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.