Ray Stevens - About "Misty" and Live Performance

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Clyde Records Inc.
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[@BillSU77]

I've heard several renditions of this song. This one takes the brass ring. Ray Stevens brings a liveliness to it - so glad they were fooling around with it in the studio taking a break. Wow what an arrangement. Thank you Ray Stevens for making a great accident and created for us a great song and you a great song and a Grammy.

[@DonOnAMeme]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nprOpIyaidZ6eLcsi=IVHMbxjbuHdTmu2w The greatest pure Jazz cover.

[@gailgreenwood6650]

Wonderful memories of 1975 xx Thank you xxx ❤❤

[@roneagle8038]

So an accidental arrangement is recorded, and wins a Grammy. Real talent shines through! It it was not just the talent and genius of Ray Stevens, it was the talent and dedication to the music of the artists he surrounded himself with. Hard work, dedication to the art, and long practice, does indeed shine through. Thank you Ray!

[@SublimeStuff]

I worked as a DJ on BBC radio stations when this record was released. It was the only time in my life that the program director told me to stop!!! playing that (expletive) record every day. He banned it for a month. Years I still love it - but where is that program director today? Thanks Ray.

[@lestorhaslam7635]

Typical B.B.C. I neither watch nor listen to it anymore. Lol! Gosh, how I miss Sarah "Bunty" Kennedy, Sir Terry Wogan, Tony Blackburn, and, of course the wonderful Brian Mathew. Happy days.

[@paulanderson7796]

@@lestorhaslam7635 The British Propaganda Machine.

[@MrRatherino]

@@paulanderson7796 lol..but I believe it was long over tor the bathless boys when this gem was relieased?

[@jamesgeiger4795]

I remember hearing this on the radio back in the 70s and thinking "cool song but, the melody sounds a little like Misty". Then one day years later I listened closer and realized, hell..it is Misty.

[@thesailjunkie]

The absolute, hands-down BEST cover of this song...PERIOD! And Ray Stevens is a musical genius.

[@marthaabrahamson6813]

My favorite of all times

[@raystevens5829]

Thank you for choosing my music I hope you don't stop listening to my music

[@traviscoonrod185]

Good song, good arrangement and good performance by a good performer! I love that fiddle and steel!

[@Dragon-Lady]

I love this song so much. Ray's version is just beautiful.

[@SL-qu8xt]

Takes me back to my days working at the Country Giant, WWCM, Brazil Indiana- great times, great guys and great tunes

[@josephinewells2788]

This is how greatness is done.. I love this song!!❤

[@laurice8056]

Well maybe I’m just a little bit country, because I’m Loving this upbeat, foot stomping rendition of one of my favorite songs!😍 🎵

[@mysticmaverick1]

Fantastic performance Ray!

[@sauquoit13456]

On this day in 1975 {April 20th} Ray Stevens' covered version of "Misty" entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #81; eleven weeks later on July 6th, 1975 it would peak at #14 {for 2 weeks} and spent 16 weeks on the Top 100... It reached #3 on June 1st, 1975 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart... In the United Kingdom it peaked at #2 and also reached #2 on the Canadian RPM Country chart... Mr. Stevens, born Harold Ray Ragsdale, will celebrate his 77th birthday come next January 24th {2016}...

[@wayne6406]

Can never understand why it didn’t get to Number 1 in the u.k.

[@johnrussell6602]

Outstanding! May you have more "accidents," Ray! Beautiful rendition!

[@motorcop02]

I agree with Marv Nave: who is that angel playing fiddle and singin' like an Angel?!

[@paulanderson7796]

I remember covering this in 1991 with band I was depping with on bass. It's a really cool song - I only knew the original in F major. This arrangement here has been worked on and i like it. She is a sensational fiddle player and the vocal harmonies are clever and complex. This is the way to cover your own cover. Brilliant.

[@45dgwatson]

One of my favorite songs.Period!

[@winterlandboy]

I can’t stand country but this was an incredible arrangement of a great old Johnny Mathis song and deserved the Grammy so much.Hes a great talent!

[@archiecampbell2355]

Is,Ray Stevens stell liveing.I heard that he pass away when he was in the hospital.

[@christophercasey6775]

He's still alive

[@henaretahata3799]

@@archiecampbell2355 Have U got U’r head back out of your Bum over the past year.

