Lounge Special: Billy May

This week on Cocktail Nation, we slip into a world of tiki moonlight, sophisticated jazz and lounge music that makes you feel better dressed simply by listening to it.

We take a special look at legendary arranger and bandleader Billy May, wander from Yokohama to Rome, and uncover the curious story of how television learned to tell audiences when to laugh. Plus, Lounge Life Magazine brings us an update on Barbara Eden, while the story of tiki pioneer Donn Beach reminds us that sometimes a bar is really an invitation to enter another world.

There’s exotica, jazz, a little bachelor-pad philosophy and plenty more along the way.

So pour yourself something cold, turn the lights down low and settle in for another sophisticated trip through Cocktail Nation.

Playlist

Tiki Delights - Magic Is The MoonlightDuke Ellington - BongaPink Martini & Saori Yuki - Blue Light YokohamaTito Rodríguez - Theme From The ApartmentCal Tjader - MoneypennyMartini Kings - Dance Of The VirginsPercussion For Playboys - 05 Land Of DesireJames Morrison - The Master PlanClouseaux - Destination - OasisNat King Cole & George Shearing - A Beautiful FriendshipVince Guaraldi - Mr LuckyDom Halpin - MamboMetropole Orchestra - PoincianaDon Tiki - The Natives Are Restless TonightBuddy Greco - My Last Night In Rome