Make no mistake about it. Johnnie Ray was one of the greatest song stylists of all times. He was also no slouch as a pianist and composer. Reflecting on their days together at Columbia Records, Mitch Miller said "Johnnie had great musical intelligence". His versatility was amazing. Those who are interested should read the book "Cry:The Johnnie Ray Story" by Jonny Whiteside. Ray was a fairly exceptional human being who spent much of his life (and much of his income) helping others.
There will NEVER come another time when this kind of talent grace us with their gifts of music AND genuine joy in making other lives a little brighter ...
Wondrous duet & Johnnie's vocal is incredible to listen to and experience...phrasing is so uniquely original and clearly Johnnie Ray is one of the all time greatest singers ever...Bravo Johnnie, you a missed!
Fantastic footage great duet with the lovely Shani Wallis. seems to be a real nostalgic re-emergence of some of these clasic songs and in the late great Johnnie Ray. thanks for sharing this wonderful footage
This clip was taken from Johnnie's UK tv series 'Johnnie Ray Sings'. It was made for ATV (UK) in March 1959 and shown a few months later. Shani sung several songs and a duet or 2 with Johnnie in each show. 6 were made in total. I have 4 of them. It appears that only 4 survive? He also starred in'Sunday Night at The London Palladium' and a 'Saturday Spectacular' with Connie Francis as well as making an album with Jack Parnell and his orchestra.('A sinner Am I')all during his UK tour 1959
This must be the Johnnie Ray mentioned in "C'mon Eileen" Didn't know he was an American.
euqip 11 months ago
Make no mistake about it. Johnnie Ray was one of the greatest song stylists of all times. He was also no slouch as a pianist and composer. Reflecting on their days together at Columbia Records, Mitch Miller said "Johnnie had great musical intelligence". His versatility was amazing. Those who are interested should read the book "Cry:The Johnnie Ray Story" by Jonny Whiteside. Ray was a fairly exceptional human being who spent much of his life (and much of his income) helping others.
junkyardphilosopher 11 months ago
There will NEVER come another time when this kind of talent grace us with their gifts of music AND genuine joy in making other lives a little brighter ...
Cheers !
Dave
bud21s 1 year ago
Wondrous duet & Johnnie's vocal is incredible to listen to and experience...phrasing is so uniquely original and clearly Johnnie Ray is one of the all time greatest singers ever...Bravo Johnnie, you a missed!
bradly2007 1 year ago 3
J.Ray was huge in the fifties. I saw him perform at the Sydney Stadium in 1955 on his third tour. Then came Elvis.......
usfansw 1 year ago 2
20 years today he died and still missed but never forgotten
Dorsetcowboy 2 years ago 3
Fantastic footage great duet with the lovely Shani Wallis. seems to be a real nostalgic re-emergence of some of these clasic songs and in the late great Johnnie Ray. thanks for sharing this wonderful footage
Dorsetcowboy 2 years ago 2
great johnie god bless you !!
kumatosky 2 years ago
Shani Wallace was never that good, or popular. did well in Oliver, otherwise?
rafhenlow 2 years ago
She looks so different here and sounds different as well.
Why is she all posh?
Everything I've seen her in she's Cockney.
X's
scuzzbuzzproductions 2 years ago
that was rare as a blue diamond, that is
a classic beyond the stars.
zanewakeup 2 years ago 2
Superb !!
are the other four on u-tube??
mahlzeittime 2 years ago
Rare footage. Johnnie was a really influential singer and is not appreciated as much as he should be.
calpoet 2 years ago 10
This clip was taken from Johnnie's UK tv series 'Johnnie Ray Sings'. It was made for ATV (UK) in March 1959 and shown a few months later. Shani sung several songs and a duet or 2 with Johnnie in each show. 6 were made in total. I have 4 of them. It appears that only 4 survive? He also starred in'Sunday Night at The London Palladium' and a 'Saturday Spectacular' with Connie Francis as well as making an album with Jack Parnell and his orchestra.('A sinner Am I')all during his UK tour 1959
daveyboy100 3 years ago 3