Music by Barry Manilow (1984)/Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
Johnny Mercer, one of the great masters of song lyrics, died of brain cancer in 1976. In the last year of his life he became close friends with Barry Manilow, whose first hit record, Mandy, was also the name of Mercer's daughter. After his death, Mercer’s widow arranged to give some lyrics he had never used to Manilow for future development into complete songs. Among these was When October Goes. Manilow’s music is a perfect partner to this extraordinary lyric about lost love.
The song has since become a jazz standard, and this is where my personal taste gets in the way. Being a professional musician, I quite naturally have strong opinions about performers. So I just need to say it – I loathe Barry Manilow’s voice. Nor does he win me over with his efforts to deflect the truth about his sexual orientation.* However, I can certainly appreciate his sometimes brilliant skills of composition. So here is Rosemary Clooney’s rather straightforward interpretation, which I prefer to Nancy Wilson’s indulgent and somewhat tricked-out performance. This ballad is a perfect match of poignant lyrics and music.
*Manilow has lived with his manager Garry Kief for more than twenty years in homes they share in Bel Air, Malibu and Palm Springs.
Careful trick-or-treating tonight, guys. Play safe.
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