Truman Capote Reading His "A Christmas Memory" - Original 1959 Album - Spoken Word

[@scottjohnson6455]

I found this album many years ago at a flea market. I was aware of the story through the 1966 TV version with Geraldine Page but I had never heard this. Before KZbin I had made many CD copies and had given them out. This was one of those "You need to listen to this !" moments. I'm glad people can now hear it at any time through KZbin.

[@jacquelinecampbell9097]

My mother loved this story... I read it to her on the last night of her life here on earth. Her last word uttered was dilapidated (correcting my English) even the hospice nurse said “wow where did that come from”. Mom was always correcting my English...lol 💗)). We now read / listen to this book every Christmas Day. The true meaning of Christmas & pure love. Miss you Mom....Love you!

[@scottjohnson6455]

Thanks for sharing that memory. This story has meant much to many people. A lot of people only associate Capote with his Studio 54 days when he was acting the fool. I always suggest they read this story to understand that he was a great writer.

[@glamdolly30]

@@scottjohnson6455 Amen, there was much more to him than a mere celebrity - he was a truly great writer.

[@dreamsofturtles1828]

What an amazing story, that man could WRITE.

[@shadrach6299]

@@dreamsofturtles1828 Hes my favorite.

[@delso-wk9sq]

I bought my daughter an old hardbound edition of this a few years ago. A favourite here with our rat terriers every christmas. My daughter made a tree topper that captures the likeness of our now passed ratty with angel wings and halo. Of course we called her Queenie. So good to listen to this

[@XX-gy7ue]

THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THINGS EVER WRITTEN AND TO HEAR IT READ BY THIS GENIUS IS AMAZING ! thank you so very much for posting it ! MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄

[@scottjohnson6455]

No problem, I listen to it several times every year.

[@XX-gy7ue]

Scott Johnson , you have a very strong heart ! 🎄🎅 MERRY CHRISTMAS ! 🎆

[@XX-gy7ue]

Scott Johnson , listen - I love you for this wonderful present you've given me and thank you with all my heart - it's so brilliant ! have a marvelous Christmas 🌌🎂 just having a needed drink ( anisette and water ) and a cigarette ! have to stop wailing ! again , have a wonderful Christmas and a fruitcake too !

[@juliacameron254]

This is my favorite story. I’m so grateful that you posted it. I have probably listened to it 300 times. I almost have it memorized. On dark days like today, it’s the only thing that brings me any comfort. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@asdfghk638]

I love 'The Artist's Way'!!!

[@wenonakimbro4241]

This story is one of my long-standing favorites, too, Julia. It's what got me started baking fruitcakes in the wintertime. So happy to finally hear it in Truman's own voice.

[@Somewhereintime22]

When I tell people my favorite author is Truman Capote, they always immediately think of In Cold Blood. Not so at all. It is THIS short story that has captured my heart and created a lifelong fascination with the genius of his writing. I must have been around 10 when I saw the tv version of this story. Truman narrated it and it made such an impression on my young mind…so much so that I thought about it for years although I really couldn’t understand why. I’ve often wondered just what it was that was so touching about this story, and as an adult I think I’ve finally been able to (mostly) put it together…although there remains an element of magic in his writing that truly defies explanation. In my opinion,Truman could paint a picture with prose so touching that it could cut to the heart and touch the soul in a way a that created what I can only characterize as resonance. His character development was so sharply defined that the reader could understand who that person was with a few broad strokes of his pen. The sweet and fragile connection with the childlike old lady who was”funny” and a child who was different because of his mother’s abandonment evokes an instant understanding of how precious this relationship was to both of them. Even more evocative is the way Truman tells this story from the 7 year old child’s point of view…a child left behind..,and a child like any other child who needed love and attention. It’s also letting us see an extremely intelligent child who needed creative projects and an adventures to engage his mind…and an old woman who’s mind was of a child’s but with nothing but love to give and the experiences of her limited world to share. Such a beautiful story of two fragile creatures who floated together above life’s harsher realities through wonder, innocence, and a childlike enthusiasm for life’s small rituals and surprises. I love the visual imagery of the two kites dancing above it all in their own little world of beauty and light. I have now read, watched, or heard this story a number of times in my long life, but it never fails to touch my heart and wring the tears from my eyes. Truman was a genius…and there is no other like him.

