Customer Reviews

16 Most Requested Songs

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
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Okay, this isn't as much of a "review" as it is a general call-to-action directed at Johnnie Ray's fans. It's very sad that with all of the great stuff of his that is currently on a digital format, nobody seems to be buying any of it. His entire career is on compact disc, and yet the amazon reviews for all of his CD's combined amount to a handful. Is it just that nobody knows who he is? If that's the case, I urge all of you, please share this music with people!

There's no excuse for this legend to fade away just because of historical revisionism in the musical community. Get your kids to listen to this, and your GRAND-kids! This man moved an entire generation with his music, and there's no reason that he can't do it again, but people have to learn about him. I know first-hand how seldom heard the name Johnnie Ray is. I myself only discovered him about four years ago when I was in High School.

Through a magnificent twist of fate, I was sent home early from school after twisting my ankle, and while sitting in the car that afternoon (waiting for my dad to finish some errands), I nearly bolted out of my seat as a cool, smoky, and effortless voice crooned "Walkin' My Baby Back Home" from the radio that was tuned in to our local Oldies but Goodies station. It made an instant mark on me, but I still had no idea who this guy was. I had to search the internet for hours just to find information on this amazing voice, and when I learned of Johnnie Ray's tumultuous rise to fame (he easily caused more media scandal than Elvis), it was a shock to find out that this man is practically unknown today.

People, I beseech you, don't let this music go unheard one day longer. It has the power to move young people just as it does Johnnie's die-hard fans. In fact, if you can listen to the Cry-Guy and honestly say that you are not moved by it, you should check yourself into the nearest morgue, because you probably don't have a pulse.

As for the CD being reviewed, it's very good. "Whiskey & Gin" is a hard-to-find early hit, and that tune alone makes this disc worthwhile. It's almost scary how close to Rock & Roll this song comes...especially when you consider that it was recorded in 1951, several years before "Rock & Roll" was to become the new soundtrack to American life. Elvis is always credited as the "first white artist to record in an R&B style", but what most people don't know is that Johnnie Ray beat him by three years! Check out this CD. It'll put a new spin on the Cry-Guy, and perhaps present a few new favorite songs in the process!

For those of you who have ever skipped around on several records to hear these songs, or have none of Johnnie's music,this classic is your collection! From "Cry","Whiskey and Gin","Tell The Lady I Said Goodbye", right through to a fabulous version of "As Time Goes By", each track is a gem. If you've ever wondered why Johnnie is still marvelled at, this is your answer. Fabulous! You'll listen to every track, appreciating them more every time you play this CD.

I have been a fan of Johnnie Ray since I was fifteen and among all DC I have bought of him, this one is the best of them all. The quality of the sound is number one and the selection of the 16 tunes on it was so well choosen that you get exactly all the songs that made him so popular. I recommand this DC for a gift as well as a personal remembrance.

I love this CD. I took the CD to my hairdresser to listen to while getting my hair done. He loved it too, especially "Cry", a true classic. I'm ordering one for him per his request. He wanted to keep mine - NO WAY! Besides "CRY" I also love the songs mentioned by another reviewer "Tell the Lady I said Goodbye", "Whiskey and Gin", "Glad Rag Doll" and of course "Please Mr. Sun". Great stuff!

Johnnie Ray was a very talented singer and these 16 songs attest to that strength. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is curious about Johnnie Ray or looking for a "Greatest Hits" type album to bring back some memories. You can draw a fine line between Elvis and Johnnie as far as their singing and personal lives...why Johnnie doesn't get more credit as a pre-rock/post Sinatra is because he was an absolutely scandalous person. If you are looking for a serious musician with a powerful voice in an early fifties style, this is your man. Minus one star for the novelty songs on this album (I'll admit I sing along though).

My cousins went to school with Johnny Ray at Franklin High School in Portland, Oregon. It was well known that he was close to being deaf. I find it utterly amazing to hear the music he performed...when he could hear very little ! To me he was one of the better singers in the 50's...

Johnnie Ray was one of the very few huge stars of the 20th century who TRULY knew how to reach his audience and touch them with his great music. He sang and played piano beautifully--but there was something more. When he sings songs on this CD like "As Time Goes By," "Cry," "Walking My Baby Back Home," and "The Little White Cloud That Cried," I am stirred and I feel excited by his music. There's almost a unique energy and level of excitement in Johnnie's voice that literally begs for your attention and emotional involvement with each and every song he performs on this CD. There's also a very well done duet by Johnnie and Doris Day on this CD entitled "Let's Walk That-A-Way."

The recordings here are mono; but you'd never know it. The quality of the digital remastering by Larry Keyes is excellent and the musical arrangements are beautifully executed. Johnnie voice sounds like he's right there in your living room. After listening to this CD I will buy more of his CDs and I already feel sorry for myself that I never got to see him perform in person!

I notice another reviewer writes that Johnnie is not remembered as well as he should be remembered. I strongly agree. Indeed, Johnnie was one of the first authentic rock and roll artists in that he performed using African American rhythm and blues while accentuating each part of the important words in the song. For example, listen to the song "Cry" and notice how Johnnie sings the word "cry" as "cah-ry." Awesome! Oh sure, Johnnie was sometimes made fun of because of his flamboyant style on stage; but the total emotional commitment he made to all his work could never have been anything except a great asset. His paychecks reflected that talent, too!

The liner notes boast an extensive essay about Johnnie written by Will Friedwald. I learned a lot about Johnnie by reading this; and you will, too! Unfortunately, there are no pictures here. If you want the song credits just look at the actual CD itself--they are right there. I would have liked the lyrics printed out for us included in the liner notes but since Johnnie sings so clearly you really won't need them anyway.

In short, I highly recommend this for Johnnie's fans (obviously) and fans of classic pop vocals. This CD is also a good choice for people who want to get to know just how great Johnnie Ray really was. Johnnie made great contributions to the arts during his lifetime; and this CD demonstrates that nicely.

What more can I say about Johnnie Ray. He MADE music history with his style of singing, and ever since, no one can come near his type singing. Just listening to his music makes you relaxed while remembering what you were doing when his songs first came out. Highly recommend this CD and Enjoy!

Anyone who loves to hear a smooth, crooning type of blues singer should buy this CD. I've listened to Johnnie Ray since I was 10 (now 62) and was a bit worried about how this CD would measure up to my old 45 records. This CD is the very, very best of Johnnie Ray. I actually have 2 -- one for my house and one for my office. Buy and enjoy. He's the best!!

His voice brings back memories. Saw Johnnie Ray at Atlantic City, Steel Pier many many years ago. Highly recommended