Jennifer Holliday: CBS Morning Interview

[@JJKSeattle]

Although no one should deny the talent of Ms. Hudson, NO ONE can sing that song with the power & emotion of Jennifer Holliday!

[@awatson8016]

[e-mail]

[@lutabon8366]

got that right

[@lutabon8366]

in response to john koch very right you are about that

[@xxdarkskinbeauty5205]

So True !!!

[@jadapearl3895]

Agreed! I just still don't understand how a talent like Holliday's can just get passed and skipped over like that. No manager, no agent? Huh? Something's wrong here.

[@angelscovens-thomas1845]

It's a damn shame how Ms. Holiday was treated. In my opinion no one can touch her voice. She sang the hell out of And I Am Telling You. It's been over 3 decades. And she still can sang the hell out of that song. Kudos 😊💗

[@debbieray7563]

Agree! Her voice was and is so amazing! I could listen to her sing anything all day long! And she is a beautiful woman with a beautiful spirit!

[@joyce101]

Absolutely No One, No one can deliver the same passion she displayed in the live performances. She is an Icon, and one of the most talented and beautiful singers of my generation!! JUST remember she sang this LIVE maybe 6-8 performances nite, 👌 👏

[@gamerofswaglady8568]

she is gorgeous. her skin, smile are so beautiful!!!

[@goldenhand824]

Boy, I hope she finds peace. You can still sense so much hurt in her voice due to the way she was treated. God bless you Mrs. holiday, you have an incredible voice, God given talent for sure.

[@RicD.15208]

To think that that beautiful woman with her heavenly voice was almost taken away breaks my heart. Watching her sing at Aretha Franklin's funeral was soooo moving. To try imagine her not being here, wow. So glad she's here.

[@thegreenmonster1046]

Wow, this woman has one of the best voices out there

[@SunsetsNIceream]

We love you Miss Jennifer Holiday . Legendary voice like yours is never forgotten. 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿🌸

[@beasaroze5596]

21 years old with that voice! Have Mercy!

[@smurf902]

When Michael first hired her she actually was only 18 going on 19 (the workshops went through 3 different readings and workshops from 1978-1982)

[@Pharrar]

Wow Jennifer holiday is so humble

[@TruthSerum101]

Humble? WHERE????????????????????????????????

[@jonathanalexander9881]

You would not believe that voice is coming out of her while talking to her...

[@abueno6335]

What a wonderful soul you are Mrs. Holliday, evident and clearly reflected in your soulful incomparable talent; God bless you forever!

[@georgebeierberkeley]

I love both Jennifers -- both have known hardship and struggle and you hear it in their voice. But Ms. Holliday -- she sings with such purity of spirit that is unforgettable every time. I'm glad the world is big enough to have these two incredibly talented singers.

[@lindapurves4001]

I was deeply saddened hearing Jennifer Holliday speak about her life post-Dreamgirls. I had the privilege of hearing her in that role and her performance hasn't left me to this day. I sat sobbing in the first balcony when I heard her because she was so very authentic in the role ... but later, I realized too, because her talent was so much bigger than the role. It breaks my heart to know that no one could see that because she was so good, she could do so very much more. Personally, I felt that Jennifer Hudson's role in the move was simply a career move ... the movie had nothing on the play period.

[@sheldon_mlct]

Linda Purves i totally agree! I have listened to her other songs and they're even better. She has so much more to give and to think that is getting older, her voice is getting more powerful each day. She is one of the few that really sings with her soul.

[@sexyshelly2011]

Indaylakwatsera Gamay Whew!! Them pipes!! Like a F-5 tornado!

[@sabrinabethea8372]

Still today when I watch the original Dream Girls I'm still crying. I'm in awe Everytime I here her sing. It's amazing and you'll never here the power in another voice like that again. Hudson can't compare

[@jeffkoons001]

Jennifer Hudson is super talented, but there is really no comparison between these two performances. Ms. Holliday has a depth and ferocity and a desperation that Hudson can't really get to as a performer. Hudson has a great instrument, but there's something missing for me.

[@BrianSummers-g6y]

Yet they use her voice singing the show stopper song in the movie trailer promotion in the movie house.. I was working for Lowe's Theater at time the movie was released..

