Thanks for posting this as I was curious how she sounded after reading about her in the Chet Baker bio, Deep In A Dream, by James Gavin. She's only mentioned briefly on less than half a page but I really wanted to hear her since I never had up to this point.
What a wonderful song for this extremely hot summer. June Christy's voice is just awesome. I have a number of her albums and when I get in certain moods, I put on her music with a nice glass of ice tea and lemon and just relax. Her music makes me so happy.
I'm 20, Black, Male,grew during hip hop and Grunge but i find comfort in this timeless beautiful classic. Most of todays female artists have no style, taste or class. I was born in the wrong fucking era but then i may not have lived to truely appriciate such music on youtube.
You don't have to accept today's awful world, and I agree - it is without class or style. But this place of beauty and love is there for you in the good music and jazz of Christie, Getz, Jo Stafford, Ella, Nat Cole, Desmond, Miles, and so many others that it will fill your lifetime.
I wanted to sound exactly like her, and "comp" (piano), like Shirley Horn. I found out years later June smoked. I think she died from lung cancer. So sad ...
The rooms we worked in were so smoky, we didn't have to smoke. I started to sound like her after one year. Love her...
I agree with you, julliardpark... exquisite lyrics. Please add my comment to nemo's. Not only did this song encapsulate a moment but, as was mentioned, the scenario is timeless. Music is vital...thank you for your contributions, Mr. Barnes.
I said so much before about this great, great beautiful singer, that I am now out of words. great musicianship, great phrasing, sexy husky voice, faultless intonation, one of the best female singers ever!.
I just want to put in a mention for the composer/lyricist who wrote "Something Cool" - Hollywood great BILLY BARNES, who also wrote "(Have I Stayed) Too Long at the Fair" recorded by Streisand. He was known as "The Revue Master of Hollywood", and he was instrumental in discovering many performers. In the 1960's, Billy also served as the musical director of the "Laugh-In" TV show.
@juilliardpark Thanks for the info about Billy Barnes. The lyrics to Something Cool are masterful. He told a real story here. I have this album and have played and re-played this tune, listening carefully to the lyrics. This arrangement and June Christy are perfect for his lyrics. I intend to learn more about Billy Barnes.
@nemo227 Thanks nemo. Billy's a dear friend and I'll pass on your good thoughts. Billy is doing well and lives up in the Hollywood Hill off Mulholland Drive.
@nemo227 Thanks nemo. Billy's a dear friend and I'll pass on your good thoughts. Billy is doing well and lives up in the Hollywood Hills off Mulholland Drive.
I have both versions, however , I much prefer this version. I wasn't around at the time, but this is easily my choice of music. Along with Sarah Vaughan, Jo stafford, Kitty Kalen, Helen Forrest, etc, all
Sglynch..you sound like you don't like white singers...open your mind.They are just as valid as the greats you mentioned.June Christy had her own sound and was an original.There are many great singers of all races,and they all have originality.Nobody had a prettier voice than Doris Day, and she was not a Jazz singer.
It's a toss up for me between June Christy and Chris Connor, once you find one, discovering the other is a natural succession. Love them both. Passion at it's best! Love that Misty Miss Christy!
june Christy, "The Misty Miss Christy", was one of the great jazz singers and this is one of her best performances. This is her second version of this song, you can tell with the pause just before "my it's nice", but still a GREAT version of a superb ballad. June Christie, Chris Connor, Sarah Vaughn, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Kenton, so many great artists of a wonderful, bygone era that is highly influential today.
i just can't get into this woman. i can appreciate her artistry, but realize i'm less of the 'cool' jazz fan than a lot of people. i like a warm vibrato so much more. sarah, ella and billie....
That's too bad. Christy was magical, and I don't find it difficult to love the triumvirate (Ella, Sarah and Billie) while still enjoying Christy and other Cool Jazz luminaries. Quality music is irrespective of genre.
My Mom and Dad's favourite song....June was different from all the others, and kind of the underdog, never overexposed, and well known in Jazz Circles, especially in NYC.
Her's is my favorite interpretation of this song. I must admit, though... I prefer the interpretation on the mono recording of Something Cool that preceeded this stereo version.
June's version, thus far, is my favorite. Her timeless dynamic interpretation withstanding, Stan Kenton and his orchestra provides the classy ump that's missing from other covers I've listened to. The storytelling quality of the song allows me to listen over and over without getting tired or bored. Glad I have her in my collection and equally so that you discovered her music. Keep listening man. Lots of creative voices out there with wonderful stories to tell.
@turtletouch I just wanted to bring to your attention that this song and album by the same name was arranged by not Kenton but Pete Rugolo who guided ms. Christy through a successful solo career.
Bravo June! This is a great story song by Billy Barnes. He also wrote Have I Stayed Too Long at the Fair? which Barbra Streisand has sung to magnificent effect.
I wasn't familiar with this song or June Christy until I heard Rickie Lee Jones sing it in concert in Dallas in the early 80's. What a great song and June has an amazing voice.
where have they all gone - The Misty Christy - one of the best - Something Cool (only hers) and the best version of Midnight Sun - Even Better than Ella's Version - they are gone forever
Thank You for posting....my favoriate....June Christy and something Cool......doesn't get any better.......appreciate it ..they all tried to copy her....noone ever did...she is the Misty Miss Christy!
I think you're right, Hadjee, that there are some similarities between the song and "Lush Life", but its still unique and I would say its in the same league with that classic song. And you're right, distcitz, that June Christy was the epitome of cool and breezy with her vocals. I love her! Thanks, RockyLethe for posting this!
