Sound Recordings Accompanying:
"There is a Dreamland: The Show Music of John Ringling North. Bandwagon: The Journal of the Circus Historical Society, Vol 62, No 1, 2018
by David SaLoutos
"There is a Dreamland: The Show Music of John Ringling North. Bandwagon: The Journal of the Circus Historical Society, Vol 62, No 1, 2018
by David SaLoutos
Individual clips taken from sound recordings in CWM Audio 56, Robert McDougal Collection.
Rights Statement:
Copyright to this audio belongs to the Wisconsin Historical Society or, in certain cases, either to the individuals who created them or the organizations for which they worked. We share them here strictly for non-profit educational purposes. If you have questions related to the copyright status of material included here, please contact us at
[email protected]
Come to Vienna, 1950, 4 minutes 16 seconds
In 1950, John Ringling North wrote “Come to Vienna” for a “dashing and highly colorful display of super-horsemanship, romantically reminiscent of the gay old Austrian capital’s famous Spanische Hofreitschule, in the days of Emperor Franz Joseph… OLD VIENNA.”
In 1950, John Ringling North wrote “Come to Vienna” for a “dashing and highly colorful display of super-horsemanship, romantically reminiscent of the gay old Austrian capital’s famous Spanische Hofreitschule, in the days of Emperor Franz Joseph… OLD VIENNA.”
Lovely Luawana Lady, 1951, 7 minutes, 32 seconds.
The team of North and Goetz’s first endeavor was “Lovely Luawana Lady,” which appeared in the 1951 aerial ballet as well as the DeMille film. “Enchanting ethereal extravaganza “LUAWANA” featuring Pinito Del Oro, beautiful swinging trapeze star riding tiptoe on a moonbeam, with a ballet of sixty alluring aloha girls aloft!”
The team of North and Goetz’s first endeavor was “Lovely Luawana Lady,” which appeared in the 1951 aerial ballet as well as the DeMille film. “Enchanting ethereal extravaganza “LUAWANA” featuring Pinito Del Oro, beautiful swinging trapeze star riding tiptoe on a moonbeam, with a ballet of sixty alluring aloha girls aloft!”
Ending of ’52 Overture, Announcement, 1952, 5 minutes, 57 seconds.
Overture end and Butterfly Lullaby Aerial number
“Butterfly Lullaby” was the aerial ballet that year, once again followed by Pinito Del Oro’s trapeze performance. The production number also quoted a theme from the opera “Madame Butterfly” by Puccini, and the song “Poor Butterfly,” woven in and out of reprises of “Butterfly Lullaby.”
Overture end and Butterfly Lullaby Aerial number
“Butterfly Lullaby” was the aerial ballet that year, once again followed by Pinito Del Oro’s trapeze performance. The production number also quoted a theme from the opera “Madame Butterfly” by Puccini, and the song “Poor Butterfly,” woven in and out of reprises of “Butterfly Lullaby.”
Some Day, Today Will Be the Good Old Times, 1952,10 minutes, 43 seconds.
“Super-spectacle sublime… Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents the most magnificent and exhilarating entertainment feast ever created for the delectation of circus spectators, “The Good Old Times,” a nostalgic musical treat, lavishly garnished with unprecedented humor, fantasy and splendor.”
“Super-spectacle sublime… Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents the most magnificent and exhilarating entertainment feast ever created for the delectation of circus spectators, “The Good Old Times,” a nostalgic musical treat, lavishly garnished with unprecedented humor, fantasy and splendor.”
New Oreleans, the Mardi Gras and You, 1952, 4 minutes, 25 seconds.
Surpassingly colorful cavalcade in the gay mood of the Crescent City’s famous festive event, presenting the most outstanding exposition of equitation in amusement annals.
Surpassingly colorful cavalcade in the gay mood of the Crescent City’s famous festive event, presenting the most outstanding exposition of equitation in amusement annals.
Gold Dollar Moon (Kick Those Clouds Away), 1952, 2 minutes, 58 seconds.
A rousing, breathtaking and sensationally spectacular new musical pageant with Daredevil Connely - THE MAN IN THE MOON, and a coruscating constellation of stars. A truly terrific climactic conclusion to the stupendous 1952 edition of The Greatest Show on Earth.
A rousing, breathtaking and sensationally spectacular new musical pageant with Daredevil Connely - THE MAN IN THE MOON, and a coruscating constellation of stars. A truly terrific climactic conclusion to the stupendous 1952 edition of The Greatest Show on Earth.
