Jessye Norman - "Amazing Grace" (Sidney Poitier Tribute) | 1995 Kennedy Center Honors

American opera singer and recitalist Jessye Norman delivers a powerful performance of "Amazing Grace" as a tribute to Bahamian-American actor and film director Sidney Poitier at the 1995 Kennedy Center Honors.
Jessye Norman was trained at Howard University, the Peabody Institute, and the University of Michigan. The New York Times music critic Edward Rothstein described her voice as a "grand mansion of sound," and wrote that "it has enormous dimensions, reaching backward and upward. It opens onto unexpected vistas. It contains sunlit rooms, narrow passageways, cavernous halls." Her operatic début came as Elisabeth in Wagner's Tannhäuser. She went on to sing leading roles with many other companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Paris Opera, and the Royal Opera, London. She sang at the second inauguration of Ronald Reagan, at Queen Elizabeth II's 60th birthday celebration in 1986, and performed the La Marseillaise to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution on July 14, 1989. She sang at the 1996 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in Atlanta and for the second inauguration of Bill Clinton in 1997. She received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the National Medal of Arts, and was a member of the British Royal Academy of Music. In 1990, UN Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar named her Honorary Ambassador to the United Nations.
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#KCHonors #JessyeNorman #AmazingGrace

[@tyxikosgatopoulos3094]

She had the dignity of an empress and the voice of an archangel

[@greergardner7357]

What a perfect description

[@davidwelch8288]

That is the most beautiful description of a singer I have ever heard... And SO worthy of the late great Jessye Norman.

[@anjaplushenka5995]

*She's marvelous. My only regret is that I've only come to learn and love her after her passing. Ms Norman, wherever you are, know that your music and artistry are still touching souls to this day. Thank you for your most priceless gift.*

[@pattiriszia8809]

Couldn't say it better!

[@MJ-eb6sf]

😊😊😅😊😅😊

[@augustjoseph629]

She had a voice that could make you believe in God... she will definitely be missed

[@vijaypush]

Ho eyes , God she was BEAUTIFUL and HUGE HER VOICE AND GENIUS

[@anjaplushenka5995]

*She's marvelous. My only regret is that I've only come to learn and love her after her passing. Ms Norman, wherever you are, know that your music and artistry are still touching souls to this day. Thank you for your most priceless gift.*

[@davidwelch8288]

If you haven't yet, listen to her recording of Strauss' 'Four Last Songs."

[@barimelodybrooks]

Sidney Poitier's expressions and Her delivery can make a grown man weep🙌🏿

[@davidwelch8288]

And with me, it did.

[@Johnmag1976]

Watching, Listening today...Émotion is gigantic..i love her so much. I am so happy she sang for a hero ❤

[@KatherineKimber-yz8rk]

Am watching this at work for the first time - trying to conceal the tears.

[@barimelodybrooks]

@@KatherineKimber-yz8rk let them tears fall

[@pj-fx7gx]

That performance was sublime. One for the ages ❤

[@typemi]

This was to honor Sidney… but you just can’t help but think that you just witnessed a masterpiece unfold.

[@anandy9292]

this womens power to move was undeniable, now she sings with the angels

[@paulschutte3445]

an andy ...God bless Jessy🌹🌹🌹😇😇😇

[@landoblu]

This woman’s

[@deborahbradford3306]

Amen

[@1510Ronald]

yes, I never hear this Prayer before better …….R.I.P. WOW, WOW, WOW

[@vivamigorky1646]

This lady's.

[@truegospelman3275]

She never forgot where we were born and raised. "Augusta Georgia!" Rest in heaven Beautiful gifted soul!

[@danjones5161]

Truegospelman Yes. I’m from Atlanta, but no one does class like Augusta. Love you Ms Norman. Rest in God’s love and peace.

[@choeyoonsun1]

Lucy Laney High School has an auditorium named after her in Augusta, GA.

[@ManhattanTina]

Yep! This Aikenite was lucky to sit next to her on a flight from ATL to AGS.

[@colinbrooks7284]

I sang with the Augusta Choral Society for her in 1996... quite the experience

[@Rosannasfriend]

I found those last few seconds where she sang a cappella spine chilling. She put so much meaning into every word, she was a true story teller.

[@donathszamosi1596]

Me too. And she is soooo beautiful as she sings and than Billys face is so incredibly disturbing...

[@minik746]

Mrs. Norman was the opera singer who could sing without an orchestra, a choral. For me, she was the greatest.

[@anandy9292]

Good bye mother, sister, goodbye Jessye, travel well.

[@maxdiamond7661]

Good bye mother was she a mother?

