Paul Shaffer, Jimmy Webb And Will Lee Perform "MacArthur Park" | Letterman

[@ramerling]

Absolutely epic and historic performance, Will. Bravo!!!

[@jamescrow9854]

How did you hit that high note at the end Will ? Incredible , Great job every one involved ! An Dave was so funny at the end, saying come on let's do it again. Miss you Dave ,

[@randyweisz7375]

When the song came out in 67 or 68, I bought the 45 and played it 80 times a day for months. I was in love for the first time and it was our song. The passion I felt then and can still feel now in this song is unmatched for me anyway.

[@RandNoel]

Musically speaking - this is one of the hardest songs to sing solo, anyone who does it properly has my congrats

[@jamestaratunio6840]

I am a semi-professional Tenor (not my profession, unfortunately), classically trained. This is one of my favorite songs of all time. I performed it in college with an orchestra in 1973 and have always enjoyed the Richard Harris original version. Though Donna Summer's version was enjoyable, it wasn't my favorite. I'm a purist, that way. I saw this performance last evening, ala the original arrangement, slightly abridged. I was overcome with emotion at the purity of the performance. The orchestral arrangement was obviously the original by Jim Webb, the direction by Paul was super and the vocals by Will Lee were spot on. I do not give accolades easily, but I am giving sincerest compliments to Will Lee, Paul Shaffer and Jim Webb for an excellent performance of that most difficult and beautiful masterpiece of Jim Webb...Richard would have been proud. I was.

[@prestonsmith783]

Webb is amazing. If you can, find a modern interview with him. It will make your day. So glad this has been posted.

[@ellieavenelle8145]

MacArthur Park is the only song that has ever melted my soul, and this performance was right there! One can't help but feel the passion and heartbreak in Jimmy Webb's spirit.

[@jimray2281]

After all the loves of my life,…I’ll be thinking of you, and wondering why. Mr Webb you slay me with that phrase😢

[@patchmanmusic2622]

Astounding performance by all! I've been watching Letterman for decades and this was the best musical segment I've ever seen on the show. Such a pleasure to see maestro Webb on the keys! He's the Beethoven of our times. Big thanks to Dave and CBS for putting this on! More! More!!

[@scenic3619]

The best ever rendition of "MacArthur Park" - EVER! Loved every second of it. Unforgettable!

[@MajorJeffJ]

WOW! And to think that I met Paul Shaffer, briefly, back in 1965 at a teen-age nightclub behind the Prince Edward Hotel in Thunder Bay. We were both High school kids. We (by invitation) crashed a party at someone's parent's house and had a grand time. He excelled far beyond any of us; and, just watching his success and contributions to music has brought me such great joy. I was just an American kid up on a ski trip; but his musical ability was amazing back then. Look where he is now!

[@ricknurse7]

Cool story! Thanks for sharing!

[@RjBenjamin353]

AMAZING!! gotta be the best thing Letterman has done on the show.

[@SAJV2013]

3rd time watched. Fortunately I had switched the TV that day in the moment they were starting to play, and thought lets see whats going on. Will Lee and all the set coloured this song with enthusiasm and reverence as ever. Epic.

[@70slandshark]

This performance by far the is the best of any and all covers,, such a magnificent song!

[@AmberWaves444]

Wow! What a blast from the past. Great rendition of the classic from the 60s originally sung by Richard Harris.

[@burnabybrent]

Originally written and sung by Jimmy Webb, but a hit by Richard Harris! You can see Webb's version on youtube as well.

[@Saltygal]

That was fabulous! That song was one of a kind when it came out and remains in a class of its own to this day . So glad to be able to hear this performance , and be able to come back to it again and again.

[@leaniemendelsohn7689]

listening for 7 days now!! I am hooked.

[@joxxk]

I was left with my mouth wide open and in stare after this performance. I was so glad to see it on here. The strings were so good!

[@refill4u]

I have loved this song for 45 yrs. Thank you paul,jimmy and dave. Great!

[@jennifer2960]

***** Now we're old eh?

[@Topspeed325]

Wow never heard him sing. Beautiful.

