If I Had You

michaeljayklein

Genre: Ballad

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Description

"If I Had You" is a 1928 song by "Irving King" (James Campbell and Reginald Connelly), currently public domainified. People that know me very well know that I'm a bit apprehensive about doing slow tempo ballads (so Impsie, if this bombs, I told ya so!!)

This is dedicated in the memory of Margaret Whiting, a very fine singer that recently went to that Big Recording Studio in the Sky, who also recorded this with much success in the 1950s.

Arrangement and accompaniment: Mr. Alan McPike.
Vocal: MJK (who sometimes forgot to open his mouth on this)

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Lyrics

From the 1957 Capitol Records LP, "MJK Sings Romantic Songs for People Who are Too Horny"

Song Stats

Hits: 1393
Comments: 64
Fans: 27
Plays: 72
Downloads: 58

Uploaded: Jan 22, 2011 - 06:08:23 PM
Last Updated: Sep 07, 2011 - 07:16:06 PM Last Played: Nov 13, 2012 - 10:36:39 AM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Song Actions

Comments

Relic67	Relic67 said 854 days ago (January 22nd, 2011)
	marvelous no need to be apprehensive, you pull this off as well as everything else you do! good stuff. Check out my latest song called Someone Else's Thing

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	Thanks very much Relic I guess mainly I've never been much of a ballad listener--plus I have a tendency to start laughing when I sing these things (I'm just demented that way for some reason, but glad I got through this straight-faced!) Appreciate the encouraging words you left me--very much so! Take care now, Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

composerclark	composerclark said 854 days ago (January 22nd, 2011)
	I could... Get very excited about this... it's terrific! I never would have guessed you have any discomfort with ballads; you do this very naturally. Check out my latest song called Momma's Song

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)

Thanks Clark!
Many years ago when I was perhaps 13, my first piano teacher taught me this romantic tune as a way to develop my singing voice, so it was a bit easier for me to do than many others (not that I knew what the hell I was singing about at age 13--took me another 15 years to understand it all!) You are too kind--thanks again! Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

RAVENS	RAVENS said 854 days ago (January 22nd, 2011)
	Beautiful Oh boy, you just kill me! Bomb? I can link you to a few if you'd like? Aiieeoo! You are just amazing, your voice is gold to me. This is so beautiful, wonderful mix too! Imps ;-) Check out my latest song called Tattooed Scars (w/ Sigmund, Scofugate, Rok41)

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	Mmmmmmmmm.... No, don't link me because I KNOW what you'll linkify me with! Impsie, thanks so very much for the kind words and for your perpetual audience--you take good care now, xox Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

papag	papag said 854 days ago (January 22nd, 2011)
	Smooth Your voice is golden on this tune. Good job dude. Thanks for the dl :) Check out my latest song called How Can I Know?

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	Hey Papa Glad you liked this and much obliged for your stopping by and laying down a few kind words--you take care now! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

H3nry	H3nry said 854 days ago (January 22nd, 2011)
	Needn't worry Beautifully sung and phrased. Nice backing and mix, too. A ballad does fall more heavily on the vocalist than a dance number, but you have carried it off here more than once. So relax and have fun. Check out my latest song called Mic check

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)

Henry!
I thought Alan did a magnificent job on the accompaniment and that ALWAYS helps give me a little more confidence when I croak these things out. I've always thought this tune one of the best ballads and much elated that you liked what I did with it. You take good care now and have a splendid (or even semi-splendid if nothing else) week! Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

alackbass	alackbass said 854 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	If I Had You Wonderful! How many other beautiful ballads are you holding back on us? Check out my latest song called Just Ain't Worth a Song (2 Track)

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)

Andrew
Yanno, I was going through my older recordings last night and was stunned at how many slow ballads and things I've done. Alas, the vast majority of them really sounded horrifying, but these were done when I had no idea what I was doing with mixing and before I studied with a vocal teacher--I think I've improved a bit since then so perhaps I'll try some more later on down the line. Thanks very much for the kind words! Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Skean	Skean said 854 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	Only you... …can do this so good, I'm always impressed with your creativity… be well my friend. Check out my latest song called Asian Mystery

