The Movie Idol Next Door

Artist: Tab Hunter
Song: Red Sails In The Sunset (b-side) (a-side is Young Love)
Label: Dot MW-9452
Number: 45-15533
Songwriters: Williams-Kennedy
Time: 2:22
Released: 1957

Most of you will probably recognize the name of Tab Hunter from the many motion pictures he has appeared in. Movies such as The Lawless (1950), Return To Treasure Island (1954), Battle Cry (1955), The Sea Chase (1955), Operation Bikini (1963), Ride The Wild Surf (1964) and The Life And Times Of Judge Roy Bean (1972), among many others. What many may not remember is that, for a brief period during the late 1950's and early 1960's, Tab had a popular recording career as well. In 1957, he scored a Billboard number one hit with his cover version of Sonny James' Young Love. It rode the top of the charts for six weeks. He also reached to #11 with a song called Ninety-Nine Ways. His success prompted Jack Warner to enforce the actor's contract with the Warner Bros. studio by banning Dot Records, the label for which Hunter had recorded his hit singles (and which was owned by rival Paramount Pictures), from releasing a follow-up album he had recorded for them. He established Warner Bros. Records specifically for Hunter, although his singing career faded after a few more recordings.

I have heard several different versions of today's song, by a wide variety of artists, The Beatles even performed a version of this classic song (published in 1935), in which they performed it in an uptempo manner, but Tab's version is as a ballad. With Billy Vaughn's full orchestra and chorus backing him up, he turns in an impassioned version that I'm sure had all the teenyboppers of the day going wild. So, if you've never heard him sing anything other than Young Love, be sure to download Tab Hunter performing Red Sails In The Sunset and give it a listen. His recording career didn't last very long, but this is quite a pleasant version of a classic song.

Coming Soon To A New Post Near You

Just yesterday, I was contacted by somebody that said he knew one of the artists I've featured here on Music For Every Mood. He noticed I hadn't included a picture of this artist and promised to put me in touch with her if I wanted him to. I said, "of course!" I'd love the opportunity to get to talk with one of the favorite singers in my collection! Without giving too much away, I hope to be put in touch with this singer soon and to be able to ask her about the story of her life and career. I'm sure it will turn out to be quite fascinating for my regular readers here on MFEM. I know I can't wait to find out more about her!

I think I'll put on my new cd by Old Blue Eyes and try to post another record soon. I've been kept away from Music For Every Mood for too long due to family matters, but I'm going to try and get back on track starting with the new year. Stay tuned for more!