Frank Sinatra - Old Man River (1946)

[@renedebosscher6669]

I heard him sing this song live in Philadelphia in 1967. He was over 50 at the time but did not miss a single note, It was amazing, My date and I were about 15 rows from the stage and ran up to shake his hand. He reached out and smiled but security grabbed us before he reached our hands. He smiled and winked at us, while singing the entire time. We were both 18. An incredible night.

[@LucretziaB]

@@renedebosscher6669 What a wonderful memory!

[@Itsafunnyoldworld1904]

nonsense

[@alanvaytsmanpiano]

@@LucretziaBhe was 56.

[@mathieuschuler366]

A film of sinatra in the 40s is rare...but one in color!! Amazing

[@Dion1957]

+Mathieu Schuler YOU don't like Black and White?? Try a few crime dramas or if you like Woody Allen films.....

[@mathieuschuler366]

+Dion1957 black and white is fine. But ones in color are so different. Its weird to see them in color

[@OmRSamdani]

This actually looks like it was "colorized" at a later point...

[@1974dormouse]

Mathieu Schuler he's 30 here (during filming).

[@mpec9405]

This film was 'Til the Clouds Roll By, a story of Jerome Kern the song writer. Frank appeared only singing in this song. The movie was filmed in Technicolor.

[@daneriksson8947]

Great young singer, he will go far in the entertainment industry.

[@thegrandmaster8062]

Dan Eriksson he sure did! He's a legend

[@srbutrej01]

The Grand Master TheLegend27?

[@thegrandmaster8062]

Overwhelmingly Handsome Jack I get that joke! 😄

[@jessiahatkinson1871]

Lol

[@killingfields6599]

The Grand Master is this a wooooosh or something

[@Mightyoverevery1]

Frank Sinatra’s breath control is crazy. Truly a Singer’s Singer. One of the All Time Greats🙌🏾🙌🏾🎤🎼

[@Itsafunnyoldworld1904]

What; this is absolute sacriledge; Frank Sinatra was an amazing artist, but he should have left this well alone; it's an insult

[@Mightyoverevery1]

@@Itsafunnyoldworld1904 I respectfully disagree. This song is one of the most hardest songs to sing as a professional. First try for yourself holding that last note to the word along. How he stretches it out. You will turn blue in the face, before passing out. He was still hitting that note well into his 70’s. I know because I saw him do it. Usually, Black People with deep rich voices like Paul Robeson, were used in the original play Showboat, because a black character is needed. The character is a slave. Sinatra being a singer’s singer, nails it, and he is still at this point of his career, doing this movie Till The Clouds Roll By, not yet in his prime. He is before your very eyes transforming from being The Voice. That singer to those crazy teenage fans, into a more polished and self assured, confident Frank Sinatra. I think you’ll find most of the comments agree with me.👍🏾✌🏾🎶🎵🎤🎥🎬

[@Itsafunnyoldworld1904]

@@Mightyoverevery1 I love frank sinatra; I'm not talking about the skill, it's about the song. Just doesn't seem appropriate. I've seen videos of white people singing Strange Fruit and A Change Is Gonna Come, buit it just doesn't seem quite right to me!

[@Mightyoverevery1]

@ Songs are meant to be sung. He wasn’t wearing Blackface like Al Jolson. I’m sure people like The late Quincy Jones, Sammy Davis Jr. Louie Armstrong, Count Basie, would have found it hard to work with a man that offended anyone if you’re speaking about the Black community. I didn’t think it was possible for a White person to tackle that song. Again it’s a hard song to sing. It’s a hard song for anyone to sing. By the way, I’m not offended. Frank is The Larry Bird of music. I was never offended by Larry Legend. He made me happy, like Frank.👍🏾✌🏾🎵🎶🎤🏀

[@Itsafunnyoldworld1904]

@@Mightyoverevery1 I wouldn't go so far as to say it's offensive; just 'off key' in the proverbial sense.

[@Nightrain76]

He’s in a class of his own. That note at the end - that’s elite level singing.

