| ALBUMS | SINGLES/E.P.'S | CAST RECORDINGS | MISCELLANEOUS |
Nobody Sees Me Cry (1967)
I Wonder What Became Of Me
(J. Mercer/H. Arlen)
Little Girl Blue
(R. Rodgers/L. Hart)
Goin' Out Of My Head
(T. Randazzo/B. Weinstein)
I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry
(S. Cahn/J. Styne)
Gradually
(C. Blackwell/H. Schutz)
Hidden Meaning
(B. Scott/M. Goode)
I'll Be Around
(A. Wilder)
Nobody But Me
(B. Kessler)
Don't Answer Me
(P. Callander/F. Migliacci/B. Zambrini/L. Enriquez)
Runnin' Out Of Fools
(K. Rogers/R. Ahlert)
Good-Bye Young Dreams
Main Theme Song from the Motion Picture "Jenny"
(B. Scott/R. Ahlert)
ALBUM INFO
Produced by Howard Roberts.
This is the original back sleeve notes:
A while back, during the course of a LOOK magazine interview, Diahann Carroll was asked what was her ultimate goal.
"The world", she replied.
"What would you settle for?"
"The world".
What seemed to have been fanciful exaggeration has since been transformed
into spectacular reality. Diahann Carroll has made the entertainment world
her personal province.
A highly combustible diversification of her talent is deceptively packaged
in this slim, dark-eyed, stunning young woman. Since her notable debut, at
19, in the Harold Arlen - Truman Capote musical "House Of Flowers", this regal
young lady has become not only a singer of refreshing originality, but at
the same time she has matured into a persuasive stage personality and a convincing
motion picture actress. Here, in NOBODY SEES ME CRY, she makes her record
album debut.
Born and schooled in New York, Diahann studied voice and piano. To
gratify her parents ambitions, Miss Carroll became a sociology major at New
York University. But a natural flare for show business was not to be denied.
She auditioned for a part in a collage revue, and although the production
never materialized, the tryout brought Miss Carroll to the attention of a
television talent show. She came off with top honors, and $1,000 a week for
three consecutive appearances.
Now Diahann's parents sensibly agreed that their daughter should be
encouraged to pursue a stage career. It was understood, however, that if no
substantial progress was made in two years, she would return to collage. Fortunately
for both Miss Carroll and the entertainment world, this promise never required
fulfillment.
Her professional baptismal took place at Lou Walters' Latin Quarter.
Despite understandable nervousness, Diahann's distinctive talent and magnetic
stage presence won her instant acclaim and her engagement was extended. Even
more successful stands followed at other posh clubs such as the Plaza's Persian
Room, Ciro's in Hollywood and the Fontainebleau in Miami Beach.
Then came Diahann's Broadway debut. Though the musical "House of Flowers"
was not destined for a long run, the critics were unanimous in their unrestrained
praise for this distinctively talented young girl. "A rich, lovely voice with
a rare freshness of personality", reported the World Telegram. Critic
Walter Kerr found Miss Carroll "a plaintive and extraordinarily appealing
ingenue." Richard Rodgers was among the theatrical professionals much impressed
with Miss Carroll. He decided that one day he would write a show for her.
Meanwhile, there came continual exposure on a host of network television
shows. Then Hollywood wanted her unique talent as well. Diahann debuted in
"Carmen Jones", followed by "Porgy and Bess". She was rapidly cast in other
motion pictures, the most memorable of these being her first straight dramatic
role in "Paris Blues", co-starring with Paul Newman and Sidney Poitier.
Now Richard Rodgers did his outmost to make good of his promise to
use Miss Carroll by casting her as an oriental in his forthcoming "Flower
Drum Song".
But it was not to be. She was too tall and despite endless makeup tests,
both producer and talent gave up the attempt. Recalls Miss Carroll: "I was
the tallest, brownest oriental you have ever seen".
Mr. Rodgers was still determined that this exquisite girl would one
day grace a production of his. This faith in Miss Carroll was unmistakably
justified when he created her role in "No Strings", which opened on Broadway
in New York on March 15, 1962.
The staging and the music won instant praise. As for its star, the
New York Times said, "Miss Carroll brings to this musical a glowing
personal beauty and her delightful singing capture many moods."
Since Diahann Carroll's gifts as a singer concern us here, let us examine
this bright facet of a many-sided talent. It has been said that Miss Carroll
possesses that all too rare ability to galvanize her listeners into rapt attention,
and make them become intensely aware of what a song's lyrics really mean.
Her acting experience lends credulity and dramatic varity to her singing.
Though Diahann is at her best with a torch ballad, she is equally convincing
with a sarcastic blues, or an upbeat piece that reflects the ultimate in pure
swinging joy.
The listener will be pleased with her distinctive choice of songs for
NOBODY SEES ME CRY. Miss Carroll despises banal lyrics, rightfully believing
that the words must have something vital to say. Among the recent songs -
Gradually and Don't Answer Me for example - there are several
delightfully familiar cameos, such as I Wonder What Became Of Me, Little
Girl Blue and I'll Be Around. She gives all of them fresh and enchanting
meaning.
This album offers a full spectrum of musical emotions to enjoy, each
bearing the distinctive hallmark of Diahann Carroll.
-Jeff Scott
CD EDITIONS
This excellent late 60's album (on which Diahann deliveres some powerhouse vocals in the style of UK Dame Shirley Bassey) was released on CD with bonus tracks in 2001 - se page for Nobody Sees Me Cry - The Best of the Columbia Years.
