Perry Como jazz singer Biography

About the Song

“Magic Moments” by Perry Como is a timeless classic that captures the heartwarming, nostalgic spirit of the 1950s, showcasing the smooth, easygoing vocal style of one of the most beloved crooners of the era. Released in 1957, the song quickly became one of Perry Como’s signature hits, resonating with listeners for its sweet melody, sentimental lyrics, and the comforting warmth of Como’s voice.

Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, “Magic Moments” is a beautiful reflection on the fleeting, yet unforgettable nature of romantic memories. The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia, describing the “magic moments” shared between two people in love—those simple, intimate instances that stay with you forever, like a first kiss, a stolen glance, or a quiet afternoon spent together. With its soft orchestration and smooth arrangement, the track has a timeless quality, bringing out both the joy and the bittersweet nature of love.

Como’s vocal delivery is a masterclass in restraint and elegance. He doesn’t over-sing; instead, his smooth baritone gently caresses the lyrics, making every word feel personal and sincere. The simplicity of the arrangement—light strings, a subtle rhythm section, and a melody that floats effortlessly—complements Como’s voice perfectly, creating a song that feels both intimate and universal. The result is a track that invites the listener to reminisce about their own “magic moments” while enjoying the beauty of the music itself.

The song was a commercial success, reaching high positions on the charts and earning Perry Como widespread acclaim. “Magic Moments” became a staple of Como’s repertoire and is often regarded as one of his most enduring songs. It also represents a turning point in the crooner tradition, where the romantic ballads of the past met the more polished, pop-infused sounds of the late 1950s. The song’s gentle tone and sweet sentiment made it a favorite for a wide range of listeners, from those who cherished the golden age of traditional pop to those who were beginning to embrace the newer sounds of popular music.

To this day, “Magic Moments” remains a quintessential example of Perry Como’s ability to create music that feels timeless and universally appealing. It is a song that speaks to the power of music to evoke memories, emotions, and moments of joy, making it just as relevant today as it was when it first topped the charts. For those who appreciate the elegance of classic pop, “Magic Moments” is a track that never fails to evoke a sense of warmth, nostalgia, and love.

The Incomparable Perry Como | Italian Sons and Daughters of America

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Lyrics: Magic Moments

Magic moments
When two hearts are caring
Magic moments
Memories we’ve been sharingI’ll never forget the moment
We kissed the night of the hayride
The way that we hugged to try to keep warm
While taking a sleigh rideMagic moments
Memories we’ve been sharing
Magic moments
When two hearts are caringTime can’t erase the memory of
These magic moments filled with love

The telephone call
That tied up the line for hours and hours
The Saturday dance I got up the nerve
To send you some flowers

Magic moments
Memories we’ve been sharing
Magic moments
When two hearts are caring

Time can’t erase the memory of
These magic moments filled with love

(The way that we cheered
Whenever our team was scoring a touch down)
The time that the floor fell out of my car
When I put the clutch down

(The penny arcade, the games that we played
The fun and the prizes)
The Halloween hop when everyone came
In funny disguises

Magic moments
Filled with love

You Missed

Billy Joe Shaver first caught Waylon Jennings’ eye at Willie Nelson’s Dripping Springs Reunion back in 1972 while passing a guitar around backstage and picking “Willy the Wandering Gypsy and Me.” Waylon immediately stopped in his tracks, learned the chords on the spot, and promised to record the material. Instead of a quick cut, Shaver found himself stuck in Nashville for six months trying to collect on that promise while dealing with empty pockets and a songwriter dodging his calls. A sympathetic DJ eventually smuggled him right into one of Waylon’s studio dates. Still trying to brush him off, Waylon handed over a hundred-dollar bill with strict instructions to clear out. Shaver was broke enough to desperately need the cash, yet his pride won out. He fired the money right back with a harsh insult, prompting a furious Waylon to storm out into the hallway surrounded by a crowd. Shaver stood his ground and told him straight: listen to the songs, or catch a beating right there in front of God and everybody. Waylon finally sat down and listened. One track led to another until Jennings scrapped his own plans and built an entire record around Shaver’s writing. Released in 1973, Honky Tonk Heroes packed nine of Billy Joe’s compositions and turned into a crown jewel of the outlaw movement. The recording room stayed just as volatile, with Shaver loudly arguing over arrangement choices and accusing Waylon of altering his vision. Yet that exact friction gave the record its teeth. Waylon had just fought RCA for total creative freedom, and Billy Joe Shaver proved stubborn enough to demand that exact same respect for the words on the page.