Although most famous for her timeless recording of 'The Big Hurt', Toni Fisher was an extraordinarily talented vocalist with many years experience on the US nightclub circuit. This wonderful and now expanded with many extr... more »a tracks compilation charts her recording career with a particular emphasis on the work she did with Wayne Shanklin who provided her with the eponymous hit. Wayne's son, Michael has provided Harkit Records with previously unseen family photographs and insightful and revealing liner notes, which, in addition to explaining definitively about that 'phasing sound' - which is still used today - gives us a deeper understanding into the American recording industry at this time. HARKIT.« less
Although most famous for her timeless recording of 'The Big Hurt', Toni Fisher was an extraordinarily talented vocalist with many years experience on the US nightclub circuit. This wonderful and now expanded with many extra tracks compilation charts her recording career with a particular emphasis on the work she did with Wayne Shanklin who provided her with the eponymous hit. Wayne's son, Michael has provided Harkit Records with previously unseen family photographs and insightful and revealing liner notes, which, in addition to explaining definitively about that 'phasing sound' - which is still used today - gives us a deeper understanding into the American recording industry at this time. HARKIT.
CD Reviews
Nice Surprise from a One-Hit Wonder
Thomas Bumbera | Maplewood, NJ USA | 01/22/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"In addition to her huge freak hit "The Big Hurt" and her final charted single "West Of The Wall," this compilation contains some nice renditions of standards on which Miss Fisher reminds one of Kay Starr - and that's high praise. Judging from the photos included in the excellent liner notes, Toni did not fit the slender glamour-girl image of the Peggy Lee-Julie London era, and this may have held her back (that, and some sub-standard material written by her hit-or-miss songwriting husband). If you're into 50s songbirds, this is a must-have. Sound quality is excellent."
The big Hurt
Ernesto Woginiak | 07/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lovely CD.The song that I like is "The big hurt".It is well recorded on a CD.Good quality audio despite the recording process was done in the 1960's.Recommend to everyone."
Four Stars for a great voice!
T. A. Shepherd | Palmdale, Ca. 93550 | 02/20/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The liner notes make very interesting reading, and by now we all know Jimi Hendrix was totally bonkers over "The Big Hurt". Actually, it is said that the "phasing" effect on the title track was found quite by accident, but you'll have to get this disc yourself and read it. Even more thrilling is Toni's vocal pipes!! It's hard to believe all these years later, the recordings within have not lost a bit of urgency. To my ears, anyway, they are timeless. The follow-up release, "How Deep Is The Ocean" (1960) continues in "The Big Hurt" tradition, although not the sizable hit of its predecessor. Her last hit in 1962 was "West Of The Wall", which was more relative to her European constituancy. When the Berlin wall went up, friends and families were suddenly separated with the hope of one day being united. The reality of that reunion finally came during the Reagan administration when the wall was torn down. The song is done in true Euro fashion and ABBA owes great debt to a lot of its inspiration. "Fernando" in particular has similar sentiments. It should be pointed out that the two hits, "Big Hurt" and "West" was written by Toni's husband Wayne Shanklin, who also wrote "Chanson D'Amour" for Art & Dotty Todd. Here is where I rest my case. Get this disc while you can, because it's the only way you'll collect all three of Miss Fisher's hits.
"
One Hit Toni
Allen Bardin | Columbia, SC United States | 02/11/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This disc contains all of Miss Toni Fisher's known recordings. A very competent singer with a style very much like Kay Starr, but not as jazz-oriented."
ONE OF THE BEST CD'S I'VE EVER PURCHASED
Samuel G. Kuykendall | 01/16/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"PUT THE CD ON AND FOUND "LAUGH OR CRY" HAVE FELL IN LOVE ALL OVER AGAIN WITH MISS TONI. SHE HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE BEST. GREAT LINER NOTES AND I LOVE ALL THE SONGS. I DO MISS "YOU NEVER TOLD ME" IT IS ALSO A GOOD SONG. GIVE LAUGH OR CRY A LISTEN AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ANOTHER HIT."
Track Listings (30) - Disc #1