Voice Teacher Analyzes JENNIFER HOLLIDAY x AND I AM TELLING YOU from DREAMGIRLS (TONY AWARDS)

If you want to get straight to the analysis, head to 0:36.
If you want to see the videos in full without me talking, head here to
• Jennifer Holliday "And...
BOOK A SESSION:
www.jmlegrairstudio.com​​​​​
FOLLOW THE STUDIO ON THE SOCIALS:
Instagram: / jmlegrairstudio
TikTok: / jmlegrairstudio
Facebook: / jmlegrairstudio
Spotify: open.spotify.com/user/9mnshqp...
Twitter: / jmlegrairstudio

[@cvanz]

She sang this eight times a week. On Broadway. She was only 22 years old!

[@romelwilliams4649]

And back then they were not 🎤She wore the theatre out!

[@mudbuds1161]

😮

[@BrooklynDaDon1]

@@romelwilliams4649 lies there was mics on the floors and beams of the stages

[@johnlewis195]

She was actually 20 when she started ...21 was her first show

[@Tdvc]

more then 8 times cause many days the ovation was so long she would sing it twice!

[@amberjay82]

Imo she IS TEXTBOOK for dramatic/broadway stage singing. Everyone who wants to do broadway/stage should be required to study her.

[@Roshon1114]

Yes!!

[@megaton8184]

Facts!!!

[@turtlew1019]

She sang that song like she had her heart broken back stage in real life and meant every word she sang.

[@ACinemafanatic]

She fought for Effie they were gonna kill her character and she walked out and they asked her back and they changed it to what it is now

[@smurf902]

She used a lot of real heartbreak moments in her acting to reference. Jen lives her songs. She is a true from the heart singer

[@kashmeremajesty2163]

Lawd have mercy.......Jennifer Hudson and many others were amazing but nobody slayed like Jennifer Holliday.

[@marveljacob2620]

Swears

[@ladimu1]

Nobaaahdy!

[@Roshon1114]

Yup

[@ciarrajohnson3849]

LIKE JENNIFER SAID, she’s the Original. She sang Aretha H O M E (I swore her throat would hurt)😄😄♥️

[@TheUnapologeticAdventurer]

FACTS!!!!!!!!!

[@dr.leestonepsychotherapist]

My parents saw Dreamgirls on Broadway. They said Jennifer sang the song so well that the crowd cheered so loud at the end of the song that Jennifer had to sing the song twice!

[@bernadettedevereaux8694]

I also saw her perform this song live in the Broadway show. She brought down the house! I had tears streaming down my cheeks. If you have ever had your heart broken by somebody you thought you loved more than your own skin, Jenifer is belting out your pain and desire for someone who no longer wants you.

[@Roshon1114]

@@bernadettedevereaux8694 wow !!!! Awesome

[@user-sm3zt5kc7m]

I wish there was a video of that

[@natalieholmes5313]

​@@bernadettedevereaux8694reading this brought a stream of tears from my eye. It took me back to that very place.

[@milonanni8806]

It's almost impossible to explain how her amazing blend of drama, musicality, articulation and sound manipulation simply works, but it does! Unsurprisingly, she's not for everyone. You either feel it deeply or you think it's too much...I'm definitely sold every single time I watch this! UNMATCHED.

[@Roshon1114]

Well said

[@angelagranberry4816]

I saw her on Broadway as a young girl. She electrified the entire theater.

[@milonanni8806]

@@angelagranberry4816 I bet it was a once in a life time experience, I'm so jealous ❤ . I've only seen the London version with Amber Riley.

[@adappowerz5704]

u aint lie......other singers were monumental, but MS. HOLLIDAY BUILT A WHOLE NATION OFF OF THIS SONG.

[@debjoy5358]

When you click 'Like' before you even watch the video.

[@ytmyangel2097]

I always click LIKE as soon as I see Jaron’s videos just so I won’t forget. I haven’t found a Jaron video that I haven’t truly liked yet.

