Nat King Cole, June Christy, Mel Torme - How High The Moon

Video para conocedores y coleccionistas de la verdadera y buena Música, tres grandes estrellas juntas en vivo, años 50, interpretando un maravilloso tema. Que lo disfruten!!!

[@wildhether]

People forget what an innovative and swinging jazz pianist Nat was. What a treat to have had such hot jazz on tap on regular TV!

[@WAL_DC-6B]

I recall reading somewhere that Nat "King" Cole was one of the greatest jazz pianists ever.

[@marilynfosseen1541]

I had no idea until lately. I think he should be counted among the jazz greats.

[@ronaldstrange8981]

Loved June all my life having discovered her way back with Stan Kenton. What a beautiful and talented entertainer she was. Hope you agree! March, 2023.

[@RaiderEleven]

Awesome performance that reminds us how easily the pros could sing, without close in mikes and exaggerated hand gestures and without straining. Nat Cole was a heck of a piano player and Mel Torme was a fine drummer. Great!

[@redmartinize]

June Christy has always been a favorite of mine for a long time...her voice is so arresting! Nat's piano playing was legendary before he took to the vocals (my mother loved his playing so much, she resented his singing!) BTW: Listen to Freddie Cole (Nat's brother)...you will not be disappointed!

[@annedwyer797]

It's too bad more people don't know what a great pianist Nat Cole was (that's funny about yr mom!). I probably first heard Freddy Cole about 10 yrs ago and really love his style; his voice is like a warm wool (slightly scratchy!) blanket. I was sorry to learn he passed away several months ago.

[@lastknowngood0]

June and Bob Cooper were married for a lifetime together!

[@MrPisster]

Can you guys believe they did this live for real on national TV? What talent!

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

That's called performing. It's what real musicians do.

[@annedwyer797]

Wow, what's not to love about June Christy, Nat Cole and Mel Torme together in a live performance!!

[@marcoantonioguerra4402]

Now, that´s what you call a true artist. Such a simplicity no tricks, glamours, etc, Just June and her music.Total in comand of her voice doing all sorts of effects provinding us with the best os the cool jazz era. And that´s is the meaning of I Want to Be Happy. For sure we are June. Thanks to you

[@Jazz4Joe]

To quote a comment herein of a few months ago, June Christy was in the same league as Torme and Cole, for sure. She had trouble in the intro because Torme and Nat King Cole, marvelous artists, began by "playing with each other and therefore, June couldn't find where to come in. She was enormously talented. Having ALL of her CDs, I can tell you that her range is greater than most singers and, definitely is comfortable singing ballads, swing, and upbeat tunes, in general. Without question, you can hear what I'm telling you if you listen to her sing with only Kenton backing her on piano on the album entitled "Duet." I think the definitive comment on this piece, and I am a huge Torme and Cole fan, is "How lucky Nat King Cole and Mel Torme are to back up June Christy." I was backstage at Kenton's Festival of Modern American Jazz in Denver in 1954. Only he and I were backstage as Candido performed. He said he was worried because June was late and she arrived immediately after his comment. She was beautiful, smiled and said hello to me like she knew me. She was so pleasant, I melted. Following her performance, she drew louder applause than Dizzy Gillespie, Erroll Garner, or other solosists (Charlie Parker didn't show, not surprisingly). The Kenton band, incidently, was in top form.

[@davidschecter5247]

Good Lord -- what a marvelous assemblage of talent. Miss Christy melts my heart.

[@Spot712]

What a great treat Nat King Cole trio along with June Christy and Mel Torme. Thank God of technology.

[@direfranchement]

He may be immortalized as one of the best vocalists of American Popular song to ever live, but Nathaniel Adams Coles (Nat "King" Cole) was a marvelous pianist. Once he crossed over into the mainstream, the spotlight was on his piano playing far too infrequently. It is a great pleasure to see him accompany the invariably enjoyable June Christy here along with Mel Tormé on drums.

[@JeffGard]

Agreed! I knew about his playing, and even I have to be reminded once in a while what he could do with a piano. And, I have to admit, until I saw this I had no idea the velvet fog could beat the skins! WTG Mel!

[@AmazingJayB51]

Never knew he played so well, he was awesome!!!

[@Crazylrishguy]

Same with Mel Torme on drums! I didn't even know!

