Shirley Horn - "Here's To Life"

From 1993, jazz legend Shirley Horn performs "Here's To Life" with John Williams and The Boston Pops

[@strooomon]

No one but no one could make a ballad pierce your soul like Ms Horn. Her phrasing is exquisite. She moves me in ways that no other singer ever has. This is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Ms Horn of course, does it justice. A masterpiece.

[@moniquecavard745]

yes!!! i agree...

[@billdonaldson3908]

totally agree!

[@whermany]

Without doubt!

[@Kinsale1333]

You're so right! She was a very great artist indeed.

[@artwitstick]

Buy the cd, get comfortable, turn the lights off, forget the world, and let this music wash over you.

[@borkumriff642]

I did ....... and you are absolutely right Art.

[@alexk2501]

I have this cd and I love every track on it. Rich and lush. Several of my favorite singers have tried to, but, just can't match Ms Horn or her special touch.

[@Transition333]

You sound like a great date!!!

[@MsAnita78]

Agree

[@davidmiller3652]

That's beautiful "Here"s to Life" - Shirley :) Strings, Harp, French Horns, Orchestra

[@GinoWilliams]

No matter how many renditions of this song I hear, Shirley Horn's is absolutely perfect. She made it life's most beautiful serenade.

[@teapartier5584]

Still cry every time I hear this. By far my most favorite song of all time. I pray for, and aspire to achieve such zest for life.

[@luvrumcake]

Yes she is...absolutely perfect. I Love her rendition of this song.

[@luvrumcake]

@@teapartier5584 Me too.

[@philipstringer2598]

Me too! This Lady and Sarah Vaughan are getting me through this Dystopia x

[@reggaeone]

Gino, I agree 100%

[@Pachelbel_PaperDarts]

Other singers who sing this ballad sound as if they really have to work hard to interpret this difficult song. Shirley Horn just sits there and sings her heart in the most effortless and elegant way. She's supremely talented. She knows exactly how to do a slow ballad like this one. Joe Williams with George Shearing version is marvellous but I listen to Shirley for her emotional honesty and sensibility.

[@palmershort5089]

Try "Palmer's songs for midnight" and his version of Here's To Life

[@monisamontoya288]

The first time I heard this song was on a soap opera sung by Lesley Uggams. It haunted me for years and I could never find her version as a recording.

[@Dizzle72]

I love this song. Brings me so much peace in the moment

[@EatinOffMyOwnPlate]

I miss u grandma. This song was played at her funeral

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

I would have NEVER thought of this as a funeral song, but, it is a lesson for those left behind, to enjoy life and that's what I'm sure your grandma wanted for you!

[@ellenvandorssen3529]

I miss her too!!!!

[@borkumriff642]

@@MJLeger-yj1ww Goed gezegd / Well said.

[@Kinsale1333]

How fortunate you were!

[@Thestormytube]

Shirley Horn was one of the greatest that never received her dues. I love her music! Thank you for posting.

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

You are so right, "Urana" -- It escapes me why she wasn't better known, though she was better known on the east coast than the west where I'm from. I found her after she was gone, but RIP, Shirley, wherever you are -- we love you! (As a musician, I appreciate her soft, subdued, extreme talent and furthermore, she always looks as if she's enjoying herself!) Bravo, SH!

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

You can say that again, "Urana" -- a beautiful lady, in every way, on this number, she had just had foot surgery so wasn't playing the piano, in a way it is extraordinary to watch this, such a gifted talent, I never tire of her.

[@HFritzson]

When she sings, the bottom falls out from underneath you and leaves you floating.

[@strooomon]

Perfectly stated.

[@tospubs960]

Every day she soothes and calms me for a new day...

[@charlesbrown1934]

One of the most beautifully moving songs in the "American Songbook" sung by one of our most sensitive singers. Shirley Horn, a REAL artist.

[@teapartier5584]

Agree. I was born about 20 years too late. Would have loved to hear her, among the other greats.

[@drmusa89]

I HAVE to agree - a superb masterpiece!

[@moniquecavard745]

YES!!!!

[@michaelmachine]

"Here's To Life" is a Masterpiece. Produced and arranged by the brilliant Johnny Mandel. One of my all time favorite recordings. :-))) Nobody sings this better than Shirley.

