Samuel Ramey-Old Man River from Showboat.mpg

[@davidpatton465]

There are no words to describe Mr. Ramey's rendition... just beautiful and powerful. ♥

[@rbernard6685]

Hard to believe so few people have viewed this classic. Words don't do this performance justice.

[@melindamills6995]

I came to that conclusion too. The real gems are not seen by many.

[@shtcare]

@@melindamills6995 TOOO Right

[@davegreene8588]

Even the great Paul Robeson didn't top this monumental performance of Samuel Ramey's.

[@nilceaouilaok828]

Awsome this performance!

[@kathleenfranks6513]

I agree.

[@starfishjennie]

I was the high school pianist in 1973-76. We had an amazing choir and choir director- every single spring performance a janitor sang this song to perfection. I will never, never forget…. He should have been singing on Broadway, but he was a black janitor in a white bread Southern town. This didn’t stop him from being a guiding light for many, many people. I don’t even know his name, but I will never forget his voice. I’m sure he’s singing in the Angelic choir now

[@bobbyhanly3466]

Should have learned his name, one can even have a conversation with a black janitor. Maybe Daddy wouldn't have approved?

[@starfishjennie]

@@bobbyhanly3466 well, that’s not nice. I was the pianist and too young and stupid to ask…. I practiced and played the piano 5 hours a day. I went to a school that was half blacked and half white. I don’t see color and neither did my parents. My Mother brought me up to respect older black woman. Shame on you for that comment

[@starfishjennie]

@@bobbyhanly3466 not nice

[@beverlywithers5802]

Never pass another without interacting politely.

[@miguelangelgrimm9860]

If that black janitor had been white in the USSR, he would have been sent to the GULAG.

[@stormyabraham]

There is divineness to this song. It beckons at the heart to feel the struggle and loneliness in servitude.

[@bewarethelocusts8558]

You win the best comment award!

[@AbhishekSarangan]

Oh my god! What a voice, brought a huge lump to my throat just listening to him. Perfect pacing and speed throughout the song brings out the emotions so well!

[@stanpressley8136]

Most people have no idea what talent or culture is This is music and this is talent!!!!

[@tanyadixon8708]

one of the finest bass singers ever to grace the theatrical stage. Brava!

[@photo161]

Listen to Jerome Hines sing this Basso anthem, and then you will know what a truly great bass voice sounds like...

[@BN-cd4ok]

Wow! Thanks for that reference, Eoselan. Jerome Hines' voice so effortlessly dwells in those rich basso depths. I have a big case of voice envy.

[@elisaldoantoniolonghi1808]

The most beautiful song in the world

[@alexandrapedersen829]

@Milnes, Corelli, di Stefano and more Maria Callas could only sing up to an E6, but she is still considered the greatest soprano in recorded history; vocal range oughtn't be the measure against which we denote an opera singer's worth.

[@davidvalensi8616]

See him in Faust

[@wincubs1]

WOW!!! Robeson and Warfield I'm sure are applauding up there with the angels. What a magical performance!!

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

Who cares for complaints regarding politics when you are fortunate to hear a performance sung with sublime artistry like Samuel Ramsey.

[@veralynn8334]

he's the beast in Over the Garden Wall!

[@aneamarlivana172]

Ramey not Ramsey.

[@Uncle65788]

I have had the pleasure of listening to Paul Robeson sing this very same song "Old Man River" from the Broadway Musical Showboat now sung here by Samuel Ramey and to be frank this particular recording by Samuel Ramey is truly outstanding. It is a wow!

[@davegreene8588]

IMO, Robeson's one equal!

[@Uncle65788]

@@jayaCatLvr-ys5ix That is very right about William Warfield, I twice gave your comment a thumbs up because this is that moving a song. I think we are drawn here because of the likes of Samuel Ramey, Paul Robeson, and William Warfield, and let us not forget that the Broadway Musical "Showboat" is the vehicle where these voices as talented as they are have provided all who have had the pleasure to hear such as we have here. I'am impressed. Thank You @jayaCatLvr-ys5ix because this is a pleasure.

