Madonna Performs "Don't Tell Me" | Letterman

Madonna goes acoustic for a special Late Show performance.
(From "Late Show," air date: 11/3/00)
#madonna #music #letterman
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Welcome to the Letterman KZbin Channel, home to all your favorite clips from Late Night and Late Show - as well as conversations with the writers, producers and performers who helped make it all happen. These highlights have been artisanly-produced, carefully-curated, and chosen completely at random by an old computer that used to pick numbers for the New York Lotto back in the 90’s.

[@hutch1197]

I don't know why, but I love that she was genuinely nervous. She's used to being surrounded by a whole production of dancers, lights, etc., so just sitting in a chair, singing and playing guitar was very much out of her lane. It was a rare sweet and vulnerable moment.

[@nidhia6925]

U r a good person! :)

[@mademepickaname]

For someone just learning guitar, she did a good job of singing. It’s not as easy as it looks to play guitar and sing at the same time.

[@jmsessn]

i used to do that back in my early 20s, actually singing along to your own tune is way easier, you have full control with your instrument and vocals

[@silva7493]

@@jmsessn Yeah, we used to strum our guitars like she's doing, and sing folk and pop songs at Campfire Girls Summer camp in the 1960s. As I recall, once you get the guitar chords going, the singing along is a natural progression.

[@Fayenatic]

Didn't she say she started out with a guitar before getting famous?

[@zombiethieves3736]

​@@FayenaticShe did.

[@Fayenatic]

@@zombiethieves3736 so I don't understand how she could play live with a guitar before she got famous and here claiming that she just learned it...

[@42lookc]

I'm no fan of hers but I thought that was very nice. And I appreciated her willingness to struggle, stumble, or fail in front of a large audience and on live TV. Honesty and humility go a long way.

[@CrystalCoffin]

Why did you have to put the stupid "I'm not a fan" preface to start the comment - is that something to be proud of? I'm certainly not interested to know which stupid artists whom you are a fan of, so?

[@worsethanhitlerpt.2539]

Dont worry about Madonnas guitar playing, Im sure shes good at... other things......

[@wndmountain]

So much respect for her authenticity.

[@foxvaughan6223]

I love how way, Dave sees a clearly nervous Madonna and says very quietly to her "You'll be ok" That's was very sweet

[@wolfwind1]

Nice to hear her natural voice and singing.

[@michaeldedonato-hd2je]

This is the way it should be. A singer, a chair, a few instruments and a beautiful voice. It touches the heart. Applause for the talent and courageous reinvention!

[@brandonros4914]

The early 2000s were a great time in her career. She was already a world famous well established artist and reinvented herself. She had abandoned the controversial sexualised young performer from the 80s and early 90s, and embraced a more mature and classy persona. The music she produced from 1999 to 2003 was great. Don't tell me, music, frozen, etc.

[@templesol]

I wish She didn't continue after the superbowl performance and ended her career with it So people would remember her at her best instead of what she does now

[@ravenna9969]

She always go back and forth with controversies. Just hush

[@GirgentiLucas]

That’s what i call « the Ritchie era ». She was so down to earth until her divorce.. i loved it

[@alanbravo5830]

@@templesol dude, she's legendary nowadays.

[@DoNuT_1985]

Yeah, she had a great run with her records of that period. I just gave her "Music" record a listen and I think, it mostly aged well. Sounds like contemporary dance/electronica indeed but it goes together well with her voice and some guitar sprinkled in. Don't Tell Me is definitely one of the good tracks and kudos for her trying to learn guitar and actually perform live after such as long career as a singer... she was very cool and sweet in that appearance.

[@Andrew-kf4qp]

Wow! What a great performance. Madonna has a beautiful voice.

[@gregbiker3127]

I love the natural sound of her voice, which is different than being a great singer. I agree, her voice is beautiful, and I do think that's the key to her success.

[@brucewayne3602]

well beyond bloody BRILLANT !!!

[@j.c7719]

Beautiful voice. Anyone who say’s she can’t sing has obviously never recorded themselves singing.

[@blackskunk54]

Love her singing, so soulful

[@kevinmurphy4582]

Interesting she says “a song i wrote” when its one of the few she hasn’t

[@philippeigoa7765]

Even the most seasoned performers experience stage fright, when they're out of their comfort zone. Mind you, this performer has sold over 400 million records.

[@allencall6572]

I remember seeing this on TV in 2000. I loved that Madonna had started playing the guitar. Don’t Tell Me is a brilliant song.

[@JoeLaRocca]

Not a brilliant chord progression.

[@dr.miguelitoloveless9478]

She played guitar for years before she became famous....Where have you been?

