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My Coloring Book
My Coloring Book
My Coloring Book
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"My Coloring Book" is a song written by Fred Ebb and John Kander. First performed by Sandy Stewart in 1962 on the television program The Perry Como Kraft Music Hall, she was one of the first artists to record the work in 1962 when it was released as a single. She also included the song on her 1963 album which was also named My Coloring Book.[1] Stewart's single charted in the top 20, and so did another 1962 single version of the song recorded by Kitty Kallen. Stewart's recording of the song was nominated for the 1963 Grammy Award for Best Solo Vocal Performance, Female and Kander and Ebb were nominated for the 1963 Grammy Award for Song of the Year.[2] Barbra Streisand also recorded the song as a single in 1962, but it was a financial flop. She made a different recording of the work on her 1963 album, The Second Barbra Streisand Album, which was a critical success and has enjoyed enduring popularity. Many other artists have recorded and performed the song in succeeding decades, most recently Kristin Chenoweth in 2014. While not originally written for one of their musicals, the song was included in the Off-Broadway musical revue And the World Goes ‘Round: The Songs of Kander and Ebb in 1991.

Composition and early performance and recording history

[edit]
"My Coloring Book" / "Lover, Come Back to Me"
Single by Barbra Streisand
from the album The Second Barbra Streisand Album
ReleasedNovember 1962
Recorded1962
StudioColumbia 7th Ave (New York, NY)
GenrePop
LabelColumbia
Songwriters
ProducerMike Berniker
Barbra Streisand singles chronology
"Happy Days Are Here Again" / "When the Sun Comes Out"
(1962) 		"My Coloring Book" / "Lover, Come Back to Me"
(1962) 		"People" / "I Am Woman"
(1964)

Kander and Ebb originally wrote the song "My Coloring Book" for Kaye Ballard who was a close friend of the song writing duo.[3] Ballard brought the song to the producers of the television show The Perry Como Kraft Music Hall with whom she was a regular performer.[4] Kander and Ebb performed the song for Nick Vanoff, one of the producers of the show, who liked the song but felt the material needed a singer other than Ballard.[5] The producers were not open to having Ballard sing the song because they felt she was a comedian and not a singer who could effectively deliver more serious material.[3]

The producers of The Perry Como Kraft Music Hall had Sandy Stewart perform the premiere of the song on the October 31, 1962 broadcast of the television program.[1] The critical and public response to this performance was enthusiastic, with more than 20,000 fan letters coming in for Stewart about her performance.[6] Tommy Valando published the song with Sunbeam Music, a division of Broadcast Music, Inc., for sheet music sales at this time.[7] Record labels and performing artists quickly lobbied Kander and Ebb for the right to record and perform the song, resulting in multiple different single recording releases in 1962. Charles Sinclair in Billboard wrote

"One of the sharpest record duels in recent weeks is shaping up over the season's prettiest new ballad — a timely John Kander-Fred Ebb tune called "My Coloring Book." No less than four single versions of it reached BMW for review last week, and more are reported in the works.[6]

The first four singles of "My Coloring Book" were all released simultaneously in the last week of November and first week of December 1962 by singers Sandy Stewart, Kitty Kallen, George Chakiris, and Barbra Streisand.[6] Stewart's single of the work, made for Colpix Records, was paired with "I Heard You Cry Last Night" as a b-side.[8] Record sales of her single were boosted considerably by several more performances of the song on television, including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and The Merv Griffin Show.[9][10] In January 1963 she released her album, My Coloring Book, named after the song.[11] Stewart's version was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Solo Vocal Performance, Female in 1963. She also included the song on her 1963 album which was titled after the song.[1]

Chakiris's single was paired with the song "I've Got Your Number" as a b side and was made with Capitol Records.[12] Kallen's single was made for RCA Victor Records and included "Here to Us" as a b-side.[8] Kallen's single sold very well, and by January 12, 1963, her version and Stewart's version were closely matched on the Billboard Hot 100 with Kallen placing 13th and Stewart placing 14th on the chart.[13]

