Kaye Ballard -- Lazy Afternoon (Golden Apple Original-Cast) 1954

An excerpt from the original-cast album of 'The Golden Apple', issued in 1954 on an RCA-Victor long-play disc, number LOC1014-- Kaye Ballard singing 'Lazy Afternoon'.
'Lazy Afternoon' has been recorded by, among others, in alphabetical order, vocalists Patti Austin, Ann Hampton Callaway, Eartha Kitt, Barbra Streisand, Sarah Vaughan, Vanessa Williams, Monica Worth. And that does not include the instrumental or jazz versions (eg, Wynton Marsalis).
But the song was part of 'The Golden Apple', the creation of John Latouche and Jerome Moross during the 1953-54 season. This off-Broadway musical show became historically important not merely for its merit, but also because it was probably the first show that traveled from off- to on-Broadway. And Kaye Ballard was part of 'The Golden Apple' cast, earning a cover story from Life magazine (see photo).
However many versions there have been or will be, Kaye Ballard's performance of 'Lazy Afternoon'-- simple, seductive, beautifully sung-- is the golden standard.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Ballard
• Latouche
• Moross
• musicals
• theatre
• off-Broadway
• 1953

[SmilingPessimist]

Thank you for your comment.

I do not have the complete Life issue, with photo credits, nor could the Internet tell me the photographer's identity; Avedon is a good suggestion, though.

As for Streisand, 'poetic' is not a word I would use for any song she rends.

[Orchestra2001]

I can't understand why someone doesn't revive this fabulous show. How many times do we need to go back to Gypsy or Mame? Come on.

[magentacartier]

Yes, according to Kaye Ballard's memoir, how i lost 10 pounds in 53 years, the photographer of Kaye's cover on Life Magazine was Richard Avedon. Kaye's version of "A Lazy Afternoon has lilt, wistfulness, & poignance, and I'll take her "cake that was never richer" and toast her with a "tasty pitcher of tea."

[reflexomeu]

Wonderful! I love the Barbra Streisand version,the arrangement is amazing,so i resolve to search for the original version.ThanX 4 this video! :)

[grimalkintoo]

Correction. It was originally released on an album containing a number of breakable 78s. The LP came a bit later.

Also, the entire two-hour score was recorded but RCA refused to release it. All we have today are mostly condensed songs held together by rhyming couplets created just for the shortened album. If the original tapes still exist, whoever finds them, presumably somewhere in the RCA vaults, will make musical theatre lovers very, very happy indeed!

[autodelete66]

@harvey1954

Once you've heard Morgana King's version arranged exquisetly by Torrie Zito,

(Taste of Honey Album) ALL others will fall to 2'nd place. ~ Try it !

[harvey1954]

The premier version is by June Cristy. The string arrangement tops anything I've heard. Truly has the ability to take the listener to a grassy hill in the country on a summer afternoon.

[whuthefuck1]

youre a friggin riot!!! I havernt laghed that hard in awhile thank you!!

[11777766]

Kay has her own slow, wonderfully delicious style in Lazy Afternoon. Thanks for posting this Golden Oldie.

[truthbetoldagain]

I met Kaye Ballard ! I love Kaye Ballard .

[truthbetoldagain]

I met Kaye Ballard ! I love Kay Ballard .

[BTURNER1961]

Its hot, sweaty, and sensual. Wonderfully done. Makes me want to follow her into the glen.

[HankyPankyProd]

So Lovely!