I love this song. I first heard it nearly thirty years ago and it knocked me off my feet. This is the best bar ballad ever and she sings it like no one else. Thank you for posting it.
I heard it in 1955 at Cuno's Combo,a jazz club in Nagoya Japan.I fell in love with it then, and nothing has changed after all these years.They don't make them like June any more.
Rickie's version rocks... It was originally released on "Girl at her Volcano" which is my favorite RLJ album... hard to find though. 'Something cool' and "My Funny Valentine" however were re-released on 2005's "Dutchess of Coolsville" album. Also available on Napster. "Dutchess..." however does not include 'Rainbow Sleeves' and "Lush Life" both are treats for RLJ lovers.
this song along with midnight sun were classics that we from that era recall with utter delight, seeing miss christy with the stan kenton band at the rendezvous ballroom on balboa island, it was so big that 1500 couples could dance on the floor at the same time, it burned down twice, the last time in 1966 and was not rebuilt, june christy was the epitome of cool and breezy with her unique style
She was so good, some of today's female jazz vocalists that I've heard seem to want to imitate her style. The other 2 girls who performed with Stan Kenton sounded similar.. I'm no authority but I think she, perhaps, was the best of the three.
I was looking for the Lorez Alexandria recording of this song, and I discovered June Christy!!! What a wonderful rendition of this great classic song!!!!!!! What a fine sweet voice!!!!!!!
June Christy owns "Something Cool" [the original version, not this re-recording in stereo heard here, which is the inferior version, find it on vinyl on the 10" (purple label) or 12" (blue label) Capitol Records lp), Lorez Alexandria owns "Sing No Sad Songs For Me" (Argo/Chess); both Christy and Alexandria had the uncanny ability to musically take the listener into a totally different world with each song.
@michielaw She was fantastic I had followered her since I was 15 in 1945 and Tampico. Sadly she had a drinking problem that later destroyed her. I miss her
I was in the air force during the late 50's. June was a big part of our music along with the four freshmen, Sinatra, Chris Connor and so many great musicians
I was in the navy in the early 50s and spent most of my time sailing the 7s, but as soon as we reached the shores of The U.S. I would head for the local record shops to see if there was anything new by June. I thought she was fantastic...maybe somewhat troubled she was number one my books
To realize this song, you have to know or have grown up in the 50's, when "cool" meant something. She's saying she had something "cool" which meant she had a "cool dude", but it didn't work out. She's such a fool. He's just a man, who stopped to buy me something cool.... He wasn' the "dude"
Because of the title, Miss Christy chooses to sing this song 'cool' which makes sense I suppose. Nevertheless, if one listnes to the words closely, the song is actually an emotional one not a cool one at all. I have only heard one version where the singer chose to do it in a very emotional manner and frankly I prefer it that way. Literal is not always best.
Great song, and nice collection of photos. She's one of my favorites among the female vocalists of the '50s. Thanks for putting it on for all of us to enjoy.
Thank you Rocky for your work on this. I sat with my dad one afternoon and I looked up a lot of the music he listened to in the 50's and June Christy was one of his favorites. Now I have my three young nieces listen and watch classic songs. Isn't Youtube great! We also listened to Susannah Young sing Lazy Afternoon which is also fabulous.
jazz has been my life since my early years of 16 june christy is but one of my favorites. I think june and chris connors and anita O'day were my favorites
In 1955 I attended a concert in Columbus Ohio. On the bill were the Four Freshman, Pete Rugolo orchestra and June Christy. She sang her songs from The Something Cool album. SHE BLEW ME AWAY. I still have that vinyl
Lord!! This beautiful rendition takes me back to late nights in the frat house, listening to "The Misty Miss Christy" and thinking about the ladies in the dorms and sorority houses that I wish I were with. June was/is the premier voice in my lifetime. Bravo!!
Ok, someone please enlighten me. I've read in a Stan Kenton biography that June couldn't improvise: that every note was written-out for her, yet I've heard others say that much of her interpretation is improvised. I'm not going to question her genious. She's plainly extraordinary, but what's the real story? Much loved, but under appreciated, I think.
A friend was recounting how in the 1950's in the backwater place that is Manila, they used to smoke cigarrettes and listen to June Christy sing this song. She now lives in Paris as a painter and says that she still often hears this song in her mind.
HEY rockylethe THANK YOU. Excellent job and I applaud you for sharing such wonderful and important music. Yes, June is underrated.. just beautiful. Please check out another recording of this awesome song by Rickie Lee Jones on her EP Girl at her Volcano,, she takes this song to a whole new level.
Listen, it was the era of Bohemia, village east,NYC. the Village Gate, that was a hot jazz spot. Blue Note, stillis. Village Vanguard is still there, playing jazz to this day. check it out next time your in NYC. All of them are in the Village, aslmost the same area, 7th Ave. 14th street,ect. I'm sure U-tube has them on their site. I'm going to to chank it outmyself.
Yes! Thanks for the contribution. I haven't noticed comments about how June could improvise. She was a master. I saw her with a small combo at a small bar in San Francisco in about 1958, and her renditions were so distinctively different on both nights that even I could hear how the improvs worked. She was fabulous. Thanks.
these people that make a nasty comment about june dont know great music of the period when music made you want to snuggle up to some women the crap they play today makes you realize how glad you were to grow up when singers could sing
Get this 15 yr old punk OUT!! NO. the reason you type that way is because you're too stupid to know any better. My fav. by June is "I'll Remember April". Saw her in person in Mpls when I was 20. With my own little blonde, who was a June "look alike" VERY cute. I married her. The music of those yrs is so far superior to the crap of today, it's unreal. The reason everyone mixes Anita, June & Chris up is that they were all w/Stan in succession.
