American Reacts to Windsor Davies and Don Estelle singing Whispering Grass

[@harrytheaker]

I shed a tear whenever I hear and see this. Eres a little bit about Don Estelle for you fans "Most of Estelle's last years were spent living in in Christchurch, New Zealand, where he spent countless hours working with jazz and blues pianist, Malcolm Bishop. He released his autobiography, "Sing Lofty: Thoughts Of A Gemini" in 1999 in which he criticized the British networks for refusing to rerun "It Ain't Half Hot, Mum" and other shows because of percieved changes in British propriety. He made several public appearances dressed in his "Lofty" outfit, once playing a dirty old man in a promotional video for Page Three Girl Jo Hicks's single, Yakety Sax. He could also be seen performing in Cwmbran town centre in South Wales. Following a liver transplant in 2003, Estelle became too weak for doctors to operate, and he returned to the UK weeks before his death. He passed away in Rochdale Infirmary on August 2, 2003. He was buried in Rochdale with the pith helmet he wore as Gunner "Lofty" Sugden. He was survived by his second wife, Elizabeth Estelle" Thanks for reacting to this Gem ♡

[@Fred-rj3er]

Awww, wow! Thanks for that info. Good to hear he stood up for the show and the BBC's most definitely perceived reasons and ideas about why it got axed.

[@tonyfairey7733]

The world's lost two great entertainers . And what a voice.

[@stevetivey3786]

Try Paper Doll and Bless you for being an angel.

[@harrytheaker]

Appreciated @@stevetivey3786

[@Hairnicks]

I'm so glad you liked that, dear old Don Estelle was so tiny but had a massive voice and as for Windsor Davis, he was the perfect British Army Sergeant Major. He did our National Service, I imagine in the 50's, and was a great mimic of his NCO's and officers and his wife was the one who suggested he took it into an acting career. A much loved Welshman in UK, so glad that he can still bring such humour and joy and give you a bloody good laugh. This record was number 1 in our pop charts for 3 weeks in 1975. Not bad eh?

[@eddhardy1054]

I really wished there was an alternate universe where they'd cast Windsor Davies in Magnum PI as Higgins. He would have been awesome 😊

[@brushe8025]

No 1 in Aus as well

[@eggy1962]

I still have this on vinyl single.

[@hookywookywithmalarkyman704]

EX patt scoucer here Thailand 17 years & to this day i truly miss the 60s 70s brittish humour no longer exists.

[@jimibhoy8935]

I managed to find a box set with every single episode. Every bit as funny even now. Windsor Davies is truly outstanding

[@lunapuella2611]

I haven't heard this for over 40 years. I didn't imagine I would hear it on a reaction channel. Childhood memories flooded back.

[@ltsecomedy2985]

Windsor Davies was a very funny man who came into entertainment later in life, I believe. As with many other`s of that era, he is sadly missed. The two sitcom programs he is particularly known for are (It Ain`t Half Hot Mum) & (Never The Twain) with veteran actor Donald Sinden. The latter had them as competitive antique dealers, trying to get one over on each other.

[@zetectic7968]

This is an apt song for the era of the sitcom. This was a cover of the original by The Inkspots a group from the 1930's & 40's. Coming from a comedy it surprised many how good Don Estelle's voice was. Both of them gone to join the choir invisible.

[@sporkfindus4777]

The Inkspots was one of my grandad's favourite groups. He loved great vocals

[@j0hnf_uk]

I thought it was the inkspots. My parents had a , 'greatest hits', long player of their songs going way back.

[@elizaann8495]

I have a 78 record of the Inkspots original version

[@scudosmyth784]

Ha I have an original 78 rpm of this song by the inkspots.

[@patriciadunmore9767]

I love the Inkspots too.

[@lindylou7853]

Don Estelle had such a fabulous voice. If his physique had matched the sound he’d have been world famous … what a superficial world. I saw the stage show - we got free tickets to everything, so I went. Great fun.

[@zekbaker4727]

The song is brilliantly done by Don and Windsor. It is also a tribute to Britain's "Forgotten 14th army" fighting and dying as prisoners of the Japanese in the land war in India and Burma. They fought valiantly to ensure the eventual victory.