Overture - all songs including Americana USA, 1953 2 minutes, 26 seconds.
Minnehaha, 1953, 7 minutes, 39 seconds.
Breath-taking and sensationally stunning new mid-air extravaganza Minnehaha featuring Pinito Del Oro, beautiful star of the swinging trapeze with an exquisite ballet of sixty alluring maidens aloft.
Breath-taking and sensationally stunning new mid-air extravaganza Minnehaha featuring Pinito Del Oro, beautiful star of the swinging trapeze with an exquisite ballet of sixty alluring maidens aloft.
Gone Are The Days from the Candy Land Spec, 1953, 9 minutes, 3 seconds.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey present the inconceivably magnificent new musical super-spectacle of 1953 - Candy Land, a nostalgic entertainment feast designed in humor, fantasy and splendor for children of all ages, from tots to totterers. Includes “I’m an Old Cowhand,” “Frankie and Johnny,” “Here Comes the Showboat,” “Swanee,” “School Days,” “Believe Me (If All Those Endearing Young Charms),” “We’re Off To See The Wizard,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “The Greatest Show On Earth,” “The Billboard March,” and a reprise of “Gone are the Days.”
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey present the inconceivably magnificent new musical super-spectacle of 1953 - Candy Land, a nostalgic entertainment feast designed in humor, fantasy and splendor for children of all ages, from tots to totterers. Includes “I’m an Old Cowhand,” “Frankie and Johnny,” “Here Comes the Showboat,” “Swanee,” “School Days,” “Believe Me (If All Those Endearing Young Charms),” “We’re Off To See The Wizard,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “The Greatest Show On Earth,” “The Billboard March,” and a reprise of “Gone are the Days.”
Derby Day Honeymoon, 1953, 3 minutes, 6 seconds. Note - Tape cuts off early
Surpassingly colorful cavalcade in the gay mood of Kentucky’s famous annual racing classic.” The most outstanding exposition of equitation in amusement annals. After the song concludes it goes into other southern songs like “Way Down Upon the Swanee River,” and “Dixie.” (Incomplete as tape cuts off).
Surpassingly colorful cavalcade in the gay mood of Kentucky’s famous annual racing classic.” The most outstanding exposition of equitation in amusement annals. After the song concludes it goes into other southern songs like “Way Down Upon the Swanee River,” and “Dixie.” (Incomplete as tape cuts off).
Dreamland, 1954, 8 minutes, 37 seconds. Note- beginning of sound recording erased in 1956.
The most magnificent creation in circus history, DREAMLAND, stupendous new musical super-spectacle blending Arabian Nights with fairyland in a fabulous fantasy of rainbow radiance. After “Dreamland” concludes, there are classical themes and fairy tale songs, before resolving with a reprise of “Dreamland.”
The most magnificent creation in circus history, DREAMLAND, stupendous new musical super-spectacle blending Arabian Nights with fairyland in a fabulous fantasy of rainbow radiance. After “Dreamland” concludes, there are classical themes and fairy tale songs, before resolving with a reprise of “Dreamland.”
Rocket To The Moon, 1954, 6 minutes, 10 seconds.
Sensationally stunning new Mid-air presentation Rocket To The Moon featuring Pinito Del Oro, beautiful Spanish star of the swing trapeze with a bewitching ballet of sixty gorgeous glamour girls aloft. The song was followed by “When You Wish Upon A Star,” as well as “Stardust” before a fast paced version for the spin and then a reprise of “Rocket to the Moon.”
Sensationally stunning new Mid-air presentation Rocket To The Moon featuring Pinito Del Oro, beautiful Spanish star of the swing trapeze with a bewitching ballet of sixty gorgeous glamour girls aloft. The song was followed by “When You Wish Upon A Star,” as well as “Stardust” before a fast paced version for the spin and then a reprise of “Rocket to the Moon.”
Fiesta, 1954, 3 minutes, 59 seconds.
Picturesque Old Mexico brought north of the Rio Grande in a riot of color and gaiety, Guadalupe Partida and his wildly riding native Charro roping experts, swirling Mantilla, bedecked dancers in kaleidoscopic costumes, brunette beauties and a clever mimic bullfight sequence, a fabulous display of horsemanship.”