[@TheMrpiggy6666]

+michaelmachine yes indeed Michael, it remains one of the great Jazz vocal albums of the last 40 years, so pleased you recognized this..

[@Barrustio46]

+michaelmachine Nobody...this is my favorite song by her... the orchestration is awesome. You will find our simple country folk version of it here on KZbin my niece Sonia Harrison and my self Bobby Gonzales from Seguin, Texas.

[@a.8774]

I like Eartha Kitt version too. Both ladies were phenomenal artists.

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

Agreed! I wish I could have seen her in person. This treasure shows her talent and how much she enjoyed performing -- thanks for posting!

[@teapartier5584]

Agree. She's perfect!

[@sharahthorton1734]

I saw one of her last performances at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 2005. She was in a wheelchair but still wonderful! She is missed dearly!

[@EXHORTINC1]

What an amazing experience I'm sure

[@karenmccants1439]

You know it's great if you get chills and tears...Shirley delivers it.

[@decastrobarbosa]

Autotune? no thanks, playback? no thanks, dancers behind? no thanks. Just let Shirley sing, she always capture the audience.

[@michaelanthonybrown5667]

I am a devout Sarah Vaughan fan. But I heard this on a local jazz station last night and just had to look it up so I could hear it again. Perfect blend of music, vocals, and expression. Another great performance that has inspired me!

[@allanclay8008]

Parents , introduce your children to music of yesterday, they'll be richer for the experience. This song by Shirley Horn and Joe Williams I would like to recommend.

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

Oh do I second that, Allan C.! Today's children NEED to hear good music like this, NOT what is out there today, which isn't really music, but screaming noise with a beat! Thank you for providing this for us, "Billylovesjazz!"

[@thematrix6830]

It doesn't get better than this.

[@ernieg.5299]

Shirley Horn was one of those rare singers who could bring lyrics to life. Here, she emotes ev’ry emotion of the lyrics with her intonation and inflection and pauses. I miss you, Ms. Horn. Here’s to life, here’s to you…wherever you are ❤️

[@drakulasalo]

Shirley Horn!!!!!,...and Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Julie London, Nancy Wilson, Astrud Gilberto, Etta James, Gloria Lynne, Dinah Washington, Esther Phillips, Nina Simone, Marlena Shawn, Betty Carter, Billie Holiday, Blossom Dearie, Anita O'Day.

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

Some you mentioned can almost equal Shirley, but definitely NOT all! Each for different reasons, but Shirley can top most of them, of those, Ella, Peggy, Nancy, Julie are great, Astrud is, but had few songs, Blossom is unusual unto herself, Sarah on some songs but not all, Etta James had the audience but not the voice unlike Etta Jones, who was clouded by Etta James but was the better singer, forget the rest, except maybe on ONE of their better songs. Anita O'Day has a voice, but DON'T watch her sing, that head-shaking is bad and distractive. A few of these women would have been better off without their drugs! I listened to Eartha Kitt sing this, she doesn't hold a candle to Shirley! Shirley Bassey's version is very nice, but doesn't equal Shirley's. This is, simply, Shirley Horn's song, and was her signature song, with reason!

[@ChannelMaster720]

YES! All of them gone. Isn't there anyone else to step into this "female jazz" spot? 2018 SYLVIA - FL

[@LaurenAshleyConsulting]

Now this is a list!!!!! :)

[@rdmoon4416]

Oh, yes, these are the “Brilliants”. Thank you for mentioning these awesome and profound women.

[@donnamarie3930]

OH this song...I was at my neighbor's memorial service last night and this song was on when I started my drive home. Here's to Life, because we never know when our time is up. Enjoy every day.

[@marcojohnston9497]

Beyond flawless......................This song still makes me cry................

[@Kevierae]

I love when a "live" performance is as good as the studio version. Shows what a true artist Shirley Horn was and what a great conductor John Williams was. A true collaboration of great musical talents. Not to mention the fact that this is a terrific song, well written and orchestrated.

[@reggaeone]

This Song, Here's To Life, is one of my All Time Favorites. The very first time I heard this song years ago I had to pull off the highway just to listen. I got the pleasure to see Shirley Horn perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Magnificent. I miss her too.

[@whatsthescore1289]

I remember the Women in Jazz series at the KC too.

[@cynburns]

No words describe the emotions felt. Perfection.