[@st.eustacechurch4123]

What a voice! I first heard him singing in Faust...made me sit up and notice. I went to his last performance at the Met...we jumped up and cheered Bravo!! Gorgeous! You could see on his face he was overcome...lovely man.

[@mikeguthrie5432]

Without doubt, to me, the ABSOLUTE BEST version that I have ever heard! I had to keep playing it, I just couldn't get enough. God Bless Mr Ramey! Great song, great performance!

[@danielku6124]

If you have my Apple Music Acoustic Vibro to enjoy his performance, then you will also feel his bass through haptic to your body,mind & soul .

[@georgehogan7848]

Beautiful and powerful job, Sam! You’re a freakin’ lion. Not many know how tough it is to sing this piece. Always admired you, man! Bravo!

[@qhsperson]

The legend is that when he was a teenager, he went to bed one night still speaking like Michael Jackson and woke up the next morning sounding like James Earl Jones. His mother must have been surprised.

[@qhsperson]

***** For the life of me, I can't remember.

[@qhsperson]

***** There are several interviews with Ramey as well as friends/acquaintances talking about him here on youtube. Probably the best place to start looking.

[@shtcare]

@@qhsperson Are you all that stupid, the best voice to ever sing this song. Go look it up!!

[@lyudmila2882]

I've heard that basses' voices change in an instant. Johnny Cash is said to have come home one day with THAT voice.

[@KajiVocals]

@@lyudmila2882 Johnny Cash was a baritone.

[@bernardtannerjr.6010]

Extraordinary! What a voice! What a brilliant interpretation! He sent shivers down my spine. Paul Robeson would be proud.

[@mrlaw711]

And Warfield, too, and Price!

[@louisvaccaro5865]

samuel ramey, paul robeson,all great baritones,they were given, beautiful voices, for all to enjoy, and appreciate god bless. Louie Vaccaro tenor, las vegas.

[@firstfruit8655]

Yes!

[@azeemsyed8550]

@@louisvaccaro5865 Samuel Ramey and Paul Robeson are both basso cantante/high basses not baritones. No baritone would have the power to project a G2 like this guy. The lowest a baritone I think could project would probably be around D3-F3

[@louisvaccaro5865]

@@azeemsyed8550 Azeem Syed, thank you,whatever he is, his voice was beautiful, and a gift. all the best. Louie Vaccaro, tenor, las vegas

[@johnblasiak607]

Ramey is a great singer low notes secure high notes full and true bass sound interpretation first class

[@99zxk]

Hard to believe that anyone can match William Warfield. Bravo!

[@allanmoore4353]

I saw Sam Ramey in Mefistopholie, he was mesmerizing on stage, that voice is magnificent.

[@horsemeattball]

I don't think you'll hear a better rendition. Fabulous.

[@jimr4319]

This is not an easy song to sing and this man did beautifully. One of the best interpretations I've heard and I've heard many.

[@wa9kzy326]

I second that vote. Absolutely flawless performance.

[@conniecarroll7222]

So have I throughout the years .

[@micharomanowski3824]

exactly, there is a big ambitus, from really low notes to high natural E several times one after one, and of course interpretation

[@johnellwoodtaylor4769]

Very reminiscent of Jerome Hines.

[@JusDuckie]

My fav is still William Warfield, but this is an excellent performance.

[@melcarter5651]

I never get tired of this incredible performance even though I cry every time.

[@jdilln]

It's fantastic!

[@aria3329]

I do too...🙂

[@MonoGrinded]

Love how he keeps a straight face at the end before breaking into a huge smile

[@CrochetIsLife54]

He does this song to perfection. 🥰 My late mother played the lead in a local theater production of Showboat. As a kid, theater was magical. I loved this song best out of all the amazing songs. Mom also played Nellie in South Pacific. I sure miss her.

[@rahimaali1073]

Totally awesome performance. He has an amazing voice and powerful singing style.

