Harry James , Kitty Kallen - IT'S BEEN A LONG,LONG TIME

[odatebridge1]

Always wonderful song.

[lewstone1934]

I have loved Harry James since I was 10 back in 1971.....

[Freyja1133]

Does anyone know what the First verse in it's been a long long time is?

It was played on Oldtime radio latethis after noon..

but I can't remember the first verse ,after singing along

[joeasmythe]

Wondrous days they were, good to be able to see and hear these great talents again.

[unikjanik]

my husband and I used to sing this song together, now I am alone and he is gone, I cried when I listen to this wonderful music xxxxxxxxxxxx

[theminicooper]

For Those who are wondering what is the title of the little Intro Song,

Georgia Gibbs - Kiss of Fire

[sz05ry]

Köszönöm a feltöltést <:o)

[Fedymosca]

Época dos sonhos. A vida era um conto de fadas. As pessoas sonhavam, a vida era mais leve, a musica fluia e o amor florescia. Quem viveu foi mais feliz.

[112ALONE]

kitty <3

[ragemanchoo82]

Apparently this is actually Helen Forrest, not Kitty Kallen. However, Kallen DID cover the song, watch?v=1BPS3IZTM5A I'd always read this recording was Kallen but was a bit perplexed because the voice doesn't match Kallen's "Little Things Mean a Lot".

This recording is indeed Helen Forrest.

[direfranchement]

@ragemanchoo82

This is not Helen Forrest. Harry James recorded this original version with Kitty Kallen on vocals in 1945 and it became a #1 Billboard hit. James re-recorded the song on his 1955 LP "Harry James in Hi-Fi" with Helen Forrest on vocals. I have both recordings, and this is definitively Kitty Kallen. Thanks.

[MrJimpeggy]

@ragemanchoo82 This is Kitty Kallen, I know I was around back then. She's good, but I liked Helen Forrest more. She just put more feeling into the music.

[redroxygirl23]

this is one of my favourite songs to play! although i have to admit, i'm extremely happy to play alto 2 so i don't have to play that CRAZY solo:P

[theaed02]

COOL

[theaed02]

YOU ARE SO RIGHT THERE ARE MANY GREATS BUT HARRY WAS SOMETHING SPECIAL. HE COULD PLAY EVERYTHING AND WITH CLASS ALWAYS LEFT YOU WANTING TO LISTEN TO MORE AND WITH THE FEELING THAT SOMETHING SPECIAL WAS HAPPENING WHEN HE PLAYED AND THAT MORE WAS ON THE WAY. THE ONE AND ONLY HARRY JAMES.

[TheAngryYank]

This should be played at every homecoming when troops come back from long deployments...just say'n...

[countessyasmin]

Miss all the old bands!! Today it is all trash - rap, etc. screaming - that's music??

In those days you didn't have to look like a freak like lady gaga, etc. to sing.

[NekroSara]

Last years Marine Ball was my first, and my boyfriend requested this (our) song. I was in the restroom finishing re applying my makeup until i realized it and rushed out of the restroom, got him from outside and into the dance floor. We slow danced and i sang it to him. Every girl that slow danced with their Marine beside us smiled and gave me small nods at our direction. Like they knew it was our song. It was absolutely romantic and special. I'll never forget that night.

[konidolfine]

@NekroSara

Thank you for your wonderful memory.

[Kate0603]

@konidolfine

[Kate0603]

@NekroSara

It's a beautiful song, and as the spouse of a Navy officer, I can understand the mood and the song's special meaning.

However, it's really a slow foxtrot in perfect 4/4 time. Think of Fred and Ginger, and you got it.

[inkey2]

I am a guitarst ......but to me, harry james played the sweetest trumpet solos I have ever heard. Maybe there are musicians who are technically better but I can't listen to them........I could listen to James all day

[InsanelyINsane]

Did someone create a song with the lyrics "It's been a long, long time" and sample The Beach Boys song Pet Sounds? This is seriously bugging me, I know I've heard it before. If someone can help me, send me a message.

[ukcatfan36]

@InsanelyINsane ...good question...now wasn't Pet Sounds an instrumental? It seems like there was a 50's or 60's song that had that lyric in it..one song was "Hello Stranger" by Barbra Lewis in 1963

[vixies77]

thanks sooo much for posting!! one of my fave songs of all time <3

[TheLovearts1]

Here's some more great Legends!!

[Thunkful2]

Beautifiul. I think the vocalist should have been brought just a little louder in the mix over the instruments

[Veramortelez1946]

Dit herrinerd mij mijn kindertijd,mijn vader zong dit liedje altijd mee,moet in 1956 geweest zijn;op radio Luxemburg was dat toen Amerikaans muziek.

