Matt Monro Forum

Not sure if we've done this before.

I'll start:


This Is My Song - Harry Secombe or Petula Clark? Answer: Harry Secombe (he makes it sound much grander and more substantial than Pet).

Misty - Ray Stevens or Johnny Mathis? Answer: Johnny Mathis, of course.

Obladi-obladah - The Beatles or Marmalade? Answer: The Beatles.

Yesterday - The Beatles or Matt Monro? Matt Monro (of course).

I should have said: two FAMOUS or WELL-KNOWN versions of the same song, rather than any old recording of the same song.

Here's a jokey one to start with from me
'IF' by Jack Jones or Telly Savalas...
Jack Jones of course!!

This one (being one of the most famous songs in musical history )came immediately to mind.
OVER THE RAINBOW...JUDY GARLAND and
OVER THE RAINBOW .....EVA CASSIDY. does nothing for me

What a great game, Jon! But I'm sorry to report that I love the Ray Stevens version of Misty. So I'd choose it over JM.

Here's a couple that come to mind.

Born Free:

Roger Williams
Matt Monro

If I'm being honest, I'd go with Roger Williams.

Unchained Melody:

Les Baxter
Al Hibler
Righteous Brothers

I love Les Baxter the best, and Al Hibler is not too far behind.

Ain't No Mountain High Enough:

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Diana Ross

The Diana Ross remake is superior.

Unforgettable:

Nat King Cole
Dinah Washington
Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole

Dinah first and then Nat. Never Nat and Natalie.

Never Can Say Goodbye:

Jackson 5
Gloria Gaynor
Isaac Hayes

Has to be Gloria Gaynor.

This is fascinating.

I am already surprised to see some of the preferred versions, I'll have a go with this:

I Will Always Love You

Whitney or Dolly?

Dolly for me, though Amanda has just shouted Whitney!

Can't Help Falling In Love _ Elvis
Can't Help Falling In Love - Andy Williams

Much prefer Andy's version.

ITS ALL IN THE GAME....CLIFF RICHARD.....recorded in the early Sixties.
IT'S ALL IN THE GAME ....recorded by ROBERT GOULET also in the early Sixtuies,

Not Cliff's worst recording, but

I think it very much depends on preference of the singer as much as the song..
Here's quite a difficult one.
When I Fall in Love - Nat King Cole
When I Fall in Love - Matt
I prefer Matt but Peter feels this is Nat King Cole's song.

Yes, have to agree Marian.
So many singers made a recording of MY FUNNY VALENTINE, so mentioning Two of the top recordings
Frank Sinatra ...MY FUNNY VALENTINE (superb ) but on this one it's
TOny Bennet's version.

THE GOOD LIFE-------- TONY BENNETT

THE GOOD LIFE--------- MATT


Always loved Tony Bennett singing this song then Matt came along singing it and now I don't know!

If I Ruled The World------- Harry Secombe

If I Ruled The World ------ Tony Bennett

Although Harry Secombe has a superb voice Tony Bennett gets our vote on this one

One of my favourites songs..."ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE " Jerome kern and Oscar Hammerstein. Recordes by so many of the greats, but Two favourites are ELLA FITZGERALD, AND jO STAFFORD, but my vote goes to
JO STAFFORD.

ONCE UPON A TIME--Jack Jones--Andy Williams

Really difficult choice--but I am going for Andy.


THAT SUNDAY, THAT SUMMER---Nat King Cole--Johnny Mathis

Very difficult choice again---are we allowed to have a dead heat ???

NEW YORK ON SUNDAY---Bobby Darin---Mel Torme

No doubt--it is Bobby Darin.

I Know what you mean Marian. This game could quite easily make us consider dead heats, but there's no doubt for me with this one
SECRET LOVE. recorded by both KATHY KIRBY, and DORIS DAY.
Kathy was popular and made some good recordings but..
It's DORIS DAY on this one.