I Am What I Am - George Hearn - La Cage Aux Folles

[@christinebutler7630]

Something to remember is that when this show became a hit, the AIDS epidemic was at its worst, the stage world was being decimated, the actors had buried half their friends and were traumatized from constant grief, and the Reagan administration was doing its best to ignore.the whole thing. In that context, this song has a meaning that was almost a last stand for life itself.

[@cynaraslover]

❤ You are so right and you are so perceptive. My beloved and I (he died 22 years later) went to the first night, the world premiere of the show, in Boston in the summer of 1983. For nearly two months before the show opened, I would see personnel from the show around town -- I got to know the very young and attractive Harvey Fierstein slightly -- first he would flirt with me at Filene's Basement, and then he started buying skin care from me at the upscale department store where I worked. It was exactly two years into The Virus coming. We already had one of the stylist's in my store's hair salon diagnosed. (Eventually, four would pass.) It was a terrifying chapter in gay history, and my partner and I brought my parents to the show. My adorable father, then pushing 60, sobbed the whole time. It might not be the greatest show in musical theater history, but it was utterly THRILLING, and both straight actors, Gene Barry and George Hearn were brilliant, and "I Am What I Am" was electrifying. Some very happy memories of a very sad and ugly time.

[@paulpardoe7808]

And in 2024 this is a song that transcends sexual preference, gender identity and ALL external interference from the Brave Beautiful creature YOU are finding your way in this World! Love you all!!! Your way is Respected and LOVED!!! You do YOU!!! The rest will fall into place!!! ♥️♥️♥️.

[@shrubby-ov4yw]

@@christinebutler7630 they also listened to the same asshole over COVID that was trying to pour fuel on the fire of AIDS panic by saying it was an airborne or surface contact spread disease, instead of a blood or fluid spread disease. People have very short memories it seems

[@ErrorPlaysHD]

What a briliant song! Thanks Ted Lasso for showing me this version. I love that show.

[@ticherlp]

yep

[@fmcgucket3076]

Well now I guess I have to watch this damn show. I keep hearing recommendations but your comment clinched it.

[@hiryuimajin]

​@@fmcgucket3076worth it. It for some reason helped me with depression

[@Jallorn]

I've known this song- this specific version as my favorite- for years, and am watching through Ted Lasso, and I just finished that episode and needed to come listen to this in full. One of the greatest songs in the history of musical theatre, the incredible blend of defiant rage and rapturous, anthemic joy that I find in this song is nearly unmatched.

[@stevemattfis]

I'm a long time survivor from that time. The man to my left did not survive the decade. I just saw that Ted Lasso episode and was reminded to hear this song one more time.

[@gpgabriel]

I was at the Stonewall riots; I was just 18 years old when the bar was raided, never dreamt that it would change the course of history for us Gays. I found out many years after when I was living in SF and would go to the parades wondering how exciting this freedom of self being celebrated. Back then it was not an easy life to be Gay; although we have come a long way and I still am what I am; we must never let our guard down. I can die knowing I did a little something with my existence on this planet.

[@whistlingtiger]

+hotlatinscorp you were brave and still are. You deserve to live life how ever you want; we all do, as long as we harm no one or ourselves. This is such a powerful song. It applies to men and women who are gay, straight, teens that struggle with identity, old people and individuals from every faith and race. thank you for posting your response. :)

[@whistlingtiger]

+hotlatinscorp check out this amazing performance and view of the world, as music and philosophy transcends age and distance. I Am What I Am 2015 Official & Original Version - Gloria Gaynor by Joel Diamond

[@johndalton3180]

Thank you.

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

Don't forget that it was a trans woman of color, Marsha P. Johnson, that threw the first brick. Her role always seems to be erased for the more favorable gay cis white man narrative.

[@nom3nnescio]

@@cannibalisticrequiem THIS!! 100% T H I S!!