[@allencall6572]

@@dr.miguelitoloveless9478 , nope. She never did. She played the drums before she was famous.

[@tymeburglar86]

​@dr.miguelitoloveless9478 it was more like she learned a few chords from a boyfriend in the 80s & could "jam" along. She stopped for years and didn't start taking actual lessons until the early 2000s. I wouldn't say she played for decades prior to this performance.

[@rockturtleneck]

Madonna was one of Dave's best guests, she has a great sense of humor. She always seemed like a real person on his show whereas she came across more like a celebrity on other talk shows.

[@devilsoffspring5519]

No doubt, maybe she was fond of him personally.

[@donice4835]

Ahmmm, she had an infamous appearance in the show in the early 90s where they tried to make each othe uncomfortable and madonna didnt want to leave. Makes this appearance great.

[@peternemeth1777]

You can say what you want but my feeling tells me that her song take a bow is about Dave Letterman. My feeling tells me this. The words in the lyrics just fit totally to letterman. . . . one lonely star and you don't know who you are . . . make them laugh it comes so easy . . . hide behind your smile . . . all the world loves a clown . . . you deserve an award for the role you played . . . the show is over say goodbye -> doesn't it fit totally to the ending of each letterman show where he's shouting good night everybody Madonna was always weak when she was was near to Dave. Love makes you weak is a saying. She was always happy when she was with Dave. I always had that feeling that she had a crush on Dave. From the first interview on when she appeared with Sandra Bernhard I had that feeling that she had a crush on Dave and that feeling stayed with me always when she appeared on the show.

[@rainbowprism]

Wow I want this on my playlist, and I'm not a huge Madonna fan. This is the most authentic satisfying Madonna performance I have seen.

[@kbee2963]

She's always been an amazing songwriter, I love this version.

[@kateluvshugz]

I like how she is so careful as she watches her hand on the frets. I am not a madonna fan but ill give it to her most people who get to anywhere near her level would never come out and play like that when still new at an instrument

[@CrystalCoffin]

I'm curious: What makes you think that we care whether you are a fan of Madonna or not? Like, is that information really necessary? Why do idiots ALWAYS feel the need to announce they are not fans of Madonna, as if it's something to be proud of?

[@kateluvshugz]

The reason people might mention they are not fans; is that most people on youtube comments about relatively obscure big artist performances on a talk show..are going to be fans (fan is short for fanatic) and thus say positive things about everything that star does. Someone might mention that they are not particularly a fan to emphasize that their praise for her is based on objective skill in some area of the performance from the perspective of someone who does not fawn over everything she does. In this way it is actually complimentary. @@CrystalCoffin

[@user-xu4ow3bu6f]

​@@kateluvshugzwhat a gracious and thoughtful explanation you have composed. 100 agree.

[@danielborges2409]

those were lovely times... Madonna so happy and human

[@christopherrobinson972]

That said, her voice here is best I’ve heard…

[@arcadestudio]

Lovely and she kept nicely in tune too .

[@Memo2Self]

This is also one of my favorite recordings of hers. And it's interesting that the recorded song doesn't sound as repetitious as the few chords here suggest. And that's... production!

[@dangerunchained3128]

Madonna and an acoustic is a beautiful combo. Wish she made more music like this.

[@brendasykes6931]

That song is beautiful. I love to listen to Madonna sing anyway and she is so stylish

[@remingtongraves]

Her acoustica stuff is my favorite.

[@gregbiker3127]

The reason I'm not interested in her 4 Decades Of Product tour is I don't think she's going to do acoustic versions of Ray of Light, Music and American Life tunes.

[@kingofspades531]

@@gregbiker3127she does an acoustic version of “I Will Survive” and “La Isla Bonita” for this tour and they’re great. Plus the studio version of Don’t Tell Me that fits the original video.

[@markm4263]

this was actually amazing

[@rosebuckner3831]

I’ve always loved this song of hers

[@CamMacMastermusic]

Such a pretty song done on acoustic. Suddenly I have a newfound respect for Madonna ! Great channel guys ! The other Letterman channel brought me here !

[@JoeLaRocca]

you now respect her for knowing the three chords you learn on the first day of guitar lessons?

[@Ballie1977]

I love her even more now.... Wauw so PURE and humble...

[@cookingartguy2170]

I've never been much of a Madonna fan, I'm more of a Debbie Harry guy in every way. I've never seen this clip before. I have to tell you I'm kind of shocked and very impressed. I know artists should be allowed to change and grow and experiment, but in my opinion this is the best version of Madonna I've ever seen and she should have pursued this. It's really a shame that she's kind of turned into Norma Desmond these days, but if she's really happy... But anyway, this was impressive and actually touching and I had a little lump in my throat because I did not expect it.