Picturesque Old Mexico brought north of the Rio Grande in a riot of color and gaiety, Guadalupe Partida and his wildly riding native Charro roping experts, swirling Mantilla, bedecked dancers in kaleidoscopic costumes, brunette beauties and a clever mimic bullfight sequence, a fabulous display of horsemanship.”
U.N., 1954, 5 minutes, 1 second.
The Greatest Show on Earth pays tribute to United Nations on Parade,” announced ringmaster Count Nicholas, and began the circus climax colossal symbolizing mankind’s universal desire for freedom and friendship, humanitarian ideals of the 60 united nations brought vibrantly to life in a flag-spangled, beauty-studded homage to brotherly love. A touching tribute to President Eisenhower as an illustrious leader both in war and in peace.
The Greatest Show on Earth pays tribute to United Nations on Parade,” announced ringmaster Count Nicholas, and began the circus climax colossal symbolizing mankind’s universal desire for freedom and friendship, humanitarian ideals of the 60 united nations brought vibrantly to life in a flag-spangled, beauty-studded homage to brotherly love. A touching tribute to President Eisenhower as an illustrious leader both in war and in peace.
Overture and announcement by Count Nicholas, 1955, 1 minute, 29 seconds. Note - Beginning of sound recording is missing.
On Honolulu Bay and Impossible, 1955, 9 minutes, 4 seconds.
Gonna have breakfast in Manhattan, gonna have lunch in San Francisco, for I’ve a date, tonight at eight, On Honolulu Bay! Ev’rything that I dream’s Hawaiian, guided by cupid’s beam I’m flyin’, so so long pal, I’ve got a gal, On Honolulu Bay! Aloha… oh, wait ‘till she greets her sweet Papaya, betcha I get a big “How-ah-ya” to make me stay, (and some day), you’re gonna hear we’re honeymoonin’, getting’ along with just one spoon in, a bowl of poi, for girl and boy, On Honolulu Bay.
Impossible, impossible, to think that you love me, Incredible, incredible, that such a love could be, remarkable remarkable, what love like yours can do, you fill my dreams, now nothing seems impossible with you.
Gonna have breakfast in Manhattan, gonna have lunch in San Francisco, for I’ve a date, tonight at eight, On Honolulu Bay! Ev’rything that I dream’s Hawaiian, guided by cupid’s beam I’m flyin’, so so long pal, I’ve got a gal, On Honolulu Bay! Aloha… oh, wait ‘till she greets her sweet Papaya, betcha I get a big “How-ah-ya” to make me stay, (and some day), you’re gonna hear we’re honeymoonin’, getting’ along with just one spoon in, a bowl of poi, for girl and boy, On Honolulu Bay.
Impossible, impossible, to think that you love me, Incredible, incredible, that such a love could be, remarkable remarkable, what love like yours can do, you fill my dreams, now nothing seems impossible with you.
Three Cheers for Holidays and Birthdays, 1955, 9 minutes, 9 seconds.
Celestial Calendar Cavalcade with hundreds of human and animal actors participating in the most glittering musical extravaganza ever created, captivating costumer, fantastic floats, rapturous music, a bewildering kaleidoscope of colorful lavishness dedicated to the festive days on the American calendar.” As Count Nicolas proclaimed in his introduction; “Holidays; a colorful cavalcade of the calendar, as we escape from hum-drum reality, down memory lane,” closely followed by “Three Cheers for Holidays.” What a gay world, hip hooray world, when our holidays appear; New Year’s Day is a wonderful day, your troubles fly away, It’s a world of fun, fun for everyone, every neighbor wears a grin. We wake up with a smile and a cheer, when Holidays are here!” The holidays then rolled through the calendar: New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter (singing Easter Parade), 4th of July, Halloween, and Christmas, which led to “Happy Birthday,” and the new song “Birthdays!” “Your birthday, your birthday, is the greatest holiday of all, Every birthday is dear, any time of the year, in the summer, winter, spring, or fall (key change to heighten emotion), There’s Christmas, and New Year’s, July 4th, Easter, and Thanksgiving, But that great day when we started living, is the day we always recall, Yes your birthday, your birthday, is the greatest holiday of all.
