The story behind puzzle No. 67
Vince Guaraldi Trio · Jazz Impressions of A Boy Named Charlie Brown · Fantasy · 1964
You know it from the Charlie Brown specials, but it started on a record made for a TV documentary that never aired.
The Vince Guaraldi Trio first recorded Linus and Lucy for Jazz Impressions of A Boy Named Charlie Brown, released by Fantasy in December 1964. Guaraldi played piano with Monty Budwig on bass and Colin Bailey on drums.
The album came from Guaraldi's work with producer Lee Mendelson on A Boy Named Charlie Brown, a documentary about the Peanuts comic strip that was never broadcast.
The tune gained its biggest audience a year later on the soundtrack of A Charlie Brown Christmas, which Guaraldi recorded again with Fred Marshall on bass and Jerry Granelli on drums.
It is named for Linus and Lucy Van Pelt, the brother and sister in Charles M. Schulz's strip, and it became the main theme of the Peanuts specials.
The left hand plays that bouncing, rolling figure while the right hand answers with a bright melody. Try not to picture the Peanuts gang dancing.
In the middle, Guaraldi drops into a softer, bluesy section before the famous theme returns.
Who's on it
Keep listening
Play A Charlie Brown Christmas all the way through, especially this time of year.
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