“I Remember You” was written in 1941 by Victor Schertzinger, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Mercer had a crush on Judy Garland, who was set to marry David Rose, and he presented her with the song on her wedding day. It was used in the 1942 movie The Fleet’s In which starred Dorothy Lamour, Eddie Bracken, William Holden, and Betty Hutton.
Maybe the most popular version of the song was done in 1962 by British country singer Frank Ifield. His version went to #1 and stayed there for seven weeks and sold over a million copies in the UK alone, and reached #5 on the Hot 100 and #1 on the Easy Listening Charts in the US. It was originally issued on Gary, Indiana’s Vee Jay label, so he was a labelmate with The Beatles and Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Here’s his version, for reference purposes only; it’s not one of the contestants.
The song is both a jazz and country standard. It’s been done by jazz players Chet Baker, Lee Konitz, and Tal Farlow, and country artists such as Slim Whitman (as you might expect) and John Denver. I’ve chosen a sample of both styles for you to choose from, so if you’re quite ready…
CONTESTANT #1: Glen Campbell
Glen covered the song on his 1987 album Still Within The Sound Of My Voice. It rose to #32 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1988.
CONTESTANT #2: June Christy
June wrapped her lovely voice around this standard on the 1958 album The Song Is June!, backed by the Pete Rugolo Orchestra.
Now, it’s time to vote…
So, which did you prefer? Glen Campbell’s countryfied version, influenced by Frank Ifield but with his own touches, or June Christy’s presentation of this standard? Leave me a comment and tell me which one you liked better. I’ll tally the votes and publish the results on Wednesday, June 22.
Then, how about visiting some of today’s other battles? All or some of these blogs have battles today:
Tossing It Out
StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands *
Your Daily Dose
Mike’s Ramblings
Curious as a Cathy
DC Relief – Battle of the Bands
ReInVintaged
Book Lover
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Shady Dell Music & Memories
Debbie D. at The Doglady’s Den
Angels Bark
Jingle Jangle Jungle
Janie Junebug Righting and Editing
Cherdo on the Flipside
Holli’s Hoots ‘n’ Hollers
J. A. Scott
Quiet Laughter
NovelBrews
* Check Stephen’s blog for further updates to this list!
Once again, results will be announced next Wednesday, June 22. Best of luck to Glen and June!
The Sound of One Hand Typing 
June Christy gets my vote I like her voice and arrangement better.
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Aha! I saw your other blog and commented there wondering where everyone was and thinking you had changed things up but…you have not:) I vote for the velvet voice of June. It is more to my liking and love it that it was a love song for the great Judy Garland( did she ever sing this??) I had to go to YouTube to find a version since it wouldn’t play here. I am not a country western fan so…sorry Glen
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I can’t imagine someone writing a song like that for me. So, did she marry the other guy after getting a song like that on her wedding day????
I had to listen to them twice to render a decision on this one. June’s version is sweet, but Glenn’s version is full. In this case, I think he takes it. It’s a delightful song. Thanks! (That was a vote for Glen Campbell.)
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I feel pretty much the way Michele does about it. I’ve ALWAYS been a Glen Campbell fan (and even used him in a BOTB once on a Gospel song). Got to meet him backstage in the late ’70s after a concert at The Riviera in Las Vegas.
At one point, his version had me about ready to tap dance (even though I don’t know how).
~ D-FensDogG
‘Loyal American Underground’
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Glen Campbell all the way! Love his country style and the piano is a really nice touch. June’s version put me to sleep…
Great song choice!
Michele at Angels Bark
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Glen Campbell just does it for me with his version. Please give him my vote.
Mary
Jingle Jangle Jungle
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When I first learned what music concerts was, my parents took me to Summerfest to see Glen Campbell. I thought it was a novel idea for a few years thought I was special because I actually saw a singing celebrity up close. Unfortunately, I never became a big Glen Campbell fan, so at least I’m not partial in this battle. To be honest, I enjoy June’s voice so much more. Please cast my vote for June Christy.
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I am surprising myself. Thought for sure I would go for ” The Misty Miss Christy ” but my vote goes to Glenn Cambell.
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Campbell does a nice version… I specifically enjoyed his signature guitar. My vote goes to him.
(stop over for my battle when you have time.)
@dcrelief from
dcrelief – Battle of the Bands
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The June Christy video isn’t available in Canada. Sigh; third time today! 😛 I hope the following alternative is acceptable. June gets my vote as I preferred her vocals and the arrangement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqsRwKvowfw w=”400″
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Oops! try again
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This is a wonderful song–one of those tunes I heard throughout childhood. There are many fine recordings in many styles. I do think the song lends itself particularly well to the country styling.
June’s version is sweet, but I prefer the version by Glen Campbell.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
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