once upon a time my aunt had a wealthy boyfriend who bought her a house in pebble beach.(she's still there.) we went out to a lovely ranch he owned in the desert. i was looking at his console stereo and my aunt's boyfriend asked me if i'd like to hear some music. i recall he only had a few albums. all john gary.
MY MOTHERS FAVORITE SINGER. AT THE TIME, I COULD TAKE HIM OR LEAVE HIM. AND THEN HE STARTED TO GROW ON ME. HE BECAME ONE OF MY FAVORITE SINGERS. I WOULD GIVE EVERYTHING I OWN NOW, IF I COULD LISTEN TO HIM WITH MY MOTHER NEAR BY. I MISS HER SO MUCH. CHRISTMAS IS A LITLLE EMPTY WITHOUT HER.
@Steveway32 YOUR VIDEOS DO MEAN A WHOLE BUNCH TO ME. AND YOU ARE SO CORRECT, SHE'S BY MY SIDE EVERYTIME I LISTEN TO THIS ENCHANTINGLY BEAUTIFUL SONG. IT IS MY PLEASURE AND I'M IN TOTAL GRATITUDE TO YOU. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU STEVE C. IN FOUR DAYS.
Thank you for posting this, I think it is my favourite ballad of all time and John Gary one of the most talented singers ever born - sadly, the good die young - What a voice. RIP
I am a huge John Gary fan and have been for many years. I was truly saddened at his dieing way to early. Truly, truly a beautiful voice. There are not many around anymore who have vocals like this. It seems almost anyone can get a recording contract anymore - don't even have to have a good voice due to tricks of the trade in the studio! Most don't sound the same when they perform live. John was a gem?
heard john both at a v. fine detroit area nightclub (db's) and later sining the natl anthem at Tiger Stadium. Flawless. Why did JG not reach first rank in fame ... see consanna above. JG came to natl prominence in mid to late 60's. Youth's music was getting harder, older generation sought only to stay in touch with Frank, Perry, Tony, Percy Fand Ray Coniff orchestras. No breaking of new ground. John retired in early 90's, died right here in Richardson TX.
First became acquainted with John's magical voice when I bought his record album "Catch A Rising Star" back in the early 60's as a teenager. Still love listening to his singing as much today as I did back then, it's timeless. Beautiful video too!
Once upon a time long ago I sat on a couch with a lovely girl and she played a John Gary album. I'm sure this song was one of the selections, and I can't help but think of her during any John Gary song, especially this one.
Gentlemen, when you talk to your lady, make sure she understands your words. My lady of years ago failed to understand my words, and I lost her without understanding why. She became my Lady of Shallot as she also bears the name, Elaine.
Lovely voice indeed!!! and a smoother and more refined version of the song (if not the smoothest and finest version)... John Gary gave more than justice to the song!... I'm a fan now!
It's just a bit odd though that he seems not to have reached greater number of audience... Thanks so much for the upload... it's a great privilege for me to hear one enchanting music with a perfect voice...!
Bill Balance on KGIL back in the 60,s would play JG a lot. Also Johnny Magus on KMPC the "Host Who Loved You Most" Dick Carrolls and Polo/Ralph Lauren were the hot BH Rodeo haberdasheries.
Heard JG 1st time LP: Ebb Tide, Unchained Melody. 1966. Range, control, air (he was also a champ deep sea diver). 1968 Bridgeport CT Klein Auditorium. 3 encores. 1985, DB's Club, Dearborn, MI: Intimate setting, mesmerized audience. He played the tape of when he was just 11 & then joined in ... across 4 decades and almost as many octaves.
LP, auditorium, night club. I arr'd DFW TX '89, not knowing until his untimely death in '98 that he lived in nearby Richardson. Thanx 4 the memories!
I heard John personally at Meadow brook at Oakland University Rochester Mi the summer of '71, he sang many of these and more. What a pure talent. He was a regular on Arthur Godfrey's Breakfast Club on radio. The first time I heard J Gary was on KGIL in the SF Valley circa 1965. Part of my youth.
Please listen to Perry Como's version of the song. The song was meant to be sung by an older man in sad rememberance. Perry was the right man for this particular song. This is no criticism of John Gary; his voice is best I've ever heard. His Danny Boy was the best ever and that's saying a lot considering all who have sung it. It's just that some songs are meant for a particular voice, not necessarily the best one.
I have NEVER heard a song so beautifully done. His voice has the quality of soft velvet. It just lull's you into a beautiful state of mind. If there is a heaven and angels really do sing, John should lead choir. Yep, he is that good.....
@DEK1954 I wish I was alive back when he was around and performing (I am only twenty). I imagine that his live vocals would have been amazing. I've been scooping up any records from him I can find from music, antique and thrift stores and I'm just in awe of his ability.
John was one of the best ever. I'm thankful that I am old enough to remember the glory days of music with singers like John Gary, Jack Jones and so many others like them. We don't have many voices like this around today.... possibly Josh Groban, Donald Braswell or Michael Buble?? Most of what passes for music today is just noise, not music. Thank goodness these great voices are preserved on film and vinyl. We will enjoy them forever! Thank you, Steveway32.
this is the first time i have heard of john gary.! thank you so much for this video steveway 32..., what a fantastic voice , so pure and beautiful. he made this gorgeous song his own.