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	Kenta! I just adore this tune--there are so many things you can do with it and it's one of those "wink and a smile" songs that always have appealed to me. Glad you could stop by (I've been busy as hell lately, but I hope you are too--in a good way!) You take care and thanks again, Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

richard13	richard13 said 854 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	Bombs away! And stay away. This turned out nicely Michael. Will it reduce your apprehension in future? BTW, the recording sounds terrific for 1957. Check out my latest song called Caledonia

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	Direct hit! Thanks very much Richard! Oh, this was one of the very recordings made on the newly invented magnetic tape recording system (you believe me, right?) You are too kind--thanks again! Take care now, Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

sammydix	sammydix said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	UUULLLLTRA cool Michael, gonna keep this short and simple. My absolute favorite from you so far. DL'd! Check out my latest song called House Terrace w/Yomar

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	Sam Yanno, I am so very impressed with your work--so hearing that from you really lit up my day over here! THANK YOU very, very much! Whatta guy--you take care now! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Jarvoid

Jarvoid said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)

Smooth as snake sh........
...satin,smooth as satin and soft as silk is what I was going to write !!

Love the bass,brush and piano arrangement...whoah where did the stringy thingies come from ?? excellent job as always Michael....I'd say you rock...but it would not be right for your style,sort of fing....

Chris

Check out my latest song called Cripple Creek Revised........By Jarvoid and the Banjo Bedraggled Manic Mandolin Accordion Squeezers

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	Maybe I roll then?! Thanks again Chris--glad you could saunter in and appreciated your generous review! You take care now, Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

mrattue	mrattue said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	Hi Michael! As always a great pleasure to hear you. Great accompaniment once again to, leaving your warm, melodic voice room to flourish. Great. Marc PS Feeling better. Home from the sea on Wednesday. Check out my latest song called Merrily Down The Stream

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	Thanks Marc! I think this is one of Mr. M's best arrangements and orchestrations--glad you enjoyed that part of this and of course, very appreciative of your take on the vocal on this deal. Glad you are feeling better--thanks again now! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Calchas	Calchas said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	Back for another listen... Why did you apologize for your vocal herein? You did a marvelous job Michael! Relaxing and smile-inducing music my friend... Be well!

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	Thanks Micheal! Really though, I was aiming for a non-smiling product here (trying to get out that racket for a bit), but glad you could stop by to listen and thanks for the positive remarks on it! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Bob Rodgers

Bob Rodgers said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)

A
real treat to hear you sing this lovely ballad Michael and it's very enjoyable listening to you sing this on a relaxing Sunday evening here in the UK.
I love the music and the piano sounds nice, great vocals as always with a lovely warm tone. I have a request for you to sing more ballads please, very much enjoyed and thanks for the download.

Bob

Check out my latest song called We Can't Let It Go

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	Mr. Rodgers Wow, what a generous appraisal--thank you so very much sir! And yes, perhaps the best way to get over my diffidence with ballads is to just concentrate on them more--you take care now and appreciated hearing from ya! Have a good week! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

PeterB7858	PeterB7858 said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	Wonderfully natural Hi Michael. No problems here. You pulled this of beautifully. Your vocals sounds wonderfully natural and do justice to a sensational backing arrangement. Liked it a lot. Automatic download. Take care as always, Peter. Check out my latest song called Autumn Falling

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	Hi Peter I think the trick is to record these slow tempo deals late at night around my bedtime--maybe because I'm more relaxed then. As always, I'm always tickled to hear from you. Keep up the excellent work and in the meantime, hope you have an enjoyable week! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

ted23	ted23 said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	This Is soothing the MOTHER of all hangovers! Never again...... Most relaxing as I sink into my Ted shaped sofa groove. Just eaten an entire box of cereal to try and help, it didn't work. All I had to do was listen to this. Very swell Michael, very swell indeed. Soooo relaxing, we have drift off! Check out my latest song called Living Dead Love Song in Z minor (HALLOWEEN 2012)

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)

