Shangri-La

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Robert Maxwell

About Shangri-La

"Shangri-La" is a popular song written by bandleader Matty Malneck and Robert Maxwell in 1946 with lyrics by Carl Sigman. The term comes from "Shangri-La" as the hidden valley of delight in James Hilton's 1933 novel Lost Horizon. The term "Shangri-La," especially in the 1930s and 1940s, was slang for heaven or paradise, and the song is about the joy of being in love. Composer Maxwell's instrumental version (saxophone/organ lead with brass and rhythm), which featured his harp solo, which is heard in the introduction as well as in the coda section of the song, charted in 1964, reaching #15, and #67 of the Top 100 instrumentals, 1960-69. Other popular versions (with lyrics) were recorded by The Four Coins in 1957 (#11 US) and by The Lettermen in 1969 (#64 US). Jackie Gleason used "Shangri-La" on his 1950s-60s TV variety show as theme music for his popular millionaire character Reginald van Gleason III. The song was also used as the opening and closing theme of Radio City Playhouse, a radio anthology series that aired in the late 1940s. 


Year:
1999
2:06
99 
#1

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Robert Maxwell

Ian Robert Maxwell MC (10 June 1923 – 5 November 1991) was a Czechoslovakian-born British media proprietor and Member of Parliament (MP). He rose from poverty to build an extensive publishing empire. His death revealed huge discrepancies in his companies' finances, including the Mirror Group pension fund, which Maxwell had fraudulently misappropriated. more »

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12 facts about this song

Release Date
"Shangri-La" was originally released in 1957.
Composer
It was composed by prolific composer Robert Maxwell, who was well-known for creating the music for this iconic track.
Singing Group
The song was notably performed and recorded by the vocal group known as "The Four Coins", making it one of their standout numbers.
Chart Position
"Shangri-La" skyrocketed to fame, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Popular Music Era
The song belongs to the popular music era of the 1950s, a period defined by the breakthrough of rock and roll and the continued popularity of traditional pop.
Genre
"Shangri-La", as performed by The Four Coins, falls into the traditional pop music genre.
Notable Covers
The song has been covered by several artists over the years including Wayne Newton and Vic Dana, indicating its continued influence and popularity.
Album
The single was also included in the album "Shangri-La" by The Four Coins, released in 1957.
Unique Sound
The song is often praised for its unique harmonies and dream-like vibe, which reflect the themes of utopia and paradise intrinsic to the idea of Shangri-La.
Cultural Impact
Originally written as an instrumental by Robert Maxwell, once the lyrics were added, the song became a romantic classic synonymous with the feeling of finding a personal paradise in a loved one.
Awards
Although it didn't win any awards at the time of its release, "Shangri-La" remains an iconic song in the annals of American pop music history.
Music Legacy
With its melodic blend of dreamy vocals and catchy tune, the song has withstood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among traditional pop music enthusiasts.

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    Shangri-La

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1964

    Billboard #15


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