[brisbaneclown]

I'm a trumpet player, and have always admired Harry James. 'Admired' isn't a strong enough word. The man was a legend! A natural trumpeter, who was able to create such amazing emotion through his playing. Kitty's vocals were flawless in this. Beautiful. Great video!!

I truly believe I was born in the wrong era.

[Tony7840]

@brisbaneclown Thank you so much for your thoughts. Have you ever heard of Warren Luening? Check him out on "Google." Harry, was his ultimate hero. When we were appearing at the Frontier Hotel, Las Vegas, had the absolute pleasure of meeting him, through, one of the GREATEST drummers; Sonny Payne. Sonny, was Basie Band drummer, during it's heyday, in the '50's/'60's. Harry was, one of the nicest, warmest, sincerest, compassionate musicians, that I have encountered.

[brisbaneclown]

@Tony7840 Hi there, I checked out a couple of Warren Luening's videos. I can't believe I've never heard of him! Very nice style. Do you know if there are any albums featuring Warren Luening available?

And, I would have given anything to have seen Harry play live. :-)

[LePrince1890]

Still one of the best eras for American song.

[happygael]

It sounds Jus tlike they were live at the Paramount theatre in New York City. Those were the days

[ftsjr]

GOD, I wished I'd lived through that time! Magnificent music, and an incredible era of patriotism!

[Donbetful]

great muisc kitty kallenis a great singer and harry james is the best

[macki511]

ノスタルジックなメロディですね、GIならずとも郷愁をかきたて­られます。

[damone77]

Does anyone play the trumpet as sweetly as Harry James these days? I think not. As I've said so many times before, I think they're making trumpets differently these days LMAO!

[stuartfh]

Rare combination great song, where the words match the melody perfectly, perfect arrangement, great vocal, and great sax solo. This is one of the greatest love songs of all time. You can feel the emotion of a soldier coming home after years of danger to his girlfriend.

[joomuck]

Kitty Kallen, Helen Ward & Forest could teach the singers today about what voice control really means. Thanks for the wonderful posting.

Ted

[PublicRadioWorldWide]

The original recording of ''It's Been A Long, Long Time'' by Harry James featuring Kitty Kallen on the vocal, bumped Sammy Kaye's ''Chickery Chick'' out of first place on the charts the third week of November 1945 and it stayed in first place for three weeks only to be knocked out for one week by Sammy Kaye's Chickery Chick and then came back the next week for a fourth week in the no. 1 position on the record charts.

[Marcelinopp]

One of the favorites songs of my late grandma. Today, on the 7th anniversary of her passing, we, her family, remember her with all our love. We miss u Chatita!

[ReLoadMeBoy]

This is crazy, because my wife and I met him at DisneyLand 1995 or 1996. We

dance to one of his songs and that was the first time my wife dance to a slow and mellow song. I shook his hand and said thanks.Thank you

[kstaylor98682]

@ReLoadMeBoy

Who did you meet in 1995 or 1996?

[Wrath1120]

@ReLoadMeBoy, he died in 1983, but it doesn't change the fact that he made great music in his lifetime.

[jb478000]

Coming back from the war this must have been a special song

[ukcatfan36]

What a great sound..this must have been a super hit during WW2..so perfect for the times...and Harry IS the greatest trumpet player of all time!!!

[Lovelymiz]

This is my favorite version of this song. Would have loved to seen some reunion clips or stills from WWII ...heck, clips of our modern troops (having served 12 to 18 months in Iraq or Afghanistan) would be quite a propos.

[nycboyforlife]

One of the best songs ever. Always brings tears to my eyes. This song is my parents' special song. High School sweethearts in 1945, married in 1950. 45 years of marraige and my father passed away in 1995. Mom is alive and well thankfully. This song always reminds me of their great love they had and still have for each other.

[mackrice1]

@nycboyforlife I dont cry much. Was taught guys dont cry. But when I hear this great song, I always remember it coming on the radio and my dad singing along. He played it on his trumpet too. Great memories of days gone by.

[KLOKFXR]

Who can argue with the ending of this great classic . I mean from about 3:00 on until Harry James ends with that full resolve......just stays with you , like burned into your memory!!!

[jungloss]

britain suffered terribly? lol think about other countries You comperd to other european countries had nothing .. you have had the natzi occupation so dont talk shit. besides if not other countries during the 2WW that helped uk from the natzi atak the whole country would be destroyed.. so dont think about your damnself..

[wallpole]

@jungloss Your an idiot who cant spell.

