I have had the pleasure of listening to Paul Robeson sing this very same song "Old Man River" from the Broadway Musical Showboat now sung here by Samuel Ramey and to be frank this particular recording by Samuel Ramey is truly outstanding. It is a wow!

@davegreene8588

3 ай бұрын

IMO, Robeson's one equal!

@jayaCatLvr-ys5ix

3 ай бұрын

William Warfield does a beautiful version of this song.

@Uncle65788

2 ай бұрын

@@jayaCatLvr-ys5ix That is very right about William Warfield, I twice gave your comment a thumbs up because this is that moving a song. I think we are drawn here because of the likes of Samuel Ramey, Paul Robeson, and William Warfield, and let us not forget that the Broadway Musical "Showboat" is the vehicle where these voices as talented as they are have provided all who have had the pleasure to hear such as we have here. I'am impressed. Thank You @jayaCatLvr-ys5ix because this is a pleasure.

I was the high school pianist in 1973-76. We had an amazing choir and choir director- every single spring performance a janitor sang this song to perfection. I will never, never forget…. He should have been singing on Broadway, but he was a black janitor in a white bread Southern town. This didn’t stop him from being a guiding light for many, many people. I don’t even know his name, but I will never forget his voice. I’m sure he’s singing in the Angelic choir now

@bobbyhanly3466

11 ай бұрын

Should have learned his name, one can even have a conversation with a black janitor. Maybe Daddy wouldn't have approved?

@starfishjennie

11 ай бұрын

@@bobbyhanly3466 well, that’s not nice. I was the pianist and too young and stupid to ask…. I practiced and played the piano 5 hours a day. I went to a school that was half blacked and half white. I don’t see color and neither did my parents. My Mother brought me up to respect older black woman. Shame on you for that comment

@starfishjennie

11 ай бұрын

@@bobbyhanly3466 not nice

@beverlywithers5802

10 ай бұрын

Never pass another without interacting politely.

@miguelangelgrimm9860

2 ай бұрын

If that black janitor had been white in the USSR, he would have been sent to the GULAG.

There are no words to describe Mr. Ramey's rendition... just beautiful and powerful. ♥

There is divineness to this song. It beckons at the heart to feel the struggle and loneliness in servitude.

@bewarethelocusts8558

Жыл бұрын

You win the best comment award!

WOW!!! Robeson and Warfield I'm sure are applauding up there with the angels. What a magical performance!!

Without doubt, to me, the ABSOLUTE BEST version that I have ever heard! I had to keep playing it, I just couldn't get enough. God Bless Mr Ramey! Great song, great performance!

@danielku6124

Жыл бұрын

If you have my Apple Music Acoustic Vibro to enjoy his performance, then you will also feel his bass through haptic to your body,mind & soul .

Oh my god! What a voice, brought a huge lump to my throat just listening to him. Perfect pacing and speed throughout the song brings out the emotions so well!

Hard to believe so few people have viewed this classic. Words don't do this performance justice.

@melindamills6995

4 жыл бұрын

I came to that conclusion too. The real gems are not seen by many.

@shtcare

4 жыл бұрын

@@melindamills6995 TOOO Right

@davegreene8588

3 жыл бұрын

Even the great Paul Robeson didn't top this monumental performance of Samuel Ramey's.

@nilceaouilaok828

3 жыл бұрын

Awsome this performance!

@kathleenfranks6513

3 жыл бұрын

I agree.

one of the finest bass singers ever to grace the theatrical stage. Brava!

@photo161

6 жыл бұрын

Listen to Jerome Hines sing this Basso anthem, and then you will know what a truly great bass voice sounds like...

@BN-cd4ok

6 жыл бұрын

Wow! Thanks for that reference, Eoselan. Jerome Hines' voice so effortlessly dwells in those rich basso depths. I have a big case of voice envy.