[@jt4928]

Such an amazing talent. I've seen her perform live several times - wow! Now it is time to find another Broadway show to match her level of talent, we need her back on the boards!

[@tinagemcgee6190]

she's right she does sing it with a greater source of love

[@jordanmontague1471]

Tinage McGee A greater source off Love than she did in the musical. Wasn't comparing herself to J.Hud.

[@moniquefranklin8646]

This women have one of the most powerful voices!!!!

[@experimentalactor]

It's hard to understand her bad luck after that kind of performance. She is an amazing singer/actress

[@kevinharris3993]

No one is exempt from this thing called life. Life is full of mountains and valleys

[@kjacksonson12]

Luck, good or bad has nothing to do with it. She was iced out by her record company and wasn’t picked up due to superficial ideas and pressures of beauty standards. And yes.. she is amazing.

[@dansefureva7664]

She had and still does have one of the most powerful voices out there, it's unfortunate to see sometimes how the way we feel about our selves can impact our life. All this time I thought she was enjoying life with that beautiful voice.

[@mchan2141]

As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he

[@reneemorris7197]

Jennifer Holiday's star will never dim.

[@pearldouglas8487]

I just saw ur perfomance for the 1st time....phenomenal!!! You deserve another chance..absolutely, phenomenal!

[@msgeorgiaannettefranklin5493]

LIFES NOT FAIR.YOUR VOICE CANT BE DUPLICATED.STAND TALL.YOUR WORK SPEAK FOR YOU.ALWAYS LOVED YOU,THERES ONLY ONE YOU.WHEN YOU SING,I CRY.JUST AMAZING 😘

[@ogkeedah]

She has ALWAYS been the #TRUTH and no one will ever take her place....Just to remind folks :-)

[@denisekennedy2974]

Jennifer HOLIDAY is missed!!! She needs to get back out there! TOUR

[@Cocodan-jn5md]

She looks beautiful.

[@jimnoneofyobusiness5067]

The ultimate singer in her unparalled performance!!

[@stephaniepettgurlz2870]

I love you Jennifer Holiday!

[@northavenue222]

Tears. Every time I watch this.

[@bernettamorton3626]

Thank you for being so brave and sharing your struggles with the world. Your talents are not just you...your beautiful heart is you. 💖

[@swk56]

Jennifer Holliday way outshines Jennifer Hudson!

[@edwardallenmiranda8586]

please dont compare the two.. they are both great singers.

[@Andy_ZP]

@@edwardallenmiranda8586 Hudson is a very good singer, but Holliday is one in a million voice, a gift, a golden classic african voice, like Louis Armstrong o Mahalia Jackson.

[@theresasterling1303]

Amazing lady, my hometown girl(HTown) I remember going to JB's Entertainment on Scott street seeing her in a play and singing and acting outstanding. many Blessings to you Lady Jenifer Holiday, you are amazing.

[@ajarselvr9679]

I love Jennifer Holliday I have her albums and have loved her from the beginning

[@sylviarosario6503]

John Koch, Damn right. She will NEVER be duplicated. She’s one of a kind for sure.

[@YajaBeige]

In our culture of idolizing youth and beauty, FEW women of age are given the spotlight whether deserved or not. Everybody has their share of pain. One day, Jennifer Hudson will be in Holliday's shoes. The world will push her to the side as someone younger rises to stardom. The trick is not to neglect your own hopes and dreams and goals just because the limelight has faded. You've got to push until the end.

[@SusanSingsSongs]

YajaBeige well said

[@mchan2141]

Easier said then done sadly

[@geraldduggan8119]

I adore Ms. Holiday. Her talent is beyond the beyond!

[@marcushentz8534]

My favorite Singer... Love you Jennifer

[@morethapatterson9270]

good things never go bad, i will always love you ms. holiday, always

[@calebmcknabb1477]

this was really sad. I feel bad that she was never able to set that role free and move on from it. that doesn't take away from her amazing voice and talent.

[@MYembrace7]

+Caleb McKnabb Most people play the role of Effie for their lives & still get kicked a whole lot harder & fall a lot more farther than this, that's just the way it is in this world. Life here never plays fair for almost anyone.