[rainbowschild]

I asked Harry to leave me his trumpet in his will, but he said no, he was bringing it with him to play for Gabriel.

[FairwayJack]

H.J. was the best trumpet player of all time.

[OliSinger96]

I love this Song!!!!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxox...

[sherrywine1941]

I loved listening to the big Band era. (5*) Sherry

Thanks Mike for the share..

[ukcatfan36]

Great psot--thanks a lot--What a band!!!!!

[sessnazx]

Happy Days

Sincere Thanks

[conneemarthahelvetia]

I knew Kitty Kallen from the day she was born. I knew her because I used to know her mother. Kitty loved me and I used to work for her mother around the house while I was going to college. Kitty grew up so fast and I became a best friend to her. She invited me to her concerts and radio broadcasts. I was a fashion designer from 1920-1989 and she wanted me to be her fashion designer. I made clothes for lots of stars back in the day.

[Aristaeus1]

So assuming you were a young women when you started as a fashion designer/Kitty Kallen's house maid, that would put u around 109 years old wouldn't it?

[adoremuscles]

For someone to call dianamaryflorence a Nazi needs to have George Patton slap them. Show respect to all Veterans!!

[adoremuscles]

WW II veterans are real American heroes! They did the job. Tom Brokaw nailed it on the head The Greatest Generation! Whenever or whereever I see a Veteran I make it a point to salute them and say Thank You. Of course my Dad was a huge Harry James fan and made sure I knew all about him. No trumpet player could play like him and he married Betty Grable whose legs where insured by Lloyds of London for 1 million dollars.

[adoremuscles]

My father was a Korean War Veteran. Show respect to all veterans of all wars!! If it were not for the WW II veterans we would be drinking beer eating sauerkraut struedel and chicken chop suey.

[dianamaryflorence]

I am glad to know that you are on my side. You ought to be very proud of your father. The Korean war veterans were very important.

[dianamaryflorence]

I will have all of you know, I was an American fighting in France for our country. I was not a Nazi and for you to call someone that is just wrong. You did not see what I saw those Nazi's do to people. My men were killed and I was the only one to come back alive in my squad. My husband and I were married secretly by a minister that did not care if we were gay. He was one of very few people who accepted us.

[Aristaeus1]

I doubt that you are an 85 + year old man who fought in WWII and is now posting on Youtube in your spare time. You should show some respect for the real vet's.

[TheGentlemanbill]

I had to comment on your statement. Perhaps you should go back and re-do your arithmetic. If the commentor is 85 years old, he would have been 17 the day WWII began in 1941. It's entirely possible that the person you are denigrating absolutely was in the ETO as he/she said they were. Better learn your history and learn your arithmetic, sonny! Lots of young men under the age of 17 served in the military during WWII, unlike some of our young sissies today!

[Aristaeus1]

Perhaps you should read and understand what it is I wrote. I did not say it is impossible that an 85 year old could be on the internet but that it is doubtfull. Perhaps you should take a class on understanding the written word and I am confident I know and understand history much better then you. One more thing if the poster is who he says, he should show more decency then to bring up his sexual preference on a subject that has nothing to do with it.

[TheGentlemanbill]

Just for laughs, how would you respond if I told you that I'm a 73 year-old man replying to you on the internet AND that I served 2-1/2 tours in Vietnam? How does that workd with your history knowledge? You probably think both are improbable too, but you'd be wrong - again. Your commens about sexual preferences are equally as wrong as the other poster's. If his were not decent, then how how are yours? Looks like your age and sexual orientation discriminations are showing, professor..

[dianamaryflorence]

I was a general in WWII from 1942-1944 stationed in France. I was away from my husband for two years. It felt almost as bad as seeing my men lose their lives. I loved the music and everything about the 1940's except for the war.

[EdWatts]

In some previous life, it would appear; there were no female generals in France -- or anywhere else -- during the war, and there were no men anywhere who had husbands in those days. None.

I looked at your page on youtube; it explains a lot. Nice try, Fluffy.

[EdWatts]

Oh, and this...

If you were "stationed" in France from 1942 to 1944, you were a Nazi.

[awelliott]

For the win. lol

I suppose he could have been a Vichy commander, not that it would be much of an improvement.

[globalman]

"Pretty Kitty Kallen", grew up hearing that like a mantra. and Harry James........he makes a Trumpet tear at one's heart and soul. Thanks to my mother I grew up influenced by this music. Even at 80 before she died in 2007 if she heard this music she visibly became young again.

I love trance, techno, house and most elektro music. But when I hear this music my being becomes calm and serene. It was a better time for people.....more humane and kind. Thank you for this.

