Kathryn Grayson, Gordon MacRae - Desert Song

Charming duet from these beautiful young people!
DISCLAIMER: All rights reserved to the production companies and music labels that distributed and produced the music and performance respectively. I've only added the footage as a tribute for historical, entertainment, and creative purposes with no financial gain. Copyright infringement not intended.
Please consider purchasing the video here:
www.amazon.com/Desert-Song-VHS...

[@rnhealer6044]

I love Gordon MacRae's perfect rich baritone voice and he was so handsome. Between his voice and Kathryn Grayson's pure soprano, their duets were wonderful.

[@Raina430]

Two beautiful people with gorgeous voices.

[@marilynchapman2697]

I grew up with this music. Kathryn Grayson was my idol (I am a soprano) and I had a big crush on Gordon MacRae. This is one of my favourite songs. I loved the movie.

[@varadero1839]

Hi Ms. Chapman, I’m the poster of this and clips from several other Grayson films. I’m a big fan myself. Here’s a link to a lesser know song from the same film. Thanks for writing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmKUYXuofcyjftE

[@lauvredis]

I loved to hear Gordon MacRae with his perfect voice.

[@victoriastock5095]

Gordon MacRae's voice was so pure, powerful and seamless. I get goosebumps listening to him.

[@richardgornalle4536]

She was gorgeous. He possessed a magnificent voice. A great voice such as his demands great songs. Loved this clip.

[@gaylewright4661]

Never get sick of hearing these old songs . They will live forever

[@jomilee88]

I had the pleasure of meeting Gordon twice in my life..once as a young girl..my parents took me to see him in NYC at the Strand Theater. The next time I saw him was in Toronto and I showed him the pictures of both of us together..he made a few remarks about them and kissed me on the cheek..needless to say, I was in my glory lol.I always considered Gordon MacRae my "first love" :)

[@akarpowicz]

Gordon MacRae never sang a bad song or sang a song badly. love it. I watch this vid to cheer myself up. Also nelson eddy and john boles. All great.

[@nattyromero5061]

Nmario lanza be muy love

[@peteandpare]

Wow!these old movies for me were the best.Gordon MacRae He sure is handsome, Kathryn Grayson.The harmony choice

[@xxOperettaFanxx]

I have heard Gordon MacRae sing this song on different CDs and he sang them all magnificently. He had a very beautiful voice. He is my favorite singer.

[@Juliaflo]

You have taste.

[@xxOperettaFanxx]

He had a beautiful voice and I think he sang this exquisitely.

[@varadero1839]

My sentiments exactly! His is/was a voice for the ages! There was nothing vocally that he could not do! I think I 1st heard him on a 33 1/3 LP record about a century ago. It was a recording of "The Desert Song," and I think the lady lead was Lucille Norman. I may be wrong. Thanks so much for writing! varadero

[@djs9415]

This is the first time I have heard Mr. MacRae, because I was brought up on Mr. Lanza, Mr. Keel and Mr. Pinza. I was born too late to meet any of them, but my mother remembers a memorable occasion in the 50s, when grandpa was in London, and decided to take the family to see a musical, which was of course a treat for them. The musical was Kismet. The singer was Mr. Keel. Mother was 12. Suddenly, she decided that her idol was not a fairy like Jean Simmons, which every schoolgirl wanted to be, but Mr. Keel making everyone feel shimmery and shivery inside! How wonderful it must have been, to spend 2 1/2 hours, hearing that beautiful voice in a top-quality production. After that, she began to save up her pocket money, instead of spending it on movie magazines and comics, so that she could come once more to see him sing. But the show closed down, before that could happen, and this is just another beautiful memory passed on to her kids and grandkids…

[@joyhands8992]

Loved the Desert Song could listen to Gordon all day

[@eleanortannahill4665]

Love it also could listen to the music all day. All these people no longer with us music will never be the same again. What a pity.

[@norcross124]

I have always loved The Desert Song. How beautifully it is done by Kathryn Grayson and Gordon MacRae!! Bless you for sharing.