Streisand heard Stewart perform My Coloring Book on Perry Como's show, and she called Kander and Ebb the day after to ask them if she could record the song.[5] They agreed.[5] Her version was arranged and conducted by Robert Mersey, the song was released as Barbra Streisand's second single release in November 1962, as a double single with "Lover, Come Back To Me".[14] Produced by Mike Berniker, and recorded before Streisand's first album sessions, the single was sent to radio.[15] This release did not sell well, and the 1962 recordings of "My Coloring Book" by Sandy Stewart and Kitty Kallen both were more financially profitable that Streisand's version.[14] This 1962 version was re-released as a single in March 1965 as part of the "Hall of Fame" series with the 1962 recording of "Happy Days Are Here Again".[15] Streisand later re-recorded the song for her critically successful second album, The Second Barbra Streisand Album.[14]

"Happy Days Are Here Again" / "My Coloring Book"
Single by Barbra Streisand
from the album The Barbra Streisand Album
ReleasedMarch 1965
Recorded1962
StudioColumbia Studio A (New York, NY)[16]
GenrePop
Songwriters

List of recordings

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

My Coloring Book

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from Grokipedia
"My Coloring Book" is a sentimental pop written by John and lyricist Fred , first publicly performed by singer Sandy Stewart on the television program The Perry Como Kraft Music Hall on October 31, 1962. The song's lyrics employ the of a child's to poignantly illustrate the emotional process of with romantic rejection and heartbreak, using the of a child's to illustrate the pain of romantic loss, instructing the listener to color the eyes and arms empty, the heart lonely and a deeper shade of blue than the tears, and the lost lover gone. Stewart's recording, released as a single by Colpix Records in late 1962, became her biggest hit, peaking at number 20 on the chart in early 1963 and spending 12 weeks on the tally. Shortly after Stewart's television debut, recorded the song on November 9, 1962, marking it as her first professional recording and initial single release under , though it was not included on her self-titled debut album. appeared on her follow-up album, The Second Barbra Streisand Album, released in 1963, and showcased her distinctive vocal style that would propel her to stardom. The track has since been covered by numerous artists, including on her 1963 album All Alone Am I, on The End of the World (1963), and , whose rendition also charted in 1963, reflecting the song's enduring appeal as a standard in the . , who collaborated on this early work before achieving Broadway fame with shows like Cabaret (1966) and Chicago (1975), crafted "My Coloring Book" as one of their initial joint compositions outside the theater.

Creation and Composition

Songwriters

"My Coloring Book" was crafted by the acclaimed songwriting duo of lyricist and composer , whose partnership began with this poignant and evolved into one of Broadway's most enduring collaborations. was born on April 8, 1928, in , where he developed an early passion for the city's vibrant theatrical scene. After earning an undergraduate degree from in 1955 and a master's degree in English literature from in 1957, Ebb began his career writing lyrics for nightclub acts and contributing to the 1960 revue From A to Z. Renowned for his witty yet deeply emotional lyrics that captured the complexities of human experience, Ebb brought a distinctive voice to popular songwriting. In "My Coloring Book," his contributions marked one of his earliest major successes alongside Kander. John Kander, the song's composer, was born on March 18, 1927, in , into a musical family that nurtured his talents from a young age. He started piano lessons at six and later obtained a bachelor's degree in music from in 1951, followed by a master's from in 1954. Kander's early professional roles included serving as a , dance arranger, and conductor for summer-stock productions, honing his skills in melodic composition. His style, often featuring evocative torch songs suited to the era's pop standards, provided the emotional backbone for many timeless pieces. Introduced by a mutual in 1962, Ebb and Kander's creative synergy ignited immediately with "My ," their debut collaboration and a standalone independent of any musical theater production. Ebb's lyrics evoke heartbreak through the imaginative metaphor of a coloring book filled with tears rather than colors, offering a tender exploration of loss and fantasy. Kander complemented this with a straightforward, piano-driven melody that underscores the ballad's intimate, melancholic tone, resulting in a classic pop torch song. This work not only launched their partnership but also foreshadowed the innovative Broadway contributions seen in later projects like Cabaret.

Development and Style

"My Coloring Book" was composed in 1962 by lyricist and composer as one of their earliest collaborations and an instant pop standard. Ebb conceived the central idea of a as a humorous premise, but Kander proposed transforming it into a , leading to the song's rapid creation. The lyrics portray a heartbroken narrator who envisions coloring illustrations representing memories of a departed lover, employing the as a for coping with emotional distress. The song delves into themes of loss and , juxtaposing childlike —symbolized by crayons and simple drawings—with the profound of adult romantic . Verses construct poignant imagery, beginning with lines like "For those who fancy coloring books / And lots of people do," which introduce the unusual "book" of faded love, culminating in a chorus of quiet resignation that underscores the narrator's acceptance of . This approach personalizes the heartbreak, steering clear of conventional romantic tropes by framing through a whimsical yet sorrowful lens. Musically, "My Coloring Book" is a mid-tempo structured in a straightforward verse-chorus form, typically performed in with accompaniment emphasizing its intimate mood. Clocking in at around three minutes, it draws from the tradition, incorporating subtle jazz-inflected harmonies that support expressive vocal phrasing and emotional depth. The melody's supportive lines facilitate varied interpretations, allowing singers to convey vulnerability through dynamic shifts.