@elisaldoantoniolonghi1808

5 жыл бұрын

The most beautiful song in the world

@alexandrapedersen829

4 жыл бұрын

@Milnes, Corelli, di Stefano and more Maria Callas could only sing up to an E6, but she is still considered the greatest soprano in recorded history; vocal range oughtn't be the measure against which we denote an opera singer's worth.

@davidvalensi8616

Жыл бұрын

See him in Faust

What a voice! I first heard him singing in Faust...made me sit up and notice. I went to his last performance at the Met...we jumped up and cheered Bravo!! Gorgeous! You could see on his face he was overcome...lovely man.

Most people have no idea what talent or culture is This is music and this is talent!!!!

Ramey is a great singer low notes secure high notes full and true bass sound interpretation first class

Beautiful and powerful job, Sam! You’re a freakin’ lion. Not many know how tough it is to sing this piece. Always admired you, man! Bravo!

I don't think you'll hear a better rendition. Fabulous.

Love how he keeps a straight face at the end before breaking into a huge smile

Hard to believe that anyone can match William Warfield. Bravo!

I never get tired of this incredible performance even though I cry every time.

@jdilln

3 жыл бұрын

It's fantastic!

@aria3329

2 жыл бұрын

I do too...🙂

The legend is that when he was a teenager, he went to bed one night still speaking like Michael Jackson and woke up the next morning sounding like James Earl Jones. His mother must have been surprised.

@qhsperson

10 жыл бұрын

***** For the life of me, I can't remember.

@qhsperson

10 жыл бұрын

***** There are several interviews with Ramey as well as friends/acquaintances talking about him here on youtube. Probably the best place to start looking.

@shtcare

4 жыл бұрын

@@qhsperson Are you all that stupid, the best voice to ever sing this song. Go look it up!!

@lyudmila2882

2 жыл бұрын

I've heard that basses' voices change in an instant. Johnny Cash is said to have come home one day with THAT voice.

@KajiVocals

Жыл бұрын

@@lyudmila2882 Johnny Cash was a baritone.

What a giant! A great performer and a gentelman.

Totally awesome performance. He has an amazing voice and powerful singing style.

@antoninagross3934

3 жыл бұрын

Я помню эту песню в исполнении большого друга Советской страны Поля Робсона.

Wow. New to me. Never thought Paul Robeson's version could be challenged. That was magical.

@TheTinkertoyboy

4 жыл бұрын

We probably will never know how they might have sounded comparatively speaking. The recording technology today is so far advanced than it was in Robeson’s day. It’s difficult to imagine anyone sounding better than Ramey.

He has a fantastic voice. enjoyed that very much. Brought tears to my eyes.

@aria3329

2 жыл бұрын

Mine too...

What a magnificent performance, all the gravure the song requires, very moving, had me in tears, bravo Mr Ramey

@bobbymcguyer

7 жыл бұрын

AMEN_AMEN_AMEN!!!!!

What can one say. Simply the best rendition I have ever heard. Many thanks.

I saw Sam Ramey in Mefistopholie, he was mesmerizing on stage, that voice is magnificent.

Ramey has been the heartthrob in the opera world for some time. Gorgeous!

@davegreene8588

3 жыл бұрын

I wonder if his son will follow in his Dad's vocal footsteps(?).

Samuel Ramey : Arguably The Best Bass Voice Of All Time. Absolutely Beautiful ! 🎵

@ronaldgoff7499

3 жыл бұрын

great but hear jerome hines version 1984

@antemahoney4376

3 жыл бұрын

He is definitely up there but I would prefer Basses like Cesare Siepi, Nicolai Ghiarov, Ezio Pinza before i would pick Ramey but either way still amazing

@photo161

3 жыл бұрын

@@ronaldgoff7499 _ Hines, with his enormous, perfectly produced voice was 10 times the basso that Ramey ever dreamed of being. It's clear that most of these commentators had never heard these voices in the house. For the repertoire he sang, Ramey's voice was small and light, however, it was always a beautiful voice, no question.

@user-py1jg6bb2r

3 жыл бұрын

@@antemahoney4376 Samuel is the crowd's favorite, great theatre stage awareness. Maybe the best performer.