[@muesli_snipes]

I don't understand people's obsession with that kind of long notes. This is a guy Miles Davis praised for his phrasing. I feel that if anything his long notes are probably the most generic element of his singing (impressive as I'm sure they are in terms of vocal technique, though).

[@RoryCloud]

@@muesli_snipes Appreciation, not obsession.

[@muesli_snipes]

@@RoryCloud Sure, fair enough, appreciation. My point still stands. I get that it sounds satisfying to hear a voice do that, but I would think that there are only so many very long notes someone can appreciate before they get bored with that and turn to things that are more musically interesting.

[@sweetnuthin]

​@@muesli_snipesSinatra excelled because he could do it all. He had magnificent power and masterful rhythm. He commanded the songs however he pleased.

[@muesli_snipes]

@@sweetnuthin Absolutely agree.

[@jamesodonnell6399]

I was 3 yrs old when Sinatra sang this song its still with me too this day I'm 80 yrs young what a voice

[@MarshKalfman]

Hello James

[@CedricMaximum]

Thank you sir. Appreciate that

[@brianzybura770]

The hope is sometime in the future the majority of people will want this type of show business and this type of music again.

[@MaureenMaynes]

Don't despair the majority of people will always want to listen to these wonderful singers - listen to Sinatra's voice - and these unforgettable songs:)

[@levelfourteen]

brian zybura the thing is alot of soul and music of thid kind is based on slavery and segregation. Which continued till the civil rights time. Making a 20s song about being whipped by a slavemaster doesnt make sense in 2017. It just doesnt. It wont resonant with the audience because that was 80+ years ago.

[@nickrockway472]

white men singing songs about black sharecroppers? lol

[@TheEssentialHughJazz]

The idea of this song extends beyond the idea of Southern slavery. It's a song about wanting to give up on life but finding solace in the cyclicality and permanence of the world around you

[@philiptropea4933]

I hope so, I'm trying to sell my novel, 'MARCO' to Hollywood but they are impossible to get through to. Philip Tropea tenor/author

[@DudeSilad]

Never fails to raise the hairs on my arms when he sings that last big note. That's what singing should be about. Raising emotion.

[@Nightrain76]

The way he held that note at the end is just amazing. Unforgettable.

[@paeng46]

1:41 to 1:55 that killer modulation has never been done by any singers. In between notes and down to the last, he sang perfectly without recession. What a voice.

[@RoryCloud]

And he knew he nailed it, too. 😉

[@ackimchibale]

💯

[@es330]

Pure artistry in everyway.

[@captpicard100]

Sinatra had everything, phrasing, breath control, tone, looks, charisma, image, hung like a Horse, he was and will always be The "man"

[@michaelstrank2521]

capt picard the king

[@sweranero9976]

SenorMomentz Real question, not trying to be snide: It's just 15 seconds, is that really considered difficult?

[@emotionalweatherreport]

+Fuck You Google+ try it

[@emotionalweatherreport]

CashCoolerJ It's on RECORD that it was one of the biggest in Hollywood. George Jacobs, Sinatra's valet in latter years wrote a wonderful book, called 'Mr. S', and he speaks in the book about the size of Sinatra's manhood and actually having special underwear made to kind of keep it all in. But oddly enough, it was one of the things Sinatra was self-conscious about. Recalling a quote from Sinatra's lover Ava Gardner, in which she stated the singer was "only 110 pounds, but 10 pounds of it is c**k!"

[@sweranero9976]

gdidiot98 I did, that's why I asked. It didn't seem difficult at all. Is it supposed to be? Edit: Just tried it again to see how exactly how long I could go. 20 is my max. After that I struggle.

[@Nightrain76]

That final big long note he hits at the end could be the most amazing vocal I have ever heard. Wow.

[@SaveMagnusHouse]

The other amazing note, I would actually say even better, would be Tony Bennett’s last note of “Without a Song” live from Carnegie Hall. Check it out. It on KZbin

[@MTtheBiased]

I love the tenor like upper register and tone he has throughout this song, he sings it with so much passion yet has so much control. Belissimo

[@ishthefish9006]

That was a baritone register lol

[@beachboys3326]

​@@ishthefish9006 Oh fiddlesticks! How the fk would you know?😂

[@simonf8902]

He is so very young here. Amazing production.