Initial Release and Performances

First Performance

"My Coloring Book" premiered on when singer Sandy Stewart performed it on the October 31, 1962, episode of The Perry Como Kraft Music Hall on . Stewart, then 25 years old and a regular cast member on the variety program, introduced the composition as its debut, rendering it in a poignant, style that highlighted her vocal warmth and emotional depth. This appearance marked the song's initial public exposure, with no documented prior live performances. The debut generated considerable attention for Stewart, an emerging vocalist in the pop and scenes, and positioned "My Coloring Book" as a promising showcase for female interpreters of intimate, narrative-driven ballads. As a newcomer to major recording success, Stewart's television slot provided the perfect vehicle for the tune, which was tailored to her expressive delivery and quickly drew industry notice. The performance preceded the song's commercial recordings, fueling anticipation that led to her signing with Colpix Records for a studio version released later that year. Stewart's subsequent appearances on The Perry Como Kraft and other programs in late 1962 further boosted the song's visibility, allowing her to reprise it amid growing audience enthusiasm before any singles hit the market. These early media outings solidified the track's role as a breakthrough moment in her career, emphasizing its themes of heartbreak and imagination in a format suited to television's intimate broadcast style.

Early Recordings

The early studio recordings of "My Coloring Book" emerged rapidly in late 1962, shortly after Sandy Stewart's debut performance of the song on The Kraft Music Hall. Barbra Streisand made the first studio recording of the song on November 9, 1962. Stewart's version, recorded in November 1962 and released later that month as her debut single on Colpix Records (CP-669), was arranged and conducted by . This recording, backed by Costa's orchestra, emphasized Stewart's clear, emotive vocals over lush string arrangements, clocking in at approximately 3:21. It marked the song's commercial launch and achieved a peak position of #20 on the in early 1963. Nearly simultaneously, recorded her interpretation in late 1962, released in November 1962 on RCA Victor (47-8124), with orchestration conducted by . Known for its rich orchestral backing featuring prominent strings and subtle brass, Kallen's version ran about 3:33 and highlighted her warm, mature delivery, reaching #18 on the Hot 100. Also in November 1962, cut her take at ' Studio C in New York, arranged and conducted by Robert Mersey, with production by Mike Berniker. The single (Columbia 4-42682), lasting 3:09, received limited airplay and failed to chart significantly upon its mid-November release, but Streisand reprised it on her 1963 album , where the extended 4:11 rendition contributed to her rising prominence as a recording artist. Rounding out the initial wave, actor and singer released his version in late 1962 on (F4892), arranged in a light pop style with string accompaniment, though it garnered only minor attention and brief radio play. These four major singles from Stewart, Kallen, Streisand, and Chakiris, all produced within weeks of one another, underscored the song's swift adoption by established labels and performers, each version typically spanning 3:00 to 3:30 with a focus on vocal expression supported by orchestral strings rather than elaborate instrumentation.

Commercial Success and Reception

Chart Performance

Sandy Stewart's version of "My Coloring Book," released in late 1962 on Colpix Records, entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 81 on December 29, 1962, and peaked at number 20 during its 10-week run. It also reached number 8 on the Adult Contemporary chart, marking strong performance in that format. This single represented Stewart's only top-40 entry on the Hot 100 and contributed to moderate sales for her career. Kitty Kallen's rendition, issued by MGM Records in December 1962, debuted on the Hot 100 on December 22, 1962, and peaked at number 18 over a 10-week chart stay in early 1963. It performed even better on the Adult Contemporary chart, reaching number 7 and benefiting from robust airplay among adult audiences. As one of Kallen's final top-40 singles late in her career, it underscored her enduring appeal in the pop and easy-listening markets. Barbra Streisand's initial recording was released as a single in November 1962 but did not chart on the Hot 100. However, the track's inclusion on her 1963 album helped drive the LP to a number 2 peak on the , where it charted for 74 weeks and amplified the song's exposure through album sales. Collectively, the 1962–1963 releases of "My Coloring Book" achieved rare commercial overlap, with two versions simultaneously reaching the Hot 100 top 20—a uncommon occurrence for a newly composed song at the time. The track's success was bolstered by television appearances, such as Stewart's performance on The Kraft , which increased visibility during the holiday season when it vied against seasonal singles like "The Chipmunk Song." No significant international chart placements were recorded for any version during this period.

