Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley (Morgan James cover)

Uploaded on Jun 15, 2017
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Hallelujah
written by Leonard Cohen
Vocals: Morgan James
Guitar: Doug Wamble
Harp: Grace Cloutier
Shot live at the KZbin Space NY
Filmed by Nathan Crooker and Jason Banker
Edited by Kristen Lacombe
Sound engineer: James Hartnett
Art direction: Richard Amelius
Lighting design: Michael O'connor
Lyric wrangler: Ted Brunson
Production assistant: Lauren Gunderson
Earrings courtesy of Parkhill Jewelry
A special thanks to my Patrons:
Megan B, Leon K, Chuck C, Douglas M, Brendan I, and Carlos T.

[@ParlorMan_Acoustic_Guitar]

Morgan, you are a treasure. I’m a 70 year old musician and cancer patient. I know the healing power of music and always feel that power in your singing. Thank you.

[@marcoantoniosucci4]

Thank you for remember us about courage and faith

[@garysimmons1976]

I'm praying for you!

[@milankucera1148]

Brother, I will serve a couple liturgies for your health. Ask holy angels and archangels to come and help with your health issues. Who knows, sometimes a stubborn servant asking of his Master again and again is all that it takes. --Fr Gavrilo

[@davemorgan9081]

If this exact cover doesn't get played at my funeral ... I'm NOT GOING !!

[@djohn029]

Thank you Leonard Cohen for writing this song. Harp and voice here are sublime.

[@user-dt6de4nm7r]

Yes... while Jeff Buckley also did a beautiful job Mr.Cohen is the best and well always remain that way

[@aling8220]

That harp in the begining, for settling the mood is genius, every time when Morgan follows, she made me cry...

[@n.renoir8189]

This woman playing the harp is incredible, it's so soothing. Harp is such a beautiful instrument, I truly would love to see more of it. And Morgan, dear lord, your voice is a blessing from heaven. Thank you so much for this beautiful rendition.

[@luizamarcu329]

Absolutely perfectly said!💝 musical paradise.

[@SaxforSale]

Makes you want to play the harp...

[@tomburton1037]

Agree. My sister played the harp in our high school marching band.

[@differentgravydifferentgra7852]

Yes❤

[@Larry77084]

Morgan James' voice gives me chills. She possesses a gift long forgotten in today's culture, a pure beautiful voice.

[@differentgravydifferentgra7852]

Yeh Baby x

[@squires305]

Met Morgan and her husband today. They came into my vintage shop. They are such lovely people. I than looked her up, and I listened to her music, awesome! She blew us away! an incredible voice. I am an instant fan. Can't wait to buy one of her albums. This piece "Hallelujah", she nailed it perfectly!

[@roadking99jokerst60]

Old post I know, but how great that Fate happened to you. Be well.

[@morganjamesonline]

Thanks for watching and for the lovely comments! As it states in the video description and credits, Leonard Cohen wrote the song. But this is from my interpretation of the album GRACE in its entirety, and based on the Jeff Buckley version.

[@MarthaZimet]

Thanks, Morgan! Sorry I missed you when you were in Nor Cal recently. Was glad to be involved in your new album on Pledge Music. Rock on & ignore the nonsense.

[@jinwoo4126]

Morgan James you sang that song wonderfully. Keep up the good work.

[@caldogrun]

We love ya Morgan ! Keep on keeping on singing on ! But don't play the Catalyst in S.C. ever again !

[@DannyBoudreauMusic]

I like the Jeff Buckley version!! Good choice.

[@pablosanchezgutierrez7482]

Nice interpretation. It is true, Buckley boosted this song. Still I will like to hear you singing the cover of Leonsrd Cohen's interpretation.

[@charlieharvey5649]

Cohen was/is a magnificent poet and humanitarian. This is a truly wonderful expression of his deepest emotion.

[@MrBoazhorribilis]

This is a composition by Leonard Cohen . Jeff Buckley was one of the artists who did justice to this song. Thank you.

[@leesagrrl]

...and the Pentatonix!

[@MrBoazhorribilis]

@@leesagrrl True .

[@DaveBoss302]

Absolutely beautiful. The lyrics, the music, and especially the voice. Morgan is a treasure to listen to. Her voice is one of those rare things in life that there are just no words for.

[@michaelbarryprojects]

Wow! How the hell is it that I listen to people like Cohen, Cowboy Junkies, Mazzy Star and Springsteen and Morgan James never popped up on my music radar? I suddenly feel like I've crawled out from under a rock and saw the rising sun, blue skies, and a rainbow for the first time. Amazing!

