The Johnny Desmond Singles Collection 1939-58

Born Giovanni Alfredo De Simone in Detroit 1919, Johnny Desmond was one of the substantial cohort of Italian-American crooners, most notably Frank Sinatra, who were such an important part of the popular music of the post-war era. He studied music before turning to night-club singing, and in 1939 formed a vocal trio called The Downbeats, changing their name to the Bob-O-Links when they joined Bob Crosby’s Orchestra, with whom he had two hits before joining Gene Krupa as featured vocalist, and had another hit with Krupa. He was with Glenn Miller’s military orchestra during WWII, returning to showbiz as a solo singer after the war, and forged a successful career, having hits through into the rock ‘n’ roll era, although he never attempted to compete in that musical metier. This 50-track 2-CD set comprises a few recordings with the bands of Bob Crosby and Gene Krupa, along with selected A & B sides of his singles on the RCA-Victor, MGM and Coral labels during this era, including recordings with Don Cornell, Alan Dale, Buddy Greco, Eileen Barton, The McGuire Sisters, Jane Russell and Monica Lewis. It features all his 20 and more career chart entries, including the Top 10 hits “Woman”, “Play Me Hearts And Flowers”, “The Yellow Rose Of Texas” and “The Gang That Sang Heart Of My Heart”. It’s a varied showcase for his talents as a big band vocalist, top class ballad singer, novelty pop singer, and skilled interpreter of the repertoire typical of the era, and an entertaining introduction to an artist who has not had the attention which his success merits.