Amen! to Chris Connor who followd June Christy in the Kenton Orchestra after June followed Anita O'Day. Chris is still with us, I believe. I've bought some fairly recent recordings.
Versions of "Something Cool' have come and gone since June and Stan's Band recorded this one and it still stands in my opinion as the definitive version. Everything time Miss Christy comes in after the opening track I'm mesmerized by the delivery of the beautifully written phrase...."something cool...I like to order something cool....." Yes indeed, I most surely would.
Thank you so much for posting this beautiful song! I'm surprised that I've never heard of her before, she has a wonderful voice. I'll definitely need to try to find some more of her material. Thanks again!
Well, based on the way you "spell" in your postings, you're probably still a kid (20 or younger). Therefore, I'm not surprised you can't appreciate the tune. Try it again when you're 40 or so.
im 15 and i write like diz cuz its easier and fastr to type 4 those reasons alone but i suppose ur rite i wuznt born bak then so i cnt rlly appreciate the music frum then much like u cnt appreciate the music frum 2day bcuz ur not growing up as 2days youth
SOmething Cool and Misty Miss Christy are excellent albums in that torch jazz voice of hers. June does the best version of the story song Guess Who I Saw Today. I also love early Julie London when it was just her and the Bobby Troup trio - think Cry Me A River.
She definitely knew how to interpret a song. This is one of Billy Barnes' songs; he also wrote "Have I Stayed Too Long At The Fair?" and had review shows in informal settings all around Los Angeles. This was his most popular song- Judy Garland was a big fan of his, and sang this song on her TV show in 1963.
fans of modern performers.. should be exposed to this.. a true singer. .and artist who can truly interpret a song; hold your attention, and all without laser effects, 20 dancers and lots of cleavage..
lol nah hip hop iz dead techno iz jus crappy beats and im surprised u didnt bring up rap lol which i dnt rlly consider music anywayz i listen 2 rock alternative metal so u could probably see y i think diz song iz crap but every1 iz entitled 2 there own opinions i suppose
Anita O'Day, June Christy and Chris Connor were a mutual admiration society. As much as the legend persists, they did not sound alike or even have similar voices. It was more of an aura they shared vocally. They recorded many of the same songs; the versions do not sound like each other. All three had great taste in music, looked great on stage and were total professionals.
The first record I ever bought was "Something Cool" on 45rpm. Shortly thereafter I bought the LP 33-1/3rd, I think it was a ten inch. I must have over a dozen LPs by June and I notice an increasing number of CDs have been issued in more recent years. Maybe I will upload some of her more obscure songs on YouTube when I figure out how to do it. She was, is, my favorite singer of all time and will probably always will remain. Her choice of songs has been impeccable.
What a superb singer. This is not the version on the "Something Cool" album, which opens the (excellent) slide-show, but a later version, in which she takes more risks and performs some phrases rubato (e.g. 2:56-3:00), but in which her voice has become slightly grainy. I prefer the later work, which has more depth even if it loses some purity of tone. Her duet album with Stan Kenton on piano shows her at her most intimate, the "Something Cool" album at her most inventive. Thanks for posting.
I'm delighted that this song attracts so many people of such diverse ages. That's a sign of June's greatness. In 1954 or 1955 I was in Singapore at a cinema, and I saw a short film of her singing this song. The soundtrack kept very close to Pete Rugolos' original arrangement and June looked what she was... cool! I had no idea I would see her live about 10 years later. Now if someone could find that film that would make my day.
I had the extreme pleasure of hearing miss christy sing this song amongst others on balboa island in so calif, she was performing with the stan kenton band. This song is a classic from out of my past, it`s something cool!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. This remembrance is just wonderful and June is SUPERB as usual on this second version of her original recording: both are superb. Your video compelled me to find this second version and I did at Amazon as a single. Now I listen to both, back-to-back on ITunes. Thanks again. "The Misty Miss Christy" was great.
nice job beautiful voice
iowadeaner 2 weeks ago
Thanks for posting this as I was curious how she sounded after reading about her in the Chet Baker bio, Deep In A Dream, by James Gavin. She's only mentioned briefly on less than half a page but I really wanted to hear her since I never had up to this point.
shawntoh 3 weeks ago
Great song. :)
billyboylb 1 month ago
Great singer!!!!
stlgtrace 2 months ago
I'm only 15 y.old and yes I love this kind of music.
I was born on the wrong decade...
firaajn 2 months ago
I searched for 'something cool' on YouTube. I have failed.
turtlechickenfactor 3 months ago
who is she sitting with at 4:23?
dalekdude180 4 months ago
@dalekdude180
You mean the Stan Kenton band? But she's not sitting. Earlier on, however, she's sitting between Kenton and Dizzy Gillespie.
DHL1930 3 months ago
@dalekdude180
She's sitting with Sarah Vaughn.
DHL1930 3 months ago
Ill have a cigar and a scotch now
bethisrad1 4 months ago 2
A peerless artist, a darling woman, and real presence.
waynebrasler 4 months ago
Everything about this song shouts 'classic'
windstorm1000 4 months ago
@windstorm1000 agreed!
dalekdude180 4 months ago
Is this song/singer the essence of jazz cool or what??? Ok, time to get a Tom Collins and listen again!
windstorm1000 4 months ago
Wow!
mcrd2001 5 months ago
What a wonderful song for this extremely hot summer. June Christy's voice is just awesome. I have a number of her albums and when I get in certain moods, I put on her music with a nice glass of ice tea and lemon and just relax. Her music makes me so happy.
adegelia 5 months ago 2
Misty Miss Cool June Christy
You Really Are Cool,Super Cool
TrevorHoltzworth 6 months ago
I'm 20, Black, Male,grew during hip hop and Grunge but i find comfort in this timeless beautiful classic. Most of todays female artists have no style, taste or class. I was born in the wrong fucking era but then i may not have lived to truely appriciate such music on youtube.
