Disturbed - The Sound of Silence - New Zealand Vocal Coach Reaction and Analysis

[@bradleysuarez4]

You are so knowledgeable and informative

[@linhager12]

Am 80 yrs old.... and love David and Disturbed... this is the best cover of any song I have ever heard.... touches me everytime... brings rears to my eyes... thank you for your "reaction" video. He is one Very talented man. Hard to believe he was sick that day.

[@sourgir-wh6xd]

Disturbed.. The Sound Of Silence... Is my number 1 video I love watching people react to. Especially vocal teachers... It's the best 🔥🤘😍

[@ritalowrie1296]

I also love watching the reactions of people who react to this song. I love, love, love this song. For me it is still the best cover of a song ever

[@jasonharrison9677]

That and Johnny Cash's Remake of Hurt Usually Catch Vocal Coaches of Guard

[@rickmainville4784]

Me too!

[@toniallen1130]

Right!?

[@scotty2307]

It is my understanding that the group had been wanting to do this song for a long time before they initially did this. David insisted that they needed to wait until he felt that he had the proper skill set to do it the way he envisioned. That is another mark of a true professional! He never stops learning about his craft.

[@scotty2307]

By the way, I only recently found your channel, and I am really enjoying watching your videos. And you look fantastic to boot.

[@angelawindish9124]

No strain to his voice, none. The best vocal range I have heard in any Heavy Metal singer. Love their version of a classic folk song, BEST COVER IMHO

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

I kind of agree this is the best cover... love it!

[@laryon]

If this tune doesn't give you goosebumps, you are not really alive. Thanks for the video.

[@jamesayers5182]

David has the voice that millions of men would want, I for one, even though I am 70 years old, I love this version of S & G's song more than the original and have been singing along with David on every version that I have seen on KZbin. He has the perfect voice for a man.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

He has a fab voice doesn't he?!

[@KunuMcGruder]

His voice has a "command presence". People will naturally or instinctively gravitate to it. The proof speaks for itself in the amount of attention it's garnered. This song brings out one's deep emotional feelings...even if one pays no attention to the lyrics. The power, range, and perfection in his voice alone, commands one to not only listen to it, but furthermore will uncontrollably bring out one's organic emotional responses. For me personally, I have never heard a song that touches me emotionally like this one...I can't explain or give a reason why, it just does.

[@Cybertron-cs7sk]

@@ZoeStibiVocalCoach awesome tips thanks darling xxx

[@ronyrontana9735]

Better than the original? That's the dumbest thing I've read in a long time.

[@DavidGowers]

@@ronyrontana9735 you say that, but it's true, it's better than the original

[@loriprice1518]

Let’s just say I grew up listening to Simon and Garfunkel. This does SUCH JUSTICE TO ANOTHER ARTIST AS A REMAKE! There is No other!

[@CCFONESOL]

As soon as he begins singing...goosebumps.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

I agree!

[@massamune70]

Fun fact: Disturbed: Sound Of Silence(Live on Conan) was nominated on the 59TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS (2016) for Best Rock Performance. That's how good this song is.

[@Oduunich]

Yet still the worst version of this. He was sick & someone backstage decided to turn on auto-tune, without his knowledge or consent. This made him so mad, which is the looks he was giving towards off stage.

[@M-S_4321]

Glad he's taking the song forward through another century.

[@williammoore1876]

@@Oduunich May have had autotune on but it is the best version of the song ever

[@lokibrux]

@@williammoore1876 totally agree. Also, they may have had auto tune on but it only actually took effect once for a very brief moment, and only because he chose to do something different with his voice that doesn't sit with the program. He was never out of key, even if he was suffering from a flu 🤧

[@nathans5773]

When it comes to art, I feel that it is all subjective. I have never seen this in person but I have watched a few other versions of this song and for me, this is the performance I like most. I don’t know if it was the auto tune, the illness, the cinematography, or something else, but I prefer this to the other versions I have found.

[@paulhogan9433]

The greatest cover ever, and it's not close.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

It is an incredible cover!

[@endoraismygma]

Vocal Porn is right. We all fell in love with him after hearing this lol. I've always liked Disturbed but THIS is incredible.

[@Wraithlen]

Can we talk about the arrangement also. lt's just brilliant . Disturbed keeps raising their covers (like they need to do covers) that are just amazing.