[@cindyc12]

She sang that from her shondo😂🎤🗣️ and I don't understand how that man is just standing there without crying or shouting 🤷🏾 I guess that's good acting. And Jaron's animation is perfection

[@trennahs4322]

this what the old folk mean when they say “stand flat footed and SANG!” use the WHOLE instrument!! she ain’t even need the darn music! AY-MAYN!!

[@rocquettelove211]

Aaaaaamen, sis!... I felt that!!.. lol

[@Roshon1114]

Yes !!

[@msmj9102]

You have no choice but to feel her sing.

[@cleopatrajones2024]

There has never ever ever ever ever never been a vocalist as strong and powerful as this. Never ever ever never.

[@poohbear9174]

The thing thats so amazing is this is a live performance and it OFTEN goes unnoticed. This required the whole body to embody the character. There's no comparison, this set the bar for all who came after.

[@jeffbartholomew1152]

It’s crazy how few people will analyze this performance. It’s one of the best you’ll find anywhere.

[@user-sm3zt5kc7m]

It’s a gift that’s not meant to be analyzed.

[@aprilshorty4094]

FACTS 👏👏

[@edehogba3735]

The faces they both make are quite entertaining😂

[@gariancason6793]

I was thinking that too 😂

[@scottjohnson5415]

I cried my eyes out the first time I heard this song. There's so much heartbreak and desperation in this song and they way she delivers it. PERFECTION!

[@MrCamp]

That right there, the desperation. That gets lost in the vocals and everyone after her trying to compare. Effie’s character is about to lose everything and she’s seeing it happen right in front of her and that has to come through or you’re just trying to do a bad parody of Jennifer Holliday.

[@bernadettedevereaux8694]

Did you see Jennifer Holiday sing Rough Side of the Mountain at the conclusion of Aretha’s Franklin’s 7 hour funeral? The choir was exhausted but Jennifer squeezed the last drop of vocal energy out of them as she led their chant, “Higher and higher.”

[@amberjay82]

Climbing higher mountains..its an old gospel hymn

[@notasimplesponge]

i’m of course astounded by Jennifer but i’m even more impressed that not only do you explain exactly how she does what she does but you almost flawlessly execute it the way she can.

[@Amberlovesu541]

You had me crying laughing through this whole video I know you were being serious but your impression of her was spot on 😂😂😂😂🤣

[@soloist72]

This performance gave me chills!!!! Can’t nobody sing this like Ms. Jennifer Holiday 🥶

[@Roshon1114]

No one!!!!! I recall as a kid literally mesmerized by this voice … it was almost unreal !!

[@miszjackson7957]

Make the hair stand up on your arms

[@emanilove6009]

Excellent Analysis. You reaffirmed that she was performing at a masterful level of singing. She gave her self away to this character and utilized such distinguished skill to deliver what is easily the most incredible performance of this song, and one of the most powerful contemporary vocal performances in recorded history. You have to really know music and the art of singing to truly appreciate this performance and Ms. Holliday’s vocal prowess. I’ve loved her since I discovered her in 2007 at around 14 years old and was blown away by this exact performance. Amazing analysis. What a treat.

[@Roshon1114]

Wow your assessment is dead on!!!! And I too felt the same as a young kid !!!

[@paulhackney279]

I still cry every time I watch this. She hits every emotion in my body.

[@bryanmorris7268]

The way she growls at the top of her range gets me quickening every time…whew!!!!

[@MsMelyjean]

This performance still gives me chills.

[@JudiRadin]

The greatest closing of a first act song ever in a musical .standing ovation every single performance

[@theclintonvance]

I don’t think I’ve ever not teared up while listening to Jennifer Holliday sing this song, especially during that glorious ending 🥲

[@user-sm3zt5kc7m]

Or rewound it 10 times

[@MrCamp]

This and Whitney Houston at the AMAs singing that medley are the two greatest live vocal performances of all time and it’s not even close. And let’s remember that this song was originally not in the musical. Effie was supposed to die at the end of Act 1 and Ms. Holliday refused to take the part. They went back and rewrote the role and wrote this song for her, so if it wasn’t for her KNOWING HER WORTH, we wouldn’t have this gem.