God is in his heaven... all is well
V4Now 7 months ago 7
@V4Now
You don't have to accept today's awful world, and I agree - it is without class or style. But this place of beauty and love is there for you in the good music and jazz of Christie, Getz, Jo Stafford, Ella, Nat Cole, Desmond, Miles, and so many others that it will fill your lifetime.
All the best.
tdeecy 4 months ago
@tdeecy Thank you, i needed that today;)
V4Now 4 months ago
I can only echo all the other posts - oh yeah, and I especially like her with Stan Kenton. Ah those were the days my friend.
Dansker1931 7 months ago
Beautiful tribute. One of her best songs .. And a favorite of mine.
Crwthy 7 months ago
Summer days. it was the era of Stan Kenton along with the great Four Freshmen and the arrangements of Pete Rugulo and Lennie Niehaus!
travelomania 8 months ago
One of my favorite songs especially during the hot,
travelomania 8 months ago
Loving it
DrMickaelleDougherty 8 months ago in playlist Mix II
June's signiture song! I like her later version somewhat more. Her older voice seems more appropriate for the story being told.
bzockster 8 months ago
June's signiture song! I like this version best.
bzockster 8 months ago
一生もうこれ以上､ｼﾞｬｽﾞ･ヴォーカル聴けないとすれば､最後はｼﾞｭｰﾝ･ｸﾘｽﾃｨｰ"ｻﾑｼﾝｸﾞ･ｸｰﾙ"を聴く!
blackandtanful 8 months ago in playlist JUNE CHRISTY
Well I clicked on a Julie London mix And after 3 songs I am hearing June Christie. She is OK but Julie wouldn't be drinking with a stranger.
bandrunner57 8 months ago in playlist Julie London Mix
I just want to know. . .who could dislike this magnificent song and singer? jealousy is such an ugly trait. . .
sambear1964 9 months ago
I wanted to sound exactly like her, and "comp" (piano), like Shirley Horn. I found out years later June smoked. I think she died from lung cancer. So sad ...
The rooms we worked in were so smoky, we didn't have to smoke. I started to sound like her after one year. Love her...
joni4749 11 months ago
It's extremely difficult trying to find the right words ,to sum up how i feel when i listen to June Christy voice. She's amazing.
melsummers1 11 months ago
................what great job!!!!
somaelh 11 months ago
Amazing. I heard this song by Rickie Lee Jones, but this is super lovely.
KittyLovingCallie 1 year ago
I agree with you, julliardpark... exquisite lyrics. Please add my comment to nemo's. Not only did this song encapsulate a moment but, as was mentioned, the scenario is timeless. Music is vital...thank you for your contributions, Mr. Barnes.
supergrateful1 1 year ago
I said so much before about this great, great beautiful singer, that I am now out of words. great musicianship, great phrasing, sexy husky voice, faultless intonation, one of the best female singers ever!.
casch0101 1 year ago
from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU for this upload! legend!
musegirlgreece 1 year ago
The 7 people who disliked this video will never appreciate marvelous music.
JerXification 1 year ago 6
I just want to put in a mention for the composer/lyricist who wrote "Something Cool" - Hollywood great BILLY BARNES, who also wrote "(Have I Stayed) Too Long at the Fair" recorded by Streisand. He was known as "The Revue Master of Hollywood", and he was instrumental in discovering many performers. In the 1960's, Billy also served as the musical director of the "Laugh-In" TV show.
juilliardpark 1 year ago
@juilliardpark Thanks for the info about Billy Barnes. The lyrics to Something Cool are masterful. He told a real story here. I have this album and have played and re-played this tune, listening carefully to the lyrics. This arrangement and June Christy are perfect for his lyrics. I intend to learn more about Billy Barnes.
nemo227 1 year ago
@nemo227 Thanks nemo. Billy's a dear friend and I'll pass on your good thoughts. Billy is doing well and lives up in the Hollywood Hill off Mulholland Drive.
juilliardpark 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@nemo227 Thanks nemo. Billy's a dear friend and I'll pass on your good thoughts. Billy is doing well and lives up in the Hollywood Hills off Mulholland Drive.
juilliardpark 1 year ago
What a set of pipes! Lovely
susuemikado 1 year ago
Fabulous......<3
ChefNVogue 1 year ago
One of my all-time favorites. Seems to get better as the years go by. June truly WAS somethin' cool.
dubonetducon 1 year ago
There is a reason she was referred to as "the female Sinatra." Her voice tells a story beyond just the lyrics.
bubbaz554 1 year ago 2
I have both versions, however , I much prefer this version. I wasn't around at the time, but this is easily my choice of music. Along with Sarah Vaughan, Jo stafford, Kitty Kalen, Helen Forrest, etc, all
whenjazzwasking 1 year ago
I saw +heard June in Betty's Cocabanana in Waikiki,Oahu in the early 1960's sing this song.It was fantastic.
khesanhbo 1 year ago
Sglynch..you sound like you don't like white singers...open your mind.They are just as valid as the greats you mentioned.June Christy had her own sound and was an original.There are many great singers of all races,and they all have originality.Nobody had a prettier voice than Doris Day, and she was not a Jazz singer.
kaunasprince 1 year ago
What a stunning tune this is. I have to say, I'm having a preferance for the younger recording. A very moving piece, hauntingly beautiful
whenjazzwasking 1 year ago
June Christy WAS something cool! I love her smokey clean work with Kenton too!