[@cindytrayer4279]

Your writing is very beautiful and descriptive.

[@WhenImBackInChicago]

You should consider writing a memoir, Karen Lindsey❣️❤️❤️‍🩹

[@Somewhereintime22]

@@WhenImBackInChicago What a kind thing to say…it means a lot. Thank you ❤️

[@Somewhereintime22]

@@cindytrayer4279 Many thank yous. ❤️

[@WhenImBackInChicago]

@@Somewhereintime22 You're welcome, Karen. 💞 As the other reply stated, too, your words dance together, in a lovely way. 💓 I was reading comments, and ready to doze off to dreamland, when I happened upon yours. 💕 Write, write, write... . ~ Tamara 🌸

[@ginalindsey8404]

First time hearing this story and I was instantly whisked away to my childhood with my grandma and great grandma. It was a beautiful feeling I haven't felt in a very long time. I cherished every moment of it. I'm so very thankful for the chance to hear it in his own voice. Never thought I would cry like this again. It feels wonderful and refreshing.

[@scottjohnson6455]

Very true. I, and many others, have had the same reaction.

[@andrewlipps792]

My first Christmas without my emotional support dog Molly. I miss you dearly Molly. You were a good girl

[@phyllispetras3369]

My Molly lived 19 years.She was a pearl of a girl!

[@DrawtheCurtains]

The only story that's ever made me cry. Long live Capote.

[@XX-gy7ue]

I HOPE WHOEVER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR POSTING THIS IS BLESSED IN EVERY POSSIBLE WAY !!!!!!!!!

[@darrylgolden6426]

I was fortunate enough to see Mr Capote read this story at the Springer Opera House in Columbus, GA. during the late 70's. Mr Capote had relatives in Columbus and he visited them frequently. I got to meet him briefly and speak with him. It's a very fond memory that always comes to mind every holiday season.

[@scottjohnson6455]

Wow, that must have been an experience. I wish I'd had that opportunity.

[@petervincent9261]

A very personal part of my Christmas. So beautiful, delicate, sad but kind and heartwarming.

[@debsalzer2356]

This story makes me cry every single time I read it. It's so beautifully written and reminds me of many things from my own childhood.

[@applezombi4593]

I had no idea he'd done this recording. One of my earliest memories is sitting with my family while my father read this masterpiece out loud to all of us, always tearing up in the last paragraph. This was beautiful. Thank you for posting.

[@scottjohnson6455]

Wow, great story. Too bad no one recorded your Dad's reading.

[@samcisneros7044]

This story is Christmas, not what our society goes through every year. I'm so tired of the buying and spending and the insanity associated with it.

[@vincentjiaqiwu7012]

HAHA jones is great.

[@glamdolly30]

This year will be the first in 13 years without my beloved dog Dolly, who I lost to a sudden cancer in April. The mentions of Queenie are so authentically 'dog', and brought to mind my sweet, funny girl and all the wonderful times we had together. What a moving, bittersweet story, full of profound and beautiful truths. Truman Capote said that it and 'In Cold Blood' were his two best works, and would live on. I think 'A Christmas Memory' is the glittering gem that will give him immortality as a writer. Merry Christmas! Thank you for a very special upload. XXX

[@CompostWatcher]

I'm sorry for the loss of your loved one.

[@glamdolly30]

@@CompostWatcher Thank you, I appreciate that! XXX

[@salvasandoval1073]

Wonderful, thanks for sharing. Can anyone coment on the chamber music at the begining? String quartet probably, thank you.

[@scottjohnson6455]

Yes, it is a string quartet. The original score was written by Irving Joseph specifically for this album. None of the musicians are named.