[@MichaelWinkelman-rm1hp]

The man just blows my mind I in my entire life have never been stricken so hard hearing a voice. Amazing 🤩

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

He really is amazing!

[@larryclark4297]

Paul Simon said this is the best cover of The sound of silence he's ever heard and he was going to put it on his playlist 🥇💯👀

[@danewood2309]

he also said that he and Art Garfunkel had created a song of it's time , and Disturbed have recreated it as an Anthem for a new Generation

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Wow! How cool! 👌

[@larryclark4297]

@@danewood2309 RIGHT

[@heragon58]

That is so badass

[@legacyjeetkunedo492]

Great technical analysis.

[@tdub9965]

I think the most amazing part is how effortless he makes it seem to switch between his vocal fry and such his standard singing voice

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

100%!!! But that is the beauty of it right? His utter artistry is just on point!

[@AlRozon]

HE also admitted that during this performance he was really sick with the FLU. amazing..

[@maggiedog6286]

For someone that was sick at the time of singing this, I’d say he nailed it!

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

He did nail it. Can't tell at all that he is sick

[@ruthiewohlforth5464]

David Draiman...a voice to die for! A powerful yet soulful voice that can go from warm baritone to angelic tenor, from clear as a crystal to rasp/distortion/vocal fry and back on a dime, which is incredibly difficult to do and he makes it look so damn easy! He has a timbre in his voice that I've never heard before........just hauntingly beautiful and pure tonal properties to it! An awesome talent. Loved your reaction Zoe and your take on the performance. Try "Deceiver", "The Night", "The Game", "Indestructible", "Stupify", "The Light", "Enough", "Violence Fetish", "Stricken" by Disturbed too. They're a bit heavier than SOS....lol.....

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Ruthie I love it! Just a touch heavier don't you think ;) Right, just goes to show his amazing technique.

[@pompeymik]

This is one of my favourites, I can listen over and over, such passion ✊

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Agree! Insane how much he can bring out the lyrics and not overdo it.

[@charlespotts3995]

When Paul Simon saw this on Conan he called David and told him "Sound of Silence" is now yours.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Wow that is cool!

[@mommahope5844]

A lot of people don’t know he is a classically trained cantor. ❤❤. I’ve never seen anyone control their voice so impeccably!! It gives such a visceral response. 🥺🥺. I still cry every time I hear this !! Also he was really ill with the flu this night 😮❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

So I read! He is amazing.

[@thegamerstableboardgamesto386]

I'm here to watch people fall in love with David Draiman. Long time fan. Saw Disturbed live in 2002 and lived like an animal in the pit while David Draiman pumped pure energy from his voice directly into my body. This is a dedication, not only to this song, but to one of the greatest male voices on this planet.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

He is incredible isn't he?!

[@pickle581]

He spent 3 hours in the recording studio and listened to himself sing this song. Don't know if it brought tears to his eyes or not but he said it affected him emotionally.

[@juniorjohnson9509]

He actually spent 3 days trying doing the tune different ways, with only the piano. The engineer than spend another couple days splicing together what he thought was the best of each section, and added in the strings. David then said that he listened to the results 3 times, with his back to the engineer, because he was in tears over what he heard.

[@crnibass1994]

Nah, the most amazing thing about this cover is that Paul Simon embraced it, loved it so much he shared it on his social media.

[@beavis5591]

News flash the original artist gets paid royalties everytime thier song is played including all cover versions, to be fair Simon did give a very positive review of this cover but anytime you stand to profit off of something of course you are going to endorse it

[@juniorjohnson9509]

@@beavis5591 Paul has always stated that he hates when people try to cover the S&G tunes, as they never do the tunes justice, or are simply just awful. After hearing this live version, he actually called Davis to contratulate and thank him, and then linked to it on one of his social media pages. As he stated it, the Simon and Garfunkel version was the whisper of a warning. Paul then said that Disturbed’s version was the anger that the warning was not heeded.

[@beavis5591]

@@juniorjohnson9509 except that is all bunch of bullcrap

[@timbrom]

This performance is God's gift to reactors and coaches. He does so much it's insane! From the soft baritone opening, to the lift into his tenor, the constriction and relaxation (falls and halls in particular) to that extraordinary sustained final note, there's nothing missing.