[@stellajennings2265]

What can you say about these beautiful voices will never get tired of watching this movie.👏👏👏

[@joycebriault7498]

Just love Gordon McRae

[@celinejohnston3694]

Two brilliant singers, timeless.

[@artieoliverio4124]

Sinatra eat your heart out!!!

[@jomilee88]

Gordon was on the Railroad Hour .. a RADIO program :) and it consisted of songs from operettas..He had a gorgeous voice!

[@brigittelindenbauer7488]

Remember watching this as a kid and loved this movie and more so Gordon.

[@chrisgrane6349]

Beautiful song. Incredible voices... Such a romantic scene ! Thanks for posting.

[@tchin2020]

I love the old musicals, no voice overs or pre-recordings, truly gifted singers, I was able to see a renewal of the Desert Song in 1987 at the NYS Opera, and after watching the movie versions with Gordon McCrea and Nelson Eddy in the lead roles, I was fortunate enough to see this wonderful revival....

[@varadero1839]

You are so kind to write this! Also, you were beyond lucky to have met him. Mr. MacRae, and Ms.Grayson were incredible performers! Many thanks to you for your kind comments! Best wishes!

[@simplyblues1]

For everyone wanting the DVD, region 2, in the UK, it's now available from Amazon. Just watched it again last night. Saw it 60 years ago at the movies and never tire of listening Romberg's score and Gordon MacRae's wonderful voice.

[@emilylindop-sm8hr]

Wonderful songs from this film love the cast.wish I could see the whole film. Emily

[@varadero1839]

I'm glad this duet brought you back some fond memories. Thank you!

[@lindatomasch3324]

One of my first musicals. I loved this song, and love it still. "Desert Song" ..My Love Song"

[@petershaw80]

Its one of those things I want to hear when I am dying. Superb! What a combo.

[@arnettejohnson33]

I sang in a community choir, (way back in the day) and we sang two Romberg songs. While the choir was singing "Desert Song", my future wife walked into the hall. She had come to meet me for a date after the rehearsal. She looked so lovely, and I was so in love with her. As she walked toward the choir, we were singing the most romantic lines. I didn't even feel like a fool as I sang just for her. My uncle, singing next to me, looked back and forth between her and me. He had probably never witnessed such a genuinely corny moment. But, he never teased me about it. She reminded me of that evening tonight; the forty-fourth anniversary of our engagement. It brought back a flood of memories to hear this song. Thanks.

[@varadero1839]

Arnette Johnson I don't know when I've ever been more moved by a comment! This is so beautiful! To have even begun to inspire such a wonderful response is good enough for me! Your love was evident, and it had to have been a defining moment for your uncle. He seems like he was a very reticent, yet still knowledgeable guy. Today, for me, is 8/18/14! Hope I'm still under the wire to wish you both the happiest of anniversaries! You wrote "Thanks." Please, let me say or write that back to you! You're lovely message made my day! Best to you! varadero

[@rallyroundtheflag1]

very sweet story!

[@islandgreen21]

What a beautiful story, brought tears to my eyes

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

What a beautiful story, thanks for relating it -- we wish you both many more years of happiness!

[@schmedrake5429]

What a beautiful and moving story. Thank you.

[@dennisjohnson4460]

THIS BRINGS A LUMP IN MY THROAT GREAT VOICES THANK YOU

[@varadero1839]

Thanks so much for your kind comment! Wish they'd done more together, and it's really nice to hear from you! varadero

[@ron-waynehoekstra7007]

Since a young teen always been a dreamer . How I still wish today that my life be like life in the movies . The songs , the drama , the beauty , the happy endings mostly , the love and excitements .

[@sharontarantino8097]

i missed him so much when he died. i had a chance to meet him when i was a young girl.

[@fionaF10na]

I went to see this in London when John Hanson was in it in the 60s. On the way to the theatre I was with my mum and dad and three older sisters, all squeezed together on a traffic island trying to figure out which way to go when a gentleman asked my dad I'd we were lost and could he help, he proceeded to direct us to the theatre.. As he walked away, I heard my sister whisper "that's Alex Guniness." What a gent and what a great show. Thanks for reminding me of a wonderful night with my family.