[@adielcohen2949]

One of those songs that will leave chills for the next thousand years.

[@danyoutube7491]

That set design is superb, the illusion of the stairway descending beneath the conductor is brilliantly done.

[@Starr-Child]

What a good looking, amazingly talented man. He really was something else.

[@mick62mick]

This is one of the reasons, Frank is known as 'The Voice'! Brings tears to the eyes!

[@africanearthlywwequeen045]

so true. :,(

[@ahmiyamamura4856]

That’s Whitney Houston

[@AnimeMovement]

@@ahmiyamamura4856 It was Frank first

[@Batbeast900]

​@@ahmiyamamura4856Franks a lot more talented.

[@carolenewman5180]

Breath control. Outstanding voice. Difficult to sing. Beautiful, Francis Albert.

[@srbutrej01]

Wish more singers where like him.

[@Harpplayer504]

+Ray Giammarco That's Great..I am reading his biography..He worked hard to get started,and make a name for himself!

[@Harpplayer504]

+Ray Giammarco I appreciate the fact that he had drive..It was harder to travel in those days...The road were tough to travel on..He believed in himself!

[@thelmaschoen8980]

Ditto.

[@CCobos-ie2lb]

The way he holds the note at the end of the song..wow

[@katiez.7622]

There never was and there never will be another singer like Frank Sinatra. He is The Voice. The artist that could make you laugh and cry with just his voice. He moves my soul when he sings. All of his life he was the best. There's no topping him. God bless you Mr. Sinatra.

[@chrislacona7150]

I never want to be called a Sinatra wanna-be, but is it my fault that I have a crooner voice, same nose and ethnic background? I love his work. definately one of a kind.

[@MaureenMaynes]

Well said.

[@katiez.7622]

Maureen Maynes Thank you.

[@MaureenMaynes]

Pleasure. There are many wonderful singers whom I greatly admire, from classical music, to folk but Sinatra's voice really was something special. I think I read that he has been chosen as the greatest voice of the twentieth century. Now that's some accolade!

[@RestingScotFace]

Chris Lacona No man go for it. I feel sorry for all these Vegas singers who are only known as Sinatra impersonators and they have SUCH real talent! Shoot for it! Michael Buble is a douche, we need a few more people in this genre!

[@ericgregorio2155]

Goosebumps cover my body whenever I see and hear this majestic rendition of this song performed by the chairman of the board!

[@calideson]

I'm still in awe how good this version is

[@clue104]

Happy 100th, Frank Sinatra. :)

[@stebaer]

+clue104 Likewise too!

[@toniiiiiitoni]

He was such a handsome man.

[@kevinkilduff2064]

Not only perhaps the greatest singer of popular songs in American history, Frank was an incredibly talented actor, singer, raconteur and comedian. Truly one of our greatest American treasures. BTW, listen to that note he holds around the 1:40 mark,, to say nothing of the ending, which is magnificent.

[@alpineinc1]

Hard to place this above Robeson's and Warfield's iconic versions that both come from places within that Sinatra's simply couldn't, but his exceptional talents shine here - 1:38 to 1:54 masterfully steering the last verse into the chorus all in one breath, and the showstopping 2:16 finish - no one in popular music could scarcely attempt those, much less succeed.

[@denster77]

Warfield's is my favorite :)

[@northportfloridarealestate8664]

yes, Sinatra is very smooth, but just does not have that super-deep voice like the other two. Takes a back seat to them on this song. Not really even close in my opinion.

[@jacobbau8328]

No way this beats the two. Sinatra is great and all but he doesn't go low enough to make the song feel how somber and beautiful Robeson made it. Not to mention how the showyness of the orchestration and the video clash tonally with the lyrics of the song...

[@jamesodonnell6399]

You and me will never hear the voice of Sinatra any better than this Legend❤

[@corysabo1681]

I want to go back and hang out with sinatra, dean Martin, and Sammy davis jr. I bet they had the best time ever l

[@toniiiiiitoni]

Me too!