[@shazamflash3326]

It's a shame that her weight got in the way of her career opportunities and what could have been but there are people out there who are equally talented and are completely unknown and never had their day in the spotlight. Jennifer Holiday's career may have been shortlived and yet she is still making a living from her singing and is known all over the world and admired for her talent. She may not be making millions but she's making a living and made her mark in the world.

[@jcharmony2011]

JENNIFER HOLLIDAY IS A GIFTED AWESOME ANOINTED TALENTED WOMAN, SHE IS THE BEST NO MATTER WHO FILLS THE ROLE OF EFFY! JENNIFER HUDSON WAS AWESOME I DO NOT DENY THAT. BUT NO ONE CAN FILL THE SHOES OF MS. HOLLIDAY. IT'S JUST A ROLE, NOT THE SINGER. I PRAY GOD BLESS MS. HOLLIDAY AND CONTINUE USING HER TO TOUCH THE LIVES OF OTHERS AS ALSO THE GOSPEL SINGER THAT SHE IS, BECAUSE SHE CERTAINLY INSPIRED ME TO SING, AND TO BELIEVE ONE MORE TIME THE PROOF THAT THERE IS A GOD. HER POWERFUL VOCALS MOVES THE SOULS OF PEOPLE. I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH.

[@MrQbenDanny]

Effie is yours forever and I feel fortunate to have experienced the Jennifer Holliday spirit onstage in Dreamgirls, it is probably the greatest performance in musical history. I saw the movie, the role should have been offered to you.

[@jordanmontague1471]

MrQbenDanny Why would the role be offered to her when she wasn't a 21 year old. She couldn't pass for a teenager. What's wrong with people? Jennifer Hudson auditioned for that role and got it out of hundreds of other women.

[@stephenatkinson288]

Jennifer Holliday, we love you and everything you've done in your career, your talent is untouchable, I always loved your music and still do to this day, my favorite song of yours is? ALL OF THEM!

[@letitiahepburn6868]

That beautiful voice..... Have u listened to yourself Jennifer... U are the best....😰😏😥😪😊

[@monique-michellesmith786]

Great interview, Jennifer I think you should do more plays. Maybe movies! You would be excellent in movies.

[@felixmwiya7784]

I feel what you feel Miss Holliday.. I love you so much and would love you to know this

[@maryrennie6357]

She is an amazing singer gifted by the Lord jesus who brought her thru a very dark time of her life

[@brianamosley2002]

Love this woman

[@DavidBerto]

I love the fact that Jennifer Hudson mentioned Holliday at her accepting speech at the Oscars.

[@joyce101]

She knows the TRUTH!!

[@RikkyBi]

Thank you for posting this

[@alexisohara2000]

An inspiration to so many and always brilliant!

[@CompleteHoneyBee]

No one. No one sings that song like Jennifer Holliday! She has stamped it! 😅

[@mdnathan]

the only thing that bugs the crap out of me is that the interview states that after Ally McBeal, no one came calling. THAT IS FACTUALLY INCORRECT, as *I* came calling, as a representative of Universal Records, with an idea to cut a song called "A Woman's Got The Power" in the hopes that we'd eventually turn it into an album deal. We did cut the single, we did get some radio airplay, and she performed the song on Rosie (clip available on KZbin) and it's become a pretty standard number of drag queens around the world (LOL) --- However, Jennifer's attitude at the time was more trouble than it was worth and we did not pursue further recordings. It's a shame. I think she is one of the most brilliant singers of our time.

[@masongarrett3066]

Marc Nathan thank you for telling us the other side of this story!

[@masongarrett3066]

Marc Nathan thank you for telling us the other side of this story!

[@DaTruEbonyRayne]

Marc Nathan As a true fan of Ms. Holliday, I'm kinda saddened that you would say that she has a stank attitude. Especially when you're not the first to have ever said that about her. I think that she is very guarded and very skeptical of people. You would think that a woman of her caliber and true God given talent that she would be a bit more humbling when someone is tryin to reach out and help her get to where she belong. And that's on top. I've seen interviews with her and others and she openly admits that back in the day of DreamGirls and coming off from DreamGirls, she was highly rude and mean to people.