[@xray5043]

The biting 😂😂😂💀💀💀 this video had me cackling. I need more jennifer and Rochelle reviews

[@frankiabreedlove]

When I tell you she really embodied this character. She ate her parts up from the beginning to the end of the play.

[@iam_Bobby1]

This woman sang the entire building down ❤

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

Jennifer Holliday is one of only 7 people who can take a secular song and make you shout! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@marveljacob2620]

Hmmm...total beast on her vocals... She's undoubtedly one of the best female voices to ever grace our screens

[@trippv2011]

Lissstttteeeeennn!!!!!! Chills and tears every time every time I see this!!! There’s no one to ever do it better than the original Effie Jennifer Holiday!!!

[@reallyitsjackiev.meadows7578]

Only one word! #Iconic Imagine a performance that absolutely nobody can ever do better!

[@Roshon1114]

It’s crazy !!!!

[@jaymo4ever]

I saw the play live on Broadway. She & Stephanie were the 2 most electrifying, “power” singers to hit the stage in the 70’s!

[@montgomerycamjr]

Jennifer didn't "hit the Broadway stage" 'til the '80s though.

[@user-ib6nk9zu8k]

​@@montgomerycamjryeah I think Stephanie was still a teen when she hit Broadway.

[@wendy2cc]

Oh she is just one of a kind! I've never seen anyone so passionate with her gift and I love to just sit back and watch and listen in amazement.

[@Roshon1114]

I concur

[@chgosatrap]

nobody can do this song, except her. This song still goes through me all these years later.

[@TonysFlashbacks]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Jennifer Holliday has a God-given gift. Her interpretation of music, particularly this song, is forever etched in music history. It's been over 40 years since that song was released and it is still as powerful and relevant today as it was in 1981.

[@TerrellAmari]

Curtis was BREAKING 👏🏾 THAT 👏🏾 BACK 👏🏾 For her to be singing at him like that

[@trennahs4322]

and he knew it too yeah! that’s why he ain’t move a muscle while she was sangin’ 😂😂 girl they don’t make men like that NO MO!

[@huare7946]

Unnecessary horniness in the comment section, go to time out 😂 absolutely not.

[@daniellewatson2373]

Lmaoooo

[@user-ib6nk9zu8k]

😂 I'm CRINE

[@TheMotherofTacos]

Nooooooooooooo 💀💀💀💀💀💀

[@alicebrown2879]

I knew that I loved the way Jennifer Holliday sing, and now I know why. Thank you for dissenting her vocal abilities, awesome talent, range and greatness. WOW! Where is she? I have always wanted more of her beautiful presence and talent!

[@Beetwixt_N._Janeen2112]

Hands down, Ms. Holliday is, imo, the epitome of vocal prowess in its supreme form. I also LOVE 💕 her version of “𝙄 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙤𝙧𝙙”. What a talent, indeed 🌹🌹💯👏🏾👏🏾

[@markgilmore6592]

Dude you can't even come close to the way she hit those notes and she doesn't cut her words short, there's no uh uh uh in her sound, her sounds are rounded perfectly, i love Jennifer holiday ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤️

[@reallyitsjackiev.meadows7578]

The first time I seen this performance I got chills. Just aint nothing like this. One of a kind.

[@jennyjones3978]

It’s the facial expressions for me! She really gives it her all! Beautiful voice! ❤❤❤

[@pattiemarin5219]

She’s so amazingly expressive. She’s the master. Listen to her speeches, how wonderfully she delivers every message. Only a Genius…

[@MichaelHampton-Whitney]

She is the embodiment of this song and performance. Only Jennifer Hudson comes close to her power, performance, and perfection.

[@miszjackson7957]

Close but missing the emotions

[@GraylingForReal]

Can’t nobody do it like Miss Holliday❤

[@dereckwallace1428]

The ultimate voice....ground breaking

[@carlettagoodrich-mann1377]

What a powerful VOICE. knowing her live performances. On Broadway sold out to many audiences. at church as a First Lady she still has voice control.