[@mac1975]

My dad was a chindit. He never watched any war films or spoke of his time in Burma and Malaya but he did watch ain’t arf hot mum

[@nforne]

@@mac1975 Just looked up the Chindits, they sound much like the Jedburghs except they had the additional challenge of operating in extremely harsh conditions. Incredibly brave and tough men, you must be very proud. 🇮🇳🇬🇧

[@wolfieandmasterturtle5728]

My late father served in Malaya during the emergency in the 1950's as a tracker dog handler. They would often come across battle sites, overgrown by jungle. They had to collect the rifles but leave the bodies.

[@Fred-rj3er]

Well said. Yes, our British and commonwealth fighting in the East has always been much forgotten. Overshadowed by American films and TV which portray the Americans as basically being the only ones fighting the Japanese, yet in reality they were once again rather late in joining in. Just as they boast about inventing "the bomb" when in reality they couldn't have done it without 20 of our scientists, who told them all. Yet we're always kept strictly isolated from the other scientists so they couldn't learn anything.

[@Fred-rj3er]

​@@mac1975 My Dad was much the same about being a RAF fitter (one up from a mechanic) although he loved explaining engines and aircraft to me as a child. They all came home shell shocked, one way or another bless them.

[@thelastoftheanglosaxons.3724]

Windsor Davis...ah yes my lovely boys, SHARRRT UP! just brilliant 😀

[@rosarose3443]

I absolutely love this. It brings tears to my eyes. I was brought up in an era when the whole family would sit, watch and laugh together.

[@mariaefelices6543]

Met Windsor in lex motors cardiff ,I was under his rover CAR sorting brakes out ,and his voice boomed out politely asking how long would it take ,it was surreal I knew him before I came from under car ,that voice ,lovely gentleman ,honoured to have met him RIP lv mark cardiff

[@hiramabiff2017]

The is a certain nostalgic innocence to comedies like " It Ain't half Hot " that may not be to the taste of some modern critics, but they are such a pleasure to watch we shall always remember them. The corny jokes & acting along with little insights of what soldiers went through that makes these old comedies so special & extremely funny.

[@Fred-rj3er]

The modern thinking is sadly hiding or even destroying much of our none textbook history. The history of people, feelings, interactions etc, IMHO

[@Gwalion]

That was a throw back to my younger days! Don Estelle and Windsor Davies - lovely memory for me, glad you enjoyed it too!

[@franl155]

Don Estelle had such a surprisingly sweet voice, whose discovery came about entirely by accident. And Windsor Davis did a good job of not standing there like a lemon waiting his turn without distracting from the song.

[@2learn4ever]

Aww that was beautiful! I first saw this in the 70's when it was released and I had the same reaction as you. As soon as Don Estelle opened his mouth I said 'where is that voice coming from?". Magic then, and still is today. Had to laugh when Windsor Davies said 'I will not have gossip in this jungle'!! Fabulous! Many thanks.

[@Fred-rj3er]

The harmonies and the bit of facial humour that BOTH added was amazing. Don Estelle had an amazing singing voice. Windsor Davis just had an amazing voice lol. Speaking a verse with his baritone? voice and adding the line about him not allowing it in the jungle reinforced the characters that had only recently gone from British Telly. I'm heavy metal/rock, always have been, but I love this version of the song

[@lextex3280]

Now this brought back some memories, my mum bought the 7inch single of this when it was released , and played it loads. Lol. Don Estelle had an awesome voice, and Windsor Davis was just brilliant, obviously he became Well known for his deep voice. Your reaction to Don Estelles voice was golden, you definitely didn't expect that voice. Lol.

[@gerdafrizzell6966]

I love that little man I met him years ago in Bridlington he was so nice his voice is special Thank you 💐💐💐

[@adrianmorris5546]

This always brings a tear to my eyes Windsor Davies and Don Estelle is so small yet what an incredible voice ❤❤❤❤

[@timglennon6814]

I had forgotten this song. I think this got to number 1 in the U.K. pop charts when it came out.