[@jiphoto2]

I Saw this on the show Monday night. Terrific performance!

[@BLCdale]

Fabulous performance, I have watched it several times. Thanks for doing this historic and wonderful arrangement of one of the best songs ever written.

[@BelindaKyle]

Wow! What a chart! Amazing performance.

[@howardluloff388]

No matter how many negative comments were about the original Richard Harris version of MacArthur Park, it's one of my all-time favorite songs. There wasn't any song at that time in the Top 40 that was uniquely written like a miniature symphony in 1968.

[@jasonwheel]

what can you say about this? it speaks for itself. the 'legendary' Jimmy Webb.

[@drrjim]

Man, they pulled out all the stops. Complete with striped pants.......... and Cake ! And I can't believe he pulled off those last high notes. What a talent Will Lee is; A true musician .

[@vinnierichichi5285]

I wish they would post the set up to this number. It is Dave at his best. Imagine being able to do this for your son because he heard a song on the radio. I hope that Harry and all of us appreciate what a tender moment this really was. Every note had the love of a dad trying to do something for his son attached to it!

[@kcrossleKMC]

I love watching the surrounding musicians at the end of the performance! Share their pleasure.

[@jaypek43-Phil]

Absolutely loved it! Great production! Will Lee killed it!

[@ChristineLavin999]

Wow! I have always loved this song -- first time I've ever seen it live. Kudos to David Letterman for doing this on his show. And that cake! That cake! And Will Lee even hitting that impossibly high note at the end. Yowza!

[@rr7firefly]

Born in 1946, Jimmy Webb would be at least 65 in this television appearance. (Don't fall off that ladder, Will Lee!) Paul Shaffer must have loved every minute of playing with this legendary composer.

[@raulcarmona7579]

This has and always will be one of my favorite songs,,, and this is definitely one of my favorite interpretations, KUDDOS Paul and of course, David, he was behind the whole thing... Thanks

[@southparklimo]

A fantastic performance. Richard Harris would have loved it. Will Lee was the perfect voice for this. And thanks to Jimmy Webb for the song.

[@susanperkins1909]

I actually had goose bumps watching this. Nothing absolutely nothing beats a live orchestra on a wonderful piece like this. Paul great job conducting. AWESOME!!

[@suredunno]

This is amazing! I never thought I would love this song, but wow, Will Lee's voice and this version is totally amazing. I always knew Will was a great bassist, but he is so vocally talented! WOW ! Great performance. Thank you!

[@Ladysensei]

Wow, I never got to see this when it aired for some reason!! What an unbelievable fantastic moment on television!! Thank goodness for KZbin !! My dad was a DJ at a local radio station at the time this song was released. He told me that he thought it was a really strange song, but it was OK. Of course, back in those days people phoned in requesting songs and he said it was nonstop. Everyone kept calling and requesting “the cake in the rain” song. They couldn’t remember the title of it, but just remembered that part of the song! I still love this song and this version of it I remember Donna Summer recorded it as a disco tune, and it was OK but this one is the gold standard to me.

[@leaniemendelsohn7689]

I have been listening to that song every single day for over 2 1/2 months. Will Lee is mesmerizing and the arrangement with all those strings is perfect. I don't know how to give it up. Hooked on it lmendelsohn

[@CCB5er34]

This was so great, just incredible, Will Lee was great, brought a tear to my eyes, truly amazing!!!!

[@rocksinger45]

The multi talented Will Lee....What else can you say. Gonna miss Dave, Paul and his gang.

[@kerrydunbar8328]

OMG. Thank you David for getting this on the air. I wish you the best retirement, but will miss you so much. I used to never like you years ago, but somehow have grown to love you. God Bless.

[@andycorum626]

This was magnificent. Especially with Jimmy Webb there. Lee did an outstanding job - only really one issue switching to falsetto at the end where it gets so high. GREAT arrangement - such a wonderful song, and a great look at the brilliance of Webb. The cake was a little 'cheesy' - but, a stunning performance! One of those that you'll say "I remember watching Letterman and seeing this" for years to come.

