Johnny Mathis ~ Laura ~ Live

Several months ago I uploaded an audio/photo version of this beautiful performance by Johnny of this film noir classic. I'm pleased to be able to share this live performance, sung on the special on The Songs of Johnny Mercer, 1997. Also performing were Melissa Manchester, Margaret Whiting and John Pizzerela.
** Johnny's pianist, and now conductor, John Scott Lavender- plays this so beautifully as well!
You can find "Laura" on the CD : The Music of Johnny Mathis : A Personal Collection, from 1994. A wonderful (wonderful!) 4 disc set well worth owning.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

[@patrickortiz9022]

I have known Johnny for about 50 years. I met him driving down Sunset Blvd. He was in his Jag XKE and I was in my 63 Chevy Super sport convertable. I yelled out my window “Johnny Can I Have Your Autograph”. That started a 50 year friendship from going to his house in Sunset Plaza to going with him to the Greek Theatre standing at the side of the stage watching his concerts. Yes 50 wonderful years of a lot of fond memories and I am not gay. we just became good friends! PO

[@jadezee6316]

dude hate to tell you but including you are not gay proves you ARE NOT his friend though he may think so

[@victoriamccharen2875]

I think I was in"Trees" at that Greek Theater Concert...you are a lucky man!!

[@musicalme27]

Real music, real singing.

[@renatonunes2550]

I also saw the 1944 Film Noir "LAURA" and I liked it very much, especially the musical score; so much so that I named my beloved daughter.....LAURA !❤❤

[@angelherrero7519]

What an artist! Mr. Mathis, does not need any dancers, or flamboyant clothes or fire works to perform. We just need him, unique and a special kind of performer. Thanks Mr. Mathis for sharing with us all.

[@user-cu1tl2bd1g]

Thanj you for this video. I 've been a Johnny Mathis fan since 1959 when I first heard him sing, and I love this song. Johnny makes anything he sings sound so romantic.

[@sylviavillegas6987]

Love Johnny Mathis. I heard him long long time ago.

[@marshallartz395]

Johnny Mathis: one of the last great, truly great, singers.

[@thomasmarencik8050]

I’ve made it passed 75 years of age, and I’ve lived 65 years of them with Johnny Mathis singing my life’s background music. I’ve seen him in person a number of times. Once I took my daughter with me, so she could hear my idea of a perfect voice. I know Mr. Mathis will likely not ready my comments, but I wish somehow he could know how much his singing has meant to me.

[@JerriBerriBoBerri]

That Mathis 'thing' is called Mathis Always~Always Mathis. ❤ The thrill never wanes.

[@katiewong112]

Laura, Johnny, a glass of wine… I guess it can’t get any better!

[@laurajphillips]

Oh! Johnny how I love you! Lucky enough to have see you many times in person! By the way my name is Laura!

[@lauriedanque2527]

I was named after this...can hear mama singing along from heaven 🤍😇

[@bertharuiz1225]

Love song reminds of my son being so shy meeting girls in his teen years.

[@lauradawn8712]

I was named after this song and movie. Love my name and this song! 💃😘🌷🕯✝️💝

[@maryhall5955]

A beautiful song. So many memories. Great movie also.

[@irenekent4335]

Hauntingly beautiful

[@rudyponzio6466]

Irene Kent Hello , I second your expression! I saw that you had a couple of comments about Laura. I’ve not shared like this before. And if you would like to hear another rendition of this song by myself. I sure would like to share it with you. I published 7 songs to date . The publisher also put my songs up on KZbin. 50% of the profits of the music are earmarked for Orphaned children stricken w HIV. I felt like doing something after viewing a documentary titled Blood Brother. Its a story that will break your heart. A man named Rocky Bratt has committed himself to this cause. Beautiful man. I hope you see this Bless Rudy Ponzio Ps the greatest compositions for me have already been written. Those are where I go for aliveness. Thank you

[@ANCIENT_TECNO]

Back in the sixties when I was a little boy I would listen to Johnny Mathis on our stereo songs like starbright chances are a certain smile a certain face wild is the wind and many more he's one of the last great singers this trash that people call music today is nothing more than garbage the Mathis Nat King Cole Sinatra Perry Como Robert Goulet Andy Williams and many more of those people from that generation will be listened to long after the garbage is coming out today is gone thank you Johnny

[@janicevargas4871]

My daughter is named after this song,its as beautiful as she is.