[@jameslehane5774]

Count me in!! Can you imagine the amount of good times they experienced back before the Internet and social media!

[@jolynnwhite7946]

This song transcends for all artist’s here is Frank in youth and skill that lasted a lifetime. 🧕🏿👌🏾👍👌🏾🥰🦹🏾‍♂️

[@dragonfly6908]

Outstanding.

[@jamesodonnell3905]

He keeps rollin along Sinatra at the top of his career What a singer what deapth and range

[@ordoneright7337]

Not at the top of his career yet. This version from "The Concert Sinatra" album seems to me is when he hit his apex.1965 .kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmildoGVfMmpjNE

[@Cassie86R]

he sings so beautifully, so classic, why don't they make them like this anymore

[@es330]

Thank you WayfarerGirl for posting this. I'm in awe of how great we humans can be when we dedicate ourselves to art. Sad what we do when focused purely on greed.

[@daveerhardt1879]

What a rendition! He really could sing. Love it!

[@chipsotool]

he sure did have a great voice at that age

[@philiptropea4933]

Today we don't have any culture . Maybe it will change. I hope so, I'm trying to sell my novel, 'MARCO' to Hollywood but they are impossible to get through to. Philip Tropea tenor/author

[@joshuagerthoffer2321]

You know this kid may go places.

[@Baker603]

@WayfarerGirl Thank you for posting this i always wanted to know what young Frank looked like. Thank you

[@feferosette]

This song makes me cry everytime I watch this. I have that movie.

[@LucretziaB]

This is one of my favorite Sinatra songs. His phrase sustain at the end is phenomenal!

[@jamesodonnell6399]

I was three yrs old when he delivered this one and only rendition just magic im 80yrs young now hes still with me

[@thatsingingsquirrelxoxo6835]

I am 16 years old and I'm so happy I love this kind of music they need to bring songs like this back it makes me sad some of the crap that comes on the radio these days, I love love love the rat pack. Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, so i am proud to be the age I am and not be like everyone I know and listen to today's music, thank you for this music💗

[@Fragilay]

I'm 15, and I couldn't agree more

[@thatsingingsquirrelxoxo6835]

Fragilay I love him sooooooooo much

[@frankhyland6333]

What a production, what a performer is Sinatra.

[@dianacraig323]

I remember seeing this as a teenager and now as an adult it still brings tears to my eyes. To hear Frank Sinatra sing this song with beautiful emotion rips me apart. The production was outstanding, lavish and beautiful. Wish Hollywood would create movies like that again. Thank you, Mr. Sinatra for allowing us to remember again, and again. God blessed you with a beautiful voice.

[@LKayL1]

Frank was so handsome when he was young! This is a marvellous rendition of this song.

[@thechuckberryfan98]

This must be the youngest I’ve seen/heard Frank, and of course, this is one of his classics. I enjoyed this. Thank you for this content 😊

[@kentclark6420]

'That's Entertainment' is where I first saw this. Such an awesome documentary trilogy!

[@armand372100]

Sinatra is the master and his phrasing along with incredible breath control, enables him to beautifully interpret each song. Notice in the video how his shoulders pull back slightly when he draws in his breath to sing "lands in jail" and holds it forever. Quite simply, there will never be another such as he was.

[@ralang5309]

That song, doesn’t matter who sings it, still makes me tear up.

[@michele659]

This was from a movie called "Til the Clouds Roll By",which was about songwriter Jerome Kern's life. The songs featured are from his musicals. This song was originally from Showboat.

[@nilanjanabhattacharjee8266]

He moves my soul, each of his performance he is unique ❤️ can't express how much he means ❤️

[@lucasbeltran6070]

If you’d like to check out a few covers I made of his songs, they’re on my instagram @officiallybeltran

[@2spinner2]

Frank Sinatra did a lot to advance the cause of African-Americans. He once sang this song with Martin Luther King Jr in the audience, and it brought him to tears. Frank raised a lot of money for MLK. Frank always used Count Basie as his pianist in his glory years. Frank, Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, the Dorsey brothers, Glenn Miller, can never be topped in any era. I'm glad I was born in 1955 and had an introduction to these people.

