"Kiss Her Now" is a 1968 show tune written by Jerry Herman for the 1969 Broadway musical Dear World. It was most notably performed by Ed Ames, who released it as a single in late 1968 for his album The Hits of Broadway and Hollywood. His version reached the US adult-oriented and pop charts and received a positive reception. The version sung by Angela Lansbury from the musical appeared in the original cast recording. It was listed among the better songs on it by reviewers.
Background, content, and original recording
"Kiss Her Now" was written by Jerry Herman for the musical Dear World, first scheduled to open in December 1968. The show opened on Broadway on February 6, 1969, after several delays, but only ran for about six months. In the show, the song is sung by the Countess, assessed as an "urgent exhortation" for characters Nina and Jullian in the subplot with the opening lines:
Before you half remember what her smile was like, Before you half recall the day you found her Kiss her now, while she's young, Kiss her now, while she's yours, Kiss her now, while she needs your arms around her. In the original cast soundtrack recorded at Mark Hellinger Theatre, New York City, "Kiss Her Now" was performed by Angela Lansbury (the Countess) again, and was picked as a highlight in Cashbox magazine's review of the album. Promotion for it and other songs from Dear World and Promises, Promises was handled by Edwin H. Morris, who hired several additional promoters. By December 1968, Dear World had about 18 separate recordings, with the only charting one being "Kiss Her Now" by Ed Ames.
Ed Ames version
Background and release American singer Ed Ames enjoyed brief pop success in 1967 and 1968, charting several songs in the top-40 of charts. In late 1968 Ames chose another show tune for a single release, like his big hit "My Cup Runneth Over" two years earlier. The single was produced by Jim Foglesong, and arranged by Perry Botkin Jr. on both sides. The B-side was assessed by critics as a "more youth-minded" song, titled "Gloves, Pictures, Dreams (Doors, Mirrors and Heartaches)". "Kiss Her Now" was included in his concurrently released album, The Hits of Broadway and Hollywood, with songs in a similar style. The following year, it was included in his The Best of Ed Ames compilation.
Critical reception
The single received a positive critical reception upon its release. Billboard magazine stated that "...comes a poignant ballad performed to perfection by Ames in a top production arrangement with much commercial appeal." Cashbox stated that "Ames does a stunning job on a lovely song from Jerry Herman's new theater effort," adding that "Song is a wonderfully tender one with lyrics and arrangements that should gain attention with easy listening & middle-of-the-road outlets." Record World'''s editors picked the release as one of the "Singles of the Week", noting that Ames introduces the new ballad.
Chart performance Adult-oriented charts "Kiss Her Now" became an easy-listening success. It entered the Billboard Easy Listening chart in the issue dated November 9, 1968, reaching number 22 during a four-week run on it. The track debuted on the Record World Top-Non Rock chart in the issue dated November 16, 1968, peaking at a higher number 17 during a three-week run.
Pop-oriented charts The single made short appearances on the pop charts as well. "Kiss Her Now" reached No. 77 on the Cashbox Top 100 Singles chart during its five-week run there. It peaked at No. 80 on the Record World'' 100 Top Pops chart during a four-week run on it. In Canada, the song managed to climb to No. 65 on the RPM Singles chart.
Track listing
Charts +Chart performance for "Kiss Her Now" by Ames Chart (1968) Peakposition US Billboard Easy Listening22 US Record World Top-Non Rock17 US Record World 100 Top Pops 80 US Cashbox Top 100 Singles 77 Canada RPM Top 100 Singles 65
References