Gina (song)

"Gina" is a song written by Leon Carr and Paul Vance.

"Gina"
Single by Johnny Mathis
B-side	"I Love Her That's Why"
Released	September 7, 1962
Genre	Traditional pop
Length	2:50
Label	Columbia
Songwriter(s)	Leon Carr, Paul Vance
Producer(s)	Ernie Altschuler
Johnny Mathis singles chronology
"That's the Way It Is" (1962) "Gina" (1962) "What Will Mary Say" (1963)

The song first appeared in an episode of the CBS television series Diagnosis: Unknown. It was subsequently recorded in 1960 by a vocalist named Johnny Janis (1928-2017).[1] Arranged and conducted by Glenn Osser, "Gina" was released as a single that year by Columbia Records (catalogue no. 4-41797). It did not chart.[2]

In 1962, Johnny Mathis recorded his version of "Gina". Produced by Ernie Altschuler, and arranged by Don Costa, it was also released by Columbia (catalogue no. 4-42582).[3] This time, it became a hugely successful hit, peaking at #2 on the U.S. adult contemporary chart, #6 on the U.S. pop chart, and #8 on the Cashbox chart.[4]

Other versions

• The Fantastic Strings of Felix Slatkin released a version of the song as a single in 1963, but it did not chart.[5]
• Living Voices released a version of the song on their 1963 album Living Voices Sing Ramblin' Rose and Other Hits.[6]
• The Vibrations released a version of the song on their 1965 album Misty;[7] the song was also cut for an unreleased single (back side, The Story of a Starry Night, also from Misty).[8]
• The Casinos released a version of the song on their 1967 album Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye.[9]

References

1. "Johnny Janis Obituary". Retrieved May 19, 2020.
2. "Johnny Janis, First "Gina" Recording". Retrieved May 19, 2020.
3. "Johnny Mathis, "Gina" Single Release". Retrieved March 3, 2019.
4. "Johnny Mathis, "Gina" Chart Positions". Retrieved March 3, 2019.
5. "The Fantastic Strings of Felix Slatkin, "Gina" Single Release". Retrieved March 3, 2019.
6. "Living Voices, Living Voices Sing Ramblin' Rose and Other Hits". Retrieved March 3, 2019.
7. "The Vibrations - Misty". Retrieved 6 Nov 2020.
8. "The Vibrations Discography". Retrieved 6 Nov 2020.
9. "The Casinos, Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye". Retrieved March 3, 2019.