[@glendacrosbywilkins4246]

Close your eyes...Take a deep breath.. & let your SOUL show you the meaning of this song....A very strong Warning from God... Fools ...Say I..You do not know...Hear my Words..That I might teach you.....Take my arms that I might REACH you...The words of the PROPHETS are WRITTEN...........Beautiful......It was....Left its seeds.....Not Lifted..................In restless dreams I walked alone.............My eyes were stabbed...by the flash of a Neon light...That split the night & touched the Sound of Silence...WOW... You may want to get the lyrics to this song & then reply it......

[@brian52763]

He doesn't just sing the song, he feels the song!

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Agree! He says that too that you need to feel the song otherwise it is just bullshit.

[@crazymelomanka]

i believe i read somewhere that he burst into tears behind the stage after this performance. aww....

[@Princess_karen]

His voice is magnificent

[@ericcrane3458]

I really like the artistry of the presentation. 5 parts to the song, each time adding instruments (just him and the piano, then added the guitar, then the orchestra). The lights each time lighting them up. The song and voice was amazing, but bundle that with the presentation...amazing.

[@tonykaze-jh7fh]

Wow, of like 50 "vocal coach" reactions I've seen on this song (I've watched a lot) you are actually the first to actually talk about technique other than acknowledging that it's being used. Bravo.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Thanks Tony! I really appreciate that! I do my best! ;)

[@cherylfromoz5228]

Omg this man is amazing love his voice love this song

[@JammaLamma]

I don't know how long you've had your channel, but your set up, graphics, energy, analysis- SO good- you are CRIMINALLY undersubbed. Also love the Kiwi accent. Anyways love your style best of luck.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

That just made my day thank you! I am working away at it and trying to get more subs. 😉 have a good one!

[@joespradley2323]

He is such a great singer with such power. Thanks for doing this reaction and analysis🙏🏼🌹💕

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Hi Joe! You are welcome! He is amazing right?!

[@mariagalanis6476]

His live duet with Myles Kennedy at one of Disturbed’s live concerts is also remarkable ... and he didn’t have the flu in that performance as he did for this Conan show 👏👏🎵

[@johowlett6477]

David & Myles are two of my favorite artists! I ABSOLUTELY love their duet! Not to many people are familiar with their version!

[@crazymelomanka]

i know. Loved it as well. It was double divine))

[@Steve-vt8hl]

He constantly takes vocal and Opera lessons to perfect his voice. One of THE BEST voices from a rock star I have EVER heard in concert...seen them 7 times.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

He is amazing I agree Steve!

[@Bane2Face]

YOU WERE NOT READY FOR HIS FRY!!!

[@Bane2Face]

Or maybe you were

[@jeffstevens4262]

Zoe, many thanks for your excellent technical analysis and your heartfelt appreciation of David's amazing vocals. Yes, he's quite an amazing vocalist but the thing which always makes me smile, is that he never shows any sign of straining to reach those higher notes. It shows he's in full control, and that's so damned impressive. A little background, David comes from an orthodox Jewish family and was trained as a cantor, and his family wanted him to dedicate his life to his religious traditions but he chose instead to go into heavy metal music which broke his grandfathers heart, although I believe all was forgiven between the two before his grandfather passed away.

[@leapatterson2014]

I've said that same thing "vocal porn." The fact that he was extremely sick during this performance shows how much talent he has.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

🥰

[@MrCmad1104]

“Vocal porn.” Lol That’s a perfect description!!!

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

It is a little though right?!

[@MrCmad1104]

@@ZoeStibiVocalCoach For sure! I could never describe that performance before but how you described it is spot on.

[@Cosmic2Ducky]

Well seeing as the title on my phone say 'Vocal Coach Reaction and Anal...'

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

@@Cosmic2Ducky hahahahahahahahahaahahaha fantastic!!!!

[@LeNaInLoVe]

I just LOVE this version of the song.

[@fredashay]

I love the syncopation of the kettle drums!

[@SWTSU]

Great cover reaction. Thank you. To me Simon and Garfunkel the original writers and performers were telling us back in the 60’s when I first heard the song to get our shit together or the future won’t be pretty and David’s version is saying oh well after 50+ years warning the shit has now hit the fan!!!!! Just saying. So says Austin Tx!!!! 😍😍😍🍸😎

[@wilkolb7239]

Poetic justice, the only band to Disturb, the sound of silence.

