Glenn Derringer Organist

Glenn Derringer 1969

Glenn Derringer, at the age of 7, began his music education on the accordion, he soon discovered the organ, an experience he describes as “love at first sight." That early romance has proven to be a lasting one, providing dual careers as a professional performer and as a business executive in the keyboard manufacturing industry.

After beginning organ lessons, the young Glenn auditioned for a series of concerts for young people by the Philadelphia Orchestra. Not only was he an audition winner, but he earned the opportunity to perform on both organ and accordion with Eugene Ormandy and the orchestra.

While a student at Temple University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with the third highest scholastic record in the history of the University, he was the Outstanding Senior, a member of numerous honorary fraternities, and won the President's Scholar Award for achieving the highest average in the College of Music. Equally at home at the piano or the organ, Derringer studied from early childhood under some of the great artists of the day. His University study culminated his formal education.

Glenn has made numerous television, radio, and concert appearances, has recorded seven previous albums, and has written two books. He has appeared with such stars as Jackie Gleason, Bob Hope, and Perry Como. His concert tours have taken him around the world with performances in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hawaii, Holland, Indonesia, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and Venezuela, plus coast-to-coast travels as a roving musical ambassador in America.

In 1969, Glenn and his wife Marion moved to DeKalb, Illinois, where Glenn became a full time member of Wurlitzer eventually becoming product manager for the company. Glenn went on to carve out a respected reputation, first at Wurlitzer, Baldwin and other companies before becoming the president of Hanser Holdings and BC Rich Guitars.


Glenn Derringer age 11 Perry Como Show 1956	Glenn Derringer, Brenda Lee, Perry Como Show 1958	Glenn Derringer, Perry Como Show 1956

ALBUMS

Glenn Derringer first solo records 1956 and 1957

Glenn and Brenda Derringer Duets 1960

Glenn playing September Song from Young Ideas

Young Ideas is available from iTunes and Spotify in Aust. The others albums available from E-Bay.

Wurlitzer Swingin' Rhythm 5020 Glenn Derringer 1969

This electronic miracle of sound ...the-diversity of this orchestral unit ... is through the use of integrated circuits. in the use of integrated circuits in instruments, Wurlitzer now offers the authentic and the most exciting rhythm ever, to accompany whatever instrument being played! Beginning and advanced musicians are thrilled with the professional realistic accomplishment of this new idea music .... this tiny package

The 5020 first Transistor automatic rhythm unit from Wurlitzer, before integration into all Wurlitzer organs until it's demise.

El Incomparable Glenn Derringer En Su Organo 1972

This disc has been recorded on a Wurlitzer Model 4037 with the famous built-in Orbit III synthesizer, another of Wurlitzer's great advancements in the field of the music. Capable of reproducing with astonishing accuracy wide variety of instruments such as banjo, harpsichord, piano, xylophone, glock, bells, wind instruments: flutes, trumpets, etc. and strings such as violin, cello, etc.
(Extracted from the back cover)
Album # Harmony HLS- 8584. 1972

Breach of copyright is not intended but if you are the copyright owner you may request I remove these examples.

Copies of this album can be found for purchase on E-Bay. Not for sale on CD or any digital form yet.

Found Sound From Outer Space Demo 7" Record / Tape 1971

MAY WE INTRODUCE YOU TO THE ULTIMATE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT? Wurlitzer, always searching, innovating and leading in music technology now brings you a home organ that offers all you expect in conventional sounds and the "unexpected" voice of an electronic synthesizer.

The 4037 organ with Orbit III synthesizer is truly the instrument of today and tomorrow! Two words of music combined in one, offering a complete range of traditional organ tones, including automatic rhythm, linked with an electronic synthesizer. The experienced or the novice organist can now have virtually unlimited creative option when playing traditional, pop or "turned on" selections. The enclosed recording is but a brief glimpse of this exclusive, new Wurlitzer organ. To really experience its excitement versatility and ease of playing, Stop in your Wurlitzer store now for a free trial demonstration... you have a pleasant surprise coming!


