MIDNIGHT COWBOY THEME - TOOTS THIELEMANS & JOHN WILLIAMS Live at The Boston Pops with John Williams

[@nyterpfan]

Right after Toots Thieleman's unforgettable opening bars when those violins come in with that soaring haunting melody line-- God it took my breath away!! So beautiful and so sad at the same time, WOW!! If that didn't put a beach ball lump in your throat nothing will!!

[@knaziringram4589]

nyterpfan Totally agree! It grabs hold of me in a mixture of exhilaration and sadness, a bit maddening LOL! I want to stop listening because it's so sad but I stay hooked because it's deep in my soul.

[@1alexcody]

+nyterpfan check out the beginning of " You only live twice"

[@filsgreen]

I'll be more succinct, it makes me cry.

[@colinrunciman5166]

Yes, a story of the road.

[@thomasondra2672]

I watched it "live" on PBS before cable TV. Never forgot Toots' performance - and saw him in NYC in the 90s. I'm a lucky guy.

[@markberryhill2715]

Arthur Fielder and the Boston Pops (pre John Williams) was my fave. But John ain't bad either. Lol

[@freeamericausa1]

This is the music of an America that no longer exists. A time when Human beings actually talked to one-another, cheered together, laughed together, and cried together because...at a time in our History. Believe it or not. WE WERE ALL ONE.

[@valkasolidor6727]

I won't miss another chance to pay respects to this wonderful late great man. As a career musician I've actually had the pleasure of working with a number of fine harmonica players, but Toots Thielemans was of a singular league of soloists. As others have expressed, he breathed soul and timeless ethereal atmosphere into songs and soundtracks that stay with us evermore.

[@karenreardon5398]

I was so blessed to be able to take my mom to see Toots in concert before she got sick. And this sing still makes me sob. So beautiful. Thanks Toots. RIP.

[@sonyarosario7730]

Me too!! I play it when I want to feel my mother's hand on mine and remember her words, "In the end sister, all there is, is love."

[@markginsel4238]

Damn, I am crying this is so beautiful. I am crying, happy and confused. THAT is what art is supposed to do. Stir all the emotions!!

[@anitawatkins954]

Check out Valez . Quincy Jones and Toots. This will really mess you up

[@lisathomas3082]

You toooo😳

[@flatcapgolfer]

John Williams and everyone in that orchestra knew they were playing with a true craftsman.

[@grey.7828]

Knew!

[@gottohavesoul]

This is one of those rare performances that should be put in a time capsule so that future life forms can know that we earthlings were capable of musical genius. What a great composition and what a chilling performance by the legend. And that's none other than Sir Roland Hanna helping out on piano. God bless Toots - may you live forever!!! Great posting!!!!

[@markberryhill2715]

I know this is way in the future, but that's what I was just thinking when I read your comment,"that's a lot of musical heavyweights on one stage".

[@OhmMyGod1]

Masterful, technical proficiency intersects with depth of soul. We'll likely never see a another with that combination, at that level again. Rest in peace Sir...

[@benboy7309]

He plays it like a mixture of sax, harmonica and French accordion, completely nails it ✌️

[@MrDerloc]

A few weeks ago Toots played this theme from Midnight Cowboy live in Antwerp.. 88 years' old and still touching the hearts and souls of 15.000 people that gave him a standing ovation.. Unforgettable!!

[@sugarcharly]

Sooooo beautiful brings tears to my eyes ! He died today he was our belgian greatest musician

[@ZAOUWV]

De man was virtuoos. Legendarisch

[@joanguillemponsmarroquin8530]

Also tears in my eyes

[@paulstabin6233]

It just doesn't get any better than this. Excuse me while I go apologize to my harmonicas. Loved this theme when the movie came out, this brings it up another level.

[@lauramalek3128]

So if Midnight Cowboy came out in '69, then I was 9 when my ears were first lucky enough to hear him. My folks had this soundtrack, but I don't think I ever heard Bluesette until years later. ADORE him and his sound was so recognizable anywhere you ever heard it.

[@dennismurillodennis3079]

Toots was magical.

[@abrarahmed1888]

The harmonica , an instrument that speaks of loneliness and wide open spaces

[@AngelWingzzz]

This piece of music affects me like no other. Thank you Toots for playing it so beautifully.

[@kyereCat]

While listening to this very beautiful haunting song, I am reminiscing and feeling those wonderful feelings of the 70's, a time of wonderful beautiful music.

[@raceching]

The way he played on the original film score was out of this world - he made the harmonica sing.

[@hisongpark]

Maybe heaven is where Toots and his friends are playing... I'd never want them to stop.

[@geraldfitzpatrick9123]

So impressive, I wasn't expecting this amazing improvisation. What a talent, remarkable and what a guitarist.