[@johnsadler6441]

Michael .. you have excellent taste. Thought I was the only Cowboy Junkies fan :-)

[@fishman-tr9im]

Get in line Michael...😉 There are tens of thousands of us feeling dumb and cheated for not discovering Morgan sooner. She's phenomenal.

[@panamajack44.]

You must check out Post Modern Jukebox here on KZbin

[@Johnboy33545]

You speak for many of us across the years. Have you heard her cover the White Album?

[@alvogel3448]

I'm just a grumpy ol' desert cat in the remote desert of northwestern Utah, but I was moved to tears hearing this. I taped it on a little recorder, then played it repeatedly as I watched a magnificent sunset.When the sun slipped below the craggy horizon I had to whisper, "Hallelujah, I made it another day past my 64 years." Thanks Morgan. Your voice is proof that God is sometimes extraordinarily benevolent.

[@cindymckinney3553]

I love you Al Vogel, you grumpy ol" desert cat! You are a man with a true heart and spirit.

[@sirsidfosse1313]

I'm a mountain cat in the hills of New Mexico, I'll be 80 in March, had the same reaction.

[@renvollmer8945]

A wonderful comment. Thank you!

[@markhall7646]

I'm a tired old prairie dog somewhere in OK. You said EVERYTHING I couldn't. God bless.

[@erinhafer228]

What a lovely and poetic way to describe her voice! I couldn’t agree more ❤️

[@marcelob1178]

In these days of darkness and fear in the world, hearing your voice is a balm for the soul

[@md7999]

I am listening to this in the middle of a COVID-19 lockdown in Ireland. This is the voice of an angel, so pure. Morgan invests her heart and soul in every song she sings. Thank you for these moments of relief and escape in these difficult times.......

[@bikerdog5554]

Blessings to all in Ireland. I first heard Morgan do this when first came out. I thought it was so so. Hearing this again 4/4/20 it's just incredibly good. Living here near Detroit, Michigan, USA. God bless all in Ireland.

[@md7999]

Robert Bloom ....thank you so much. We are all staying safe here in Ireland. Hopefully the world will recover in the not too distant future....

[@kus0mak]

I am in self-isolation in San Antonio, Texas. This music soothes my troubled soul. Be well, Ireland!

[@TheDavicious]

Same here from Mexico... we're all distances apart but together thru this... Stay Strong, stay home.

[@averyritchot2187]

I’m in Fort Mac My prayers go to you

[@ksargent]

This is really wonderful. What I love about it is how RESTRAINED this version is. This song gets sung by everyone who can remotely manage it, but it's so easy to over-sing it and make it into a rooftop proclaimation. It's written very quiet, restrained: it's almost a meditation. Ms James is technically perfect, as she basically always is. But what I love best is how well she understands this song, and gives it the quiet, deep performance it deserves. From the peaceful guitar to the blue stage lighting, this one's perfect.

[@crackers1039]

Yessss. So many ppl take this one over the top. I am not at all religious but if I were id say this song was a divine inspiration....Cohen a conduit. His lyrics are maybe the most underrated, ever, tho. Xo

[@maakwatherrie]

I really like this version, but the one I know since 94 and hits me the most is the version of jeff buckley

[@jamesmchugo9422]

Just love listening to Morgan. What ever “It” is, she has it.

[@celestialmanrichard8846]

Lady Morgan, there is literally no song on Planet Earth that you can't sing. God Bless you sweet beautiful lady fair!🤗😍

[@Mark73]

One thing I Iove about her (other than her technical perfection) is the inflections she puts in her songs. You can hear it in her Dream On as well, it sounds like she's having an actual a conversation with another person instead of just singing into the void. I think that adds so much personality to her performances.

[@Wherfugarwee]

No clue how I got here from motorcycles and extreme skiing. Yup, adrenaline junkie. Only I found this calming and beautiful. Wow! The critics slamming the amp noise and harp, blow it out ur arses. All I heard was an amazing voice from a beautiful angel. Everything else needs more cowbell, not this. It's perfect.

[@zantonsus]

jajaja x

[@youandijmh7998]

This reply made my fucking day 😂😂 Such a mood to see somebody just smack their comment down here coming from a complete different direction like "Eat it. Fk y'all."

[@deanchampion6777]

Also an adrenaline junkie, extreme skiing dirt and street bikes, and far more... I love PMJ... and Morgan is amazing. And she's kind of pretty, too.

[@Carcey3]

No autotune, no digital manipulation of the vocals, no other "studio" tricks. This is true musicianship!

