Don Shirley – Orpheus in the Underworld – Band 1 – 1956

Once long ago there lived a youth named Orpheus. The Gods loved Orpheus so much that they endowed him with two gifts: the gift of poetry and the gift of music. And the great God Apollo gave him a golden lyre.

Orpheus sang and played with such perfection that he cast an enchantment over everything about him. So moving were his songs and the music of his lyre that he even charmed the hard rocks and the whispering trees. Streams turned in their courses to follow him and wild beasts became gentle and gathered around him in peace.

[Manycreatures]

It's 2025 and I just finished watching The Green Book. I'm so thankful that the credits showed this record and that it's available to listen to here. Doctor Shirley was a gifted musician, and a brave man for all he did in his lifetime. I'm so happy he lived to see the world change in ways that seemed as distant as the moon back in the 60s.

[Jacob-nrdn]

It takes not only GENIUS, but also COURAGE to change hearts.

[AngelofMusic]

Those really are some naughty orphans.

[jimmycain]

Green Book is a movie everyone should see. It’s a positive look at how blacks and whites can lose their color and be people. Grateful to be introduced to this wonderful music! RIP Doc and Lip.

[randyforgo]

Thank you 'Green Book' for allowing me to discover this truly remarkable artist!

[Crinklechip-s]

The vinyl crackles are the crackle of the fire on the album cover...

[angels_in_velvet]

I just watched Green Book and here I am and this is beautiful. Moves me. I thank Green Book for turning me on to his music. This is beyond beautiful.

[thomaspayne]

You can feel Him with every touch of the keys and the sound He produces. Truly Extraordinary And Talented.

[yolandacastillo]

Hoy acabo de ver la película de este gran pianista y me encantó, que gran historia

[earltaylor]

After having seen the Green Book movie, when they showed a picture of this album, I remembered that this album was actually in my elementary school library. That was 52yrs ago. All I can say now is Wow.

[luisg]

That was beautiful. You can hear the scratches and pops of the record in the recording which brought me back to my childhood when a record was the only way you could listen to music.

[faustinaramharack]

Watched Green Book today ....so had to look for Don movie.

[softv]

Thanks Green Book!!
I really love the movie.

[josephvirgilio]

I remember Don Shirley's name from my youth but I didn't listen to the type of music he was playing at the time. I saw Green Book and I just wanted to cry. There will be peace and love only when we are all called home. Or, in the 60s' vernacular, "beam me up Scottie, this planet sucks!"

[kate]

I am here after watching the movie "Green Book"

[jillnethery]

FYI Don Shirley was also an accomplished painter. The photo used on this LP is taken from a painting by Dr. Shirley. Those with the LP cover check out the signature on bottom/right.

[alfredotrovati]

I am here for the same reason...like everybody else as I can see. Did'nt knew Don Shirley before, he was such a great musician...I really love his gentle and sad touch. The movie was great too, both of them act very well in it, outstanding, a touching true story!

[davidrumpler]

I think you'll be getting more visitors and comments now that the film "Green Book" is out and playing in theaters. It certainly made me curious to learn more about Don Shirley and his music. Thanks!

[mrmaxxx]

Don Shirley had a distinctive tone and feel, very detail and raw chords,

[barney]

The creaks of the vinyl are the crunch something spectacular ... I love it