With a dad who sang like Bing Crosby, and a singer like this as my mom's favorite, I guess it was destined I should become a singer! LOL But, as luck would have it, I ended up being a bass- an operatic bass. Oh, well. I can still listen to this ASTOUNDING voice and my dear departed mother is there right next to me, enjoying this beautiful song. Thanks, Mr. Gary!
love this song. his rich soaring voice. listened to him in my childhood and credit the experience with my love of so many other types of music:classical, broadway,jazz, folk. he's a musical education. it's a quiet thing is one of my favorite john gary recordings. peace everybody. enjoy the beauty.
An absolutely, positively beautiful voice. I have most of his CD's and treasure them dearly because there are few voices that come along like this especially in today's music industry. You don't have to have a good voice these days. Hell alot of them can't even carry a tune. It's all electronics.
Probably the "Squarest of the square" of all artists; Lawrence Welk at least had a variety show. Good luck selling those records if you don't want them; even in Mint condition they are practically worthless despite being over 40 years old. It's a shame the easy listening genre tends to be the most "worthless" to collectors; the art/sound truly represents a bygone era and as people keep throwing away so called "junk", eventually these records will become hard to find. Save those albums!
Soneone posted"how come he's not huge?' He was huge, in my mind. Beware my foolish heart: the all-time greatest love song, sung by the purist male voice ever.
Ahh more John Gary Fans. I have I think all of his albums as I started collecting them in College when he recorded his FIRST. I dated a girl in college that John's first wife was her best friend. I wrote several emails to his second wife recently and told her how much I loved his voice. At that time, he held the "scuba underwater record for holding your breathe" but you can tell from his singing. I am not sure how I can share what I have.
My husband is a crooner, too . . . He told me that Andy Williams had said that John Gary was a singer's singer and was his favorite. I guess he knew something about the vocal instrument. I am blessed to hear my hubby sing beautfiul ballads as well as folk music (he's a pretty good guitarist as well). Oh, well, forgive me for bragging, but I am very grateful. Oft times, I harmonize with him . . . it's fun!
JOHN GARY was perfection. This is one of his best RCA recordings---Give a listen to his versions of DANNY BOY, EBB TIDE and TENDERLY. He was also a great stage & TV performer.
time really slips by before we know it and can do anything about it.just look back,learn from it,then move on with the small flame deep inside for that is what keeps us warm on those cold lonesome nights
My God ! This man was truely talented. What a singer! How I wish I could have had the talent he had in his pinky finger. The range and control he had was superb. How sad it is that today alot of the garbage that we hear is called music.Some of todays "singers" ought to listen to this man so they can hear what talent really is.It is too bad that John left us so early . I guess that God wanted another great singer up there with him. Rest in peace Mr. Gary you are by no means forgotten.
In the mid 60's John had a TV show, which was great. A neat thing he did each week was, read a letter from some young woman who'd written, telling why she'd like him to sing a song for her. Someone had made the choice of who's letter he read. He'd always be sitting on a riser, with a large reel to reel tape recorder beside him. He'd read the letter, then turn on the tape recorder, sing a beautiful song, and tell a stage person to 'pack it up the recorder and send it to her.' Now THAT was cool!
Simply put he was the very best. He could transition from one note to another from baritone to one of 3 other tones without taking a breath. That is unrivaled.
Once Upon A Time has always been one of my favorite songs, it's from the Broadway Show "All American." I have many versions of the song but of course John's is the best of them all. Thanks for posting it for everyone who never heard him sing. :) He was an extremely underrated vocalist imho.
This is in my personal Top Five greatest songs. I've heard several excellent versions, but John Gary had such an incredible range and power, this is for me the best version.
Where did it go??? "Once upon a time...the world was sweeter than we knew...everything was ours, how happy we were then...but somehow once upon a time, never comes again.".sad yet true.. fer me fine Da, loveliest lad to ever roam the planet...from one who knows.:( Jllly...
John Gary is a singers singer. His voice is impecable. His range is like no other. He once held the worlds record for holding his breath under water. His breath control shows in duration of his note selection. Who can listen to this song and not think of the first time you ever fell in love........
I grew up listning to John Gary because I liked it--my parents did too! He was a vocal gymnast who could sing almost any kind of song. He left us in 1998, but his music continues to thrill us.
I grew up listening to my parents play John Gary's music, as well as Sergio Franchi and Nat King Cole... (they had great taste) I remember hearing once that he used to be a deep sea diver for the navy or something like that, which supposedly helped explain his incredible breath control.... and yes I agree he is a singer's singer, as I feel KD Lang is today
@worstedwool Simply put he was the singer's singer. He did things no other singer could do. If you do not mellow out listening to John Gary ya got problems. He was the best.
Wow, shoulda known the lad was an Irish-American!...don't hardly know an Irishman that can't warble like an Angel....John Gary most deffo has the voice of a very Golden Angel indeed! Hope he's croonin' to my Pops in Heaven right now, yessir!! ~Peace! jillyhawk
For my beloved Father, the irreplaceable Kenny-boy Jeffers..John Gary was his favorite singer of all time, & this was his best-loved song...ohh, that soaring tenor, so sweet & fine...we saw him in concert, back in the late 70's..pure magic...he never hit the big time like the other crooner greats...we saw him sing at a Holiday Inn in Anaheim...sad for such a talent...Peace Daddy, I love & miss you...oOnce upon a time, the world was sweeter than we knew..everything was ours...never comes again."
John Gary undeniably had one of the most beautiful voices of the 20th century. My wife of 39 years and I loved his music. Back then, on a grassy hill near her parent's home, she and I really did sit "...upon a hill ... counting all the stars and waiting for the dawn...". Sadly, that wonderful hill has since been bulldozed and upscale condos have replaced the grassy hill and eucalyptus trees - but "...that was Once Upon a Time, now the tree is gone..." Thanks for posting this beautiful song.
Steve, I have John Gary's Carnegie Hall Concert version of "MORE" now on my YouTube site. Come and watch it and hear how beautiful it is. It's not as good visually as your work but its still good and sonically perfect thanks to Lee Gary.
The song I would most like to hear again for John Gary is The Impossible Dream from Man of La Mancha. This shows his tremendous power as well as his soft tones. Can someone find this and put this here? Thanks.
Wow did hearing this song from long ago bring tears to my eyes and memories. My Mom played his songs on many days and
I have never forgot them. Wish I could hear more from this album...certain songs remain in my memory but forget some of the titles. Being irish I always enjoyed hearing this man sing...what a talent and one of the best irish singers I have heard...thanks!
I'm almost 75 yrs old and am just discovering John Gary. I can't ever remember hearing him on the radio. He has a magical voice. I have to add him to my list of favorite singersThanks so much for posting his music.
Many a nite I was lulled softly to bed by the voice of John Gary emanating from the den. Each evening ended this way and hearing these songs again brings back so many pleasant and innocent memories from childhood. What a great voice, and thanks for posting!
A voice like John's comes once in a lifetime. There's never been one like it before and there's never been one like it since. He's simply the BEST. His Carnigie Hall concert in 1967 was a momnet in time that will never be forgotten, like that of Judy 1962 and Benny 1938 the times they performed at Carnigie too. A once in a life time event.
John also set underwater endurance records--staying underwater for as long as 78 hours unassisted. He also held patents on 2 underwater propulsion devices. Quite a guy and the best Irish tenor ever, I think, with only a moderate amount of the cornball affectation in his singing, which is not his fault--it was part of the tradition of Irish crooning. He was a great, great singer.
Beauty is in the eyes (and ears) of the beholder. Who one feels is the better singer is correct for his own tastes. I have a friend who says, "John Gary is an excellent singer; I put him just under Tony Bennett!" There's no doubt that Gary was a brilliant technician; he could perform vocal gymnastics the likes of which most singers didn't even know could be done until he did them. I personally believe that he was the best crooner I have ever heard and I thoroughly enjoy his music.
On an entertainment program once I saw Gary with an interviewer who asked about his phenomenal voice range and he said, "Oh, I can work through about three octaves relaxed, maybe a little more on a good day with a strong warm-up." (!) I took a few years of classical voice and I can tell you, that is a range that most singers can only aspire to in their wildest dreams! Incredible singer -- such a pretty voice!
I've loved John Gary for decades, and this always has been my favorite. I was privileged to see him in concert in the early 80's, and, unlike so many, his voice was still perfection.
Maybe we need to understand the difference between a vocalist, singer, and performer. John Gary was an accomplished vocalist and singer. He lacked commerical appeal due mainly to the fact that listeners could not sing along as the did with Bennett, Sinatra, Como, Martin, and others. John Gary easily moves freely through 3 Octives often showing his range on a sinlge word. That is impressive in any opinion.
Quote from Sinatra. I have no idea how he( referring to John Gary) transitions from one note to another with such perfect breath control. I have no idea how he could go from baritone to falsetto all within in one word. I know of nobody else who can do that. He is the singer's singer and stands in a class by himself. True. Sinatra also thought Vic Damone was a better singer then himself. In some cases it was true. He also thought Tony Bennett was his equal . I believe that not to be true.
a wonderful singer what a voice the man had such a msooth mellow sound yet with power when required reminds me a little of matt munroe also an awesome crooner both better than sinatra
stunatra - Perhaps you did not know this ,but he was Sinatra's favorite singer! Frank had a chance to sing with him. Turned it down saying I will not sing with him because I cannot sing with him ! Robert Gouliet was another one. John Gary had a quadruple octave voice and actually could change tones 3 times all in one note. It remains unparelled. He has the world's record for being under water the longest time (1 1/2 days).Maybe the reason he could change his voice with seemingly little effort
You are stupid. Sinatra himself said he had a better voice.!!!!!!!!! Read Sinatra's autobiography. Sinatra did not even think he was the best singer in his catorgory. He thought himself to be the third best.Not one human being in the world could change tones in one note except John Gary
thanks for the info...your right he was one of a kind and next to Nat King Cole my favorite. I still love to listen to them both and now that I am old I appreciate them both allot more now.
Mat Monroe was another great crooner almost as good as John, however I have heard them all and somehow John is at the top of the heap By the way I'm from Scotland were Matt was held in high esteem!!!
I first heard John Gary when I was all of 10 years old: he left me in awe. My brother who was home on leave from the navy brought "To Catch A Rising Star" home with him. There is nothing like this song. Yes, I remember being told about the record of him holding his breath under water. I have never forgotten this voice. Later in life I found this cd. I remember Rex saying, Those Beatles are making all the money and can't hold a candle to this talent, this voice. Who can now?
He did things with his voice NOBODY else could do. If there is a more melodious voice I would like to know . Both Elvis and Frank Sinatra were in AWE of him. He along with Shelby Flint deserve so much more credit and attention. I mellow out when I listen to him no matter how bad a day . He had a summer show for 3 years on tv replacing Danny Kaye. He also has the record for staying under water the longest. He was a master marksman shooting the bow and arrow. RIP John Gary and thank you so much.
How sad that there are only 5 comments on this work of art by a man possesed of a voice truly from God. This rendition of one of my fav. songs demonstrates a solid vocal technique with gorgeous high notes and, oh forget that. He was just one of the best damn singers ever, EVER I say. Bless ya John. You are not forgotten.
He was a terrific singer and if I recall correctly he may have been on the Carol Burnett Show several times or some other variety show, and I sort of recall him playing guitar and singing on that show. What a remarkable voice he had. RWB
My Dad knew John... was among the first to recognize his talent... had him as a guest on a TV show he Produced: "Art Linkletter's House Party" back in the late 1950's... and had several of his albums, which are now mine. I have just purchased a high quality turntable with a USB connection & software that should enable me to commit my record collections to digital files... I have most of the recordings of John Gary that people have mentioned wanting to hear -- Unchained Melody, for instance.
What a wonderful voice and he puts such feeling to the words. I have only recently heard him for the first time. Now starts the hunt for his CDs. Anybody have recommendations - CD numbers, etc?
Truly remarkable talent!!! R.I.P. sir!
chauffeurme 1 week ago
Tis a beautiful gift--to be able to reach another being with music from the heart.
WynnWrentling 1 month ago
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once upon a time my aunt had a wealthy boyfriend who bought her a house in pebble beach.(she's still there.) we went out to a lovely ranch he owned in the desert. i was looking at his console stereo and my aunt's boyfriend asked me if i'd like to hear some music. i recall he only had a few albums. all john gary.
ujohn 2 months ago
Be sure and visit his families website in Johns honor. It's located at johngary.com.
MrRudy0560 2 months ago
MY MOTHERS FAVORITE SINGER. AT THE TIME, I COULD TAKE HIM OR LEAVE HIM. AND THEN HE STARTED TO GROW ON ME. HE BECAME ONE OF MY FAVORITE SINGERS. I WOULD GIVE EVERYTHING I OWN NOW, IF I COULD LISTEN TO HIM WITH MY MOTHER NEAR BY. I MISS HER SO MUCH. CHRISTMAS IS A LITLLE EMPTY WITHOUT HER.
ELVIS4221 2 months ago
@ELVIS4221
Alway very nice to hear when one of my videos means so much to someone. Maybe your mom is closer than you think when you listen to John.
It's always a pleasure for me to post them.......And thanks.
Steve C.
Steveway32 2 months ago
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ELVIS4221 2 months ago
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@Steveway32 YOUR VIDEOS DO MEAN A WHOLE BUNCH TO ME. AND YOU ARE SO CORRECT, SHE'S BY MY SIDE EVERYTIME I LISTEN TO THIS ENCHANTINGLY BEAUTIFUL SONG. IT IS MY PLEASURE AND I'M IN TOTAL GRATITUDE TO YOU. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU STEVE C. IN FOUR DAYS.
ELVIS4221 2 months ago
This a wonderful version of a song that should bring tears to all our eyes--but I like tony bennet better on this one.
felton2006 4 months ago
Thank you for posting this, I think it is my favourite ballad of all time and John Gary one of the most talented singers ever born - sadly, the good die young - What a voice. RIP
SuperWaffled 5 months ago
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His family has a wonderful tribute web site. johngary.com
MrRudy0560 6 months ago
@MrRudy0560
Your taking time to watch the video was appreciated and thanks for the thanks...8-)
Steveway32 5 months ago
"but that was once upon a time very long ago"passage of time changes everything even alters out precious memories.
match9441 6 months ago
I am a huge John Gary fan and have been for many years. I was truly saddened at his dieing way to early. Truly, truly a beautiful voice. There are not many around anymore who have vocals like this. It seems almost anyone can get a recording contract anymore - don't even have to have a good voice due to tricks of the trade in the studio! Most don't sound the same when they perform live. John was a gem?
solateado 7 months ago
heard john both at a v. fine detroit area nightclub (db's) and later sining the natl anthem at Tiger Stadium. Flawless. Why did JG not reach first rank in fame ... see consanna above. JG came to natl prominence in mid to late 60's. Youth's music was getting harder, older generation sought only to stay in touch with Frank, Perry, Tony, Percy Fand Ray Coniff orchestras. No breaking of new ground. John retired in early 90's, died right here in Richardson TX.
atlatahuac 7 months ago
Thank you John Gary for talent that graced us for such a short time. RIP.
browndog461 8 months ago
He was very big in Great Britain. They called him England's Frank Sinatra.
gloryt46 8 months ago
What kind of character could dislike this song the way John Gary sings it?
cf1934 8 months ago
John Gary was my mom's favorite snger.
slidenote 9 months ago
I have read that John Gary was a favorite of Elvis Presley and I can understand why.
lerebs 10 months ago
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First became acquainted with John's magical voice when I bought his record album "Catch A Rising Star" back in the early 60's as a teenager. Still love listening to his singing as much today as I did back then, it's timeless. Beautiful video too!
bargainmansvideos 10 months ago
Once upon a time long ago I sat on a couch with a lovely girl and she played a John Gary album. I'm sure this song was one of the selections, and I can't help but think of her during any John Gary song, especially this one.
Gentlemen, when you talk to your lady, make sure she understands your words. My lady of years ago failed to understand my words, and I lost her without understanding why. She became my Lady of Shallot as she also bears the name, Elaine.
NavyBob1965 10 months ago
His contemporaries recognized his extreme vocal talent...very few had his range
leahcimber 11 months ago
Lovely voice indeed!!! and a smoother and more refined version of the song (if not the smoothest and finest version)... John Gary gave more than justice to the song!... I'm a fan now!