[@varadero1839]

Fiona Glynn Dear Ms. Glynn, I'm at a loss. Where to begin? I'd never heard of John Hanson before, but hunted him down! What a spectacular voice he had indeed! Also, I'm so sorry that you and your family found yourselves in such a predicament. The fact that you received directions from none other than Sir Alex Guiness made my jaw drop! I'm delighted that this brief clip brought you back to so lovely a memory with all your family united as one! Your message made my day!! Thanks so much for writing. varadero

[@brianblock356]

Fiona Glynn Fiona, I too sawJohn Hanson in the show in 1967. Great show, great memory!

[@1940smusicals]

+Fiona Glynn love it!

[@janwintz8372]

Fiona Glynn, A lovely and charming story! The great Alec Guiness seems to have been a lovely gentleman. Was HE also on the way to the theatre? Have you seen the movie with the glorious voice (and FACE!!) of Gordon MacRae?

[@lonetallsassy]

I was there. He used to often play at the Richmond theater. Good times...

[@varadero1839]

Vocally, I agree! He could have handled anything, regardless of the composer, that was thrown at him! At this stage of his career no one in their right mind would have asked him to perform anything but these types of songs. They were made for him, and his spectacular voice! Thanks so much for your comment!

[@dinalombos538]

Love this song “The Dessert Song”. Gordon MacCrae ... love his voice.

[@varadero1839]

Thank you! Too few seem to know of this brilliant voice; I'm grateful to hear from you! varadero

[@normanmckenzie3106]

Thank you TCM for keeping Kathryn Grayson's memory alive..she was one in millions

[@owenpaden8544]

This is great. Thank you for uploading it. I am a real sucker for this kind of music. I could listen to it all day.

[@lennyboler7232]

Excellent song

[@elenewentzel610]

🌹🌟Brings such wonderful memories back. It’s such a beautiful song and believe me a fabulous movie🌟🌹

[@peteandpare]

Absolutely fantastic just love this era Gordon Macrae Katherine Grayson love them.

[@joycebriault7498]

Bought this DVD from eBay. Love watching it

[@varadero1839]

Kind friend, you're right about Mr. MacRae! His voice was perfect, and we lost him too soon. Thanks for your comment!

[@du6053]

I remember seeing that movie, such nice memories. Thank You...

[@mylesgarcia4625]

What a beautiful SONG by great voices!!

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

Few people realized that Gordon had an operatic-quality voice, definitely not thin on top at all..a true rich baritone. He wad born for the great Operettas and Musicals of his period. We are so fortunate to have those wonderful moments on film.

[@varadero1839]

Thank you so much for writing! Gordon indeed had one of the finest voices ever, and I suspect he'd have done very well in operatic roles. You are very kind! Best wishes, varadero

[@clivemainwaring]

Hi Varadero1839 Is it possible for you to send me the addressee's of where t o buy these DVDs of this film and others please send to ([e-mail]) hope you can oblige, thank you in advance.

[@wickedwitch4473]

Gordon macrae was always my favourite actor of all times ..especially in Carousel..What a voice ..what an actor ..and most of all what a beautiful stunning looking man..He truly was the best ever..God bless him 😊😊💕💕🙏🙏

[@joycebriault7498]

Bought this DVD on eBay. Never tire of hearing the wonderful singing

[@varadero1839]

Hi Joyce Briault….. Thanks for letting me know! This particular duet is so enchanting, It almost freaks me out, and I posted it! Best wishes, varadero

[@mainaccount131]

Super excellent with very good interesting photos

[@varadero1839]

What a gracious remark! Thanks so much for your comment. They were wonderful together!

[@daviddenis2328]

I miss him so.we need Gordon Macrey again.

[@mauricefieldhouse6844]

david denis by

[@carlfranzensvocalstudio9826]

Gorgeous gorgeous singing!

[@Spiderman7Bob7]

Oh those movie stars of yore ! They were the best. The very best. The stars of today can't touch them with a 10 ft. pole. Katherine Grayson, Gordon MacRae beautiful, lovely, star power .

