I stand corrected! Yes I overlooked those earlier recordings that she cut with Billy Butterfield, so many thanks Stringplayer for drawing attention to that error in my description.
One of the most beautiful musical experiences of my life happened as I awoke from a nap one afternoon to Whiting singing, "Ballad of the Sad Young Men." It was such a surreal experience!
I remember seeing this on TV! Wow, is she incredible! Her voice is like honey-to-the-ear! And another "Wow!" regarding my thoughts to how little of this kind of loveliness exists today! So much done in the name of Shock Value, and very little of true artistry, decency and grace, in my humble opinion! Margaret Whiting is the epitome of all those things!
Not only is this a fantastic performance, it is also a marvelous statement of how show biz royalty like Miss Whiting came out to support Nat "King" Cole and his short lived TV show during the hight of the Civil Rights Era in the United States. This was no small act on her part. Sadly, the show was banned in the South.
As long as I live, this incredible lady will be my favorite. I grew up listening to her records and have many reissued recordings that sound clear and fantastic. I miss her warmth, pure tone, touch of phrase and her ability to touch my heart and soul. I hated it when she died, but I honor who she was and her superb talent. Like Nancy Sinatra, I agree that she never received the proper appreciation of her unique talent. She was truly amazing...and I love her! Thanks for making this available.