Mario Lanza - I've Told Every Little Star

A very special Kern/ Hammerstein song, sung by the great Mario Lanza. What a voice, what a lovely song, how beautifully Lanza sang it. I never fully appreciated this song until I heard him sing it. Some pairings such as this one with Kern/ Hammerstein and Lanza are just truly made in heaven. May you enjoy this as much as I.
Photos of Lanza and paintings by master artists are added to accompany the lyrics. Mario's photos are from his films, The Great Caruso and That Midnight Kiss. These and his other films are available for purchase from Turner Classic Movies.
Please read the following comments section, although it may be long. I believe that you will be as moved as I was to find out about this song.
Dear Friends,
I came across the following quote from Tommy Thornton writing about Jerome Kern's inspiration for this song. I found the story so touching that I thought that you would like to read it also. You will find the following quote at:
www.openwriting....
"In 1931, Jerome Kern was awakened one morning by a bird singing outside his window. The warbling so enchanted him that he woke his wife Eva and they listened together. When the bird flew away Jerry sang the melody over and over to himself then fell asleep.
When he awoke, he set about writing down the theme. To his dismay, he could not recall it correctly. He went to his piano but soon gave up in frustration. The song that had seemed so memorable and simple just a few hours before eluded him completely.
By a stroke of luck the bird reappeared the following morning. Kern grabbed a pencil and paper and, stealing quietly downstairs to his piano so as not to wake the sleeping household, he wrote down the tune.
As Kern noted: 'It was a complete phrase and a perfectly rounded melodic treatment.'
The bird was identified as a Cape Cod Sparrow Melospiza Melodia and its warbling was the inspiration for the song I've Told Every Little Star.
His collaborator, Oscar Hammerstein, later wrote, ''Jerry got the melodic theme from a bird. He swears it! He heard a finch outside the window singing the first line and he built a refrain on it.'' The song proved difficult to fashion lyrics, according to Mr. Hammerstein, who added, ''There were times when I wished the finch had kept his big mouth shut!''
On 5 November 1945, Jerome Kern went for a walk in New York City. When he reached the south west corner of Park Avenue and 57th street he collapsed suffering a cerebral hemorrhage. He was eventually taken to the Doctors Hospital in Manhattan where he lapsed into a coma.
His family arrived along with Oscar Hammerstein. On Sunday 11 November, Oscar was at his bedside. Lifting the oxygen tent he softly sang I've Told Every Little Star to Jerry who had a special affection for the song. When he'd finished, Oscar glanced at his beloved associate. There was no movement. The clock on the wall read 1.10 pm. For a moment, Oscar alone knew what a saddened world would shortly learn.
At the funeral, at Ferncliffe crematory at Hartsdale, every major figure from the musical stage was present. Oscar Hammerstein stepped forward to deliver a prepared eulogy. He never finished it. He gave way to emotions that overwhelmed him."
The audio on this video is a stereo version of Mario singing the song.
The following is a list of the master artists and their paintings according to their appearance in the video:
1) Francesco Albani - Adonis Led by Cupids to Venus
2) Louis Reinhardt - Still Life of Flowers, Fruits and Insects, c. 1855
3) John Vanderlyn -- Portrait of the Artist
4) John Opie (1785-1855) - Portrait of Maria Godsal
5) Merle Hugues - Romeo and Juliet
6) artist unknown -- classical landscape oil painting
7) Charles Edward Conder - Watching the Fireworks, St. Cloud (on the Terrace) c.1893
8) John Singer Sargent - Nancy Vicountess Astor
9) Jan Van Beers - A Love Match
10) Theodore Blake Wirgman - Gather Ye Rosebuds Whilst Ye May, 1905
11) Alfred de Breanski - Neath O'er Hanging Boughs
12) Francis Cotes - Portrait of Paul Sandby, 1761
13) Theodore Robinson - La débâcle, 1892
14) Jean-Antoine Watteau (1684-1721) -- Le Chasseur du Nid (The Hunter of the Nest)
15) Eustache Le Sueur - A Gathering of Friends 1640 -- 1642
16) Anne-Louis Girodet de Roucy-Triosson (1767-1824) - Portrait of a Young Man
17) William Powell Frith -- Lovers
18) John Faed - Lovers (Possibly representing Robert Burns and Highland Mary)
19) William Powell Frith - The Lovers
20) Alston Abbey -- A Beauty (detail)
21) Thomas Phillips - Michael Faraday (detail)
22) Pál Szinyei Merse (1845-1920) - Picnic in May
23) Pál Szinyei Merse (1845-1920) - Szerelmespár (Twosome), 1870
24) John Elgar Hicks - title unknown
25) Jean-Antoine Watteau, 1684-1721) - La Surprise

[@ruthnofchissey1366]

My Father, Arthur Warren Thomas often played Mario Lanza giving me the opportunity to learn to love this wonderful male vocalist with enduring enchantment and quality to be enjoyed by many generations.