[@Halo101st]

Kathryn Grayson had the most beautiful voice of all ladies on the screen, including Streisand. I also just noticed that she was very well endowed, too! Beautiful lady.

[@jerrychase4333]

Halo101st Streisand always was an ordinary-at-best whiner.. of very limited talent: exceptionally over-rated. Streisand, on her best day, could not approach many, many GOOD singers.

[@varadero1839]

Mr. MacRae certainly knew his way around quite any melody; here he really excels! Thanks so much for your message!

[@carloshugogeib7961]

The good and tasty songs of the musicals. Here two wonderful singers give life to our dreams

[@varadero1839]

Thank You! They were wonderful together indeed! Grateful to hear from you, and I'm a big fan of Ms. Grayson. Please see more of her on my channel: varadero 1839!

[@varadero1839]

Thanks so much for writing! They're lovely together, and both missed a lot! Best to you!

[@MaureenMaynes]

No there aren't. Gordon MacRae is a perfect Baritone. His voice is stunning.

[@dianapalmerbrooks]

Thank you for posting this movie song clip. My mother played this song for me when I was in 5th grade. I stopped in my tracks since it brought a haunting memory back to life

[@thomasirving2820]

I know nothing about Gordon MacRae, probably because I've not been much of a filmgoer. He has s wonderfully unique quality of tone and I'm delighted to have come across this rendition. Many thanks for the opportunity.

[@varadero1839]

Hi Thomas Irving, So happy that you found Mr. MacRae on my pages! I always thought his voice was astounding for the reasons you've mentioned. I wish he'd done more. I'm certain there are many other songs by him here on YT. Sending you a link to another one I posted from this same film. I hope you like it! varadero kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZqapqN4qbGirKc

[@notsurfsup]

Having been gifted with such an extraordinarily beautiful voice, which - in my view - was utterly peerless in any genre of music ever heard anywhere, it's a puzzle to me that Gordon MacRae wasn't an even bigger star than he was. Obviously, it's pointless comparing two such different performers, but I have no doubt at all that Frank Sinatra would have loved to be able to cope with the more challenging songs that Gordon seemed to handle so effortlessly. And even if Sinatra could somehow manage to reach the notes convincingly, no-one could ever match that incredible richness of tone that separated Mr. MacRae from every other performer. How lucky are we fans of GM to have KZbin to remind us what made him so very special? Thank you for posting this gem.

[@jayhartbarger2793]

love his voice but comparing him to Sinatra is apples to oranges.

[@SoulShines4U]

@@jayhartbarger2793 - Agreed. To me Gordon McRae always reminded me of Howard Keel even tho Howard was a bass-baritone and Gordon was a dramatic baritone.

[@varadero1839]

@shanghaibenny2 They're really wonderful together! As for the balance of your comments, I couldn't agree more. Thanks again!!

[@varadero1839]

@bubbbb0 The pairing of these two amazing performers makes "us" the real winners! Thanks so much for your comment, and I'm really happy that you liked this clip!

[@janicemurphy7878]

Catherine Grayson is as good as it gets and Gordon Mccrae was very underrated compared to the things that he played in and was excellent in

[@jomilee88]

None better than Gordon MacRae!!!

[@flan453]

Gordon Mc Crae was perfect in Carousel and Oklahoma ! Made for the part. Like Shirley Jones

[@varadero1839]

Hi flan453, I'd just like to apologize for the delay in my response to your very kind message. I think I was in the process of moving from YT to "+" and I'm still confused! Hopefully, better late than never, thank you! As a Shirley fan, I hope you'll like this one: Just go into YT search, and type in Jones, Mitchell, Lynn! You probably already know it, but it bears repeating! Best to you!

[@flan453]

varadero1839 Thank you very much.

