Amazingly, this special album was recorded in
only two days, January 15th & 16th, 1959. This album took
the
"theme" idea as presented in Judy's "Alone" album
one step further and
presented
a "melodrama-in-song"
by Judy with narration by John Ireland. Ireland read "The
Letter"
(which was pasted to the cover of the album) between Judy's songs.
Obviously the songs reflected the plot. This was an interesting
concept that works well in spite of some rather banal material
for the narration.
This album was Judy's first for Capitol to be presented in the
"gatefold" manner, with original artwork (shown below)
depicting scenes from the story.
All images on this page from the collections of Scott
Brogan & Eric Hemphill.
Images above right and directly to the right are from the 1985 "Pathé Marconi/EMI"
release.
Left: The original mono release, unopened
with "the
letter" still intact
in its original envelope glued to the cover.
Right: The original stereo cover.
Below: The original letter from the envelope that was glued
to the cover of the stereo version.
These items are from the collection of Eric Hemphill.
Illustrations above are from the 1985 Pathé Marconi/EMI
re-release.
TRACK
LISTING
Chorus and Orchestra Conducted by Gordon Jenkins
Arrangements by Gordon Jenkins
Narration by John Ireland