[@dave_h_8742]

Fantastic voice on Don Estelle and Windsor Davis hamming it up as per usual 😁

[@charlesjames799]

1975

[@andylawsonHeisenberg]

One of my favourites from when I was a. Child. Always loved this. Thanks for sharing.

[@annirvin6555]

Love this. Don Estelle had a great voice

[@steverpcb]

EB, you need to take a look at The Flying Pickets "Only You" for stunning vocals !

[@iainlaskey7285]

Not a patch on the original though

[@Maerahn]

Little Don Estelle had a beautiful voice, didn't he? And Windsor Davies did a pretty good job on bass too - he might've played it for laughs mostly, but when he was laying down those 'boh-boh-boh-bohms' he was on point!

[@Fred-rj3er]

I suspect he knew he couldn't sing. At least nothing to match Don and his amazing voice, so he stuck to what he knew he could do. The result was absolutly amazing.

[@paulmurphy5648]

Magnificent!!! I have not heard this for years. As I sat I watched I just had the biggest grin on my face, thank you so much for showing it...off to watch your reactions to this fantastic comedy....

[@lynneclarke4866]

I've gone back to my childhood with this. My dad (who passed away 4 years ago) bought the single and played it often. And we used to watch it ain't half hot mum in our house after bathtime. thanks for the memories of happy times.

[@Jack-pu4rf]

I watched them sing this song in 1976 when this song was number one in Great Britain I was in the channel Islands and they were playing it aint half hot mum, which was a comedy set in India, thanks for your reaction

[@alustyape]

Love this performance.. I too bought the single. I also helped one of the record shop assistants to win a bet. One had bet his co-worker they would never sell the only copy of the LP 'It Ain't Half Hot Mum' they had in stock, I bought it.

[@Richie90090]

I love your channel bud I'm in England and getting older now but your views and summaries of old British comedies are bang on to me! Great to see an American appreciating old Brit classics.. Thank you and please keep them coming .. Much love from England.

[@GNML6836]

I was blown away when I heard Don Estelle’s voice today for the first time ! 👍🏻🇨🇦👍🏻

[@pauldurkee4764]

Greetings Allan, That voice you refer to, Windsor Davies, that voice and accent are unmistakably a product of South Wales, but technically he was a cockney, being born in East London. His parents, who were Welsh, moved the family back to Wales when Windsor was young. I believe the record sold over 1 million copies in 1975. 👍

[@mikephillips8810]

Most in the UK loved this when it came out regardless of our preferred style of music. Because we loved the characters in the show, and Don's great voice.

[@colonelfustercluck486]

yes to anyone who has seen this performance only, it is a good background to watch at least a couple of "It Ain't Half Hot Mum' TV episodes, to get a feeling of the background behind this song performance. Some episodes are on YT and elsewhere. It is not PC these days. But it was darned funny. (A little like watching 'Archie Bunker and Edith" if you are from the USA... same sort of thing, not PC so can't be aired anymore)

[@paulhanson5164]

The good old novelty record, used to be a few every year from Chuck Berry's Ding a Ling to Benny Hill's Ernie or Terry Scott's My Brother to Allan Sherman's Hello Muddah. Quite an entertaining way to while away an hour or two on KZbin hunting out some of these songs when you're a bit pissed, feeling nostalgic and fancy a laugh.

[@AndrewwarrenAndrew]

and The Funky Gibbon!

[@Woodman-Spare-that-tree]

Bernard Cribbins “🎶There was I, digging this hole, hole in the ground, so big and sort of round it was, there was i, digging it deep, flat at the bottom and the sides were steep”

[@robertomoi2044]

A classic Erskine Hawkins & His Orchestra song, covered by many including the inkspots. I love this style of singing. Certainly sends a chill down your spine and Don had a fantastic voice

[@noddytiddlywinks6873]

"Whispering Grass (Don't Tell the Trees)" is a popular song written by Fred Fisher and his daughter Doris Fisher.[1] The song was first recorded by Erskine Hawkins & His Orchestra in 1940, this recording is from 1975....it was a big favorite for the military during the war

[@numbersix8336]

Don must have one of the all time greatest “how the hell did that come out him” voices, according to things I’ve read and seen, he was as nice as his voice. That song always makes me feel fuzzy warm.