[@M_M_ODonnell]

George Hearn is probably the only straight man I'll ever trust with this song -- but he's definitely earned it.

[@shrubby-ov4yw]

A little reductionist, but i see your point. Few on either side of the sexuality divide are worthy of this song, and im glad a straight man of his calibre made his presence known for it

[@lawrencefried5027]

From what I read, Hearn was gay.

[@pjtribble9703]

I've heard this song for years and loved it, but George Hearn's version moved me to tears. What an incredible rendition coupled with such a moving voice. Makes me happy that we don't lose performances like this thanks to KZbin.

[@Dr_JSH]

Especially with American fascists banning drag performances in backward red states.

[@stephenespinosa3380]

What a glorious voice!

[@steveselenfirend8862]

This is meant for EVERY HUMAN BEING....we can all learn what life is about from these lyrics

[@TeeKeeps]

And what life really is... Being Man & Woman... The so called "gay, though they stripped the word of its original meaning, ruin everything & shouldn't be around to corrupt the youth or get bullied by their own fantasies... including the fact I am... Y'all should be done now.

[@MartyNemko1]

I am a straight guy but am profoundly moved by the message in this song: that we must embrace what makes us different--as long as it doesn't hurt anyone. And the passion in this performance is remarkable. Savor this.

[@cagneybillingsley2165]

except if you have a different political opinion, than you have to be like everyone else. right, tolerant left?

[@gumshew2007]

@Marty Nemko preach

[@seemsfishy23]

@@cagneybillingsley2165acceptance is literally life or death for queer people. We have already seen what happens when we are not embraced, and it ended with half an entire generation dying alone. That lesson should have been learned by the entire world, and not just the lgbtq community. Human rights are not a matter of opinion. Enough.

[@sbinsdca]

​@@cagneybillingsley2165nobody should be tolerant of intolerance.

[@jimmcfall3678]

​@@cagneybillingsley2165 I'm not here to be tolerated. I demand the respect afforded to all of humanity. You don't have to like me or my beliefs or opinions but what you're not going to do is disrespect my humanity because of who I love which, by the way, does not affect you in any way, shape or form.

[@ladyreddeath13]

I was bullied pretty bad in middle school. It was rough. I was a theatre and chorus kid, but for the life of me, I can't remember how I found out about this musical. But this was the song that stuck out to me. I used to write the lyrics in my notebooks as a reminder to not allow the assholes to get me down. Sweeney himself as the original Albain was the icing on the cake for fourteen year old me. I've recently fallen back in love with this musical as an adult and found myself still getting emotional over George's performance here. Life truly isn't worth a damn, until you can proudly proclaim you are what you are, without fear. I promised myself I would never let someone make me feel inferior without my consent again. I'm still trying, after ten plus years, but I'm slowly rebuilding that self esteem.

[@dramadork93]

George Hearn singing this song is easily one of the greatest moments in musical theatre history.

[@ncguy207]

I saw this show back in the 80's in NYC. It was awesome. Was a little uncomfortable watching it with my parents because I wasn't out yet. Felt like they were singing this song directly at me. Fortunately for me things have changed over the years and I don't have to hide anything from my parents anymore. After all I am what I am......Love ya all.

[@DarthGuybrush7]

The man's got an incredible voice, it can't be denied.

[@NYSESTRA]

What does this comment even mean “can’t be denied”? Gay men can’t have a beautiful voice?

[@NYSESTRA]

@@Julia-bn1ps the song is about being gay

[@NYSESTRA]

@@Julia-bn1ps who cares?

[@NYSESTRA]

@@Julia-bn1ps No, I had responded to a comment which has since been deleted. Why are you so concerned about this I’m sure you must have more important things to do

[@willhoey6159]

I saw George perform this in La Cage and it changed my life. I still live by this today!

[@DuckyThorn]

Bravo! I'd so love to have seen it! Makes me cry, regardless.

[@willhoey6159]

DuckyThorn Was absolutely incredible!