[@dbisamazing84]

That voice is certified GOLD!!!!!! Perfect for R&B, Soul and especially Gospel. Jennifer tore that song to shreds!! That song was tailor made for her. What a performance!

[@stevenclemons1]

Ooh could you do jhuds version? to show the opposite of biting down and grinding out the notes. They're both master classes in balancing technique and emotion. Great job either way! You really made sense of her unique approach to singing!!

[@croissant2024]

SHEESH! Ppl don’t realize how much it took to become a performer back in those days. She was 22! 😳 We simply just don’t have anyone like this anymore. Talented, sure but there’s something so special about the old skool stars we had with a Gospel background who entered the Theater space. She was meant to be a Broadway star! Just RAW! 😩

[@daphneporter3648]

I agree with you Jaraim, this is Jennifer’s song, no one on planet earth seems to have the vocal chops to sing this song like Jennifer.

[@Emilaria]

Idk why any other nominees bothered to perform. Nobody is better than her and this performance is perfection.

[@idiosyncraticparadise1655]

She had me in tears!!!!!!!! Wonderful analysis!! Jen is one of the greatest voices of all time !!

[@Taydad]

OMG, I watch a lot of vocal teacher comment videos, I have genuinely never seen such an incredible analysis. Not only are you clearly a singer, but dayum the way you break down the technical aspects (and literally show us) of how she delivers such an incredible performance…seriously, standing ovation. Instant fan and follow. ❤

[@gkvaderwolf06]

Wow .... I've heard bits of this song before but never sat down and watched the entire thing. Hearing your input makes it that much more impactful! I literally have tears in my eyes as I write this. That was powerful!!!!!

[@croissant2024]

Also, Jennifer Hudson had big shoes to fill but she stomped her feet in & killed it. It’s virtually impossible to take on such a song; another testament to how special singers with Gospel backgrounds are bc no one else can do THESE things! (Miss Holiday, Fantasia, Amber Riley etc)

[@Musical_Stitches]

I had the thrill of my life when I was 11 and saw Jennifer and the original cast. I cried the whole show through. It was breathtaking. We gave standing ovations after every song. Pure magic!

[@donchey51]

you're a brilliant voice coach and fantastic shows !

[@hopemccargo7985]

Ms. Holiday sculpted each of her songs with her gifted, unique style. That’s that Church that you have to experience baby. She brings tears to my eyes each time. I believe she was only 19 years old when this was recorded. Ms. Holiday 🎤🎤🎤🎤

[@nicholajackson276]

She is absolutely amazing and I could listen to this song over and over. Nobody even come close to her ability.

[@evan_dood]

That performance is by far one of the greatest works of art I have ever seen. I stumbled across it a few years ago on accident, and I was blown away. I'm already one of those people who gets chills/endorphins when I hear a certain melody/tone/voice that really resonates with me, and usually it's just one or two shivers and it goes away. But with this song, this specific performance, the chills start and they keep going and going and it just never stops. By the time her partner runs out, I'm usually full-on sobbing. I go back and watch it maybe once a month. I've tried watching Jennifer Hudson's version, and she's not bad at all... but she's no Jennifer Holliday.

[@abidingonthestraightandnar5330]

I have never seen this performance until a month ago on KZbin, and OMG!!!! I have never seen a performance like this, she has amazing skills beyond skills she sings effortlessly, but with so much emphasis on every note, he facial expressions, and drama she adds is amazing!!!! I loved Jennifer Hudson when she sung this in Dream girls, and thought she out did Jennifer Holliday even though I never seen Jennifer Holliday it her performance of Dream girls, but oooh my I was I wrong Mrs Holiday just blow it all up, AMAZING!!!!

[@MattSpringer]

Thanks for this...I watch this Jennifer Holliday video once every few months and this is the first time I've seen this analysis. It's adding a lot! I love how she chooses her moments with the grit, she never skimps on the melody line when she's moving through the song but then she chews it up to escalate the emotional heft.

[@darnell49]

👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿One of my favorite live performances, EVER‼️

[@MzKaylcC]

when I say YOU are SANGING nwith these explationations sir... YOU ATE

[@jameshanley6143]

Tony winner Holiday is the original Dream Gurl 💯❤️

[@paulhackney279]

The voice coach has a fantastic talent. His voice is absolutely amazing.