[@angelacoulter7061]

His voice is a dream love you JM xxx ❤

[@juliedeleon9337]

Simply amazing ❤❤❤

[@branphill6]

Here, the great Johnny Mathis shows us what the skill is that the finest singers share: through his singing he tells an actual story to us!

[@anitaseseschon]

John is the best, i missed him this year. We don't know when we will see him again. Love you mucho JM.

[@maryexstroughtonaire4244]

Sing it Johnny! My sister Charyl loved you! RIP Sissy. 😢

[@pat8212]

Beautiful......the man and his song.......no other words are necessary.....

[@jackhaggerty1066]

*The laugh that floats on a summer night, that you can never quite recall.* Wonderful.

[@susanburgess3722]

I have been charmed by this man for over 60 years. I will always love his music~ Suzy

[@barbaraleggett4466]

Absolutely wonderful a singer never to be forgotten.

[@johnpugh3348]

Best version i have ever heard of this haunting tune

[@vivienshaw9054]

I love Johnny singing Laura,it teamed me ages to fall asleep,doesn't help that I have it on repeat Vivien Shaw

[@markdezii]

The absolute best. Love his talent. Passion. Effortless. No one like him.

[@tiffsaver]

It seems that the older he gets, the better he gets...

[@susanomullane4100]

Ethereally beautiful!

[@laurabrauer2405]

How could I not love this? It's my name.

[@beweau]

There is no music and singing more beautiful than this! I own the vhs with this concert. A tribute to Johnny Mercer, this artist with wonderful lyrics. I will never be tired of 'watching it. "Laura" is one of my many favorites. I also own a collection of Andy Williams- shows, and Johnny Mercer is a guest in one of them, singing a medley'with Andy, melodies with titles starting from A and out the alphabet. Johnny Mathis is the reason I purchased it!! From Norway: Berit.

[@jacquelynclaxton3712]

My favourite singer of all time. What a voice.

[@lydiallera3967]

Beautiful song, I love it

[@bradleyday6427]

This is a beautiful arrangement of the song. Johnny's voice is a national treasure!

[@bethvirginiaphillips4583]

I saw Mr. Mathis in person in concert and was awed by him...."Laura' is perfect for him....musical, mystical and beautiful....

[@markdezii]

Off The Charts!! WOW!!

[@renoirmedical6412]

Exquisite, haunting, and ethereal, just like the absolutely extraordinary, in every way, man himself. And "Laura" is his favorite song to sing!

[@MrCharleysmom]

THIS MAN IS THE ONLY SINGER THAT MESMERIZES ME. LOVE YOU MY FAVORITE MALE VOCALIST FOREVER.

[@leeho2963]

I agree his voice is mesmerising ...........no one has ever tried to impersonate him, he is unique...I love you Johnny Mathis

[@wulfgang1234]

As long as you live, Johnny, Your voice will not desert you. We all love you.

[@juancarlossepulveda4425]

Amar un sueño. Un imposible que nos acompañara toda la vida. Con esta bella cancion. Que suena en nuestro corazon y en nuestra alma

[@NancyBaron1]

On tis thanksgiving day-I am so thankful to grow up with Johnny and other fabulous artists.

[@kestnerjerri28]

Johnny you caused Laura to be real!

[@MariaLiete-ci3uz]

Ele é lindo! Ele é fabuloso! Ele é o melhor de todos. Ontem hoje e amanhã Amo Johnny Mathis para sempr e. 💛

[@soul1380]

I'm so thankful to have gotten to see my parents favorite singer in person. Beautiful. 🎶🎵🎶🎵

[@gordonhall752]

Hauntingly beautiful song sung so hauntingly beautifully by the one and only Johnny Mathis.

[@lenoremewton]

true- haunting- everyone has such wonderful descriptors- for a man that defies description - he is just that- the one and only- never another.enjoy

[@celsoribeiro3841]

mui bom

[@irenekent4335]

Yes absolutely

[@bscnyc9948]

Gordon H. I agree. thanks👍🏿🍌🙏

[@gerylender]

one of the most beautiful songs with many memories

[@pabloantoniopizarrobossay4722]

Extraordinario Jhonny Mathis,uno de los inmortales.......