Ted you little fool!
You just had to go out and get bombed on your birthday didn't ya?! Well, I hope you had a great time! "Ted shaped sofa groove"--I love how you wax poetic in your fashionably inimitable way (that was too much!) Well, I sincerely hope your painful conk dwindles away before long. What did you drink last night? I know from being a highly expert drinker at one time that certain types of booze produce the most excruciating hangovers (try gin next time!) You take care my friend, Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Reggie_Pole

Reggie_Pole said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)

I was wondering
about that. Apprehensive, huh? Well, OK, I can understand that. A different approach is required. Have to pretty much play it straight I s'pose. But I must say that I wish you would work more in this style. I like all of your work, but there are so many great songs like this that are just waiting for you. A challenge? Yes. So? Go for it, man. You got da chops.

Check out my latest song called UnerSpizm

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 853 days ago (January 23rd, 2011)
	Okay Reggie as the old TV show proudly proclaimed, "You Asked for It!" I'll try to work on more in this line (how can I resist after your emboldening prodding?!) Thanks so very much Reggie--you take good care now and have a scintillating week! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

MarcusPerry	MarcusPerry said 853 days ago (January 24th, 2011)
	Nice Very well done! Excellent vocals. Check out my latest song called Don't Wait For Me

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 852 days ago (January 24th, 2011)
	Thanks very much Marcus! Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

KCsGROOVE	KCsGROOVE said 852 days ago (January 24th, 2011)
	the ease with which you sing this is amazing. Great timing here, Michael! it's one of those lazy sunday tunes hehe very much enjoyed! KC Check out my latest song called I DON'T LIKE IT

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 852 days ago (January 24th, 2011)
	Thanks Cee! But honestly, there are some spots on this that induce cringing listening back to it--but as it was, a little of a challenge for me (yanno, I'm into those uptempo swing things!) Thanks for the encouragement my friend--you take care now! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

dave_b	dave_b said 852 days ago (January 24th, 2011)
	If I Had You Butter smooth delivery of a classic song. Don't know why you were worried. Check out my latest song called Llarions Blues

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 852 days ago (January 24th, 2011)
	I'd even settle for margarine smooth on this deal! Dave, you are too kind--thanks so very much for taking the time to listen to this thing and for your generous remarks! You take good care now, Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

ShadowofNine	ShadowofNine said 852 days ago (January 24th, 2011)
	Smooth Delightful vocal, I'm always impressed....IMPRESSED....Impressive... Check out my latest song called A Sad Goodbye (Julia's Song)

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 852 days ago (January 24th, 2011)
	Yanno Dave... ..if I could only remember to open my mouth a bit more sometimes, I might even give Sinatra a run for the liquor bottle! Just kidding--nobody was as good as him in this line, but I greatly and sincerely appreciated your positive response to this thing. You take good care (hope all is well)! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

fasteddie	fasteddie said 852 days ago (January 24th, 2011)
	Hey MJK You know you nailed the downtempo right on the knoggin! Really this turned out great. The production is top notch. AND somehow Jerry Lewis managed to show up. LOL! Very well done. Check out my latest song called A Friend to the End

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 851 days ago (January 25th, 2011)
	Thanks again Mike!! Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

scofugate	scofugate said 852 days ago (January 24th, 2011)
	Man Whats it gonna take to get you on an old school collab MJK? really!! This is so freakin awesome. Keep the oldies spark alive my friend!!!!! You cool cat you Check out my latest song called Prelude and Jam W/Ibstrat

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 851 days ago (January 25th, 2011)
	Any time Scott! Thanks very much for stopping by and the kind words--you take care now! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

TheReverendAG	TheReverendAG said 852 days ago (January 24th, 2011)
	Hey hey That is some good singing. Nicely done. I wish I could sing that well. Check out my latest song called A Dream About a Nun Riding a Burro

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 850 days ago (January 26th, 2011)
	Thank you Rev! Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Char	Char said 851 days ago (January 25th, 2011)
	I know I've not heard this before. You had to put the smirky guy in there at the end. But for that touch, this is perfect as a romantic ballad and you sang it beautifully. Thanks. Check out my latest song called The Sea