[@lincolnbrown642]

Absolutely correct.

[@maxcooper9709]

Ms. Morgan James is just beautiful in so many ways. Her voice, her face, her personality, and her presence. Thank you for the music Ms. Morgan.

[@theoligoclonalband3564]

Dear Morgan, there are no words which would properly express the heavenly feelings I have thanks to your absolutely amazing singing. If angels really exist you must be one them

[@paddyoII]

Beautiful rendition of Leonard Cohen’s beautiful Masterpiece. 💚

[@bradhuskers]

Actually? Leonard's words are magnificent. But his own interpretation was very mediocre. Certain artists can actually take the words of a songwriter to a much higher place. Anyone who doesn't understand this reality, has an extremely low IQ.

[@crhu319]

@@bradhuskers see the K D Lang version of Hallelujah. Leonard loved it.

[@bradhuskers]

@@crhu319 Yes. She's outstanding.

[@jeffreymatter3620]

@@bradhuskers Leonard Cohen's rendition of his work was far from mediocre. While there are limits to his voice (particularly in the higher registers), the music composition of the song does not challenge the vocal range of a singer unless you are taking verses up or down an octave. I agree with you that other more talented vocalists have covered the song better, but Cohen's raspy bass tone is very capturing. And to appreciate his rendition of the song is not a measure of one's IQ

[@bradhuskers]

@Jeffrey Matter And I most surely do appreciate his version. Certain artists can routinely turn the words of other writers into critically acclaimed masterpieces in the studio. Frank Sinatra, Ray charles, elvis presley, Ella Fitzgerald, etc...etc...have done this on numerous occasions. Elton John explained that the most difficult thing in music is to interpret the words of another writer into a critically acclaimed masterpiece. These iconic ARTISTS did that remarkable feat ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. just let that unthinkable reality sink in for a minute.

[@Maruzzo]

I cannot listen to Morgan without her ripping my heart, each time. What an extraordinary interpreter. Thank you!

[@gchutton]

Perfectly Put !!!

[@DoblyTufnell]

Beautiful voice, no question.. But 'interpreter'? She is doing a 'cover' of Jeff Buckley.. The title even says so.

[@Johnboy33545]

You sing this beautiful song not only with your extraordinary voice but your entirely expressive face. You bring joy wherever you go.

[@nealprentice7874]

There is so much skill in that harp playing. All the subtle things she is doing. The arrangement. Wow.

[@yourolddad6407]

Words fail to express how deeply this touched me.

[@ralph5450]

You just did.🙏

[@markhadley6672]

One of the best songs ever, sung by one of the best female vocalists ever, with stunning harp and guitar. Superb 1 minute intro.

[@karlpatterson8437]

I think Im in love for the first time at 69 years old. Jezzuss, what a woman ! What a voice !

[@Nice-music585]

It's just amazing how much emotions there are in Morgan's voice, I don't know any other singer that can carry that many feelings in a song. Chapeau bas Morgan!

[@catalicos]

Morgan is such a lady. With her voice and looks she could have probably sang some commercial pop music and make tons of records and be much more famous. But she sings from her heart and soul music does suit her best and it makes her that much more beautiful and appreciated. Don't know who to thank for Morgan James, but I am thankful I can hear her sing. I hope I will see her in a live performance one day. She really is inspiring

[@tinaleanne8230]

As of 9/15/2019 there are 277 people with a thumbs down that are either deaf or need their audio system upgraded. Morgan, you voice moves me, thank you.

[@Subcomandante73]

Or know who actually wrote and performed the original.

[@wrjames38]

Total toads to give this thumb 👎.... she's awesome

[@chris_thornborrow]

I have to say its so good to hear a modern interpretation that actually uses Cohens original lyric " how to shoot somebody who outdrew you" rather than "at somebody" which is wrong and completely changes the meaning.

[@lanfrancopignoli5553]

what a wonderful voice and what a magical harpist

[@trentonharris5521]

Simply put, this was beautiful.

[@victormontalvanayala4284]

Morgan James thank you for making me feel alive with every one of your interpretations.

[@woodstoney]

An outstanding voice from a beautiful and gifted young woman. Her music is healing medicine for all kinds of ailments. Keep singing!

[@ivangorodokin7605]

I'm not really a very emotional guy, but seeing her facial expression at 6:12 during that little pause before the new verse brought a small tear to my eyes. It really shows how deep she understands the lyrics and how close it is to her personally. A great performance.