[@KLWilsonUS]

My dad's favorite Opera Singer doing a tribute with one his favorite songs to one of his favorite actors. Miss you Dad!

[@pj-fx7gx]

😢❤

[@sinclairlewis6764]

A voice like hers comes around once in a lifetime..she will be missed.

[@francoiselair3514]

Charlie t’iras pas au paradis

[@francoiselair3514]

Charlie t’iras pas au paradis

[@francoiselair3514]

Encore charlie t’iras pas au paradls

[@francoiselair3514]

Je veux entendre Charlie t’l'as pas au paradis Bécaud Gilbert version 1970

[@MrSwifts31]

On June 11th 1988,Jessye Norman sang this in Wembley Stadium (on the outskirts of London)in front of 72,000 rock fans.To celebrate the 70th Birthday of Nelson Mandela.As they were rock fans,singing Amazing Grace might be seen as a challenge,but by the last verse nearly everyone was singing with her.And so to a little anecdote.The sound engineer for the concert asked Jessye what microphone she used/wanted,she said "I don't need a microphone,I sing straight" he look amazed,shrugged his shoulders and walked away (thinking,she will come running for a mike soon).Of course she didn't. Her voice carried right across the stadium, to the very back reaches,unaccompanied with NO mike.LOL

[@dayram6217]

Sometimes the voice of God reaches the earth directly, this was such a moment

[@lias2560]

Very much indeed. Beautiful description.

[@srwagner324]

She's now in Heaven gloryfing to God with all the angels. Amen.

[@peterrombouts50]

I can't stop crying . Thank you Jessye for giving me so much beauty and love . You are a true Goddes . From The Netherlands I bless you with all my heart R.I.P. Jessye Norman

[@abbassaquee9536]

Wish I knew about her earlier what a wonderful voice and and a legend as left the this earthly world gone the heavenly kingdom may you rest in the arms sweet deliverance. Dieu beinse.

[@mckavitt13]

Peter Rombouts May she bless us w her eternal heart. R.I.P.

[@nanajockel]

I join you Peter, from Australia with the same sentiments

[@ericfluellen8957]

When Jessye Norman sings, especially these gospel melodies, I think people feel this great blessing enveloping their souls.

[@zellenesmith5695]

This is one of the most Hymns in all the the world how God use John Newton to change the lives of so many from hating to loving and the message of Christ Jesus is penetrating to the listener 😢

[@kingtutankhamun402]

She's the definition of a Diva in the best sense possible. When they make a movie about Ms.Norman they should give Angela Bassett a call.

[@IAmGod]

there's a movie called "Diva'

[@laurentgomes3703]

Ha ! Hell no. Angela Basset is sassy. But she has as much class and artistry as a voodoo witch...

[@laurentgomes3703]

Jessye Norman was not in Diva. This was Wilhelmenia Wiggins Fernandez, another American soprano.

[@marissawilson4644]

@@laurentgomes3703 Angela Bassett has class. Have you ever heard her speak besides in her roles?

[@g.es.b39]

Maybe Viola Davis

[@domingopartida5812]

Rest in peace Jessye Norman, I'm happy to have become familiar with your enormous talent

[@stevefreedman470]

I had the extreme honor and privilege of meeting Ms Norman when I sang with the St Patricks Cathedral Choir Christmas Eve in the early 80s....she was the most sweetest and gracious person I had ever met in a long time. ❤

[@charlesrae3793]

As Shakespeare wrote: If you have tears, prepare to shed them now..

[@billolsen4360]

oh yes, Mark Anthony's funeral speech

[@Sionapink48]

She was a woman from another dimension may her next life be filled with peace and harmony. She inspired me to go out there and sing.

[@M-20-100]

I was on the Champs-Élysées in Paris for France’s bicentennial celebration in July 1989. I wasn’t alone: There were around one million people there - including Jessye Norman. There was also a group of 10-12 young Germans on my left; and another of 10-12 young Britons on my right. When Jessye Norman started singing La Marseillaise (the french national anthem), the young Germans and Brits sang along with all of us. I was in awe of Norman’s amazing voice - and of the fact that those young “foreigners” next to me actually knew the words to my country’s anthem! I have no doubt that when they learned that Jessye Norman had passed away, those million people from 30 years ago - including those 20-24 young people now in their fifties - all thought of that night and that voice ... And what a memorable, beautiful night it was! And what an unforgettable, beautiful voice it was!

[@zanthus7]

How Sidney Poitier held it together I will never know because I would have lost it.

[@janices6140]

Her voice is so beautiful, she made me, Sidney Poitier and Bill Clinton cry! Rest in peace, Miss Norman.