It's just a bit odd though that he seems not to have reached greater number of audience... Thanks so much for the upload... it's a great privilege for me to hear one enchanting music with a perfect voice...!
MrRawPipe 1 year ago 3
@MrRawPipe
Thanks for your very nice comments.
I always enjoy working with John Gary songs.
Steve C.
Steveway32 1 year ago
@MrRawPipe great i remember this back in the 80s its still my favorite he did it better than anyone wow lots of memories
bigd1039 11 months ago
Bill Balance on KGIL back in the 60,s would play JG a lot. Also Johnny Magus on KMPC the "Host Who Loved You Most" Dick Carrolls and Polo/Ralph Lauren were the hot BH Rodeo haberdasheries.
browndog461 1 year ago
Pure unadulterated perfection was JG.
browndog461 1 year ago
Heard JG 1st time LP: Ebb Tide, Unchained Melody. 1966. Range, control, air (he was also a champ deep sea diver). 1968 Bridgeport CT Klein Auditorium. 3 encores. 1985, DB's Club, Dearborn, MI: Intimate setting, mesmerized audience. He played the tape of when he was just 11 & then joined in ... across 4 decades and almost as many octaves.
LP, auditorium, night club. I arr'd DFW TX '89, not knowing until his untimely death in '98 that he lived in nearby Richardson. Thanx 4 the memories!
atlatahuac 1 year ago
I heard John personally at Meadow brook at Oakland University Rochester Mi the summer of '71, he sang many of these and more. What a pure talent. He was a regular on Arthur Godfrey's Breakfast Club on radio. The first time I heard J Gary was on KGIL in the SF Valley circa 1965. Part of my youth.
browndog461 1 year ago
If it gets better than this,it's not of this world!!
sladedude44 1 year ago
Please listen to Perry Como's version of the song. The song was meant to be sung by an older man in sad rememberance. Perry was the right man for this particular song. This is no criticism of John Gary; his voice is best I've ever heard. His Danny Boy was the best ever and that's saying a lot considering all who have sung it. It's just that some songs are meant for a particular voice, not necessarily the best one.
jessiegarons2in 1 year ago
@jessiegarons2in I disagree! I like Perry como, but no one can touch John Gary on thi song.
cf1934 9 months ago
64 like to 1 dislike=1 tin ear!
cf1934 1 year ago
He was the greatest singer of all time.
nld35 1 year ago
I have NEVER heard a song so beautifully done. His voice has the quality of soft velvet. It just lull's you into a beautiful state of mind. If there is a heaven and angels really do sing, John should lead choir. Yep, he is that good.....
onanysunday72 1 year ago
John was and IS the best tenor I have ever had the pleasure to hear. I miss him, and I hold our friendship in my memory forever.
DEK1954 1 year ago
@DEK1954 I wish I was alive back when he was around and performing (I am only twenty). I imagine that his live vocals would have been amazing. I've been scooping up any records from him I can find from music, antique and thrift stores and I'm just in awe of his ability.
pie0my 1 year ago
Oh so beautiful!!
John was one of the best ever. I'm thankful that I am old enough to remember the glory days of music with singers like John Gary, Jack Jones and so many others like them. We don't have many voices like this around today.... possibly Josh Groban, Donald Braswell or Michael Buble?? Most of what passes for music today is just noise, not music. Thank goodness these great voices are preserved on film and vinyl. We will enjoy them forever! Thank you, Steveway32.
bridges52news 1 year ago 3
@bridges52news
My pleasure......thank YOU!
Steve C.
Steveway32 1 year ago
I would describe him as a tenor with great low notes. Any other opinions? Amazing voice!
pie0my 1 year ago
this is the first time i have heard of john gary.! thank you so much for this video steveway 32..., what a fantastic voice , so pure and beautiful. he made this gorgeous song his own.
amberfly0011 1 year ago
@amberfly0011
Glad I was the one to introduce you to a singer for the ages.
He indeed knew how to make a song his own.
Steve C.
Steveway32 1 year ago 2
With a dad who sang like Bing Crosby, and a singer like this as my mom's favorite, I guess it was destined I should become a singer! LOL But, as luck would have it, I ended up being a bass- an operatic bass. Oh, well. I can still listen to this ASTOUNDING voice and my dear departed mother is there right next to me, enjoying this beautiful song. Thanks, Mr. Gary!
jsmoir1 1 year ago
love this song. his rich soaring voice. listened to him in my childhood and credit the experience with my love of so many other types of music:classical, broadway,jazz, folk. he's a musical education. it's a quiet thing is one of my favorite john gary recordings. peace everybody. enjoy the beauty.
bluejupiter100 1 year ago
So wonderful, such a beautiful voice, thank you John Gary and thank you Steveway32 for posting.
TheMadSyrupMaker 1 year ago
Such a beautiful, lyrical voice.
bh5606 1 year ago 2
An absolutely, positively beautiful voice. I have most of his CD's and treasure them dearly because there are few voices that come along like this especially in today's music industry. You don't have to have a good voice these days. Hell alot of them can't even carry a tune. It's all electronics.
solateado 1 year ago
Probably the "Squarest of the square" of all artists; Lawrence Welk at least had a variety show. Good luck selling those records if you don't want them; even in Mint condition they are practically worthless despite being over 40 years old. It's a shame the easy listening genre tends to be the most "worthless" to collectors; the art/sound truly represents a bygone era and as people keep throwing away so called "junk", eventually these records will become hard to find. Save those albums!
pannoni1 1 year ago
Soneone posted"how come he's not huge?' He was huge, in my mind. Beware my foolish heart: the all-time greatest love song, sung by the purist male voice ever.