[@antoninagross3934]

Я помню эту песню в исполнении большого друга Советской страны Поля Робсона.

[@indyandnorbert1]

What a magnificent performance, all the gravure the song requires, very moving, had me in tears, bravo Mr Ramey

[@bobbymcguyer]

AMEN_AMEN_AMEN!!!!!

[@medmond6]

Eight thumbs down..what's up with that???? I've never heard a better performance of this wonderful work.

[@aria3329]

God was smiling. 'Finally...someone fully used the gift I gave them.' Extraordinary! Lol

[@GAR23LOVMUZ]

Samuel Ramey : Arguably The Best Bass Voice Of All Time. Absolutely Beautiful ! 🎵

[@ronaldgoff7499]

great but hear jerome hines version 1984

[@antemahoney4376]

He is definitely up there but I would prefer Basses like Cesare Siepi, Nicolai Ghiarov, Ezio Pinza before i would pick Ramey but either way still amazing

[@photo161]

@@ronaldgoff7499 _ Hines, with his enormous, perfectly produced voice was 10 times the basso that Ramey ever dreamed of being. It's clear that most of these commentators had never heard these voices in the house. For the repertoire he sang, Ramey's voice was small and light, however, it was always a beautiful voice, no question.

[@道-p2e]

@@antemahoney4376 Samuel is the crowd's favorite, great theatre stage awareness. Maybe the best performer.

[@antemahoney4376]

@@道-p2e i don't disagree but he isn't my personal favourite

[@diogo2505]

What a giant! A great performer and a gentelman.

[@stancrouch9642]

He has a fantastic voice. enjoyed that very much. Brought tears to my eyes.

[@aria3329]

Mine too...

[@kirkhamilton8951]

Wow. New to me. Never thought Paul Robeson's version could be challenged. That was magical.

[@TheTinkertoyboy]

We probably will never know how they might have sounded comparatively speaking. The recording technology today is so far advanced than it was in Robeson’s day. It’s difficult to imagine anyone sounding better than Ramey.

[@theodorebiele5201]

I saw him in Traviata years ago at The New York City Opera at Lincoln Center. I said to my companion "He doesn't belong here." A short time later he was at the Met. Fabulous voice! Rich, timbre very effective in low notes. Robeson would most certainly be proud.

[@bravaLiz]

absolutement...

[@aneamarlivana172]

What role did he sing in Traviata? Just curious. I wish I'd had the chance to hear him before anyone knew who he was. An acquaintance heard him at L.A. Opera as Don Basilio in Il barbiere, before Ramey was well-known, and when he opened his mouth and started singing, my acquaintance said everyone was stunned and was asking, "Who IS that?"

[@davegreene8588]

@@aneamarlivana172 Probably Dr. Grenvil, the unsuccessful physician to Violetta.

[@gayopera1]

What can one say. Simply the best rendition I have ever heard. Many thanks.

[@coleeneallen8021]

This performance of that wonderful song is absolutely heart- wrenching. What a voice! And what a trio he, Robeson, and Wakefield would have made!

[@TheTinkertoyboy]

Samuel Ramey is without a doubt the premier bass today. No doubt, Paul Robeson would have certainly enjoyed him. If only we had the technology then that we have today, Mr. Robeson’s voice might have been appreciated even more. Thank you so much for the upload.

[@starfishjennie]

My husband sang this song to me and his voice was just as good or better❤❤❤

[@dancalkins97]

​@starfishhhi2128 That's wonderful to hear! Lots of talent in the nooks of this world going virtually undiscovered for a variety of reasons.

[@kristiLB93]

Wow! Aside from my favorite, William Warfield from the original movie, this gentleman was absolutely astounding! One of the best versions I've ever heard.

[@allanmoore4353]

William Warfield did of course sing this beautifully, but there was actually an earlier filming of Show Boat in 1936, which I've always considered superior to the MGM version, more of the actual story is told plus the addition of actual speaking roles for the Black members of the cast.

