About the song
“Misty,” a timeless jazz standard penned by pianist Erroll Garner in 1954, stands as a quintessential piece in the American songbook. Originally conceived as an instrumental composition in the traditional 32-bar format, Garner’s inspiration for the melody struck during a flight from San Francisco to Chicago, amidst a poignant scene of a rainbow piercing through a thunderstorm haze. As Garner hummed the envisioned notes and rhythmically tapped his knees, he began crafting what would become “Misty,” despite alarming a fellow passenger who mistook his creative fervor for distress.
The song gained further acclaim when lyricist Johnny Burke added lyrics to Garner’s melody, at the urging of his pianist Herb Mesick. Burke, initially hesitant, relented after Mesick persistently played the tune in his presence, finally succumbing with the declaration, “Alright, give me the damn music, and I’ll do it.” In a burst of creativity, Burke penned the evocative lyrics in just a few hours, completing the transformation of “Misty” into a lyrical and melodic gem.
“Misty” was first recorded by the Erroll Garner Trio in 1954, featuring Garner on piano alongside Wyatt Ruther on bass and Fats Heard on drums. Its initial release on Garner’s album *Contrasts* marked the song’s debut, showcasing Garner’s deft piano skills and setting the stage for its enduring popularity. The instrumental version captured hearts and ears, setting a standard that would later be enriched by vocal renditions.
Sarah Vaughan’s 1958 recording in Paris, arranged by Quincy Jones, further elevated “Misty” into the realm of jazz classics. Vaughan’s emotive interpretation, backed by lush orchestration, solidified the song’s status as a beloved standard in the jazz repertoire. Notably, Johnny Mathis’ rendition on his 1959 album *Heavenly* propelled “Misty” to broader recognition, reaching number 12 on the U.S. Pop Singles chart and becoming synonymous with Mathis’ vocal prowess.
Mathis, deeply moved by Garner’s composition since his teenage years, fulfilled his promise to record “Misty” despite initial plans for a different track at his recording session. The serendipitous appearance of Garner or his manager at the session spurred Mathis to prioritize “Misty,” leading to a heartfelt and masterful vocal performance. Mathis’ rendition, arranged by Glenn Osser and featuring Andy Ackers on piano, showcased his unique vocal techniques and earned him acclaim, including a Grammy nomination.
Over the years, “Misty” has been celebrated in multiple versions by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Stevens, each bringing their distinct interpretations to Garner and Burke’s masterpiece. Both Garner’s original instrumental and Mathis’ vocal rendition have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, underscoring the song’s enduring impact on jazz and popular music.
“Misty” continues to enchant listeners with its evocative lyrics and timeless melody, embodying the essence of romance and longing through its musical journey. Garner’s initial inspiration and Burke’s lyrical finesse have crafted a song that transcends generations, cementing “Misty” as a cherished gem in the treasury of American music history.
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Lyrics
Look at me
I’m as helpless as a kitten up a tree
And I feel like I’m clinging to a cloud
I can’t understand
I get misty, just holding your hand
Walk my way
And a thousand violins begin to play
Or it might be the sound of your hello
That music I hear
I get misty the moment you’re near
You can say that you’re leading me on
But it’s just what I want you to do
Don’t you notice how hopelessly I’m lost
That’s why I’m following you
On my own
Would I wander through this wonderland alone?
Never knowing my right foot from my left
My hat from my glove
I’m too misty and too much in love
Look at me