[@salvasandoval1073]

@@scottjohnson6455 thank you very much for your answer, quite enjoyable music aswell.

[@KAH5371]

I love this so much! Love hearing it read by Mr. Capote. My favorite line in the whole book is, "It's fruitcake weather!" I make fruitcakes because of this story, and they are wonderful! :-) Thank you, Scott Johnson, for posting this here!

[@scottjohnson6455]

Sure, no problem. I bought this album at a flea market about 20 years ago and I listen to it several times every December. A few years ago I bought another copy autographed by Truman Capote and it is a treasured possession.

[@jenpattenaude9421]

@@scottjohnson6455how awesome!!

[@joankorale4967]

“There’s never two of anything” - including this wonderful short story. Thank you, Truman Capote!

[@richardchason]

What a beautiful story, and I couldn't imagine a more engrossing way to hear it than through Capote's own voice. Thank you so much for this upload!

[@scottjohnson6455]

Sure no problem. It's a personal favorite of mine.

[@hell0hkitty]

i think we all had a distant memory of a special friend that made a difference in our life's path.

[@schylarvelez46]

This goes out miss Tuggle my English teacher, I had read the story before but saw it on her computer monitor today and it reminded me of the story.

[@eleni33koro88]

Oh my God, heartbreaking, but wonderful that they had each other🙂. They really needed each other.

[@MotownDan]

My favorite Christmas story.

[@wingatemose1182]

This is by far my favorite Christmas Story ever Truman Capone comes so close to touching the souls of himself and his good friend ,older relative ,Sooks. Teaching us all that even under extreme hardships someone people endure due to poverty and being throwaway people unwanted by ones close family. I was already grown when I first saw Ms Page the actress make everyone love these magnificent caricature Sooks. For All young Americans in public schools this wondrous tell should be reguired reading.

[@terryhorowitz7076]

I really do think this is a masterpiece. Everytime I hear it, it moves me.

[@randiahonig]

My favorite Christmas story. How exquisite to hear Truman read it. I can't stop crying. I grieve for Queenie the same as if she was mine. Thank you for sharing this.

[@eleni33koro88]

I think the 23 thumbs down people must be trolls. Either that or they think Christmas stories should have a happy ending🙄.

[@eleni33koro88]

I love Love LOVE that he called her his friend instead of his cousin🙂. Man, this was the first time I heard this story, and I am still crying, goodness! I got so choked up! Breakfast at Tiffany’s did not do him justice! I had no idea til this story how incredible his writing could be.

[@patriciadagostino7059]

just the best Christmas tale, Good grief, what a brilliant, sensitive, profoundly wonderful writer.

[@scottjohnson6455]

True. Different generations still react the same way to this story.

[@lisaclaire4679]

I heard him read this in the 70’s at WKU’s Van Meter Auditorium. I can’t recall the exact year. My mother gifted his book to me that Christmas. I try to read it aloud every Christmas. It never fails to delight, scare, sadden, and enchant. I’m ever grateful to Truman Capote for this beauty.

[@jazzvictrola7104]

If she had been a child in the 1880's, she would have been in her 40's during the 1920's jazz age with its short skirts and bobbed hair.

[@katrinalowery6861]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I have read this story many times and always hope to see the Geraldine Page version again. But this recording is truly special. I had no idea it existed. I’m so grateful to you.

[@scottjohnson6455]

No problem, I'm happy to do it. I found this album at the flea market about 20 years ago and it's been a cherished possession ever since.

[@lesliegregg7980]

Oh my....i love this so much....i hv always read it aloud....the person who i read to is no longer here.....listening to his brilliance....weeping....in awe

[@Jojo8080daisy]

Got up to walk the dog this gray, blistering, cold Monday November morning...it's fruitcake weather...

[@scottjohnson6455]

I agree. The change of season hits you in the face in the best possible way.