[@tnykathomas]

This man KILLED THIS!!!! I’m taking time off to get to know myself more and I realized I’m super into Opera and this one brought tears to my eyes toward the end. He did such a great job and has such a powerful voice that he uses SOO perfectly well!!!❤

[@starfishjennie]

This isn’t opera, this is slave songs from the South ❤️❤️❤️

[@aneamarlivana172]

@@starfishjennie Actually, this is a song from the Broadway show, Showboat, with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.

[@starfishjennie]

@@aneamarlivana172 well, I think we know that, love…. Bless your heart though

[@davegreene8588]

​@@starfishjennie Kern and Hammerstein weren't from the South, but captured the "feeling".

[@oceansoftomes5018]

No one sings it better! I play it everyday. It gets me motivated

[@betsypinina1948]

William Warfield

[@ranmitrani3948]

Frankie

[@jonmccormack3250]

the hair on my arms raise and a tear comes to my eye when he hits the big notes.

[@NikoM99]

Look at that glorious F**king hair. And those pipes, goodness gracious.

[@qhsperson]

Yeah, Ramey's hair is almost a separate personality.

[@BrownSoldier96]

LaSeñorPiñata haha

[@poorthing]

Tall & slender with a LIONS mane and a king of the world roar..

[@davegreene8588]

@@poorthing Ramey is just as Majestic with a "standard" haircut!

[@poorthing]

@@davegreene8588 absolutely

[@danbev8542]

Ramey has been the heartthrob in the opera world for some time. Gorgeous!

[@davegreene8588]

I wonder if his son will follow in his Dad's vocal footsteps(?).

[@sugarbist]

A heart warming performance by Ramey

[@richardwible4938]

My favorite bass!

[@kingcharlesFrench]

The beast is out there

[@Bobrogers99]

A flawless rendition of this classic.

[@helengee08]

Wow what a great rendition of this beautiful song. Stunning so sad we can’t see the whole thing these days I loved this musical

[@annhaase4845]

Nov. 2022...getting ready to read lyrics of Old Man River during January '23 poetry meeting with my book club...and frankly thrilled and grateful to have just watched this Samuel Ramey performance as I click through song's computer listings. Thank you...whomever!

[@alexanderzamora5930]

Absolutely mesmerising! So far the best live version of this Kern classic 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@Jestak]

"Jerome Kern wrote dum dum dee-dum. My husband wrote 'Ol' Man River.'" ~Dorothy Hammerstein, widow of Oscar Hammerstein II.

[@davegreene8588]

@@Jestak Those lyrics, though unforgettable, wouldn't have had quite the same effect minus Kern's "dum dum dee-dum".

[@Jestak]

Quite right, of course. A composer needs a lyricist, just as a lyricist needs a composer. Unless you are a Porter or Sondheim, who does both.

[@kathleenfranks6513]

I agree!!

[@ghost6500]

Bravisimo! Thank you for sharing your singing talent with the rest of the world.

[@Calicot100]

What a gem! And what a head of hair! Many women must admire his voice and be jealous of his hair!

[@robertsmith5436]

One of Great, Great voices !! His voice moves me.

[@道-p2e]

Superb, the voice, artistry and his special delivery.... always。 Bravo！

[@b.cantabile1540]

Incredibly good low register for such a versatile singer...

[@leonoradelagardie]

Bravo!!!!!!!!!!!! A fabulous voice and great interpretation.

[@MrSkylark1]

A SPLENDID ARTIST AND SURELY THE FINEST SINGER IN THE WORLD TODAY

[@bravaLiz]

and...guess what. One need not be black to carry this song..... cannot hear this one enough! Best I've heard. Thank YOU gcraven1...for sharing..... (my heart and my tear ducts)....

[@TheJazsinger]

I'm not suggesting that you have to be black to sing this song. Perhaps you misunderstood me. I saw Showboat in S.F. and this song was sung by a Black man. Meaning, that if they casted the part in a musical, they would cast a Black man, that's all. I'm certainly not denying this man's beautiful voice. Hope I made myself clear.