[@alyciacooper2]

She revealed that she suffers from depression.

[@Littlebabyandersen]

+DaTruEbonyRayne to be fair, I think many artists are misunderstood- it's very easy to get a reputation for being difficult when you're depressed, or had a bad day, or any number of reasons. It's also easy for others to sit back and judge, saying things like "we only want to get you to the top" when that is not true for everyone and one of the first things you should learn in the music industry is not to trust just anybody. I've just seen first hand the way the business and even fans claim to care and get upset that they are only trying to help when they neglect to acknowledge or see what's going on behind the scenes.

[@Goated200]

She was so so pretty to me.

[@mys3682]

21 years old singing like that 👏

[@randyl236]

4:45 i just want to hug her, she was so lonely you can see how lonely in her eyes. she MADE that show. the costumes the pretty girls were great but Jennifer Holliday, singlehandedly MADE that show. Michael Bennet was RIGHT to call her back. He needed her. The show needed her.

[@1369Stiles]

heard her the first time on ally mcbeal. fell in love instantly

[@spirituallifecoachinginsti7207]

SHE IS A GREAT SINGER POWERFUL.....SHE WENT THROUGH HELL....HER WEIGHT....LOSING IT....COMING BACK AFTER SURGERY ETC.........WOW.....WOW.....I AM A FAN OF HERS......

[@Dathan]

Such a talented lady but...as you look around one can see there are a lot of talented people on this earth. How they use it is another story. And I am sure there's a lot of luck involved as well.

[@MusicAndTheScience]

She obviously was blackballed in Hollywood. We may never know why.

[@dolcifioricakes]

She deserved better. She is amazing in her own right!

[@Southgate210]

Great! Sing to me baby! Decades to come!!

[@TheVisions888]

Both Jennifer Holliday and Jennifer Hudson are both Super Stars /

[@daniellew6675]

Amazing heroine!

[@janwiley9339]

Jennifer sings every song with passion and determination. JHolliday’s voice is like rolling thunder, but controlled. The Anointing is not meant to be measured by $$ just evidence that God’s Anointing is meant to be shared like healing water. I notice she is a great speaker, -minister to us Jenny! OPRAH TV SHOW?! -)

[@April.R646]

I love Jennifer's voice. She's among the powerhouse singers of all time. With that being said, the remake wasn't about her it was about the play. Why would they call her back? They didn't call anyone else from the original play. Remaking a play is like remaking a song from a previous artist. How many people have done I Will Always Love You? Whitney didn't ask Dolly Parton to join her on the remake. My point is the remake of Dreamgirls was about a whole new generation of cast members doing it there way. There were absolutely no need for the original girls to be there especially if they would've came in trying to direct it the way they did it. Jennifer Holiday, Sheryl Lee Ralph & Loretta Devine did an amazing job and they had their time with Dreamgirls. It was time to let a new generation do it for their generation. That's all. We all know Mrs. Jennifer can still do her thing but it wasn't about the cast it was about the play.

[@M15C1]

They actually did get Loretta Devine to be in the film, tho it was a small part. Sheryl Lee Ralph and Jennifer Holliday both got snubbed...

[@daffyduckfan4478]

She is an amazing talent one of the best of wishes ever heard. But there is no reason for her to be bitter for that played a role in a movie.

[@justachill]

Humility goes a long way suga . jennifer hudson face career roberys too shes not blameing american idol . Jennifer Holiday voice alone is epic . you cant make past mistakes go away but you can prevent them in the future . the music business is evil period not just for overweight but for mankind its about money and who fits the bill to generate it. You cant blame anybody but the game of it

[@shebro56]

Love you Jennifer!

[@officialmichaelcarrasco]

No reference to Nell Carter at all and the legendary "Ziegfeld" is a "Local Theatre?" Oh, my. Good for Jennifer Holliday to keep moving forward and staying as strong as she can be.

[@lking3024]

Jennifer Holliday is the real deal. But it once again shows you that looks makes the difference. There are lots of folks who can’t sing but can fit in a size 5

[@r.a.cardenas9222]

Love her!!

