Ray Stevens - 'Misty' (Official Audio)

Ray Stevens recorded this classic, Grammy-winning song in 1975 based on a jazz standard written in 1954 by the pianist Erroll Garner. "Misty" appeared on the album of the same name with the cover featured in this video. It was an international hit which made it all the way up to #3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

[frontrunnernewjersey]

I heard a Ray Stevens interview about this song that was hilarious. They were in the recording studio after a few beers horsing around making up country versions of old songs. One band member brought up Misty by Johnny Mathis and they just started riffing and all of the sudden they paused in the buzzing haze and realized, "Hey, that sounded kind of good." They did it again and wouldn't you know it, from goofing around after several beers in, Stevens won his only Grammy for rearranging Misty. Great, great rendition and even better story about how it all came about.

[wendyrock]

This was my favorite version of Misty.

[JamesSmith-oeot]

Heard this the first time in years the other day. I miss the 70s!
Just awesome!!

[nervo]

Suddenly it’s 1975 and I am 12 years old again…great song.

[diannemc]

The only problem with this song is, it’s not long enough.

[m.j.c.]

When he sings "...and a thousand violins begin to play" and the fiddles kick in you know this is 100% American.

[Doongieever]

This was always my favorite Ray Stevens song.

[ivanmay]

Ray Stevens has a beautiful singing voice.

[michele]

Such a great talent. i don't know understand why there there has never been an honorary award show acknowledgment of some kind done for him. I think he has really been overlooked .

[tonybates]

Great version.
Wonder how many people went up to Ray and said 'play Misty for me'?
217, probably . . .

[stevecampbell]

Reached number 2 here in the UK in 1975 and I still have the 45 and still love this song.

[JoeHuman]

This recording shows the versatility of a well-written song.
Obviously conceived as a jazz standard.
Recorded as a crooner by Johnny Mathis.
Country-fied hear by Ray, but also has elements of hip hip & disco backbeats.
Magical lyrics & a roller coaster of a melody make this a perfect song any way you record it.

[AAFC]

As a kid spinning my mom's 45s on the record player, this is the one single I always sought out.

[davida.p.]

Growing up, I always thought this song was about a girl named "Misty". ☺️ Great song sung by the great Ray Stevens!

[christinehall]

The banjo, pedal steel guitar, his voice just a brilliant version, superb.

[rosemaryclarke]

I was listening to the great Ella Fitzgerald then this kept popping into my head; so glad I found it again!

[HamiltonProdTV]

The instrumentation is what always gets me with this song. Outstanding production with lots of tasty "stuff" going on in the mix.

[hermanmunster]

This is some fine musicianship that roll on the banjo and whaling fiddles takes me back to Kentucky along the banks of Ohio River. Thank you. 😊

[chrisrandall]

70's style country music was some of the BEST! Ray Stevens makes it THAT MUCH BETTER.😊

[davehartin]

This is definitely my favourite Ray Stevens song!!!