[@moonwillow5]

This is so sweet. It takes me back to my childhood growing up in the rural deep south with kin folks who, like these people, were very resourceful, weren't rich moneywise, but very rich in other ways. I can very much relate to this. Thank you so much for posting. It's beautiful.

[@scottjohnson6455]

Oh, you're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it. In my mind, no Christmas season is complete without listening to this several times. The sickly sweet stories don't matter much to me. Stories like these have some meaning.

[@farmerinthedells]

Just found this story and the several video renditions of it. I watch them over and over. I'm in a somewhat difficult season of my life right now, and find these new friends to be comforting and enchanting.

[@scottjohnson6455]

I understand completely. Hearing this story helped me and I knew it would help others.

[@sunflower-46570]

Me, too. I listen to it often. Hope things are better for you soon.

[@davidlionheart2438]

My God! How beautiful! Especially in Capote's own wonderful voice. To hear this is a gift.

[@phyllispetras3369]

It is widely believed that Mr. Capote wrote to Kill A Mockingbird.Did it to help Harper, a life long friend..

[@Rysanekfan]

What a surprise it was to discover this gem! The story is a favorite and the television production featuring Geraldine Page has resonated with me since I saw it as a boy. It also featured sections of the story read by Capote, his distinctive delivery creating a spell of its own. I’ve been on a long hunt for any recording I could find of the piece in its entirety and here it is! Now I can dream and join those two kites floating toward Heaven...

[@TheSCINRS]

I have this on CD (before that on a cassette tape) and it is a ritual of my Christmas every year (for at least 30 years) to listen to it several times. I love Capote's reading of this lovely story.

[@tammysims5164]

I just found this! Thank you.

[@DanRobSo]

Thank you for posting this! Capote's wonderful recording has been long out of print and it's one of my favorite holiday traditions to listen to it. Now, if we can get a professionally produced enhanced, pristine, digitally remastered uncut color DVD/BluRay of the 1965 television production with Geraldine Page . . . that would be a Christmas present for the ages!

[@scottjohnson6455]

Something to wish for but I've heard the original print/negative of the Geraldine Page version has deteriorated and can't be used. Maybe there's a pristine print in storage somewhere that will turn up.

[@HBLADY]

I couldn't agree more about a restored version of the tv show. As it stands, I happily settle for the blurry one I see here on KZbin.

[@samcisneros7044]

This story is Christmas, not what our society goes through every year. I'm so tired of the buying and spending and the insanity associated with it.

[@Oliviawww164]

Its July but i just had to listen again, thank you for posting this will be added to my Christmas line up along with" A Christmas Carol" with Alistair Sim.

[@scottjohnson6455]

Oh I agree. The Alistair Sim version is the best. I used to only watch that version exclusively but did end up liking the Patrick Stewart version too.

[@ybshadyii4375]

AWESOME AND AMAZING!!! 2024..👏👏👏

[@marymusic8920]

Wonderful writer...before he became Truman Capote... Making his end, even more sad....

[@snookiefarris8510]

Sho wasn't gonna let that old bat buy their buggy! Right on!

[@eleni33koro88]

I thought it was the tree she offered to buy…

[@mp-lz4he]

stunning - sad and funny and exciting and all in the authors own voice - thanks for posting xx

[@Manuel941]

Coming from Scott Simon’ reading

[@tonisylviamallette1601]

my fav story ~so beautifully written

[@elizabethlovesalbert]

Thank you for posting. It’s Christmas Eve and I can’t sleep. It’s perfect

[@toterola451]

My wife and I listen to this every Christmas. Thank you for posting it. ❤️

[@scottjohnson6455]

No problem. It's a personal favorite of mine.

[@dianewhite8950]

Still a wonderful story!

[@troyteague9514]

How simply moving and powerful.

[@cooperhowland7876]

The finest short story I know.