[@kathycooper7496]

The singer here, Will Lee is so charismatic, the way he stands there, just slightly rocking to the music, wow what a performance. I could fall in love with him, truly. xxxx

[@eileengorton5968]

The Best! In the '80's bought the album, used, for 25 cents and played Richard Harris's talk-singing over and over; loved the orchestration then and now. Will Lee blew my booties off hitting those high notes! A high achievement for him, one and all!

[@paulcleverley7393]

I tuned back into Letterman lately and I'm going to mourn our loss when he goes into retirement this year. Jimmy isn't the perfect singer but this song about the loss of the love of his life is amazing. Shaffer has the right to grandstand. Try putting something like this together in one afternoon. Shaffer is a genius.

[@daitos1955]

Not only Will Lee is an outstanding bass player, but also a consummate singer as welI, it's no wonder He gets most of the top gigs in NY. Can't help just to feel just a weenie bit envious about someone having the whole "package". Good onya Will

[@ulricrainard]

from the heart_ this presentation is one beautiful event...God Bless.

[@michaelpowell1488]

I never watch Letterman, but that was incredible! Being a bassist of 35 years, I love Will Lee, and being a lifelong Jimmy Webb nut, this is a treat. I did not know Will could sing. People who make fun of these lyrics or the song either do not know the story, or they just don't recognize great works of music.

[@brianehni5918]

It's "MacArthur Park", not "MacArthur's Park". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacArthur_Park_(song)

[@70slandshark]

Will Lee ,, by far one of the best performances since the original, Thanks for bringing back such classic memories!!

[@richardcurley5798]

What a fantastic performance!! Before he retires, Dave should devote an entire show to Paul & his band.

[@juliep.7660]

Just started to fall asleep but THIS woke me up!! Beautiful composition by Webb. Outstanding performance by CBS orchestra!

[@bearlake8128]

I checked the info last night for Letterman's show and saw MacArthur Park. I thought it might be a new band and not my favorite song. I switched channels to Fallon, Kimmel and back to Letterman just as this song swelled to it's beginning. I put down the remote and felt chills. This song means so much to me and brings back wonderful memories. Every musician did such an amazing job. Someone said Letterman did it for Harry. Didn't catch that part, but I sure loved it, even though they left out some of my favorite lyrics. What a treat!

[@nattwitham7900]

This is simply fantastic! A beautiful rich full blown version of this landmark song with the man himself Jim Webb there to bring the magic of the song RIGHT BACK to us from that amazing controversial "45" we had as teenagers! THANKYOU SO Jimmy, Paul, and Will for a perfectly inspiring climax to my 60th birthday!!!!!! I will never forget it!!

[@juanitajamison9243]

I loved this, and was especially happy to see Felicia do her stuff. She's great. The whole performance was fantastic.

[@MikeMc442]

Incredible...riveting... a triumph of talent.

[@johnmuller9078]

Ladies and gentlemen: The World's Most Dangerous Band!

[@xsk8rat]

The piece was welled orchestrated and Mr. Lee put everything on the line. I switched on just as this started and was completely blown away. The guitar solo (and electric heater) were a highlight as well.

[@daleanngreen2698]

I saw this live on Letterman the other night and I loved it so much! Will Lee's voice is perfect for this, great job! When Letterman said "Let's do it again!" I said YES! I had to watch it over again on KZbin because I love it so much.

[@ChuckTipton]

A great performance, worthy of watching and listening to every minute.

[@ivanusaga]

MY GOODNESS WHAT A WONDERFUL RENDITION OF MY FAVORITE SONG !!!

[@nampagirl77]

I wish I was there to see this live! Thanks to all who made this possible, and a huge thank you to Jimmy Webb for this and all of the other great songs he's written over the years.

[@jadie6992]

Just Awesome performance by Will Lee! I've watched this countless times and chills overcome me each time!