[@cindyinnew]

I actually feel sympathy for both Jennifers when it comes to this topic. Jennifer Hudson has the fame and the money, but her role as Effie will always be overshadowed by Jennifer Holiday regardless of who gets the money and the contracts. And Jennifer Hudson was simply a girl trying to make her own way. Both women are great women of amazing talent.

[@BigJimbo106]

damn she lost a lot of weight, she looks good

[@chocolategilfordgilford4651]

She was still beautiful when she was big to me.

[@paulareid2729]

Her weight and looks are irrelevant to her majestic talent that should always have been honoured first.

[@debz6110]

What a voice and the passion! But somehow I thing there could be more behind the lack of considering for new work/parts. Perhaps the fighting between her and Mr. Bennett caused her to be Blacklisted? Just a speculation, of course.

[@dwightburke2083]

JENNIFER HOLILDAY!!all needs be said.i tired seeing these girls n guys singing this song on competetion shows.if you cant hit the annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd n hold NO

[@obiephillips9174]

Please look up other Jennifer Holiday songs on KZbin. You will not be disappointed.

[@donalddavis6689]

I'm So Glad That Whoever Produced The 2006 New Movie 🎥 Dream Girls!! Did A Wonderful Job!! For Casting Jennifer Hudson To Play Effie!! Because The Public Can Go Back In Time!! And Could Say!! Hey!! Someone Made And Sung This Same Song On Broadway!! And That Someone!! Are The Original Dream Girl Her Self!! And That's.. Jennifer Holliday ✨✨!! Go Find Her And Give Her!! Her Walk Of Fame Star ⭐⭐ And What's Due To Her 🎤 🔥.

[@smurf902]

Jennifer not only was hired to PLAY Effie, she had an actual hand in CREATING Effie during the workshops. And I am telling you was actually going to be cut and she fought for it to stay in the show and actually had only lyrics with no melody, and she worked through those workshops to help write the song in improvisations. Yup. She says it in her interciew on Theatre Talk. That's not mrerely a hired hand, that's a collaborator.

[@hairhag44]

Your a legend!!!

[@acommon1]

Loved the CBS Morning Interview by Russ Mitchell with Jennifer Holiday. Loved the portion about address depression, weight loss, career, and more. Good job. But, I might disagree with her believe fo owning the Dream Girls role. No one OWNS the role. No. one OWNS a role. The screen writer and casting directors do. The audience does. Not the actor. Follow the Market. It bestows gives. The market taketh them away too. Move on. Start a new. Enjoy the blessing from the Chances Destiny Bestowed upon us.

[@imfamoushero]

Honestly it’s pretty horrible the producers didn’t give her a small role in the movie or let her tour the set or SOMETHING. She was unjustly ignored but you can’t think of Effie and NOT think of Jennifer Holliday so they knew what they were doing

[@daffyduckfan4478]

infamoushero that sounds really stupid.

[@daffyduckfan4478]

infamoushero get over it.

[@imfamoushero]

eric Mays how is that stupid? It’s not unreasonable at all

[@daffyduckfan4478]

infamoushero Who would she play¿

[@imfamoushero]

eric Mays Just a cameo. Maybe have her do something in the bg. It’s really not that hard lmao

[@mrDMando]

VERY GOOD.

[@Lawrence_619]

hers was a blessing and a curse to play Effie...1) she performed the part so well, that the role became her identity. And thats not easy to do...you have to have a tremendous talent, to make people actually believe that the role and your person, are one in the same. I think Bette Midler went thru a little of that too, because of how well she played a Janis Joplin-type role in "The Rose"..and she figured out how to shake "Rose". 2) but on the other hand, Jennifer had some of the same character flaws that Effie had...and even tho'' it made for a great character study, thruout the run of the play, she almost lost her life, when she couldn't force anyone to understand that Effie wasn't struggling nearly as Jennifer was, in real life.