[@belascialoja4812]

Nor did I - had no idea Mel played drums!

[@danielkim3238]

he has some amazing albums with lester young early in his career

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

She may bve singing, but the break in in the middle really showcases nat's absolute mastery at the piano.

[@colinwoonsue]

Best female singer of Jazz. Lovely singer

[@colinwoonsue]

Robert Cecil Morgan-Wilde it’s my opinion. If you cannot respect that; then I don’t know what you want from me!

[@colinwoonsue]

Robert Cecil Morgan-Wilde what...are you calling me RACIST or something...hahahahaa(my Dad’s black)! 😂

[@stephencarter7266]

She's adorable.

[@mads2a]

Nat King Cole must be one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, bar none.

[@Ahlam00101]

She is so talented wow

[@tommysmith824]

The Misty Miss Christy, Nat, Mel and a great guitar and bass. How much better can it get. June also was great with Stan Kenton's band.

[@MarlaLukofsky7]

What a special thing to have on tape. the Great June Christy with Nat King Cole and Mel Torme. Wow.

[@ranhill]

Can you imagine singing, with Nat King Cole and Mel Torme backing you up?

[@a.deewai3181]

Dear responders🙂🎶, Please pay attention to her singing "around the ritme "‼️ That INCLUDES(!) the beginning! No mistake where she's coming from! And I don't notice her being under "the influence" of anything like alcohol or such!!! She's enormously talented! I'm sorry, but I happen to have what they call: an absolute hearing. She's not so much lucky to sing with the two gentlemen, she's in their league ‼️ God bless! 💐 Sincerly in Christ Jesus of Nazareth,✝️🌹, A. DEE WAI.

[@bioeticadagovernanca]

@@a.deewai3181 Good comment! She was good at that.

[@colinwoonsue]

That’s a powerful thought! She must’ve felt like she made it just then.

[@Mthomas116-t1m]

I think Mel & Nat appreciated her just as much. Very talented Jazz and big band vocalist.

[@CriticalListener]

Let's not overlook June Christy's vocals here. Her momentary lyric mixup just proves it was live television. Nice work, all three!

[@caveatemp]

Mel is my hero. He's the best male scat singer, he absolutely rocks on the drums, his vocal arrangements for groups take the cake AND he wrote Chestnuts Roasting!

[@MARKMANIATT]

Very fine drumming by Mel showing off his Buddy Rich licks.Tremendous talent all round, the like of which we will never see again.

[@BethArzy]

I love this... Amazing...

[@relaxationstation7374]

I always thought that Nat's early and signature piano style was very Roaring 20s ish! I think that that's what gives Nat's piano playing style its pizzazz, glare and exitement! Nat King Cole and many of his swinging contemporaries were the long shadow that the Roaring 20s cast.

[@bettygrimm7088]

One of my favs, for sure!!

[@dean5220]

Hello Betty, How are you doing?

[@bennyjazzful]

WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! From a mad keen 73yo Aussie fan. Three genuine musical superstars & others---What a blast...

[@mytube7167]

what a fab performance by June. she's really swinging here, and listening to her sing this tune makes me feel great.

[@MrJazzohjazz]

Love June .... Once , at my birthday party .... my mother asked me to make a wish before blowing out the candles ... my secret wish was .... That June was my mother. I use to sing all her songs in high school .... love her rendition of "That's All."

[@daniel66weir]

thank you for posting, Punisher6002. i loved it. ❤❤

[@odeonpacific]

How great is this ? Torme , Christy, King Cole. And the fact that Torme and King Cole were not only great singers but musicians as well.

[@SheikhYerbubi]

Look at how excited nat and mel were. They ran to their respective instruments as if they cant wait to get started.

[@Petitcreiu]

Oh baby. Torme on drums, Nat on piano. Unstoppable.

[@perfektno]

This is high and simple joy .

[@truthbetoldagain]

Wow, the trio of spectaculars, all together ! Nat " King " Cole, The Velvet Fog Mel Torme ` , and The Misty Miss June Christy !

[@nonosays]

Oh, my my!

[@willagreen5753]

What a marvelous sense of humor Nat Cole had with his intro at 1:04, and trying his intro again at 1:54, of two Civil War hymn melodies. The Revolution took place anyway. Love this vid.