[@anna.phylactic]

I mean her next album after this was acoustic guitar ballads so like

[@fabiobrand539]

Madonna was the best student at “Debbie Harry” school, she is very proud of that. Debbie said she is very happy with the path Madonna has chosen. An example for everyone

[@nataliez3431]

yes, very well said. I feel the same as you. I’m not a fan, but this was really quite lovely and impressive to see.

[@shawnhuff3920]

The new talent reminds me of a Madonna and Sheryl crow acoustic guitar album and a live unplugged show

[@lketchemonia]

Now thats a very classy performance by the great Madonna. I especially like her outfit.

[@ronrodriguez9741]

Rhinestone Cowgirl Madonna

[@tested123]

what a beautiful song.

[@Wi11i4mJM]

I wanted to watch a video of Madonna playing guitar and she's very good. No way I could sing and play. Well done!

[@jacktorrance9973]

Madonna Forever leggend ❤️❤️

[@JoyLearnSallay]

Wonderful, her humanity apparent, always....

[@brucewayne3602]

UNTOUCHED UNDEFINED BRILIANCE with longevity !!!

[@Theslavedrivers]

This far into her career, and she's still pulling the "I just learned this" trick!

[@cwynn1547]

she looks like a beginner though, on guitar.

[@dean6816]

She was 42 here WOW!!

[@rafael55]

I sure wish she would only make this kind of music. I would be a fan.

[@keithflores9075]

Madonna played instruments before so im sure it was like riding a bike for her. 💜👑✝️🔥

[@max95bj]

Desconocía esta Madonna con la guitarra en mano y cantando y con nervios por hacerlo en vivo gran video

[@loganlane9383]

TCU MT Class of ‘18 here! Hearing Krista speak the speech made me a bit misty-eyed. Beautifully done. Wildly impressive! GO FROGS!

[@cedricmonnier3550]

Amazing performance legendary Madonna jadorrrrr

[@dougvura923]

I loved this entire album, Madonna when she was still real & natural , what a career

[@michelefitzgerald6603]

LOVE 😘 IT!! THAT OUTFIT....SO CUTE 🥰 PLEASE DON'T TELL ME TO STOP 🛑

[@mr.KonstantinSE]

В Сибири тоже есть ковбои, и любят эту песню и Мадонну, всем горячий сибирский привет

[@alrotundo]

The artist at her most courageous.

[@tonyrobles2696]

Great Madonna❤

[@guitarstring5981]

Music album IMO is one of the best, huge influence on my 12 years era

[@FranciscoCosta-fk7bs]

Laughs of gladness because of people can spread magic singing like this, it is not by chance, such singer in this case is also in the Rock and Roll Worldwide Hall of Fame and also she loves Portugal which shows good charming Cheers.

[@svenberkard5874]

What ??

[@MaxVicio]

Banco fuertemente a madonna haciendo esto. Estaba aprendiendo a tocar guitarra y se manda a hacerlo en vivo. Ella 100%

[@heldertristao4281]

So beautiful ❤

[@ImmortalMathias]

She always rose to the occasion . . .

[@imagos360]

how cute the way she moves the finger as she were a little child hahaha

[@monsieurx5728]

Queen Mother Madonna

[@outtathyme5679]

Honestly fantastic

[@lorib360]

Wow. She seems like a totally normal/likeable person! Nice song.

[@christopherrobinson972]

That was then. Not today.

[@lorib360]

@@christopherrobinson972 That's a shame.

[@davidrice3337]

when people become very wealthy at a young age most lose perspective - when everyone tells you that you are the greatest , smartest person in the history of the world people start to believe it

[@philsurtees]

_"Seems like"_ being the operative words...

[@christopherrobinson972]

@@cosmefulanitoo2625 still a child aren’t you?

[@merbish7962]

I wish she was still this cool. Now she’s 10x more insecure and desperately clinging to youth/relevancy instead of just continuing to be the creative legend she was.

[@anna.phylactic]

buy a ticket

[@aa-xy4hg]

She is still amazing. Go see her this year

[@brucerandall8963]

What a sweet performance!

[@ronrodriguez9741]

Queen of Pop

[@Boomclack]

If these performances were fireworks, Patti Lupone’s rendition is like Italy’s entry into the Symphony of Fire, while Madonna’s is “burning schoolhouse”.

[@america9704]

I ♥️ Madonna

[@marymistretta6906]

Love this song and cd! Beautiful! 🖤

[@joecosey1]

Love this song

[@MarynaOL]

Never saw this - I like how her Michigan accent came out a few times : )

[@josephasci]

Phenomenal!

[@readyfxrtheweekendx]

genuinely think I'd cry if I saw this live

[@jmsessn]

fantastic!

