Customer Reviews

Songs from the Girl Singer: A Musical Autobiography

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
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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.

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.

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!

The first notes of the first disc engage the listener, with Clooney's powerful yet clear voice. But, at the risk of offending some of her fans, I actually prefer Disc 2. The generic sweetness of her voice is replaced with a voice of a woman who's a few years older, a few years wiser. Her now-gravelly voice makes each song her own, and the raw emotion is so much more moving than the songs of her early days. No matter how you slice it, they just don't make 'em like Rosemary anymore. She is sadly missed, and she's completely irreplaceable. We love ya', Rosemary.

I absolutely love this collection. This is a must have for any fans of Ms. Clooney and a great cd for anyone wanting to understand what the attraction is for Ms. Clooney. I have listened to the two cd's over and over and can't seem to get enough. The younger generation seemed to have rediscovered Tony Bennett ( I'm only 44, but I guess I'm not in the younger generation anymore) and I wish that they could rediscover Ms. Clooney as well. This cd would give a great introduction to Ms. Clooney and the music over her career. A MUST HAVE!!!!!!

Rosemary Clooney's life wasn't all a picnic in the Park. I got this CD set while reading her book: "Girl Singer: an Autobiography. (Like Girranimals, the similarly titled companion pieces have the same picture on the front so that the purchaser will know that they go together.) This was quite a treat - like a read-and sing-along with Mitch Miller (who appears in the book - he "made" Rosemary sing "Come On-a My House," the song that elevated her national stardom, despite her concern that it was too silly a song to sully herself with! ;-)

The songs included here are representative of Rosemary's varied and legendary career. My only quibble is that I would have preferred the version of "White Christmas" with Bing and the cast of the movie. Listen to this set anytime, anywhere. Buy it, you'll like it!

God Bless You, Rosemary. 5/23/28 - 6/30/2002

The year is 1954, the film "White Christmas", starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, but the special treat in this classic Holiday film was our "girl singer" - Rosemary Clooney. Her warmth and personality came through with a wonderful performance, only matched by a God given talent - her distinctive voice. Great songs from this film - "SISTERS", "WHITE CHRISTMAS" and of course the Academy Award nominated song for that year - "COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS", appear in this memorable collection.

Concord Records has released the essential musical companion to "Girl Singer:An Autobiography (Doubleday Books), this special 2-CD retrospective highlights some of the most treasured recordings in the extraordinary life and career of America's most beloved "girl singer".

This collection features both classic and rare Clooney performances with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, The Nelson Riddle Orchestra, and one of my favorites Percy Faith Orchestra with "TENDERLY", as only Rosie can sing it. Concord has twenty-nine unforgettable tunes and spotlights the musical moments that bring Rosemary's story to life...a must have for her fans young and old!

Total Time: Disc One 41:09 on 14 Tracks & Disc Two 59:40 on 15 Tracks...Concord Records CCD2-4870...(2000)

Rosemary Clooney's voice is so smooth - so comforting. What a legend. Her version of The Promise is well worth the cost of the whole CD which is packed with favorites. You won't be sorry. Please buy this CD!

the creamiest, dreamiest richest voice singing truly magical and remeniscient songs.

I rated this CD a five. Only because I enjoy anything by Rosemary Clooney. She came along in my era and is one of my favorites. With such short previews you did not do her justice, but thanks anyway.