[konidolfine]

I have heartwarming comment and thank you.

It is just what you say. The good music has the persuasive power that transcended the difference of the times.

[James9533]

@globalman

Oh yeah in the middle of the civil rights era, World War 2 and the Vietnam war there was almost too much peace to go around in those days eh?

[rokedetbamidbar]

@globalman

So true - I know this music from my parents, and it carries with it a feeling of times that were so innocent, people spent their time listening to the radio, and this music did a lot to help people through hard times.

It's beautiful, and I am so glad we are able to appreciate it now too.

[1ampixie]

@globalman ...AMEN

[dianamaryflorence]

I saw Kitty Kallen a at least four times in the 1940's and at least three times in the 1950's. She was a really talented vocalist. Rest your soul Kitty.

[N3794N]

Yes, Kitty is pure class. I discovered her music at a WW II 60 year rememberance dinner we had at our VFW when I was Commander in 2005. Being a Gulf Veteran, I had no music ideas. However, we had the WW II Veterans list the music they would like to hear. And of course Harry James and Kitty Kallen were on their list. The DJ had every song they requested and the event was a huge success. Last, if my google research is correct, (I looked at 3 sources) Kitty is still very much alive as of 6/27/09.

[CrazyBoutThe40s]

Harry James has the style and sounds that was the 1940s...and of course the perfect gal too...Miss Betty Grable....now how can you beat that?..lol

love it all!

[northerngreywolf]

One of the top sentimental songs of all time! Kitty Kallen always a beautiful voice and Harry James one of the greatest of the era!

[wsaito17]

It's been a long, long time I heard this song!!

[dianamaryflorence]

I was at home in 1945 with my daughter and my mother[I was 46] and I turned on the radio. This song came on and I felt a warm feeling in my heart because I knew the war was going to end that year.

[generationll]

This song is on the Harry James greatest hits tape that I have.

[swinginkatz]

Saw Kitty Kallen in 1954, on tour, in Youngstown, Ohio . Saw Harry James several times. Both very talented. This was real music.

[Juliaflo]

I second that.

[vinylman4533]

This is a 50's re-recording for the Harry James In Hi Fi recordings. Still great though.

[123BubberMiley]

so lovely, what a sexy voice she had, wow!

[northerngreywolf]

kitty kallen - always loved her voice and singing!

[dianamaryflorence]

This song was very popular in 1945 when the troops were coming back home from the war. I think it fits life today.

[generationll]

A perfect song for the end of WW2

[dukesgal39]

An unbeatable combination . . . . no one could touch this, it's a classic!

[Skipjack1076]

Thanks konidolfine, this recording takes me back to my father, who past on to me a love of Harry James and the Big Band era. This is a wonderful recording of an old classic :)

[inkey2]

to Skipjack1076: I too remember how my dad loved big band music. He was a WW2 vet. I remember as a kid how he loved all those TV shows like Lawrence Welk, Mitch miller etc. He would sit on the couch, watching black & white TV with a mug of Budweiser in hand, singing under his breath to all the old songs. It makes me want to cry just thinking about it......good old dad.

[Skipjack1076]

That brings back memories for me too, I grew up with my parents listening to Lawrence Welk on Saturday afternoons ... and my dad giving me a sip of beer in a plastic cup - ha! a different time altogether :)

[fernmann7]

@inkey2 I did cry reading your description of your dad. My late dad was just like that. WIsh I could go back in time, just for a few minutes, to see him and my mom.

[inkey2]

@fernmann7 : my dad has been dead for 11 years and I still dream about him pretty often. Mom is still going strong at 87

[Sugarbehr1967]

Whatever the reason behind the song may be..it is one of the most beautiful songs of the era...with Harry James' lush orchestration and the stunning vocal talents of Kitty Kallen this is a masterpiece..for all time..thanks for posting

[usefulmusic]

I'd love to know what the comments in Japanese say. Anyone kind enough to provide an English translation?

[arsoys]

Too bad this is exactly the song that was Billboard #1 when the atom bombs fell.

[601SQNRAF]

Historical Reference #1: Americans were war-weary and had lost many thousands with many more thousands who would carry scars, both visible and invisible for the rest of their lives. This song celebrates the reunion of loved ones and the winding down of the war.

Historical Reference # 2: The atom bombs ended the war and saved the lives of millions. Considering the bloodbath Operation Coronet & Olympic promised to be, there aren't many former servicemen wracked by guilt over the bombings.