[@duzzitmatter8679]

This was so smoooth! Great stuff!!

[@odissmith9965]

Love these classic artists. And one day while watching garage squad, I couldn't help but notice a slight resemblance between Heather storm and June Christy, both very attractive women.

[@stevesherwood1629]

'Just brilliant.

[@valjazz]

A priceless moment in the history of Jazz. Gracias.

[@MikeDeNoi]

There's a lot a talent on that stage and you know they were genuinely having fun.

[@gabchaim8232]

June Christy thrills --- Nat Cole kills ----

[@robertbrooks1427]

Nat my high school fav and of course the love of Julie Christi ..The crush I had and when she sang the sultry voice only added to her allure + pretty girl! p.s.. did not know Mel Torme played drums.. Did see Torme in Atlanta at an outdoor spring concert years ago. Wine served on silver trays.. Piedmont Park.

[@joaoalfredo2848]

Essa June Christy foi simplesmente vocalista da Orquestra de Stan Kenton . Maravilhosa . Vídeo sensacional esse dela com o Quarteto de Nat King Cole.

[@1FrankFan]

Three tremendous talents together....great video.

[@ophxnim]

yooo what a collab

[@rankingtrevor]

0:20 the way MEL skipped to the drum set, 1:07 The dexterity and fluidity of NATS genius piano skills, 1:43 Rambunctious drum solo by MEL 2:20 The husky cry of JUNES singing voice. THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF JAZZ AT ITS MOST PLAYFUL AND EXPRESSIVE NATURE.

[@1969SL]

Mel,Nat and June together! Wow almost too good to be true!

[@Amileoj]

Typically witty, relaxed, fiercely-swinging solo from the great Cole, nice work from Torme in the chases, and a swiftly, neatly torn off vocal from the best singer to come out of the Kenton outfit whose name wasn't Anita O'Day. Ella of course would make this one of her signature tunes but June Christy, who did indeed help bring it to prominence, more than holds her own with it, and with the illustrious company. Smashing video.

[@KenR208]

A remarkable visual treat! all in the one clip!!!

[@racourdav]

Nat was such a great piano player, love watching this they're all great

[@RFranklinCarter]

Yeah. And back then viewers took fantastic TV shows such as the Nat King Cole Show for granted. But at least someone recorded it and we can watch it now.

[@Blinglover]

What a treat. I forgot June had such a vibrato. I usually don't like but from her it is great.

[@Dontaking2008]

I always wondered why Oscar Peterson, loved Nat's piano playing so much, and i've heard Nat play before, but not like this! and now i hear Nat's style of playing in the sounds of Oscar Peterson. Everybody incredible!

[@pooterduude1]

Being backed up by Piano Jazz Great and voice of crystal, Nat Cole along with the singing frog, on Drums. What a session to sit in on.

[@jojosullivan1024]

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!! Dang! This is music & REAL talent!!!!

[@IreneCardillo]

Wonderful singer and band!

[@GraveyardRomance]

I loved playing this song for Jazz band in high school :)

[@michaelbackhouse]

What a band, and I love June's singing.

[@papagaio1696]

a joy ... the pleasure of singin' and playing

[@m44E74]

June!

[@ejohnsonious01]

That is some ferocious piano playing!

[@thomtlc2]

Talent overload!

[@edk2221]

Perfection. Three incredible people

[@andrew2great]

i love this girl !!!!!!!!

[@MrPisster]

I think this is my favorite version of this song! I love her voice and the pace they use.

[@Crazylrishguy]

When did Improvisation die??? I wish I could still find improvisationists like Nat King Cole

[@pooterduude1]

Nat King Cole was not only a jazz man, he was a classically trained musician both in Piano and in Voice. Can't find them but there are videos of Nat Cole singing from position as in vocal recital posture. Amazing voice.

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

I think it happens at least once a century. Maybe every other century. Improvisation is as old as music.

[@resslerartstudios]

Good luck!!!!!

[@scottmiller6495]

Brilliant performance from people who we Will never see or hear again Ever Period!!!!!

[@jazmaan]

Gotta love JUNE!

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

Mmmmm meh .

[@kt2374]

Great Juney!! Just great! The song is kind of a hard one to sing, actually, and she is singing just like having a pleasant talk! She is the 1st reason for my fondness of 1950s!