Celestial Calendar Cavalcade with hundreds of human and animal actors participating in the most glittering musical extravaganza ever created, captivating costumer, fantastic floats, rapturous music, a bewildering kaleidoscope of colorful lavishness dedicated to the festive days on the American calendar.” As Count Nicolas proclaimed in his introduction; “Holidays; a colorful cavalcade of the calendar, as we escape from hum-drum reality, down memory lane,” closely followed by “Three Cheers for Holidays.” What a gay world, hip hooray world, when our holidays appear; New Year’s Day is a wonderful day, your troubles fly away, It’s a world of fun, fun for everyone, every neighbor wears a grin. We wake up with a smile and a cheer, when Holidays are here!” The holidays then rolled through the calendar: New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter (singing Easter Parade), 4th of July, Halloween, and Christmas, which led to “Happy Birthday,” and the new song “Birthdays!” “Your birthday, your birthday, is the greatest holiday of all, Every birthday is dear, any time of the year, in the summer, winter, spring, or fall (key change to heighten emotion), There’s Christmas, and New Year’s, July 4th, Easter, and Thanksgiving, But that great day when we started living, is the day we always recall, Yes your birthday, your birthday, is the greatest holiday of all.
Mama’s In the Park – Elephant production, 1955, 12 minutes, 13 seconds.
The intro by Count Nicholas; “Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus proudly presents the largest herd of elephants ever assembled, not 10, not 30, but 50 mastadonic mothers and bouncing babies in marching merriment when “Mama’s In The Park!” The production number started with “Fountain In the Park,” an 1884 tune, best known by the first line of the chorus, “While Strolling Thru the Park One Day, In the Merry, Merry Month of May,” and this segued into the melody for “Mama’s In the Park.” Mama’s in the park, Papa’s in the park, baby’s gonna play all day, Happy as a lark, happy in the park, Mama puts her cares away, Lots of shady spots, made for little tots, when the sandman says I’m here, Mama sits and knits, Papa he just sits, watching over baby dear. Listen and you’ll hear the sound that we love so well, Let’s hurry right over, ride the carousel, Here’s a treat for you, walking through the zoo, Makes you think of Noah’s ark. Lots of things to see, everyone can be,Happy, happy in the park!”
Not only was the ragtime style song spirited and enjoyable, but the musical accompaniment for the production employs “Slim Trombone,” a classic trombone smear by Henry Fillmore, silent movie chase music, the song “Pretty Baby,” and “Fountain in the Park,” all woven around various reprisals in various tempos of “Mama’s In the Park.”
The intro by Count Nicholas; “Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus proudly presents the largest herd of elephants ever assembled, not 10, not 30, but 50 mastadonic mothers and bouncing babies in marching merriment when “Mama’s In The Park!” The production number started with “Fountain In the Park,” an 1884 tune, best known by the first line of the chorus, “While Strolling Thru the Park One Day, In the Merry, Merry Month of May,” and this segued into the melody for “Mama’s In the Park.” Mama’s in the park, Papa’s in the park, baby’s gonna play all day, Happy as a lark, happy in the park, Mama puts her cares away, Lots of shady spots, made for little tots, when the sandman says I’m here, Mama sits and knits, Papa he just sits, watching over baby dear. Listen and you’ll hear the sound that we love so well, Let’s hurry right over, ride the carousel, Here’s a treat for you, walking through the zoo, Makes you think of Noah’s ark. Lots of things to see, everyone can be,Happy, happy in the park!”
Not only was the ragtime style song spirited and enjoyable, but the musical accompaniment for the production employs “Slim Trombone,” a classic trombone smear by Henry Fillmore, silent movie chase music, the song “Pretty Baby,” and “Fountain in the Park,” all woven around various reprisals in various tempos of “Mama’s In the Park.”
Rainbow Round the World, 1955, 1 minute, 8 seconds. Note - muffled recording
The recording is not clear and only has a piece of the vocal. Lyrics are “I see a beautiful rainbow, laughing at clouds in the sky, And the sun smiling through says to me and to you, Bid your cares and your worries good-bye. I see in that beautiful rainbow the flags of all nations unfurled, I hear song and mirth, I see peace on earth, In that wonderful, beautiful, wonderful, beautiful, marvelous, glorious, Rainbow around the world!”
The recording is not clear and only has a piece of the vocal. Lyrics are “I see a beautiful rainbow, laughing at clouds in the sky, And the sun smiling through says to me and to you, Bid your cares and your worries good-bye. I see in that beautiful rainbow the flags of all nations unfurled, I hear song and mirth, I see peace on earth, In that wonderful, beautiful, wonderful, beautiful, marvelous, glorious, Rainbow around the world!”