[@dmitreeey]

I am russian and i have heard this amazing lady many years ago when she was in Moscow, it was not a concert,it was a dress rehearsal shown to the public in our Moscow conservatory,she sang Wagner,one of the most complicated opera music to the public ear. At first our public accepted her quite calm,because at the beginning of 2000 Jessye was not as well known as Pavarotti ,Domingo, because they were no advertising of her performances on tv ,their were no youtube as well. So at first the public and me as well reacted quietly,but then something magical happened ,we understood that we hear an angel, i sat far away from the stage,but i saw her turban, i saw her face and her gown and i felt that she filled all the space around her,her voice was the most beautiful,soft and deep that i have ever heard. Her figure and posture was as she was a Greek goddess. so by the middle of her performance people burst into applause, i was near to cry and at the end it was a huge ovation. today i heared that she was gone, Jessi you should know that people all over the world loved and adored you ,russians loved you ,you brought happiness to our lives with your great talent,the world will never forget you.

[@lesleymcshanemitchell9651]

RIP Sweet lady A voice of an angel

[@bobholmes65]

I was profoundly blessed to have discovered Miss. Jessye Norman listening to my radio back in my late teenage years. She was such a beautiful gift that got loaned to us! Our loss, was heavens gain. My God! Whenever I hear her magnificent voice I believe this is what heaven must be like.

[@DrewWasMe]

God bless this woman. She's in His choir now. Heaven's music just got a little more angelic.

[@redwoods7370]

She's teaching the angels how to sing better! :-)

[@PhillipLWilcher]

It was Grace that gave to her such an amazing gift for song! We can all that God for her!

[@CarlHubscher]

A voice that could make grown men weep! Now passed this week and making the Saints weep in heaven.

[@msv6674]

You can see it in Mr Poitier's eyes so touched. Former Pres Bill Clinton too...Rest easy Ms Norman operatic songstress.

[@FRUGALNISTA]

The first time I saw/heard this incredible beauty was in my teens. One of the three channels my small Mississippi town was able to receive was PBS. Her performance with Kathleen Battle is LEGENDARY💕

[@DNA350ppm]

Yes, goddesses of music and heavenly music - we are remembering this concert: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJ2cYaigm7RkrNk - unforgettable!

[@1975stereo]

Me too. I loved it

[@kimhoitomt8527]

Our PBS station just rebroadcasted that too, two days ago. WOW! Just wow!

[@thomashaas281]

Dear Jessye Norman, It was 10 years ago when I saw you live in the Philharmonie in Cologne. It was the biggest music experience of my life! Being able to hear your voice and experience you was a gift to humanity. Rest in peace.

[@DAS1962]

Jessye had a bearing of grace, humility, elegance and calm, as did Sidney/

[@charlesrae3793]

She would wring tears out of stones, and melt rocks with that powerful voice.

[@Ferrettino]

Beautiful. Simply beautiful

[@delcampo4179]

Superlativa , atemporal

[@zzausel]

100% gifted 100% trained plus something else

[@jenpollard3962]

zzausel -“ presence”

[@annikagraf77]

I've got goosebumps all over my body.... Rest in peace

[@JimRockfordFiles]

Very moving. RIP Ms Norman & Mr Poitier.

[@Blitzy279]

That smile of hers, omg…Such a big and honest smile.

[@joyhouriyasambadeh]

Jessye Norman was a God's voice.

[@redwoods7370]

She is giving the angels singing lessons now.

[@raptureready5004]

Sydney Poitier so touched... Beautiful.

[@margieguilfordwoman]

Girl, You have blown me away! I cannot believe that beautiful voice that you have not exposed to us....I will be home again soon!!! WOW, that voice!

[@sammylaztv]

She isn’t over singing, no one slight of “showing off” vocal abilities, nor doing a thousand runs to sound good. She sings what it needs to be sung and does it beautifully.

[@MelaninKingg]

sammylaztv correct ! I believe folks have lost the importance of tone.

[@classanddignity]

Ms. Norman's version was my favorite in opera. She exposed me to opera early on. Diana Ross is my favorite version of Amazing Grace for non-opera. Yes, if you listen to Diana's version, you will see that both ladies own soul, but both painstakingly follow the music. That is excellent control, which a lot of those over-singing artists do not have.

[@classanddignity]

@@MelaninKingg Correct! Clarity of voice is foremost and almost non-existent.

[@MelaninKingg]

classanddignity I concur! As far as opera goes, I’m not too well-versed but I have a soft spot for Leontyne Price and Pavarotti, & ofcourse lady Norman. The only singers with clarity as close to theirs imho was Whitney, Luther, Donny, and Brandy( I just find her tone so impeccable). Who do you admire in non-operatic music ?