[@MaureenMaynes]

Mr Robeson had a wonderful Baritone voice and his is considered the definitive version of this song. However Frank Sinatra is recognised as having a unique ability to control his breathing and that can clearly be heard during this performance. Two wonderful singers - thank God their performances were recorded. We each can have a personal preference but it can't be claimed that the extraordinarily talented Sinatra is less than superb in his rendition of this evocative and beautiful song.

[@lesliekorshak]

it was never about costumes, sets or even race... it's about the beauty of a river that dispite all else, 'just keeps rolling along...'

[@peelyb]

Loved this performance for years. Makes me cry 😭😭

[@MarshKalfman]

Hello Paula

[@critter7052]

I miss Frank. thanks for posting this fabulous rendition.

[@araptuga]

Wow. Perhaps the most soulless production I've ever seen of this song. Yet with his superb singing skills, Sinatra manages to more or less rescue it. Very few others could have done that.

[@StupidLamb251]

Originally in color. Technicolor came about sometime in the late 30's (The Wizard of Oz is the most famous example of early Technicolor). This is from a film called "Till the Clouds Roll By". It features several other stars. It's a film about Jerome Kern's life and career.

[@enaj78]

Thank you for this. How Sinatra sounded when I was a bobby soxer. Love it!

[@salmonfire]

this song is from when Frank is young, it has a fresh vibrant feel to it, about 8 yrs later he recorded this song again and its jaw-dropping

[@Beyondesire2320]

This song went over to many heads, by far his most profound piece ever!

[@frankyagogo]

So young here!!just love this......

[@jeannieschmidt9311]

Oh he is so young here. I wish my boyfriend looks like this cute, young Frankyboy. I'm 15 and I love Franky, Dino and Sammy sooooooo much;-) I thank you so much for this cute, awesome Sinatra Video

[@raesmith2164]

I wish I could have a boyfriend who looked and sounded exactly like frankie

[@Imani_AM]

At 21 years old, I agree with both of you girls! Wish they still made 'em like this, too 😉😢💙

[@Imani_AM]

Also, Jeannie, I adore Bingo as well

[@butthole9580]

Jeannie Schmidt he was 31

[@nilanjanabhattacharjee8266]

I'm 18 and I love frankie, he's the best ❤️

[@snoops71]

@Salieri325 He was indeed an advocate for civil rights, and not ashamed to show it. When he passed away, JET magazine published a wonderful article in his memory, and it included many of the things he did over the years in support of the African-American community. Go see if a copy is for sale on eBay. Brandy was on the cover.

[@celess0707]

I would have liked to live at that time :(

[@DVBIO]

If you were white yes :P

[@celess0707]

El_AFONSO haha, if you say so, ok :P

[@LeopardGeckoTree]

+ItWasFreeM8 What about if you were Asian?

[@CoolDrifty]

#ImSippinTeaInYoHood In the north a black person had as many rights as they do now. Ask any old person that grew up there. My grandmother who was born in 1917 never saw any sign of segregation until she visited her uncle in Texas. She grew up in Pittsburgh.

[@calvinohrt6111]

TheWeekndFanX0 What u mean? Frank Sinatra was kinda an immigrant, until he joined a singing group.

[@blueribbon68]

What an incredible voice. The Master. 🎤 🎶

[@hannothephoenician633]

I saw Sinatra in person in his later age in an outside event. Our family was very much happy to see this great man in person.

[@henrylink1577]

I was in school when I first heard Sinatra sing on the radio. It was love at first beautiful, unforgettable voice. I am thinking back to that time and although there was war, etc - the music and the movies made me sing along and smile. JML

[@DeanoPiano]

The last note makes the hair on my neck stand up.. absolute timeless gold.

[@captaintaco979]

I knew Logic designed his persona a lot after Sinatra, but I never realized how much he looks like him. Wow

[@Tvde1]

CaptainTaco97 logic?

