We have lately been working on a new song: “I Look At You”, as recorded by Johnny Mathis in 1958 on his album “Certain Smile”. The song was later re-released on two different “greatest hits” compilation albums in 1958 and in 1994. This lovely, haunting ballad about “love that might never be” was written by Jessie Mae Robinson. As the story goes, Jessie Mae had completed most of the song, but got stuck with writer’s block on one line. Johnny proposed the lyric for that one line, earning him a rare song writing co-credit on the song’s publication.
“I Look At You” was arranged for us by our dear friend and HCMC chorus director, Michael Gellert. Michael’s ballad arrangements are known throughout the barbershop world for their lush harmonies and beautiful chord structures that make the listener melt. Michael’s arrangement of “I Look At You” is another of these songs. In classic Gellert style, the arrangement lifts and soars to beautiful heights. We’re still learning this new song, but we know already that this Gellert arrangement is a new favorite of ours, and will soon be a favorite of audiences as well.