The long running Western series "Bonanza" theme (Jay Livingston - Ray Evans) was orchestrated by David Rose and arranged by Billy May. One would think either of those noted gentlemen would be the first to create the tune on vinyl. That honour actually went to Marty Gold on his 1960 album "Swingin' West" even though the presentation may be a surprise to many, as it was to me.

New York session guitarist Al Caiola had the hit of "Bonanza" one year later when it cracked the top twenty. As a studio musician you can hear him on Petula Clark's "This Is My Song" and "Don't Sleep In the Subway", Tony Bennett's "Stranger in Paradise", Glen Campbell's "Galveston", Al Martino's "Spanish Eyes", "Paul Anka's "Diana", "Lonely Boy", "Puppy Love", "Times Of Your Life" and "Put Your Head On My Shoulder", Frankie Avalon's "Venus", Neil Sedaka's "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do", and way too many others to list in my lifetime.