Most of the versions of the song available in the UK during its popularity were by British artists. In September 1947, prior to the song entering the UK sheet music charts, the first recording of "An Apple Blossom Wedding" was released in the UK. This was by
Lou Preager and his Orchestra, with
Paul Rich on vocals. Another British dance band,
Cyril Stapleton and his Orchestra (with
Dick James on vocals) had a version issued in October. The other three contemporary versions available in the UK were all released in December 1947: recordings by Jimmy Leach and his New Organolians (with vocals by Alan Dean),
Kenny Baker with
Russ Morgan and his Orchestra (the only American version available in Britain) and the Skyrockets Dance Orchestra conducted by Paul Fenoulhet (vocals by Doreen Lundy). Another contemporary recording released in America was by
Ken Griffin on organ and piano. In addition, the
Nat King Cole Trio performed the song on an
Armed Forces Radio Service transcription radio broadcast at The Bocage in
Hollywood on August 23, 1947, with Cole on vocals. == References ==