[@markmccrary3650]

I love what you're doing, going to look for a local voice coach. I got called out by Robert Plant, almost 20 years ago. He introduced his band, then pointed at me, "and here's our baritone". It was a little embarrassing, but he recognized my voice over all the amps.

[@spunkygmahappy4778]

I am a 70 year old great grandmother, I am by no means a head banger, but this group I would have to make an acception. I would ask that you watch thier video of this song. The power of the gradual introduction of each instrument, of his facial expressions really bring home the meaning of this song. Thank you for sharing

[@brendanc.8019]

Your smile lights up the screen. Great reaction.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Thank you Brendon for such a lovely comment! 😍

[@dougstrong1750]

It's so fun to watch you smile at the same things that make me smile!

[@mikeoh712]

Instant subscribe. Love your take. Thank you 🤘🏽

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Thanks Mike!

[@karentuzynski7525]

Your reaction is the best I've heard!!!

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Thank you Karen!

[@lucianofreaza302]

His performance was amazing.

[@AudriusZu]

Nightwish - Ghost Love Score (Live Wacken open air 2013) lets Gooo! 💯✅

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

ooooooo I LOVE a good bit of nightwish.

[@andrelglinnenbank2856]

GLS in Wacken is the most reacted to song on youtube. Even Floor herself, who was also a vocal coach and is still a vocal nerd, has reacted to the Wacken version of herself.

[@Synnick76]

i was gotta recommend that myself lol. specially if you like vocal porn you get a floorgasm

[@kitrichardson9916]

You had me at, "no one's going to give a shit." Hahaha!!! I love REAL reactions - REAL personalities!😅

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

I try to be 100% real every time!!! 🙂

[@krisellis5222]

Thank you for knowing the background of David prior to your review!!! It makes a huge difference in the richness of the review. Most reviewers will say his voice was unexpected, who is he... Everything you said was important commentary because of your reseaerch!! Again, thank you so much!

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Thanks Kris! Anyone who hasn't heard Disturbed hasn't had a mid 30's male student in their studio 🤣 Their acoustic album is the reference point for MANY male singers.

[@tannji5971]

I have watched quite a few reactions to this version of the song... I am always ready to cringe when a vocal coach reacts, because the reaction frequently comes off as more about the reactor than the performance. Its not so much that less is always more, but more that less of certain people is always more. You killed it, and without the over the top acting. Thanks so much!

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Thank you! This is 100% nothing to do with me, and I appreciate that you took the time to give me feedback thank you! ;)

[@snewhouse13]

Keep in mind he was very sick during this performance. Still amazing!

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Crazy! 😵

[@xx5341]

He pulled out all the stops considering he was so Ill. His voice is a treasure for us all. The entire band have always been legendary. Epic is not a strong enough of a word tbh

[@buttnugget2900]

@@ZoeStibiVocalCoach If I recall he had the Flu and had a high fever before this. Sadly, despite him requesting otherwise the producers did add a bit of auto tuning in post which he was a bit upset about when he heard it later. Sucks when producers feel they know better than the actual artist.

[@feedmefrenzy.]

He was actually sick/ill during this performance. Think he had something close to the flu.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

what?! Really? His voice sounds AMAZING! Although that can sometimes happen for singers that sing a song a LOT they end up sounding clean and clear even with a heavy cold. Muscle memory ;)

[@feedmefrenzy.]

@@ZoeStibiVocalCoach Yeah, in multiple interviews he's said he was "sick as a dog" that night for that specific performance.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

@@feedmefrenzy. wow!!!

[@paul75ranger]

He was in the green room thinking he might have to cancel. When he decided to finally give it a go, he decided that he needed to be seated while performing this, as he didn't feel he had the energy to stand. And then he went out and did that. Legendary.

[@feedmefrenzy.]

@@paul75ranger Lengendary indeed.

[@riaanbehr7976]

David was extremely ill that night. And he still did that!!!! Slayed! 👌👌🔥🔥

[@Lee4364]

Simon and Garfunkel when written ..Made you think about the words, Dave touches your Soul with his delivery ..as you said, he is true to the words.. Makes one feel some kind of way.

[@pamigreenway]

I feel I need to give a shout out to the tympani player as well. It perfectly punctuates the vocals.

[@thomaszawacki4608]

There are several live songs that you will truly enjoy reacting to, both from the early days of pop/rock. The first is Unchanged Melody by the Righteous Brothers from the Andy Williams show (1965) and the second is Tom Jones singing I'll never fall in love again. Please check out these performances, time very well spent.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Thomas thank you! Both amazing songs!!!

