Close To Cathy - Mike Clifford - 1962

[2004mojo]

When I was a kid this was one of the few 45's we had. I think my fathers' sister bought it because my mother only bought albums. They lived with us one summer. I fell in love with the song because I thought it was so sad yet beautiful & romantic.

[DickAllen4HOF]

Sexuality. That also means that I don't care about what you think about me. Keep your cheap shots either to yourself or confront me in person. Asshole

[DickAllen4HOF]

@Shoowopaluba I just read your little shot at me. I made it very clear that I could care less about anyone

[msjesusfreak62]

I never heard this song until I went to work in retail. The store plays music in the 60's 4-7pm and this is a very sad song. I actually heard the lyrics one night and thought I would cry. The funny thing, I was born December 28, 1962. The song is older, lol

[12CeeSee]

So beautiful,and haunting.1962 was a great year for such songs.This is the same year as Johnny Mathis' Gina,Roy Orbison's Leah and Mr.Akerbilk's Stranger on the Sand

[donbucs]

I've been telling people about this song for almost 50 years. I was beginning to think I was the only person still alive who remembered it. I'm happy to know so many more people appreciate this hauntingly beautiful song and that Mike Clifford is still around to appreciate these comments.

[DickAllen4HOF]

To be honest with you, I am not Gay. I am a Libertarian who believes that everyone has a right to their chosen lifestyle . . .The gay community is very powerful in the entertainment industry. I guess if a entrtainers sexuality does not interfere with their ability to make money, they have full supports? Thanks for your responses, it keeps me coming back to this amazing, haunting song and its under-rated singer.

[kurtsupreme]

Cary Grant came when it was OK to live with and be affectionalte with another guy without raising suspician.  James Dean died before his sexuality was revealed. There are still those who refuse to believe it. John Lennon was also dead when it was revealed about his affair (s) with Brian Epstein. All accounts depicted the relationship as Epstein being gay (the stalker) and John merely being a rock star, a free thinking agen, and a rebel...........NOT gay!

[DickAllen4HOF]

@kurtsupreme Hey, you have sex with someone of the same sex, you"re at least bi. I see no problem with that and its not a knock against a legendary film actor or musical genius

[kurtsupreme]

@DickAllen4HOF I'm just trying to give an historical/ sociological perspective using Hollywood celebrity profiles to show you how a heterosexist society has influenced being "closeted" in the past AND the present. The only one that puzzles me because it hasn't seemed to affect his career in any way is Neil Patrick Harris. Do you have any ideas as to why he seems to be so unaffected since he came out?

[firebrusher]

Kathy and I married 40 years  ago.

[kurtsupreme]

Mike Clifford was a real talent in the early 1960's. He was handsome, had a great voice, and made some nice music. Today, it is a national disgrace that his career was cut short because he had an obviously gay demeanor and the powers that be did not think that his effeminate mannerisms would interest heterosexual teenage girls...................things still haven't really changed all that much , have they? It's a real shame!

[DickAllen4HOF]

@kurtsupreme Little Richard, Liberace, and Johny Mathis did little to hide their sexual orientation. I get your point nonetheless. Once times and attitudes changed a bit, he did land a role in the Broadway original of "Grease"

[DickAllen4HOF]

@kurtsupreme A little more on the issue. Who do you credit for singers able to acknowledge their gayness without killing their careers? David Bowie surely flaunted and made his gay side an advantage. The Village People not only got away with it but profitted from an openly gay act. Elton John didn't truly come out until Bowie and the Village People, if I got my time line correct. BTW, Anita Bryant was a fine singer and a Miss America runner-up, if that is related

[kurtsupreme]

@DickAllen4HOF I don't credit any individual; but rather, the times and the civil rights movement that raised awareness on gay liberation. In the pre-AIDS era of the 1970's and early 80's, gays and bisexuals gained wide acceptance. The AIDS epidemic scared the hell out of the straights and set gay people back 50 years. Those that you mentioned were from the 70's. Anita Bryant was a bigot who came out AGAINST gays in the late 70's. Mike Clifford was from the early 60's, too early for acceptance.

[DickAllen4HOF]

@kurtsupreme I threw Anita Bryant's name into the mix as her anti-gay campaign is household knowledge. I don't know how much of her was bigotry and how much was ignorance. She did pay dearly for her misguided campaign. Moreover, it backfired as the gay community coalesced. I guess how well an openly gay artist is accepted is based on his image. If the much of the performer's success is based on his looks and appeal, gayness will hurt him more than an artist who's strictly a musician.

[kurtsupreme]

@DickAllen4HOF Yes, I guess if it's an image that is being sold to heterosexuals it is more likely to be an issue than if it is just a product (music). Neil Patrick Harris seems to be an exception to that rule, however. His image does not seem to be so much affected since his disclosure about his sexuality. There have always been rumors about Paul Newman, George Clooney, and Keanu Reeves. Substantiating those rumors would definitely impact their heterosexual, leading man image.