[@cathywomack2739]

The memories, oh the memories when I hear the Voice of the beloved Johnny Mathis. Smooth as silk, in every note. Such an American treasure.

[@adriannoe2496]

Que bien canta Johnny, es un fuera de serie....tiene un dominio vocal, un vibrato, y un registro maravilloso

[@Fintubeman51]

I love Johnny Mathis! He is great artist and singer!

[@tmndayscarlet]

John again gives us his heart through song. Beautiful man, beautiful music. Never be anyone like him. Love,Love

[@marilynhudson8426]

LOVE THE MOVIE..WONDERFULLY, SUNG BY THE ONE AND ONLY...MR.JOHNNY MATHIS.

[@bh5606]

We are blessed to live in the same age as Johnny Mathis.

[@tiffsaver]

Amen, brother. AMEN.

[@kenney1050]

Indeed, very much so...thanku Lord...

[@bertharuiz1225]

He takes one there- at the scene- makes the actual movie much more intriguing! The connecting gift of Johnny Mathis. Yes! Singer’s realism established began from his first songs: ‘certain smile’, ‘chances are’ ....&. so on

[@sharigellmandince]

It doesn’t matter what age it is Mathis is timeless. I’ve been listening to him since the late 1950s. What more can I say?

[@bh5606]

@@sharigellmandince Me, too.

[@saintmichael1779]

One of my favorite songs by the incomparable Johnny Mathis. How many of you can sing the words to every song of "Johnny's Greatest Hits"? For 50+ years, I know I have.

[@helenechildress377]

His exquisite vocals send chills up my arms.

[@GioveseSan]

Great song, great arrangement and the one and only Johnny Mathis. I saw him in March of 2014, and boy oh boy, he still has the Mathis Magic!q

[@lenoremewton]

he certainly does- magic unreal. how could one miss- Johnny Mercer- Peter Nero- David Raskin- Scott Lavender's wonderful pianist accompaniment- and all 'orchestrated' by Johnny's incredible delivery--- enjoy.

[@sueellencady7043]

MrDiechi01 B.B.

[@thelmad9757]

Gorgeous song perfectly sung by the great Johnny Mathis.

[@Keyguitar47]

Wow, nobody sings this like Johnny, superb!

[@deanronson6331]

He hits a few wrong notes in this one because it's live and due to his age, he had a less-than-perfect control of his voice. A flawless interpretation of "Laura" is on his 1964 album Tender Is the Night: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnzEl62il5aUn6M&ab_channel=JohnnyMathis-Topic Btw, Ella Fitzgerald's version is just as good.

[@mrleewins]

@@deanronson6331 Sinatra sang the best version of this beautiful melody.

[@deanronson6331]

@@mrleewins Sinatra sang many best versions of the American Songbook numbers, but this wasn't it. The third performance of "Laura" that's better than that of Frankie boy's is Four Freshmen's. They're all on YT.

[@rchman100]

I have , not one, but TWO daughters named Laura. After this most beautiful song, of course. A world class pianist in Savannah, Ken Palmer, played this so perfectly, it was impossible to ever forget it. Mathis does it justice.

[@kingusmcgee]

Lest we forget David Raksin, composer of this beautiful '44 ballad written for the movie "Laura" a non musical. Without those great Broadway and Hollywood composers out of the 30's and 40's, don't think the musical performers would have risen to such great heights.

[@tiffsaver]

A fabulous song from a classic movie... always. There is only ONE Johnny Mathis.

[@kingusmcgee]

Johnny Mercer was primarily a lyricist who wrote the words to David Raksin's "Laura." in 1944. Dana Andrews and Gene Tierney starred in the non-musical of Laura.

[@kdamude]

Gene Tierney was so beautiful, she will always be LAURA to me!

[@laurabenysek1829]

I was named after this song by my Dad who loved it. It is the first time I am hearing it. It feels weird to know I got my name from this song. Johnny has such an amazing voice.

[@lassie999]

My dad loved this song too he told us kids he thought of Mom every time he heard it on the radio so many years ago .Dad is gone now but everyone of us think of him when we hear this song and Mom the most.