[@hollyb6885]

FANTASTIC. You gotta be who you are!!!!❤️

[@manuelducretiii8142]

I was there working backstage from beginning to 1987. Incredibly enough it was the blue haired ladies on matinee day that would applaud as I am what I am started.

[@willhoey6159]

@@manuelducretiii8142 Very cool!

[@ers586]

Others sing the song. George Hearn PERFORMS the song. And that makes all the difference.

[@georgtollherz3305]

From fragile to proud, he really shouts out, "I Am What I Am". Great song, great performance!

[@docgima]

Recommend the Gary Beach version... very moving as well.

[@ers586]

@@docgima Thank you. It is.

[@GeraldR5]

George Hearn puts more power, more feeling and more expression in this song than anyone I've ever heard. Not bad for a straight guy :) He is an absolute genius!!!

[@jamesmcinnis208]

Shirley Bassey is no slouch either.

[@MarioStahl1983]

The very special thing about this rendition is the character of this voice which isn't "cliche gay" but actually very masculin and almost "manly". REVOLUTIONARY!!!

[@hutchmusician]

Almost? 😅 Just teasing, I see your intention. :)

[@TeeKeeps]

Exactly. It's almost like I'm you know who... I wish you knew who I was so you could see how incredible all of this is that I am*... lol

[@TeeKeeps]

All this gay stuff needs to be stopped.

[@user-tt4ye9pk4l]

Saturday night at The Saint, NYC 1983. Hearn did this number to a packed audience of Saint members and guests. He knocked it out of the park with that crowd. When the curtain dropped, the lights burst on and that crowd was beaming with joy. The dance music started and no one left that club till it was time to go home at 12 noon, Sunday. I will never forget that experience.

[@lynnetedder-ward3164]

I'm heterosexual female who sings this when I'm down it always lifts my mood. George Hearn sings this the best version. Gay or not this is a beautiful song and sung beautifully by him. 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️👌👌👌👌👌👌👍👍👍👍🎭🎭🎭💖💖💖💖

[@christiannewling3859]

I worked on the Westend production at the London Palladium back in the 1980's. His performance was incredible. Plus I was lucky to watch it every night. He's a wonderful and very kind man. I was proud to call him friend.

[@jeffreydodge2586]

What a great experience.

[@peerkbh]

One of the reasons why this IS a gay anthem is the fact that it helped give us a sense of pride in the eighties at a time when thousands and thousands of our friends and lovers were being wiped away by AIDS. Half of the original Broadway cast of La Cage had died before the show ended its run in 1987. And the composer Jerry Herman himself found out that he was infected as well. This is 'lump in the throat' music for me and always will be. Thank you George, thank you Jerry. Thank you so much.

[@Nemesis7293]

George Hearn's voice, talent, and smile are three of the biggest reasons that my life is worth living. The man is the sheer essence of the Broadway stage. A genius in every way.

[@musikerman52]

I had the great opportunity to conduct the music in Helsinki, at a theater doing this great play. Every night I got tears during this one - and still get! A marvelous play, a marvelous song about living on this planet...

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

R.I.P. Jerry Herman Thank you for such a beautiful anthem for the *whole* LGBTQ+ community! ❤🧡💛💚💙💜🖤💟

[@beawild]

This is a great song, it's life affirming. We all should embrace who we are, regardless of gender preferences, religion or beliefs. Life is too precious to waste it. Grab it with both hands and enjoy the ride. Hearn's interpretation is one of the best. 👍

[@zombreighapocalypse]

oh man. we lost a good one today. jerry herman, you will be missed immensely. thank you for sharing your talent with the world.

[@shanebrowne6661]

Lov this song I was in my early 20s in the 80s and my friends were dying daily . I never got a chance to mourn properly.

[@TeeKeeps]

I know you're hurting. I hope you have self-control and know that everything is alright man. :) God bless you!

