Mel Torme - When Sunny Gets Blue/June Christy - How High The Moon

The song "When Sunny Gets Blue" by Jack Segal & Marvin Fisher
Jack Segal (October 19, 1918 in Minneapolis, Minnesota -- February 10, 2005 in Tarzana, Los Angeles, California) was a pianist and composer of popular American songs, best known for writing the lyrics to Scarlet Ribbons. His composition "May I Come In?" was the title track for a Blossom Dearie album. It has been estimated that his songs have helped sell 65 million records.Lyrics for the ballad that was perhaps Segal's greatest hit, Scarlet Ribbons, (with music composed by Evelyn Danzig Levine) were written in just 15 minutes in 1949, but the song languished until Segal presented it to Harry Belafonte five years later. Belafonte's recording was responsible for making the song a hit. At least 30 other artists have also recorded Scarlet Ribbons, including the Kingston Trio, Joan Baez, Sinéad O'Connor, the Lennon Sisters, Wayne Newton, Perry Como and Dinah Shore.
The song "How High The Moon" is a "Jazz standard" with lyrics by Nancy Hamilton and music by Morgan Lewis. It was first featured in the 1940 Broadway theater revue "Two for the Show". It is sung here by June Christy who joins The Nat Cole Trio of Nat Cole, Oscar Moore & Johnny Miller with Mel Torme sitting in on Drums.
June Christy (November 20, 1925 -- June 21, 1990), born Shirley Luster, was an American singer, known for her work in the cool jazz genre and for her silky smooth vocals. Her success as a singer began with The Stan Kenton Orchestra. She pursued a solo career from 1954 and is best known for her debut album Something Cool. After her death, she was hailed as "one of the finest and most neglected singers of her time."
Melvin Howard Tormé (September 13, 1925 -- June 5, 1999), nicknamed The Velvet Fog, was an American musician, known for his jazz singing. He was also a jazz composer and arranger, drummer, pianist, and actor in radio, film, and television, and the author of five books. He composed the music for the classic holiday song "The Christmas Song" ("Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire") and co-wrote the lyrics with Bob Wells.

[@scottmessner3773]

How could AMYONE not emjoy this? Im 69, and loved this music all my life! Thanks Dad for that gift!!❤

[@oucutie1]

Torme, Christy and Cole all together in one place. My ears and eyes hit the jackpot!!!!

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Janet for checking in with us.

[@scottmiller6495]

Sensational!!!!!

[@goodkawz]

Sure, but where’s the talent?

[@scottmiller6495]

@@goodkawz All those people have more talent here than most present day artists have now!!!!!

[@goodkawz]

@@scottmiller6495 Absolutely. I was being facetious. Kind of new to Christy but the other 2 are long time faves.

[@glenngallup5163]

People forget what a great pianist Nat was.

[@greggrimer1428]

He was also cool playing it.

[@spactick]

Actually he was first a piano player and later after being pressured by club owners to sing that he pursued his singing career. Nat was a great, first rate piano player, but is he didn't sing the gangsters that ran the clubs would have made it very difficult for him to have pursued 'anything' let alone tickling the ivories

[@Kinsale1333]

Yeah, he was an ace on the keys. Goodness, what a lot of talent all wrapped up in a very charming and personable,package as well.

[@stuartdryer1352]

Bill Evans, one of the icons of jazz piano, once said he was influenced early on by Nat King Cole.

[@tomroot7961]

@@stuartdryer1352 Oscar Peterson listed Cole as an important influence on his playing. He even recorded a tribute album: With Respect to Nat.

[@craigford4518]

Wow ! I had no IDEA that Mel Torme played Drums ! Talk about a Jack of all Trades and a MASTER OF FUN ! WOW ! What a gifted and talented musician !Jazz music will NEVER see this collaboration of TALENT again !

[@johnwhite2576]

torme was gifted drummer

[@scottmiller6495]

You'll Never will see or hear anything like this ever again Ever Period !!!!!

[@tomstrutt6754]

God!!, how I miss the days when popular musicians had talent and artistry instead of flash and hype.

