Music has the power to tug at the heartstrings of even the most stoic individual. It can trigger a range of emotions, from joy to sorrow, love to loss. One such melody that has stood the test of time is “When I Fall in Love.” Composed by Victor Young in 1952, the song remains a popular choice for those searching for a touching ballad. However, many people are unaware of who sang the original version of this classic tune. In this blog post, we’ll explore the story behind the song and look at the original singer of “When I Fall in Love.”
The Story Behind “When I Fall in Love”
Victor Young was a prolific American composer, arranger, and conductor, responsible for creating music for more than 300 films over his illustrious career. He was a multi-talented musician, with the ability to play various instruments, including the violin and piano, which he used to craft his magnificent creations. One such melody that he composed was “When I Fall in Love.”
The song came to life in 1952 when Victor Young was approached to compose the score for a new film called “One Minute to Zero,” starring Robert Mitchum and Ann Blythe. Young had already gained recognition for his work on several films, such as “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “The Uninvited,” and “Samson and Delilah.” He was eager to take on the challenge of creating a musical score that would evoke the emotional response necessary for the film to be a success.
Young began working on the score, and during one of his sessions, he improvised a melody that he felt would be perfect for a love theme. He played it for the film’s lyricist, Edward Heyman, who immediately recognized its potential and began writing the lyrics. The two worked together, refining the melody and lyrics until the final version of “When I Fall in Love” was complete.
The Original Singer of “When I Fall in Love”
With the composition complete, the next step was to record the song. However, Young did not have a specific singer in mind for the song. He had recorded instrumental versions and was searching for the right voice to bring the song to life. Enter Jeri Southern.
Jeri Southern was an American jazz singer and pianist, born in 1926. She had gained recognition for her smoky vocals and sultry performances, making her a popular musician during the 1950s. Young had already worked with Southern and felt that her vocals would be the perfect match for “When I Fall in Love.” He invited her to record the first vocal version of the song, with him handling the arranging and conducting duties.
The recording took place in April 1952 and was released shortly after. Southern’s version of “When I Fall in Love” was a hit with fans and critics, with many praising her soulful rendition of the emotional ballad. It was the first vocal recording of the song, with Doris Day’s version coming later that year.
The Impact of “When I Fall in Love”
Since its initial release, “When I Fall in Love” has become a timeless classic, covered by many famous artists, including Nat King Cole, Celine Dion, and Michael Buble. It has been used in several films and television shows, such as “Sleepless in Seattle” and “Mad About You,” cementing its place as one of the most beloved love songs of all time.
The song’s impact can be attributed to Victor Young’s exceptional composition skills and the soulful performance of the original singer, Jeri Southern. Her powerful vocals captured the emotional essence of the song, solidifying its place in music history.
Conclusion
The original singer of “When I Fall in Love” was the talented American jazz singer and pianist, Jeri Southern. Her soulful rendition of the song set the stage for the many covers that would come in the ensuing years. Victor Young’s exceptional composition skill and Southern’s powerful vocals created an iconic melody that continues to tug at the heartstrings of fans around the world. “When I Fall in Love” has become a timeless classic, and its legacy is a testament to the power of music to evoke powerful emotions.
FAQ
Who sang When I Fall in Love in 1957?
“When I Fall in Love” is a timeless classic that has been covered by countless artists since its original release in 1957. The luxurious and dreamy ballad was performed by legendary jazz singer Nat King Cole, accompanied by the Gordon Jenkins Orchestra. Cole’s suave and velvety-smooth vocals, coupled with the lush orchestration, elevated the romantic song to an instant classic, and it has since become one of the most cherished love songs of all time.
Cole’s interpretation of “When I Fall in Love” was included on his album, Love Is the Thing, which was released in the same year. The song was written by Victor Young with lyrics by Edward Heyman and was originally composed for the 1952 film, One Minute to Zero. Since its release, the song has been covered by a plethora of artists, including Doris Day, Etta James, Andy Williams, and Celine Dion, among many others.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to both its timeless beauty and the sheer talent of Nat King Cole. Through his distinctive interpretation of “When I Fall in Love,” Cole captured the essence of pure, unadulterated romance, and his velvet voice transports listeners to a world of passion and tenderness. For those seeking the perfect love song, “When I Fall in Love” remains a top choice, and Nat King Cole’s masterpiece continues to inspire generations of music lovers around the world.
Who was the female vocalist on Anything for Love?
The female vocalist on “Anything for Love” was Lorraine Crosby. She was born on November 27, 1960, in England. Lorraine Crosby is a highly talented singer and songwriter, and her singing on “Anything for Love” contributed significantly to its massive success.
Meat Loaf’s “Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” was released in 1993 and became an instant hit. The song’s success was largely attributed to the powerful voice and performance of Lorraine Crosby. Meat Loaf worked with Lorraine Crosby after he heard about her through a mutual friend. He was impressed with her voice and thought it would add a new dimension to his music.
Lorraine Crosby provided the lead vocals on the chorus of “Anything for Love” and sang with such strength and conviction that it became the song’s most memorable part. Her harmonies with Meat Loaf also enhance the song’s overall sound and helped it to achieve global success.
In addition to her work with Meat Loaf, Lorraine Crosby has an established career as a solo artist. She has released several albums, including “Mrs Loud” in 2014 and “Naked” in 2020.
Lorraine Crosby is a talented singer and songwriter who rose to fame for her vocals on Meat Loaf’s hit single “Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).” Her contribution to the song cannot be overstated, and she played a significant role in bringing the song to the top of the charts worldwide.
Who sings vocals on and I love her?
“And I Love Her” is a song recorded by the Beatles and released on their album “A Hard Day’s Night” in 1964. The lead vocals on the song are performed by none other than the iconic Paul McCartney, who is also credited with playing the bass guitar on the track.
While the song was primarily written by McCartney, John Lennon also contributed to its composition by adding an acoustic rhythm guitar part. The track also features a memorable classical guitar lead played by George Harrison and percussion by Ringo Starr in the form of bongos and claves.
Although “And I Love Her” was not originally released as a single in the United Kingdom, it was issued as a single in the United States and reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has since become a beloved classic and is often cited as a quintessential example of the Beatles’ tender balladry and songwriting prowess.
“And I Love Her” is a Beatles song that features Paul McCartney’s lead vocals and bass guitar performance, with additional contributions from John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. It remains a popular and enduring classic in the band’s catalog.
