Songs from the Girl Singer: A Musical Autobiography

Rosemary Clooney | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 26, 1999)
• Original Release Date: October 26, 1999
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Concord Records
• ASIN: B00002CF43
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #172,860 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Sooner or Later

2. Bargain Day

3. Peach Tree Street

4. Beautiful Brown Eyes

5. Come On-A My House

6. Tenderly

7. Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)

8. Hey There

9. You're Just in Love

10. Sisters

See all 14 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. As Time Goes By

2. God Bless the Child

3. Love Is Here to Stay

4. (There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover

5. Straighten Up and Fly Right

6. Do You Miss New York?

7. Route 66

8. Mambo Italiano

9. The Promise (I'll Never Say Goodbye)

10. Come Rain or Come Shine

See all 15 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

There have been plenty of Rosemary Clooney best-of compilations, but few highlight the depth and diversity of the vocalist as does Songs from the Girl Singer. Billed as a musical autobiography, this double-CD companion to Clooney's written autobiography illustrates the stylized but varied and spunky career of the singer, from her earliest works to her most recent. Some of the highlights include "Sooner or Later," Clooney's first solo performance from 1946, which features the sultry 17-year-old singer dueting with bandleader Tony Pastor; 1950's "Peach Tree Street," with Clooney and Frank Sinatra collaborating for the first time; and on 1951's "Come On-a My House" we can hear the ultra-catchy, folksy tune that first brought Clooney acclaim (and the cover of Time), an astonishing triumph for a number she initially refused to sing. Fast-forward and we get even more gems ("Hey There," "White Christmas," "The White Cliffs of Dover," to name just a few). Whether singing solo or with Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, or Duke Ellington, Clooney shines here--there aren't any duds in this collection. All in all, this is a great retrospective, with some numbers that even Clooney's longtime fans might not own. --Jason Verlinde

Product Description

Rather than rely solely upon its back catalog as usual, Concord has gone the extra mile to make this Clooney career survey a must-buy, raiding the archives of various labels & the singer's own collection for a really valuable two-CD retrospective. Virtually all of the early stuff, where she emerges as a major pop hit-maker from Mitch Miller's Columbia stable, is on the first disc, while the second wraps up her latter-day resurrection as a jazz-tinged diva. Highlights on disc 2 include duets with Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, & Frank Sinatra, & appearances with the orchestras of Duke Ellington (singing vocals on 'Blue Rose'), Nelson Riddle, & Percy Faith. Yes, there is also the totally atypical 1951 Come on-a My House' set against Stan Freeman's jangly harpsichord that broke Clooney into stardom. Gatefold digipak. 1999.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Praise for a wonderful lady, March 21, 2002

By 

Catspec "Catspec" (VT USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Songs from the Girl Singer: A Musical Autobiography (Audio CD)

This 2CD set takes the listener through the career of Rosemary Clooney, including the "hokey" 50's as well as the mellow jazz renditions with Nelson Riddle and Duke Ellington. This album looks like it will get worn out on my CD player. I will be playing it for decades. Noone sings with more musical eloquence than Rosy.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars charming two CD set, March 21, 2008

By 

Matthew G. Sherwin (last seen screaming at Amazon customer service) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Songs from the Girl Singer: A Musical Autobiography (Audio CD)

Songs from the Girl Singer: A Musical Autobiography is a stunning two CD set that really gives people a fine overview of Rosemary Clooney's career as a very special vocalist and talented entertainer. The quality of the sound is excellent and the artwork is mighty fine, too!

The first CD starts with Rosemary Clooney--at 17--singing "Sooner Or Later." Yes, there's some surface noise on this track but it never truly interferes with the sound. Rosemary's voice is beautiful and lush; and the arrangement works wonders for this ballad. "Peach Tree Street" has a crystal clear number with Rosemary singing her heart out--and Frank Sinatra doesn't do too bad, either! "Come On-A My House" is a catchy little tune that Rosemary made better than anyone else ever could have; the keyboard work enhances the beauty of this tune. Moreover, there's also "Tenderly;" Rosemary sings this with panache and it really impresses me greatly.

"Hey There" is another classic pop vocal that Rosemary delivers flawlessly; I always enjoy hearing this tune. "On A Slow Boat To China" is equally well done even if some of the musical effects are a bit dated.

"As Time Goes By" gives us a more mature Clooney and she sounds every bit as good; naturally the piano arrangement works wonders for this classic love ballad. I always loved "As Time Goes By;" and Rosemary certainly gives this one her all. "Straighten Up And Fly Right" has a big band arrangement and they never miss a beat!

"Mambo Italiano" gets the usual regal treatment from Rosemary who sings this with panache, heart and soul. What a great treat when Rosemary sings "Mambo Italiano!" "Come Rain Or Come Shine" sounds gorgeous in Rosemary's capable hands; she handles the tempo changes like the pro she always was! "Fools Rush In" is a tender slow dance tune that will make you want to dance with your sweetheart all alone in your living room with the lights down low--it's THAT good.

Overall, this is some two CD set by Rosemary Clooney! We also get wonderful duets with Rosemary teaming up with Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. I highly recommend this set for Rosemary's fans; and people who enjoy classic pop vocals will certainly appreciate this two CD set.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Living Legend, May 3, 2000

By 

Dennis Christensen (Salt Lake City, Utah) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Songs from the Girl Singer: A Musical Autobiography (Audio CD)

This beautiful 2cd set is a must-have for any true Rosemary Clooney fan. CD#1 collects many of Rosies greatest hits including: Beautiful Brown Eyes, Come-On-A-My-House,Tenderly,and many others. CD#2 contains highlights from Rosies Concord Jazz Recordings, these recordings began in 1977 and continue to the present. The packaging is outstanding it contains photos that date back to the 50"s and continue to the present. The quality of the recordings is top-notch. You must read Rosies book and listen to this fabulous cd-set. Rosemary Clooney is truly a Living Legend!