@antemahoney4376

3 жыл бұрын

@@user-py1jg6bb2r i don't disagree but he isn't my personal favourite

Look at that glorious F**king hair. And those pipes, goodness gracious.

@qhsperson

9 жыл бұрын

Yeah, Ramey's hair is almost a separate personality.

@BrownSoldier96

9 жыл бұрын

LaSeñorPiñata haha

@poorthing

3 жыл бұрын

Tall & slender with a LIONS mane and a king of the world roar..

@davegreene8588

3 жыл бұрын

@@poorthing Ramey is just as Majestic with a "standard" haircut!

@poorthing

3 жыл бұрын

@@davegreene8588 absolutely

Eight thumbs down..what's up with that???? I've never heard a better performance of this wonderful work.

My favorite bass!

This is not an easy song to sing and this man did beautifully. One of the best interpretations I've heard and I've heard many.

@wa9kzy326

5 жыл бұрын

I second that vote. Absolutely flawless performance.

@conniecarroll7222

4 жыл бұрын

So have I throughout the years .

@micharomanowski3824

3 жыл бұрын

exactly, there is a big ambitus, from really low notes to high natural E several times one after one, and of course interpretation

@johnellwoodtaylor4769

3 жыл бұрын

Very reminiscent of Jerome Hines.

@JusDuckie

2 жыл бұрын

My fav is still William Warfield, but this is an excellent performance.

This man KILLED THIS!!!! I’m taking time off to get to know myself more and I realized I’m super into Opera and this one brought tears to my eyes toward the end. He did such a great job and has such a powerful voice that he uses SOO perfectly well!!!❤

@starfishjennie

11 ай бұрын

This isn’t opera, this is slave songs from the South ❤️❤️❤️

@aneamarlivana172

10 ай бұрын

@@starfishjennie Actually, this is a song from the Broadway show, Showboat, with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.

@starfishjennie

10 ай бұрын

@@aneamarlivana172 well, I think we know that, love…. Bless your heart though

@davegreene8588

3 ай бұрын

​@@starfishjennie Kern and Hammerstein weren't from the South, but captured the "feeling".

Bravo!!!!!!!!!!!! A fabulous voice and great interpretation.

A heart warming performance by Ramey

I saw him in Traviata years ago at The New York City Opera at Lincoln Center. I said to my companion "He doesn't belong here." A short time later he was at the Met. Fabulous voice! Rich, timbre very effective in low notes. Robeson would most certainly be proud.

@bravaLiz

10 жыл бұрын

absolutement...

@aneamarlivana172

5 жыл бұрын

What role did he sing in Traviata? Just curious. I wish I'd had the chance to hear him before anyone knew who he was. An acquaintance heard him at L.A. Opera as Don Basilio in Il barbiere, before Ramey was well-known, and when he opened his mouth and started singing, my acquaintance said everyone was stunned and was asking, "Who IS that?"

@davegreene8588

3 жыл бұрын

@@aneamarlivana172 Probably Dr. Grenvil, the unsuccessful physician to Violetta.

Wow! Aside from my favorite, William Warfield from the original movie, this gentleman was absolutely astounding! One of the best versions I've ever heard.

@allanmoore4353

5 ай бұрын

William Warfield did of course sing this beautifully, but there was actually an earlier filming of Show Boat in 1936, which I've always considered superior to the MGM version, more of the actual story is told plus the addition of actual speaking roles for the Black members of the cast.

Incredibly good low register for such a versatile singer...

Bravisimo! Thank you for sharing your singing talent with the rest of the world.

One of Great, Great voices !! His voice moves me.

The heartfelt feeling of this song, brings joy and tears to anyone who had friends or family who had ancestors who lived on a plantation.

A SPLENDID ARTIST AND SURELY THE FINEST SINGER IN THE WORLD TODAY

fantastic song, powerful and warm voice.

@donaldmatthew4980

4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic, my Brother sung like Samuel, sadly he died at 45.🙏

I am slow to admit I was wrong. Finally gave this a real listen and found out what I had been missing. Wonderful.