[@Sharpei564]

As a non-English speaker, I got my first encounter with this story on an exam reading comprehension in my middle school, though excerpted and translated to my native language. And at that time it didn’t mean so much to me. But after rereading its original version in my college years, I cannot help sobbing, first time moved to tears by a literature in a foreign language. The ending scene, the kites towards heaven might be indelibly imprinted on my mind.😢

[@scottjohnson6455]

Very true, I agree completely.

[@scottjohnson6455]

After rereading your comment I became very curious. Why was the Japanese translation in your early reading different? Were elements left out or did it have a different feel that you later experienced?

[@Sharpei564]

@@scottjohnson6455 Aha, actually I’m Chinese, and I was reading it only bcz I have to answer questions in examination，so many paragraphs were chopped off, and it only kept the scene where little Truman made fruitcakes with his old friend and puppy kwinee ( I hope that’s the right name) Later I read it in my college years and found it really touching when I learned how others wouldn’t relate to them and they were the only one that could understand each other, and the classic kite-flying scene really moved me to tears.

[@scottjohnson6455]

Sorry for the error in your nationality. Thanks for the response. I'm always curious about how things get translated. I've always thought in some cases something is missing hence the expression "lost in translation". @@Sharpei564

[@Sharpei564]

@@scottjohnson6455 Haha, it doesn’t matter. Really there’s something missing. Like for most atheist Chinese, they won’t relate to the old friend when she said how the Lord was showing. And the sentence in this masterpiece “That things as they are … just what they’ve always seen, was seeing Him” when translated into Chinese, might sound pretty weird due to different ways of speaking. And I’ve read the translated version and found it really loss the huge shaking power conveyed in English context.

[@janicedennie6097]

Such a beautiful gift Truman shared with us! AMAZING

[@cassis124]

A part of every Christmas for me.

[@kevinbergin9971]

For years I only knew his writings from In Cold Blood. During the pandemic I got to read Breakfast at Tiffany's. Now becoming familiar with this story, I want to read more.

[@martha-anastasia]

Other voices, other rooms is my favorite. It was his first book. It's ornately gothic... Again, he is the little boy and Harper Lee makes an appearance as his tomboy pal. I have read everything he ever published... This story is literary perfection.

[@KW-onceuponatime]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I have the album and an old VHS tape of this. Nothing like a good cry on a gray November morning!

[@scottjohnson6455]

No problem. I was overjoyed many years ago when I found this album at the flea market.

[@StevenSeven]

WOW. Just wow. 👍 Thanks for posting this!

[@scottjohnson6455]

My pleasure!

[@shadrach6299]

I’m sorry most people don’t remember the “old days”. Poor people “made do” and tried to make themselves happy and grateful.

[@Tupelo927]

What a lovely treasure! Thank you so very much for sharing this! I'm going to have my little girl listen to it closer to Christmastime. Thank you again, Scott!

[@scottjohnson6455]

Great. She'll love it - everyone does.

[@carlatate7678]

This has always been one of my favourite stories. What a gift.

[@dianewhite8950]

Wonderful story

[@elmccall5580]

Oh my goodness this is beautiful.

[@alexwallace6120]

This is so great and in Truman Capote own words. I have read the short story and I have seen both the original Teleplay with Geraldine Page, and the more recent one with Patty Duke.It is such a sweet memory and a bit sad.the last line is wonderful!

[@martha-anastasia]

It makes me boil, it really does. OMG. Perfection

[@StanfordFan-jn1dp]

Saw Truman with Rex Reed at a Cockettes show then the next day on stage at the SF Film Festival

[@DianeMario-ct9tf]

Heard this for the first time just now. Beautifully written.

[@maryeliason1504]

Loved seeing Geraldine Page acting the dramatuzation

[@S9s9s934]

Beautiful, evocative, heartbreaking.

[@tettazwo9865]

Thank you for making this available!

[@Hola-fz7jq]

Incredible reading in English...!!! ❤🇬🇧

[@barbarabarbieri2195]

I have always loved this wonderful, touching tale, and it's a pleasure to hear the writer read it. Thank you for posting it!

