Great Finds! - Small Stereo World

The lovely ballad from the musical "Gypsy" - which was sung so well by both Ethel Merman on the stage and by Rosalind Russell (via Lisa Kirk) on film - is given its best "pop" performance by the unforgettable Johnny Mathis. This single release on Columbia was issued in 1959 to coincide with the opening of the stage production that year - "Gypsy" being one of the greatest musicals ever written! The music is by the master, Jule Styne - with lyrics by the genius - Steven Sondheim. Pictured is not the original issue of the recording, but one of the very last 45 pressings of this song by Columbia's "Hall Of Fame" series (circa 1990s) before 45 rpm records were phased out altogether! This song was also the lead cut on the famous album "More Johnny Mathis Greatest Hits" (Columbia CS 8150). As always, the Mathis musical magic is absolutely potent - and indelible - on this performance. Produced by Mitch Miller. Orchestra under the direction of Glenn Osser. - Michael McKenna

(Courtesy of CBS Special Products, a Division of CBS, Inc.)