[@colortura]

I heard that singer, keyboardist DJ Rogers was one of her musical, vocal influencers.

[@MrYasminoc]

I really appreciate your channel. I've watched so many vocal analysis videos from other vocal teachers on youtube and you are BY FAR the best I've seen! You explain singing from all aspects (not just from a technical standpoint like others do), and the way you demonstrate is in such an embodied way makes it so clear!! also, I love your channel especially because you also do vocal analyses on these legendary iconic singers and not just on who's trending.

[@Ami-ut2us]

I know I said this is a fave but are there any other voice analysts u recommend?

[@loon-a-sea3872]

i was very fortunate to have seen her do this very early on...one of my favorite broadway moments. the crowd went craaaazy!

[@augustuswilliamson9826]

Jennifer Holiday ..One of a Kind!

[@willettacarter9862]

Holiday is a Monster!! Yes Sir !!!!!!!❤

[@marshajohnson375]

I like the way Jaron analyze Jennifer singing that song. I watch it over and over.

[@mattybfierce]

Jennifer ALWAYS played to the BACK row! Hope she comes back to Broadway soon.

[@rhondaroseman3113]

That's just what I do because I know everything she sings (sang) is a experience like you floating on the cloud I don't care how dramatic and deep and gritty that it seems she ends it with the sweet soothing spirit

[@milkjugs4771]

she is truly the blueprint

[@cptight88]

The Best and Cannot Be Topped Ever.

[@ericfluellen8957]

I watched this performance when I was young. The crowd was screaming her praises.

[@ritchsee2209]

She is a legend i respect her art 🎨 the way produce herself on stage i want to say she is unique 🔥 and on top of that she is an amazing person... ❤ she deserves so much more 💕

[@meminnieandthegang.2076]

What an amazing vocal coach

[@asiah5121]

I get chills every time I watch this video 😍

[@freedomseve9733]

This wore me out and took my breath away…in a good way. Saaaaang!

[@thebrothaj]

there’s an audio only version of this song from the shows opening night that is amazing and so fun to listen to simply because of the audience reaction. this growling, squalling, down-home gospel sound that we as black people (most of us at least) grew up on, was so new for broadway audiences to hear back in 1981… they didn’t know what hit ‘em!

[@sandraporter793]

She was amazing ❤❤🎉

[@ashanti2626]

Can you please do an analysis of Little Shop of Horrors (1986)? There are a lot of great vocal performances in that movie.

[@bernadettedevereaux8694]

I could never understand why Jennifer Holiday didn’t blow up the charts with her one of a kind spectacular vocal ability. So what she was a big girl! For this performance night after night she needed her whole body to support her voice. There is only one other singer who does this song justice, Sarah Ikumu. Thank you so much for this analysis of this vastly underrated performer with such a magnificent voice.

[@montgomerycamjr]

"Vastly underrated?" Are you SERIOUS? Damn, the woman WON a TONY for her performance and has been invited to sing all over the place as a result. She didn't sell records but EVERYBODY acknowledges her vocal talent!!! Absolutely EVERYBODY. One doesn't have to attain BEYONCÉ-level fame to be highly rated as a vocalist.

[@amberjay82]

I believe she just didnt translate as a recording artists like she did on broadway. Many blame it on weight but its not easy, broadway is a different beast from recording artists. U need SONGS...doesnt matter how good u can sang. The only person i feel had a good transition from broadway to recording is stephanie mills...maybe melba moore but i think stephanie had a longer career and more hits

[@bernadettedevereaux8694]

@@amberjay82 I once saw an interview featuring Jennifer Holliday. She said that she was pressured to lose weight, so much so that she underwent bariatric surgery. I agree with you on two counts: that she wasn’t given material equal to the showstoppers from Dreamgirls. I purchased several of her records years ago. I very much enjoyed them but unlike Stephanie Mills, Jennifer Holiday’s songs didn’t make it on popular music charts. Stephanie Mills went on to have popular hits but her signature song is Home. To me it is in the same category as Jennifer’s Broadway hit. It also seemed like a giant snub when the movie version of Dreamgirls didn’t give her a nod with a bit part. I don’t think Jennifer Hudson’s version of the famous song compared to Ms. Holiday’s.