freakazoid012 1 year ago
How fortunate some people experience this kind love
TheARosemary 1 year ago
Ahh more John Gary Fans. I have I think all of his albums as I started collecting them in College when he recorded his FIRST. I dated a girl in college that John's first wife was her best friend. I wrote several emails to his second wife recently and told her how much I loved his voice. At that time, he held the "scuba underwater record for holding your breathe" but you can tell from his singing. I am not sure how I can share what I have.
weranoutofnames 1 year ago
My husband is a crooner, too . . . He told me that Andy Williams had said that John Gary was a singer's singer and was his favorite. I guess he knew something about the vocal instrument. I am blessed to hear my hubby sing beautfiul ballads as well as folk music (he's a pretty good guitarist as well). Oh, well, forgive me for bragging, but I am very grateful. Oft times, I harmonize with him . . . it's fun!
5dee4 1 year ago
JOHN GARY was perfection. This is one of his best RCA recordings---Give a listen to his versions of DANNY BOY, EBB TIDE and TENDERLY. He was also a great stage & TV performer.
ericbecker710 1 year ago
time really slips by before we know it and can do anything about it.just look back,learn from it,then move on with the small flame deep inside for that is what keeps us warm on those cold lonesome nights
captjohnmatch56 1 year ago
This man's voice was so special! thank you for posting.
arpeggio1358 1 year ago
My God ! This man was truely talented. What a singer! How I wish I could have had the talent he had in his pinky finger. The range and control he had was superb. How sad it is that today alot of the garbage that we hear is called music.Some of todays "singers" ought to listen to this man so they can hear what talent really is.It is too bad that John left us so early . I guess that God wanted another great singer up there with him. Rest in peace Mr. Gary you are by no means forgotten.
MsCarole73 1 year ago
In the mid 60's John had a TV show, which was great. A neat thing he did each week was, read a letter from some young woman who'd written, telling why she'd like him to sing a song for her. Someone had made the choice of who's letter he read. He'd always be sitting on a riser, with a large reel to reel tape recorder beside him. He'd read the letter, then turn on the tape recorder, sing a beautiful song, and tell a stage person to 'pack it up the recorder and send it to her.' Now THAT was cool!
Rowlandph 1 year ago
Simply put he was the very best. He could transition from one note to another from baritone to one of 3 other tones without taking a breath. That is unrivaled.
hajune 1 year ago
What technique! What control! What range! What purity of tone! And his changes are faultless - he is truly one of the greatest singers of all time.
MrZapataJones 1 year ago
Once Upon A Time has always been one of my favorite songs, it's from the Broadway Show "All American." I have many versions of the song but of course John's is the best of them all. Thanks for posting it for everyone who never heard him sing. :) He was an extremely underrated vocalist imho.
Tinsby 1 year ago 6
@Tinsby
John was as good as they come.
Thanks for your nice note.
Steve C.
Steveway32 1 year ago
This is in my personal Top Five greatest songs. I've heard several excellent versions, but John Gary had such an incredible range and power, this is for me the best version.
NYDutch1968 2 years ago 2
beautiful song. beautiful settings.
ROBERTDALECODY 2 years ago 2
Thanks for stopping by...always appreciated...
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Steveway32 2 years ago 2
Where did it go??? "Once upon a time...the world was sweeter than we knew...everything was ours, how happy we were then...but somehow once upon a time, never comes again.".sad yet true.. fer me fine Da, loveliest lad to ever roam the planet...from one who knows.:( Jllly...
jillyhawk 2 years ago
John Gary is a singers singer. His voice is impecable. His range is like no other. He once held the worlds record for holding his breath under water. His breath control shows in duration of his note selection. Who can listen to this song and not think of the first time you ever fell in love........
onanysunday72 2 years ago 3
I grew up listning to John Gary because I liked it--my parents did too! He was a vocal gymnast who could sing almost any kind of song. He left us in 1998, but his music continues to thrill us.
ericbecker710 2 years ago
I grew up listening to my parents play John Gary's music, as well as Sergio Franchi and Nat King Cole... (they had great taste) I remember hearing once that he used to be a deep sea diver for the navy or something like that, which supposedly helped explain his incredible breath control.... and yes I agree he is a singer's singer, as I feel KD Lang is today
MCSLongIsland 2 years ago
Your all right, the BEST I have heard. I came to this from the Jack Joners thread someone recomended Gary.
And its all true.
How come he's not huge?
cleavecolin 2 years ago 9
Still my favorite singer after all these years. I love his version of the theme from Moulin Rouge. , incredibly beautiful.
Thank you Dad for introducing me to the most beautiful voice I think I will ever know...
worstedwool 2 years ago 3
@worstedwool Simply put he was the singer's singer. He did things no other singer could do. If you do not mellow out listening to John Gary ya got problems. He was the best.
hajune 2 years ago 2
Brings back childhood memories. My mom and dad loved his music. What a voice!
bdjeffers 2 years ago
Wow, shoulda known the lad was an Irish-American!...don't hardly know an Irishman that can't warble like an Angel....John Gary most deffo has the voice of a very Golden Angel indeed! Hope he's croonin' to my Pops in Heaven right now, yessir!! ~Peace! jillyhawk
jillyhawk 2 years ago
For my beloved Father, the irreplaceable Kenny-boy Jeffers..John Gary was his favorite singer of all time, & this was his best-loved song...ohh, that soaring tenor, so sweet & fine...we saw him in concert, back in the late 70's..pure magic...he never hit the big time like the other crooner greats...we saw him sing at a Holiday Inn in Anaheim...sad for such a talent...Peace Daddy, I love & miss you...oOnce upon a time, the world was sweeter than we knew..everything was ours...never comes again."
jillyhawk 2 years ago
John Gary undeniably had one of the most beautiful voices of the 20th century. My wife of 39 years and I loved his music. Back then, on a grassy hill near her parent's home, she and I really did sit "...upon a hill ... counting all the stars and waiting for the dawn...". Sadly, that wonderful hill has since been bulldozed and upscale condos have replaced the grassy hill and eucalyptus trees - but "...that was Once Upon a Time, now the tree is gone..." Thanks for posting this beautiful song.
jvk133 2 years ago 4
Thanks you for your message.