Critical Reception and Awards

Upon its initial release in , "My Coloring Book" garnered positive critical attention for its poignant and emotional resonance, marking an early success for songwriters and . Sandy Stewart's recording, which peaked at number 20 on the , was highlighted in industry commentary as a breakthrough that showcased the duo's ability to blend pop accessibility with deeper metaphorical storytelling. Stewart's performance earned a for Best Vocal Performance, Female at the in 1963, while the song itself was nominated for Song of the Year, credited to as songwriters with Stewart as the performer. Although neither won—the Song of the Year award went to "What Kind of Fool Am I?" by and , and the vocal performance category to —the nominations significantly raised the profiles of Stewart, then an established regular, and the nascent Kander-Ebb partnership. Barbra Streisand's version, featured on her 1963 album , further amplified the song's impact through her distinctive interpretive style, often described as graceful and empathic in its delivery of the heartbreak theme. This recording contributed to the album's strong commercial reception, solidifying the song's appeal amid the early pop landscape. The track's success positioned as emerging forces in pop songwriting, launching a collaboration that would define their careers with numerous Broadway hits. Industry observers noted its sleeper-like rise, attributing its resonance to themes of loss and recovery that connected with mature listeners during the prelude to the .

Legacy and Notable Covers

Prominent Covers

recorded a soulful version of "My Coloring Book" in 1964, which was released on her 1969 album Soft and Beautiful. Her rendition infuses the song with gospel-tinged vocals and emotional depth characteristic of her early Columbia era. Although not released as a single, the track exemplifies Franklin's transition toward the style that defined her later career. Dusty Springfield included a cover on her 1964 debut album A Girl Called Dusty, released by Philips Records. Her breathy delivery and subtle orchestration reflect the British Invasion's pop sensibilities, transforming the ballad into a sophisticated lounge piece. In 2004, Agnetha Fältskog released her interpretation as the title track of her covers album My Colouring Book on Warner Music Sweden. The soft pop arrangement features gentle strings and Fältskog's clear, emotive vocals, aligning with the album's nostalgic 1960s theme; the album debuted at number one on the Swedish charts. Kristin Chenoweth performed a live version in 2014, captured during her concert residency and included on the album Coming Home. Her rendition brings theatrical Broadway flair, with dramatic phrasing and orchestral swells that highlight her operatic range, as seen in the accompanying special footage.) Other notable covers include Julie London's lounge jazz take on her 1963 album The End of the World, Perry Como's easy-listening rendition from his 1963 RCA Victor release The Songs I Love, and Brenda Lee's version on her 1963 Decca album . Instrumental interpretations feature prominently as well, such as and His Orchestra's orchestral arrangement from 1963 and the Trio's jazz version in 1965. In total, the song has inspired 67 recorded versions across various genres. Over time, covers of "My Coloring Book" have evolved from mid-1960s pop standards and easy-listening fare to soul-infused reinterpretations, contemporary pop revivals, and theatrical performances, demonstrating the song's enduring adaptability.

Cultural Impact and Media Appearances

"My Coloring Book" solidified the songwriting partnership between and , marking their first major hit and boosting their confidence as they transitioned toward Broadway compositions. Originally conceived as a comedic piece but reworked into a poignant , the song's success in 1962 validated their collaborative style and paved the way for landmark works like the 1966 musical , which established them as a powerhouse duo in American theater. The song has been prominently featured in stage revues celebrating Kander and Ebb's oeuvre, notably in the 1991 production And the World Goes 'Round, where it was performed by Brenda Pressley as a on lost . It has also appeared in medleys within various tributes to the duo, such as pairings with "Only Love" in Broadway concerts, highlighting its emotional depth and versatility for ensemble arrangements. In media, the song gained early visibility through television, with Sandy Stewart's debut performance on The Perry Como Kraft Music Hall in 1962, followed by Barbra Streisand's rendition on The Ed Sullivan Show later that year and additional variety show appearances in the early 1960s. While it has not been adapted into major films, the song is frequently referenced in music histories for its role in shaping Kander and Ebb's career and its evocative portrayal of heartbreak. The track's broader cultural resonance is evident in its over 67 cover versions across genres, from pop and to country, demonstrating its adaptability and enduring appeal. This versatility influenced later projects, such as Agnetha Fältskog's 2004 cover album , where it served as the title track. The song continues to hold a place in repertoires and vocal training, often selected for auditions and performances due to its demanding emotional range and lyrical nuance. As of 2025, it sees occasional live revivals in theater settings, including cabaret shows like Karen Mason's Karen Mason...And All That Jazz at Birdland, though no major new recordings have emerged since 2014.