[@michaelcondry1493]

Tvde1 a rapper who pretends to be a fan if sinatra yet still has little class or singing talent

[@silassmith3339]

Mikey Condry lol 😂

[@KellyKrener]

Early live performances of his are so hard to find. Thanks for sharing!

[@captpicard6894]

Also don’t forget what a truly brilliant actor he was as well. This guy had everything, needless to say I’m a huge Sinatra fan😁😁

[@bosco022]

El video en el que Frank Sinatra sale mas joven que he podido ver hasta ahora, gracias.

[@KillinTheSystem]

Such beautiful symphonies and harmony in his songs

[@lemonarizonatea]

I wish I had been alive to hear this.Although I'll only ever get to hear a recording, I don't think I will ever tire of listening to Frank Sinatra's voice. :)

[@ChopperYagyu]

Robeson rocked the lyrics and champions the song. Sinatra has a harmony with the orchestra and respects Robeson, but stands head to shoulders. Much Respect to both artist

[@frankyagogo]

thank you for posting this classic video of a young frank sinatra singing this great song! the whole thing gives me goosebumps "super".....

[@Wigfield84]

Example of his amazing breath control, if he takes a breath after that long "jail" note before "I get weary", it's so small you barely see it, and certainly don't hear it. It's all just one smooth transition. He would practice this in a swimming pool, singing under water without breathing, because he wanted to make his voice sound as much like an instrument as possible (I think he said he wanted to sound as long and smooth as a trombone can).

[@keevyhazelton3750]

The amazing thing is that he doesn't take a breath he's using the same technique as he does to hold that long high note at the end it's called inhalare la voce

[@latoyagemini]

this man was gorgeous when he was young...jeez and the voice tops it off.

[@Happyboymargarine]

That voice before he had that throat issue, was flawless

[@elmo5321987]

This reminds me of my grandfather..... beautiful music from a beautiful time....

[@fauxgrace]

One of my fave F.S songs. One of the rare songs where he shows real talent. peace

[@philsterthephilster]

Am on the verge of tears.... Thank you sir

[@invisabeast9458]

Frank will always be my favorite

[@GinaBlythe]

We don't se talent like this anymore. Such a great singer and actor. He wasn't bad looking either!

[@donnrutkoff922]

Enormous talent. Love the hair. But most of all watch the expressions and movements of his face, eyes, the whole shebang. Amazzami!!

[@brodybower3738]

I literally watch this video atleast once a day. i'm 26 years old but such an old soul. I truly don't fit in with my generation these days.

[@lucasbeltran6070]

Me neither. I can’t stand this horrible music of nowadays. I sing these songs on my instagram page if you wanna check them out @officiallybeltran

[@alyssummichelle]

Okay, this gave me goosebumps. Frank Sinatra is absolutely wonderful.

[@jackiemcmeekin6551]

Thank you ‘Cream Sinatra’ for posting the lyrics to this passionate and introspective song sung by a commensurate artist! Where are talented artists like this today?? 🥰

[@memoirsofanimperfectbaritone]

2:16 that vibrato& resonance though

[@playyuh]

its crazy how he was already 30 years old as he filmed this in 1946 . holy shit

[@bklethal]

Before the days of AutoTune...when your singing career actually required talent.

[@thebullybuffalo]

lol

[@claudiar3888]

😂

[@Zbakenmcak]

You mean days before rodeo?

[@subhammitra8525]

ya now dey suck big time 😪....

[@tehreporter]

Mob connections also help.

[@ToddLehmanSTL]

Thanks again WayfarerGirl. Very kind of you to source this material and post it. I cannot however, understand how anyone could thumbs-down this track.

[@Memale2009]

He sang this song 1946 in the film "Till the clouds roll by" - as a young man of 31 years.

[@glp329]

The purity of the vocal is unmatched.

[@Geo-nd5hq]

Absolutely fantastic!!!!!

[@David10brook]

There will only ever be one Frank a man in tune with his music I miss the guy so much.

[@FOOTLEG7]

one of the greatest songs of all-time sung by the best......

[@Beverleypops]

You cannot not feel this song His voice is what dreams are made of