TheLovearts1 1 year ago
Great video and one of my fave songs. I do wish more people my age and younger listen to more jazz.
Gozon4ever 1 year ago
She's on the marquee in a scene in "Plan 9 From Outer Space."
KenyanObama 1 year ago
It's a toss up for me between June Christy and Chris Connor, once you find one, discovering the other is a natural succession. Love them both. Passion at it's best! Love that Misty Miss Christy!
LyricLover4ever 1 year ago
june Christy, "The Misty Miss Christy", was one of the great jazz singers and this is one of her best performances. This is her second version of this song, you can tell with the pause just before "my it's nice", but still a GREAT version of a superb ballad. June Christie, Chris Connor, Sarah Vaughn, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Kenton, so many great artists of a wonderful, bygone era that is highly influential today.
RaiderEleven 1 year ago
i guess the 6 dislikes don't know what music is & i'm only 20
emurray7779311 1 year ago
This is the 1960 re-recorded version for stereo.... check out the original... much better.
laughingtiger123 1 year ago
好性感的聲音:)
searoom86 1 year ago
voice is too young and the horns are too busy.
gedq 1 year ago
i just can't get into this woman. i can appreciate her artistry, but realize i'm less of the 'cool' jazz fan than a lot of people. i like a warm vibrato so much more. sarah, ella and billie....
sglynch 1 year ago
@sglynch
That's too bad. Christy was magical, and I don't find it difficult to love the triumvirate (Ella, Sarah and Billie) while still enjoying Christy and other Cool Jazz luminaries. Quality music is irrespective of genre.
direfranchement 1 year ago
My Mom and Dad's favourite song....June was different from all the others, and kind of the underdog, never overexposed, and well known in Jazz Circles, especially in NYC.
She was distinct and divine!
stellartunes 1 year ago
Timeless nostalgia - if there is such a thing ..
BINKIE2000 1 year ago 2
Amazing, amazing. I first heard this by Rickie Lee Jones, and they're different enough that I don't equate them. Thanks for posting this!
gravisham 1 year ago
Man-oh-man this gal makes it good to be alive...even at 78. Love her, et.al.
jayseah32 1 year ago 2
Her's is my favorite interpretation of this song. I must admit, though... I prefer the interpretation on the mono recording of Something Cool that preceeded this stereo version.
grandcarriage1 1 year ago
June's version, thus far, is my favorite. Her timeless dynamic interpretation withstanding, Stan Kenton and his orchestra provides the classy ump that's missing from other covers I've listened to. The storytelling quality of the song allows me to listen over and over without getting tired or bored. Glad I have her in my collection and equally so that you discovered her music. Keep listening man. Lots of creative voices out there with wonderful stories to tell.
turtletouch 1 year ago
@turtletouch I just wanted to bring to your attention that this song and album by the same name was arranged by not Kenton but Pete Rugolo who guided ms. Christy through a successful solo career.
grenadian11 1 year ago
@grenadian11 Thanks man. I appreciate the update.
turtletouch 9 months ago
Bravo June! This is a great story song by Billy Barnes. He also wrote Have I Stayed Too Long at the Fair? which Barbra Streisand has sung to magnificent effect.
Hunterunc 1 year ago
LOVE that smokey voice.
KenJWC 1 year ago
I wasn't familiar with this song or June Christy until I heard Rickie Lee Jones sing it in concert in Dallas in the early 80's. What a great song and June has an amazing voice.
larrygentry 1 year ago
I LOVE THIS SONG.........I love songs that tell a story. I actually like my CD version better. Anyhoo, its' wonderful!! Anita O'Day encouraged her!
Jazsngr 1 year ago
June Christy + A cold drink + this song = relaxation.
Rheesoman 1 year ago 2
June was one of the best. I have this in her album.I believe it to be called something cool. TY for sharing this gem-Candy.
paulostroff99 1 year ago
where have they all gone - The Misty Christy - one of the best - Something Cool (only hers) and the best version of Midnight Sun - Even Better than Ella's Version - they are gone forever
richart107 1 year ago
Superb, and a very sad song I think. Listen to the words. By the way, I have a couple more versions of this tune. Great voice.
sewitt60 1 year ago
Remembering June Christy's career and her great performance of "Something Cool".! One of the greatest jazz vocalists who deserves our admiration.
RaiderEleven 1 year ago
Gorgeous.
antod11 1 year ago
Classic song, classic voicE!
zhangzhang9 1 year ago
Thank You for posting....my favoriate....June Christy and something Cool......doesn't get any better.......appreciate it ..they all tried to copy her....noone ever did...she is the Misty Miss Christy!
Bobbbiejean 2 years ago 8
grew up listening to this lady, tape wore out :(
pianomags 1 year ago
I think you're right, Hadjee, that there are some similarities between the song and "Lush Life", but its still unique and I would say its in the same league with that classic song. And you're right, distcitz, that June Christy was the epitome of cool and breezy with her vocals. I love her! Thanks, RockyLethe for posting this!
andyb2707 2 years ago
A phenomenal rendition of a great song!
paulostroff99 2 years ago
and what does this no account nay sayer who gave me a minus find objectionable in this great rendition. You have tin ears.
paulostroff99 2 years ago
I love this song. I first heard it nearly thirty years ago and it knocked me off my feet. This is the best bar ballad ever and she sings it like no one else. Thank you for posting it.
annea1b 2 years ago
I heard it in 1955 at Cuno's Combo,a jazz club in Nagoya Japan.I fell in love with it then, and nothing has changed after all these years.They don't make them like June any more.
kaunasprince 2 years ago 17
@kaunasprince
Eileen Farrell does a wonderful version
lonergan2468 1 year ago
good music... thanks for posting!