[@lolatrue4064]

Cynthea Burns there are places in the heart only music can touch.

[@Sherrylee50]

Just so Beautiful🥰❤️🔥

[@BalticXY]

one of the most heart-rending songs of the unique Shirley Horn

[@calikali2420]

Always brings tears to my eyes. One of the ALL TIME GREAT Jazz Ballads and Jazz Ballad performances. Flawless and astoundingly beautiful!!!

[@benscott1621]

In my opinion, best version ever ….. What a grace to being able to watch this …. she owns that song!

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

This song, "Here's to Life" was Shirley's signature song. BEAUTIFUL!! She is such a super-star, a treasure, and with the Boston Pops -- you can't get much better than this! Extraordinary! As a musician myself, I don't know why I didn't know about her earlier in my life, I guess because I'm West Coast and she was mostly East Coast and the world. She has a voice like NO OTHER! I'm completely infatuated with her! Great musician and gifted talent, that's for certain. "Here's to Life" must be one of the most beautiful songs ever, b/c the lyrics are so up-lifting, and Shirley sings it like no other can! I've never heard this song before, so I listened to others sing it; I'd say it belongs to Shirley! And we understand she was a great lady and beautiful person also.

[@foxybrnlegz]

What a PHENOMENAL artist. I love Shirley Horn!!!

[@btinsley1]

been listening to this swan album since the mid 90's....you know something? with each passing year, something happens...or doesn't happen... that places me back in front of shirley as a reminder to hope for the best. here i am once again. thank you Lady. "may all your storms be weathered and all that's good get better..."

[@guineverewright1879]

The same with me!

[@btinsley1]

Guinevere Wright Thumbs up for you G!

[@guineverewright1879]

+btinsley1 thank you....those are my feelings too. I have loved Shirley Horn too since I first heard her in the mid 90a as well 😊

[@johnflood7395]

My new theme song on life ! Classic .... Thank you Shirley..

[@johnflood7395]

My anthem ...

[@terrenceragin5555]

Mine too

[@fakerating]

Beautiful! I was lucky to see Shirley perform at the Cinegrill at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

[@baglady2652]

She's fantastic

[@anacastillo5250]

So beautiful and touching, she's like silk. Awesome!

[@richieventura7917]

Simply beautiful...almost ethereal...🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Shirley Jones...

[@jamescasey8065]

...Some words, if I may, regarding a singularly unique Human Being...This piece of music, from any reasonable perspective, is perfect...There are times when humans attain perfection...not often...This is certainly one of those lovely times...The lyrics and arrangement can leave one breathless...Then the voice of this majestic lady reaches you...As if an angel had walked into the room...The voice calms, awakens, suggests, comforts and gives hope...She excudes the experience of Life...One can intuitively sense that she has had her share (if there is such a partitution) of happiness, sadness, joy, misery and enchantment...Simply from this aspect, the ear, heart and mind reach out to her voice...My respect knows no limit...I readily admit my sadness in her absence...Yet...Her voice remains...What she would be doing today is only speculation...Nevertheless...It would, I am certain, be dauntingly beautiful...I was blessed with her presence...And I am at a loss with her absence...Sail on Lovely Lady..."...Sometimes I need only to stand...Wherever I am...To be blessed..." James Patrick Casey/1LT./Infantry/United States Army(Ret.)/Vietnam Combat Veteran/Badly Wounded In Action/Late Spring '68/Quang Tin Province/I Corps/RVN...

[@BobbyMurrayBluesGuitar]

Beautifully said, thank you. For more reasons than one, Lt. Casey.

[@alfacar54]

Lyrics of this song are SPIRITUAL... performance by Shirley Horn and John Williams orchestra is wonderful

[@julianalvarez7389]

I saw Shirley many times at the Village Vanguard and she was always spectacular

[@rickjuarez5513]

WOW...how extraordinary...this woman was CLASS...

[@cyndimoring9389]

I was very ballsy and very lucky to sit with Ms. Horne when she was having dinner between sets at Jazz Alley in Seattle, back when anybody could sit down without being escorted away. She told me she had been a single mom and stopped singing until start singing until her daughter was grown. And here she was performing on the road, around this time frame. I was also a teacher and single mom and aspiring singer. She was very kind to share with me.