[@walhalladome5227]

A musical total genius, hands down the best harmonica player that ever lived!👍😉❤️

[@jesperpedersen6705]

This haunting rendition evokes so much emotion, God Bless 🙏 music, it's the voice of human feeling when you don't know what to speak!

[@The22on]

Toots was beyond insane. So musical, such an improviser, such phrasing. No one will EVER touch him.

[@noelmajers6369]

This live performance is every bit as haunting and evocative as the original. Rest in piece Mr. Thielemans, you've earned your rest and come back some day, ok ?

[@KLOKFXR]

What a sweet mournfull sound this man is able to bring out of such an unsuspecting instrument. An Harmonica. WOW

[@danielsanabria339]

My pops recorded this on Vhs and he would always play it when I was a kid. 30 something years later I still never get tired of listening and watching this!😊

[@peterdurkin1499]

Only the Boston Pops can really bring out the best of this song

[@guillermodiazmote1286]

Ky lloj është një gjeni dhe një virtuoz, Shumë kohë më parë , kur unë isha një fëmijë , muzikë për të dëgjuar dhe unë kam qenë i kënaqur SHUME

[@applescruff909]

My favorite movie theme ever. What a treat this performance is. Thank you for sharing it.

[@steenwijklaan]

such an ordinariy man, such an extraordinary talent, such a joy to listen to his music!

[@davecyr1063]

Such a bittersweet tune ... so fitting for the news of his passing. RIP, Toots

[@michaelroche5744]

Willing him on. Goose bumps. Pure love.

[@jesperpedersen6705]

God bless Toots,see you around the campfire,God willing bring your harp!💥

[@GoogleUser-lp1bx]

Thank you Toots. You and your music made the world a better place. Future generations will remember you and thank you.

[@selloutasaurus]

so beautiful it makes you cry. Thank you "Toots" Thielemans for the musical memories. rest in peace

[@marilyn302]

Thank you luckysmusic for posting. I’m 54 y/o and was only familiar with Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles playing the harmonica like no other. I look forward to exploring Mr. Toots’ catalog he left us as well as Sir Ronald Hana.

[@davidkimpton9487]

This is before my time but you know it's just an Amazing thing to listen to something so off the scale,something so brilliant and outstandingly talented!....wow!....could listen to this all night long!....what a man!...what a talent!..just something that cannot be matched!

[@sebastianferman71]

Rest in peace "Toots" Thielemans , when you arrive here in the US, you brought another way to listen to the Harmonica!

[@thatswhatshesaid8153]

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL 😍 DEVINE IN ITSELF ❤ Rest In Peace, Toots. 🌹

[@celsodldelanteuil6568]

A performance that never ends! Miss you, my dear old friend... Thanks.

[@jimdartouzos2127]

I know that Toots had the Legendary John Williams....and his Awesome Orchestra backing him up....but....man ...Toots just was so Amazing with his performance on the harmonica here.....Absolutely Brilliant.

[@FossDoggg]

So I never really knew Toots other than the guy who played harmonica on a bunch of songs a while ago when I was a kid. But now that I know more, WOW!! He's amazing and this song is so unbelievably good!!! RIP!!

[@peterdurkin1499]

Oh my..Boston Pops and Toots. Just heavenly

[@sentineldragon]

Thanks Toots for inspiring people for decades now, myself now included. You live live on as a unique voice and song of our human spirit

[@fabriceboiteux3768]

C'est le plus grand harmoniciste de tous les temps, bien que l'harmonica n'existe pas depuis très longtemps 💙💙💙💚💚💚💛💛💛💜💜💜💟💟💟💝💝💝💘💘💘

[@jrcflaus]

Always makes me want to cry its so beautiful.

[@tasovouzakis]

Brilliant.. absolutely brilliant.

[@paullavan6098]

God bless you, Toots. You are immortal.

[@chrissirvid5845]

Sends me all tingly, wonderful music

[@williampinner1893]

So beautiful. Toots is the best that ever was.

[@harrietjohnson1930]

Soooo beautiful, moving, and masterful! Sending love to Toots.❤️💜

[@marilyn302]

Such brilliance, performed so effortlessly!! Mr. Toots, your harmonica skills gave us a prelude to what “Heaven” on Earth feels like. Thank you for this masterpiece. Sleep In Heavenly Peace.

[@lisabarton9987]

Just Stunning - amazing man

[@wa1ufo]

So beautiful! Toots was and is it for me as far as harmonica goes! Thanks1

[@phillyroxx]

One of my favorite movies ever!!! I can't help myself from shedding a few tears just listening to toots play. Thanx for the post luckysmusic!

[@Marilyn7935]

Toots was the best ever. Still is - in heaven💖

[@gayabalkan]

And the legend is still with us, at nearly 91 playing in Belgium next month!.. He'd seen it all.. from Diango Reinhardt, Charlie Parker, Miles Davies... You name it. The man is a coloseum and a virtuoso of probably the hardest instruments to play, and the only totally 'invisible' (to both player and audience). And only the ones of us who are trying to master it, will know what i mean... RESPECT !