[@janwintz8372]

Hi flan, No! It should have been Barbara Cook! Catch her singing my favorite song (for the female lead) in CAROUSEL, "What's The Use Of Wondrin". Jan😉

[@janwintz8372]

+varadero1839 Hi varadero 1839! Don't you love Barbara Cook?? She's the BEST Julie Jordan and Marian to my ear. (You simply cannot improve on Gordon MacRae!!!, although I'd love to hear Vic Damone sing Desert Song, too! Hear him in Kismet ~ SUCH a beautiful show!!) Thank you for Desert Song! LOVE IT!! 😉 Jan

[@dianavictoriaaljadeff5302]

@@janwintz8372 I agree Barbara deserved to have done a movie.As Rodgers and Hammerstein loved Shirley Jones,Barbara Cook could have played Carrie in the movie instead of Barbara Ruick not good in the film and she would have sang with her Candide costar Robert Rounsevile as Mr Snow.

[@varadero1839]

@FlaxenHairedBeauty Thanks so much for your comment! Ms. G is one of my favorites also. If she's not been recognized as such, it's not for my lack of trying! Great to hear from you!

[@artieoliverio4124]

Look where we were then and where we are now and what we lost!!!

[@varadero1839]

Thans so much Owen Paden! Songs like this during my youth made for an amazing introduction to music. I'm glad you agree, and thanks for writing!

[@peterjohnson8014]

I always remember this song and others when the show was staged in the Open Air Theatre at Scarborough Yorkshire UK. We were school kids at the time this was in the early 50's for years the theatre sadly went into decline, however it has now been restored to its former glory. Lots of shows now.

[@leilal8053]

One of my top 2 favorite musicals/romantic movies since childhood. Our neighbor and my childhood friend's mother went to school with Kathryn Greyson....she was a freshman when KG was a Senior. She said she was always singing in the hallways at school.😊

[@colleenfaed1160]

How nice to see such innocents

[@clivemainwaring]

I adored both of their voices, what a team Kathryn Grayson Gordon MacRae, I heard a story a long time ago, (Not sure if it is true or not) but Gordon got his big break singing in films, when Frank Sinatra walked off of a particular set, as mentioned heard it back in the forties. Apparently, (the story went, ) that Gordon filled Frank Sinatra's spot, and never looked back. I think Mr Macrae was little known at that time, to repeat back in the early forties, sadly that makes me 80 There will never be the likes of these stars ever again, sadly.

[@soundslikefrank]

Clive Mainwaring en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carousel_(film)#Original_casting_of_Frank_Sinatra

[@simplyblues1]

Clive Mainwaring: Gordon MacRae got his big break in films after being seen by a Warner Brothers talent scout in 1948. His first film was a boxing drama called The Big Punch. Gordon was first a big band singer from 1941 with the Horace Heidt Orchestera for two years. He got a radio gig soon after this filling in for Frank Sinatra on a radio show but joined the Air Force after Pearl Harbour and had to quit, so I understand. You may be confusing this story with the time in 1956 when Frank Sinatra walked out on the first day of filming Carousel and in a panic, the producer contacted Gordon MacRae who had just had a huge hit with Oklahoma!. I have heard two stories, that Shirley Jones phoned Gordon to ask him, and that Oscar Hammerstein also phoned him.

[@lawrencecollier567]

Kathryn Grayson is so operatic beautiful.

[@varadero1839]

@norcross124 You're welcome! The score is so lovely, and even better as it's performed by these two at the height of their talents.

[@varadero1839]

@moshn2002 mosh, great to hear from you, and I'm glad you liked this! The original stage production had many more songs than were seen in this filmed version. It's a beautiful score, by Sigmund Romberg.

[@karitahannikainen4734]

Heavenly..❤

[@DuchessOfChapina]

so beautiful I love you ♥

[@globalman]

Although I liked Howard Keel very much I will never understand why the role in Showboat was not given to either Gordon or Tony Martin..... they both seemed so much more suited to Katherine. I won't make comments on voices which is unfair to compare... and music like beauty has a subjective component. Thank you for this.

[@varadero1839]

Thanks so much for your comment. It's good to hear from you! They did well here together, and Ms. G was a knockout!

[@varadero1839]

Je suis heureux de vous entendre! Oui, c'est un beau film, et les 2 chanteurs sont superbes! Merci beaucoup!

