Career
He sometimes used the songwriting pseudonym Jimmy Thomas or Jimmie Thomas. He also established several record labels. Born in Covington, Louisiana He is best known for his hit song "When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano".
The song, written as a tribute to the annual springtime return of the cliff swallows to Mission San Juan Capistrano in Southern California, spent several weeks at the top of Your Hit Parade charts during its initial release in 1940.
The lyrics say:
When the swallows come back to Capistrano
That"s the day you promised to come back to meWhen you whispered, "Farewell," in Capistrano
"twas the day the swallows flew out to sea
The song has been recorded by such musicians as The Ink Spots, Fred Waring, Guy Lombardo, and Glenn Miller. A glassed-off room in the mission has been designated in René"s honor and displays the upright piano on which he composed the tune, the reception desk from his office and several copies of the song"s sheet music and other pieces of furniture, all donated by René"s family.
Otis was responsible for and publicly identified with Excelsior Records, while Leon was identified with Exclusive Records. They had purchased their own record plant, but when the format changed from 78 rpm to 45rpm, they could not press the new speed, and the labels went out of business.
Otis René"s Excelsior label existed from 1944 to 1951.
Leon René"s Exclusive Records existed from 1944 to 1950. Artists on Exclusive Records included Frantic Fay Thomas, the Buddy Baker Sextet, Joe Liggins and Johnny Moore"s Three Blazers. Day also recorded as Bobby Byrd of The Hollywood Flames and Bob & Earl.
In 1958, he set up the Rendezvous Record Company, which produced hits by B. Bumble and the Stingers, until it folded in 1963.
René died in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 80. He was the grandfather of former X Factor contestant Chris Rene.
"When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano"
"Gloria"
"I Sold My Heart to the Junkman"
"Rockin" Robin"
"Boogie Woogie Santa Claus"
"I Lost My Sugar In Salt Lake City"
"Sweet Lucy Brown"
"That"s My Home"
"Beyond The Stars"
"Someone"s Rocking My Dreamboat"
"I"m Lost"
"Near To You" (Recorded by The Basin Street Boys)
"Summertime Gal"
"If Money Grew On Trees".