Simple songs with simple lyrics but so well interpreted by a Great performer- he was unique in his presentation! If only we had a few of the Great crooners to sing to us today - we need their real talent to show the Wanabees how it's done - just a Mic, a stage and no lavish, often sex related trappings.. RIP J.Ray. N.
A totally unique singing style and a voice that was outstanding. So much emotion. Frankie Laine, had an unusual way of pronouncing words and using different timbres in his voice to put the words across. Frankie made it into his 90's. It is sad that Johnny's career had so many ups and downs, and that his drinking got out of control that killed him when he could still sing and perform for us. What an amazing performer, gone too soon!!!!!
Johnnie Ray is one of the all-time greatest, first male performer early 50's to let it rip and fuse rock & soul with jazz in his own original way plus wrote many of his classic hits, clearly this uniquely original genius deserves induction to "Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame!
***** Thank you & see we share same excellent taste...check out my Amazon reviews of Johnnie Ray's Bear Family CD Box Sets, they are phenomenal masterpiece collections! Enjoy the music...
Johnny Ray was almost totally deaf in one ear as a result of a childhood accident ,he was also part american blackfoot indian ,my dad seen one of his last shows in Australia in the late 80 s and got to shake his hand ,greatly under rated .
I know my grandfather loved Johnnie Ray, especially "Cry." He was only 7 years older than Johnnie and the music was a little "after his time" but it is easy to see why he loved this guy and his music. Truly great!
This was recorded at The Manchester Palace in March 1984 during Johnnie's UK tour. It was shown on BBC1 in January 1985. The show was Roy Hudd's ''Hall Of Fame'' and visited a different theatre each week. Also on this bill was Vince Hill, Marti Webb, Anita Harris and Leslie Sarony, and a few others. I have the full show taped at the time it was shown. I saw Johnnie 5 times during that tour. He also made about 5 more various TV appearances.
I don't know why, but I had this song on my mind today, and thought I'd look for it on you tube. It was always a favourite from when I was a kid and my big sis Lynne played it on the family record player. I was 7 or 8 I suppose, but I never forgot those opening lines, classic song and a classic voice. I'm nearly 64 now, and I've had my own professional career as a singer for the past 45 years and I'm still going here in Cornwall, and this was definitely a song that inspired that career though I've never covered it, it's so perfect for that voice. It also reminds me of my much missed big sister who passed away a few years back. Bet she's listening to it somewhere! ...hope so! I played the palace theatre Manchester myself in 82 in Jesus Christ Superstar, and that's where I met my wife who was the production secretary there... I never knew Johnny played there though, I'd have tried to have seen that definitely!
Hey folks, Johnnie Ray was a sensation throughout the decade of the 1950s, and he continued to thrill audiences for decades to come. He was truly a class act, and his sexuality had absolutely nothing to do with his great performances. Best wishes, Dave Wile
Hey Super, Gal? What makes you feel compelled to refer to Ray as a gal? Does it somehow make you feel better about yourself for some unknown reason? Johnnie Ray was a talented singer, musician, and entertainer, but he was not a gal. It is a shame you are unable to see beyond your prejudices. Dave Wile
Amazing how Johnny circumnavigated his deafness and still managed to sing in tune. I saw him with a hearing aid in early iconic appearances. I can only assume that hearing aid technology advanced to such a degree that Johnny could sustain a career as a singer throughout the years?
DID YOU KNOW THAT JOHNNIE WAS HEARING IMPAIRED? HE WAS AT THE BEACH AND FRIENDS THRU HIM UP IN THE AIR TO CATCH HIM IN A BLANKET AND THE BLANKET TORE IN HALF AND HE HIT THE GROUND , AND LOST SOME OF HIS HEARING . I WAS A BIG JOHNNIE RAY FAN IN THE 50'S AND STILL AM, AND HE WAS A BIG STAR HERE IN THIS COUNTRY . AS THE YEARS PROGRESSED HE BECAME HUGH STAR IN ENGLAND. CRY WAS A BIG HIT FOR HIM . NOT BAD FOR A HEARING IMPAIRED MAN , RIGHT ? HE DIED IN 1990 FROM DRUGS .CRY, MADE A LOT OF MEN CRY , EVEN NOW LOOKING BACK ON LIFE AND REMEMBERING NOW!! ............................JOHN
There's one Jack Benny show with Johnnie Ray as a guest star. It was aired live once and hardly ever rerun. I saw it once on the Jewish Cable Network so I know it still exists.
My mum had earrings with his picture in I was brought up on Johnnie ray guy Mitchell and elvis with a bit of tommy Steele thrown in for good measure. I have her vinyl and I still play them now and I'm 62 now.. she schooled me well my mum
saw him live in 1951 or 52 at old capital theater in dc-after the show backstage the girls tried to rip off his shirt and he threw his tie to them-I was only 14 then like many of the girls-we didn't know he was gay until later but that would no matter-he sounds just as good gay or not
Johnie Came to Norwich around 1956 and made a lot of hearts flutter especially yours Janet D. Remember ? Then you went and saw Stanley Kenton. and the drummer asked you to hold a sandwich whilst he signed his autograph fo you.. So long ago.