[inkey2]

to 601SQNRAF: I totally agree with you. The USA needed to end the war with Japan and given the mind set of the Japanese, they (Japan) would have fought till the bitter, bloody end. To waste one more American life to japan would have been so sad. It pisses me off so much that people are trying to re-write history...or say 65 years later "what we should have done". It was rumored that Japan was planning to drop an "A bomb" on the USAs west coast....it was under development.

[colby2n]

Buddy it wasn't just the americans fighting Japan. Great Britain , Canada all the rest of allies were fighting also. And they also died too.

[inkey2]

to colby: nice try.......pick a fight with someone else. You are the undisputed master of "pointing out the obvious."

[billchew450]

@inkey2 I was a history teacher for a short time before making a career out of sales. I can tell you that every single detail you have said is correct. Having said that, the Japanese people now need our prayers as they recover from the devastating earthquake and tsunami- most of the victims, it goes without saying, were not alive during the war.

[inkey2]

@billchew450 agreed.......who would have thought back in ww2 that Japan &germany, figuratively speaking, would be drinking buddies now. The worst part of the japanese situation is that they are on such a small land mass and chances are this will happen again. Too bad we couldn't have sent 20 billion dollars to japan instead of pakistan tohelp out our "real" allies

[arsoys]

Historical Reference #3: Former servicemen are not the only ones whose feelings need to be taken into account. Saving "millions" (maybe) by cooking alive hundreds of thousands (certainly) is such a dubious way to end the way that Americans have elevated the denial of the horror into a national psychosis that has only become more obviously strident over the decades since.

Historical reference #4: Whatever. The song is insufferably sentimental in any case.

[missy2432b]

Historical Reference..all star:

Too bad the Japanese started the darn war by bombing Pearl Harbor.

We are allowed to fight back, aren't we, even if we're Americans?

[TheGentlemanbill]

Screw the Japs! I was a kid when all this happened. I remember! They deserved what they got! They could have surrender ed before we nuked them. They chose not to and paid the price. They started it long before we entered into the war, and killed millions of Chinese, Koreans, Mongols, English, Thais, Vietnamese, Dutch, Burmese, Americans, Canadians, including women and children. They beheaded or starved to death nearly all their POWs. War is hell! We won-they lost! End of story! NO GUILT HERE!

[Jaaaaaddeee]

I 150% agree with you!!!!

You are soooooo right!

But you forgot to add New Zealanders and Australians on thats little list,

thanks!

you awesome!

[TheGentlemanbill]

Jaaaaaddee, that endless list goes on!Just finished watching "The Ghosts of Bataan". If you can, watch this video. Of 75,000 POWs on that death, only 30,000 survived the Japs. Finally, This song was popular because after years of war, it speaks of the joy of reuniting w/loved ones returning home safely after long separations. It also reminds me of how we are diminished by those never to experience those feelings. For their loved ones, NEVER is "the LONGEST time". The song means that to me.

[Corrie121]

For "English" substitute "British".

Apart from that let me say that This is a great post.

[TheGentlemanbill]

Corrie, With humor, I reply thusly. I say tom-AY-toe. You say tom-AH-toe. Humor again. Do "Yanks" speak "English" or "Brittish"? Do we swim the "English" Channel, or the "Brittish" Channel? Despite my humor, it was indeed our comrades, the Brithish who suffered terribly, not only on the Death March but during Hitler's Blitz . I will never forget the suffering of the British people. And I will NEVER forget NOR forgive the Germans or the Japs! Ghosts from the past won't allow me to do so!

[Corrie121]

Hello,my friend.

I know that you were referring to the British, and strangely enough, I do not mind when someone from outside the UK refers to Britain as "England", but I do not like it when the English refer to Britain as "England". Maybe it is because I am Scottish! and Scotland is a separate country

I am almost 73, so we are approximately the same age and I am sure we will share a similar liking for the music of our youth.

Kindest regards and best wishes to you and yours.

Walter.(corrie121).

[sjjcws]

If you're going to pass judgement on the atomic bomb people, hope you're honest (and moral) enough to pass judgement on all those connected with the MILLIONS of babies that are killed each year in America alone--not to mention Canada.

[generationll]

This the orignal version by Harry James

[davesharon5747]

is this a secret code?

[nonkig3]

この「久し振りね」も良く聴く演奏と歌ですね。ウィリー・スミス­ってこの人なんですね。さすが良く聞く名前の人だけあって良いソ­ロとりますね。

[konidolfine]

ウィリー・スミスはジミーランスフォード楽団でリードやソロを担­当していた腕を買われてハリーの楽団に招かれたのでしょう。

カーター、ホッジスと並んでスイング時代の「３大アルトサックス­奏者」と称された彼にとって、当然の出来といって良いのかも知れ­ませんね。