[@lauraaalcala4148]

My name is Laura too, my Dad who loved it. I neve seen my Dad < I was 5 year old,Miracle I just faound Him !!! Thanks God, His told me about this beautiful song cause his putting my Name for tha song!!I love may Dad

[@jennifer86010]

To Laura Benysek : In response to your comment 2 years ago about the You-Tube video of "Laura" sung by Johnny Mathis, this is one of the most beautiful songs ever written, and I urge you to also see the 1944 "film noir" classic movie "Laura" staring Gene Tierney as Laura and Dana Andrews. Her classic beauty set against this hauntingly beautiful music is wonderful. You may see it on Turner Classic Movies channel, or perhaps on Netflix. Everyone named Laura owes it to herself to see this film and hear this beautiful music.

[@junehazelvivian6311]

I get goose pimples Every time I hear Mr Mathis sing "Laura", so hauntingly beautiful and touches my soul.

[@whodatsuperbowlqueen5778]

Johnny'v voice is magic!

[@guynz6658]

An exquisite arrangement by Johnny Mathis of one of my favorite songs from a golden era of wonderful music.

[@erniecatarozoli1304]

Guy NZ e

[@anitaschon5133]

Johnny's concerts are so simple, all the stage needs is him and his orchestra, none of those stuff they use for other singers to attract attention. We love to see him, just him , he is a COMMAND PERFORMANCE by himself. Thanks for sharing this lenoremewton.

[@joycespark305]

I've been enchanted by his voice since I was a teenager (he's 3 years older than I am). Saw him in Pittsburgh for the first time on 7-22-2017 with The Pittsburgh Symphony. Frankly, I would have loved to have had him sing only with the piano and Gil's guitar.

[@bscnyc9948]

I miss your so beautiful songs JM. Haven't listened to you for long 🌟🍌!!! mNy thNks.. 🤪

[@bscnyc9948]

yes... everything's good about you🌟..... thanks JM👍🏿

[@bscnyc9948]

NITA S. I agree. thNks😊💯

[@lenoremewton]

and Johnny's voice and Mercer's lyrics- are a wonderful match- as well as all the wonderful composers.

[@susanalkarim9022]

This man melts my heart when he sings

[@marieharris1230]

Me too! I just SWOON! I am absolutely IN LOVE WITH HIM. BEAUTIFUL IN EVERY POSSIBLE WAY. HANDSOME BEYOND WORDS! And when he sings, MY SOUL ASCENDS!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@isaibacetaveas9724]

@@marieharris1230 > pienso exactamente cada palabra escrita por ti ...♡♡

[@isaibacetaveas9724]

@@marieharris1230 > I think every word said by you...he is unique ..♡♡

[@raeannnorell1044]

What a beautiful voice!

[@arnoldabner8805]

Perfect he is always perfect😊😊

[@bowler8]

very haunting music

[@QrystalQlear]

I was named after this song. My best memory of my mother is her singing this song to me.

[@johnbrackett5818]

Johnny, with his great voice, gives a great rendition of one the best classics of all time. Thanks !

[@lenoremewton]

I agree - this is such a wonderful collaborative effort- between composer/lyricist and Johnny- . He brings emotion to this song like none other.

[@BuckieBear]

lenoremewton and the arranger, Don Costa, who based it on the movie's soundtrack

[@bernardetearaujo5067]

Jonny é a perfeição pura cmo cantor ....Adoro ....

[@billbrimmer1739]

This is a Don Costa arrangement and JM recorded it in 1963 on his " Tender is the Night" album. It's amazing that 34 years later it sounds exactly the same, and he looks terrific at 62 years old ( he turns 80 this year) in this video.

[@Novelist1958]

Agree, Bill. You know, Poe once wrote that the most tragic story is the death of a beautiful, young girl. And I can think of no more beautiful a young girl to die so tragically, so horribly, than Gene Tierney in the movie. Still brings a lump to the throat as Dana Andrews falls in love with her portrait.

[@brendamccarthy1718]

Superb nothing more to say.

[@bobbermel7416]

The best version of this song

[@johnknight5639]

Andy Williams and Matt Monro do this song justice, as well ...

[@jeffreyplatt-cq8ob]

My favorite all time song❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤.

[@veralucialinden8118]

Tempos que não voltam mais.Cantores muito românticos com interpretações perfeitas.

[@peeh.]

O tempo não volta , mas nós voltamos até ele , ouvindo as músicas lindíssimas nesta voz divina de mr Johnny que ainda está entre nós, e que sempre estará em nossas lembranças ❤❤❤❤😢

[@rosaherchcovitch2281]

Adoro Johny Mathis e esta música !!!