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 850 days ago (January 26th, 2011)
	Thanks again Char! Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

jgurner	jgurner said 851 days ago (January 25th, 2011)
	Man! I wish I could sing 'em like that. Excellent! Loved it.! Check out my latest song called Anniversary

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 849 days ago (January 27th, 2011)
	Hey Joe... ...you are MUCH too kind--thanks very much! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

mvh9591	mvh9591 said 850 days ago (January 26th, 2011)
	Very Nice___ As always Michael - Excellent job. Enjoyed - Thanks for sharing, mvh : ) Check out my latest song called 01-15-13 Not sure where it's taking me.

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 848 days ago (January 28th, 2011)
	Thanks very much Michael! Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

TERRAPLANE	TERRAPLANE said 850 days ago (January 27th, 2011)
	yea baby,, I liked it Way to hold those notes & carry a tune ,,swell job pal-ey Check out my latest song called COME ON IN MY KITCHEN/ w Pockbluesman

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 848 days ago (January 28th, 2011)
	Pally! Okay, you obviously must know that was a favorite term of endearment used by Dean Martin! Thanks so very much John--you take care now! Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

TERRAPLANE	TERRAPLANE said 848 days ago (January 28th, 2011)
	anytime George ; > ) Check out my latest song called COME ON IN MY KITCHEN/ w Pockbluesman

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 848 days ago (January 28th, 2011)
	Thanks again Harvey! (that was Sinatra's favorite nickname) Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

jdholliday

jdholliday said 848 days ago (January 28th, 2011)

Hello Michael
hope all is well friend, just got done working several 12 hour days and needed to get caught up here, and of course looked for the latest MJK first! And wow, did I strike MJK gold! This is beautiful, I love that lower register ballad crooning you do! This is officially my favorite MJK post!
Great backer and a world class vocal!

Check out my latest song called Please Help, Pride of NYC needs tracks!

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 848 days ago (January 28th, 2011)

Mr. Holliday...
James, you are far too kind, but I'll take all the handshakes I can get! Oh I don't know...there are a couple spots I'd like to fix on this, but we all have that problem once we are done, through, over and finished with the thing. I'm just very appreciative for your endorsement on this partner--thanks again and have a terrific weekend (best to Katy too--we miss her!) Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

egobandit	egobandit said 848 days ago (January 28th, 2011)
	great dinner food Me and my wife are eating Chinese listening to this very soothing and relaxing!You sound like Frankie in this excellent as always! Check out my latest song called time to time

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 848 days ago (January 28th, 2011)
	Also... I make very fine breakfast food! Thanks again Tim--you take care now! Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Keedee	Keedee said 848 days ago (January 28th, 2011)
	Don't Be Silly... You were BORN to sing these songs! This was SUPERB!!! ♥

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 848 days ago (January 28th, 2011)
	I think you're right Lyn ...I just cannot sing contemporary music; not that I don't like it, I just can't get that sound right! You are so very kind--thanks Bapsie! I hope all is going okay for you over there; you take care now! xox Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

CC_Connection	CC_Connection said 843 days ago (February 2nd, 2011)
	10 Stars!!! I finally catching up to hear you singing again. This is so beautiful and very romantic. I dance but slow now. Thank you for such a beautiful song. XOXO, CC

Mike_Lynn	Mike_Lynn said 838 days ago (February 7th, 2011)
	Very pleasant This is indeed a very comfortable listen Michael. Excellent performance both in the singing and instrumentation. I could see you have already posted 13 songs since we commenced 2011. I think it's getting a bit difficult for me to keep up with you these days I guess. I'm sure you'll keep all the good music coming. Cheers / Mike Check out my latest song called Moods

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Artist Info

Name: michaeljayklein
Location: Birmingham Alabama USA

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Genre Info

A ballad is a story in a song, usually a narrative song or poem. It is a rhythmic saga of a past affair, which may be heroic, romantic or satirical, political (affected by the previous three types mentioned, refers to either glorifying the exploits o

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