Absolutely glorious

Who cares for complaints regarding politics when you are fortunate to hear a performance sung with sublime artistry like Samuel Ramsey.

@veralynn8334

2 жыл бұрын

he's the beast in Over the Garden Wall!

Absolutely mesmerising! So far the best live version of this Kern classic 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

@Jestak

5 жыл бұрын

"Jerome Kern wrote dum dum dee-dum. My husband wrote 'Ol' Man River.'" ~Dorothy Hammerstein, widow of Oscar Hammerstein II.

@davegreene8588

3 жыл бұрын

@@Jestak Those lyrics, though unforgettable, wouldn't have had quite the same effect minus Kern's "dum dum dee-dum".

@Jestak

3 жыл бұрын

Quite right, of course. A composer needs a lyricist, just as a lyricist needs a composer. Unless you are a Porter or Sondheim, who does both.

@kathleenfranks6513

2 жыл бұрын

I agree!!

Superb, the voice, artistry and his special delivery.... always。 Bravo！

Absolutely beautiful..

@kevinquinn3763

6 жыл бұрын

This is one of the best renditions of Ol'e Man River. Beautiful.

wonderful....just so wonderful...thanks for sharing this joy

Shivers up my spine on that v e r y low note. Fabulously done! 🎵

God was smiling. 'Finally...someone fully used the gift I gave them.' Extraordinary! Lol

Samuel Ramey is without a doubt the premier bass today. No doubt, Paul Robeson would have certainly enjoyed him. If only we had the technology then that we have today, Mr. Robeson’s voice might have been appreciated even more. Thank you so much for the upload.

@starfishjennie

Жыл бұрын

My husband sang this song to me and his voice was just as good or better❤❤❤

@dancalkins97

Жыл бұрын

​@starfishhhi2128 That's wonderful to hear! Lots of talent in the nooks of this world going virtually undiscovered for a variety of reasons.

brilliant, otherworldly, bravo! imagine being in the audience!

Wow what a great rendition of this beautiful song. Stunning so sad we can’t see the whole thing these days I loved this musical

Absolutely wonderfully sung! I've never heard of Samuel Ramey.... it's just so damn good and very well produced..... encore!

Bass Samuel Ramey, What A Glorious Beautiful Gift Of Music 🎵

@veralynn8334

2 жыл бұрын

he's the beast in Over the Garden Wall!

A flawless rendition of this class.

remarcable...what a gift of a voice!

Incredible voice.

Old Men River from Schowboat è un capolavoro per la musica e per la bellezza delle parole; non manca un riferimento ben preciso alla situazione storica degli Stati Uniti . Ma meravigliosa è la voce di Samuel Ramey sempre, ma quando scende verso il basso , senza il minimo tremore della voce, è veramente una cosa eccezionale. Bella la musica, bello il coro, ottima la direzione d'orchestra, ma un applauso straordinario al mio mito: Samuel Ramey.

Mr Ramey knocked it out of the ballpark.. Great job..

This is just divine,somehow a softer, more musical interpretation, absolutely beautiful,🎉

Wow! Such a magnificent voice. So very, very happy come across this video. I consider myself extremely fortunate in seeing Samuel Ramey play/sing the role of “Atilla.” I agree wholeheartedly with Bernard Tanner, Jr.’s comment of 9 years ago. This is a saver!

Gran barítono. Sublime maravilloso. Bellisima actuación.

I have heard many great singers nail this masterpiece. None had this performance equal. IAN KAYE

@liloruf2838

4 жыл бұрын

Who's Ian Kaye?

@arthurparada3251

4 жыл бұрын

Ramey is just beyond

Bravo. Bravo. Bravo. Speechless. Just speechless. Classic.

For those of you who don't know, that's the beast from "Over the Garden Wall"

@walterwillaford5619

6 жыл бұрын

Andy Willaford

Holy Cr*p!! The Best! I've heard Robeson and Warfield sing this but nothing compares to this! WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!

