Ramin Karimloo: Make Them Hear You

Sept 8, 2012 -- Ramin performs the "Ragtime" hit to a sold-out Chicago crowd during his "Road to Find Out" North American Tour. (I left in the first little bit to give you just a glimpse of the banter between songs... it was quite entertaining.) Check out the full (hilarious!) "rant" via this video: • Ramin Karimloo: Make T...

[@eckkd4252]

Legend has it he is still holding that last note to this day.

[@AmyNikitaMusicMusicalsMovies]

Gorgeous as always; I fall in love with Ramin every time I hear him sing.

[@cahebding]

Still come back to this rendition every few months when I feel the new to shed a tear to a song with a deep message. Don't ever let this disappear.

[@chocolatesouljah]

I like Ramin Karimloo. He is good looking and an amazing singer but people don't seem to get the difference between a concert piece and musical theatre performance. In concert a man might sing "Don't Rain On My Parade" a woman might sing "The Music of the Night" onstage the roles are cast accordingly. Ramin clearly has affection for this song and delivers it beautifully. He should never play the actual character of Coalhouse. Just like he does a beautiful "I Dreamed a Dream" but it doesn't make him an ideal Fantine.

[@MissingSirius]

Well said!

[@mom2kpcj]

Exactly! He's singing a piece from "Ragtime", not playing Coalhouse in a production of "Ragtime". In concert settings, many performers sing songs they would never be cast for just because they love the song.

[@lkernsjr]

That sustain at the end is the real knock out punch of the whole number! And this guy kills it!

[@Tnovak1000]

We're doing this in my choir and my director told us to watch this version because he loves Ramin so much, and I love this version so much!

[@hannahrosereviews5073]

He has THE PERFECT voice! I could listen to him ALL FREAKING DAY!!!

[@tenwalkstillsundown2548]

When Ramin sings > everything else

[@amirat.9805]

Wow that crystalline tonal quality! Ramin does it again.

[@helenmears6691]

Good Lord! You could go out and make a cup of tea, come back and he would STILL be holding that last note! Amazing.

[@HelsBelles27]

Gah, I want a studio version of this so badly!

[@fishfingersndcustard]

Every time I hear Ramin speak in his actual Canadian accent I have to do a double take, because I first heard him with the English one in Phantom25. His voice just makes me melt, regardless of what dialect it may take.

[@rosestormwolf]

This is just the perfect song for the Revolution sung by the perfect man...

[@starkidislife]

God, he's amazing. It was an awesome concert, best part though was talking to him afterwards. Sorry, just had to brag about it somewhere.

[@PhantomPhan7880]

Thank you soo much for posting this! Ramin is my FAVORITE singer, musical and otherwise. This song is beautiful! I've never seen Ragtime (not yet at least), but I feel like I don't even need to when I listen to this. Ramin puts so much passion and emotion into his voice I started crying the first time I heard this. I can hear the struggle that I'm sure was in the story just by his voice. I can't imagine anyone else singing it. Come on, Ramin! Make them give you the part!

[@ivegotajousyaccent99]

God I love this song and him. He'll always be the Phantom of the Opera to me before anything else 😂

[@tblazer23]

Very good version done by a big time professional. A high school kid did a great version listed as "Victor sings 'Make them Hear you'

[@audioajunkie]

He's talking about never getting to play this part in Ragtime, since the role is African American and he's Iranian. To hear more of it, check out the link in the video info (just click "Show More").

[@Potoperson]

My word, I just realized the poetic significance of the fact he was Enjorlas and now he's singing this thematically similar and utterly gorgeous song. :D

[@mangoq4419]

He is just so cute hahah :D!!

[@lora0494]

Ramin makes me fall in love again n again

[@starkidislife]

Well I asked why he has napkins in his back pocket, cause he like plays with him during the show, I was like "CAN I ASK YOU A QUESTION." and he was like "No." and I swear to god I froze horrified for a couple seconds before I realized he was joking. I asked for pictures and told him he was the best vocalist I've ever heard, to which he responded "nah-there are tons better than me." then I was like "no I really mean it- I loved you as enjolras!" And he said "thank you darling."

[@maryrothlis8474]

WOW 😲

[@PlaidBoyPDX]

Such a gorgeous performance. What a voice. 🙌🏻

[@MusicmasterC2002]

One of the greatest baritone musical theatre songs ever written. Anyone else agree with me?

[@williampacholski8398]

agreed!

[@anthonyralph1114]

This song is actually for tenors. Black tenors, to be exact

[@moocow6350]

Yes made for tenors but in my opinion it sounds more powerful with a baritone or bass in falsetto.

