Mel Torme - A foggy day in London town

[icecreamforcrowhurst]

... a velvet foggy day.

[chargeboy]

I was going to make some snarky comment like "oh BET how far we have fallen" but i see there are many so I shall refrain lol

[camrunmaffew]

just to think, this was once played on BET. What happened

[Swansoni333]

incredible class, i wish we could return to to the days of high quality entertainment!

[ParmaChick]

Thanks for posting this gem.

[gcpropertymanagement]

Lovely and warm voice. Such a talent!

[pattigee1]

Perfecto.

[31Shamrock]

Michael bublé song is bestest

[MeetHKR]

" A foggy day in London Town,

Turned my lungs from pink to brown ... "

[Pouchy17]

pure class.

my gosh.

Love it, and i'm only 18.

[IcyHot311]

I love him so much

[kevinastraw]

I remember foggy days in London when you could not see your hand in front of your face. But the British Museum was the very place to go on such a day. Torme tries to do too much in this song - he breaks up the flow. But what a voice!

[kevinastraw]

I remember foggy days in London when you could not see your hand in front of your face. But the British Museum was the very place to go on such a day. Torme tries to do too much in this song - he greaks up the flow. But what a voice!

[DreamingReality45]

This is great!! But I like the arrangement of Billie Holidays version more though...

[meleszenawi1111]

mikil54321 just a tad bit much 

[kirby19711]

The guy was great!...and like he said..."it wasn't all velvet"...miss him.

[JoshMufc101]

London isn't ever foggy lol,

[RacoonBurglar]

@JoshMufc101 the "fog" was actually resulted from the industrial age, where smoke filled the air. the old londoneers refered to them as fog. thats why you hear the term "london fog" around

[Keira76]

@JoshMufc101 It's foggy today and it was yesterday too. What a sweeping generalisation.

[jazzpiano18]

The best recordings are the oldest!

[guitarfan01]

damn.

[viadaboss]

im mad this was on BET jazz lmao..

[ronhelf]

the Nat King Cole Show ran from 1956-57, so...

[georgsim]

When I was a kid I used to think he was so corny. How wrong I was! With age he has become one of my favorite singers! Truly... THE VELVET FOG!!!!!!!

[HKrocknroll]

lovely comments. Thye're both right. Go to the carnival

[yamon98]

JIMMY LOVES THE VELVET FOG!

[ShinySoundEffects]

@yamon98 i can't 'vote up' enough for this comment.

[PhilGeissler]

Mel's the Best!

[maxthevid]

O.K I can not better most of the below comments regarding the individuality of the voice , I am almost at aloss for words That will express the total enjoyment brought to me as I relax and CHILL-OUT

[zeimbekiko1]

I found it. It's called Mountain Greenery, it's by Rogers and Hart; it's been recorded by dozens of singers and musicians, including Mel Torme in 1955 when I was 16. Mustangred will be pleased to know that his little insult was actually my first ever answer to a query on my first ever computer. Memorable.

[zeimbekiko1]

Four o'clock this first of May I woke and remembered a song I liked as a teenager, Mel Torme singing 'On the first of May, it is moving day....in our mountain greenery where God paints the scenery......bless our mountain greenery home.' Can't see it here. Does anyone know, please, what it was called?

[mustangred]

@zeimbekiko1 Nope, no one has ever heard of that song retard.

[MishezzieMay]

don't waste time comparing one singer to another and arguing over who was better or worse - it's petty and a waste of time. Just enjoy the talent that's been captured and preserved for us to enjoy all these years later. Never really knew much about Mel torme, but this performance is lovely

[margotdarby]

What a voice. But he let himself run to fat very early. He's in his mid-30s here. He was a skinny kid in 'Higher and Higher.' By the time he was turning up on daytime talkshows in the early 70s as a fat has-been, he was generally taken to be a pathetic old joke. It's as though he decided to age rapidly, in lockstep with Judy Garland, even though he didn't have to. Some people get so riveted to their age cohorts and never break out. Ah well.