[@icecreamforcrowhurst]

Yes, one does get that sense when watching a top shelf performer like Mel Torme. A brilliant 'old school' talent, no hype, no sense of self promotion.

[@MicahlanBoney]

Tom, I agree. These folks had talent they had honed for years and years, and they didn't need to titilate or twerk or grind on stage. I hope we see a day when talent is compensated.

[@richardleonard4281]

And they had class.

[@eandros17]

Hi Tom...also I'd like to say that these singers weren't edited or tweaked or rerecorded 100 times....this is how they sounded LIVE. I lived with a music producer for 2 years and during that time (2019) I realized that you don't even have to be able to sing on key these days to have a recording career! They have equipment that can modulate the voice if it's off key....EVEN in a live performance! Can you believe that? That is what makes these old artists even more special - they really did sing this well! Please listen to my humble attempt to join that club: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKiTh2BqdsSJfJY

[@richardtynan2805]

Mel Torme is the most gifted jazz singer in the world. The older he got the better he became. Dick Tynan Dublin Ireland 2o2o

[@djarcforceable]

What an incredible voice Mel had. He's WAY before my time (I'm only 37) but after stumbling across a channel on XM radio many years ago (at that time it was called "Frank's Place") I fell in love with this kind of music as bedtime music. And Mel quickly became one of my favorites. He's from an era where singers could actually sing... because there was no computer audio editing and auto-tune. You had to be damn good if you wanted to get noticed and Mel was damn good.

[@dcasper8514]

Amen to that, DJ.

[@brendamccarthy1718]

So wonderful that’s all l can say.

[@scottmiller6495]

You'll Never Ever See Anything Like this Ever Again PERIOD!!!!!

[@quentenjones3626]

Mel Torme was a musician whose palette was astounding. I saw him in an interview once waxing on how deep his love for the breadth of music was. As for Nat King Cole and June Christy, they were marvelous talents. They all paid their dues to make it where they went.

[@eandros17]

I loved Mel Torme....

[@Gardosunron]

Nat King Cole also a brilliant musician.

[@JohnThomas-cb1fv]

Three unbelievably talented artists! No special effects & just raw talent!

[@janhammer39]

Thanks John for tuning in.

[@danielkamen6035]

Nat King Cole was a fabulous jazz pianist. Talent from another planet. Just amazing.

[@hannahbatchelder162]

Mel Torme. Amazing singer, fabulous drummer, great improver, and fantastic songwriter. Torme, Christy, and Cole together in the same room is almost a talent overload. :P

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Hannah for checking in with us & for taking the time to share your thoughts.

[@stevewashington4372]

Torme was a consummate musician. Brilliant singer, a multi-instrumentalist, terrific songwriter, and quite an engaging entertainer. Doesn't get any better than this.

[@janhammer39]

Amen Brother Washington. Thanks for checking in with us.

[@TheAngryIdol]

+Steve Washington What a great combination. Also, few know that Nat King Cole's smash hit with The Christmas Song was written by Mel.

[@MrDanamp]

I'm SO blessed to have gotten to see Mel Torme in concert on two different occasions in the 1980's! Wow, lucky me!!!

[@TheJazsinger]

Interesting how Nat started as a pianist and then ended up a well respected singer and pianist to boot. I love June Christy....that sultry, deep voice, and Mel.....love his voice...velvet fog...marvelous!!

[@usmc1917916]

Man! This was History ..., Mel Torme.....and Mel banging those Drums too......very cool..... The Great Nat King Cole...... and the Misty Miss... June Christy.....

[@janhammer39]

Hi Barry. They could really bring it. A fine era for jazz.

[@usmc1917916]

Yes sir! Jan Hammer have a great Summer 2018

[@charliebear692]

My God!. His phrasing was fantastic!!!!

[@germanquintero10121946]

BELLISIMA EJECUCION DE ESTA PRECIOSA CANCION

[@mattdeans9873]

Thank you Jan Hammer. WOW To see these three extraordinary talents. It makes me glad Im 71 and lived in a time of such genius.

