Genius at Any Age
Manolo says, the Manolo brings back to you, from the depths of the YouTube, the Velvet Fog…
Mel Tormé at 18 years of age.
Mel Tormé at 29 years of age.
Mel Tormé at 51 years of age.
Mel at 63 years of age.
Several things about this series of the videos amuse the Manolo.
First, that the women’s fashions from 1943 could be worn today by the super fantastic girl (sans the short-sleeve jacket with the big shoulders) while the men’s fashions would seem mostly costumey.
Second, Mel looks much better in 1989 than he does in 1976, and indeed to judge from the synthetic tuxedo and the stacked heel shoes this moment appears to be the nadir of the 20th Century fashion.
Third, Mel always seems to be genuinely enjoying himself. There is the great and cheerful joyousness in his singing that never fails to make the Manolo smile.
March 21st, 2007 at 8:14 am
Mel was great as the Jaguar-driving thug in Girls Town (starring the always super-fantastic Mamie Van Doren).
March 21st, 2007 at 10:34 am
Did one of the female dancers get kicked in the head by the other female dancers in the first video?
March 22nd, 2007 at 7:17 am
One of the truly great voices, and somehow not as well-remembered as he deserves to be! Thank you, Manolo, for making my day.
March 22nd, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Sadly, I first became aware of Mel from Harry Anderson’s show Night Court. Mel proved himdself a man of good humor as he enjoyed the spotlight of Mr. Anderson’s obsession with his work.
As Pamster says, not as appreciated as he should be. A great voice full of texture and emotion.
March 22nd, 2007 at 10:18 pm
He’s got a better rug in 89 then he had in 76.
March 22nd, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Its amazing to me to that his voice was so established at an early age. He’s a great singer and well deserves the homage from Harry Connick Jr., etc. Which we had some new “great ones” like him.