The song this tumblr is named after. It was written by Jerry Gray (music) and Carl Sigman (lyrics) in 1940. Glenn Miller and His Orchestra recorded it as a Bluebird 78 rpm single on April 28th of the same year, and it was released in June.
The name of the song comes from PEnnsylvania 6-5000, or 736-5000, the phone number of Hotel Pennsylvania, New York City. Glenn Miller and His Orchestra was one of several jazz bands that frequently performed at the hotel’s main restaurant, the Cafe Rouge, which feautured a ballroom to dance in. Sadly, the Cafe Rouge no longer operates, with the space being converted into a venue for megacorps and sport events.
The phone number still works: after adding the area code 212, you will hear the song in the background as the hotel’s automated message plays.
Saxophones: Hal McIntyre, Tex Beneke, Wilbur Schwartz, Ernie Caceres, Al Klink Trumpets: John Best, R. D. McMickle, Clyde Hurley, Legh Knowles Trombones: Glenn Miller, Jimmy Priddy, Paul Tanner, Frank D'Annolfo Piano: Chummy MacGregor String bass: Herman "Trigger" Alpert Guitar: Jack Lathrop Drums: Moe Purtill