[@tintphillips]

I just bought tickets for the concert in December. Christmas this year comes earlier in Croatia I cannot wait to hear this beautiful voice in live

[@divebobber]

Morgan James has one of the cleanest, sharpest, most accurate, prettiest voices on earth.

[@bigtime9247]

AGREE!

[@ziraprod6090]

I wish all these new singers could write great songs. Would be great.

[@robertatostesdaniel4214]

I definetely agree.

[@ziraprod6090]

@@tinydancer2607 Right.... it's like people think the world started when they discovered music.

[@kirkstable]

Hallelujah

[@victory1a]

I can't listen your singing without leaving a trail of tears. The two songs I heard Hallelujah and Dream On connect with me. Well done.

[@fs7572]

would like to add "the book of love" by Peter Gabriel. Works for me :-)

[@AnastasTarpanov]

Another amazing performance, I can cry every time on it.

[@janezjonsa3165]

I talk about Morgan to my friends all the time. I show them youtubes, for last 6 years. And we're all amazed, still.

[@dylancorbitt5623]

I love this and everything you did with PMJ- Simply divine.

[@MrWuddles]

Amazing. I’ve always loved the song, and you’re voice is amazing.

[@wcraiderevo8078]

Gotta love how this wonderful song affects your singing of it. Just damn beautiful from beginning to end. Thank you.

[@JB-lo5qn]

Morgan James, the voice of a angel.

[@Tugger4me1]

Well that was just beautiful, now a fan of a good harp - such a pretty sounding instrument in the right fingers. Just watched this again - I never saw Doug in the background before as mesmerised by Morgan and the harp , his guitar playing is exceptional and just as moving as the harp. 😭👍

[@donb4386]

Leonard Cohen wrote a work of art with this song. Every artist that covers it adds their own nuance to the canvas. Morgan’s beautiful voice with her clarity of tone takes Jeff’s version to a new height. Nicely done!

[@milanstefanovic3854]

Oh my God. The voice of this woman. Heavenly.

[@jimgordon6629]

The greatest singer in America, in my humble opinion! Amazing versatility, marvelous emotive understanding!

[@fionandanu9060]

The perfection and simplicity of this moved me to tear

[@klgbca]

This is one of my favorite MJ covers. Surprised how mixed the comments are and how little it was viewed.

[@sal3347]

I love how effortless being a remarkable singer is for her. She makes it look so easy to be talented.

[@JaxOfNone]

What can one say except brilliance... what a tribute to Leonard

[@FrankATracy]

I was mesmerized! First by the beautiful harp playing and then by that incredible voice! Great emotional performance!

[@alberthall4923]

One of my favorite songs by Leonard Cohen, and Morgan, your rendition is just fantastic. Amazing emotion through your voice! Thank you.

[@rubenprakashgideon4059]

Your input in the song 'Hallelujah' was truly mesmerizing, I could feel the spirit moving along, those spiritual touch in your voice are soothing. Amazing selection of Harp. Wonder... Hallelujah🙌

[@cdaniels996]

The most beautiful song I have never heard...very moving....Morgan James is a treasure....

[@jagg1973]

Your beauty is a hallelujah, and your vocal melody refreshes the soul. Thank you!

[@heythere4096]

Morgan, I just discovered you today from Scott Bradlee's Post Modern Jazz (PMJ) and you are absolutely amazing. I am always moved by this song as it was written from Leonard Cohen's heart and you did it justice. Thank you for sharing your incredible talent and voice, thank you.

[@laurawilliams5363]

Thank you for sharing your incredible gift, your voice, with all of us. I truly enjoy all the songs you have done.

[@spaceman9599]

One of the most wonderful voices out there, singing a deceptively simple and beautiful song with a great arrangement. Superb. Keep up the great work Morgan. Stay safe and well all

[@1983phk]

Very well made cover. I like these minimalistic versions where the vocal and the lyrics of a song really shines through. I'm very impressed at how you can see the story progression on Morgans facial expressions. How she tells the story of the song so vividly just through her text rendition and mimic. That is rare to see these days where everything is expressed through scene shows and visual effects. And big props to the instuments for matching the rise and falls in intensity so perfectly. As I stated in the begining: A VERY well made cover!

[@pianosenzanima1]

1983phk thats normal, they're top professionals

[@pianosenzanima1]

however i dont understand wtf that harp is playing

[@AlkebulanLion67]

pianosenzanima ,The harpist cracked me up to be honest.

[@soumyajyotimukherjee4752]

Harpist is playing Hallelujah music, the same notes as in Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah

[@dinozorman]

@@soumyajyotimukherjee4752 indeed she is, i was disappointed that she needed to turn pages, especially during a crescendo towards the end. and the mic picked up her page turning, which is a bit distracting.

