THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

706-Johnny Mathis-Misty.

1959-Number 12 single.

Best Bit-At 0.14.Hey Mr DJ,’Play Misty for me.’

‘Misty’ was written, and first recorded by the acclaimed Jazz pianist, and composer Erroll Garner (1921-1977) in 1954, as an instrumental,.on hearing the recording Johnny Mathis expressed an interest in recording the song if lyrics could be written. Johnny Burke (1908-1964) who was one one of the most successful, and prolific lyricists between the 1920’s, and 1950’s wrote the lyrics, and Mathis recorded his version for his 1959 Album ‘Heavenly.’ Burke was responsible for writing the lyrics to many songs that make up part of the ‘Great American Songbook’ including ‘Pennies From Heaven,’ ‘Swinging on a Star, and ‘Moonlight Becomes You.’

‘Misty’ has been recorded many times down the years, with versions by Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald, recorded in a similar style to that of Johnny Mathis, but the other hit cover of the song, was the 1975 Country rendition by Ray Stevens, who took his version to Number 2 in the UK. The original recording by Errol Garner was used by Clint Eastwood, for his 1971 film ‘Play Misty for Me,’ Eastwood is a fan of Mathis.

Johnny Mathis was born John Royce Mathis on September 30th, 1935, in Gilmer, Texas, United States.He has recorded in many different genres during his career, including Jazz, Pop, Soul, and Disco.His 1958 Album ‘Johnny’s Greatest Hits,’ which is often described as the ‘original greatest hits package,’ once held the record of most weeks on the Billboard chart, notching up 490, three of which were spent at Number 1.

‘Look at me, I’m as helpless as a kitten up a tree, and I feel like I’m clinging to a cloud I can’t understand, I get misty just holding your hand.’