[@benrichards399]

Windsor Davies was a great comic actor. highly recommend "carry on England" and "carry on behind" which are two of his greatest film performances.

[@brianmcneill1972]

Loftys singing voice was the only thing that reduced the Sgt Major to tears in IAHHM, this single made number 1 in the UK charts

[@miaandtyrionfuntimes5742]

As you seem to enjoy British comedies from a certain time, may I strongly recommend you check out the Carry On franchise, yes mainly films, but some TV. Also Hancocks half hour, especially the Blood Room skit, an absolutely iconic scene

[@gordonh9258]

The Blood Donor was a great sketch, my favorite was the missing page, classic Hancock.

[@RichTeer]

@@gordonh9258 A whole pint?! That's nearly an armful!

[@cinemaipswich4636]

Don Estelle has a voice to die for. 5 foot tall, and a towering giant. We are blessed.

[@jovialpurcell5891]

As a small child I loved them both singing and loved the show! 😍 My great grandfather sang this as a crooner way back before this....

[@richardhunter7363]

7 years after this was a number 1 in the UK, I saw Don and Windsor, still making the most of it by making public appearances in Woolworths in Leicester, still in costume and character.

[@stephenmcwilliams5842]

Don Estelle was a trained tenor. Yes indeed, what a mellifluous voice that makes you want to smile.

[@annemariefleming]

In those days we did some fantastic comedy/straight songs, before people lost their sense of humour. There were two men named Flanders and Swann who wrote and performed their own songs..a lot of it sounds dated now, but some of their satire survives. If you like Al Murray's patriotic sketch about Great Britain, check out Flanders and Swann "Song of Patriotic Prejudice". Michael Flanders had polio as a child, so he was in a wheelchair, one of the few physically impaired performers of those days.

[@paulhorgan6152]

Nostalgia wonderful their album of fantastic old music standards again wonderful. Bring back please for all young people to enjoy

[@milesnixon9554]

What a voice, Don Estelle, with Windsor as comedic extra. I bet he loved doing that support slot for the little man with a beautiful voice, letting his mate's talent shine. They are showing "It Aint Half Hot Mum" on an obscure channel here, I love it but very of it's time.

[@toonbarmy4201]

Wonderful stuff :) You should check out the sit-com Never the Twain with Windsor Davies and equally distinctive in the voice department Donald Sinden as two 'at each others throat' antique dealers...Oh..and its not a BBC sitcom...It was broadcast on ITV.

[@jaynecliff1568]

Utterly fabulous. Don estelle had an incredible voice and that team were perfect together.

[@deborahnorahmc3257]

I love the way Windsor kicks it off saying 'sing it Lofty..' I remember this from when I was 5 here in the UK. That's a singer right there Mr Lofty Don Estelle...❣. I will not have gossip in this jungle...

[@eamonnclabby7067]

Mrs C,s da served in the Chindits in Burma and was at a concert given by Dame Vera Lynn, who described General Slim, s forgotten 14th Army ,as her boys,the entertainments were a great morale boost, her da suffered with bouts of malaria all his days...

[@ftumschk]

Don Estelle had a wonderful voice, and I got his collected recordings very cheaply from iTunes/Apple Music. They're well worth having if you like this kind of music... and worth a listen even if you don't :)

[@2learn4ever]

A bit like Ken Dodd, I couldn't believe this goofy comedian had such a lovely voice! Such wonderful talent then. So little today.

[@eamonnclabby7067]

@@2learn4ever quite agree

[@anniebland6450]

It was so neat to see this again... I had forgotten that it was once one of my favourite songs. LOVE the reaction

[@stephenmartin2737]

The first performance I listened to as a child that I really enjoyed and appreciated, that voice is sublime!!!

[@youngbess1]

I so love this, brings back so many memories , I so loved them both in “It Arn’t Have Hot “

[@MrVentrata]

Made me smile, brought back happy childhood memories.

