Tracy's Theme! Spencer Ross! HD

"Tracy's Theme" is a 1959 instrumental written by Robert Ascher and recorded by producer, conductor and arranger Robert Mersey under the name "Spencer Ross". The fictitious name may have been used because Mersey was under contract to a record label other than Columbia, which released "Tracy's Theme", at the time of the recording. It peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960, after being used as the theme for a TV production of The Philadelphia Story.

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In the 1950s and 1960s, the use of a pretty girl on the cover of long-playing (33 1/3) albums was a popular marketing technique. These covers often featured models or actresses—sometimes in elegant poses, sometimes in playful or romantic settings. The idea was to catch the eye of potential buyers browsing record store shelves. This visual appeal helped communicate the mood of the music inside—whether it was romantic, exotic, or simply "easy listening." Even instrumental albums would use this approach to suggest sophistication, escapism, or glamour.

This trend wasn’t limited to lesser-known artists; even respected orchestras and composers used the technique. It played into the cultural ideals of beauty and the lifestyle aspirations of the postwar middle class—drawing a connection between attractive imagery and the luxurious experience of high-fidelity stereo music in the home.

Professor Howdy, known for his HD easy listening video uploads on YouTube, carries on this tradition. In his case, the images of tasteful, often vintage-inspired beauty are used not to objectify but to visually harmonize with the music’s mood—romantic, nostalgic, or tranquil. These scenes often feature pretty girls on beaches, in gardens, or bathed in golden-hour sunlight. It's a respectful nod to the mid-century aesthetic and a way of making his videos stand out in the digital world—especially when paired with lush orchestral sounds from artists like Percy Faith, Mantovani, and Arthur Fiedler & the Boston Pops.

Why does he do this now?

Aesthetic Harmony: The visuals match the relaxing, elegant tone of the music.

Nostalgia: It taps into the mid-century cultural memory, which is appealing to many of his listeners.

Tradition: It's a loving tribute to how these albums were originally presented.

Artistic Style: The images are carefully chosen and tastefully used—never crude, always in line with the "family-friendly" tone of his uploads. Also it is what the music is all about - trying to win the heart of a beautiful lady…

A Few Examples (as of August 2025):

Here are a few recent Professor Howdy YouTube video links featuring this classic album-cover-style imagery:

“All My Love (Bolero)” – Patti Page, Bing Crosby & Percy Faith
Features a vintage-styled beach girl in soft-focus lighting.

“(Up A) Lazy River” – Louis Armstrong & Si Zentner
A breezy riverside scene with a sunlit model evokes the calm tone of the track.

“Beautiful Songs About Three Once Great American Cities!”
Includes tasteful city glamour shots alongside classic beauty close-ups.