Jennifer Holliday "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" live (Merv Griffin Show 1982)

Jennifer Holliday was the toast of Broadway in 1982 for her portrayal of Effie in Dreamgirls and she also had a #1 hit with her showstopper from the play "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going." Here she gives a magnificent rendition for Merv and his audience. Merv Griffin had over 5000 guests appear on his show from 1963-1986. Footage from the Merv Griffin Show is available for licensing to all forms of media through Reelin' In The Years Productions. www.reelinintheyears.com.

[@clintotitot]

I just can't understand why people continuously make fun of her 'facial expressions' when she sings? Seriously? Hers is the MOST powerful voice! Incomparable.

[@girleees]

you don t like her facial expressions close your eyes and enjoy the ride. personally , I can t take my eyes off her. pure emotion. love it.

[@brandonburrell8517]

And just think. . . This is toned down from the stage performance. She's amazing.

[@sylacauga]

And to think she was only displaying about 60% of her vocal power here.

[@ASU19992006]

All hail the queen! Nobody sings this song or embodies this song like Jennifer Holliday! Everybody else just tries to copy the master!

[@dalida.p.]

It's like a studio version even though it's live. One of the best voices ever. Well done Mrs Holiday.

[@patriciamadia1757]

she's a Broadway actress! she expressing with every part of her and man does she! absolutely magnificent!

[@seasontruth-tellertruth2016]

I had The pleasure to work with her in a play called your arms are too short to box with God and amazing every single night she brought the audience to the feet every single night I miss my show

[@Kibouo]

A rare time when she doesn't do the massive theatrical gasp of air before the final "MEEEEEEEE", that's always my favourite bit!

[@jimmyradosta]

Even her "restrained" performances are electrifying. LOVE.

[@jevonlmack]

True evidence that she has full control of her instrument and is a well rounded singer

[@SuperHurricane75]

THE BEST SINGER EVER!

[@macarrasco2]

People can say whatever they want…She was and IS an original unlike A LOT of people littering the Broad-Way today. Own it.

[@itsnoahonfire]

She dialed it back and still gave a stunning performance.

[@Edward_Strong1982]

Lol any real singer understand facial expression and mouth movement particularly in gospel singers is paramount. I sung in a gospel group for 20 yearS and can tell those facial expressions mouth movements and vibrato helps get those hard to hit notes out. I used to sing ugly when needed 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@KhaliLew]

1:00

[@dr.maestroguapo5945]

Nothing compares

[@kathleenheck7910]

Mind blown. Never looked into who did this first, epic. Never going back now.

[@lolapavon4780]

Jennifer holiday ... the best !!!

[@SRS4859]

The first time I ever heard Ms. Holliday sing this amazing song was on the Ally McBeal TV series. It blew me away then. I actually like the one from the Ally McBeal Show best... and of course, it's not on YT anywhere... after searching for it. This one is very good, toned down a wee bit... No one can even begin to do this song the way Jennifer Holliday has done.