[@annamarieorchulli2954]

Three of the best EVER! June Christy, Mel Torme, and Nat King Cole!

[@geraldrelford5683]

When Torme' sang cool, his voice sounded so mellow, Then smiles form upon my face. Pitter patter, pitter patter. I feel happy, doesn't matter, Happiness comes all in the place.

[@stevevandien310]

Love it. Always thought Christy was a fine jazz singer, with a damn sexy voice. Nice to see Torme at the drums and piano. He was more than competent with each. And as a singer, he is just coming into his prime here. AND this reminds us that Nat Cole was a superb pianist --

[@janhammer39]

Right on Steve. Thanks for tuning in.

[@dancelli714]

Mel's classic performance and great chords on the piano. Love the song. I imagine a teenage girl's broken heart. I played a lot of songs by June on my radio show in the 70's.

[@dcasper8514]

Dan, What part of the country was your show ?

[@dancelli714]

@@dcasper8514 San Francisco. KPOO 89.5 fm (1977-78) There are excerpts on my FB.

[@bigkahuna4744]

Nat and Mel together not singing but playing piano and drums. too cool.

[@catman916]

This man was a great talent!

[@davidfitnesstech]

TOO..... MUCH.....TALENT. I CAN'T PROCESS THIS.

[@usmc1917916]

A momment in time... Unforgetable..

[@petershaw80]

Tome was really top man. Sinatra had a a competitor when he was around. We are lucky to listen to this guy who was almost a genius.

[@geraldsobel3470]

Almost?

[@avamaysuzuki]

Lyrics: When Sunny gets blue Her eyes get gray and cloudy Then the rain begins to fall Pitter-patter, pitter-patter Love is gone so what can matter? Ain't no new lover man comes to call When Sunny gets blue She breathes a sigh of sadness Like the wind that stirs the trees Wind that sets the leaves to swayin', like some violins are playin' Weird and haunting melodies People used to love to hear her laugh, watch her smile That's just how she got her name Since that sad affair, she's lost her smile and changed her style Somehow she's just not the same But memories will fade And pretty dreams will rise up Where her other dreams fell through So hurry new love, hurry here To kiss away each lonely tear And hold her near when Sunny gets blue Holder her hear when Sunny gets blue

[@marcoantonioguerra4402]

Well this A meeting. Never bofore and never again. It is one of those rare special unique moments when everything is perfect. And the best of all is that you can clearly see that they are enjoying every minute of it

[@alansenzaki4148]

A great time in american music. I really miss it. Just beautiful!!!

[@scottmiller6495]

Mel Torme was a fantastic entertainer and a class act PERIOD!!!!!

[@jbperson]

Sinatra may have been The Chairman of the Board, and Bennett The Ultimate Smoothie - but Mel Tormé was purely and simply THE ALL-TIME BOSS!! In my modest opinion, by far the finest voice and undoubtedly THE most crucial of all the interpreters of The Great American Song Book. This clip clearly demonstrates how he not only sings the song, but becomes utterly inhabited by it. Astonishing! One of my most prized possessions is a double album of Mel LIVE in the late 60s/early 70s, in an intimate nightclub setting in either LA or Vegas (can't recall!), backed by a small group led on piano by the fantastic Cy Coleman (of "Sweet Charity" fame, look him up!). Over a 2-set show, they run rampant through the American Song Book, alternately tough and tender, but ALWAYS swinging like total motherf*ckers! And all complete with hilariously hip anecdotes and patter conveying encyclopaedic knowledge of the material. A man at the height of his powers, with the adoring audience in the palm of his hand. Truly an American treasure, often emulated, but most certainly never to be equalled. Because they just don't make 'em like this any more.

[@AngelSusie57]

Beautiful, no other male vocalists will ever come close to the "Velvet fog" June Christy was great too.

[@janhammer39]

Thanks for checking out my site and for taking the time to comment.

[@usmc1917916]

Yes.... He " owned " this song... I feel like he told a story....

[@f2mel2]

Great drummer and scat artist as well.

[@jenvienna1]

I Love Mel Tormè.... amazing singer his phrasing is legendary ...

