| I grew up listening to Bobby Short, infatuated by his breezy sophistication. I saw him for the first time in Los Angeles at the Roxy (I think) in about 1976. I couldn't believe how free and flamboyant he was. I never seen a man so uninhibited and joyous. His first album is a classic containing his signature song I LIKE THE LIKES OF YOU as well as smart snappy versions of THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN THE WORLD, BYE BYE BLACKBIRD and DOWN WITH LOVE. His voice is pure, joyful and sassy with none of the husk that years of saloon singing brought. I saw him a number of times at various venues, benefits and concerts and finally saw him at his home-the Cafe Carlyle-seated at the bar. I spoke with him a couple of times, a little too star struck to be a good conversationalist. He was kind and and polite. I think the compilation recording -50 by Bobby Short contains the best of his albums. The wonderful 60s stuff and the glorious Cole Porter, Gershwin, Rodgers and Hart work. |