[bartonim]

@margotdarby He did have a personal policy to not drink or smoke, to keep the voice fit. Judy, sadly, went downhill physically very quickly, but it is kind of understandable; she had a difficult childhood and marriage was never really kind to her. She did still sound pretty good later on, I'll say. So did Mel.

[MALP1231]

@margotdarby He never lost his beautiful voice, unlike Frank Sinatra, whose voice deteriorated as he grew older. Although Mel became corpulent, this has nothing to do with his singing brilliance....beautiful timbre, perfect pitch, and elegant style. He was also a very talented composer and musician.

[tangodancer1000]

this is the true musicians singer the greatest what a wonderful style he had thanks for posting this many memories.

[MrYawn1]

beutifull

[cdivo39]

I agree with you. Mel had a better voice (a better sound) than Sinatra. He was also a better musician. I always thought Sinatra was sooo overrated!! So many better male singers who blow him out of the water....Vale, Bennett, Mathis, Cole, and especially his nemesis Jimmy Roselli!

[cammicty]

@cdivo, you are so right! Frank was awesome, but nohing could beat the smooth sound of Torme!

[bartonim]

@cammicty Agreed! Mel was an original!

[burns46824]

I dunno...I prefer Torme to Sinatra. So different, though.

[gentrifuge]

Swank

[608111]

if someone has cast our fate to the wind by mel please put it up i going crazy trying to get it

[3rdPR]

I'd like for Mel to have had mob influence. sinatra wasn't shlt

[rocsil]

I think the same. Even thought I like Frank Sinatra that I Know a long time ago.

MEL TORMÉ, as for me was better.

He was known as one of the greatest singers in Jazz history

and Im sorry I didnt know him till a few years ago here on YouTube.

I thank to Sukapura by uploading it.

[clwilu94]

beautiful

[jsphotos]

probably the most unique vocal stylist of his time - and boy, did he understand the foundations of a song! a real intellect...

[snowypetrel]

bLUBBER, BLUBBER, OOHH THAT'S GORGEOUS

[nejazzguy]

Mel, I just love you!

[1FrankFan]

Mel Torme was great, but let's get real...Frank Sinatra was THE GREATEST.

[Alfrunk]

meh

[sherriffflood]

why the hell I have I never heard of him before, he's brilliant! It's always sinatra, and dean martin shoved down our throats.Just goes to show it was about image even then!

[decus69]

"its not what you know but who you know"

[jaressloo]

I was JUST talking about this with my wife last night. It's SO true. Mel Torme was MUCH more talented than Sinatra.

[meredith21846]

I disagree, however he was equally talented in own unique way.

[Jguy365]

yes, i agree with you. I love both of their voices, they were both fantastic singers. so was Count Basie!

[elpulpo800]

I didn't know Count Basie was a vocalist.

[rocsil]

Sorry, he wasnt.

Count Basie was a Bandleader, composer and musician.

He was queen on piano and organ.

This is the great MEL TORMÉ. He was a singer, composer and drum player.

He was known as one of the greatest singers in Jazz history. He was a radio, television and cinema actor, besides he wrote five books.

You can really appreciate this great singer going to Mel Torme - When The Sun Comes Out , The Carioca

[Jguy365]

although, when it comes to scatting, Mel is better than frank,

[elpulpo800]

Frank never scatted. That wasn't his schtick at all.

[Jguy365]

He has some songs where he scatted some. He never did it much. Very rarely do I hear a song with him scatting.

[cbs2don]

@elpulpo800 Except for Strangers in the Night, but that was just schtick.

[elpulpo800]

@cbs2.....Frank's best available jazz singing is on the Live from Australia '59 album. He does swing with Red Norvo. Frank's greatness is not in the fact that he had the greatest technique--he did not at all. His greatness is in his sincerity in putting across a song. Mel's dazzling technique drowns out the personality and the sincerity to some extent. While I love Mel, I prefer singers like Frank, and Billie and Satchmo, to consummate technicians like Mel and Ella.

[MattieSongbird]

@ elpulpo800, I totally understand your sentiment. I spent almost a whole year listening to nothing but Frank Sinatra records after he passed away. And his sincerity touches the heart in a way that very few singers can do anymore. At the time, I didn't "get" Ella and Mel. Since then I've stretched my ears out to instrumentalists. Then afterwords when I heard Ella & Mel sing again, it "made sense" why they are the best. I finally "Got It". They're musicians.