[@scottjohnson6455]

Absolutely, I'm ready for my first listen of the season.

[@yormosi-6251]

Legendary

[@roigrose5045]

Reading starts at 1:50

[@phyllispetras3369]

Settle down,RG!!!

[@poetcomic1]

No one ever told Capote but they seriously lowered his voice on the narration. As high pitched as it is that may be hard to believe! A jr. high teacher turned me on to this little gem of a story.

[@phyllispetras3369]

I'm not crying, YOU are!

[@schylarvelez46]

NOOOO YOU ARE!

[@phyllispetras3369]

@@schylarvelez46 !!!!!!!!!

[@alishanicole3887]

Capote is a once in two generation writer. His imagery and use of figurative language is amazing. So sad he had such a difficult life.

[@lesliegregg7980]

I love the deep southrrn aspect...he actually says " chile" twice...heart break

[@williamenright3238]

I probably listen to this at least 5 times between Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. Today is the day after Christmas and I just had to listen to it one more time. It has become a Christmas season staple for me. Thanks for posting.

[@joenperkins2138]

Love this memory so much. Makes my Christmas a happy one.

[@socorromedrano7399]

I'read that story multiple times, one of my favorite books. Every time I needed to size down, kept that book. 2 years ago i size down to 2 suitcases, forced to depart from my beloved book. Tonight after listened to the audio, I've order it from thrifty books. Nov. 27 /22 1:30 A. M ❤️

[@scottjohnson6455]

Well rewarded. As good a read as it is a listen.

[@t.k3025]

Gorgeous wording.

[@martha-anastasia]

Perfection

[@rachelmckinney6967]

I did not know until this minute if this even existed. I love this story and I love it even more now because I'm hearing him rated. Thank you for my Christmas gift.

[@scottjohnson6455]

I agree fully. Enjoy.

[@CompostWatcher]

@@scottjohnson6455 Thank you, Scott. I agree with Rachel. I never knew this existed until hearing it today. It is so beautiful.

[@Putaspellonyou]

why do i envision philip seymour hoffman reading this? either way, wondeful story. capote chose every word perfectly...

[@edwardlasky2763]

Just beautiful.

[@aprilmorgan5271]

Thank you for posting this..,it has always been one of my favorites at Christmastime...I liked the movie too Geraldine Page was stellar in that role in my humble opinion anyway thank you so much again and have a safe wonderful Christmas

[@scottjohnson6455]

I agree. I wish someone would find the original print of the Geraldine Page version and make a legitimate reissue. The versions on KZbin were all taped off of TV and the quality is pretty poor. The Patty Duke version deviates so much from the original story it's unwatchable.

[@aprilmorgan5271]

I will do some hunting for it I would like to purchase both this and the Thanksgiving Visitor,.,if I come across a good copy of this I will send it to you :)

[@DanRobSo]

I think you mean Patty Duke.

[@scottjohnson6455]

You're right. It was so bad I couldn't even remember who was in it

[@lawrencegbailey5212]

@@scottjohnson6455 YES!!!

[@bartholomewsorrentino9013]

Thank you Truman.

[@XX-gy7ue]

DEAR GOD !

[@mariafernandez5087]

PRICELESS!!!!!

[@yvonneparizo348]

Love this story!

[@michaeloleary1867]

Beautiful!

[@natashahilderbrandrealtora5498]

love it!!

[@CJbrieflittlecandle]

You should make playlists for your channel to help people find the content they’re interested in

[@toejamfart]

whats the name of the songs being played?

[@scottjohnson6455]

The song titles aren't identified but the music was written by Irving Joseph specifically for this album.

[@pranavinissan]

Thank you

[@scottjohnson6455]

I'm curious. How are you familiar with this story?

[@leed.edwards3343]

I wish I'd had a copy of this when I taught this story to my 9th graders.

[@scottjohnson6455]

9th grade is a very faded memory for me. I doubt I would have given it the proper appreciation at that time. Fortunately greatness becomes more evident as time passes.