I used to work with a very dear old chap who used to sing 'there's nothing left for me, on Goldbergs Christmas tree'. No idea why, but it still makes me smile 40 years later.
In fairness to James Melton, it might be borne in mind that he was very young (about 23) when he recorded this song, and simply was following the style of his time. Anyone who thinks this version is old hat should try listening to Reinald Werrenrath's version, also on TH-cam. In that recording made about the same time give or take a year as this one, the line "letters tied with blue" may be heard as "letters tied with bl-yew"!
i thought the diction and recording were superb- considering the recording techniques of the day- and Melton's version is touching and beautifully sung. As for Lanza, he was overhyped, overweight and his own worst enemy, as well as depending more on volume than voice.
I have read that the demanding father of Connie Francis insisted she recorded this...HA! He was right... it certainly helped to ignite her wonder career!!!!!
What a rotten shame that the nonsensical, kindergarten grade bickering goes on. According to several Lanza biographers, James Melton and Mario Lanza were on friendly terms, and Melton expressed great admiration for the voice and singing of the younger tenor.
His voice was so beautiful. I never tire of listening to these old recordings.
One of the saddest, most heartbreaking songs ever written - beautifully performed by the superb James Melton. Thanks.
Great sound from 1927!
A beautiful oh so nostalgic song that I had forgotten. Thanks for posting it.
I love this song!
Thanks again: Always a treat.
I used to work with a very dear old chap who used to sing 'there's nothing left for me, on Goldbergs Christmas tree'.
No idea why, but it still makes me smile 40 years later.
In fairness to James Melton, it might be borne in mind that he was very young (about 23) when he recorded this song, and simply was following the style of his time. Anyone who thinks this version is old hat should try listening to Reinald Werrenrath's version, also on TH-cam. In that recording made about the same time give or take a year as this one, the line "letters tied with blue" may be heard as "letters tied with bl-yew"!
You are so right about Reinald Werrenrath’s recording! Early Melton is fine too.
What a nice-looking and decent bloke.
@mcc1691 It's difficult to hear diction on a recording this old.
Thanks: My Brain requested this again.
i thought the diction and recording were superb- considering the recording techniques of the day- and Melton's version is touching and beautifully sung.
As for Lanza, he was overhyped, overweight and his own worst enemy, as well as depending more on volume than voice.
I have read that the demanding father of Connie Francis insisted she recorded this...HA! He was right... it certainly helped to ignite her wonder career!!!!!
What a rotten shame that the nonsensical, kindergarten grade bickering goes on. According to several Lanza biographers, James Melton and Mario Lanza were on friendly terms, and Melton expressed great admiration for the voice and singing of the younger tenor.