John Raitt: Bell Telephone Hour 1959-1966 (DVD)

With special guests Risë Stevens and Martha Wright.

The renowned actor and singer John Raitt (1917-2005) possessed a singularly beautiful lyric baritone voice that had a tenor-like brightness and sweetness. While still in his mid-20s, Rodgers and Hammerstein cast him in the national company of Oklahoma! A little more than a year later, Raitt became a full-fledged star when he created the role of Billy Bigelow in the same team's Carousel (1945); his powerful interpretation of Billy's Soliloquy (included on this DVD) is legendary. Other highlights in Raitt's Broadway career included the role of Sid in The Pajama Game (1954), a part he also played in the 1957 film version. His long career extended into the mid-1980s and, in adition to theatrical performances, he was equally at home on the concert stage, occasionally giving joint concerts with his daughter Bonnie. This DVD presents Raitt in top form, bringing his unique vocal talents to a wide variety of songs.

B&W/Color, 49 minutes, 4:3, All regions

Songs from Musicals (with Martha Wright)
I Love You • London by Night • Younger Than Springtime
My Romance • Thanks a Million • The Best Things in Life Are Free • Lucky to Be Me
Always • Easter Parade • Now it Can Be Told
They Say that Falling in Love is Wonderful • Summertime
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’ • Evelina
All the Things You Are • You’ll Never Walk Alone • Soliloquy from Carousel

Christmas Songs (with Risë Stevens)
At Christmastime • The Friendly Beasts • Hanover Winter Song
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear • Toyland
We Three Kings of Orient Are • We Wish You a Merry Christmas

The Bell Telephone Hour Orchestra & Chorus
Donald Voorhees, conductor