"You Belong to Me" Joni James

Although best known by the version recorded by Jo Stafford, " You Belong to Me "was also recorded in 1952 by the then 22 year old Joni James. Her version can be found on the album, Dedicated to You, a collection of her early hits and other favorites released in 1991 on the
Beautiful Music Company label.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Joni
• James
• Pop
• 1950s

[waynebrasler]

The four songs done at the first session for Sharp Records in Chicago were "My Baby Just Cares For Me," "You Belong to Me," "Yes Yes Yes" and "Let There Be Love." "Let There Be Love" and "My Baby Just Cares for Me" came out first and sold so big M-G-M Records issued it. "You Belong to Me" and "Yes, Yes, Yes" was rushed released after Stafford's version, and then Patti Page's were issued. But in some markets Joni's version sold best, believe it or not!

[catman916]

@waynebrasler Thanks for this detailed information. I'm sure that Fegen also appreciates it.

[Fegen]

This was the first recording by Joni James on a small independent label.

Because of her name recognition the record company of Jo Stafford had her

cut a cover record which went onto become a big seller for Jo.

Joni then switched record companies to MGM and was to have her first big

hit "Why Don't You Believe Me" which sold 2 million plus and the rest is

history of one hit record after another plus million selling albums.

[catman916]

@Fegen And she would prove to be more successful than Jo Stafford.

[12Fegens]

This record along with "Why Don't You

Believe Me" and "Purple Shades"

really got Joni a start on becoming a

favorite female vocalist.

[catman916]

Her wonderful qualities were present from the beginning.

[12pwalnuts]

very nice, but g.i jo's version will never be matched by anyone rip

[No1KCfan6]

she has minimal singing talent at best

[melva130]

I still have HiFi LP of Joni James' recording

[victoria4043]

thnx a million..

[DERedhead65]

sorry Fegen, but I STILL like Jo Staffords's version SO MUCH BETTER... this is nice but... just MY "opinion" lol...

~~ Becky

[mjdukebvga]

first heard joni sing these in the early 50s,did fly the damn ocean a number of times. has always stayed in my mind.

thank you joni for all the years.

old jack