Gene Puerling and Don Shelton had originally formed part of the successful all-male vocal group, The Hi-Lo's, some years previously. The Singers Unlimited Group were originally formed to record for commercials in the USA, but as time progressed, they were persuaded to enter the recording studio to record a series of albums. On the recommendation of Oscar Peterson (who was also signed to the label at the time), they gained a contract with German label MPS. They recorded two albums in 1971, the first a cappella, the second with Peterson's then current trio.
The group produced 15 albums, of which arguably the most well-known is their Christmas Album (which was actually recorded before the group's association with MPS.) All of the 14 albums they recorded specifically for MPS (between the years 1971-1982) are collected in the 7 CD box set entitled Magic Voices.
Magic VoicesPuerling's Singers Unlimited arrangements earned him the reputation as one of the best vocal writers in the world. The renowned jazz-gospel vocal group Take 6 often gives credit to Puerling and the Singers Unlimted as innovators in the a cappella world, claiming that Take 6 "went to school" on Puerling's arrangements.
Puerling took advantage of cutting-edge multitracking techniques of German studio engineer Hans George Brunner-Schwer to create his advanced harmonic concepts and the group's signature sound. In the overdubbing process, baritone Puerling and tenor Shelton would often add two additional middle parts, after which all parts were "doubled" and "tripled." Creating these extra tracks created the fuller, richer sound of the group's recordings, and is now a common recording practice.
Len Dresslar (born 1924), bass of the Singers Unlimited, arguably best known as the voice of the Jolly Green Giant ("Ho, Ho, Ho!") for well over 40 years, as well as the voice behind countless other jingles from Chicago, passed away in 2005. He had also been the President of the Chicago branch of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) for several years in the mid to late eighties.
Emily
Singers Unlimited Lyrics
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Has the murmuring sound of may
All silver bells, coral shells, carousels
And the laughter of children at play
Say Emily, Emily, Emily
And we fade to a marvelous view
Two lovers alone and out of sight
As my eyes visualize a family
They see Emily, Emily
(and we fade to a marvelous view)
Two lovers alone and out of sight
Seeing images in the firelight
As my eyes visualize a family
They see Emily, Emily
Too
The lyrics to Singers Unlimited's song Emily is a heartfelt tribute to the power of imagination and memory. The use of Emily's name sets the tone for the entire song as the imagery invoked by her name is one of beauty and joy. The lyrics suggest that Emily represents the gentle sounds of spring with its murmuring sounds and playful laughter of children. This idea is further reinforced by the use of words such as silver bells, coral shells, and carousels, which all evoke a sense of nostalgia and childlike wonder.
As the song progresses, the lyrics shift to focus on the singer's memories of two lovers who are alone and out of sight. The reference to firelight suggests a cozy, intimate setting, and the images seen by the singer imply a deep sense of longing for a family of their own. This longing is connected to Emily's name, which is repeated throughout the song, suggesting that her name holds the power to unlock a world of imagination and memory.
Overall, the lyrics of Emily are a beautiful expression of the power of memory and the human desire for connection and belonging. The song takes the listener on a journey through the singer's thoughts and memories, all while invoking the beauty and magic of springtime through the imagery associated with Emily's name.
Line by Line Meaning
Emily, Emily, Emily
The repetition of Emily's name emphasizes her significance and presence in the song.
Has the murmuring sound of may
Emily's presence is calming and soothing, evocative of the gentle murmurs of springtime.
All silver bells, coral shells, carousels
Emily represents beauty and wonder, as symbolized by these enchanting objects.
And the laughter of children at play
Emily brings joy and happiness, like the sound of children playing and laughing.
Say Emily, Emily, Emily
The repeated call to Emily signifies the singer's longing and affection for her.
And we fade to a marvelous view
Thinking of Emily transports the singer to a wonderful and captivating place.
Two lovers alone and out of sight
The imagined scene with Emily involves a romantic setting, with only the singer and Emily present.
Seeing images in the firelight
The setting is further romanticized by the dim light of the fire, adding to the dream-like nature of the scene.
As my eyes visualize a family
The singer imagines a future with Emily, including a family they would raise together.
They see Emily, Emily
The family the singer envisions includes Emily as a central figure and constant presence.
Too
This final word is an extension of the previous line, emphasizing the importance of Emily's role in the imagined family and future.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ricky Ross, Scott Fraser, Pete Webb
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind