Betty Buckley sings "Memory" and "Over You" (1984)

This is an excerpt in which the always-amazing Betty sings the Oscar-nominated "Over You", as well as her signature song from CATS, the show in which she was still appearing on Broadway. I taped this in 1984. Some things are worth hanging onto!

[@Lindow]

This is out of this world! Did anyone else notice she did the entire FOUR phrases of the climax in ONE breath? Unbelievable. Not just the voice with its unearthly timbre but also the technical skills. Out of this world! To this day the reigning Grizabella by far.

[@EvanOz85]

She sings on one breath from "touch me" to "days in the sun." Incredible.

[@stevemattfis]

40 years on and this brings me back to the first time I heard it. One of the things she did on stage that no one knows is that crescendo she does where it comes at you like a musical tidal wave occurs onstage with her balled up and as she lifts herself out of the curled up position she moves and sings that power note as one connected movement. No one else could do that. To literally lift off the floor and belt at the same time requires a diaphragm control that doesn't exist in any other singer. Most people cant stand up from a chair without using their arms with an accompanying grunt. She lifted off the floor without benefit of assistance and delivered That Note. Brava Betty Bravisima.

[@kirkreid743]

Betty is so pretty. And her singing is flawless. Loved her on Eight is Enough. She should have been a bigger film star.

[@queermm]

The feelings and emotions you are left with after hearing this woman perform are not only priceless, but nearingly once in a lifetime. Everytime she sings I sit up and pay attention. Hers is the best version of this number, and I've never seen or heard anyone sing it with such conviction and grace and exhuberant emotion. I feel every word and am left trembling after her crescendoes and especially her "Touch me." Her "Touch me" is the bar none best of all time. I love betty buckley

[@stlouisactor]

One breath. She did that with one breath. Wow. She owns this song. Babs did it fine but Betty owns it.

[@brilensmit]

Wow!!! Betty has and always will own this song. No coincidences, it was made for her.

[@ClareAngel78]

She doesn’t even need the microphone she’s amazing omg the hair on the back of my neck stood up when she sang memory

[@beentheredonethatb4]

I saw Elaine Page performing in Cats in London back in the 80's and I still prefer Betty Buckley's performance. She puts so much emotion into the song, that nobody else can. She is wonderful.

[@KeatonVio]

One thing that I absolutely love about Betty, is how effortlessly she seems to sing. She makes it sound easy easy, but of course to get that kind of full, rich sound is anything but easy. I adore her voice. She is my biggest inspiration.

[@higgsbosongirl]

Whoa. I don't know much about Broadway type music. Didn't even know what Cats was about. I just clicked on this because BB was raised in my hometown, and we graduated from the same U. I had no idea she was that good. I just had a cold chills moment when she belted out Touch Me at 7:30. I love the tone of her voice. So unusual. I am a believer.

[@christydethlefs9850]

That climax was unbelievable!! The tone in her voice is flawless!!

[@joneathann]

It simply amazes me at how flawless her voice is. That little body holds so much power without having to put all of the unnecessary physicality that many performers today insist on doing!

[@JabirJeff]

Arrghh.. this is just too eargasmic to watch, she owns this song and no one can touch it the way she does. Brava Betty🙏😍❤

[@beentheredonethatb4]

Betty Buckley has always been my favorite performer of Memory. I've seen and heard others sing it, but she is the consumate professional in the delivery of the message of this song.

[@mlkjklgtc]

Others only try, Ms. Buckley is (one with) the muse. Beautiful soul.

[@pallafox]

I don't undersand why no one can replicate the power of her voice.. IT's sad that we can't get this kind of talent anylonger on theatre

[@mhill1455]

pallafox Betty Buckley does display great power here, but it is not unequalled by some of today's performers. Many stars who have played Elphaba have this sort of power, as do many Grizabellas and Eva Perons of more recent times. I saw Betty several times as Norma Desmond in London and she was great, but her vocal power (IMO) was not anything above that of many current vocal performers.

[@pallafox]

You're simply referring to vocal range. Betty doesn't have the highest, but control, power and strength is were she excels and is one of the top tier performers to manage such execution. And No, there are not that many Elphaba actresses that can deliver this kind of execution. Just because they can belt and hold higher note doesn't mean they have great balance and control over their performance. The only Elphaba actress I've seen that provided total control of their vocals without loosing out of breath and cutting the note short was Eden Espinosa. Betty's powerful vocal range and control will always be iconic in Broadway and rivals that to Patti Lupone.

[@jaredcarey8920]

pallafox She just HAS that voice. I’m sure she trained but some people just have an exceptional instrument that can’t be explained. The closest in quality today is Carolee Carmelo.

[@justingraves9049]

I have sung this song in high school and Memories has always had a place in my heart for its live performances. She has a powerful tone threshold and an insane feel for microphone dynamics that are impossible to teach. Her pulls and breaths are from years of practicing every day. She has sung this a thousand times I'm sure. Truly amazing.

[@stlouisactor]

How many times have you ever seen an encore bow on this show? I mean...wow. She skipped to the chair! She knew she nailed it, too.

[@freeall5541]

After 7:29 no breathing for almost 20 sec at the climax. Amazing.

[@emmyaF.I.E.1975]

27s

[@rvcrvc2]

I'm surprised how many times, in the past few months, I've invested 9:31 to watch and listen to this marvelous little performance.

[@RevJamesCostello]

This is for those who appreciate real talent. The absolute real deal.

[@ddburrows988]

Tender, nuanced, authentic. When I saw this on TV, those many years ago, I was stunned by Buckley’s voice and performance of “Memory”. I unabashedly sobbed at its delicacy and dignity. So glad to find that my “memory” of this was not exaggerated. Thank you very much for posting.

[@carlstpeter]

what a voice, what a performance.... amazing!!!!

[@donbenevento7686]

What an extraordinary voice

[@wholeNwon]

It was about two years ago, on my birthday, that I sat just a few feet in front of Betty Buckley while she looked down at me and sang "Memory". Tomorrow is the anniversary of that wonderful evening. When you compare Ms. Buckley's performance of her signature song with that of Elaine Paige, you can see and hear why Ms. Buckley's is definitive art.

[@bigbadfitter]

A consummate performer if I ever saw one. The lady has the "gift" and is not afraid to use it. Please be thankful that she's chosen to share it with us.

[@AtLastOnTheGround]

7:31 Oh my GOD. I literally gasped. That is freaking AMAZING! Betty's voice is SO orgasmic!

[@MrMcMusic01]

Sometimes a song and a singer meet to form a the perfect partnership. Betty Buckley and "Memory" . . . well that is perfection!!!!

[@BluStile3]

When I met Betty she was doing Getting My Act Together... In LA. We were all saddened when at the end of one performance she stated she needed to head off to NY so that some strange play named Cats could begin rehearsals. Betty, thank you, thank God that call did come. You are a classy woman with the voice of an angel. This song bello he to you and you give of a gift each time we hear it.

[@BluStile3]

Babs made the radio hit but Betty left Getting My Act Together in LA to do this part. It's perfect for her range and her power enhances rather than overwhelms. She DIDNT need a mic but she certainly uses it properly. Bravo Betty. Hearing you live 8 times was a pleasure beyond belief. Thank you.

[@SolarShine]

I just realised she’s the teacher in the movie “Carrie”.

[@ClareAngel78]

SolarShine omg I didn’t notice that until you said it she looks so different

[@oPeRa1923]

Total control in one breath. Just one. One amazing one. Look. Goosebumps... 😍😍😍😍

[@wickedismycrack714]

THE most amazing performance of Memory ever given. Period.

[@cynthialyman2636]

What a voice, and her delivery and interpretation LINGER.

[@sertic1]

I continue to be shooketh to the core by Betty's belt.s

[@dollyward3622]

Saw her and heard this in the movie Tender Mercies and fell in love with it and her voice., so much emotion was in it, is in it. She is spectacular.

[@victoremmanuell_ptbr1902]

One of the most famous and memorable songs from the theaters in the world sung it at maximum

[@dohaperson1]

Her Memory here is probably one of the greatest live performances of a song ever filmed.

[@HamCubes]

Son of a biscuit! Is there anything Betty Buckley can't do and do beautifully?

[@jamwag75]

Can You believe this womans voice?....just incredible! Anyone thats been there knows what this song is about & she delivers w/ emotion like no other.... JohnyC. was the best. Had his demons; but always found and presented great talent on his show like no other. Total gentleman; and knew had to have fun! yrs past but thank whoeverr for posting this!

[@aavauxhall]

It's a truly theatrical voice. Thrilling. It's a great pity that she never really had the roles that would define her. Cats was a supporting role, Sunset a take over. Brilliant in both. Her contribution to Carrie was breathtaking. Listen to bootlegs of "And Eve was Weak". It is one of the great voices of her generation. But the trophies and trophy roles were carved up between Peters and of course that titan, LuPone

[@flyinghow]

"Over You" takes me away to another world....Just love the way she soars with it. Was always my favorite BB song. Brava!

[@wilderpress]

The wife on "Eight is Enough" never got her true day in the sun of her singing voice. Unbelievable talent stacked against Barbra - a voice of all time. Loved seeing her on Broadyway live.

[@MoMoMyPup10]

Through the first minute I'm sure people who haven't heard her are saying "oh, she can't sing", but then she blows the ROOF off!

[@summerhorse]

They had her do an encore of Memory because the audience loved it so much. Johnny said that had never happened before.

[@musket-hc1fc]

This woman is amazing!

[@rantaylor1]

i love the effortless way she sings. She steps out of the way and lets the magic just flow! And that breath control... oh wow.

[@austinteutsch]

The Tonight Show band had some great musicians in it. Ed Shanashey, Doc Siverson at el and you can tell they played catch up with this super talent and they respected her as they really played Over You as I've never heard then try so hard. What a pure talent Betty is. Everything IS big in Texas as Betty proved it with that unreal and powerful voice she's packing!

[@meggieturi]

I revisit this post fr4om time to time and am always awed by her.

[@bunnymad5049]

Holy crap. I had NO idea she sang. Fabulous voice. Not sure I love this version but she's amazing.

[@ftjax]

Have you ever wished you could travel back in time ? I remember seeing this on the Tonight Show....this would be one of the stops along the way !

[@Chicagoan444]

I remember seeing this when it first aired. It thrilled me then, and it thrills me now. I remember how this amazing performance, and how the audience was absolutely up for grabs after she sang. Really amazing. Thanks for posting this.

[@ellaball]

Brilliant, just brilliant.....

[@Josquinquin]

At this point in her career, she was phenomenal.

[@Josquinquin]

She is so special. A flawless technique. A beautiful instrument. Her ilk is sorely missed in musical theater these days. She had a career to be proud of. I saw her live a few times. She nailed me to the wall with her brilliance.

[@gloriaslivensky9460]

My all-time favorite song!

[@Josquinquin]

The young Betty Buckley was a singing phenomenon!! No one like her nowadays!!

[@timboytx]

I love it when I read comments like yours, and so many others here. I can't be very objective when it comes to Betty, since we share a hometown, and my mom knows her mom from years of going to the same church. I've been a fan of hers since about 1970 when I saw her sing "I Don't Know How to Love Him" at a church service in Fort Worth.

[@ftjax]

Memories...that's what you have given us ......Betty...you're great..as usual !

[@sartainja]

Excellent. True talent back in 1984.

[@ValoryRansom]

I love you Betty!

[@selloutasaurus]

Thanks so posting this incredible performance! So moving and beautiful!

[@silverbilly]

Beautiful mic control x

[@Teezer44]

This woman has the soul of a black Gospel singer, as technically flawless as an Opera singer all delivered with the simplicity of a Country songbird. She is rare indeed.

[@barryzweben5323]

Betty Buckley was and still is magnificent!

[@hermanwilliamsiii6986]

Good lord...!!! Breath-taking. Thanks timboytx

[@swellin69]

I had the pleasure of seeing her at Joe's Pub in NYC last month and she was utterly amazing. And funny! Thanks for giving me this great insight into her earlier performances.

[@camillez.7535]

Thanks for hanging on to your VHS! She sings with an honesty and a soul that we do not see in many artists today....Angie Dickinson, a huge star of the day, didn't receive the same ovation. Everyone was stunned-- outstanding. A Rare Experience....

[@Lindow]

Quite astounding how even back at a relatively early age she already had that astounding 'age' meaning life experience and pain in her timbre. When you compare this to Betty 20 years later the voice had not changed much. Amazing artist and a really old soul I'm sure.

[@katiesuber9631]

Love Betty Buckley!

[@nancyhovermorton7865]

Katie Suber absolutely spectacular

[@rellenoz]

I could study the memory performance for hours. So many nuances. Her diction and vibrato. Its sheer genius

[@jamusicman3704]

Thank you for this! Her voice is so beautiful. It took me a while to get used to her tone, but now I just adore it. And her vibrato I much prefer to Streisand's. It's a bit faster and flutters more naturally to me.

[@bigbadfitter]

Note to all the little pretenders in the business today: This is how a professional does it!!

[@erzug]

She also sings this with the entire cast in costume at the 1983 Tony Awards, also on this site. Breathtaking performance. She's so expressive with her singing.

[@Amhuaren]

I love it so much. Guess those 27 dislike do not know "What Happiness is". :-)

[@timboytx]

The song "Over You" can be found on the CD "Betty Buckley (15 Year Anniversary Re-release)", which you can order at amazon.com

[@danj530]

amazingly beautiful

[@austinteutsch]

Glenn Close. Patti LuPone and Betty Buckley. Of these three fine singers and actresses, Betty is the best. Man, what a talent she is.

[@dohaperson1]

one does not belong in this group of singers....

[@nancyhovermorton7865]

this song always makes me cry, the cat lady that I am ! ,

[@charlesfranklinlambeth3944]

Glenn is an actress who sings; the other two are singers who act.

[@Mmmkay10]

Glenn Close!? Huh!?

[@timboytx]

@rellenoz So true, rellenoz. I still marvel at how self-possessed she is....so fearless, calm and in control, giving herself completely to the song.

[@Cookieman0144]

I saw this when it first aired in 1984... I never forgot it and have told many that it was the BEST rendition of 'Memories' ever recorded. I have seen Cats performed live multiple times on and off Broadway. (Unfortunately not with Betty Buckley) Thank you Timboy, this takes me back to the time of quality entertainment!

[@gypsybelle391]

Beautiful....just beautiful.

[@joskiism]

Thanks so much for posting! I have been playing this clip over and over again and I hear something new in it each time. what a voice and what emotion.

[@carollemelin3401]

I wish I was in the theater the first night she sang Memories. I imagine everyone there is still in shock and awe.

[@erzug]

You wouldn't guess by her talking voice that such melodic sounds could come out of her when singing.

[@erzug]

Superb.

[@rellenoz]

@timboytx Thank you so much for posting this. I remember the Carson appearance as a kid, and I'd try to tape it whenever it repeated. I just knew I liked her voice, but couldn't really explain why. Now, as an adult I know. I thank you.

[@ceasarandrepont5331]

I love her voice.

[@jays1198]

Chills!

[@billiswilling]

there you have it, a singing lesson in 8:30 minutes. relaxed so that the voice can soar, outstanding projection, just beautiful!

[@JadeEstebanEstrada]

Betty is so amazing. Thanks for posting.

[@thecomplainer]

Gold. Thanks so much for uploading!

[@plantagenetsurvivor8771]

Brings tears to your eyes.

[@frank9032003]

Thanks for sharing!

[@tshepco99]

What a beautiful song and the lady herself "WOOF"

[@urbansetter1]

Beautiful voice and beautiful song.

[@daniellovesJesus777]

Amazing...love from Indonesia

[@beentheredonethatb4]

You folks are both dead on. She is a dynamo. I remember seeing this Tonight Show performance too. I've seen Cats numerous times, but nobody played the part or sang Grazabella like Betty B. Just love her.

[@JaCeeMusic]

Thanks for sharing! We luv Betty!

[@arnellbamba]

i'm breathless....... !!!!

[@ddoppster]

So exuisite I can't imagine a better Tonight Show moment

[@mycatsweetheart]

Gives me goosebumps!