[@polarbearcraze19]

Great response. What I thought made this even so amazing is I heard he was sick and had a fever when he performed it. Now that takes very strong talent in my opinion. Thanks for all your explanations also

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Thank you! I think it is training and hard work that means he can sing with such a mad cold. Poor dude!

[@ericpohlmeyer4116]

Awesome ! thank You!

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

You're welcome!

[@shannonwhite3721]

The meaning behind this song is just beautiful.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Agree Shannon!

[@travistalayumptewa2480]

I can sing this song in a whisper 😘. I've been singing their songs since I was 12, but I had voice training in high school 😘. You are absolutely gorgeous 😘😍❤.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Hi Trevor that's fantastic and everyone has their own way of singing it. Aw thank you so much 🥰

[@g3synth205]

Conan O'Brien's youtube channel has dozens and dozens of videos (if not hundreds - Edit: 9,512! total videos), and this is *by far* the most popular/watched video on his channel. It's currently at 124M views, and the next closest video is at 92M. It's pretty obvious why that is. Great reaction! I loved seeing how much enjoyment you were getting out of it.

[@12211219]

My interpretation of the song The Sound of Silence: This song is written with two separate people or consciousnesses singing it. Those that are waking up and those that have been awake for a very long time. The first, third and fifth verse is sung from the perspective of the unawakened and the second and forth verse are sung from the perspective of the awakened. Hello, darkness, my old friend I've come to talk with you again Because a vision softly creeping Left its seeds while I was sleeping And the vision that was planted in my brain Still remains Within the sound of silence Hello, darkness, my old friend is about people that have been kept in the dark and they're telling the darkness that they are experiencing something new in their vision. They (the awakened/aware ones) planted the seeds of truth/Light, and they are just starting to become aware. In restless dreams I walked alone Narrow streets of cobblestone 'Neath the halo of a streetlamp I turned my collar to the cold and damp When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light That split the night And touched the sound of silence There are fewer of the awakened, and they feel as if they are alone under the Light of truth, because they refused to by into the lies the dark has been trying to feed them. Then one day they saw a crack in the armor of dark, a tear in the matrix, if you will and in that moment they saw a opportunity to break the sound of silence. And in the naked light I saw Ten thousand people, maybe more People talking without speaking People hearing without listening People writing songs that voices never share No one dared Disturb the sound of silence And in that moment they saw all of the light workers/star seeds (awakened Ones) telling those that were still asleep the truth/Light, through telepathy those that were sleeping heard and saw the truth/Light in a very subtle way, but yet they couldn't share this Light/truths with anyone for fear of being attacked and silenced by those that controlled the sound of silence. They wrote the truth in songs, the truth had to be given covertly as not to disturb the sound of silence (the dark). And when the people became aware of the Light/truth and realized that they had been in darkness the whole time, it really pissed them off. "Fools," said I, "You do not know Silence like a cancer grows Hear my words that I might teach you Take my arms that I might reach you." But my words like silent raindrops fell And echoed in the wells of silence. They reached out to those still in slumber, trying to give them Light/truths, but they wouldn't open their minds to new truths, instead remained in the sound of silence. And the people bowed and prayed To the neon god they made And the sign flashed out its warning In the words that it was forming And the sign said, "The words of the prophets Are written on the subway walls And tenement halls And whispered in the sounds of silence." The people were so caught up in working hard to pay for all of the things, the boats, cars, electronics, all of the toys that they covet. They couldn't see or hear the truth, they were too distracted by consumerism. The awakened/prophets have been trying to tell them through their songs and poems, and that whisper of Light/truth awakened the people from their slumber and they became ONE. Did you notice the ship sailing into the Light at the end of the studio version?

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Wow that is a wonderful interpretation. I think this is absolutely stunning. have you sung it with your lyrics to the melody? how cool!

[@12211219]

@@ZoeStibiVocalCoach Thanks, I changed it up a bit with more insight. Check out the new perspective.

[@kristinagilbert9448]

Thank you zoe

[@carolcorrigan6258]

Beautiful arrangement and I am sure there would have been a lot of thought put into it, and he had a cold when he sang this live on this show. I love it and it doesn’t get any better than when Paul Simon compliments him on his performance. Beautiful in ever way and I am an old girl of 72. Actually I think I am addicted to it. Cheers from Tasmania.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

It is incredible isn't it Carol. 😉

[@MichaelJordan-bz7ke]

Your description is the best

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Thanks Michael! Glad you liked it!!!

[@s1lentsymphony607]

This was a great video, Zoe! Thank you for going so in depth with such an incredible singer. If I might make one small note about the video. Unfortunately your voice is coming through on the left channel only. So when there's no actual audio from things like the music video, the right side is 100% dead air.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Hi! Thank you so much for bringing it to my attention. Actually on my set up it came through both but very quietly on the right. Damn it! I have to fix the audio settings because Davinci immediately pans it to the left due to the one channel being used for the input. Thank you!

[@s1lentsymphony607]

@@ZoeStibiVocalCoach Happy to be of help! Again, thank you for making such wonderfully in depth videos. Some of my favourite content to watch

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

@@s1lentsymphony607 Thank you! Wow! I really appreciate it. I LOVE waxing lyrical about singers, so thank you for joining me ;)

[@jeffreymackay4343]

@@ZoeStibiVocalCoach You should make a note of this sound issue in the description. I spent the past 5 minutes trying to find out what was wrong with my headphones, I nearly broke them.

[@czechmate9497]

Your reaction at 4:28 of your video was as moving as the song! My fav song since music!

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Thanks Emmit!

[@len5103]

Totally cool!!!

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Thanks Len!

[@one8s7n]

David being so sick he wasn't going to sing.. but they talked him into preforming sitting down... I've loved his singing and band almost 20 years now

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Still one of my favourite performances of their cover.

[@shannonwhite3721]

