Damita Jo - If You Go Away [Ne Me Quitte Pas]

Damita Jo, born in Austin, Texas in 1930 began her singing career as featured vocalist on albums by Steve Gibson and the Red Caps during the 1950s. She made many fine recordings, several of which were worthy of chart favour, but had to rely on the early Sixties novelty of “answer“ discs to gain her biggest successes, - “I’ll Save The Last Dance For You“ in 1960 (responding to “Save The Last Dance For Me“), and “I’ll Be There“ in 1961, replying to “Stand By Me“. The originals of both these songs were sung by Ben E King, the earlier recording while he was still a member of The Drifters. In 1966 she received deserved acclaim for her stunning treatment of Jacques Brel’s “Ne Me Quitte Pas“, retitled “If You Go Away“ for the English version with lyrics by Rod McKuen. I have recordings of this outstanding song by a number of singers, including Scott Walker and Dusty Springfield who, like Damita, truly understand the lyric. Without t