[@drewstevens7543]

I'm going out to buy Will Lee's new CD: Love, gratitude and other distractions. This was one of the best performances on the Late Show in years. A throwback to the old variety shows of the past. Will Lee has an amazing voice we only hear a bit of as they go to commercials, with Paul and the rest of the band this performance should easily hit ONE MILLION VIEWS !!! Amazing, incredible and delightful are mere words to the feelings that this song brings when listened to. Letterman rules.

[@memorast]

Great Job Jimmy Webb. The guy finally gets to sing the song he wrote. You were very smart to have Richard Harris do it the first time... I played this on my Navy ship on the top deck with fluorescent lights hooked up to the speakers. It was fantastic. Great Song.... It will outlive all of us..

[@4thstooge]

Not Jimmy Webb singing, Will Lee singing, Jimmy Webb was at the keyboard opposite Paul Schaffer.

[@custompoems]

Wow After seeing this on the show, we had to experience it again and checked good old reliable KZbin. Fortunately, here it is !!!! This is absolutely a high water mark for the David Letterman Show. Will Lee's skillful and heartfelt performance and the orchestration changed my "take it or leave it" attitude about Macarthur Park into a "gotta have it" urge. This song was my very next iTunes purchase.

[@maryaileo6409]

this song is fabulous!!....Will Lee does an amazing job and Jimmy Webb is awesome

[@FastEddie95]

Awesome stuff. Dave has been having some great shows in his last year of an incredible career.

[@Sauceywalker]

FANTASTIC performance. I actually LOVE this performance over all of the others. The singer, Will Lee, is perfect, and he sings the lyrics from his heart and soul. I actually had tears in my eyes at the end of the performance!!! And, I remember hearing this song performed by Richard Harris and Donna Summer and never liked it. Maybe it was this performance making the difference, or maybe my heart has been broken enough times to know EXACTLY what the lyrics mean.

[@frankwendeln8572]

me too. the song has always been an emotional touchstone for me.

[@juanitajamison9243]

I thought I might be nuts because I was crying at the end, too.

[@SAJV2013]

When I was young I really mock of these songs. Now I like these heart-break songs, Roberto Carlos, Julio Iglesias.

[@swinedance]

Better than Harris and Summers, but the Webb's own version captures the emotion better.

[@maryaileo6409]

I think this is the best version

[@VILJL]

"MacArthur Park" is a song written by American singer-songwriter Jimmy Webb that was recorded first by Irish actor and singer Richard Harris in 1968. Harris's version peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number four on the UK Singles Chart. "MacArthur Park" was subsequently covered by numerous artists, including a 1970 Grammy-winning version by country music singer Waylon Jennings and a number one Billboard Hot 100 disco version by Donna Summer in 1978. Webb won the 1969 Grammy Award for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist for the Richard Harris version.

[@ybnews1]

FANTASTIC! Probably the BEST musical production Ever done on Letterman. Will Lee did a Fantastic job. I'm a musician/singer and can assure you that the vocal range here is Huge! My respect for Will Lee has increased.

[@henrymckellar1878]

Great song when sung by Richard Harris, came to real life when sung by the Four Tops. This is the greatest version I have seen.

[@jillshinault9442]

The Four Tops version is the first one I ever heard. It took a number of years for me to really understand it and what an iconic composition it is. I was so fortunate to see and hear Jimmy Webb sing it about a year ago.

[@MkeyLikey1954]

Great Job Will Lee & All of you !!! Choked me up but good !! Watched the DVR of the song 5 times & shared this to my Facebook page . Really Amazing Job !!!

[@tcason19]

I so wish I had been in the audience to witness this first hand. What an amazing performance by all.

[@Scott-ob2os]

This was clearly a labor of love for all involved. Bravo!

[@rcjward]

I agree with Jacquelyn and Andy, I totally get the tears thing. FANTASTIC performance! Will Lee was perfect for that song, and that last note was better than anything!!!

[@TechArtisan]

Sharing, sharing, sharing -- WITH EVERYBODY!!! Stunning performance!

[@greytimberwolfpup]

I just rewatched this, and it is still amazing.

[@burnabybrent]

This was amazing, watched on the eastern channel and then had to watch again in western zone. FANTASTIC!