ExcLudedRecLuse 2 years ago
if anyone knows where i can find the rickie lee jones version of this could you let me know...
0800BOY 2 years ago
Rickie's version rocks... It was originally released on "Girl at her Volcano" which is my favorite RLJ album... hard to find though. 'Something cool' and "My Funny Valentine" however were re-released on 2005's "Dutchess of Coolsville" album. Also available on Napster. "Dutchess..." however does not include 'Rainbow Sleeves' and "Lush Life" both are treats for RLJ lovers.
SpittinGlitter 2 years ago
this song along with midnight sun were classics that we from that era recall with utter delight, seeing miss christy with the stan kenton band at the rendezvous ballroom on balboa island, it was so big that 1500 couples could dance on the floor at the same time, it burned down twice, the last time in 1966 and was not rebuilt, june christy was the epitome of cool and breezy with her unique style
distcitz 2 years ago
woboy88.7 Not only beautiful, but one of the all time great vocalists. When I was young I would play her LP'S while stareing at the cover
wigggaer 2 years ago
She was so good, some of today's female jazz vocalists that I've heard seem to want to imitate her style. The other 2 girls who performed with Stan Kenton sounded similar.. I'm no authority but I think she, perhaps, was the best of the three.
PENNSY671E 2 years ago 2
this old guy knocked out by this beautiful
song sung by the magnificent June Christy
canamger1 2 years ago 2
One of the greatest jazz ballads and vocalist.
karl10123m 2 years ago 3
Rocky--Many thanks for putting a spotlight on one of the all-time great jazz vocalists. Kudos for your first YT video. Classy.
jere1102 2 years ago 3
Great song, great singer, great album cover.
1FrankFan 2 years ago 3
Reminds me of "Lush Life", a bit.
HADJEE 2 years ago
THIS IS NOT THE ORIGINAL VERSION
flop4andy 2 years ago
I was looking for the Lorez Alexandria recording of this song, and I discovered June Christy!!! What a wonderful rendition of this great classic song!!!!!!! What a fine sweet voice!!!!!!!
TheEggman51 2 years ago
June Christy owns "Something Cool" [the original version, not this re-recording in stereo heard here, which is the inferior version, find it on vinyl on the 10" (purple label) or 12" (blue label) Capitol Records lp), Lorez Alexandria owns "Sing No Sad Songs For Me" (Argo/Chess); both Christy and Alexandria had the uncanny ability to musically take the listener into a totally different world with each song.
KojiRecords 2 years ago
I agree with you that the stereo version is inferior,but still a gas.
kaunasprince 2 years ago
Awesome! Thanks for posting.
megustalagata 2 years ago
June Christy was underrated as a singer. Thanks for the wonderful tribute to her.
michielaw 2 years ago
@michielaw She was fantastic I had followered her since I was 15 in 1945 and Tampico. Sadly she had a drinking problem that later destroyed her. I miss her
yet but have many many of her songs.
huntere692 1 year ago
my all time favorite singer and my
all time favorite song. in the army
in the 50's this was the song we
played over and over
spellkiss 2 years ago 2
I was in the air force during the late 50's. June was a big part of our music along with the four freshmen, Sinatra, Chris Connor and so many great musicians
johnnorma 2 years ago
I was in the navy in the early 50s and spent most of my time sailing the 7s, but as soon as we reached the shores of The U.S. I would head for the local record shops to see if there was anything new by June. I thought she was fantastic...maybe somewhat troubled she was number one my books
Charliebear65 2 years ago
To realize this song, you have to know or have grown up in the 50's, when "cool" meant something. She's saying she had something "cool" which meant she had a "cool dude", but it didn't work out. She's such a fool. He's just a man, who stopped to buy me something cool.... He wasn' the "dude"
imbees2 2 years ago
Because of the title, Miss Christy chooses to sing this song 'cool' which makes sense I suppose. Nevertheless, if one listnes to the words closely, the song is actually an emotional one not a cool one at all. I have only heard one version where the singer chose to do it in a very emotional manner and frankly I prefer it that way. Literal is not always best.
scottttbutcher 2 years ago
Great song, and nice collection of photos. She's one of my favorites among the female vocalists of the '50s. Thanks for putting it on for all of us to enjoy.
Razbunyik 2 years ago
Obviously someone got the wrong message...I love the song and the sty.le of. June Christy she was wonderful as was her rendition of "something cool"
I would love to here Barbara Strys d do it.
soffiemae2 2 years ago
Thank you Rocky for your work on this. I sat with my dad one afternoon and I looked up a lot of the music he listened to in the 50's and June Christy was one of his favorites. Now I have my three young nieces listen and watch classic songs. Isn't Youtube great! We also listened to Susannah Young sing Lazy Afternoon which is also fabulous.
MsAnita78 2 years ago
Absolutely COOL!
samsevern 2 years ago
jazz has been my life since my early years of 16 june christy is but one of my favorites. I think june and chris connors and anita O'day were my favorites
funwithjamess 2 years ago
Rocky this is fabulous. Well done. June was featured on an NPR story this evening (June 16, 2009) about music for summer.
