The iconic song from the musical "Paint Your Wagon" that many associate with "Mariah" is actually titled "They Call The Wind Maria". This memorable track was performed by Harve Presnell along with the Paint Your Wagon Chorus.
The Iconic Performance
Harve Presnell, known for his powerful baritone voice, delivered the lead vocals for "They Call The Wind Maria" in the 1969 film adaptation of "Paint Your Wagon." His robust performance, supported by the collective voices of the Paint Your Wagon Chorus, helped to make the song one of the most recognizable pieces from the movie.
Key details about the performance include:
- Lead Vocalist: Harve Presnell
- Supporting Vocals: The Paint Your Wagon Chorus
- Song Title: "They Call The Wind Maria"
- Context: A poignant ballad sung in the film that personifies the wind as a capricious woman named Maria.
About the Song
"They Call The Wind Maria" is a centerpiece of the "Paint Your Wagon" musical, originally written by Alan Jay Lerner (lyrics) and Frederick Loewe (music). While the title might sometimes be misremembered as "Mariah," its consistent spelling in official releases and credits is "Maria." The song's evocative lyrics and melody contribute significantly to the atmosphere and narrative of the gold rush era depicted in the story.
Song Title | Lead Performer(s) | Ensemble | From Film/Musical |
---|---|---|---|
They Call The Wind Maria | Harve Presnell | Paint Your Wagon Chorus | Paint Your Wagon |