Listen to this man. Seven years of college, you know. Trying to reason with 2020 and, now, 2022.

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Music Deaths: Johnny Mandel, that Song from 'M*A*S*H'

JOHNNY MANDEL, 94

Died 29 June 2020

If you've ever seen the movie or TV show "M*A*S*H" you are familiar with his song.  "Suicide Is Painless" serves as the introduction of both.  It was written for the suicide "Last Supper" scene in the movie where the guy was to commit suicide.

Director Robert Altman said he made $70,000 directing the movie, but that his son, Michael Altman, had made $1 million for writing the lyrics to the song.

"Through early morning fog I see

Visions of the things to be

The pains that are withheld for me I realize and I can see

That suicide is painless."

In case you're wondering what the words are.

American composer and arranger of popular songs, film music and jazz.  He also worked with artists such as Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Barbra Streisand and Tony Bennett.

Okay, now.  Get that tune out of your head.



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