[@BabyBoomerChannel]

Sheikh is right. Mel and Nat run to the instruments like boys going back to their first loves: the drum kit and the piano. They trust and like June enough to let her take the mic, so they can merge into their original instruments, where they spent many hours practicing their original craft. It's like they're letting another captain take the helm of the ship, so they can better enjoy their craft work positions, and not having to worry about driving. What a fun clip. Thanks for posting!

[@Eli3459]

wow what a room, filled with the greats. what happened to this kind of television

[@rb032682]

I love this video. Thanks!

[@PericlesEmmanuel]

Three Great performers Together !!Love it! Her vibrato voice at the and of her phrase remind's me so much the Great Mrs Anita o' Day,Thank you so much for share this wonderful and treasure video.

Nat king cole is amzing singer and pionist he is my all time fawortie

[@mcsynth47]

This was not a criticism. Actually, I was just standing up for June because others had suggested earlier that she messed up. It's always easier to blame the singer so I thought it was unjustified and came to her defense. I've played piano behind dozens of jazz vocalists and I've shared the stage with many jazz legends, including Mel Torme, and I'm well aware how easy it is to get confused after drum fours.

[@RaiderEleven]

Fantastic players (all 3 are certified star singers in their own right) in a wonderful performance.

[@JLWing77]

I did not know Mel Torme played the drums! WOW!

[@KojiRecords]

Winners of the Metronome All-Stars poll for best male and female vocal positions, Nat King Cole & June Christy recorded the extremely rare Columbia Records 78 rpm, "Nat Meets June," their only record together, this duet is more blues than jazz, making this a rare performance of 2 west coast jazz titans indeed. Capitol Records was probably more than pissed at having 2 of their top acts recording a hot single for a rival label, but Columbia had the winners poll contract with Metronome.

[@iosephus]

I first fell in love with her voice, now that I can see her i terribly regret not having been born before to see her singing live.

[@carolmclean8535]

So wonderful to see !

[@donaldsmith379]

hello carol

[@suemacdonnell9913]

I just read that Mel Torme was around 15yo when he played drums for the Chico Marx band

[@CharloCrossley]

This was very impromtu, and gee, these folks are professional and having some fun! Yeah, Mel could play drums and arrange he hell out of vocals, especially for trios and quartets! Ask me about Mel, I worked with him and he was a hard task master, and great human being and fun to work with! Why are folk so darned critical? Enjoy the music by some great folk who are no longer with us!

[@biancas6330]

This is so very, very cool. I'm so glad I'm discovering this great stuff. Oh, man.

[@floppybollox3]

My America!

[@billboy508]

Three brilliant singers with multi talents .What a treat!!

[@jusplainmark]

This video reminds us what a great pianist Nat was, and what a swinger Mel was on the trap set- killer stuff, man!!! Oh, and the most unsung guitar hero- Oscar Moore!!! WOWSA!!!!

[@kyraleighsdad]

June Christy epitomizes the early fifties "cool jazz chick". Wow!

[@georgsim]

WOW!!! 3 amazing musicians!

[@Toracube]

You are right there!

[@KKD1247]

One of my all-time favorite clips!

[@Aprilhojazz]

just wonderful! Her style inspires me.

[@MarceloCaldi]

Spectacular, amazing........

[@Barnekkid]

That was wonderful! Never knew Mel Torme was an accomplished drummer.

[@pavelham]

oh boy, this takes me back

[@jppontat2995]

NAT was such a great piano player..

[@eyecomeinpeace2707]

Very pretty and talented woman.

[@rememberourmusic53]

What a low standard you have. She might be pretty but she missed her first entrance.

[@robertcraddock4469]

@@rememberourmusic53 it's called interpretation, Her timing is impeccable actually

[@funnyguise]

thank you thank you thank you!!! I had this on VHS when I was in highschool (my friends didn't understand - 80s headbanger, I was) and lost the tape since then. I looked for it here on KZbin a couple years ago and forgot about it... thank you!!!

[@fasbc]

June really had to race! Great stuff!

[@taddyd1]

So moving!

[@CharloCrossley]

Thanks for the comment. I didn't know that June Christy was from Decatur, Illinois. Love Nat Cole so much. Love his One Day That Summer...