[@carriewhite410]

This song is made even better by George Hearn. No one can beat his brilliance. :)

[@malcolmharris5277]

I saw George Hearn perform Zaza at the London Palladium in 1985 or 6. The end of Act One, when this song is performed, blew me away. To this day, I love this song and George Hearn both. What a song! What a Performer! What a performance. And in this tribute to Mr Herman, he gives it *everything*... and still looks abashed at the end. Scarcely able to take the applause. Thank you, Mr Hearn, so, so much.

[@peterarmstrong9484]

+Malcolm Harris it was 86& it was fantastic

[@malcolmharris5277]

+Peter Armstrong Thanks for the definitive comment, Peter. To this day it is my stand-out theatrical experience.

[@wendyrobinson1215]

I saw George too in 1986 at Palladium .....I have never forgotten his electric performance as Zaza/Albin.....together with the marvellous Denis Quilley! A time never to be forgotten!!!

[@larrykraft1943]

Saw him in the Broadway Production ... I broke down in tears, it meant so much to me. I'll never forget it. Times have certainly changed ... We are who we are ... :)

[@alechughes3273]

Seeing him sing this at the Tony Awards was life changing.

[@TheKelJacob]

My mother was in drama club with Hearn at Central High in Memphis & he was just a year behind her. So, he must be 87 now!

[@RandyEconomy]

I was sitting in the 4th row when he sang this song at the Hollywood Bowl

[@vickifriend9285]

I’d forgotten how much I love both the song and the show. Going to see it in Regents Park open air theatre in August. Very excited.

[@Penguincool22]

Sheer perfection. Ugh so much love for this man, this show and this amazing song.

[@SueBeaWho]

I am not exactly sure why this thought popped into my head but I would love to hear him sing Man of La Mancha.

[@karensinger1924]

SueBeaWho oh my gosh, YES!!!

[@Drebin31]

I must say, I loved Douglas Hodge, but George Hearn is my favorite. The emotion he puts behind every word is pure perfection.

[@BrettOwen71]

Knocked that shit outta the park!

[@happymike44]

The first song to remind us that all people deserve love and respect in this world. To be proud of yourself no matter gay or straight to accept each other and the world around you. This song is simply great and the singer is amazing.

[@dahnnyc]

La cage, Christmas 1984, was the greatest night of theater in my life!

[@harajukukevin6657]

THE ORCHESTRA THOUGH! MY GOD!

[@happymike44]

To those who are afraid stop being so.. It's time to walk out into the big bright world and be free.. To know others like yourself and know you aren't alone.. The world has changed now you can marry have a family and stop fearing the worst and be the best your meant to be... Never forget you aren't alone...

[@penlint]

This is the quintessential version of "I am what I am". Noone, noone can touch this version! It is the BEST!! Thanks for posting!!

[@plutobeliever]

I was in LA during that time and saw the show...all great performers though George Hearn is always my favorite...saw him in La Cage in 1984 (met him backstage along with numerous famous actresses who all wanted to kiss him...he was quite amused and taken back by it all), Sunset Blvd, Sweeney Todd Tour...goes on and on...wish he was still performing...he's 82 and has a great life with his wife, two sons in Northern NY...what a talent...

[@barbarascott5843]

Saw him on Broadway in La Cage and he was brilliant.

[@ThisHandleIsInteresting]

There's some actual theatre acting in this. Damn well he can pull it off so well.

[@honorableshadow]

I love how the audience claps when he barely sings two words. They're prepped for the epicness. :)

[@grandmamoosie]

Great music and lyrics. Great Show. Movingly sung and acted by George Hearn. Emotionally pulling on one's heartstrings. Thank you Jerry Herman for your brilliant work and thank you youtube for letting us have this. Love it!

[@jamesr6562]

Doesn’t even break a sweat. What a pro.

[@Patti129able]

He can BELT . .amazing performance!