Singing it live in front of an audience is one thing, but at least bring in the Four Lads to make it original cause it doesn't sound the same. My dad once told me about him that normally he'll cry when he is singing his numbers. And usually he'll tremble when he sings and his words mumble like he's got something in his mouth. Somehow I think he may have had a stroke once or twice in his singing career. We use to have a couple of his songs on 33's a long time ago. Walking In The Rain was one, The Little White Cloud That Cried was the other.
Yes Johnny was gay. He was entrapped twice by American police. Fined once and found not guilty on the second...Thank god things have changed for guys like him...a bit. I bet you were pleased it was an Air Force guy he was kissing and not navy! Wow what a real blow that would have been for a farm boy.
Wish I could have seen him in concert. He was GOOD!
I agree….great artist
I saw him in Vegas in mid 80's ... hooted & hollered ... after giving such a heartfelt performance.
Out performs the Universe!!!
He sang with his heart.
Simple songs with simple lyrics but so well interpreted by a Great performer- he was unique in his presentation! If only we had a few of the Great crooners to sing to us today - we need their real talent to show the Wanabees how it's done - just a Mic, a stage and no lavish, often sex related trappings.. RIP J.Ray. N.
Such great talent singing with great emotion. Love it. 🎶❤️
Bobby Darin did ''Once Upon a Time' with verse: "The world was sweeter then than we knew"....how true is that?
The first blue-eyed soul singer. Lots of emotion in every song he sang.
A totally unique singing style and a voice that was outstanding. So much emotion. Frankie Laine, had an unusual way of pronouncing words and using different timbres in his voice to put the words across. Frankie made it into his 90's. It is sad that Johnny's career had so many ups and downs, and that his drinking got out of control that killed him when he could still sing and perform for us. What an amazing performer, gone too soon!!!!!
Johnnie Ray is one of the all-time greatest, first male performer early 50's to let it rip and fuse rock & soul with jazz in his own original way plus wrote many of his classic hits, clearly this uniquely original genius deserves induction to "Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame!
***** Thank you & see we share same excellent taste...check out my Amazon reviews of Johnnie Ray's Bear Family CD Box Sets, they are phenomenal masterpiece collections! Enjoy the music...
Johnny Ray was almost totally deaf in one ear as a result of a childhood accident ,he was also part american blackfoot indian ,my dad seen one of his last shows in Australia in the late 80 s and got to shake his hand ,greatly under rated .
Amazing singer GREAT entertainer
I know my grandfather loved Johnnie Ray, especially "Cry." He was only 7 years older than Johnnie and the music was a little "after his time" but it is easy to see why he loved this guy and his music. Truly great!
Grew up with the great songs of the fifties. Sure do miss them.
He did sing with passion 👌
Johnny was the first singer to stand at a mike and move his hands about with emotion.years before Elvis.
I am a huge Elvis fan and I think Elvis owed a lot to Johnnie…
Even though I was very young I remember both these songs, My dearly departed Mum liked the song "Cry" more.
Liana1952 so did my mum RIP ❤ grew up listening to this music amazing xx
Liana 1952 same same my mother (passed 3 days ago) loved Johnnie Ray and "Cry" will play it at her funeral
Two songs, two boxes of tissues, 😭😭😭
He delivered , amazing singer
This was recorded at The Manchester Palace in March 1984 during Johnnie's UK tour. It was shown on BBC1 in January 1985. The show was Roy Hudd's ''Hall Of Fame'' and visited a different theatre each week. Also on this bill was Vince Hill, Marti Webb, Anita Harris and Leslie Sarony, and a few others. I have the full show taped at the time it was shown. I saw Johnnie 5 times during that tour. He also made about 5 more various TV appearances.
Brings back happy memories!Saw Johnnie over 100 timesRIP JOHNNIE
Joanne you are one lucky PERSON loved Johnnie Ray first heard him 1956 LOVED HIM EVER since
No BS!!! Pure unadulterated talent and originality!!!
Some time ago there was a documentary about Johnny Ray which was brilliant . Does anybody know if it is still around ?
I don't know why, but I had this song on my mind today, and thought I'd look for it on you tube. It was always a favourite from when I was a kid and my big sis Lynne played it on the family record player. I was 7 or 8 I suppose, but I never forgot those opening lines, classic song and a classic voice. I'm nearly 64 now, and I've had my own professional career as a singer for the past 45 years and I'm still going here in Cornwall, and this was definitely a song that inspired that career though I've never covered it, it's so perfect for that voice. It also reminds me of my much missed big sister who passed away a few years back. Bet she's listening to it somewhere! ...hope so! I played the palace theatre Manchester myself in 82 in Jesus Christ Superstar, and that's where I met my wife who was the production secretary there... I never knew Johnny played there though, I'd have tried to have seen that definitely!
I was referring to Cry....
One of best ever. I had all his records. Thanks for posting this.
Hey folks, Johnnie Ray was a sensation throughout the decade of the 1950s, and he continued to thrill audiences for decades to come. He was truly a class act, and his sexuality had absolutely nothing to do with his great performances. Best wishes, Dave Wile
That Gal could sing !