Aquarius	Sunny	Spinning Wheel	Girl From Ipanema	When The Saints Go Marching In	Love Me or Leave Me

Light' n Easy / Sunshine 1974

Take the creative genius of one of America's outstanding young organists ... combine with a selection of songs that can best be described as "organ favourites" ... add arrangements that really show the versatility and great sounds of an instrument that is truly TODAY - the electronic organ. The Result? A record that will be listed among the top popular organ records for years to come. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do." Bob Ralston Organist. (Extracted from the back cover) Album # OVQD 1439 or Sunshine Album. Preformed on the Wurlitzer 805.

Play all 11 songs on YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises

Copies can be found for purchase on E-Bay. Not for sale on CD. now available for purchase on Apple and others.

Glenn Derringer Plays Great American Music People 1976

A nation's history is often reflected within its music. Through melody, lyric, and rhythm the "music people” of a period preserve the feelings, moods, and attitudes of the "man on the street" for generations to come. Glenn Derringer has selected ten of America's greatest "music people” for this album of spectacular organ sound and performance. Glenn Derringer is internationally known as one of the truly great organists of our time. He is constantly setting new standards in performance with his ingenious command of the instrument... a product of the modern electronic age. (Extracted from the back cover) Album # OV 1707. Alterative cover. Instrument Wurlitzer 805

Play all 10 songs on YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises

Copies can be found for purchase on E-Bay. Not for sale on CD. now available for purchase on Apple and others.

Rare Tape Beginning To See The Light By Glenn Derringer 1974

This rare tape demonstrates the Wurlitzer 805 Centura Professional Organ. Takes you through most of the organ sections one at a time. In the video I have used my own 805 to show close ups of the section being covered.

It also applies to most of the the 605 Centura Deluxe spinet organ as it is almost identical. I was delighted to find this tape as I had forgotten I had it.

Use the "F" key on your keyboard to view full screen

The Handiwork of Glenn Derringer 1977

Music, photography and needlepoint are closely related. Each art form says something... either visually or aurally.
Needlepoint is truly a fascinating art form. It's interesting to watch my wife, Marion, begin a needlepoint canvas with just an outline, then fill it in with colorful threads. When finished, it produces a beautiful visual image with a variety of different textures.
I often arrange music in much the same manner: "The Handiwork of Glenn Derringer" is a collection of twelve audio pictures recorded as one might create a needlepoint canvas. Beginning with just the outline of a selection, (the melody and basic harmonic structure) I add musical textures, in much the same way as Marion adds threads to her canvas. Each selection possesses its own combinations of musical colors and textures.
In many respects, each one of us views a picture differently. So it is in music ... each one of us hears differently. Your imagination is the key. Rather than explain my intentions for each musical picture, use your imagination as you listen each selection. Some songs combine traditional counterpoint threads with jazz styling. Others make use of a single thread woven over a lush, colorful background. Try to visualize the musical needlepoint that has been created. And as you do, hope you'll feel the fun and excitement I had in coloring each musical canvas ... especially for you!
(Extracted from the back cover) Album # Winmil 201. Instrument used Wurlitzer 625 & Ep200a.

Listen to The Handiwork of Glenn Derringer

Here's That Rainy Day is live however other tracks use a drummer and bass player. The Baby Elephant Walk features Glenn dubbing a Wurlitzer EP200a electric piano.

625TA Promotional Lightbox

Copies of this album can be found for purchase on E-Bay. Not for sale on CD or any digital form yet.

Rare Demo Cassette Wurlitzer 625 with Total Tone by Glenn Derringer 1976

This rare cassette tape made in 1976 to demonstrate the Wurlitzer 625 Total Tone Organ played by Glenn Derringer. The tape has wow & flutter and volume variations and has been restored as good as possible. Uploaded as historical reference and breach of copyright is not intended.

S'Wonderful

Feelings

Vienna City of My Dreams

This Can't Be Love

Besame Mucho

Love Will Keep Us Together

Use the "F" key on your keyboard to view full screen HD

Here's That Rainy Day and I Write the Songs are also on this tape however same arrangement appear on The Handiwork of Glenn Derringer.