[@nbtx920]

My Dad was a fan, I am a also fan and thoroughly enjoyed your show in Branson. Branson sure has grown since I was a kid on vacation growing up in Missouri, enjoying my home state.

[@gillianslattery1765]

The Ray Stevens version of Misty just cheers my soul every time I hear it. Its joyous 😊 😄

[@timwilliams9443]

Ray Stevens is one of the best singer/ musicians around please enjoy his antics and his songs R T W

[@charlesaguilar1708]

Ah ha! So for Ray Stevens this song was an "experiment". PRETTY COOL RAY!

[@CVA33]

My future wife and I selected Misty, by Johnny Mathis as "Our Song" The back in the days I heard this cut by Ray Stevens and couldn't get it out of my mind. All the feeling is still there and the new spin he put on it is fantastic. I have been a Stevens fan since Ahab and A hermit named Dave.

[@harrisonpicot1236]

Great story, greater arrangement. Thanks Ray.

[@MyJerseybean]

I have always loved this Song , and first heard it sung by Jonnie Matthis, UNTIL I heard the ' Turbo ' Country version by Ray Stevens, WOW ! I loved it even more , and I believe it was made by session players on the spot ! What a Record .

[@garyharris1932]

Yes, studio musicians earn their pay. Those that come up with something like this is astounding.

[@darrenthornton8299]

He actually recorded this with his road band. That was rare for him. Judging from the album credits, he recorded the B-side, an original composition called Sunshine, at the same time. Regardless, both songs list the same musicians. The other songs list different musicians. All of them were very talented.

[@schmidtrock1910]

Why is this guy not popular he's fantastic he's funny he's got talent and I mean I have. Now idea of why no one would want to play this all the time

[@skipdow3]

Ray was trained at Julliard , the best music school in the country. He plays beautiful classical music, but couldn't make a living at it. So , he's made a good living writing, and singing all the crazy songs he's done over the years. Elton John had the same thing happen. He was trained at some of Britain's finest schools, but got rich playing rock and roll- go figure. His main popularity seemed to be in the 60's , and 70's. I lived in Nashville at the time, and his stuff was on the radio all the time. He's really a nice man.

[@chrispritchett2946]

Ray IS popular! His height of fame was in the 60's and 70's, He had a weekly television show in the 70's, numerous hits. The Streak was number one for weeks in the 70's. . Hes an older guy but certainly not a has been. I am 59 years old, i grew up with his hits.

[@skipdow3]

I would agree 100 %. I grew up in Nashville , and Middle Tennessee, when he was getting started. He played a good bit as a studio musician. ( He's listed as a "clapper," on Sugar, Sugar, by the Archies. Many folks don't realize that the Archies was a group of studio musicians, that came up with this song. If you don't know what a clapper is, listen to the song.

[@Armond2013]

He is in his 80's! He was an extremely popular performer in his day.

[@maxwellfan55]

Amazed to hear from Ray himself this big grinning stomper was a 'chance' 2-take studio recording. I've always regarded it as THE perfect, smartest country-pop-hillbilly whatever-have-you song. I love it, the arrangement, the vocal, the melody, the fiddle, the steel, and the banjo... of course, it has it all. I love it, I could easily listen to this every day, it's there, unmovable in my top ten of all time greats! It's the ultra-safe happy pill and proves literally ANY song is up for ANY arrangement. To top it all I can now play it just fine on my fabulous Deering 6 string, sounds good too, but that's all thanks to Ray and the band.

[@skipdow3]

Ray's been around a long time. He was VERY talented to start with. What folks don't realize in many cases, was that until he came up with the silly, and goofy songs he's known for, he wasn't making big bucks. Early on, he was hired to play a wide variety of instruments , for other artists. He has much technical ( behind the scene ) knowledge. If you read the liner notes, you will find him everywhere in Country, and pop music. I even saw him billed as "the clapper" on a Nashville song of years ago .the song, composed by a group of sidemen, made up the fictional band known as the ARCHIES. The song was the original " Sugar, Sugar. Seems odd now, But Ray Stevens was a clapper on that song. Listen to it, and you'll see.

[@Jono2905]

I've loved this song for 30 or 40 years. Has it really been that long?

[@williammclauchlan2610]

Summer of '75,this song has the memories flooding back...

[@lavedadenier5158]

This is much better than the original he recorded. His voice has so much more depth. Could listen all day.

