Nat King Cole—”You Stepped Out Of A Dream” (1952)

"You Stepped Out Of A Dream" is a 1940 song written for the Broadway musical "Ziegfield Girl." The music was composed by New Mexico born Nacio Herb Brown (1896-1964). The lyricist was Gus Kahn (1886-1941), a Jewish immigrant from Germany.

Vocalist Nat King Cole is accompanied by an orchestra conducted by the young arranger Nelson Riddle. This recording was made at the Capitol Records' studios at 5100 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, on January 11, 1952. It was released on the 1955 12" LP "Nat King Cole Sings for Two in Love." It was not included on Capitol's original 1953 10" release.

New Jersey born Nelson Riddle (1921-1985) had been studying piano as a kid, before turning to the trombone at age 14. As a trombonist and arranger he was a member of Tommy Dorsey's band in the 1940s. After making several arrangements for other big band leaders he went to Capitol Records in California. There, Riddle was living in the shadow of conductor Lex Baxter, who directed the orchestra at several of Nat King Cole studio sessions.

Cole sang with warmth and understanding, and arranger Riddle perfectly complemented Cole's talent. From then on he became Cole's regular orchestra director and arranger for the Capitol Records albums.

The liner notes of this album said Cole's "distinctive interpretations, richly orchestrated by Nelson Riddle, will stir the hearts of all who know the tender sentiments of two in love."