[elpulpo800]

@MattieSongbird

Right. And Frank's a storyteller. Frank tells a story and makes you feel like he sympathizes with you. That's a whole different thing than music. One thing though--Frank had better arrangers and bands than anyone. So the music in the background of his singing: (Wee Small Hours, Close to You, Swingin' Lovers, Where are You, Come Fly With Me, No one Cares, Only the Lonely....) is spectacular. Arrangements and music are very important to me.

[MattieSongbird]

There were some moments during live performances when he'd slip into very short scat musings then step aside to let the horns play. It was more of a humble reference to art then anything else. It was cool...but you could tell he hadn't really the chops for it.

[mustangred]

Um, you had never heard of Mel Torme? Seriously, are you a retard?

[jamesjonesrocket]

What kind of comment is that? I think you might be the one with mental problems.Either that or you're a complete prick.Probably a bit of both.

[mustangred]

Hah I'm probably a bit of a prick which means I don't tolerate morons well. Like, you know, someone who not only has never heard of Mel Torme - but actually seemed quite proud to announce that fact on You Tube. And then - bonus points - an asswipe like you pops up to defend him? Seriously, what's the collective IQ with you two? I'm guessing maybe double digits.

[jamesjonesrocket]

come on pal, what's wrong with you? Someone innocently says they've never heard of mel torme and you call them a retard? That's something a chid would do! -you're 41 years old and you're on a youtube comments board starting arguments with strangers! You must be a better man than that. I'm sorry I called you a prick, but I sincerely hope you get more out of your life than this.

[saturnaspider]

What atmosphere! An all round excellent performance - Even down to the raincoat draped across the shoulders: so debonair. Mel Torme is one of the most polished singers and simply oozes class. I love this clip.

[pandorabangles]

Barry Manilow doesn't even belong on the same stage as Torme, let alone in the same category. Torme was the Velvet Fog.

Manilow is Velveeta Cheese.

[endgammer]

@pandorabangles The Manliow comment just might be the wittiest one I've ever read.

[bartonim]

@pandorabangles Spot on about Manilow! Cleverly put! Second-rate pop stars like him have nothing even close to the Velvet Fog!

[unorgurlzball]

@pandorabangles velvet fog was not too picky when he recorded with manilow on the latter's paradise cafe album. i blog on huffington while you post comments on youtube. so what does that make you?

[mandingo11bravo]

@pandorabangles LOL that is best comment I have read yet!

[wicky201]

Well, Manilow has been around a long time already as a popular music (not rock) singer. Rod Stewart, on the other hand, has NO business at all singing standards!

[arpeggio1358]

@pandorabangles Thank you. My sentiments exactly. Mel was in a class by himself.

[TheFieldOfWeed]

@pandorabangles You weren't ever on Night Court, were you? I didn't listen to this music before I heard all of the love for Mel Torme and the disdain for Barry Manilow by Harry on Night Court. I didn't even know that the two had anything to do with one another- apparently they are polar opposites in terms of talent.

[jude4jazz]

@pandorabangles Why the hell should these two be compared? I have no idea who "Harry on Night Court" is but DUHHH. There's absolutely nothing wrong with Barry Manilow's vocals or his performance but just no comparison between the genres of music. How can you compare a superb jazz great with a pop singer??? Duhhh again.

[ChavaAyanna]

@pandorabangles I remember how much this was debated between Christine Sullivan & Harry Stone on Night Court LOL. I never knew Mel Torme existed until Night Court

[nagaslrac]

@ChavaAyanna I'm here because of Night Court, too. Can't remember hearing of Mel Torme before, I must have, but I'm glad I Youtubed him.

Thanks, Judge Harry.

[floofytown]

@pandorabangles Genius.

[tinroofbusted]

@pandorabangles BAAAHAAAAA! that was the best comment I have ever read. Well done,

Mel has the voice.