[@bmh7777]

Absolutely beautiful Jonny Mandel’s arrangement for her beautiful voice and deep lylics!

[@marcoantoniodasilvamello7722]

"Here's to Life" a kind of pharmakon, a real balm in her voice that I learned to admire over the years. Shirley Horn and the magnificent song, lyric 'poetry' of stunning simplicity.

[@teapartier5584]

Beautifully stated.

[@tamaralvovskaya1446]

November, 2021....washing my face by tears....wow....song for life... So deep, so meaningful, so touching... Thank you, darling! ♥️

[@assignmentearth2899]

That french horn solo with the mordant up to high concert G - - gets my every time. Johnny Mandel arrangement. Rockin' arrangement, rockin' players on it. And John Williams conducting!! Bravo to all! Shirley Horn and this song got me through some rough times.

[@loisdickson4637]

Ah life!! I received the "best" of everything so far!! I am certain i have not seen the truly "best" that is waiting for me! My three children are the "best" I have experienced in my 81 years!!!

[@Seer-cw9lu]

Amazing ❤

[@anamariagalea2413]

Just ...music! I am totally lost in this dream...

[@helennieuwenhuis1528]

Love this song, so beautiful and each word is perfectly placed and delivered. I could listen to this over and over and never tire of it's beauty.

[@peterj403]

Ditto the above. I do love to listen over & over to this song from Shirley Horne. Fantastic !!

[@KeleJosephAAgi]

YesI saw this show, as well as other shows towards the end. This was the hardest track to absorb. We were all crying and so was she.

[@bernarddonaldjoyandresesca1680]

MANY RETURNS OF THE DAY

[@rugilearstikaityte4420]

Why I'm crying?

[@ricogarofalo1591]

Having worked as a professional musician for twenty plus years, I can honestly say that this is the only song that I've either played or heard that, as soon as the line,/chorus "...And here's to life..." starts, I do indeed start to cry. The power of music, eh!?

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

Superb, because of the deep beauty in this song and the way she sings it! I wish I could sing this in my sets but I can't, it's just too emotional for me to sing in public! Maybe some day. "May all your storms be weathered, and all that's good get better, here's to life, here's to love, here's to you..." What a great wish for everyone! (And to a love I lost.)

[@Truth614]

The musicians who played on the recording cried during the playback. You're not alone.

[@heatherferreira4225]

Because you have a heart... and the heart knows

[@marvinwashington7810]

Right!!!!!

[@MarcusLeepapi]

I miss her so much...Such great music that she brought to us here on earth.... A great lady!!!!!

[@MrRay3134]

So cinematic. A story told, the listener allowed it peer into the life of the singer but for a moment. My absolute favorite song and arrangement, ever!

[@MrAj3361]

Still listening in 2020

[@stexup55]

I have listened to other renditions of this song, but the only one that inevitably brings tears to my eyes is Shirley Horn's. The quintessence of feeling in singing.

[@erolyesilyurt]

At the time she was suffering from a severe form of arthiritis and yet the way she sings this song is simply amazing, Nowawadays no one can write such meaningful lyrics and can perform like SH.

[@jakkiford3070]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤THE BEST!!!

[@treadeffectfitness2446]

The pauses at the end of this song adds so much more meaning. Incredible!!!

[@artpen6941]

Wow, my father was a great jazz artist and I thought I heard all the great artist of that generation but never hearing her until a year ago? I'm taken away by her song, "Here's to Life" my favorite all time version of a great song.. We all relate to the words and her Voice just magnifies its beauty!! Wow...

[@artpen6941]

This truly is a hidden masterpiece that I feel never got mainstream? I've been around this kind of music my whole life and until last year, never knew this beautiful recording existed. I agree with the others that no one sings this like Shirley, No One. This is my theme song of Life and I listen to it daily....

[@1badzombie]

I'm speechless. What could I say the is worthy of that performance.

[@michaelblades4383]

It doesn’t get any better than this ❤

[@xmpuri]

The song just seeps in to your soul!

[@terrenceragin5555]

Superb. Perfection. Brilliance

[@GIJOE64]

The joy and pain of a life as interpreted by the legendary Ms. Shirley Horn.

[@davidjewell3227]

this is the one song I will have at my funeral ! ..it says everything to everyone

[@bluet6898]

Beautiful song/lyrics sung by Shirley Horn, she sings it effortlessly.

