Doris Day - Autumn Leaves - 1956

I came to know Doris Day and her music through my mother back in the 1950's. She loved Perry Como, Nat "King" Cole, and Doris Day. Her Columbia albums were often played in our home stereo in Cuba. Her clean, delicately textured, and melodic voice filled every room of our household. So it is with great nostalgia that I bring you this gem of a song- "Autumn Leaves".

"Autumn Leaves" was originally a 1945 French song "Les Feuilles Mortes" (literally "Dead Leaves") with music by Joseph Kosma and lyrics by poet Jacques Prévert, English lyrics were written in 1947 by the American songwriter Johnny Mercer. With Mercer's exquisite lyrics the song became even more beautiful, it not only conveyed it's message of sadness and longing, but painted a story with the colors of Autumn.

I thought it fitting to use pictures of Doris Day and Rock Hudson as the main protagonists, given their popularity as a Romantic Comedy acting team, and in honor and tribute to their lifelong friendship.

This song is very dear to me and this is one of the most beautiful covers I've ever heard, and I've heard most of them... Taken from the album "Day by Day" released by Columbia Records on December 17, 1956; here you have Doris Day accompanied by Paul Weston's orchestra rendering an exquisite and beautiful version of "Autumn Leaves". Enjoy.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• pop
• Doris
• Day
• Autumn
• Leaves
• Fall
• Colors
• Romantic
• Song
• 1956
• Johnny
• Mercer
• Rock
• Hudson
• Seasons

[Ansel297]

I cannot believe that you have even one dislike for this beautiful song and the wonderful voice of Doris Day. They must be tone deaf.

[boopkid]

@Ansel297 Yes it is hard to believe. One of the most beautiful vocal performances captured on record, so perfectly melodic, a sterling credit to the great Doris Day.

[JCChamberlain68]

This is such a beautiful version of the song. I love the original by Yves Montand as well as the versions by Edith Piaf and Nat King Cole. Each interpretation is different. This version by Doris is the most melancholy version for me. I think of her standing in front of her kitchen window, lamenting her lost lover.

[boopkid]

@JCChamberlain68 Thank you for your post. I too like the ones you mentioned. However, Doris' is so simply touching and honest, and that voice so clean and lovely it just goes right to the heart.

[Bobbipens]

Thank you so much.  What a heartfelt tribute. Bless you. I completely understand.

Sitting here with tears welling up. Beautiful.

[boopkid]

@Bobbipens Thank you for your lovely post!

[whitesox2005ify]

Doris Day one of the great ones.

This very Sad song, I think of this song when someone passed away.

To my Wife Livia how passed away back in January of this year,

Rip Liv 6-17-1980 1-9-2011

[blossom7454]

Thank-you for this beautiful music from Doris Day. What a voice and what a great actress. When I see these postings of yesteryear it brings me so many memories. My Mother has been gone a long time now. But, Doris Day reminds me of my Mother not that my Mother could hold a tune but in looks, when my Mother was younger she wore her hair almost the same way. I long for these days. How people were so much more respectful of each other. Sadly, those days are gone.

Thanks for the memories!

[Josquinquin]

She brings back memories of long ago. Beautiful song, beautiful video.

[horse2godagamemnon]

it's that time of year that we were getting our gear for the mountains dad that i'll always miss you for the rest of my life.Me and your grandkids!!!!!!

[lipglosskitten26]

Beautiful

[mcrottie]

My wish was to one day meet Doris Day. She is my favorite person in all the world and I just love her so much, God bless her always