[@judithcole6553]

My favorite all time song. Ever. Thank you Ray Stevens.

[@Natedogg406]

My favorite Ray Stevens song this and Everything is Beautiful

[@gaian2000]

My sister worked for Ray Stevens (Ragland) for 10 years. He is a very talented songwriter, singer and pianist.

[@jackiewilburn3063]

Growing up this was one of my favorite songs. It's always been a dream to be up on that stage playing in Ray's band!

[@saintsamaritan]

Listen to Ray's piano playing when the "steel" starts to play! Right?

[@kerryg.]

Absolutely beautiful. 💞💞💞💞 💃

[@raystevens5829]

Kerry thank you so much how long have you been my fan?

[@deanshulze931]

Fantastic performance.

[@marthaabrahamson6813]

Great and my favorite Ray Do again with others

[@n.3437]

What a daredevil. I've been hearing this song for years on end now. I'm always enjoying it, again and again. Cheers, Nikolaus

[@ericarey64]

here march 2020 and remember this very well in the 70s. Go MISSSSSTYY

[@dennyshonda]

Early 60's sackin' groceries at the A&P for ray's sister and Mom. His last name is Ragsdale. Love his music. Loved those times.

[@thebiggerbyte5991]

This was the version I grew up with and believed it was the original for many years, only hearing of Errol Garner years later. A perfect fit, and a superb rendition - thanks, Ray!

[@daveinespania]

My all time Favourite song in the best Version

[@wow-bc1it]

Buddy, it rocks. There was a Ray Stevens advertisement commercial on television in the 80's. My dad would point to the tv and tell my mom, "I'm telling you, that guy can sing!" What's funny is I found this after looking up the songs listed in the new Bob Dylan song. And this version is seriously no joke. It's better than Waylon and Willie. Ray, it you're out there, thanks for this legendary tune.

[@adrianwort]

first heard this when i was a kid, i am a huge hard rock fan, but nothing I have ever heard can beat this, my favourite track ever, such a talented guy,

[@charlesaguilar1708]

Adrian W Cool! I first heard this version by RS on my neighbors Wurlittzer 45 jukebox! He had a lot of great songs in it!

[@pamhospodarsky6129]

This is one never to forget.............

[@raystevens5829]

Thank you so much how long have you been my fan?

[@delord1619]

Hey, even Spike Jones and the City Slickers had their serious moments, but I've always loved this song.

[@pjbrown4775]

Ray's great but I would've bought a ticket just to see NANCY HENSON DWYER 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 wow!

[@carpediem4887]

Yes!

[@treecounting]

AMEN !!! Beautiful and talented woman !!

[@daveconleyportfolio5192]

You don't have to take yourself seriously to be a serious musician. Ray Stevens had the voice and instrumental skills to be as big as he wanted to be, but he settled for being loved by everyone he ever entertained.

[@phillecompte3438]

You just gotta love those amazing musicians he uses in his recordings .That's a whole lot of talent right there .

[@italosaini1442]

Amazing!Great!

[@fergusof]

Damn, that man is talented! I prefer the recorded one, but this is good, too, and shows he hasn't lost his voice, particularly on the falsettos.

[@karenwilkerson582]

My very favorite version of this great song!!! Love love Ray and his Misty ❤️❤️

[@mikezapfe430]

Amazing artist. Along with Glenn Campbell

[@thomasnorman9723]

Best version of this song.....this recording artist is talented

[@McSynth]

Just so beautiful. What an incredible talent.

[@nelsonmoraes5272]

Linda música! sensacional ! A cara de filmes faroeste! Voltei no tempo !incrível!🎶🎵🎶

[@raystevens5829]

Thank for your support and love where are you from?

[@squattingpigeon684]

whooo!

[@mycreativefreedom]

Thank you for uploading. I was looking for this version the other day. Used to visit my grandparents who lived on the lake, during the summer as a kid. I'd stick this in the VCR in their bedroom, (only VCR in the house) and blast it over and over and over because I was in love with a girl named Rachel... who also loved aliens. :p

[@MrRatherino]

o rockin' it..and looks like he's still with us..God Bless dear man..so talented..truly..

[@joecool8674]

great !

[@ChuckNorris-ku7hf]

Love this

[@TallPaulInKy]

The whole Branson Concert this excerpt came from, needs to be issued on DVD. It was issued on two VHS tapes.

[@ajones747]

he's really enjoying it - best version too!