[@tee2899]

I saw La Cage at the London Paladium in its last week in 1987. I loved it then and love it still. I am what I am xx

[@DerekLyons]

My old friend George, love this guy! Derek xx

[@artistphx]

Seeing him on stage doing this show was pretty remarkable! It was a major step at that time to be brave enough to do that role in this show.

[@masterskrain2630]

I saw George Hearn do "La Cage" on Broadway... this brings back so many memories. 🔴🟠🟡🟢🔵🟣

[@bigcuy41]

I worked at the Palace Theatre during the run of this show. From the first day I knew it was something very special. I used to watch the first few numbers from the back of the house night after night.

[@steveselenfirend8862]

Perhaps the greatest song ever written of any juman to accept what and who they are in this world. PERIOD. This is the most meaningful presentation ofthis piece of music. Steven Selenfriend

[@thegaythespian]

for a straight man, he inhabits this character so beautifully. Thank you George Hearn. Wish I could see this w/ him in drag.

[@SpellboundWolf]

I am what I am & that's all I ever will be! I will never change myself to make others comfortable!

[@jonathanwashbrook6670]

It doesn't get any better than this.

[@Sam26100]

True, Im completely straight and I love this song. So well composed, and the message really strikes a chord even with those who are not a minority, like me

[@bbender3113]

First time I say this on Broadway, sat in "Mount Everest" balcony. At performance was [in Orchestra] TV Star Jane Seymour. At intermission , it seemed every soul in theater rushed down to get a closer look at her. George Hearn belted shit outta this song.

[@elissaforesta]

The song and his sincere voice mean so much to someone like me who hated to be different. I can be who I am.

[@TeeKeeps]

being gay is wrong. don't fall for the psy op.

[@ihavenocontent9310]

I still see and hear Sweeney Todd but just in this song... I like it!!!

[@tonyspinnelli730]

So lucky to have seen George Hearn in La cage aux folles!!!! But my heart is now to Douglas hodge he was the best Zaza I ever saw!! RIP Jerry Herman you were truly a genius in every sense of the word!!! Your work will live forever!!!

[@JorgeAl]

Wow! I have the OBC ! He is stunning!

[@lisaeckert1588]

I saw this production YEARS ago it was great!

[@bigmouth33]

He knows how to hold the mic. Most singers today hold it practically touching their lips.

[@thestonylein]

this song is amazing, it gives me the chill

[@fatheranthony4pope]

I love the vulnerability, strength and defiance!!!! What an affirmation!

[@HellyJellyooo]

NO ONE can beat George Hearn

[@thegaythespian]

that's more this song, than the role. and he was younger when he did the role. This song is always done in the lower voice, giving it much of it's emotional power.

[@melisaez]

This is his song. Perfect in every way.

[@tonyhoward7004]

I don’t know if Jerry Herman or George Hearn ever realized this , but this message also has its roots in Christianity. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church in AD 55 “by the grace of God, I am what I am”. As a child of God, and a Christian first; and a homosexual second, this wonderful song is my own personal anthem - and I thank God for Jerry Herman , and for whoever has preserved this brilliant one-of-a-kind vocal performance by George Hearn.

[@LionessDeWinter]

Beautifully written! I am also Christian and pansexual, and this song means the world to me. The lyrics are gorgeous! I was reading them to my father--who is anti-LGBTQ+--and I cried. I hope that it opens up the path of understanding between my Dad and I.♥

[@TeeKeeps]

Yup. I ended up saying all of this on my own with proof... Creepy.

[@TeeKeeps]

@@LionessDeWinter being anti lgbtq+ is the right thing to do because it's disrespectful to yourself whether you want same-sex love to... Spiritually you won't reap the benefits I have right... but all that stealing the rainbow & the original meaning of the word gay is what you wanna follow? I mean I guess so, Just know God don't like ugly and I'm okay to Judge... I'm not trying to be mean. I'm too clean for earth. Y'all gone have to come and ____ me. I am not lying.