[@MarlaLukofsky7]

Love this June/Mel/Nat combo. True Jazz Swing. Man oh man.

[@bobtaylor170]

What a treat! Thank you for this. "When Sunny Gets Blue" may be my favorite song of all time, I only wish June Christy, who recorded it, had sung it. And isn't she loveable? She flubbed the lyric toward the end of "How High the Moon," but kept right on going. It's hard to believe the woman was ever insecure, because she brought such command of the stage with her, but apparently, she was. And it's always a treat for me to see Nat King Cole play piano. I will admit to being surprised at what a good drummer Torme was. I hadn't known. Altogether, a treasure.

[@geraldsobel3470]

What a treat, three musical gods and goddesses.

[@sheyshannow2065]

WOW!! Three wonderful, amazing talents. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@hunnidthouwowdressing790]

Miss you buddy. Never forget the good old times when you would push me and your son down the driveway in sleds into traffic when you were sauced up. Rest In Peace bubba. We love you

[@marbleman52]

pfeffernusse dïrffë....I am curious; to whom are you referring to with "buddy"..??

[@sharontarantino8272]

nothing better then this

[@janhammer39]

Thank you Sharon for visiting my site and for taking the time to share your thoughts.

[@Jeaniesunshine-fb5rk]

I forgot how wonderful , Mel

[@martinbernstein6163]

Drummer, Jazz vocalist/stylist, piano player - his talent lives on. Thanks for THE VELVET FOG. Nat Cole? OMG. Don't know the side men (except Mel). Terrific. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.

[@soerenguitarlessons9947]

This is from a time where melody mattered. Thanks for loading, beautiful song.

[@JohnNathanCO]

In addition to his aforementioned accomplishments, Jack was just a hell of a nice guy. He ran a weekly songwriting workshop at the AGAC (American Guild of Authors and Composers) offices in Hollywood in the 80's. I happened to work right next door, so I joined and attended. Absolutely the best instruction I've had in music, perhaps in anything! He was tough, pulled no punches, but when he liked something you were working on, you would leave that class on cloud 9. I miss him and think of his lessons to this day. It was an honor to know him. Thanks for the posting of his bio.

[@janhammer39]

+JohnNathanCO Thanks John for sharing that experience. He sounds like someone we would all like to know.The real heroes are often not heard of.

[@slapohapo826]

Soooooo good. I can't believe I've never heard of this guy. Fan now!

[@janhammer39]

Thnaks for checking out my site and for your comment.

[@charlesstevens6705]

NONE OF US KNOWS WHERE WE ARE GOING WHEN THAT TIME COMES MUSIC LOVER BUT WOULDNT IT BE NICE IF SUDDENLY YOU OPENED YOUR EYES AND YOUWERE ON A AVENUE WHERE THERE WERE UNLIMITED MARQUEES OFTHE MUSIC YOU LOVE SO WELL BEING PERFORMED BY YOUR FAVORET SINGER THAT YOU MISSED SO DEARLY ON THE OTHER SIDE, THATS HEAVEN TO ME," OH LOOK,SAM COOKE IS HERE TONIGHT,IM GOING TO DIG HIM TONIGHT" OR " LOOK,NAT KING COLE WITH NATALIE TWO O CLOCK MATINEE, LETS CHANGE AND COME BACK AND SEE THEM" WOULDNT THAT BE WONDERFUL, MAN, WELL THATS MY WAY TODAY OF SAYING THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU WHO POST THESE GEMS ON THESE HEAVENLY AVENUES FOR US TO ENJOY , THANK YOU JAN HAMMER AND ALL OF YOU AGAIN ,MUCH APPRECIATED, YEAH.

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Charles for the fine thoughts.

[@Emptyvice]

Im blessed to listen to this. I love it very much❤️

[@glenngallup5163]

Best thing. You used to be able to see and hear this on the networks. A lot.

[@elizabethwilson4618]

Wow! Such talent!!