[@bravaLiz]

Sylvia Carlson loud and clear. It's not really about race. Kern is considered to be the American Schubert. It's all about the music. When it comes to ART...I am color blind. I wish EVERYBODY could be.

[@bravaLiz]

Sylvia Carlson I just ran across this again. I agree that there is NOTHING like the classical music that is going on in San Fran. I have a history of my own with the NY MET and others, but the SF opera company's performance of Porgy and Bess.... like NO OTHER! I understand what you mean, in terms of casting. Completely. It's hard for me to imagine a Chinese singer singing/acting the part of Porgy in a stage production! (smiling) I suppose I meant to say that in terms of a "concert form/recital" basis, color doesn't matter. Don't care if the guy is Russian...if he has THE VOICE... this is what matters. Best wishes to you!

[@melindamills6995]

Didn't make me cry - but I just want to hear it again and again.

[@davegreene8588]

@@bravaLiz I agree! Yet, Gershwin himself expressly insisted that all P&B performances have _only_ black singers. I guess we can make what we will, of that.

[@marlenegold280]

Shivers up my spine on that v e r y low note. Fabulously done! 🎵

[@m.thaddiusbanks8455]

Absolutely glorious

[@barsoom43]

Mr Ramey knocked it out of the ballpark.. Great job..

[@angelamaria2710]

fantastic song, powerful and warm voice.

[@donaldmatthew4980]

Fantastic, my Brother sung like Samuel, sadly he died at 45.🙏

[@TheLeahb]

Wow! Such a magnificent voice. So very, very happy come across this video. I consider myself extremely fortunate in seeing Samuel Ramey play/sing the role of “Atilla.” I agree wholeheartedly with Bernard Tanner, Jr.’s comment of 9 years ago. This is a saver!

[@sober041978]

I am slow to admit I was wrong. Finally gave this a real listen and found out what I had been missing. Wonderful.

[@bravaLiz]

always thought Warfield did this (influenced by the great Robeson) the best.But notice that Ramey does this a 1/2 step even lower. Such resonance and absolute perfection! As Sondheim said: "Kern, the Shubert of American Music." i completely LOVE...

[@ROBERTRIVERification]

You betchum Red Ryder. I have heard William Warfield and loved it but after listening to Mr. Ramey his low G was unbelievable and his E just 1/2 step lower than WW was incredible. I think I like Samuel Ramey just a tad more than WW but they are so close. Really great singers. Both of them.

[@Patricia-c8v]

Just incredible!!! and we can understand every word he sings.

[@Blessedlight1]

The heartfelt feeling of this song, brings joy and tears to anyone who had friends or family who had ancestors who lived on a plantation.

[@manlioerta7221]

Old Men River from Schowboat è un capolavoro per la musica e per la bellezza delle parole; non manca un riferimento ben preciso alla situazione storica degli Stati Uniti . Ma meravigliosa è la voce di Samuel Ramey sempre, ma quando scende verso il basso , senza il minimo tremore della voce, è veramente una cosa eccezionale. Bella la musica, bello il coro, ottima la direzione d'orchestra, ma un applauso straordinario al mio mito: Samuel Ramey.

[@elainewebb6538]

Absolutely beautiful..

[@kevinquinn3763]

This is one of the best renditions of Ol'e Man River. Beautiful.

[@chadz01]

Absolutely wonderfully sung! I've never heard of Samuel Ramey.... it's just so damn good and very well produced..... encore!

[@nickalling2924]

For those of you who don't know, that's the beast from "Over the Garden Wall"

[@walterwillaford5619]

Andy Willaford

[@dennismurillodennis3079]

This guy is awesome.

[@Axgoodofdunemaul]

Good history note. Thanks. I wish this show would be revived in its original script. It is not racist. It deals with our American racism issues in a beautiful and dignified manner.

[@davegreene8588]

It was, for EMI records, and starring Frederika von State, with Jerry Hadley, Teresa Stratas, and Bruce Hubbard (as Joe).