[@amberjay82]

@@bernadettedevereaux8694 i agree. Her weight did become an issue. Back than image became huge because of mtv and the video era. The 80s became a hard time for real singers because of transition to video as the new marketing tool for the industry. Again, her material played a big part also. Listening to her albums with the exception of "I am love" and few others her songs didnt "hit" like stephanies. Interestingly, jennifer hudson seem to have a similar issue. She really dont have "hits" or songs either. She ended up doing better as an actress and tv personality, than recording artist. I just think its really hard to transition from broadway/film to music only a few have been able to capture the same success in both areas. Stephanie had a great writing team thus she was able to be consistant with her recording career.. holliday first album had maurice white and david foster at the helm. Songwriting/production is key to hit as a recording artists

[@nesq4104]

@@bernadettedevereaux8694 her not even getting a tiny spot was a major snub. Especially because they played her version to promote the movie for months

[@user-ib6nk9zu8k]

Jennifer is a power singer. When I first saw her in concert the hairs on the back of my head stood straight up. The only other person that happened with was Chaka kahn. When God passed out voices these two women were ahead of the line.

[@nesq4104]

I heard her a few times, patti many times, Hudson also. The BB king concert was outstanding it's on KZbin in that purple outfit. She gave everything. Shame she doesn't do full concerts and only focus on club and special events.

[@patrickwilliams4833]

Don't forget to add Aretha and Whitney!

[@Empress647]

NOBODY will be able to sing like Jenifer EVER 🥰❤🌹👍

[@sugarbaby685]

I saw her LIVE on Broadway singing this. I was in AWE!

[@willettacarter9862]

You better sing Holiday!!!!!

[@TamirYardenne-]

my black folks!!!

[@mariabreu3056]

LUNGS FOR DAAAAAAAAAAAAYS

[@PASQUALITY]

Now I wanna see you sing this song cause you be imitating her and pitch matching her like it’s nothing 😂

[@stareye8]

I actually remember this. I was just a kid, and every year my whole family watched the Tony's. We hadn't heard of The Dreamgirls. Knew nothing about it. It seemed strange when it began, everyone playing to the front of themselves, commenting to the audience instead of looking at each other in the beginning. But we were silent, it captured our attention. I remember sitting on the floor watching this and you felt the tension and rapt attention in our living room. We barely breathed. I was immobilized. Stayed in the same position through the entire thing, our living room was electric. There was a few inaudible "Oh. My. God" from my dad and I think one from me. We were SWEATING... seriously, we were sooo very completely with her and MOVED. When she stretched out her hand and said "MAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY" at the end, we were crying our eyes out. No noise, just tears and shock over what we had witnessed. I will never forget it. Truly affected my life. When I stood up when the commercial came on, I used my hand to raise myself up and the section of the carpet I was sitting on was on fire. Lol, not literally of course, I just remember it was like the sun was just burning the carpet. One of the best memories of my life. Amazing what music can do. Thank you Jennifer. I think I will go to the original KZbin post and leave the same comment. I. LOVE. the power or music, and the genius of Jennifer Holiday.

[@aliskanelson2202]

Loved it! Love, love, love tuning in to your channel!🌈☀⭐🔥😀

[@feliciamiller6832]

This never gets old. Omgoodness❤❤❤ And I love your channel... love the way you disect the vocals.

[@daphneganna]

You also have a magnificent voice! I love your talent of expertise! Thank you for a beautiful gift for the Father!

[@velveteye74]

I have been waiting for this!!! THANK YOU!!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@barbaraervin2537]

Jaron, listening to her sing this is the moment in Boston Wow

[@KDHurt]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You rock, brother!!!! Keep educating us. Keep doing you!!!!!

[@streetbrite7668]

Great choice, and analysis! Chills, goosebumps and inspiration!