love2:31
- 11.Just a Memory3:00
- 12.If I Could Be With You2:36
- 13.(I Don't Stand) A Ghost of Chance2:04
- 14.I've Got You Under My Skin3:17
- 15.Lover Come Back to Me2:41
- 16.The House Is Haunted (By the Echo of Your Last Goodbye)2:39
Velvet Brass1957
- 1.You're Driving Me Crazy2:45
- 2.Skyliner2:50
- 3.But Not for Me2:07
- 4.The Man I Love2:13
- 5.Cherokee3:01
- 6.Me and My Shadow2:48
- 7.Take the "A" Train1:57
- 8.By the Beautiful Sea2:28
- 9.Am I Blue?2:15
- 10.What's New?2:09
- 11.Girl of My Dreams2:09
- 12.My Buddy1:55
- 13.I Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me1:53
- 14.September Song2:33
- 15.Out of Nowhere2:33
- 16.Chinatown, My Chinatown1:47
Jackie Gleason Presents Music to Change Her Mind1956
Tracklist not collected yet.
Jackie Gleason Presents Night Winds1956
Tracklist not collected yet.
Merry Christmas1956
Tracklist not collected yet.
Lonesome Echo1955
Tracklist not collected yet.
Plays Romantic Jazz1955
Tracklist not collected yet.
And Awaaay We Go1954
Tracklist not collected yet.
Music, Martinis, and Memories1954
Tracklist not collected yet.
Lover's Rhapsody1953
Tracklist not collected yet.
Music to Make You Misty1953
Tracklist not collected yet.
Tawny1953
Tracklist not collected yet.
Music for Lovers Only1952
Tracklist not collected yet.
Instrumental Favorites Vol. 11 Jackie Gleason1995
Tracklist not collected yet.
Music to Make You Misty & Night Winds1991
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Label
- Record label
- Capitol Records
Achievements
- Award
- Peabody Awards
- Award
- Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical
- Award
- star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Award
- Amateur Cartoonist Extraordinary Award
Groups
- Jackie Gleason and His Orchestracurrent
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: J. Gleason
Herbert John Gleason, known as Jackie Gleason, was an American comedian, actor, writer, and composer also known as "The Great One".
All links
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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