[goofygoat2009]

no wonder he was called the "velvet voice"

[reneenewcomer]

I believe they called him the "Velevet Fog"

[jmlpaulin]

i wonder why they call zap brannigan "the velour fog"

[redhead1978]

THE GREATEST WHITE MALE VOICE EVER IMO

[mowwam]

what genius....the best are never forgotten.

[lastcrazyhorn]

I think I like him best around this age. :) *sigh*

[KingofHimajin]

nat king cole is tall.

[jrose1755]

Last of the hip white boys

[crazycutz]

WoW.. mel torme just passed me by.. hes got a great voice.

im a new fan. :)

[mikil54321]

Its a shame music like this is being forgotten about.This is where it all began people, right here! This is true talent. I just visited Mels Grave recently in Westwood while travelling to California .He is buried close to his buddy , Buddy Rich.His head stone is bright red and believe it or not you can see it from a satelite (google earth) God Bless you Mel and thanks for your wonderful musical gift to the human race. Mike from Canada

[11777766]

Mike, Thanks for just the right words to describe the great one and only Mel Torme. How lucky we are to srill have his voice in our lives today!

[skater15153]

it's actually not forgotten at all! Michael Buble did a wonderful cover of this song a few years back...don't worry. Some people out there still appreciate real talent and good music.

[Edwin572]

From one Canadian to another- Mel Torme lives on through artists like Barry Manilow. I call Mel the Barry Manilow of the 40's and 50's. I was around back then and I remember Mel very well as the radio stations used to play his records quite a bit.

[AnnaSPQR]

Message for Edwin..I am a faithful fan of Barry Manilow (he's the tops) but also Mel was really a great singer, as you say, at least in the 50s. I even met him and got an autograph on one of his LPs at a BBC show in London!!

[bartonim]

@mikil54321 Mel was special. An immaculate voice, charm by the ship-load, and a style you don't see these days. I'm also from Canada.

[phatdic11]

@mikil54321 I don't think it will be forgotten, as long as there is people like us ! Pass it on!

[DarkWingedDuck]

@mikil54321 i agree and im mike from canada as well

[danbellec]

@mikil54321

written on Mel's Grave :

Music, the greatest good that mortal knows

an all of heaven we leave below

Mel Torme (1925-1999)

[6925thcobras]

He was the Van Morrison of his time.

[megpruden20]

Mel T was a really good looking guy

[ugovoz]

unique!

[smoothvelvetsinger]

Mel Torme is my all time favorite singer.

[wgfinley]

Fred Astaire was certainly an underrated singer (Cole Porter wrote frequently with Astaire in mind) but he's no Mel Tormé. Tormé was quite simply one of the most gifted vocalists this planet has ever seen -- flawless technique with incomparable smoothness that the rest of us, including Michael Bublé, can only hope to aspire to. This is a great slow tempo version allowing Mel to showcase some of that trademarked smoothness. The king of cool!

[astramistil1]

Fred Astair FRED ASTAIR ,,,,,,,,,,,

his version is a 1000 times better

Astair is the most underestimated singer in that style (Sinatra Buble etc)

[evenatomato]

is fred's version on youtube?

[redhead1978]

whats your problem DEAR BOY LMFAO

[priapus56]

Sorry dear boy. Don't understand your banter. What the deuce is LMFAO? And I don't have any problems..unless not understanding your abbreviations can be considered a problem.

[priapus56]

errr...are those channel comments on your page your very own fine writing? if so, don't bother continuing communication...Can't be doing with wallowing in the gutter...

[redhead1978]

i tell you what i think this guys has possibly the best voice i have ever heard but anyone that says michael buble has nothing on him is very much mistaken because michael has a very similar voice

[priapus56]

Dear boy, Buble is a pass but Torme is a pass with distinction....clean your ears more often.....x

[thepinkdetective]

and we wonder why he's called "The Velvet Fog"

[boonhod]

OMG, and all this time I thought he was called the Velvet Frog!

[JohnRinNoHo]

LOL

When I was a kid I thought 'XING' was a word. ( As in PED XING )

[guitarguy1685]

damn he's smooth.