[@teapartier5584]

... and believes the words she sings.

[@asongirl]

That’s one of my favorite songs in the universe and each time she sings it, I cry. I sang it at my best friend’s funeral. Shirley Horn sings it so beautifully.

[@loisdickson4637]

Absolutely beautiful! I want this song sung at my funeral for my family see how happy I was!!!

[@teapartier5584]

My thoughts exactly. More importantly, I pray for, and hope to achieve such zest for life while alive.

[@mymanhemi3610]

man man man, this song got me through some tough tough times. eyes get watery every time

[@domo1129]

Beyond WORDS. One in a row.... SHIRLEY. God bless.

[@arvstephenson1107]

For the joy you brought, "Here's to life".

[@stayrussh]

I love her so much.

[@voicegirl555]

Here's to you Shirley Horn! Happy Birthday! You are so missed and you were so wonderful!!

[@afterthought8298]

Such a wonderful song, an amazing artist... Pure magic!

[@bdavis5423]

The entire CD is one of best by any artist.

[@1bo14]

The only time I can really breathe! Thank you Shirley

[@SWDetboy]

I love her's . Joe Williams & Mary Wilson's takes on this song

[@palmershort5089]

One night,1960, my date and I dropped into the Brass Rail in Washinton D.C. and there was Shirley sitting at the piano.There were no more than a dozen lucky people in the room. If there was the least chatter in the room she would not play. I sat there mesmerized. Have been a fan ever since. One of the best at interpreting lyrics. Try "Where Do You Start" for looking back on past loves that haunt your memory or "How Do You Keep The Music Playing" in recognizing that person you thought of just as a friend is a love you can't be without.

[@vivahabbitvanassen]

When music was good and easy to love.

[@denamichals]

I love the way Ms. Horn sang this song, the depth of interpretation that she brought to it and I admire Artie Butler for writing such a wonderful song....

[@raularmas1719]

For me, Miss Horns' way of interpreting a song--the way she lets the notes of a song breathe through her if only now through recordings is therapy(dare I say, cure) for my addiction to the expedient pace of humanity especially in America.

[@jamesdill8985]

There are artist such as MS. Horne, who work and girt is so superb, it defies discription. When I heard this the first time, I cried for a week!

[@Barrustio46]

+James Dill You can't help but cry when you hear her depth and emotion.

[@RWJUAREZ]

SO GLORIOUS...and her best album...THANKS FOR POSTING, and thank you most of all...Shirley Horn :-)

[@franker8373]

She emanates a sincere love and care that you can feel when she sings this song. Its like being held close by a loved one. Thank you Ms. Horn for being and sharing yourself through music.

[@KS-bx2jf]

FrankE R perfect description

[@sdavid2415]

Just listened to Joe Williams doing the same song; 2 wonderful singers putting their own wonderful stylings and voices on a wonderful song.

[@zina2822]

wondeful woman, wonderful voice..................

[@MarcusLeepapi]

Yes, John Williams is such a great conductor....Nice....

[@CelineAdobea]

Thank you for sharing Shirley ❤️ here's to you 🙌🏾🌺

[@joeeaton2422]

Just her voice brings me to tears

[@investorswantedchannel8059]

This women is the ultimate. Completely stunning!!! Perfection.....

[@tamaralvovskaya1446]

Shirley, you are amazing! Listening in November 2021, WOW! What a song!

[@chazzwinslow]

Shirley Horn, My Queen of Jazz! Girl I miss you so much!!

[@andredonnell]

Simply beautiful...

[@kimberlaparrott-wallace8564]

Song of the year!!

[@jrbflymeful]

Most glamorous and inspirational version of this song ever!

[@21blackjack]

One of my all time favorites

[@747maran]

flawless..

[@gailfreeman3659]

It does not get better than this....... this is how you sing and deliver a song!!! wow..... love you for ever shirley

[@donalddenison8896]

What a marvelous performance wonderful music even better lyrics and Shirley Horn is magnificent in this rendition of this incomparable piece. I have heard other version of this song, but this is the best version I have ever heard of it.

[@JB-oq6kc]

Amazing!!! I am blown away!! THANK YOU!!! cheers from Canada ❤😊

[@vandaalexander160]

Absolutely beautiful 🥰