[@dufflepod]

I watched this years ago on your channel & just watched it again.. My thoughts? Never forget what an frequent joy it is to be alive when you can hear stuff like this. Best wishes from England 👍

[@butterflyj1967]

I saw these guys when I was a kid promoting this record in a shop in Nottingham. Such lovely lovely people. And Don Estelle really had such a beautiful voice.

[@roykliffen9674]

This style of music is actually very appropriate for the setting of "It Ain't Half Hot, Mum" which was a WW2 British troop entertaining unit - similar to the USO - which could have had this song on its roster. It's a style of music from the 30's-40's with a famous representative in the Ink Spots whom originally sang this song,

[@nick7076]

Was No1 the week I was born. Other people got legends like Bowie. I got this 🤣🤣🤣

[@tommyjames3993]

This is one of my favorite old songs, I return to their site over and over again. If you want a real treat look up Gilly Spencer playing this song accompanied by the handom mystery singer.

[@polheg1]

Got the 7" single when it came out. Not my style of music, but I love this. Don's voice and Windsor's comedic stint is wonderful. Love What you've done with your beard btw.

[@michaelhurley1497]

Don Estelle had a fine voice. I once saw him performing in a store in Blackpool when he was promoting one of his records.

[@1954real]

Wonderful to hear this again thankyou, sure it was a big hit over here at the time. Agree with another comment you would love The Flying Pickets.

[@Chris_GY1]

Don Estelle use to sing in Freshney Place Shopping Centre here in Grimsby a few times in the 90s, as well as selling his albums.

[@malcolmross8427]

I actually heard Don Estelle sing in a local shopping mall completely by chance. A gorgeous singing voice!

[@ianthomas739]

So d i Malc - was in Skipton , not sure of the year but will always remember that beautiful voice echoing round the mall

[@dav7444]

I so remember this growing up - his voice was a big surprise and what a comedy act

[@andrewworth7574]

Playing their characters lofty and the sergeant major from the British comedy series 'It ain't Half Hot Mum.'

[@martinpurdy2448]

It's probably been mentioned elsewhere in the comments, but Davies and Estelle were a double act before their roles in this series.

[@TimLondonGuitarist]

This is one of the stand out number 1's in my childhood. Its a very old jazz song, from 1930s maybe. Don Estelle has a perfect tenor voice, miles away from a crooner. Windsor Davis adds a fine comic touch. Great to see it again !

[@joeblack8915]

Famously sung by the Inkspots in 1940, with the original being by Erskine Hawkins & His Orchestra in the same year. Don Estelle's version reached No.1 in the U.K. chart in 1975.

[@ozozoz6]

He had a beautiful voice, and in a funny TV show called it's not half hot Mum;Back in the 1970's . Don moved from England to New Zealand and lived there for some years. He later died now buried back in England.

[@normanrussell5526]

Such a class act from two of our great actors, with multi talents.

[@gaynor1721]

This version of _Whispering Grass_ was a UK number one single for 3 weeks in June 1975.

[@philjones45]

Don Estelle fell into obscurity fairly quickly and became a rather sad figure in his local town. He would attempt to sell his tapes out of a suitcase outside his local Woolworths in Rochdale dressed as the character, and became very angry at modern music.

[@MeTube3]

He toured shopping centres all over the country selling his records at Woolworths.

[@elizaann8495]

Yes used to see him down town in Rochdale i am from Rochdale. He lived in the Seven sister flats

[@stewartconway5190]

Saw him in merthyr tydfil doing just that

[@philjones45]

@@stewartconway5190 Blimey, things must have been really bad.

[@Stand663]

I remember my grandmother loving this song. I think it was made famous by the Inkspots, in the 1940’s.

[@paulbalogh4582]

Class & talent that just doesn’t exist today.

[@wolfie5]

Loved this I was 8 yr old when it come out. This was Number 1 in the charts over here too. Thanks EB

[@JohnPanto]

I have every episode on tape. Brilliant throughout

[@patrickgallagher3513]

I remember going into my local shopping mall and hearing Don Estelle sing this to a backing track on a Thursday morning. It was stunning.