[@tonyanderton3521]

Wow! That's insane. Such massive talent right there in one short video. Three of my all-time favourite singers (though Nat Cole restricting himself to the ivories on this occasion). Brought a shiver down my spine. No tricks, no gimmicks and no effects. Just great singers and real musicians playing real music on real instruments.

[@billbernhard3582]

An ultimate jazz tune, sung by the consummate jazzman !

[@davidcastella4991]

GREAT MUSICIANS 💢💢🌀🌀🖐️🌕🌕🎉🎉 and Merry CRISTMAS.... for You... 🍇🍇🎉🎉👉

[@earltrombley7646]

This is perfect

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Earl for checking out my site and for taking the time to comment.

[@davidf8850]

I've loved Mel's work for a long time and have a pile of recordings that he made in the 1980's with Geroge Shearing on the Concord label. I had the good fortune of seeing him perform live with Cleo Laine in Toronto many years ago. I recommend the album that they made together, back in 1992.

[@TheSaltydog07]

My heart jumps❤❤❤❤

[@karenprior3435]

Absolutely stunning Mel Torme.

[@Lightningslick]

I was jiust a kid in 19567, 5 years old at that. Nevertheless, I remember Nat's show, which aired only for only one season. For those of you who remember, did June get any flack from being on Nat's broadcast ? After all, he did take her hand at the end.

[@bdcochran01]

Such versatility! Such talent!

[@geraldrelford5683]

Somewhere in Heaven, is where they are! They sing from above, yet not that far. The sounds we heard and hear hopefully come to us soon! And when they do, how great, how cool, how high the moon!

[@marchristiansen]

overwhelmed by all the talent on stage

[@johnfarnell219]

Great rendition of one of the greatest love songs ever .

[@ajdc88]

gorgeous

[@jeffj9322]

Remembering Mel Tormé born on September 13, 1925. He was nicknamed "The Velvet Fog", was an American musician, singer, composer, arranger, drummer, actor, and author. In 1944, he formed the vocal quintet Mel Tormé and His Mel-Tones, modeled on Frank Sinatra and The Pied Pipers. The Mel-Tones, which included Les Baxter and Ginny O'Connor, had several hits fronting Artie Shaw's band and on their own, including Cole Porter's "What Is This Thing Called Love?. - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mel_Torm%C3%A9

[@210caulfield]

Wonderful. Thanks for posting.

[@bellasmom3895]

Perfection.

[@cdstoc]

Nat Cole is here, too! Together with Mel and June! It doesn't get much better.

[@judymahon5147]

Mel Torme you are da man. Thank you

[@leonardflanagan7746]

Hello friend, how are you doing today? ?

[@mattmorelli9833]

Wtf!!?! Mel on drums? I had no idea. But why am I not surprised. These three giants are sorely needed these days.

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Matt. Mel was a musicians musician. Perfect pitch.

[@Gardosunron]

Everything about that was perfect. A lot of talent in that clip.

[@Garber1956]

I was a bellboy many years ago for a summer in Milwaukee and go to take Torme and Debbie Reynolds up to their rooms. A non essencial bit of info

[@violinsane108]

Professionals; keep going in spite of the timing train wreck. Love them all!

[@stuartdryer1352]

Ha ha. True.

[@juliejensen7370]

THAT was music!!

[@cdmjazz]

One of my favorite singers and one of my favorite tunes. Thanks for posting this!

[@janhammer39]

+David Moore Thanks again David for checking out he site.

[@philgranito4043]

And Mel plays drums too !! My Lord !!

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Phil for tuning in.

[@MikeNewland]

Genius!

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Victor for checking out my site and for taking the time to comment.

[@richardleonard4281]

Man! It doesn't get any better.

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Richard for tuning in.

[@richardleonard4281]

@@janhammer39 👍

[@philanna38]

Wonderful as always!!

[@janhammer39]

Thanks for checking out my site.

[@icecreamforcrowhurst]

... and as if it couldn't get any better, enter Nat King Cole and the misty Miss Christy for an encore with Mel on drums! Fantastic.

[@PhilGeissler]

My all time favorite Crooner! Love Mel!