[DickAllen4HOF]

@kurtsupreme Interesting chat. Bisexual and gay are related but very different. Carry Grant, James Dean, and John Lennon are documented as bisesxual. Lennon was a genius so his sexuality would never be an issue. Bowie was also a genius and used his bisexuality to his advantage. Ricky Martin (No genius) hinted at being gay and killed his career. If Grant and Dean were outed as Bi back in their day, it would've killed their careers as well. The list of rumoured gay celebs is very long.

[curtisb3000]

I sure like this campy love song.

[rte66byhd]

saw mike clifford when he came through tulsa with the dick clark caravan. my brother really liked this song, but i once dated a girl named cathy. thanks for posting it.

[Featureman]

I wish Mike Clifford and Johnny Restivo had been invited to star in some of the Hollywood Beach and Surfing movies. They had the sound and the looks to make it big.

[jcrobso]

In 1962 I met a girl named Kathy, we have been married for 45 years so far!

[TheBalnat]

What a nice tune this is! I love it

[agtac76]

1st time in hearing this song. The only "Cathy" theme song that I knew of before now was the one by the Everely Brothers "Cathy's Clown". I do want to say that this is a pretty song. :-)

[sibjoan]

wow, thanks for posting this. I heard this song playing while I was walking around Walgreens and it was the first time I heard it since I was a little girl of only 10. I liked it then, and it was surreal to hear it again. Anyway, I looked on Youtube to see if somebody may have it posted, and I found it! Thanks for the trip back in time!

[gentleradical]

Love this song!!  I had the album and played it over and over! Check Mike Clifford out on Facebook. It was fun for me to find out that he's still performing and right now I"m listening to him being interviewed on internet radio. Soooo interesting to listen to his stories!

[lyris21]

I had such a crush on Mike Cliffford.

[furgurl]

your the best mike and always will be ... all the best anne {the voice} Bartee furgurl@mail.com

[nettiebach100]

Just listened to your interview with Ronnie Allen, and brought back many fond memories. This song is fantastic!

Refards,

Nettie

[AtlantaGymFan]

Wonderful song with very meaninful lyrics - for 60's guys who suspected they might be gay, the lyrics really mean something.

[DickAllen4HOF]

What person never had a love interest only want them as a friend? This is more than just a teen angst song. It's a great sounding song with lyrics that all of us can identify with at one point in our lives. BTW, this original Broadway production of Grease cast member should've been a far bigger star. He had a fantastic voice and matinee idol looks.

[waynegabi]

It has been such an honor to have not only been Mike's friend for all these years, but still awed by the feeling and depth of the way he brings his lyrics to us. I go back with Mike to the days of Ye Little Club in Beverly Hills, to an amazing night club act in Fresno, and all points in between. I never get tired of hearing Close to Cathy. Wayne

[suicideispainless4me]

Wow, does this bring back memories. I was born in 1958 and my first name is Cathy. My mom bought me this 45 record when it first came out and I still play it today. He has such a dreamy voice. Maybe someday someone will feel close enough to me to take a chance on me.

Cathy

[1pollo1rabbit]

I suggest you seek some professional help.

[115284943]

I am thrilled to see this Video of Mike C

Clifford's Hit Song "Clsoe to Cathy" I work

for Mike and I know he is thrilled to know

people are still listeing to his music.

Mike has a Fan Page on Face Book, Allyou need to do is go to Face Book and

search type in Mike Clifford -Close To Cathy and you can hear many of his songs and you can write to him /comment

and join his Fan Page. Thank You.

Phyllis Spizzirri I too have a site on FB and I do run Mike's Fan page.

[74sodapop]

@115284943 Awesome. I always loved this song .Hard to forget this. We all love his song. I'd like to hear the other ones too.

[115284943]

i wrote to you and hope you will joing Mike 's Face Book page as he would like '

to talk to you personally. Thanks Phyllis

Spizzirri,Mike Clifford"s friend and helper,

[74sodapop]

Fantastic, I'd love to join Mike's Facebook page. Close To Cathy, a special record.

[DickAllen4HOF]

@115284943 I sure still listen to Close to Cathy. What makes it a truly great song is its air of mystery. It is not a teen Idol, syrupy song as some have acused it when considering that its lyrics are for a young man and not a teeny bopper girl to identify with.

[DickAllen4HOF]

@115284943 According to sabermatrician Bill James, the girl in the picture was the wife of baseball great Eddie Mathews. Great, great song btw.

[Carolee]

I remember hearing this when I was 13 and so wishing my name was Cathy! Now it just fills me with nostalgia. It was so great hearing it again. I'm heading for his facebook page right now.

[killerm0nkey915]

It reminds me of a little crush I had on a girl named Cathy and she ended up marrying a friend

[rwells47]

Beautiful pictures and wonderful song! Ron

[whizbang47]

A song I remember! How do you like that? Freshman year of H.S.

[TEXASGRANDMA]

thank you for sharing

[MIESCHKI65]

a lovely song, and beautiful pics of the 60's

[789pequignot]

great song