[@sugarbist]

The simplicity and beauty of Lanza's voice along with his ability to be intimate with his listeners made him unforgettable

[@ruthnofchissey9210]

a favorite of my fathers, to him, today on this anniversary of his crossing over! The most amazing guy ever, my Dad.

[@MegaMusiclover1234]

Mario had a beautiful voice, it is true, but he had more than that. He sang from his heart and so he touches our own. That is what makes us feel so deeply what he sang and makes us cry. Mario may have died young and much too soon but he has left us an incredible legacy of recordings and films to remember him by. We older generation remember his T.V. appearances and going to his films, newer generations can share his legacy via CDs, KZbin and Turner Classic Movies. Thank you again. Sandra

[@MegaMusiclover1234]

@hunlandsMom Thank you so much for your kind comment. I really like to hear that viewers enjoy my videos with Mario Lanza. He had such an incredible voice. He really was the best. It is my pleasure to compose these videos of him. Did you read my attached story about Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein in the comments section? It is such a touching story. No wonder those two wrote such wonderful songs. What good fortune that they had Mario to sing their songs. Will we ever see their like again?

[@cattycassals]

Thank you again, what a beautiful voice why did he have to die so young. I cry when I hear him singing. That is a beautiful song for a beautiful man.

[@MegaMusiclover1234]

@PhilPhilUSA Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad that you enjoyed this video. May you enjoy my other videos featuring his wonderful voice as much. Mario Lanza truly is the best. I enjoy your channel also. Your nocturne Pausanias at Plataea is quite lovely. Keep them coming. Thanks again.

[@Radda001]

Applaud you for choosing this endearing song to create an enchanting video that truly delights and entertains. All credit is due to you and so say all of us!

[@colingreen6950]

Gifted voice !

[@janetgoldstein4301]

Love!!!

[@vernaxxx8940]

Screechy violins, but mellow Mario singing so nicely

[@mariomuccino6040]

AWESOME SINGER

[@user-rk6us1pu6z]

МариоЛанца! Россыть мыслей, чувств, поэзии для слуха и зрительного восприятия!!!

[@phyllisramsey9531]

I love the songs of Jerome Kern. I am so glad that Mario Lanza sang several of his songs. This is a special favorite of mine. Thanks for your lovely videos of Mario. I'm happy that I found you and was able to subscribe to this fantastic channel, Sandra.

[@MegaMusiclover1234]

+Phyllis Ramsey Phyllis, You are very sweet. Thank you for your kind words. It is always good to hear from you. I am very pleased that you like my Mario videos. Jerome Kern and Mario were meant for each other. They are a perfect match. Kern, a beautiful song writer and Mario a beautiful tenor. Mario has long been a dear favorite singer of mine, over 50 years. Just to listen to him touches one's heart. May God rest his soul, he is greatly missed. Thank goodness for all the recordings and films with which he left us. Happy New Year to you and yours! Kindest Regards, Sandra

[@phyllisramsey9531]

You are so right, Sandra. Certain composers are just meant for certain singers. Kern and Lanza are a match made in Heaven--like soup and sandwich! Thanks for taking the time to make these videos and for responding to all of our comments. God bless!MegaMusiclover1234

[@MegaMusiclover1234]

+Phyllis Ramsey Phyllis, I enjoy making Mario videos and am pleased that you like them. I like reading my viewers comments and am thankful for any help which they may give me. Many Mario fans have much more knowledge than I about music and facts about Mario. I mainly just love his voice and want to share it with my viewers. May God bless you too. Kindest Regards, Sandra

[@hunlandsMom]

Your video is wonderful and very quality like always. It sounds awesome. It`s worthy to a great singer. Thank you for experience and sharing.