[@brucelee4996]

For a minute I thought Monty was Dweezil Zappa.

[@anthonyscott5612]

Fantastic!

[@josemedeiros007]

Cool song and performance.

[@karlaritalia3499]

Correct me if I wrong is Madonna use a D, G, E, C chord ? so that I could play, and anyway I'm beginner and this is my favorite song

[@johanneskreller1134]

D Am C G

[@karlaritalia3499]

@@johanneskreller1134 thank you so much

[@user-xu4ow3bu6f]

​@@johanneskreller1134yes and those four chords just repeat in the verse and the chorus both yes? So she wrote songs prior to this by ear or did she play piano?

[@strike9390]

La perfection du grand madonna

[@paulaweadon8130]

Madonna didn't get where she is in 2024 by not putting herself out there. I heard her say in an interview once that she dislikes lazy people. People can say what they want about this woman, but they couild not call her lazy.

[@truemaster8184]

Beautiful

[@MrKomninakis]

beautiful

[@road2racect]

Beautiful...

[@knowglobal-Redwoman]

Girls do it🎉🎉🎉strumming on🎉🎉🎉great🎉🎉

[@jessicathompson5362]

He was having too much fun back there! 😂😂😂

[@Opus313]

How many people check Google to see if a celebrity is still alive when Letterman uploads a video?!

[@mikewhite4560]

Only if I want to see a CONCERT...RIP:Eddie Money

[@BobbySacamano]

I find it interesting that people think this happens so often. Death happens often, but not Letterman tributes.

[@abcstv7669]

He’s doing “remembering” now. Without it, the person isn’t dying

[@kstepko]

The channel schedules two uploads per day and there is usually a reason for them: the date, a viewer request, the celebrity has a current project, etc.. If the video appears at an unexpected time, seems to come out of left field, or the person is of a certain age, I get a little nervous.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

@@kstepko you are tracking this channels cycles. That’s beautiful.

[@danielbrennan5872]

Thats actually a little tricky to play and sing this song, good job Material Gurl

[@MajorTomMusic]

Yer serious? ;)

[@danielbrennan5872]

lmao, a little, trying get rhythm with vocals cadence right took a sec, mb :)

[@eduardwalhout1740]

Hm. She should do a country album.

[@Aldrinizka.Teilaetxea]

Domingo 7 de enero de 2024, 10:15pm. No lo había visto antes, hace casi 24 años.

[@devilsoffspring5519]

Nice performance. Contrary to popular belief, Madonna is an actual musician, not just another Autotuned pop star.

[@blastbeatindustries3191]

Monte has been the lead guitarist in her band since 2000. He's still in her band. He's in Ministry too.

[@Paul-dw2cl]

I’ve been disappointed in Al Jourgensen in the past couple of years

[@yvettequintos1626]

Wow.

[@swamirose5646]

Beauty ful

[@Dr_Madonna]

The Queen of Pop - Cowgirl Ciccone

[@mrmr314]

See she can actually sing in tune while struggling with the guitar. Not bad.

[@jerinimorua8833]

Te amo Louise ... Te amo , siempre te voy amar .. gracias reina !!

[@glowycloey]

Lovely. A beautiful song. I wish she didn't fight aging so much. It's a natural part of life. Can't halt it. Now, I can't think of her like this. :(

[@Sebastian-rv1yk]

Yes...she was beautiful then...in that period of time, but time pass, everyone change, you change, we change....so, appreciate her now before it's to late

[@remingtongraves]

Or she could just do as she pleases. If it affects her value in your eyes that’s your issue, not hers.

[@glowycloey]

@@remingtongraves I said I wish. It's my wish, not reality. Of course the amazing Madonna will do as she pleases! I just wish young people could see her greatness, but don't because they are too busy mocking what's she become. It makes me sad.

[@svenberkard5874]

@@glowycloey Who caresif young people can or can't see her greatness. Young people are too busy playing on their $600 phones and worried about pronouns. Worry about yourself, not what Madonna does or what the lame youth are doing.

[@marmirymat]

Thanks for proving that music is for beginners, too!

[@brixiabob]

J'adorrrrrrrrrrr 💕❤️

[@dennismacdonald2003]

Such a beautiful woman

[@asphaltcowboy7567]

Prime body Madonna..

[@julianaseidenberg]

Maravilhosa❤

[@noehuang6305]

she was so shy

[@ewanbauld607]

Fair play to her

[@JB-pl1iu]

She's so adorable here. Queen.

[@analuimelo]

Que linda❤❤❤

[@tested123]

now thats a "little ditty"

[@michaelparks6120]

I thought she was pretty good !

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Agreed!