Read the story; then watch the Video "Hello Darkness My Old Friend" A Simon and Garfunkel song, inspired by a college roommate who went blind, reveals an untold story. One of the best-loved songs of all time. Simon & Garfunkel's hit The Sound Of Silence topped the US charts and went platinum in the UK. It was named among the 20 most performed songs of the 20th century, included in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and provided the unforgettable soundtrack to 1967 film classic The Graduate. But to one man The Sound of Silence means much more than just a No. 1 song on the radio with its poignant opening lines: "Hello Darkness my old friend, I've come to talk with you again." Sanford "Sandy" Greenberg is Art Garfunkel's best friend, and reveals in a moving new memoir, named after that lyric, that the song was a touching tribute to their undying bond, and the singer's sacrifice that saved Sandy's life when he unexpectedly lost his sight. "He lifted me out of the grave," says Sandy, aged 79, who recounts his plunge into sudden blindness, and how Art Garfunkel's selfless devotion gave him reason to live again. Sandy and Arthur, as Art was then known, met during their first week as students at the prestigious Columbia University in New York. "A young man wearing an Argyle sweater and corduroy pants and blond hair with a crew cut came over and said, 'Hi, I'm Arthur Garfunkel'," Sandy recalls. They became roommates, bonding over a shared taste in books, poetry and music. "Every night Arthur and I would sing. He would play his guitar and I would be the DJ. The air was always filled with music." "Still teenagers, they made a pact to always be there for each other in times of trouble. "If one was in extremis, the other would come to his rescue," says Sandy. They had no idea their promise would be tested so soon. Just months later, Sandy recalls: "I was at a baseball game and suddenly my eyes became cloudy and my vision became unhinged. Shortly after that darkness descended." Doctors diagnosed conjunctivitis, assuring it would pass. But days later Sandy went blind, and doctors realized that glaucoma had destroyed his optic nerves. Sandy was the son of a rag-and-bone man. His family, Jewish immigrants in Buffalo, New York, had no money to help him, so he dropped out of college, gave up his dream of becoming a lawyer, and plunged into depression. "I wouldn't see anyone, I just refused to talk to anybody," says Sandy. "And then unexpectedly Arthur flew in, saying he had to talk to me. He said, 'You're gonna come back, aren't you?' "I said,: 'No, There's no conceivable way.' "He was pretty insistent, and finally said, 'Look, I don't think you get it. I need you back there. That's the pact we made together: we would be there for the other in times of crises. I will help you'." Together they returned to Columbia University, where Sandy became dependent on Garfunkel's support. Art would walk Sandy to class, bandage his wounds when he fell, and even filled out his graduate school applications. Garfunkel called himself "Darkness" in a show of empathy. The singer explained: "I was saying, 'I want to be together where you are, in the black'." Sandy recalls: "He would come in and say, 'Darkness is going to read to you now.' “Then he would take me to class and back. He would take me around the city. He altered his entire life so that it would accommodate me." Garfunkel would talk about Sandy with his high-school friend Paul Simon, from Queens, New York, as the folk rock duo struggled to launch their musical careers, performing at local parties and clubs. Though Simon wrote the song, the lyrics to The Sound of Silence are infused with Garfunkel's compassion as Darkness, Sandy's old friend. Guiding Sandy through New York one day, as they stood in the vast forecourt of bustling Grand Central Station, Garfunkel said that he had to leave for an assignment, abandoning his blind friend alone in the rush-hour crowd, terrified, stumbling and falling. "I cut my forehead" says Sandy. "I cut my shins. My socks were bloodied. I had my hands out and bumped into a woman's breasts. It was a horrendous feeling of shame and humiliation. "I started running forward, knocking over coffee cups and briefcases, and finally I got to the local train to Columbia University. It was the worst couple of hours in my life." Back on campus, he bumped into a man, who apologized. "I knew that it was Arthur's voice," says Sandy. "For a moment I was enraged, and then I understood what happened: that his colossally insightful, brilliant yet wildly risky strategy had worked." Garfunkel had not abandoned Sandy at the station, but had followed him the entire way home, watching over him. "Arthur knew it was only when I could prove to myself I could do it that I would have real independence," says Sandy. "And it worked, because after that I felt that I could do anything. "That moment was the spark that caused me to live a completely different life, without fear, without doubt. For that I am tremendously grateful to my friend." Sandy not only graduated, but went on to study for a master's degree at Harvard and Oxford. While in Britain he received a phone call from his friend - and with it the chance to keep his side of their pact. Garfunkel wanted to drop out of architecture school and record his first album with Paul Simon, but explained: "I need $400 to get started." Sandy, by then married to his high school sweetheart, says: "We had $404 in our current account. I said, 'Arthur, you will have your cheque.' "It was an instant reaction, because he had helped me restart my life, and his request was the first time that I had been able to live up to my half of our solemn covenant." The 1964 album, Wednesday Morning, 3 AM, was a critical and commercial flop, but one of the tracks was The Sound Of Silence, which was released as a single the following year and went to No 1 across the world. "The Sound Of Silence meant a lot, because it started out with the words 'Hello darkness' and this was Darkness singing, the guy who read to me after I returned to Columbia blind," says Sandy. Simon & Garfunkel went on to have four smash albums, with hits including Mrs. Robinson, The Boxer, and Bridge Over Troubled Waters. Amazingly, Sandy went on to extraordinary success as an inventor, entrepreneur, investor, presidential adviser and philanthropist. The father of three, who launched a $3million prize to find a cure for blindness, has always refused to use a white cane or guide dog. "I don't want to be 'the blind guy'," he says. "I wanted to be Sandy Greenberg, the human being." Six decades later the two men remain best friends, and Garfunkel credits Sandy with transforming his life. With Sandy, "my real life emerged," says the singer. "I became a better guy in my own eyes, and began to see who I was - somebody who gives to a friend. "I blush to find myself within his dimension. My friend is the gold standard of decency." Says Sandy: "I am the luckiest man in the world"

[@brianv1372]

This version of the absolutely EPIC song brought tears to my eyes. I wasn’t expecting that - especially from a performance on a late night comedy show (Conan O’Brien), and I don’t remember the original version inspiring such emotion in me. Therefore I like this version much better. Anyway, I found your channel after watching the multiple vocal coach reaction to “Pisces” by Jinjer, and I couldn’t click *SUBSCRIBE* fast enough! And I hope you don’t mind me saying so, but you have the coolest hairstyle I’ve ever seen, as well as the most beautiful accent (many people probably guess you’re Australian, but I’m thinking you’re from New Zealand.🇳🇿) I look forward to seeing more of your videos and learning more about vocal production & analysis.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Thanks Brian! Great to see you here!! I am 100% from NZ born and raised. I love this performance from David, he is such a master vocalist. I feel it is just so intimate in this setting too. 🥰

[@christinanavarre8389]

Let me just say this.....I'm 64, listen to all genres except viking opera....love Paveratti though. Not into too much heavy metal, Metallica was 1. There were a few more...However......Much Respect for David Draiman as a man, artist, song writer, issues that Should be of importance to all of mankind... in their music.....I am a Fan. This is my bedtime Lullaby every night. I've seen this statement in many comments of so many reaction videos. (God asked David do you want the voice of and Angel or a demon. His response, 'Yes'.) He is such an intelligent, thoughtful, kind soul. That truly understands exactly what we are living as a people EVERYWHERE. With the heart, to bring it to those that will Listen...not just Hear it!