Wish I could say that my favorite "hills" of my younger days were still there. Alas most of them are gone now too.
Steve C.
Steveway32 2 years ago
We ARE just a wisp of air just as those things we remember are not there. But the good news is, there is something much, much, better coming.
paulfarrier 2 years ago
Steve, I have John Gary's Carnegie Hall Concert version of "MORE" now on my YouTube site. Come and watch it and hear how beautiful it is. It's not as good visually as your work but its still good and sonically perfect thanks to Lee Gary.
--- Thanks, Brian
BJSTV 2 years ago
Brian I was lucky enough that get a copy of the concert for Xmas.
You are right....it's great!
Thanks much.
Steve C.
Steveway32 2 years ago
Great voice and rendition. I wish YouTube had this song performed by Andy Williams. I have it on CD and he did a great job as well. Thanks
Frankiarmz 2 years ago
your right. a thousand people could sing this song and no one would touch him.
leahcimber 2 years ago
No one can sing this song better than
John Gary. Caledoonia
caledoonia 2 years ago
A beautiful voice , a beautiful song . I think most adults can identify with the words to this song . Pulls at the heartstrings .
donwayn 2 years ago 3
The song I would most like to hear again for John Gary is The Impossible Dream from Man of La Mancha. This shows his tremendous power as well as his soft tones. Can someone find this and put this here? Thanks.
jford2550 2 years ago 2
Wow did hearing this song from long ago bring tears to my eyes and memories. My Mom played his songs on many days and
I have never forgot them. Wish I could hear more from this album...certain songs remain in my memory but forget some of the titles. Being irish I always enjoyed hearing this man sing...what a talent and one of the best irish singers I have heard...thanks!
kbrierfield 2 years ago 2
I'm almost 75 yrs old and am just discovering John Gary. I can't ever remember hearing him on the radio. He has a magical voice. I have to add him to my list of favorite singersThanks so much for posting his music.
cf1934 2 years ago
Good to hear from you.......and thanks for the kind words on the video.
As you can see, it gets some nice comments.
He was a favorite of mine too.
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Steveway32 2 years ago
Many a nite I was lulled softly to bed by the voice of John Gary emanating from the den. Each evening ended this way and hearing these songs again brings back so many pleasant and innocent memories from childhood. What a great voice, and thanks for posting!
sgtscruffy56 2 years ago
My pleasure...and thanks for your recollections of Mr. Gary.
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Steveway32 2 years ago
A voice like John's comes once in a lifetime. There's never been one like it before and there's never been one like it since. He's simply the BEST. His Carnigie Hall concert in 1967 was a momnet in time that will never be forgotten, like that of Judy 1962 and Benny 1938 the times they performed at Carnigie too. A once in a life time event.
BJSTV 2 years ago
John also set underwater endurance records--staying underwater for as long as 78 hours unassisted. He also held patents on 2 underwater propulsion devices. Quite a guy and the best Irish tenor ever, I think, with only a moderate amount of the cornball affectation in his singing, which is not his fault--it was part of the tradition of Irish crooning. He was a great, great singer.
rickcee 2 years ago
John Gary was so talented, one of the best tenors ever. RWB
rwb010109 2 years ago 2
Its obvious that Hajune understands what makes a great singer. This man did posess a unique range and had a great voice.
stanich054 2 years ago
Beauty is in the eyes (and ears) of the beholder. Who one feels is the better singer is correct for his own tastes. I have a friend who says, "John Gary is an excellent singer; I put him just under Tony Bennett!" There's no doubt that Gary was a brilliant technician; he could perform vocal gymnastics the likes of which most singers didn't even know could be done until he did them. I personally believe that he was the best crooner I have ever heard and I thoroughly enjoy his music.
primalcoach1 2 years ago 3
On an entertainment program once I saw Gary with an interviewer who asked about his phenomenal voice range and he said, "Oh, I can work through about three octaves relaxed, maybe a little more on a good day with a strong warm-up." (!) I took a few years of classical voice and I can tell you, that is a range that most singers can only aspire to in their wildest dreams! Incredible singer -- such a pretty voice!
primalcoach1 2 years ago 2
I've loved John Gary for decades, and this always has been my favorite. I was privileged to see him in concert in the early 80's, and, unlike so many, his voice was still perfection.