[@gedaliawaisbord8218]

Like good wine getting better with time

[@MaureenMaynes]

Gordon MacRae great singer and so very handsome.

[@varadero1839]

Hi Maureen Maynes! You're very kind to comment here. He was all you said, and maybe more! Thanks so much for writing! varadero

[@MaureenMaynes]

varadero1839 You're very welcome. Nice to meet a fellow fan!

[@MaureenMaynes]

Thank you:)

[@peterpearce8889]

Maureen Maynes GA GAS LIGHT FILM CHARS BOYA

[@peterpearce8889]

gas. light free film charhels boys in tube

[@humblecharlie4383]

grayson is incredibly beautiful! and so is mcrae from the cheeks up. great cinematography! the color is deep and luscious.

[@varadero1839]

Lucky you! It really is a wonderful film version of this beautiful operetta. I've got some other clips up from the same production. Hope you'll watch them too! Thanks again for writing!

[@varadero1839]

@WrestleNiceGuy121 I agree with you! The "studio" days were best for young, talented singers, dancers, etc! I feel they'd all had training before their immersion into the studio system. Said system probably provided them with finer teachers, managed to refine their voices, and a "Gordon MacRae" was what we saw! Must agree with your mention of weird vibratos, etc. The problem is that many performers of today give us nothing but their vocal manipulations; nothing to do with the real melody!

[@idapullen8782]

Gordon MacCrae was an immensely talented man. Good looking too!❤

[@moshn2002]

yes indeed AWESOME charming thanks

[@joemoorman6102]

yes, absolutely love it! dont' see these Romberg light operas often enough

[@floraconover4659]

I don't think there are voices like this any more. Also the music these days is not as good as this.

[@varadero1839]

@1915fas Thanks for your mention, and good luck with your Gordon imitations! I've always thought he was one of the finest singers of the '50s. Please keep in touch, and very good to hear from you!

[@Yitzhakhazak]

I agree. This part should be sung by a rich, mellow baritone like Gordon´s. His timbre is a shade darker than Nelson Eddy´s which is a plus! To my ears, that is!

[@dr.greggrove4413]

The operettas of the early 20th century were gems culled from the musical palette of infinite wealth. So much melodic beauty; harmony that seems to warm, then treat as well as entrant. It was an age of duets, choruses, and solos. The entertainment of moral responsibility and of love eternal.

[@varadero1839]

@havilland18 I remember having an LP of this when I was very young. The lady in question is/was Lucille Norman. The album was great, but nothing compared to what these 2 performed here. Thanks so much; happy to hear from you!

[@hilarydodds9285]

She had a beautiful voice, my favourite singer for years.

[@varadero1839]

Hello! As a big fan of Ms. Grayson, I'm grateful to hear from you. I think I've posted 13 clips of her singing. Please check my site for the other 12! Best regards, varadero.

[@lindamanas6735]

I’m not a fan of Sigmund Romberg but what a fantastic singer Gordon MacRae was. I think his best film was ‘ Carousel’. ‘ My Boy Bill’ is so incredibly difficult to sing. He was absolutely pitch perfect.

[@varadero1839]

Yes, it is!

[@TheLuminitaSoare]

My desert is waiting; Dear, come there with me. I'm longing to teach you Love's sweet melody. I'll sing a dream-song to you, Painting a picture for two: Blue heaven and you and I, And sand kissing a moonlit sky. A desert breeze whisp'ring a lullaby, Only stars above you To see I love you. Oh, give me that night divine And let my arms in yours entwine. The desert song calling, Its voice enthralling Will make you mine. Blue heaven and you and I, And sand kissing a moonlit sky. A desert breeze whisp'ring a lullaby, Only stars above you To see I love you. Oh, give me that night divine And let my arms in yours entwine. The desert song calling, Its voice enthralling Will make you mine.

[@georgehemingway3476]

This is true entertainment !

[@brendaharrison7648]

Great

[@varadero1839]

Good one! Emmy is so lovely and definitely has the pipes! Another issue; last time I saw Josh, he looked a little overweight. Hollywood's famous for diets! Methinks I've got to get back to my New York roots! Great idea, and thank you.