[@southernlady5085]

@@moocow6350 Yes, but considering what he and his family went through prior to arriving in Canada, I’m sure this song holds great meaning for him as well. Any one who has encountered prejudice and hatred can relate. Let us pray that some day the words of Dr Martin Luther King Jr will be realized, and that people will be judged for their character and not for the color of their skin. May this prayer reside in our hearts and minds until the dream becomes a reality for all.

[@jonathanford683]

this song is for the bass voice type...@@anthonyralph1114

[@norbertherterich4750]

I think this is much to well sung. Theres almost no massage to hear as he sings this great song.

[@jensummer900]

No massage indeed

[@Lauren94twitch]

he so talented one of his best songs wow

[@user-le8ge1zw1s]

I think I have to count how many times I watching this video.. Maybe about 100times a week..

[@hgfhgfdtGhjtgfd]

Omg that last note gave me chills

[@Hadimaz]

He is unbelievable

[@MrStenchsluver]

omgoodness that last note was incredible!!!!!!!!!

[@stevenscholze8196]

Tears in my eyes. Beautiful. Love this

[@audioajunkie]

Your choir director has very good taste. I may be biased, but this particular performance is my very favorite!

[@detectivefiction3701]

I think we should simply judge Ramin Karimloo's rendition as a rendition, and forget about whether he could perform the role in the musical or not (he probably couldn't). An irony I did want to point out, though, is that the original Coalhouse, Brian Stokes Mitchell, is *half-white.* So I wonder if, back in 1998, some people were complaining that *he* should not have been cast?

[@terrimoore-bryant7894]

Beautul! His breath control and placement is amazing!

[@twistedcutie]

I love him:)

[@judithpipher8624]

Amazing breath control!!!

[@munkeybutt]

This is what the phantom would sing if he were to help the ABC fight in Les Mis

[@EmilyYanSMILE]

I love this..

[@DanKeeleyMusic]

Holy Last Note, Batman!

[@hypnosisforinsomania]

man that was long

[@kerohrs]

GOOSEBUMPS

[@DefeatBean]

Thank you, God, for his voice. :)

[@kimberlly3231]

@raminkarimloo Last note was unbelievable.. I love this man, he's just amazing!

[@audioajunkie]

sure do! just check the playlist this video is in... or just check my channel... it is called "Ramin Karimloo: The Impossible Dream"

[@e09605588011]

我喜歡他的眼睛

[@trolex84]

In the key of E Major, there is no A-flat. It's called G-Sharp. Same Note.

[@Yebbi2345]

Swelling up with tears.

[@troywheeler5276]

Guys. Guys. Guys. I understand that Ramin would be AMAZING in this role!! BUT he can't play it. He CAN'T play it because it's originally played a black man and it's always been played by a black man. ALSO it states in the script about the characters race and this song is about race so you can't just change the characters race all of a sudden. I know they did it in Les Mis, but in Les Mis they never state what race the characters are so they can be played by any race! Like eponine has been played by a black women. And fantine has been played by a black women. You guys get where I'm coming from? Thanks

[@Makethemhearragtime]

+Troy Wheeler This song is not about race. It can apply to Isabelle Garnett on Breakfast TV this morning.

[@KornKobs96]

+ReviewCam no. It is about Black people in the 1910s. Why alter the script. Fuck you, genuinely, fuck you. Sing the song, not the role.

[@KornKobs96]

+ReviewCam why should he? because he has a good voice? because he's a person of colour? No bud, that's not how things work. It's a black role, one of the very few. It reflects what black people went through, its about politcal and historical preservation and significance. Maybe he can play Tateh, but not Coalhouse. There is no way Coalhouse should ever be played by someone not black. That's so absurd and offnsive an idea that I am so angered and I had to just say fuck off.

[@djlancerock1273]

+ReviewCam it's hard enough out here being a baritone... I can't even imagine being a black baritone. So no... you can't take away one of the very few roles specifically for an Black man in this vocal range. You wouldn't have Him playing a female role so why would you have him play a black one?

[@wildcatste]

100% agree with you. Colorblind casting only works when race is not a theme of the show (unless you are going against type in a show about race for the very purpose of making a statement about race- for example, the diversity of Hamilton or that version of Othello where Othello was white and the rest of the cast was Black). As much as Ramin killed it here, he should never be cast as Coalhouse in Ragtime.

[@TylerDBruffett]

2:18

[@BonnieWayfarers]

Is it very strange that the first time I heard him singing this song I though about Enjolras? This kind of role suits him very well, in my opinion. Or am I the only one who feels that he really means every word?

