Post #591194 by OnyaBirri on Sat, May 28, 2011 3:46 PM

Vernon Duke was a Russian-American composer/songwriter, perhaps best remembered for writing the standards "Taking a Chance on Love," "I Can't Get Started," "April in Paris," and the stunningly beautiful "Autumn in New York," one of OnyaBirri's all-time favorite standards. He also composed "serious" music under his given name, Vladimir Dukelsky.

Vernon Duke is also credited with writing the gorgeous "Rain in Rangoon" from the RCA exotica album "Orienta" by the Markko Polo Adventurers, arranged by TV/film composer Gerald Fried. "Rain in Rangoon" must be one of OnyaBirri's favorite exotica tunes ever.

I cannot find any references to "Rain in Rangoon" that are not connected to the "Orienta" album.

Does anyone know anything about this tune? What was it written for? Were there lyrics? Are there other versions? Do you think it was an excerpt from a Vladimir Dukelsky piece that was turned into a pop tune?

[ Edited by: OnyaBirri 2011-05-28 21:27 ]