Search - Frances Langford :: So Many Memories

A popular lady of the thirties, who sang like an angel

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 06/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Frances was an extremely popular singer-actress of the thirties and forties, although this is not reflected in the pop charts. Much of her popularity was gained via radio broadcasts, movies (usually in a supporting role - she was rarely cast in the starring role) and (later), visits to troops. She only had six hits, but was voted most popular female singer in 1938 despite not having a hit record that year.



So there were a lot of other singers who made more records, but Frances made up for that by the sheer quality of the records she did make. Mostly, Frances recorded ballads - this is what she enjoyed and what she did best, though she could pick up the tempo when required to good effect.



This particular CD from Jasmine includes her biggest hit, the classic song Harbor lights. Claude Thornhill was actually the first to have a hit with this, reaching number 7. Frances' beautiful version (incredibly, not included on any of her other CD's) charted higher, number 6, a couple of months later. The song became much more popular in 1950, when several versions hit the top ten (Sammy Kaye's version was number one), and a few years later the Platters further boosted the song's popularity.



Other songs here include her next hit, So many memories, plus several songs from her movies, notably Silhouetted in the moonlight and Swingin' the jinx away (one of the few uptempo songs here). There are also great covers of Pennies from Heaven and Night and day. Her duet with Bing Crosby, I'm falling in love with someone, is a real treasure.



This is a wonderful CD in it's own right, but also a great companion to the two Flare CD's (Serenade and Sweet Heartache). Only three tracks from those CD's are included here. There is more duplication with the ASV collection (I'm in the mood for love) but that CD includes several tracks not available elsewhere, including some of her hits.



Frances might be better remembered today if she had spent more time in the recording studio, but the music she did record is pure magic !!!!"

The Dreamiest Voice this side of Heaven!

Charles Henry Jr. | Philadelphia, Pa United States | 05/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Frances Langford is an absolute joy! The Sweetheart of millions of G.I.'s because of her many tours with Bob Hope's USO shows during WWII, Korea and Vietnam. This disc shows her off very well with recordings from the 1930's and 1940's. She always gets the most out of a song. Her phrasing and timing are impeccable. Her voice, soft and lyrical can turn dark and steamy in an instant. Her lower register is a real treat. Kittenish and playful. Her honeyed pianissimi's are breath taking. Human beings aren't meant to sing so gloriously. Silhouetted in the Moonlight just takes you away into the spell of a moonlit night. The title song So Many Memories is an absolutely perfect record. Most of it sung at half voice, I don't know how she did it. It starts off with the words "So many memories sometimes I think I'll cry" She sounds like she really is starting to cry but its never maudlin, never over the top, just truly genuine. Baia shows that Frances could belt them out with the best of them. Strong, full and rich, the tone...exquisite. Frances starred in over 30 movies, guest starred in several others. Films like The Bamboo Blond, Beat the Band, Swing it Soldier show her to be a wonderful, beautiful actress with a smile that could melt Little America. This is one talented, drop dead gorgeous, wonderful lady! It's a shame she didn't record more. I guess she didn't have time doing all those USO tours which were the joy of her life. There were those that sang like Frances Langford but none could match her. Truly one of a kind. Get this disc. Experience the brilliance of Frances Langford. There will never be another like her."