[@katet2794]

I've Told Every Little Star, music + lyrics by Jerome Kern/Oscar Hammerstein, published in 1932. It was introduced in a musical play, Music In The Air, and Mario Lanza sings it in its original arrangement. Linda Scott made a popular cover in 1961 with a great rearrangement, so kudos to whoever arranged that version. I love both. It's a sweet song. Thank you for uploading this. And thank you for the gorgeous, beautiful art. Truly you have the heart of a poet. Kate T

[@MegaMusiclover1234]

Kate T Thank you, Kate, for your information about the song. It is most appreciated. I am pleased that you like my video. I am glad that you like my choice of art. As an painter myself, I am pleased that you like my choice of paintings for this video. I'm sorry for the delay in replying to you. I just found out how to use the new KZbin apparatus. I am 70 years old and I am not very computer savvy. Please pardon the great delay. Kind Regards, Sandra

[@katetaylor6641]

MegaMusiclover1234 Sandra, my hat's off to you! ;-} You go, girl ! xox

[@Annamaria-iq1wy]

Mario Lanza riesce sempre ad incantare con la sua voce dalle ingl

[@Annamaria-iq1wy]

Mario Lanza riesce sempre ad incantare con la sua voce carezzevole che accarezza il cuore. Quella magia di ripete ogni volta che lo ascolto.

[@niazzam255]

GREAT！INTERESTING SINGING ARTIST！THANK-YOU！GOD' BLESS MUCH MORE YOU SOLD OUT. THANKS！ ..... WE TOOO... GOD' BLESS Oz'Ni.....

[@MegaMusiclover1234]

Ni Azzam Is Mario Lanza and his beautiful voice new to you? He was born in South Philadelphia and had a great sense of humor. He began his career as an opera tenor, but as luck would have it, he was heard at an outdoor concert in California by Louis B. Mayer, a Hollywood movie mogul. Mayer was an opera lover and convinced Mario to make some movies for him. Mario was seen as the new Enrico Caruso and Mayer had him play the part of Caruso in the movie The Great Caruso. Mario had his own T.V. show and appeared quite often on the Ed Sullivan T.V. show. Such great singers as Pavarotti, Domingo, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley held him as their idol. Mario has been known as "The Voice of the 20th Century". Mario himself said that he always sang from his heart and so when we hear him, our own hearts are touched. I love other singers too, but Mario is my favorite one. May you continue to enjoy his wonderful voice, he was truly the best. May God bless him, he now sings with the angels.

[@niazzam255]

THANKS SOOO VERY MUCH. I KNOWS HIM ON DEAR 1 AND ONLY LOVES LEGEND ARTIST Oz Malo MUSICS WORLD/CHAN. THANKS ON YOURS INFORMATION. I TAUGHT HE'S ITALIAN ARTIST.....

[@MegaMusiclover1234]

Ni Azzam Mario was born of Italian immigrants to America. He was born Jan.31, 1921, the only child of Antonio Cocozza and Maria Lanza Cocozza. His real name was Alfred Arnold Cocozza. He adopted the masculine form of his mother's maiden name Maria Lanza and called himself Mario Lanza. So, of course, he looked Italian, but was born in America. May you continue to enjoy his beautiful voice by way of my Mario videos and those uploaded videos on KZbin by his many other fans. Of course, his many CD albums and his movies are available for purchase on the Internet. Turner Classic Movies sells all of his movies. Kindest Regards, Sandra

[@niazzam255]

INFORMATIONAL, THANK-YOU.

[@niazzam255]

Oz Malo MUST BE KIMMIE FALISI HICKEY.....

[@michellecini1048]

This is so beautiful.... I'm crying.

[@MegaMusiclover1234]

Michelle, Mario had the singular ability to sing song lyrics from his heart to ours. He feels the depth of their meaning. Yes. he brings us to tears when he sings such heart touching lyrics. Kind Regards, Sandra

[@cattycassals]

Beautiful thank you

[@MegaMusiclover1234]

Jonathan, Thank you for your comment. I am happy that you like Mario. He was simply the best. My Regards, Sandra

[@MegaMusiclover1234]

Zina, I am very happy that you like this video. It was my pleasure to select the paintings to accompany Mario"s beautiful voice. I am glad that you like the story about Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein. It truly does touch one's heart. Wishing you all the best, Sandra

[@willmcmillan1430]

Thank you for making this lovely video to accompany a great version of this Kern-Hammerstein gem. I have heard Mario Lanza's name but not much of his music. Now I am a fan!

