Lush Life – 1983
Johnny Hartman
A priceless version of Hartman singing the song that he made famous with John Coltrane
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Johnny Hartman (1923-1983) was a superb ballad singer who had a varied career that included some remarkable highlights.
Although he sang with the Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra as early as the late 1940s, his most notable recordings were three albums made for the Impulse! label in the early 1960s, including a classic collaboration with John Coltrane in 1963.
Best known from the latter album was his rendition of “Lush Life,” which turned the Billy Strayhorn song into a standard.
Shortly before his death from cancer (which had not been diagnosed yet), Hartman appeared on the Jonathan Schwartz television show and delivered a poignant performance of “Lush Life” with pianist Tony Monte and bassist Lisle Atkinson, marking one of his final performances.
Johnny Hartman shines at his absolute best in this unforgettable and haunting telecast.
– Scott Yanow
Stan Getz