Hey Super,
Gal? What makes you feel compelled to refer to Ray as a gal? Does it somehow make you feel better about yourself for some unknown reason? Johnnie Ray was a talented singer, musician, and entertainer, but he was not a gal. It is a shame you are unable to see beyond your prejudices.
Dave Wile
The Devil made me do it . Soz .
Indeed - but imagine the outcry if Mr Average (in those days) knew...
@@lesreed7943 It affected his career in the U.S. but they loved him in Britain and Australia.
My Mom played this all the time I love this song It may be old but it I still like to hear it
The fact that he was essentially deaf in his later years makes his later performances especially remarkable.
He was deaf at a very early age and that is why he was so animated in his music.
Amazing how Johnny circumnavigated his deafness and still managed to sing in tune. I saw him with a hearing aid in early iconic appearances. I can only assume that hearing aid technology advanced to such a degree that Johnny could sustain a career as a singer throughout the years?
My fav since 1956, Thanks Johnny will live forever..........
Yes I remember him well one on his own and he was well liked I used to have some of his records very different but still liked his work . Dee
one of my favorite song from many years ago.......
DID YOU KNOW THAT JOHNNIE WAS HEARING IMPAIRED? HE WAS AT THE BEACH AND FRIENDS THRU HIM UP IN THE AIR TO CATCH HIM IN A BLANKET AND THE BLANKET TORE IN HALF AND HE HIT THE GROUND , AND LOST SOME OF HIS HEARING . I WAS A BIG JOHNNIE RAY FAN IN THE 50'S AND STILL AM, AND HE WAS A BIG STAR HERE IN THIS COUNTRY . AS THE YEARS PROGRESSED HE BECAME HUGH STAR IN ENGLAND. CRY WAS A BIG HIT FOR HIM . NOT BAD FOR A HEARING IMPAIRED MAN , RIGHT ? HE DIED IN 1990 FROM DRUGS .CRY, MADE A LOT OF MEN CRY , EVEN NOW LOOKING BACK ON LIFE AND REMEMBERING NOW!! ............................JOHN
There's one Jack Benny show with Johnnie Ray as a guest star. It was aired live once and hardly ever rerun. I saw it once on the Jewish Cable Network so I know it still exists.
I live in that town and I remember my mother taking me to a free concert at the church that he had attended.
he was amazing
placed little white cloud a few months at my mum funeral x
I just loved these songs when I was a kid"" They dont seem quit the same.
Awesome singer !!!!
I love him
Very good 😊.
All brilliant stuff The start of it all.
Clive Kavulok
Great, great, great!
I do remember this dude wow was he ever great. I liked him them and now. I love RUclips.
Gay or not, it matters not for he was a true and unique entertainer and he brought much joy into a sad, sad world following WW2. Bless him! Norman.
he is older here. but still a good song. its like ray is singing his anthem
love this
All of the truly 'greats' are gone much too soon......left no replacements.....all efforts to copy fall very short.........
'Good old Johnny Ray'🎶
out of the past great bsinger
2 of my favs.. thanks friend.
My mum had earrings with his picture in I was brought up on Johnnie ray guy Mitchell and elvis with a bit of tommy Steele thrown in for good measure. I have her vinyl and I still play them now and I'm 62 now.. she schooled me well my mum
I love to all stars back then
True
saw him live in 1951 or 52 at old capital theater in dc-after the show backstage the girls tried to rip off his shirt and he threw his tie to them-I was only 14 then like many of the girls-we didn't know he was gay until later but that would no matter-he sounds just as good gay or not
roy orbison does a great version of 'cry'.
I'm a huge fan of Roy Orbison, but I've never heard his cover. I'm going to look for it!
that's a different song... Roy does "crying".. .not "cry"
Johnie Came to Norwich around 1956 and made a lot of hearts flutter especially yours Janet D. Remember ?
Then you went and saw Stanley Kenton. and the drummer asked you to hold a sandwich whilst he signed his autograph fo you.. So long ago.
what a loss drank himself to death .
Singing it live in front of an audience is one thing, but at least bring in the Four Lads to make it original cause it doesn't sound the same. My dad once told me about him that normally he'll cry when he is singing his numbers. And usually he'll tremble when he sings and his words mumble like he's got something in his mouth. Somehow I think he may have had a stroke once or twice in his singing career. We use to have a couple of his songs on 33's a long time ago. Walking In The Rain was one, The Little White Cloud That Cried was the other.
Yes Johnny was gay. He was entrapped twice by American police. Fined once and found not guilty on the second...Thank god things have changed for guys like him...a bit. I bet you were pleased it was an Air Force guy he was kissing and not navy! Wow what a real blow that would have been for a farm boy.
schmaltz.
not my cup of matzoh ball soup.
Yeah. And you could have just fucking kept your mouth shut.
If anyone didn't know this man was gay, you could tell just by looking at this performance. He acts and looks like Judy Garland in a pants suit.
Johnnie and Judy were great friends, he opened for her on her final tour and was best man at her wedding to Micky Deans