[@Antonnob]

thanks

[@paulanderson7796]

Steel player doesn't look too thrilled to be there. Not that it compromises his playing. Fiddle player is stunning with great BVs as well. She is lovely.

[@maconwills4009]

My Grandparents had this on a VHS along with the other great songs. (The streak was my favorite as a kiddo)

[@brianbenfield820]

Masterful!

[@McSynth]

Superb.

[@ogam5]

.....not sure how long you;ve been doing this arrangement, Ray - incorporating Johnny's tempo, tone for a stretch - but, makes one KILLER bluegrass classic, even MORE affecting......BRAVO, sir!

[@mickflynn9130]

Wow!

[@cuptainmarr-ell4569]

Beautiful.....

[@raystevens5829]

Cuptain Thank you for your support and love 💕 how long have you been my fan?

[@cuptainmarr-ell4569]

Just about 2 years….but your cover is one that lifts my brain love of rhythm and sound….

[@raystevens5829]

@@cuptainmarr-ell4569 I'm so honored to have you as my fan Sonshine, have you been to any of my concert?

[@yvjonne]

Loving it

[@raystevens5829]

Fred thank you so much for your love and support how long have you been my fan?

[@yvjonne]

@@raystevens5829 Hi Ray i grew up with country music and Misty is a part of it i’m 44 years old so you know how it feels when you hear the song in one word Happy, thanks again by the way i’m from the Netherlands

[@raystevens5829]

@@yvjonne I'm so honored to have you as my fan Sonshine, have you been to any of my concert before?

[@sandymartinez4075]

Great Stuff!!

[@raystevens5829]

Sandy thank you so much where are you from?

[@rochaeliasbr]

Em 1975, ouvi pela primeira vez no programa Poder da Mensagem do saudoso Hélio Ribeiro, e claro amei essa voz, esse arranjo maravilhoso, que saudade, dos bons tempos.

[@jesternario]

One of the better renditions of the song I've heard.

[@allengamboa5520]

Love this song!

[@erichmello]

Absolutamente sensacional! !!!

[@myrnarobinson4914]

I fell in love with the song the 1st time I heard it and I just heard this new arrangement and I even love it more the way you perform it it's absolutely beautiful and I love singing it and I get so happy when I perform this song it's a beautiful song lovely arrangement I love everything about it...... It might have been an accident but it was a beautiful accident and I'm glad that you released it ...... It's a beautiful simple song that means so much.... I will never get tired hearing it and I especially love your performance of it

[@bobroberson9286]

It gets a Grammy every time I hear it ⚡

[@amberglow5778]

Brilliant!

[@jeffreysklute2628]

God I used to love this!

[@amberglow5778]

Where is truth? He said it. This one... Real classic!

[@ashleylynne3005]

JUST FANTASTIC

[@JerriBerriBoBerri]

Nailed it!👍❤

[@raystevens5829]

Geraldine thank you for choosing my music I hope you don't stop listening to my music

[@RadneyPennington]

Love it Ray, Post your full show that you did in Branson. If you can!

[@kithurasmith9517]

can't get enough of it! my favorite song and the best arrangement!! thanks for posting, hello from Norway!!

[@GameparkGames]

Have the VHS of your live performance, it was a fun watch, keep up the awesome work Ray :)

[@godimlarge]

Always been one of my favorite songs

[@Connie1Fan]

Just WOW 😍❤❤❤❤😘❤

[@omarjhernandezv]

Wow! Excelente cantante y gran exponente de la musica country además tremenda canción...Saludos desde San José Barquisimeto Venezuela...!

[@MrCgon3188]

Wonderful

[@C6H12B26]

Later, in 1981 the famous Shadows recorded this version as an instrumental in their album "Hits right up your street " : kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIXJaZ-ar7Nsmbs Well, the lead guitarist Hank B. Marvin was a banjo player ... Great thanks ! Superb ! All the best ...

[@backroads6695]

Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Gee-kb2pv]

Brilliant 👍

[@TerrieLReed]

5 standing ovationd

[@JerriBerriBoBerri]

Garner then Mathis own Misty but Ray owns renting it just like this awesome rendition. I play all three consecutive.

[@ChrisTobinSingerGuitarist]

Love it!

[@LEONAR123]

Que agradable es encontrar una pieza que hace muchísimo no se escuchaba en este caso fueron 38 años (1975 - 2013)