[@ethangospodareck]

Fun fact: David is a trained Jewish Cantor

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

So I heard! Amazing right?!

[@loriprice1518]

He is totally AWESOME LIVE I NEVERVMISS A SHOE IN ATLANTA!!!

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

I am super excited to see him in Munich then!

[@vesapitsinki1235]

u made me feel... thanks

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Thanks Vesa!

[@kristinagilbert9448]

My grandmother was 93 her fav song

[@theron7094]

Amazing reaction, but why is it that her microphone audio only comes through my left headphone but the rest of the audio comes through both headphones?

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

My bad, I tried a new audio setting with a stereo channel but it came through both of my headphones and apparently only one ont he final render. Sorry!

[@discussdebate]

Eargasm!!

[@matthewhoward8852]

You need to watch the live version from Houston featuring Miles Kennedy the harmony’s are amazing

[@ronparsons8786]

I wish more people would react to that version too

[@titos2x]

You're the first reaction to this song that I've heard that mentions David and Melissa Cross and the idiosyncraties involved. Thats amazing!

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Hi Michael really? He is literally big and bold on her wall behind her head on all of her videos. He speaks very highly of her in interviews about his voice training. ;)

[@cymorin149]

Epic performance by David Draiman of an S & G classic 👍

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Agree!

[@Schizz_Popinov]

One of the best comments I've seen is "Simon and Garfunkle's was the warning and Disturbed's is the anger that the warning wasn't headed." David Draiman is also a trained Jewish cantor.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

hahaha love it!!

[@larryclark4297]

Disturbed and Myles Kennedy played live in Houston Texas The Sound of Silence

[@gorramgomer]

Is it by design that your voiceover comes across the left channel only?

[@perceptiontheorypodcast]

Hey, please check out Hollow, by Reap the Light. It's about dealing with depression, domestic violence, PTSD and more!

[@overkast6841]

You have to try some So Hyang. Bridge over troubled water and you raise me up will leave you in shock and tears. Life changing really. Left many vocal coaches speechless!

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

I have done a couple of her songs already. I LOVE her voice. New one coming out next week though with You Raise me up!

[@dwaydway1]

nice hair style.Oh and great song... thanx

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Why thank you 😊

[@koop6912]

Wow, original video

[@jeansalzman2.012]

"Vocal porn." THAT is the perfect analogy! You are just a doll. I am 75 y/o and have listened to at least 50 reactions on YT, and yours is soooo good. I love your calling it vocal porn. Thank you. Indeed it is.

[@daehawk9585]

My left ear enjoyed your voice.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

oh no! I am sorry!

[@elliothenry6165]

When she talks in only playing through one side of my headphones

[@corymcneal1995]

David Dramain was trained as a cantor in a Jewish synagogue at an early age. He uses his training and talent well.

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

He is very talented isn't he Cory!

[@demisan02]

why do i hear you just from the left earcup? :)) Besides that, awesome singer and analysis :)

[@maxw7118]

The string less guitars on the background makes this so real edit I subbed I don't now if you see this but I recommend rammstein mien Hertz brennt vocal one

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Hey Max! Thank you! I have to check that one out but I saw them live and the song is amazing!!!

[@karlbark]

Hi. I don't really know if you guys read this, but I just wanted to say that I really appreciated your opinion on (David in Disturbed). (I just "discovered" this 2days ago). Well... ..I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed the video. Cheers, from the other side of the 🌎 (a small country called Iceland) 🇮🇸 ( It's the one that Peter Jackson *really wanted* to film in ) 😉😁 Ok, sorry about that... ...just kidding. -Anyhoo - best regards from Iceland 🇮🇸 (wich is basically on the opposite side of the 🌎 )

[@ZoeStibiVocalCoach]

Hey Karl, I read all the comments when I can. Thank you! I really appreciate it. Have a great day!