[@MegaMusiclover1234]

Will, I am very pleased that you like my video and are now a Mario fan. Mario has long been a favorite of mine. I remember watching him on T.V. many years ago. (I am 72 yrs. old now) I was just a young teenager then, but knew he had a wonderful voice. A few years ago, I was sitting in my kitchen listening to a CD that featured many great tenors. I was enjoying their voices. Then suddenly, it was Mario's turn. He began to sing and all of a sudden I yelled out, "Sing it Mario!" After that, I began to collect his CDs. I am also a long time Elvis Presley fan. I especially love his gospel recordings. He sang them so deeply from his heart. Did you know that Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Placido Domingo and many other great singers also loved Mario's voice? The quality of his voice is wonderful of course, but the way he sings the lyrics from the depth of his heart touches our own. May you continue to enjoy his remarkable voice. Kind Regards, Sandra

[@Annamaria-iq1wy]

Will McMillan

[@Jonathanedward2010]

I dig it. Mario was a bad ass. Very cool. Thumbs up.

[@MegaMusiclover1234]

Thank you for your comment. May you enjoy as much my other Mario videos which I create. Before I upload his video, I always ask myself if Mario would approve of it. Your kind comment helps me to believe that he would. Thank you again, Sandra

[@degas5000]

Thanks for the upload, excellent as always

[@philiprostek]

wonderful video and story... birdsong has a strange and wonderful power to engage memory and deep feelings, to be sure... and Mario Lanza is so great - an 'original' without parallel. Thank you!

[@user-ct1ez8ll5u]

Марио - это Любовь!

[@MegaMusiclover1234]

Irina, In English, you wrote, "Mario is Love!" I agree with you completely. Kind Regards, Sandra

[@ronaldo190172]

Wonderful song, thank you

[@guedouarandree9285]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MegaMusiclover1234]

@BlueAquaMarina Thank you for your comment. I'm happy that you like this video. I like your video "Dreams are Born in Heaven" with Nick Mansell. The photos fit the song so nicely. Thanks again.

[@theressamurphy2996]

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

[@user-ct1ez8ll5u]

Великая музыка и великий Ланца!

[@MegaMusiclover1234]

Irina, In English, you wrote, "Great music and the great Lanza!" Thank you for your kind comment. Mario was truly a very great singer. Regards, Sandra

[@MegaMusiclover1234]

@ronaldo190172 You are most welcome. I am happy that you enjoyed it. Did you have a chance to read the touching story about Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein and this song which is in my Description section? It will touch your heart. Thank you again for your comment. May you enjoy my other Mario Lanza videos as much.

[@MegaMusiclover1234]

@Radda001 Thank you so much for your kind words, they are most appreciated. You show such excellent taste in choosing the uploaded videos on your channel; I truly value your opinion. May you continue to enjoy the Lanza videos on my channel. Best wishes to you always.

[@robertcentobene4375]

Another song that loses it = but not Marios beautiful voice. The words are great. I write songs and I can tell you a composer knows when he has written a truly beautiful song. This song has a wonderful poem but the music isn't up to par with it in any way!

[@whiteclifffl]

Is he died?

[@samkaplan7679]

Oh dear, this sweet little song needs a much lighter touch. Even Linda Scott understood it better.

[@katetaylor6641]

Not necessarily. Linda was probably handed the arrangement and told to learn the notes and words.

[@zuraiashvili8647]

+Sam Kaplan If anyone can sing softly, Mario certainly can. Its his choice to sing the song as he sees fit.

[@TedWms521]

+Kate Taylor I'm not great fan of hers, but no matter what she was told she still had to execute. Why be snide about that?

[@ThomasDeLello]

This song is wrong for him...

[@Etnalleb]

Agreed; There were not to many songs Mario couldn't sing better than anyone else but this is one of them. Mario's voice way to big and he went terribly flat on one note .

[@ursmue1937]

Etnalleb Wie sollte man diesen Song singen ? ich lerne gerne, wenn M.L. angeblich nicht wusste wie er dieses Lied interpretieren sollte.

[@Etnalleb]

All is lost then isn't it? If ML couldn't sing it , no one could.

[@katetaylor6641]

Etnalleb Good one !

[@katetaylor6641]

Gosh, Thomas De Lello, harsh, much?