GeorgiaPat 2 years ago 4
Maybe we need to understand the difference between a vocalist, singer, and performer. John Gary was an accomplished vocalist and singer. He lacked commerical appeal due mainly to the fact that listeners could not sing along as the did with Bennett, Sinatra, Como, Martin, and others. John Gary easily moves freely through 3 Octives often showing his range on a sinlge word. That is impressive in any opinion.
consanna 2 years ago 14
Quote from Sinatra. I have no idea how he( referring to John Gary) transitions from one note to another with such perfect breath control. I have no idea how he could go from baritone to falsetto all within in one word. I know of nobody else who can do that. He is the singer's singer and stands in a class by himself. True. Sinatra also thought Vic Damone was a better singer then himself. In some cases it was true. He also thought Tony Bennett was his equal . I believe that not to be true.
hajune 2 years ago 4
a wonderful singer what a voice the man had such a msooth mellow sound yet with power when required reminds me a little of matt munroe also an awesome crooner both better than sinatra
garybrown57 2 years ago
This guy has a nice voice and all, but better than Sinatra? No way. You smoke crack or suttin'?
Stunatra 2 years ago
stunatra - Perhaps you did not know this ,but he was Sinatra's favorite singer! Frank had a chance to sing with him. Turned it down saying I will not sing with him because I cannot sing with him ! Robert Gouliet was another one. John Gary had a quadruple octave voice and actually could change tones 3 times all in one note. It remains unparelled. He has the world's record for being under water the longest time (1 1/2 days).Maybe the reason he could change his voice with seemingly little effort
hajune 2 years ago 4
So? That doesn't mean the man is a better singer.
He was Sinatra's favorite singer? Can you back that up?
Stunatra 2 years ago
You are stupid. Sinatra himself said he had a better voice.!!!!!!!!! Read Sinatra's autobiography. Sinatra did not even think he was the best singer in his catorgory. He thought himself to be the third best.Not one human being in the world could change tones in one note except John Gary
hajune 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I am stupid? ROFL! Sinatra didn't write an autobiography you stupid twat.
Stunatra 2 years ago
thanks for the info...your right he was one of a kind and next to Nat King Cole my favorite. I still love to listen to them both and now that I am old I appreciate them both allot more now.
jkoncz 2 years ago 2
Mat Monroe was another great crooner almost as good as John, however I have heard them all and somehow John is at the top of the heap By the way I'm from Scotland were Matt was held in high esteem!!!
henry34067 2 years ago
I have never ever heard a voice as beautiful as his. No one can sing this
song like him. Thank you, steveway.
conniesue75 2 years ago
I agree and thank you much!
Steve C.
Steveway32 2 years ago
listen to lorrie morgan and she looks better then john
jkoncz 2 years ago
They say they don't have a video of Morgan singing once upon a time on
youtube.
conniesue75 2 years ago
to bad because she does a great job. I was amazed at her voice and range.
jkoncz 2 years ago
I just sampled the shit out this track....from my vinyl collection of course...GREAT SONG!
boxxxedrebels 2 years ago
Great voice - beautiful song............
gdwmontg 2 years ago
Perfection! I grew up listening to this magnificent voice. Thank you for posting this!
GrannySchaefer 2 years ago
Thank you for posting your nice comment.
Steveway32
Steveway32 2 years ago
I first heard John Gary when I was all of 10 years old: he left me in awe. My brother who was home on leave from the navy brought "To Catch A Rising Star" home with him. There is nothing like this song. Yes, I remember being told about the record of him holding his breath under water. I have never forgotten this voice. Later in life I found this cd. I remember Rex saying, Those Beatles are making all the money and can't hold a candle to this talent, this voice. Who can now?
blueboydogs 2 years ago
He did things with his voice NOBODY else could do. If there is a more melodious voice I would like to know . Both Elvis and Frank Sinatra were in AWE of him. He along with Shelby Flint deserve so much more credit and attention. I mellow out when I listen to him no matter how bad a day . He had a summer show for 3 years on tv replacing Danny Kaye. He also has the record for staying under water the longest. He was a master marksman shooting the bow and arrow. RIP John Gary and thank you so much.
hajune 2 years ago
How sad that there are only 5 comments on this work of art by a man possesed of a voice truly from God. This rendition of one of my fav. songs demonstrates a solid vocal technique with gorgeous high notes and, oh forget that. He was just one of the best damn singers ever, EVER I say. Bless ya John. You are not forgotten.
JoelBWeisberg 2 years ago 2
He was a terrific singer and if I recall correctly he may have been on the Carol Burnett Show several times or some other variety show, and I sort of recall him playing guitar and singing on that show. What a remarkable voice he had. RWB
rwb010109 3 years ago
His voice and style were terrific,,RWB
rwb010109 3 years ago
I had the pleasure of knowing John.
He is certainly missed.
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Steveway32 3 years ago
My Dad knew John... was among the first to recognize his talent... had him as a guest on a TV show he Produced: "Art Linkletter's House Party" back in the late 1950's... and had several of his albums, which are now mine. I have just purchased a high quality turntable with a USB connection & software that should enable me to commit my record collections to digital files... I have most of the recordings of John Gary that people have mentioned wanting to hear -- Unchained Melody, for instance.
HurricaneHeidi 3 years ago
Thanks for the post HH.
Maybe I can work up another video. I have his album called "Catch a Rising Star" and one where he sings all Irish songs.
I first saw and heard him on the "Tonight Show" when Jack Paar was hosting.
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Steveway32 3 years ago
What a wonderful voice and he puts such feeling to the words. I have only recently heard him for the first time. Now starts the hunt for his CDs. Anybody have recommendations - CD numbers, etc?
milenarigolli 3 years ago
The one CD I have "The Essential John Gary" - RCA 100 Years of Music 2001 BMG Entertainment-
69395-2.
Unfortunately, John passed away Jan 4, 1998, But left his beautiful voice behind for us to enjoy. I hope this helps.
MMLAlbri 3 years ago