Walt Disney loved jazz. He was inspired by the music and presented jazz in many of his films and animations. The admiration was, and is, mutual, as many of the very best jazz musicians and vocalists have covered and jazzed up famous Disney tunes during their careers. His life span (1901 – 1966) mirrored the birth and expansion of jazz, so it is not surprising that jazz influenced him.
Most know that the first time Mickey Mouse appeared on film was in the animated short, Steamboat Willie. But did you know that the inspiration for the production of the first fully synchronized sound cartoon was inspired by the 1927 release of The Jazz Singer, the famous Al Jolson movie that launched the talking movie industry? One year later, Mickey Mouse was the star of The Jazz Fool, another animated short with great music. Scenes of Mickey Mouse at the piano are generally considered to affirm Disney’s commitment to jazz.
The instances of jazz continue to show up in the Disney films, highlighted by Peggy Lee’s famous “He’s A Tramp” vocal in Lady and the Tramp, one of Disney’s most acclaimed and enduring animated features. Presenting jazz to children was one of the allures of The Aristocats, a film featuring the sultry jazz music of Paris performed by a bevy of cats with serious musical chops. Dixieland made its way into the world of Disney as well. The Princess and the Frog is set in New Orleans, replete with jazz sounds and instruments and dialogue references to Sidney Bechet and Louis Armstrong.
Speaking of Satchmo, he was one of many jazz musicians who took a turn jazzing up famous Disney tunes. Armstrong released Disney Songs the Satchmo Way in 1968. The recording was praised for its unique treatment of those tunes, but it is better remembered as the last trumpet recordings of this jazz legend. Not to be outshined, Duke Ellington recorded his own Disney tribute, Duke Ellington Plays Mary Poppins. The album was both a financial and critical success. There is something special about a Disney tune, for sure. They are immediately recognizable, mostly uplifting and accessible to all.
The idea of jazz singers performing Disney tunes lives on today. Jazz Loves Disney was released in 2016 and features some well-known jazz singers taking their turn doing Disney. For those of you fortunate enough to be sailing on Journey of Jazz ’25 in September ’25, we are asking Gregory Porter to reprise his “on the album” presentation of “When You Wish Upon A Star.” Another soon-to-be cruise performer aboard Botti at Sea III (’26), Melody Gardot, performs both “He’s a Tramp” and “The Bare Necessities” on the album as well.
It will be fun to compare Melody’s version of “He’s A Tramp” with that of the legendary Peggy Lee. We are betting that Gregory’s “When You Wish Upon a Star” blows away the original rendition performed, of course, by Jiminy Cricket (Cliff Edwards). We apologize for making that comparison. It is not “cricket” of us to do so!
By now, you are probably asking yourself, why is this grown man spending time talking about Walt Disney? You know how much I love Melody and Gregory. Could that be the impetus? Or is it the confirmation of Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle for Botti at Sea III (’26), two vocalists synonymous with Disney tunes? That would make sense.
It is none of the above. Disney is on my mind as tomorrow I will be headed to Orlando as the financier of my entire family’s visit to Disney World. Yes, one wife, one son, one daughter, one son-in-law, one daughter-in-law and, most importantly, a granddaughter and a grandson. Notice, I did not call myself the “leader” of the group. I have had no input in this trip whatsoever other than to indicate where they may access my AMEX card.
If any of you will be in Disney World next week, give me a holler. You can find me in one of three places: the pool at our hotel, in whatever venue in the park that has air conditioning or forever stuck on the “It’s A Small World” train. Learning how much Walt Disney loved jazz was a big boost in my enthusiasm for this trip. That, and the smiles on my grandchildren’s faces.
By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Journey of Jazz, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.
Dee Dee Bridgewater & Bill Charlap’s Elemental
For the last few years, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Bill Charlap, have been performing as a duo at clubs, theaters and festivals all over the world. In some ways an unlikely pairing, their collaboration has resulted in a new album, Elemental, in which the two reinvent eight jazz and vocal standards from the Great American Songbook. For her part, Dee Dee found herself freed creatively by Bill’s approach to the stripped-down format.
“My perception of Bill changed completely after we played together,” Dee Dee explained. “I knew he was a master of the American repertoire, but I had no idea the depth of his knowledge.”
I was blown away by his sensitivity, his vast musical culture, and the references he draws from when he plays. He’s a living encyclopedia. I’ve never worked with someone who allowed me to feel so completely at ease, so fully myself.”