[@mikeg888]

Our older daughter is named Laura due to thsi great song and the wonderful movie. Johnny delivers this almost as though he was singing a most precious hymn! I do love it so!

[@luisortizgarcia9020]

The orchestra has an extra and wonderful instrument -Johnny's voice!

[@TheProfessorpat]

Lovely.. so much feeling

[@martinplatt5928]

Absolute perfection by Johnny and hauntingly beautiful musical arrangement. Wonderful. KZbin thank you!

[@tiffsaver]

Mathis always hits a home run... ALWAYS.

[@donnakeane8160]

We traveled from Boston to Pittsburgh this past summer to see Johnny. He appeared with the Pittsburgh Symphony. Always a class act. Johnny's performance of this standard, alone, made the trip worthwhile. There is simply no one like him. Unique in every way. A treasure, still performing superbly at 80!

[@JOHNTHEPOST]

Love this man to the moon and back

[@maureen1938]

A truly beautiful version of a lovely song. Johnny Mathis is certainly one of the best singers in our time. THANK you for posting this.

[@lenoremewton]

you're welcome, Maureen. I can only agree with you- Johnny is - as often as it can be said- in a class of his own. His gifts are truly unique. And- as always- he makes a song 'his own- when he sings it- caresses it. enjoy.

[@sharigellmandince]

John is one of the best singers of all time, not just our time.

[@lenoremewton]

It is the most elegant song- and lyrics- he's right - it is a 'wonderful, wonderful song-' with magical lyrics- the genius and talent of Johnny Mercer (lyricist). Johnny's expression of this ballad is just as hauntingly beautiful as the song itself. So glad you enjoy it.

[@Taharah007]

Johnny Mathis is TOPS...He could never NOT have a hit....He is MR. MUSIC. He must be appauled by the GARBAGE out there today. His voice, tone, and style are so unique. Thanks for this great melody and for JOHNNY!

[@janecz]

Gosh, the way he catches the tone after the introdution... is so... so right!

[@lenoremewton]

this - simply- is magnificent-a true example of Johnny's expressive vulnerability- delivered via the velvet strings of his voice.

[@howieh2649]

@@lenoremewton

[@luhdesteves]

Maravilhoso, como tudo que é feito por Jonhy Mathis.

[@rosafernandez8300]

¡¡¡¡¡EXTRAORDINARIA SU MARAVILLOSA VOZ!!!!!!!

[@MrPianos123]

Wow what a unique voice.

[@skmthss134]

「Laura」は easy listening 曲の最高峰です 🥰😍

[@robsharp8633]

As i approach a certain age the more i hear Johnny Mathis the more bizarre i find it that his return to form he credited to the great duet with Deniece Williams. This artist is undoubtedly one of the greatest exponents of the popular sung word in history,to coin a phrase 'he could sing the phone book' and make it worth listening to. Gentle,passionate and strong to overcome obstacles he certainly faced as a young man his versions of any song stand up or surpass originals.Lucky me.

[@anitaschon5133]

+Rob Sharp You are right, Johnny can sing the phone book. He is exceptionally talented.

[@kitty2pat]

I remember noticing something about the movie or maybe MY Laura told me about it. Laura is/was my mother,sister, friend, and just about anything else. Gone 3yrs+ now, I am a dangling-string, attached to nothing, and really, nobody. She stayed as long as she could, still trying to be what I needed. I could have made her as happy, as she made me. I love you, Laura and miss you every waking minute since you went beyond my sight and touch. RIP, my love.

[@lincolnadmirer]

Not a finer effort on this song than Johnny's. Ridiculously gifted is he.

[@Novelist1958]

So true. If I could sing 1/10 as well as Mathis, I'd be . . . well, still poor and stupid, of course, but I would sound so much better.

[@sharigellmandince]

@@Novelist1958

[@1943carlosrodriguez]

Mr. Johnny Mathis has been a part of our family...our hearts...our lives!

[@raquelpietro6774]

VOZ BELISSIMA!!!!!!👧👏👏👍🎸🎼🎶🎵💕💕

[@lidiagracielafontao6382]

Puede haber una voz más maravillosa?, imposible!. Es LA VOZ más hermosa de un hombre!. Qué mùsica, orquesta, letra, todo es una brisa de belleza que tanto bien nos hace oir.