[@richierichit]

LOVE HER

[@zakkxx1]

We love you Mrs Holliday

[@andreafoxx1695]

SHE DID LOSE THE WEIGHT

[@andrewruiz8212]

Poor woman.. 😥😥😥 she gave her soul and heart to her music but pople still looked at the apperance and not the talent 😭😭😭😭

[@zanthus7]

Jennifer says the resentment is Hudson got to take Effie off and she did not. My response to that is Effie is a double-edge sword for Holliday, a blessing and equal curse. The blessing is when I think of Effie and Dream Girls, I think Jennifer Holliday - not Jennifer Hudson. Effie's beautiful and wonderful songs and the emotions attached are all Jennifer Holliday. That is the blessing. The equal curse is when I think of Effie and Dream Girls, I think Jennifer Holliday. Effie will always be Jennifer Holliday's shadow. Jennifer Hudson was simply imitating Jennifer Holliday. BTW, I have not seen and will not see the Dream Girls remake. I saw the original. I don't need to see an imitation.

[@macklincrewe3570]

I know we are not suppose to discuss this but the role of Effie is reminiscent of the Florence Ballard but I think it goes even deeper. Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Dorothy Dandridge even Janis Joplin. These women, along with with Holliday, that were able to tap into something very deep and universal in all of us while, at the same time, being at odds with themselves. For so many years all I ever knew of Holliday was her song in Dreamgirls. I invite you to search through KZbin and discover this phenomenal woman and catch a glimpse of the beautiful soul behind the song. Not only am I amazed at the woman that is Jennifer Holliday but I congratulate her for facing her demons and showing us what true strength of character really is.

[@joelprice6028]

zanthus7 It's just not fair. The industry basically abandoned her

[@brianamosley2002]

zanthus7 Facts

[@charlesjeffery1155]

y cant she understand that her role was sopose to b a tribute to Florence and why would they call her at her age thats just not how the business works, thats like Bobby Kristina being mad at Angela Bassett for not letting her play her mother shw wasn't qualified to do that, while i really do feel bad for Jennifers life how can u not, but at the same time Dreamgirls was not a tribute to her it was to Florence Ballard and the way she was treared by the Supremes and Berry Gordy thats just a fact, can u imagine them doing that movie with Beyonce and all those 20 yr old stars but put her a 60 yr old to play a role as being in the same girl group? Thats just foolishness Miss Holiday

[@sweetreny1155]

Charles Jeffery in my opinion it seems that Jennifer Holliday is full of herself.. she forgets she took the role just like Jennifer Hudson did that was based on Florence Ballard the forgotten supreme. Jennifer Holliday thinks it's all about her and that's not right at all.

[@KMims747]

You two should interview her then.

[@joncerda351]

I wish she explored the 90s club dance craze. Her voice would have fit in with Martha Walsh and the other big voice TITANS of the 90s. That should have been her avenue and artistry outside of Effie.

[@dddddadadad1796]

She didn’t have any other hits?!?!? WHAT?!?!? I could name 3 other hit records she had AFTER Dreamgirls

[@Jojoseahorse]

Strong, beautiful woman :)

[@arethasD6belt]

Its unforgivable that the producers of Dreamgirls (movie) never reached out to Holiday for a cameo or for direction of Effie to Hudson. She should've had involvement periodt.

[@sheilawalker5558]

I live Jennifer holiday and respect her to the upmost

[@yummybrown9188]

She is the best and will always be that Ms. Jenifer Holiday not Ms. Hudson a wannabe 😉

[@kevinharris3993]

It was disheartening that Loretta Devine was given a cameo role and Sheryl Lee Ralph was invited to the premiere of the movie, but Holliday was totally excluded. However Jennifer has to find a way to push past that. Jennifer Holliday is a legend and an icon. Jennifer has to realize she is more than Dreamgirls and Effie White.

[@joyce101]

But I DO understand, sadly we all have feelings!!

[@akuapiatas]

what once was a dream became a curse

[@michelebartlett3921]

She looks great...healthy

[@MarvinHicks-dd7qb]

💜💜💜💜💜

[@msgeorgiaannettefranklin5493]

😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘

[@Noirthebaee]

Idk why she’s personally coming at JHud. Then Jennifer Hudson didn’t have any people to get in contact with since she was just starting-

[@KevinSmith-lj1lo]

GIRL. YOUR 'STILL THE ONE!

[@DavidLee-ph8mp]

I don't understand why Jennifer Holliday doesn't put out more songs???

[@enriquedearica8830]

TRADUCCIÓN AL ESPAÑOL PORFAVOR..!!!