Mindi Abair’s Based On a True Story
Mindi Abair, who in addition to being a regular performer on The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail with us on Journey of Jazz in September has just released her 14th solo album, Based On a True Story. Produced by Mindi and multi-platinum producer/songwriter Wayne Rodrigues, the album features special guest appearances by Marcus Miller, Kenny Lattimore, Bobby Lyle, Delisha Thomas and Arthur Thompson.
“This album is truly personal to me—every note, every lyric, every groove is a piece of my real-life journey,” Mindi said. “It blends sleek pop production with retro soul, contemporary jazz, and deep emotion. Produced by the amazing Wayne Rodrigues and me, it’s filled with lush arrangements and stories straight from the heart.”
Signature Cruise Experiences’ Mid-Summer Break
Our Office will be closed from Monday, June 30 through Friday, July 4. Taking the July 4th week as a holiday has been a tradition of Signature Cruise Experiences for many years. We will be open as usual starting at 10 AM ET on Monday, July 7.
To allow our staff to have as much free time as possible during this break there will be no edition of Jazz Notes (7.2.25) or The Weekender (7.5.25). Both articles will be back the following week.
Our post Mid-Summer Break schedule includes updates on our current programs and a good look at the schedule for ’27. Be ready for a special edition of Jazz Notes (7.9.25) and The Weekender (7.12.25).
Next week, be on the lookout for our annual While We Are Away notice, which includes a more detailed reminder of our operations during the Mid-Summer Break and, more importantly, a special reservation offer for every cruise. As we said, the online reservation system will be open, so we want to give you a little “incentive” to complete a reservation while we are away.
Though away from the office, we remain available via Zendesk. To pose a question or request information, simply email us at info@scecruises.com and one of our representatives will respond to you as quickly as possible.
All of us at Signature Cruise Experiences wish you and yours a happy, fun and safe July 4th holiday. Whether you spend it on the beach, at a pool, on the deck or just lounging, every holiday deserves a few hours of great jazz! Do not live without it!
Stateroom Availability
Cruise Programs – 2025
| Journey of Jazz | Over 97% Reserved. Final Pricing for Remaining Staterooms (Veranda and Inside) Now Announced on Website |
Cruise Programs – 2026
| David Foster: The Hitman Cruise | Open Booking Now |
| Christian McBride’s World at Sea | Open Booking Now; For Special Prices for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms, use Promo Code: CMW |
| The Jazz Cruise ’26 | Over 75% Reserved – Open Booking Now |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 | Fully Reserved |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 | Fully Reserved |
| Top Shelf Country Cruise | Open Booking Now |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 | Over 80% Reserved – Open Booking Now |
| Botti at Sea ’26 | Open Booking Now; Final Lineup Announcement Soon! |
Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs
Journey of Jazz ’25 – Limited Time Promotional Pricing
Journey of Jazz is more than 97% reserved! There are less than 40 available staterooms consisting of Veranda and Inside Staterooms. These remaining staterooms are currently at their final, lowest price. Don’t miss your chance – join us on our Journey this September! *New reservations only
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise – 5 Days, 5 Nights, 5 Star Experience
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise will deliver five incredible days and nights of five-star entertainment, all centered around the music and career of 16-time GRAMMY® winner David Foster. Michael McDonald, Babyface, Katharine McPhee and other preeminent talents will join us aboard. Open Booking has begun and staterooms are already moving fast! Act soon to reserve your stateroom of choice.
Christian McBride’s World at Sea – Limited Time Promotional Pricing
Open Booking has begun! Special pricing available for a limited time on Ocean View & Inside Staterooms. Use Promo Code CMW when you make your reservation! *New reservations only
The Jazz Cruise ’26
is in Open booking
The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when!
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2 are Fully Reserved
Of course, you may join the Waitlist. Or, if you’d prefer to sail the West Coast this fall (two novel concepts for this program), consider joining us on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3.
Top Shelf Country Cruise
is now in Open Booking
With premium talent like Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes, Thelma & James and Kassi Ashton, Top Shelf Country Cruise earns its title as the First-Class Country Music Cruise! Reserve your stateroom today!
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3
is in Open Booking
For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast! The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking and staterooms are more than 75% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!
Botti at Sea ’26
is in Open Booking
We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26 in Fall 2026. Reserve your stateroom today!