[@TeeKeeps]

@@LionessDeWinter You just need to wake up to what God wants for you.

[@FSD23384]

This song is more appropriate now more than ever!

[@juanmonge8]

His voice has such authority ! If you are not in this room in 3 seconds I'LL......!

[@DanSmith142]

What a performance! Very empowering. Thanks for sharing.

[@sailormann1]

Such intensity and sincerity. Attributes that also helped back when he played a demon barber.

[@MichaelYoder1961]

An Anthem - Happy Pride Month! This is my favourite version of this classic.

[@heatherkelly2580]

WHAT A VOICE.

[@rainbowroadthekilljoy8]

As a young Lesbian trying to make it in Montana this song always hits me right in the heart. I always struggle with being me, but at least when I hear this song I can remind myself that I am what I am and that's the best thing about me.

[@elyjane6078]

A song for all of us... to remind us to not follow the crowd, but to be honest with ourselves.

[@robbiepeterh]

Blew me away the first time I heard it. Blows me away every time I hear it.

[@gpgabriel]

having been through the Stonewall raids in NYC and knowing how times have changed for Gays through the years I am so touched by this song and would like it song at my funeral. I especially love Mr Hearn's rendition of it. Thank you!

[@gastonbarreat8303]

opening night at the Colonial theatre in Boston,life is good.

[@lincsposter]

I would like to dedicate this to all the Prides taking place in the UK in the next few weeks. Including Manchester, London, Norwich, Brighton etc. Such an inspirational performance! I am what I am! R U?

[@cynthiaennis3107]

LOVE IT! FABULOUS SONG & PERFORMANCE! 💗💗💗💐

[@andrewrobinson391]

Love the aggression in this version

[@farmerbobp]

This is a great casting and performance. Other younger more hip people sing this now but it loses some of it's message when they do. It's much easier to accept the young, sexy, famous, and talented. But the truth is we get old and have imperfections but we still should be free to be ourselves and find acceptance in the world.

[@richardbramley5794]

There are so many renditions of this song...by many great singers. But for me...this IS the song.

[@jeanmariebishop4655]

Never gets old.

[@nicka.8344]

Grace and brilliance!

[@trainzandtrombones]

Probably one of the most enjoyable musicals that I have played in the band of.

[@shrubby-ov4yw]

Just proves what we once were and what we are now is apples and oranges of history. A gay or lesbian person can go down the street just about anywhere in the world and not be arrested, attacked or punished for doing so. This is now a rallying cry of those of us who hate the gender politics who want to live and let live. My hat off to you Mr Hearn.

[@gabriellemgordon]

Always loved and love this musical

[@bethsmallwood6972]

George. Hearn has a wonderful 👍 singing voice and he did a great job in playing in La Cage Aux Folles whom I saw in real life at The Kennedy Center in Washington playing the part of Albin!!!! BRAVO!!!!

[@timmooney6910]

Some people may think I’m mocking the intention of this song but I was so young when I first heard it that I didn’t know what cross dressing was, so I gave it a different more personal viewpoint. I was Into doing costumes for Sci-Fi conventions, what’s now called Cosplay and the idea of being proud of the work you put in and the character you created touched me deeply. Just seeing things from a different angle.

[@sfden50]

This song was a lifeline of joy, of pride, and of hope for those of us, like me, who lived through the 80's and saw our friends and loved ones suffering and dying. I'm 53, and it's very difficult to expain to someone who wasn't around what it was like during those early years. My heart swells when I hear this song now, because it's a reminder of how strong we can be for each other when we have to be.

[@sylviadran]

brilliand !! what a voice !

[@chinntx9627]

made me cry lol

[@claumouz]

One of the most powerful renditions of this song. Moved me to tears. Bravo!

[@jancorn3451]

Favorite version so far.

[@kathrenton9137]

Breathtaking performance.

[@sertorrhenclegane]

This man is absolutely godly and, if I remember correctly, he can still sing like this even in his 70s.