LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

Johnny Mann is one of the giants of easy listening music. As the united states experienced profound social change in the sixties the crisp, clean voices of the Johnny Mann singers were unity and stability itself; bringing re-assurance to millions of Americans during uncertain times. While Dr. Timothy Leary beseeched the youth of America to 'turn on, tune in and drop out', the mantra of The Johnny Mann Singers - dressed in white turtle necks and red v-neck sweaters on their weekly television show - was 'Stand Up And Cheer'; these traditional attitudes proved attractive to advertisers and The Singers were in constant demand to create television and radio product commercials. From cereal to soap powder; The Johnny Mann Singers' contagious style was everywhere; a part of everyday American life. After orchestrating music for several Hollywood film studios, Mann became the choral director of the NBC comedy hour. He eventually created The Johnny Mann Singers, signed a recording contract with liberty and proceeded to dominate the airwaves with their trademark stylish, skilfully realised and undemanding blend of smooth voices and gentle melody. Millions of sales; 'We Can Fly', ;Up-Up And Away', 'Invisible Tears', Love Is Blue', 'I'll Remember You', 'Daydream', 'Don't Look Back'... the titles came thick and fast. Five were nominated for Grammy awards and two won it! Handsome and exuberant and described as 'looking like an airline pilot and acting like he's flying just as high', Johnny Mann worked as musical director on The Danny Kaye Show and on the original Alvin & The Chipmunks TV series (where he even provided one of the voices) and later created the music for ABC Joey Bishop Show.
Track listing: Up Up & Away The Girl From Ipanema Snow A Heartful Of Soul Call Me To Sir With Love She Loves You Do You Want To Know A Secret Never My Love Windy Cherish What The World Needs Now Do You Know The Way To San Jose Like To Get To Know You Mrs Robinson My Colouring Book The Worst That Could Happen Daydream Something Stupid Goldfinger Monday Monday This Is Dedicated To The One I Love A Taste Of Honey