[@HarvestMoon2049]

🔥🔥🔥💯

[@etdevarginha3486]

IT IS IN THESE HOURS THAT I THANK GOD FOR MY EARS MORE THAN MY SPEECH. MAY THE LOVE OF GOD REIGN ALSO IN THOSE WHO DON'T HEAR OR SPEAK, BUT LOVE GOD

[@leedsuza1]

If you haven't made someone cry by singing this song, you haven't sung at all. RIP Maestra Norman!

[@jeanwillis7774]

Jessie Norman,I’ve loved you for so long,I can’t believe you’ve left us..you were an true individual there’ll never be your like again..thank you for everything that you sang and recorded,we are all so blessed to have known you ♥️🙏🙏🙏

[@jenpollard3962]

jean willis - she is sitting by the river singing a duet with her brother Silas, who had a tremendous bass voice...rest on Normans.

[@jeanwillis7774]

You’re right, Jen Pollard a beautiful analogy,I had no idea her brother was a Bass,although not surprising at all,bless ♥️🙏

[@matthewrolle5734]

One of the most gifted voices in the world, powerful rendition R.I.P Jessye Norman 🙏

[@DieBea1994]

I intentionally bought a vinyl with this song the other day and I listened to it today, then I saw those sad news on TV an hour later and her singing this song...

[@RB-pi9ls]

Jessye Norman - a most wonderful American singer of profound brilliance

[@lissandrafreljord7913]

It's so sad that these videos get released after she dies. Why not allow people to have access to these treasures while she is alive? It is so nice that young people could learn more about legends like her while she is alive.

[@Broadwaybuff-pi1qg]

Lots of her recordings and videos were available while she was alive. I bought them.

[@blanchefan]

This is so, so moving. It isn't just her magnificent voice; it's her presence. She seems truly touched by a Higher Power--what a rare human being she was. So wonderful that she lives on through recordings...and videos like this... :)

[@johnozed]

I'm not crying. Sidney Poitier is crying! Fare thee well Jessye Norman, the Universe is waiting.

[@janaesimmons4672]

Absolutely amazing voice/The Voice/The World's best Opera singer. Embracing God's Grace.

[@francoisbessing]

A true Songbird of the highest order who brought the Kings of the Earth to tears.

[@lenorelohman3593]

Goddess gone home. Thank you, Jesse.

[@candacecrute9313]

My daughter has been called "A Baby Jessye Norman". She just agreed to let me set up a Jessye Norman tribute around Ms. Norman's birthday in September '22. I'm soooo happy. 🥰🥰🥰🥰.

[@Usercantwelve]

Such a Graceful strong Woman..RIP

[@mariechristineglaunec7463]

Une des plus belles voix au monde ❤️ que Dieu te garde Jessye Norman 💞🙏 tu vas nous manquer ❣️

[@janneale3091]

RIP Jessye. Truly a gift that touched the heart and soul of millions

[@ProfessorofPraise]

MY GOD I WISH I'D KNOWN OF HER SOONER. THIS IS ART, THIS IS LOVE, THIS IS AMERICA!

[@valeriesmith5780]

There's always different segments on KZbin.

[@carrynunya8745]

Is that why she was discovered in Germany? Ignorant, narrow-minded, blinkered idiot.

[@lawrencesmith4791]

Awesome

[@elnabekker4369]

No, THIS is what we as humans all over the World should be!

[@o0LoveLove0o]

@@elnabekker4369 Opera singers ?

[@mebss50]

The range that Jessye had was amazing. Not matter what part of her voice she used, her strength and power were unchanged.

[@eitanjakoubovitch3440]

She is a queen. A perfect soul of an angel.

[@CindersVale]

The richness of her voice always touched me. An incredible talent, she made our world a more beautiful place.

[@EDWRFle]

That song 😭 everytime I hear it. It means a lot.

[@MALAKYT]

give a rapturous singer an amazing song... and this is what happens. Rest well, Ms. Norman. YOU will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

[@user-tn7fg4ju5k]

She always makes me happy and peaceful. In the different dimension.

[@RB-pi9ls]

Sidney Poitier - one of the greatest world actors.

[@janetjacksontylerlummer6828]

Breathtakenly honest and gorgeous and I am now weeping. God Thank you for letting us witness this great human being.

[@winstonbrown1516]

That was the hardest fight of Mr. Poitiers life. He lost..., Tears won. ❤ Rest Well, Legends both.

