I never liked Sonny James' version, which came earlier, preferring Hunter's deep, smooth and soothing voice. Hunter died three days short of his 87th birthday, on 8 July 2018.
Together with Bobby Darin (Mack The Knife); Frankie Avalon (Why?); Sal Mineo (Start Movin') and Pat Boone (Why Baby Why?) the 1950's ended with a big, loud bang. Pop music was different then. It had style, class and cool cats on the microphone. Like the macho guys then, Hunter was one of them.
In an autobiography, Tab Hunter, Confidential, The Making of a Movie Star (2005), he revealed that he was gay and had a relationship with actor Anthony Perkins (Psycho) and others. In 2015, the book was later made into a successful documentary.
Young days, young love. RIP Mr Tab Hunter.
Larry Lai's Comment:
"Tab Hunter's version, along with Sonny James', was the most requested. Which was your favourite? That's hard to say. Tab had star power over Sonny."
Image: A Private Collection; Google.
15 comments:
He will always be remembered for his contribution to the music scene. A great loss indeed.
Handsome guy.
RIP TAB HUNTER
Great song of yesteryear
I prefer Sonny James. Tab Hunter's voice was a bit pale. If Ricky Nelson had recorded this, it would be a huge hit!
One of my fave artist, especially his song YOUNG LOVE. May his soul Rest In Peace.
At our age we will witness any more great artistes 'vanishing'.
Yup, I remember his song as my late dad used to listen to it.
Another one down (sigh).
All the good singers are diminishing.
RIP Mr Tab Hunter:
Thank you for all you've given us during our teen years. As primary school kids, I and my siblings plus our parents were fans of your movies and music. We sang along when YOUNG LOVE (both versions) and RED SAILS IN THE SUNSET, another great hit, came on the radio.
What beautiful memories from a great bygone age: the 50's, when life used to be so simple.
Salute Mr Tab Hunter.
Tab Hunter - The glorious 50's
Anybody remember Sal Mineo? who was around the same period?
Many thanks for all comments.
50's was the time for non-amplified instruments.
Musicians had to thumb the huge, heavy bass elephant, hit the piano keys hard, blow the sax and trumpet till blue in the face and strum the f-hole guitar till the strings scream high. And not forgetting, the drums too.
For the singers? Both ladies and gentlemen singers?
They sing into a boxed microphone with only their voices and simple suits and garbs to show off their crooning voices and nightingale serenades. No popped up blinking lights, background half-naked dancers, high-def coloured giant screen backdrops.
Like Tab Hunter. Just his voice and macho hunk, nothing more.
Tab Hunter’s rendition of Young Love was my favourite when I was a teenager.I sang that song in a picnic singing contest but failed to win any prize.The song was also a hit for Sonny James.Tab’s next hit was Ninety Nine Ways.He was an accomplished actor but there simply no news of his singing or acting career after the 70s.
RIP Tab Hunter and thank you for your lovely songs
Thanks, Stephen,
That was heartfelt. You write sincerely with much feelings within. Interesting, the picnic talentime; there were so many those years. Yes NINETY-NINE WAYS and RED SAILS... No news afterwards, how right you are. KAMSIAH.
OMG.
I was just humming the song to myself and thinking of doing this YOUNG LOVE with this ukelele group of seniors, cause only they will appreciate this song Andy, this evening.
I don't believe this.
Rest in Peace
Great song
Post a Comment