[@jimshelton115]

What a time for great musicians & fans the 40-50& early 60s . My hometown was a hotbed for Jazz . How’s this Wes Montgomery, his brothers Buddy & Monk , Jon von Olen ; JJ. Johnson , Freddie Hubbard , Larry Ridley , James Spaulding many others that didn’t make big , and my friend who introduced me to Stan Kenton at the French Lick Jazz Festival 1958 ... Dr.David Baker Professor of Jazz Studies Indiana University . David also was Quincy Jones good friend .

[@janhammer39]

Jim that's not a shabby lineup. Thanks for tuning in.

[@dcasper8514]

Jim, I'm so impressed.

[@peterwood-jenkins3634]

Velvet Sound to his voice what a writer and a great singer

[@johnnieguitar5724]

Re the 5:19 comment: to my ears, when Nat came back in after the end of the 4th drum solo (5:12), he decided suddenly to lay back a half beat, perhaps because he heard June doing he same, and did so until about 5:20, with the other guys trying to stay with him, and June as well, which didn't always work out perfectly. But as pros they all came through it with flying colours, IMHO without missing any beats. But I could be wrong. Gotta love it, though, as these moments in jazz improvisation usually get cut out of released performances. That WAS Mel playing drums..... wasn't it??

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Johnnie for your interesting comment and yes Mel is playing drums.

[@annamarieorchulli2954]

So cool.

[@janhammer39]

Thank your for visiting my site and for your comment.

[@dianezee]

June Christy must have been quite a respected singer to have Mel Torme play drums for her and Nat King Cole play piano. Now that's class.

[@janhammer39]

June was a big star back in the day.

[@MrMjp58]

Stupendously talented.

[@spatslondon3888]

Three of the greatest Jazz singers and only one of them is singing! ;-)

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Spats for checking in with us.

[@lapioche2859]

awesome ! what a voice.

[@victorcager]

Thanks Man for this!!! The young vocalists need to see this!!!!

[@rb032682]

I wish I could have been a guitar player in that era, and in that band.

[@superloose5632]

Wow... Mel Torme with Nat King Cole jeez what a team that would’ve been!

[@MrTOMJUNG]

FIRST TIME IV'E HEARD THIS I ENJOYED IT

[@harrytomandl]

excelente reseña....

[@petershaw80]

Just brilliant.

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Peter for visiting my channel.

[@highgradeOG]

so much talent!

[@feebus1]

Yes! It is perfect!

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Tom for checking it out.

[@radiocommander]

>>Jan Hammer Thank you for detailed and precise information on songs, not only singers and performers info, but also writers and creators info of the song. I mostly find lack of information when we talk about popular music songs. We talk about singers and players (i.e. performers) at a song, but not writers, composers and arrangers at the song. Wouldn't it be a bit strange if we talk only about Rubinstein, Berlin Philharmonic w/Karajan and about Kempff, and if we NOT talk about Chopin, Tchaikovsky and about Beethoven almost at all?

[@josealbertobonapace4282]

No longer this type of talents rise nowdays. Values are others...

[@Jennifervizzo]

Why no mention of Nat King Cole? Mel Torme has always been one of my favorites...the last time I saw him was with George Shearing at the Fairmount in Dallas, the first time was at Mr. Kelley's in Chicago. I had forgotten what a great scat singer Julie Christy was. Great set.

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Jennifer for checking in with us. You've ask a great question about Nat. He was so ubiquitous in his time it seems easy now to have taken him for granted. He was a musician of great skill as well as an outstanding performer. He seemed to own Billboard's top hits during his time.

[@Jennifervizzo]

Jan Hammer for vocals, Mel Torme was the best. People talk about Sinatra's interpretation, but Mel was better, and HE could play piano, drums.

[@janhammer39]

Jennifer Vizzo Mel was/is the definition of vocal jazz along with Ella.

[@Jennifervizzo]

Jan Hammer Absolutely.

[@Jennifervizzo]

Jan Hammer Saw Ella at Birdland. You could hear a pin drop when she was on.

[@germancito830]

And music was music....