[@ljtlove4519]

That was the best! And he hit that high note too! Jimmy, sure am proud of you, you wrote the best songs! Love them!

[@birdee18]

I wish this was available as a single because I would buy it in a heartbeat. Best version I've ever heard! I had no idea Will could sing like this!

[@Architectureguy]

I daresay this is THE GREATEST live song performance in TV history.

[@jonathanschult9286]

Must have cost a fortune to put this on with the orchestra, but damn well worth it. Sorry I missed being able to see it on the show.

[@richardhenderson9665]

This song always breaks my heart when I hear it. Without seeming too dramatic, it reminds me of one true love I had many years ago I let slip through my fingers. I think about her all the time but have not seen or heard from her in 40 years. Sucks to be me.

[@jillshinault9442]

Not at all dramatic! I'm not sure how many people realize that the entire cake thing is a metaphor for a lost relationship. This song touched you exactly the way it was meant to.

[@oldbandguy]

Will Lee....best musician in late night television.

[@peteelliott7236]

This is fabulous rendition of a truly classic song. I love the Richard Harris version, but to see this performed "live" is truly awesome. Wow!!!

[@rrrockhard]

Will Lee is the man!!! Incredible. No posing, only the right notes. And beside that he's a great singer, too! Amazing.

[@josephvozzella7035]

One of the best orchestrated songs I have ever seen, music, video, and vocals, totally awesome. Me being pro vocal can appreciate this video.

[@outdoorusa]

This was awesome !!! Mr. Carson would be so proud ! Encore Encore - this is how you should go out with your final show - final number ......

[@matthewdavis9750]

The best version of this song so far!

[@johnjhill3]

I've seen Will Lee's stellar bass work many times, but I had no idea his pipes have such range. I kvelled!!! Why does he say "5-45" at the end? Before the performance Dave and Paul talked about how long the song ran during rehearsal. The broadcast performance went a bit shorter, so Dave said, "Let's do it again!"

[@juanitajamison9243]

The original song was over 7 minutes long. When Dave was talking about having it on, he said maybe they could do it in 5:45 minutes. He was talking about the time.

[@dhloup1]

That's one of the greatest performances I've ever seen!

[@stefaniadurbano265]

Assolutamente meraviglioso. L'ho visto in replica, la sera dopo (quando viene trasmesso da noi in Italia) e mi ha commossa da subito. L'ho rivisto più volte, e mi crea sempre la stessa emozione. Grande musica, grandi interpreti. Bravi!

[@Rcity2332]

Paul is amazing. His love for music is inspiring. Just watch him.

[@Time4Hemp]

WOW - Will Lee has an amazing voice and an amazing range - left me speechless - watched this about 20 times in a row - just AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!! The entire production was World Class - just WOW!

[@davemcandrews2779]

If You ever get the chance to see Will's Beatles Tribute Band "THE FAB FAUX" Don't Miss Them!

[@LJH70122]

I've heard of the Fab Faux. Didn't know Will was a part of it. I'll have to check them out.

[@davemcandrews2779]

Larry Harris Jimmy Vivino from Conan O'Brien's Band is also in "The Faux".

[@margotbraswell3288]

I saw the Fab Faux at George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium in DC. Truly honestly FAB!

[@JuanCarrionHappiness]

What a nice, fantastic melody, harmony of this song that reminds me the 70's hits when I was young twenties. But, also like it when Donna Summer the queen of disco made me feel so gorgeous, so happy, Ohhhhhhh ! what a feeling.

[@crwheat]

Incredible performance!

[@gregoryguntter2684]

One of the best renderings of this tune I have heard. Paul Shaffer's interpretation is right on.

[@NotMiles]

And let's give credit to Tom "Bones" Malone for the arrangement.

[@emj8402]

Awesome...just awesome. I would love to see this be released on iTunes.

[@baba4126-o7b]

Fantastic!!! Dave's going out on top!!! I hope he does more oldies but goodies done by some of the greats before he's gone for good. You go Dave!!

[@SandiBachom]

so proud of you Will.

[@ippe1]

I LOVE that song! Great remake.