[@matthewlogrande8446]

i come back to this video so frequently and for just a few minutes i truly feel so comforted by the thought of religion again. her voice just ascends

[@t.i4695]

Jessey Norman, great voice and spirit, may you R.I.P. Good Lord, she reminds me of my mother's voice, the colour of her voice... 😔😔😔 It's so touchy. Just divine!!! 👏🙏🙏🙏👏

[@BellaFirenze]

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is how Amazing Grace should be sung. Jessye Norman (September 15, 1945 - September 30, 2019)

[@HerselfInDC]

Opera isn't really my thing but she had an incredible voice. Rest in peace, Ms. Norman.

[@saintexupery8406]

Ummm, it;s "Amazing Grace," not an operatic aria.

[@HerselfInDC]

@@saintexupery8406 very good, you are correct. My point was I really didn't follow her career, but I could still appreciate her voice.

[@mckavitt13]

HerselfInDC Well, you should be happy, as this sure isn’t opera. But she did have an operatic voice, ‘‘tis true.

[@e.conboy4286]

MY OB: We are adults here, I think your remark is derogatory, we all understand what HerselfinDC intended. No comment necessary.

[@markrichards6863]

Beautiful, a musical giant paying tribute to an acting giant.

[@rubencjetten]

May you and Mr. Portier sing together now in the heavenly choir. Rest in peace ❤️

[@avantifontana]

Thank you Madame Jessye Norman as a role model for young singers to pursue their vocation. At this time of writing this comment, I am reading your memoir "Stand Up Straight and Sing!" To God be the Glory 🙏🏼

[@cosibeata8028]

Grace and dignity personified--both Jessye Norman and Sidney Poitier!

[@sandyg.3454]

The great Diva Ms. Jessye Norman! I love Ms. Norman’s gorgeous voice, she never fails to move me. Rest In Peace! 🌹🥀 🌹

[@honeybee7445]

There was a great brilliance in her voice. Rest peacefully Jessye Norman.🙏❤

[@jrdonasco7185]

Grace did lead her Home. Sublime. Powerful.

[@darnitacoleman2311]

Rest In Peace to both 🌹

[@davexxx5175]

She was an incredible singer! Totally awesome! The ending of this version of "Amazing Grace" made me tremble and cry. Rip Jessey

[@shirleytallon3204]

Elton john

[@davexxx5175]

@@shirleytallon3204 Yes, Jessey was friends with Elton John and she sang with him but not only.. also with other artists in modern music Sting, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen etc. Happy new year.

[@ElderTeachMoore]

But the children singing behind her---one icon saluting another with one of the greatest songs of all time.

[@Victorl3363]

j'ai des larmes aux yeux quand j'entend la voix de Jessye Normen

[@Varlice1]

Moi aussi.

[@mearesbrodmannmusic]

So powerful, yet unembellished. Gorgeous.

[@gardya2268]

Jessye Norman, ta voix est immortelle La beauté et la force ont signé un parfait accord dans ta voix: Une voix tout à fait inspirée, Une voix qui nous a permis de marcher sur notre propre voie. " YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE" RIP

[@philipsmith3084]

How I adore this woman !!! She died at 74, much too young. And now of course we have lost the great Sydney Poitier.

[@Zva26]

Amazing how gifted a human being can be. Miss Norman. your magnificent voice will forever endure.

[@dougtorrance]

Wow! What a gift the Lord gave us in Jessye! I am sure Heaven is sounding sweeter now!

[@karimabenzemra1436]

Merci Jessye que Dieu t'accompagne et te bénisse. Merci...

[@noracurran2762]

The most beutiful voice singing that song And her personality is just so warm and giving .

[@iggy3339]

Miss you. Rest in peace forever. From a mere mortal soul.

[@missagatha774]

Nous n'oublierons jamais lorsqu'elle a chanté la marseillaise à Paris vêtu du drapeau français. Je l'admirait tellement. Qu'elle repose en paix. MERCI de la part de la France.♥️♥️♥️😢😢😢🇲🇫

[@Tocsin-Bang]

One of my favourite performers pays tribute to another favourite! WOW!

[@luciaazzali5360]

Stupenda grande interprete grazie per averci dato tante emozioni

[@louislark4506]

What a magnificent, elegant, pure, opulent rendition of " Amazing Grace" done by Ms. Jessye Norman. Her mezz- soprano voice took me to the heavenly realms. What a moving rendition!

[@Guidapf]

The greatest artist ever! Thank you Jessye Norman

[@enobongakpan3074]

The world of opera has lost another great one..lord give us the grace to sing ur praise here on earth.. when a president cries know it has hit the rock, RIP JN