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When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano

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"When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano"
Single by The Ink Spots
B-side"What Can I Do"
ReleasedMay 1940
RecordedMay 13, 1940
GenreTraditional Pop
Length3:00
LabelDecca Records
The Ink Spots singles chronology
"I'm Gettin' Sentimental Over You"
(1940)
"When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano"
(1940)
"Whispering Grass"
(1940)

"When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano" is a song written by Leon René and first recorded by The Ink Spots featuring Bill Kenny in May 1940.[1] The Ink Spots' recording of the song reached No. 4 on the US charts.

Background

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René wrote the song as a tribute to the annual springtime return of the cliff swallows to Mission San Juan Capistrano in Southern California. A glassed-off room in the mission was later designated in René's honor, and displays the upright piano on which he composed the tune, the reception desk from his office, several copies of the song's sheet music and other pieces of furniture, all donated by René's family.

Other 1940 recordings

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Later recordings

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The song was later recorded by among many others including:[3] Fred Waring, Guy Lombardo, Glenn Miller and Billy May.

References

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