[@GregApe007]

Love this so much.........and you can hear a bit of a pre "Spy Who Loved Me Theme" in this version too. :) Love to Toots........now playing for Christ in Heaven is my hope!!

[@davetv13]

That's a magical performance complete with Fred Buda on the drums (one of the best orchestral kit players in his time)

[@dealsbetweenfriends]

GOD BLESS Toots..! Happy BIrthday...! 90 years going..!

[@The22on]

Does there exist a harmonica player who can do better than this? I think not. What a tour de force. BRAVO, TOOTS!

[@jayfailing6714]

+The22on lee oskar slippin into darkness John Mayall turning point to name two ... but toots w/ metheny is full of masterful technique and feeling.. JJ

[@sergiobarbati2148]

Voli d 'angeli e note di armonica ti accompagnino al tuo riposo , caro ,indimenticabile Toots . . .

[@LOLO-sc6zl]

I'll miss you Toots. Rest In Peace, Love & Good Music.

[@elizabethrider22]

The best......part of the be bop jaz generation.....you youngsters have no idea.......

[@ZAOUWV]

Haunting beautiful . Good bye Toots

[@podiodi]

Wow. I never thought a harmonica could bring tears to my eyes.

[@equilibrioprehumano]

Rip mr. Toots and mr. Barry...from Chile...genial...

[@TerranceKnoxUTBK]

Toots and BPops = Magic!

[@richardkingham8742]

Still very nice piece really... thanks to all involved after many years

[@inneropinion1111]

Probably the best pop ( instrumental ) song ever. It cannot be any cooler.

[@wildcardartist]

RIP our friend. we cannot tell you in your heavenly repose how much we miss you. You will always live Toots

[@quicktothe4]

I just love to watch the conductor really getting into the groove, his face says it all about Toots performance.

[@mh-gl8dx]

John Williams plays John Barry. This is fantastic combination.

[@ThePortuga11]

RIP TOOTS THEIELEMANS DESCANÇA EM PAZ FOREVER...FROM PORTUGAL

[@barnabywylde2224]

That movie would not have been quite the same without his amazing harmonica playing. He captured the feeling of the movie perfectly.

[@hollywoodjoe123]

2 greats from BELGIUM - 2 virtuoso explorers that changed the instruments of guitar and harmonica forevermore - THANK YOU BOTH - DJANGO REINHARDT - - January 23 1910 - May 16 1953 - - and then TOOTS THIELEMANS - - April 29 1922 - August 22 2016

[@gtcharlie815]

Amazing! He was able to make that harmonica really sing.

[@mmende1000]

WOW,, ONE OF THE GREATEST MOVIES WITH ONE OF THE GREATEST THEME SONGS BRINGS BACK ALOT OF MEMORIES

[@lisathomas3082]

😪 always loved this... now I wanna find and watch the movie!

[@mireilledecock274]

do you remember this wonderful musicfrom our youth

[@carolthornley3711]

I cry every time I hear this. I saw Midnight Cowboy when released and still consider this to be the best film music ever. Gracias.

[@aguilacalva2625]

Wow! Wonderful 👍👏👏

[@ericgelders]

Cinematic in every sense of the word, it sounds so beautiful in a modest and delicate way, peace

[@1USAFVET]

Godspeed Toots. Thanks for the music.

[@superboer67]

I saw Toots perform at Gelredome Arnhem. He played ths song. He is 88 years old and still going strong amazing.

[@ROCKINGMAN]

I heard this played on Radio 2 in the early 80's and loved it, then realised it came from the great film from '69. They used to play Sleepy Shores by Johnny Pearson and a thousand other great tunes! Wonderful music.

[@msw8839]

Wow! Outstanding.

[@frankyderick3297]

:-( My 2 favorites together. TT & JW. In tears.

[@FrederickCAycottJr]

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!

[@Janmolenkamp1]

Het blijft geweldig om met deze Grootheid samen achter computer een beetje mee te spelen op mijn mondharmonica ( heerlijk )

[@alexleonardmusic]

The great jazz pianist Sir Roland Hanna on piano!

[@LHL7536]

Toots is most probably one of the best musicians in the World!! It just doesn't get much better than this!!

[@bangsmoke]

He's got a touch and feel on that instrument that's uncanny.

[@Mitch1130]

87 year old....i saw him in Rotterdam last week. I´m very impressed....this must be the biggest belgium artist ever.

[@Zedzian23]

Original version on the Midnight Cowboy soundtrack also featured Toots.

[@zzzzxxxx341]

HARMONICA, ONE OF MY FAVORITE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

[@jn2006]

so beautiful,love it ,thanks for sharing

[@gottohavesoul]

If heaven exists, Toots gets in on this alone. Masterpiece!

[@bluemaxxi]

Oh my ...soooo very wonderful ...Thank you !!!!!