Buble has nothing on this legend

[amazinngracee]

disagree. mel torme is the original. thanx.<3

[xYuzuki]

Ugh... I like Michael Buble's version so much better. This is way (emphasis on way) to slow!

Thanks for finding it, though.

[ceb2633]

Sheesh..Michael Buble, the great immitator. Mel Torme did everything better, and first.

[ekim53]

This is the greatest thing about YouTube, seeing some of the greats in these captured moments...thanks for the post.

[Magamiam]

Absolutely right! Cheers to all youtubians!

Warm greetings from Mexico City!

[numberstation]

Mel Torme,a.k.a The Velvet Fog.

[gm0618]

Gee I wish when you post you would put the year it came from .....

[engreena]

I have no idea which year it is from. If I did I would have included that information.

[gm0618]

Thanks anyway....he is pretty young here so it had to be a long time ago. What a fantastic voice he had..

[jason60chev]

The Nat King Cole show aired during the mid-50's and was finally cancelled due to lack of sponsorship be cause of Nat's race. So, I would place this video about 1955-1957. I dig Mel, too!

[tdtd98]

The great mel!

[wezie13]

still loving him and voice, like butter

[josephdupont]

Mr Smooth.. Did you hear him sing I won't last a day with out you?

[YNGR]

A foggy day with Velvet Fog...

[Newrock1]

engreena, you sure know talent. Torme was the best...great singer, musician (drummer) and composer and as a kid appeared in movies. He is missed. Thanks for the memories.

[dlatreset]

I love the fake-out at 2:12-14 where he acts like he's going to end the song for a split second, then, as if on a 'spur of the moment' whim, he decides he's going to give you a little more for good measure. Go Mel.

[fmbighair]

i've often heard that saying a lot but always wondered what "for good measure" meant?...fer serious tho...i'm new to Mel's music and i LOVE it! In fact, if it wasn't for the judge on Night Court 80's tv show, i would of never heard of him...but i also like Michael Buble's verion of this song...did mel write this song?

[gmlch]

thank you !

[SoulQuest7]

Make us able to embed this so I can share it with my Mel Torme fan club!!!!

[SoulQuest7]

This is precious beyond belief! ---=-=-=- om=-=- Nick

[11777766]

Mel was the greatest jazz vocalist ever. And how great to have this Cole Porter Foggy Day classic on You-Tube. Mel's other London tune, a Nightingle Sang in Berekely Square, is just as classy! I hope someone can deliver it, too. But, to me, his greatest vocal is Johnny Mercer's Bye, Bye, Blackbird! Pure bliss.

[Chordwayze]

Cole Porter's 'Foggy Day in London Town'?

Hmmmmm...

[YNGR]

Gershwins' A Foggy Day in London Town

[Chordwayze]

Yes I know. That's why I placed a question mark and a "Hmmmmm" after my comment !

Thanks.

Regards

John

[YNGR]

Ahh--oui. Didn't see that previous comment. My apologies, John!

[Chordwayze]

Not a problem... YouTube can be awkward!

Regards..

John

[MrHeldenleben]

@11777766 If you think Torme's good ,(and he is!) you should hear Dick Haymes sing. He was Harry James vocalist after Sinatra............

[soulgrrl]

What a gem of a find! I just "discovered" this song a few months ago & have fallen in love with the tune. Mel Torme is a legend in the business...his voice, pure silk. Who would've thunk it decades later that we could see a talent like Mr. Torme on a tool like Youtube for later generations to enjoy. Bravo.

[karaokeboy1]

Thanks for this clip. I had the great pleasure of interviewing George Shearing for an AM radio station in Liverpool. I met the great man with his agent in his hotel room, and he told me of his undying friendship for both Nat Cole and Mel Torme. It's a meeting that will live with me till I die. (He didn't have very good things to say about Peggy Lee!) Thanks again.

[engreena]

You are very welcome :-)

[wendyluvselliott]

I can't believe that I am the first to post a comment for this remarkable footage.

THIS is VINTAGE Bliss !!

I will always miss 'The Velvet Fog'.

We are artistically blessed with the many contributions made by Mr. Mel Torme.

Awesome to see he and Nat Cole together here.

A Treasure !!

Thanks so much for posting.