If you happen to know the titles of the unknown songs please add a comment to my YouTube channel.

zzz

The Sky's The Limit Glenn Derringer 1977

Space age technology seemingly knows no boundaries. It touches each of our lives in some way. THE SKY'S THE LIMIT marries space age organ technology and music ... to touch and excite your subtlest emotions.
Glenn Derringer brings together, for the first time on record, his remarkably unique keyboard styling with the dynamic sound and capabilities of the Wurlitzer 950 console model organ. Glenn's imaginative arrangements and superb keyboard technique are virtually unmatched in the “pop” organ field. His inventive approach to familiar standards is refreshing rent hits dazzle and glitter with Glenn's original touch.
And what better partner than the exciting Wurlitzer 950, indeed an instrument engineered with space age technology. Its robust full organ sounds are second to none. Its delicate solo orchestral sounds offer the ultimate in authenticity, even to the most discerning ear. The Orbit synthesizer, a third keyboard, produces literally countless combinations of organ, instrumental and special effects sounds. And if that weren't enough, all Orbit voices are playable on the pedalboard, too!
When all of these electronic marvels are put into the hands of Glenn Derringer, you'll soon realize ... THE SKY'S THE LIMIT!! Album # Winmil 203. Instrument used Wurlitzer 950 and EP200a

Apart from Stardust, all recordings use a Live drummer and bass player. Other tracks also feature a Wurlitzer EP200a Electric Piano.

Copies of this album can be found for purchase on E-Bay. Not for sale on CD or any digital form yet.

Listen to The Sky's The Limit

Reader's Digest Organ Magic is a compilation album of several Organists. Hear we listen to all of Glenn's work. A Wurlitzer 950 was used in the recording session.

Copies of this album can be found for purchase on E-Bay. Not for sale on CD or any digital form yet

Listen to Organ Magic "The Glenn Derringer Tracks"

Rare Demo Cassette Wurlitzer 445 Funmaker Super Sprite by Glenn Derringer 1977

Side A
This rare cassette tape made for Wurlitzer dealers in 1977 to show how to demonstrate the Wurlitzer 445 Syntha-Solo Organ played by Glenn Derringer. Also shown is the dealer pack instruction booklet included with the cassette. The tape has wow & flutter and volume variations and has been restored as good as possible. Uploaded as historical reference and breach of copyright is not intended

Wurlitzer 445 Sales demonstration "You Are The Star" Dealer Pack promotion with cassette

Side B

	Love Me or Leave Me	Charade
Use the "F" key on your keyboard to view full screen HD


	Release Me	Get Me to the Church on Time

Diamonds Glenn Derringer at the Baldwin Marquee 1982

Diamonds ... synonymous with sparkling beauty and lasting value. The same brilliance and quality characterize the musical jewels in this album. The selections, each a classic in popular music, are displayed in scintillating original arrangements by the inimitable Glenn Derringer. He combines his dazzling talents with the exciting sounds of the Baldwin MCO Organ to create multifaceted musical treasures as enduring and spectacular as diamonds.

Album Back

Listen to Glenn Derringer "Diamonds"

Album Front

Copies of this album can be found for purchase on E-Bay. Not for sale on CD of any digital form yet.

Glenn Derringer Live Performances

I've been lucky enough to see Glenn live twice. First time was in Nov 15 1976 at the now demolished Regent Theatre in George St Sydney. Glenn played the Wurlitzer 805 and I remember being imprested when he played 3 different classical pieces at the the same time. One with the right hand, one with the left hand and one song with both feet. Glenn has a knack of incorporating classical pieces into his songs that can be clearly heard on his records.

Glenn visited Australia again in 1978 for the release of the 625 / 950 model Wurlitzers but I missed out going for reasons I don't remember.

When I next caught up with Glenn he had joined the Baldwin Organ & Piano company. I was working for ex Wurlitzer Australia's general manager Ian Shipway, Ian and I and my parents made the trip to Canberra to catch up with him. The event had been poorly advertised so there were few in attendance, almost a private appointment. The only disappointment was Baldwin didn't provide him with one of the new MCO series he helped design but gave him some old Baldwin from the early 70's. He still didn't disappoint because he'd grew up playing this type of instrument.

Concert 1976 Brochure PDF

Concert 1978 Brochure

Glenn at the Wurlitzer 950

Glenn's live performances never disappoint, they are very exciting and imaginative arrangements that because of his improvisation skills were never played the same twice. I only have two recording of him playing live and they are presented below.


Brazil played on a Wurlitzer 950	The Baby Elephant Walk played on a Wurlitzer 950


Glenn & Marion 1977	Glenn 1972	Glenn 1956	Glenn Derringer vol 1 music