In the 1940s, from soloing with the Big Bands, Dick Haymes emerged with a need to express the feelings of the GIs and their sweethearts during one of the most romantic periods of the 20th century, the war years. With a voice that seemed to belong to a seasoned performer, Dick surprised many when they found out that he was only in his 20s. Singing with the Harry James, Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey Bands, he was at his best, selling beautifully written songs in his deep, rich baritone by making the females in the audience swoon. His phrasing was impeccable, enhanced by his extraordinary breath control.

It was at this time that Mr. Haymes found himself on the big screen, with a seven-year contract with 20th Century Fox. This was also the age of the musical and, of course, Dick had all the attrtibutes to be a leading man: good looks, stature, some acting ability — and he could do his own vocals without having to be dubbed in. He starred with Hollywood beauties like Betty Grable, June Haver, Mauren O’Hara and Vivian Blaine, to name a few. Haymes also became a radio star, teaming up with the Andrews Sisters.

But Dick was plagued by personal problems, including multiple marriages and a scandalous love affair with Rita Hayworth, which — before it culminated in marriage to Rita — even prompted Columbia studio head Harry Fox to try to have Dick deported to his native Argentina. Haymes later left America for Europe and his sixth marriage, then returned in the 1970s to appear on U.S. TV again. He was well received.

This CD, “Dick Haymes: It’s Magic,” starts off with “Star Eyes,” and the musical arrangement complements his singing very nicely. “How Sweet You Are” is also well done, with a fine string arrangement. Listen for Dick to do a terrific job on the classic “All Or Nothing At All.”

Surprisingly, his rendition of the Judy Garland classic, “Over The Rainbow,” is very appealing, even though it's not normally thought of as a song a man would sing. It demonstrates just how well Dick could interpret a lyric; it’s one of our favorites on the CD.

“Day By Day” gets the royal treatment from Dick haymes who does this faultlessly with a chorus in the background, even though he never really needed back-up. And there's another gem in “The More I See you.” “I Love You Much Too Much” sounds wonderful with Haymes singing it poignantly. “Night And Day” shines every bit as brightly as do the other tracks. And “It Might As Well Be Spring” is so good you could never tire of Dick’s crooning.

“It's Magic” proffers a fine arrangement as Dick performs it to perfection and beyond. “Nevertheless” is very special in Dick’s capable hands. And the album ends with Mr. H. doing “They Say It’s Wonderful.” Indeed it is!

Dick is backed on this album by several well known orchestras, including those of David Broekman, Gordon Jenkins, Edward Everett Horton, Harry Sosnik and Buzz Adlam.

It's regrettable that Dick Haymes is not remembered the way he should be, yet there are many old-timers who will recall him fondly. You can discover a bit of his magic with this CD!

To sample some of the tracks, click the speaker icon below to hear them. Then scroll down the page to order today!