So Many Memories

So Many Memories Review

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 !!!!

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 11, 2010 11:23:06