Audra McDonald: "Baltimore," Live On Soundcheck

Hear the entire interview and session: soundcheck.wnyc...
Actress and soprano Audra McDonald recently starred in Broadway's revival of Porgy And Bess. Now, she's back with her first solo album in seven years, 'Go Back Home', which features McDonald on songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein and Stephen Sondheim, among others. Watch McDonald perform "Baltimore" -- a song written by Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler -- live in the Soundcheck studio.
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[@laurabernay]

Not only is Audra amazing in this but her musicians are RIGHT there with every syllable, every vowel, consonant and every breath. THEY not only keep it together but it is they who allow Audra to shine. Without their brilliant sensitive musicianship no great renition is possible. Bravo guys!

[@WouldYaEva]

I fell In love with a boy from Baltimore. It lasted 26 1/2 years, ended 13 years ago yesterday.

[@kandyappleview]

Born and raised in Baltimore! This song is hilarious. I like to substitute “Baltimore” for “New York” 😋

[@angryc0ws]

When my mother told me don't forget your rain boots when it's wet I listened up, just like a good, good little girl And when she prudently suggested I should lose the cigarette I knew that bit of wisdom was a pearl But in all of the advice that I collected through the years I admit to you, with trepidatious dread Unfortunately, there was some that whizzed right through my ears Ah, WHERE.? WHERE was my mind, when Mother said Avoid navel-contemplating floppy haired actors originally from Baltimore Who excel at mime, collect stamps and have issues with their mom Sure at first they're very charming, their attention is disarming But give attention in return and dear they'll drop you like a bomb Yes, do avoid REO Speedwagon loving Christopher Walken imitating thespians originally from Baltimore Who can't piss unless their shrink says it's ok Why let them break your heart, dear? Put your head on and be smart, dear Put some bug spray on and make them go away. When my daddy told me look both ways before you cross the street I took his words to heart and I complied And when he told me be yourself, and I should march to my own beat I did and found THAT truth was bonafide But in all of the advice that I collected through the years I have to say, I am a bit surprised I missed the best advice that Daddy trumpeted my way Ah, where where was my mind when he advised Avoid narcissistic alcoholic think-they're-French-but-they're-not waiters originally from Baltimore Who deflower you, carry a copy a Fountainhead in their pocket and lie about their age Sure at first their eyes are steely, and their words are touchy-feely Have them cheat upon you twice and my advice is more than sage Yes, do steer clear of Renaissance festival loving food service consultants originally from Baltimore Who say they dance with NYC ballet but are really an administrative In-TERN For it's clear upon reflection When you give him your affection You will understand the concept crash and burn The singles world out there can be a scary land I have to ask, is it me, or is it Maryland? So if you can possibly avoid it, don't fall in love or lust Or have crushes on Boys from Baltimore Though indeed at first they seem filled with style and class Sure Cal Ripken's charm is actual but he's married and it's factual Pamlico is not the only place you'll find a horse's ass Yes, at all costs avoid ridiculous though amusing experiences cultivated in Baltimore Barry Levinson, I mean no disrespect If you have to go to Baltimore, and meet boys, do not marry em Although it's true I've heard that they've got quite a nice Aquarium Ladies, take your hearts and run as fast as little legs can carry em From Baltimore There are better boys in Boise Boys in Boise always call You'll have better luck in Josie Or St. Paul Well, not St. Paul But no matter where life takes you It just makes no sense to fall In Baltimore. Hey, where are you from? Silver Spring?

[@VisitorCz]

Ha, that was great! "No, not St. Paul..."

[@TheChapsita]

What a lovely voice and such technique.

[@ghostie7790]

beautiful!! I go to school in baltimore i was so happy to hear this!

[@Carmel86Tae]

I just love her!!

[@NFNJP]

I found true love in Baltimore ! ❤️

[@aransdaughter]

Oh, that gorgeous voice!

[@NickC1966]

Silver Spring is closer to DC. I think Timonium would have been a better choice.

[@murraywoldman473]

simply delightful!

[@at8ax]

You couldn't include the musicians' names in the credits?

[@strzelec1959]

thank you for beatiful voice

[@opheliereuille5308]

I love it !! Don't really like her as an actress but she's definitely an amazing singer :)

[@denisejohnson3578]

what category of music is this?

[@hannahmezzo]

contemporary musical theater

[@cpete2976]

The category is excellent!

[@mookiesdream1]

Nice to see her actually showing up for a gig.

[@railehtdoe2907]

What a dumbass comment

[@tipofmytongue1024]

LMFAO SILVER SPRING joke cracks me up

[@NickC1966]

should have gone with Timonium, hun.