Not sure if you guys got the word, but lyricist Ray Evans passed away last week at the age of 92.
He and his songwriting partner Jay Livingston wrote some big ones:
Mona Lisa
Silver Bells
To Each His Own
Que Sera Sera
Buttons and Bows
Tammy
.....and last but not least....the theme from "Mr. Ed" (a horse is a horse, of course of course...!)
About three years ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ray for an hour on K-Surf in Los Angeles, and I'll tell ya he was one of the most delightful, charming, entertaining guys you could meet. He told some great stories:
1) "Mona Lisa" was originally to be called "Prima Donna." But when he went home and talked about it with his wife, she didn't like the title. She happened to work in the art field and suggested "Why not call it 'Mona Lisa' and write a lyric about a woman who is mysterious to her lovers?" He took the idea back to his partner, they re-worked the lyrics and the song was born. He also talked about the difficulty they had trying to find someone to record it! It took 2 years. Sinatra, Vic Damone, even Nat Cole turned it down before finally being persuaded.
2) "Silver Bells" was to have been called "Tinkle Bells!" Again, Ray's wife interceded. She said "Ray, you know that 'tinkle' does have another meaning." He thought better of it, and "Silver Bells" was born.
3) Ray said Doris Day absolutely despised "Que Sera Sera." Did not want to record it. She was talked into it, just did one take to get it over with. Turned out to be an Oscar winner and her biggest hit ever!
In an interview in the Los Angeles Times about year or so ago, he said his royalties were currently about $800,000 a year - mostly from "Silver Bells."
"To Each His Own" was Livingston and Evans' first hit, back in the 40's. At one time there were FOUR different recordings of it in the top 10! It's a wonderfully beautiful lyric and melody, and I've often wondered why standards stations don't play it. Michael Feinstein, in particular, has a moving, hearfelt version of it on his CD "The Livingston and Evans Songbook." It really should be on the radio.
I last spoke with Ray Evans about 10 months ago at a Livingston and Evans tribute show in West LA. Ray was a great, great guy and my own life is richer for having been acquainted with him. So long, Mr. Evans. We miss ya already.
Nick Gerard
www.NickOnTheAir.com
He and his songwriting partner Jay Livingston wrote some big ones:
Mona Lisa
Silver Bells
To Each His Own
Que Sera Sera
Buttons and Bows
Tammy
.....and last but not least....the theme from "Mr. Ed" (a horse is a horse, of course of course...!)
About three years ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ray for an hour on K-Surf in Los Angeles, and I'll tell ya he was one of the most delightful, charming, entertaining guys you could meet. He told some great stories:
1) "Mona Lisa" was originally to be called "Prima Donna." But when he went home and talked about it with his wife, she didn't like the title. She happened to work in the art field and suggested "Why not call it 'Mona Lisa' and write a lyric about a woman who is mysterious to her lovers?" He took the idea back to his partner, they re-worked the lyrics and the song was born. He also talked about the difficulty they had trying to find someone to record it! It took 2 years. Sinatra, Vic Damone, even Nat Cole turned it down before finally being persuaded.
2) "Silver Bells" was to have been called "Tinkle Bells!" Again, Ray's wife interceded. She said "Ray, you know that 'tinkle' does have another meaning." He thought better of it, and "Silver Bells" was born.
3) Ray said Doris Day absolutely despised "Que Sera Sera." Did not want to record it. She was talked into it, just did one take to get it over with. Turned out to be an Oscar winner and her biggest hit ever!
In an interview in the Los Angeles Times about year or so ago, he said his royalties were currently about $800,000 a year - mostly from "Silver Bells."
"To Each His Own" was Livingston and Evans' first hit, back in the 40's. At one time there were FOUR different recordings of it in the top 10! It's a wonderfully beautiful lyric and melody, and I've often wondered why standards stations don't play it. Michael Feinstein, in particular, has a moving, hearfelt version of it on his CD "The Livingston and Evans Songbook." It really should be on the radio.
I last spoke with Ray Evans about 10 months ago at a Livingston and Evans tribute show in West LA. Ray was a great, great guy and my own life is richer for having been acquainted with him. So long, Mr. Evans. We miss ya already.
Nick Gerard
www.NickOnTheAir.com