[@fedupwithusernames52]

Holy Cr*p!! The Best! I've heard Robeson and Warfield sing this but nothing compares to this! WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!

[@priscillawatson7049]

wonderful....just so wonderful...thanks for sharing this joy

[@GAR23LOVMUZ]

Bass Samuel Ramey, What A Glorious Beautiful Gift Of Music 🎵

[@veralynn8334]

he's the beast in Over the Garden Wall!

[@mohammadmuquit]

What a marvelous performance!!! Just overwhelmed to the max!

[@joseantoniodealmeida8877]

Samuel Ramey extraordinário. Uma voz impecável, um verdadeiro baixo. Me faz lembrar Ezio Pinza outro grande baixo da primeira metade do século XX.

[@johnclarke7676]

Thank you thank you thank you.

[@walterwillaford5619]

Andy from 29 years in Rochester NY. Back home in Florida, 74 years old. Seen Show Boat in 1956 downtown Miami. Fell in love with Warfield's voice. Such a sad..... and happy ending. I'll never forget Old Man River. Seen Robeson many times in Show Boat. Great voice, but cannot hold a candle to Warfield! Warfield comes from outside Rochester NY. I knew a few friends of his but never had the great pleasure of meeting him. Wish I had pushed a few people to introduce me when he was in town. Sad he's gone, but his voice will live on forever. Thanks for giving a young man the appreciation of songs. I play a big Lowery Organ.

[@thecatspajamas8918]

Walter Willaford I was lucky, as an Eastman student, to play on the 1983 recording of Lincoln Portrait for which Mr. Warfield did the narration AND won the Grammy for best spoken word performance. His singing days were pretty much over, but he was still quite a presence.

[@vingianni]

At first I thought he was kind of stiff, but I am not a coinsure of the Opera and after listening and viewing this u-tube presentation, I find him gracious, unassuming and he did a beautiful job, I enjoy[ed] it very much. A powerful song and a powerful presentation.

[@grsldavis]

One of my all time favorites

[@iankaye1180]

I have heard many great singers nail this masterpiece. None had this performance equal. IAN KAYE

[@liloruf2838]

Who's Ian Kaye?

[@arthurparada3251]

Ramey is just beyond

[@GeneRogers-di6cl]

I discovered Samuel Ramey a few years ago. His voice is amazing! Love his voice in this song 🎵 ❤

[@jimsmith1549]

brilliant, otherworldly, bravo! imagine being in the audience!

[@voltape]

What a magnificant voice!!!

[@robertshrewsbury4241]

Samuel Ramey did very good on this song! Wow, what a distinguished person he is! I think that Samuel will do really good on "Shenandoah" Thank you!

[@docalexander2853]

Best I ever heard.

[@elizabethgardner2341]

Just beautiful and thank u so very much,

[@stormyabraham]

Bravo. Bravo. Bravo. Speechless. Just speechless. Classic.

[@priscillawatson7049]

remarcable...what a gift of a voice!

[@corneliodelossantos1761]

What a superb performance!

[@Benny2Steakz]

Magnificent performance of a magnificent song

[@JH-ki2iq]

Outstanding! Have watched and listened over and over. Great audio. 👌

[@barryvanwyk7478]

Die beste weergawe na my mening, eenvoudig ongelooflik!

[@Daveat23]

Magnificent. This song always raises goosebumps for me.

[@jwm66]

Incredible voice.

[@andrewstackpool4911]

I have always wished to sing this unbelievable testimony even if irrelevant here,

[@lindavanniekerk8679]

This is just divine,somehow a softer, more musical interpretation, absolutely beautiful,🎉

[@grahampfielding3855]

Amazing, Just a fantastic rendition of a GREAT SONG!!!

[@JohnWick-pm5yq]

One word, beautiful

[@percyblackbird]

saw Samuel Ramey perform this at the Royal Albert Hall in 1996 ... at Yehudi Menuin's 80th birthday concert ... wonderful