References

  1. https://masterworksbroadway.com/blog/coloring-book-peter-filichia/
  2. https://www.billboard.com/artist/sandy-stewart/
  3. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/131301/all
  4. https://www.discogs.com/release/28549144-Brenda-Lee-All-Alone-Am-I
  5. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kander-and-Ebb
  6. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/fred-ebb-5654
  7. https://archives.nypl.org/mus/20346
  8. https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Kander
  9. https://genius.com/Barbra-streisand-my-coloring-book-lyrics
  10. https://www.npr.org/2017/03/17/520399370/fresh-air-marks-the-90th-birthday-of-broadway-composer-john-kander
  11. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/fred-ebb
  12. https://vancouversignaturesounds.com/hits/my-coloring-book-by-barbra-streisand/
  13. https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Brenda-Lee/My-Coloring-Book
  14. https://genius.com/Brenda-lee-my-coloring-book-lyrics
  15. https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/sandy-stewart/my-coloring-book/MN0068723
  16. https://getsongbpm.com/song/my-coloring-book/rn5RW
  17. https://dokumen.pub/kander-and-ebb-9780300155945.html
  18. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/114644/all
  19. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sandy-stewart-mn0001259540
  20. https://www.bistroawards.com/award-winners-2/sandy-stewart/
  21. https://www.discogs.com/release/2482635-Sandy-Stewart-My-Coloring-Book
  22. https://www.[allmusic](/page/AllMusic).com/artist/sandy-stewart-mn0001259540
  23. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/131303/all
  24. https://open.spotify.com/track/68vqp6SFRusaXMhrHEkMqG
  25. https://www.45cat.com/record/478124
  26. https://open.spotify.com/track/0G1Li7fjSvvQ70XmN08MuP
  27. https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?id=24676
  28. https://www.discogs.com/master/1755520-George-Chakiris-My-Coloring-Book
  29. https://www.45cat.com/record/4892us
  30. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/chart-beat-chat-the-jonas-brothers-ac-abba-1044430/
  31. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1963-01-05/
  32. https://list.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_Adult_Contemporary_top_10_singles_in_1963_%28U.S.%29
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL_qr1rZDk0
  34. https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/1963-11-23/
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnneZk8PzGE
  36. https://www.grammy.com/awards/5th-annual-grammy-awards
  37. https://dylan775.substack.com/p/on-barbra-streisand
  38. https://www.atlantaopera.org/creator/fred-ebb/
  39. https://www.discogs.com/master/954820-Aretha-Franklin-Soft-And-Beautiful
  40. https://www.discogs.com/release/23345411-Dusty-Springfield-A-Girl-Called-Dusty
  41. https://acharts.co/album/16601
  42. https://www.discogs.com/master/1242495-Kristin-Chenoweth-Coming-Home
  43. https://www.discogs.com/master/319605-Julie-London-The-End-Of-The-World
  44. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/483439/versions
  45. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/482616/versions
  46. https://www.npr.org/2023/04/19/1170851174/fresh-air-pays-tribute-to-the-music-of-john-kander-and-fred-ebb
  47. https://www.mtishows.com/print/node/1333
  48. https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/product/medley-only-love-with-my-coloring-book-22923592.html
  49. https://www.barbra-archives.info/newpage997bf3bb
  50. https://www.edsullivan.com/artists/barbra-streisand/
  51. https://abba.fandom.com/wiki/My_Colouring_Book_%28song%29
  52. https://musicaltheatreresources.com/2016/12/22/rep-spotlight-10-undersung-kander-ebb-audition-songs-for-women/
  53. https://www.forbes.com/sites/janelevere/2025/03/22/recording-artist-karen-mason-returns-to-birdland-in-new-cabaret-show/
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