Philobiblion 2 years ago
June Christy is one of my biggest musical influences. She is the reason I took up jazz singing.
michielaw 2 years ago 2
Smith: Me 2
izHuNu 2 years ago
i looked up "something cool" hoping for something awesome... lol so i guess next ill look up "something awesome" lol:D
chunktuff 2 years ago
This was truly awesome, still is. Sorry you missed it.
soffiemae2 2 years ago
what do you mean? the song is awesome or something the song is on is awesome? (such as a movie)
chunktuff 2 years ago
In 1955 I attended a concert in Columbus Ohio. On the bill were the Four Freshman, Pete Rugolo orchestra and June Christy. She sang her songs from The Something Cool album. SHE BLEW ME AWAY. I still have that vinyl
lockborne 2 years ago 3
Lord!! This beautiful rendition takes me back to late nights in the frat house, listening to "The Misty Miss Christy" and thinking about the ladies in the dorms and sorority houses that I wish I were with. June was/is the premier voice in my lifetime. Bravo!!
Miketschirret 2 years ago 3
Is this a hell of a song or what, and some singer too, no? I FALL IN LOVE EVERY DAY.....
franklibrary 2 years ago 2
Ok, someone please enlighten me. I've read in a Stan Kenton biography that June couldn't improvise: that every note was written-out for her, yet I've heard others say that much of her interpretation is improvised. I'm not going to question her genious. She's plainly extraordinary, but what's the real story? Much loved, but under appreciated, I think.
weightfeather1 2 years ago 2
Her voice gives me chills :)
Radioaxiom 2 years ago
Without question, the greatest version of this great song ! This is Junes signature tune and I'll never forget it.
mickyblue247 2 years ago
A friend was recounting how in the 1950's in the backwater place that is Manila, they used to smoke cigarrettes and listen to June Christy sing this song. She now lives in Paris as a painter and says that she still often hears this song in her mind.
emomarcelor 2 years ago 2
Thanks for this posting, I too agree with you that there is not enough of June here on the tube!
leesterg 2 years ago
I love J.C. This is the re-recording of the original album. If you love JC, you will really love Minako Honda.
toscanini9 2 years ago
HEY rockylethe THANK YOU. Excellent job and I applaud you for sharing such wonderful and important music. Yes, June is underrated.. just beautiful. Please check out another recording of this awesome song by Rickie Lee Jones on her EP Girl at her Volcano,, she takes this song to a whole new level.
holliesdogs 2 years ago 2
Listen, it was the era of Bohemia, village east,NYC. the Village Gate, that was a hot jazz spot. Blue Note, stillis. Village Vanguard is still there, playing jazz to this day. check it out next time your in NYC. All of them are in the Village, aslmost the same area, 7th Ave. 14th street,ect. I'm sure U-tube has them on their site. I'm going to to chank it outmyself.
Asuntatuya 2 years ago
Yes! Thanks for the contribution. I haven't noticed comments about how June could improvise. She was a master. I saw her with a small combo at a small bar in San Francisco in about 1958, and her renditions were so distinctively different on both nights that even I could hear how the improvs worked. She was fabulous. Thanks.
Tomeroar 2 years ago 2
I was a teenager and in love, of course. Mood music it was called, i called it smoooth soul.
Asuntatuya 2 years ago
these people that make a nasty comment about june dont know great music of the period when music made you want to snuggle up to some women the crap they play today makes you realize how glad you were to grow up when singers could sing
funwithjamess 2 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
That was women wanted to "snuggle" now they just want to cut your dick of f and feed it to you.
HADJEE 2 years ago
this is soo soft and calm..aaa..so relaxing...
Joannazzzx 2 years ago 3
Get this 15 yr old punk OUT!! NO. the reason you type that way is because you're too stupid to know any better. My fav. by June is "I'll Remember April". Saw her in person in Mpls when I was 20. With my own little blonde, who was a June "look alike" VERY cute. I married her. The music of those yrs is so far superior to the crap of today, it's unreal. The reason everyone mixes Anita, June & Chris up is that they were all w/Stan in succession.
redore33 2 years ago 3
Is she still alive?
shannzii95 2 years ago
I just read where she died in 1990 at the age of 65. This is such a great song and her voice is so perfect for it.
RememberMe1003 2 years ago 2
It's not usually the type of music I listen to at all, infact the opposite, but yet I really like it.
shannzii95 2 years ago 3
Billy Barnes wrote this song and there is a retrospective of his career at the Annenberg theatre in Palm Springs in March
mgmbacklot 3 years ago 2
ill tell u something cool tell me something i dont know by demi lavato vid made by jerkosaur
Kyralee97 3 years ago
This is soul of jazz, so is Chris Connor,and of cause Ella and Billie
MatuArt 3 years ago
Amen! to Chris Connor who followd June Christy in the Kenton Orchestra after June followed Anita O'Day. Chris is still with us, I believe. I've bought some fairly recent recordings.
TheeBoyWonder 2 years ago
June is no longer with us, she passed away in 1990 at only 64 years old in southern California. Thank God for the tube to preserve this great voice.
leesterg 2 years ago
Versions of "Something Cool' have come and gone since June and Stan's Band recorded this one and it still stands in my opinion as the definitive version. Everything time Miss Christy comes in after the opening track I'm mesmerized by the delivery of the beautifully written phrase...."something cool...I like to order something cool....." Yes indeed, I most surely would.
turtletouch 3 years ago
Thank you so much for posting this beautiful song! I'm surprised that I've never heard of her before, she has a wonderful voice. I'll definitely need to try to find some more of her material. Thanks again!
angelidollinda 3 years ago
Well, based on the way you "spell" in your postings, you're probably still a kid (20 or younger). Therefore, I'm not surprised you can't appreciate the tune. Try it again when you're 40 or so.
koreankayagum 3 years ago
im 15 and i write like diz cuz its easier and fastr to type 4 those reasons alone but i suppose ur rite i wuznt born bak then so i cnt rlly appreciate the music frum then much like u cnt appreciate the music frum 2day bcuz ur not growing up as 2days youth
cooldude35 3 years ago
SOmething Cool and Misty Miss Christy are excellent albums in that torch jazz voice of hers. June does the best version of the story song Guess Who I Saw Today. I also love early Julie London when it was just her and the Bobby Troup trio - think Cry Me A River.
mdmphd 3 years ago
She definitely knew how to interpret a song. This is one of Billy Barnes' songs; he also wrote "Have I Stayed Too Long At The Fair?" and had review shows in informal settings all around Los Angeles. This was his most popular song- Judy Garland was a big fan of his, and sang this song on her TV show in 1963.
PJCoan 3 years ago
fans of modern performers.. should be exposed to this.. a true singer. .and artist who can truly interpret a song; hold your attention, and all without laser effects, 20 dancers and lots of cleavage..
mgmbacklot 3 years ago
Positively the best. Evah.
annea1b 3 years ago
THIS SONG IZ SHIT *note: i do not mean this song iz the shit i mean it IZ SHIT
cooldude35 3 years ago
This song is shit, huh? What kind of garbage do you listen to? Hip hop? Techno? The crap on Top 40 stations?
koreankayagum 3 years ago
lol nah hip hop iz dead techno iz jus crappy beats and im surprised u didnt bring up rap lol which i dnt rlly consider music anywayz i listen 2 rock alternative metal so u could probably see y i think diz song iz crap but every1 iz entitled 2 there own opinions i suppose
cooldude35 3 years ago
so why are you listening to it?
good job, there, finnochio
Sarapuco 3 years ago
cuz i wanted 2 listen 2 something cool xD and wtf iz finnochio o.o
cooldude35 3 years ago
finnochio is an italian word for "fag," u know what i mean
anyways, go learn some clues. latro
Sarapuco 3 years ago
lol i hav no idea wtf u sayn wut duz latro mean and y u hatin lol i hav not said 1 bitchy thing 2 u
cooldude35 3 years ago
Anita O'Day, June Christy and Chris Connor were a mutual admiration society. As much as the legend persists, they did not sound alike or even have similar voices. It was more of an aura they shared vocally. They recorded many of the same songs; the versions do not sound like each other. All three had great taste in music, looked great on stage and were total professionals.
waynebrasler 3 years ago
And all performed with the Stan Kenton Orchestra
atpal 2 years ago
It's good.
KingofHimajin 3 years ago
The first record I ever bought was "Something Cool" on 45rpm. Shortly thereafter I bought the LP 33-1/3rd, I think it was a ten inch. I must have over a dozen LPs by June and I notice an increasing number of CDs have been issued in more recent years. Maybe I will upload some of her more obscure songs on YouTube when I figure out how to do it. She was, is, my favorite singer of all time and will probably always will remain. Her choice of songs has been impeccable.
edwinfujinaka 3 years ago
Classic from my past too-She was superb. Never saw her live, but, Midnight Sun wore out !!
(Like Something Cool)
Getzwho 3 years ago
The music my parents played, love her!!!!!
musicnmelody 3 years ago 2
now...who wrote this?
Quiz time...no cheating.
and it wasn't Mark Murphy with a wig.
sclogse1 3 years ago
Magnificent!
One of the greatest artists of all time.
DunhillHilton 3 years ago 2
Love that photo of her and Stan Kenton and - it is Dizzy Gillespi? Looks like someone's birthday.
I wore out my 10 vinyl of the original Something Cool album.
Blinglover 3 years ago
Great VIDEO
Ovanightceleb 3 years ago
What a superb singer. This is not the version on the "Something Cool" album, which opens the (excellent) slide-show, but a later version, in which she takes more risks and performs some phrases rubato (e.g. 2:56-3:00), but in which her voice has become slightly grainy. I prefer the later work, which has more depth even if it loses some purity of tone. Her duet album with Stan Kenton on piano shows her at her most intimate, the "Something Cool" album at her most inventive. Thanks for posting.
elmer5turman 3 years ago
great job i would love acomment from you
singerLakshmi 3 years ago
Great vocalist.. with a great song, not heard enough.. a lost/forgotten treasure..
mgmbacklot 3 years ago
I'm delighted that this song attracts so many people of such diverse ages. That's a sign of June's greatness. In 1954 or 1955 I was in Singapore at a cinema, and I saw a short film of her singing this song. The soundtrack kept very close to Pete Rugolos' original arrangement and June looked what she was... cool! I had no idea I would see her live about 10 years later. Now if someone could find that film that would make my day.
loujug1 3 years ago
I had the extreme pleasure of hearing miss christy sing this song amongst others on balboa island in so calif, she was performing with the stan kenton band. This song is a classic from out of my past, it`s something cool!!
distcitz 3 years ago
Thank you, thank you, thank you. This remembrance is just wonderful and June is SUPERB as usual on this second version of her original recording: both are superb. Your video compelled me to find this second version and I did at Amazon as a single. Now I listen to both, back-to-back on ITunes. Thanks again. "The Misty Miss Christy" was great.
RaiderEleven 3 years ago