[@daveguinn4233]

I love this song and it’s many interpretations. This one is beautiful. Thank you.

[@huntersmark917]

This song is not about how grand you can perform, it's about how much raw emotion you can show the audience. There is a reason why Morgan James has my favorite female voice.

[@user-wx9ky9lr1y]

So beautiful-I simply cried with how perfect this was- thank you!

[@michaelhodgson662]

Just love this. It brought me to tears. Thank you! ❤

[@markuffindell3491]

This is the most lovely version I have heard- totally sold on Morgan’s interpretation with such feeling and delivery. Thank you so much

[@howdytoyer]

Absolutely wonderful! Thank you for making my day.

[@robertk.5195]

I keep coming back to listen to this over and over and over again. Whenever I feel my tear ducts need purging. Thank You - ad ifinitum!

[@learnedhand8559]

Listening to Ms. James sing is a religious experience in and of itself. Wonderful performance by all involved.

[@hudsonsoul3259]

Now this is music in its purest form. Electric guitar harp and a truly wonderful singer. She's becoming my favourite singer.

[@donb3557]

Absolutely beautiful the vocals so clear and pitch perfect, captivated by the harp players skills the guitarist completes a perfect trio that blend together like the finest malt whiskey.

[@williedeyzel1727]

Beautiful interpretation, with a lot of soul.

[@idahodad1]

Just plain exceptional. Your arrangement is memorable.

[@jeffslaven]

This has got to be one of the most heart-felt versions that I have heard. Love this :)

[@colinmacdonald8988]

Leonard Cohen……a majestic poet and Morgan James a magical speaker to the beauty he spoke with his words, would we be so blessed.

[@marcgarcelon2927]

Keep coming back to this transcendent Morgan James rendition of one of Leonard Cohen's best songs...Thank you so much, Morgan...

[@daveHEART2012]

Your beauty, combined with your talent, stuns me.

[@fergieNH]

You caught me on this lady! Beautiful harp, voice, an feeling! 🌹

[@klovr1]

What a beautiful arrangement for the harp! Favorite song no contest amazing voice......CHILLS!

[@armadillotoe]

There isn't a lot of beauty in my life, so when I find it, I do appreciate it. Thank you very much for sharing your talent with us. I would add all the musicians I have heard on PMJ have been incredibly talented by any scale you could apply.

[@markhall7646]

Thank you for performing this, Morgan. "Hallelujah" has a much more beautiful meaning for me now, thanks to you and your voice. God bless from an old prairie dog.

[@sepiritsgood4712]

YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL! A VOICE IS EASY FROM THE SOUL!

[@collingslover]

One of my most favorite songs that grounds my soul performed by perfection.

[@mib2259]

Incredible - the guitar, the harp and Morgan's vocals. Perfection.

[@LionTheHeart]

I Love this song whosoever sings it... just beautiful! A wonderful rendition Morgan James! Thank you!

[@CR-dq1ch]

The guitarist Doug Wamble is her husband! Crazy gifted couple!

[@secretagent86]

he is great!!

[@kenpodoryu9072]

You are an amazing person, your voice is truly enchanting... this version is so beautiful, so much so, I've cried every time I've watched it! Thank you Morgan, God bless you!

[@TravelNP]

This is a classy trio. The electric guitarist holding back and harpist so delicately plucking and the vocals are pretty and we all know you held some back - this is so pretty! Thank you

[@koen_rozendaal]

I truly love your voice, the intimate soft version and the parts where you strech your voice... shivers down my spine. Please never stop doing what you do. Xxx

[@douggarrett2561]

Amen !

[@joereid8290]

Morgan your music always inspire to do my best work. That you for sharing your beautiful voice.

[@carterlawfirm2417]

Leonard Cohen is smiling down on Morgan. Simply beautiful.

[@jamescantrell2313]

I've listened to many different versions of this...and this is Absolutely my favorite! Such pure, sweet notes from this beautiful lady!

[@BBQDad463]

Excellent! Thank you for sharing this video with us! BEAUTIFUL! ☺

[@patrickspalding8045]

This is my oldest daughter’s absolute favorite song and you do it so beautifully. Amazing amazing work

[@debspeelman]

There are some things of beauty that bring tears to one’s eyes and this is one of those.

[@jasonfisher8529]

Re-watching this after a while. The way Morgan and Doug just quietly watch the harpist, honoring her music while they wait for their parts. Gorgeous.