Wow Thank you❤️The Mississippi came to life.

Amazing, Just a fantastic rendition of a GREAT SONG!!!

Samuel Ramey did very good on this song! Wow, what a distinguished person he is! I think that Samuel will do really good on "Shenandoah" Thank you!

The beast is out there

Sublime. Thank you so very much. This keeps me alive!

3:00 Astonishing ! Eye Watering !!

What a marvelous performance!!! Just overwhelmed to the max!

Magnificent. This song always raises goosebumps for me.

What a superb performance!

Beautiful rendition ❤👍👍

Thank you thank you thank you.

Outstanding!!!

What a magnificant voice!!!

The best version so far 👏👏👏

What a magnificent voice,just incredible!

I could listen to this all day. Extraordinary! 💕

OMG - Absolutely stunning.

Outstanding! Have watched and listened over and over. Great audio. 👌

always thought Warfield did this (influenced by the great Robeson) the best.But notice that Ramey does this a 1/2 step even lower. Such resonance and absolute perfection! As Sondheim said: "Kern, the Shubert of American Music." i completely LOVE...

@ROBERTRIVERification

5 жыл бұрын

You betchum Red Ryder. I have heard William Warfield and loved it but after listening to Mr. Ramey his low G was unbelievable and his E just 1/2 step lower than WW was incredible. I think I like Samuel Ramey just a tad more than WW but they are so close. Really great singers. Both of them.

This version is astounding.

Just beautiful and thank u so very much,

Nov. 2022...getting ready to read lyrics of Old Man River during January '23 poetry meeting with my book club...and frankly thrilled and grateful to have just watched this Samuel Ramey performance as I click through song's computer listings. Thank you...whomever!

At first I thought he was kind of stiff, but I am not a coinsure of the Opera and after listening and viewing this u-tube presentation, I find him gracious, unassuming and he did a beautiful job, I enjoy[ed] it very much. A powerful song and a powerful presentation.

There are only two words I know to describe this performance: HOLY SHIT!

@davegreene8588

3 жыл бұрын

Meant in the _good_ sense, we must infer.

Awesome bass!

Absolutely fabulous!

I agree with Jim R , this is not an easy song to sing, but this performance is excellent ,really outstanding!

Spectacular !!!

best version i ever heard

and...guess what. One need not be black to carry this song..... cannot hear this one enough! Best I've heard. Thank YOU gcraven1...for sharing..... (my heart and my tear ducts)....

@TheJazsinger

9 жыл бұрын

I'm not suggesting that you have to be black to sing this song. Perhaps you misunderstood me. I saw Showboat in S.F. and this song was sung by a Black man. Meaning, that if they casted the part in a musical, they would cast a Black man, that's all. I'm certainly not denying this man's beautiful voice. Hope I made myself clear.

@bravaLiz

9 жыл бұрын

Sylvia Carlson loud and clear. It's not really about race. Kern is considered to be the American Schubert. It's all about the music. When it comes to ART...I am color blind. I wish EVERYBODY could be.

@bravaLiz

9 жыл бұрын

Sylvia Carlson I just ran across this again. I agree that there is NOTHING like the classical music that is going on in San Fran. I have a history of my own with the NY MET and others, but the SF opera company's performance of Porgy and Bess.... like NO OTHER! I understand what you mean, in terms of casting. Completely. It's hard for me to imagine a Chinese singer singing/acting the part of Porgy in a stage production! (smiling) I suppose I meant to say that in terms of a "concert form/recital" basis, color doesn't matter. Don't care if the guy is Russian...if he has THE VOICE... this is what matters. Best wishes to you!

@melindamills6995

6 жыл бұрын

Didn't make me cry - but I just want to hear it again and again.

@davegreene8588

3 жыл бұрын

@@bravaLiz I agree! Yet, Gershwin himself expressly insisted that all P&B performances have _only_ black singers. I guess we can make what we will, of that.

Great Work here for all in the scene!

Amazing.