[@gremlinuk1968]

This was one of my late grans fav,,! Back when I was a kid in the 70s, I was a kid in the 70s, born May 23rd 1968,, from northern Ireland UK 🇺🇸 🤝🇬🇧

[@eddiejones.redvees]

My dad use to love ain’t half hot when it came on TV it use to take him back to time when he was stationed in India and fort with his Chindits colleagues in Burma

[@fionaobrien3818]

Great program very funny. But makes you cry at the end x

[@AnnLiOz]

We had the single...played it alot! I think that on the B side was I'm Dreaming of an Angel"....This makes us all feel old and nostalgic...for two great actors, and a great comedy series.

[@harpersmythe658]

Loved watching every minute of that programme and this song has brought back so many memories. So glad you liked the song. I WILL NOT ‘AVE GOSSIP IN THIS JUNGLE! 🤣🤣🤣

[@peterfoakes7569]

Don Estell had a great voice, this actually got to number one in the charts back in the day, when programme they starred in was on tv

[@pamelariker5525]

Always loved these guys. And the series was amazing!

[@TOYSTITCHER]

☺️😁🥰 I have Never seen this one ! Hahaa 💕 Great that these amazing actors got to display their talents ! Thanks so much for sharing this 👍🤗

[@julesb3430]

Thanks for that trip down memory and so happy you enjoyed and appreciated it. Pure class, pure classic

[@tonybuk70]

you had the classic "OMG he can really sing" reaction to hearing Don Estelle for the first time, his voice was pure silk

[@Musical_Man_Guitar]

Don truly had a beautiful voice. God bless.

[@stevepecket2535]

I loved that program so much. I was probably only about 10 yrs old when this came out but I always think of it when I think back to the series. They were just talented

[@marieravening927]

Great reminder of the Ink Spots, followed by the Platters. I have vinyl of both groups singing Whispering Grass.

[@anoldfogeysfun]

If as you say you like Dean Martin, Alan - try out Matt Monroe, also a type of crooner, too. He actually sang the James Bond theme of, "From Russia With Love" & the one from the film, "Born Free" . . .and he also had many other great songs, too. "On Days Like These" - "Walk Away" - "The Impossible Dream" - "Love is a Many Spledid Thing" - "Moon River" - "Portrait of My Love", etc . . . Ken Dodd (Doddy) - who more of a comedian also had a good voice. For him, try, "The River", "Tears", or "Love is Like a Violin" for starters . . . Enjoy . . .

[@stewedfishproductions7959]

FYI: Laurel & Hardy gave them the idea to do this song... Enjoy ! L&H had a hit with 'On the Trail of the Lonesome Pine' in a similar vein (in colour) see here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3LTpHSGo9R7bcU Also a CROSS-OVER video is here: L&H (in a B&W routine) doing a dance to DE & WD singing 'Whispering Grass': kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKCwh4KwaseLoNE EDIT: I found their other song, 'Cool Water' & you can see how they 'borrowed' from L&H here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGS4d398eNmDeck

[@barrynichols2846]

Don Estelle was a professional opera singer i thought

[@andrewclayton4181]

Great choice. I think that got to no.1 here in UK when it was released. Everyone loved it, and knew the characters from the sitcom..

[@paulembleton3087]

I was lucky enough growing up .listening to all these songs especially the 70s some of the best music ever

[@buddie2343]

It took me back to my childhood sitting with my mum and dad watching "meet me the gang of the boys are here the boys to entertain you" thanks eclectic beard.

[@stevebeardsmore3303]

The song was orginaly recorded by the American group 'The Ink Spots' in 1939. It got to number 10 in the American Charts.

[@richardcochrane1966]

Don and Windsor were stars in a BBC show called It Ain't Half Hot, Mum set in the jungle during WW2 - the song was number 1 in the UK for three weeks in 1975

[@raymartin7172]

Many moons ago, on my way home from work, I popped into my local ASDA supermarket for something to eat. Lo and behold, who were performing Whispering Grass, but these two, in the middle of the store. Don Estelle had a great voice, but I couldn't stop to watch.