[@magdabernobic6498]

he's been married for like 13 years now with two sons haha :D

[@k.....8805]

Tks cxx

[@Cheyenneriley280]

my school sang this song for are choir concert

[@cameronmysliwicz4393]

same

[@barrybach]

Yessssssss. Thank you!

[@melissamybubbles6139]

This is inspirational. I'm involved in a movement to confront sexual harassment and abuse of children in the church of my childhood. Thank you for this song.

[@musicalboy]

this dude. wowwwwwww

[@MrStenchsluver]

This is seriously incredible!!!!!!

[@taylorjo9]

Holy.... That last note... I have no words...

[@JackGiblenSinger]

Sustaining as easy as he’d wash the dishes

[@LukeBobRobinson]

You're totally right! Haha my bad!

[@hannahrosereviews5073]

@Taylor Draper - No. He's married and has two sons.

[@paolabarcaro4318]

bellissimo video

[@DocEsquire]

That was awesome! I didn't know what to expect, but I'm impressed.

[@jusdepomme98]

This is in the top two favorite make them hear you of all times. But number 1 will always be Quentin Earl Darrington.

[@DefeatBean]

I feel like this is his Enjolras persona. :)

[@TaylorRyanOfficial]

UHMMM....i'm single. is he? because I'm totally available...

[@jakethewoz]

Imagine if the pianist had learned the song...

[@grimadventuresofm]

Guys, this is Ragtime. Not Les Mis. I'm on the Les Miserables bandwagon as well, but it's not Enjolras' song, whether it sounds like it's a song he would sing or not. Man I loved being in this show...

[@LukeBobRobinson]

Harry, I don't know what you think an f# is but I have near perfect pitch and a piano and that top note was in fact an Ab.

[@brobbinsroost]

Thanks for this. We were there and got some good vids, but missed filming this one, and I love it.

[@harryroldie4698]

this was take a down a whole step. the high note "I'll" in the phrase "I'll be near you" should be an Ab. This was sung on an F#

[@tripmelton8992]

Lmao no it is not are you deaf lol

[@Moonlight-tr7jv]

Love this but he should have done a higher key since he's a tenor

[@knpeter9490]

Fucking goose bumps. Gorgeous.

[@Yebbi2345]

Really like his haircut.

[@starkidislife]

Nah, we waited outside by the stage door for awhile and after he didn't come out my friend had to pee so we went into the main building and right as we walked in he came through some hidden door, and I was like "OH HELLO THERE." and it was just us and I was awkward.

[@DarthAcaila]

Yes, but Les Mis isn't specifically about racial issues. This song is sung by Coalhouse Walker and his storyline revolves around the trials he faces as a black man. Colour blind casting is great, but there are situations in which it is inappropriate, and this part is one.

[@donaldfitzgerald9322]

Oh yeah…. Inspirational

[@DarthAcaila]

Les Mis employs colour blind casting because the element of race is not relevant to the show. Eponine isn't specified as a character of any particular race, so they cast the best people for the role and don't really fuss too much about a kid who appears on stage for 10 seconds and has no lines. Race is a key theme to Ragtime, and if you think a non-black actor would be acceptable in the role, then you're talking nonsense. And, since you admit you don't know Ragtime, that's not a surprise.

[@starkidislife]

sorry i didnt reply in time, i never go on this account anymore but i couldn't have helped you anyways-the only reason i met him was great timing and my friend's full bladder. i hope you had an awesome time though!

[@CawfeeCakes]

My nerd ass only hears anders

[@secondaccount4569]

Where in Chicago did he perform?

[@Rich.Staples]

His performance is so flat and unemotional it makes my heart hurt for him he has no connection with the music he is performing.

[@voiceaddict]

Great singer, but he doesn't get it, and its reflected in his performance.

[@PhantomPhan7880]

Exactly. I've also heard of an African American woman playing Eponnie while young Eponnie was played by a Caucasin (

[@scabbz48]

phantomphan7880 the whole show is about race!!! Why would they cast a passable white man in a black role. The story would be nonexistent!

[@amandam842]

12 people hit thumbs down by mistake.

[@AndrewStormStorywizard1948]

I am sorry, Black or White or color blind....He is NO Brian Stokes Mitchell. The guy is good, but Brian Stokes Mitchell blows him away! The guy has a fine voice and is suited for many parts, but his voice just does not stand up to Brian!

[@javieralonso64]

Much agreed. BSM sings with his whole body leaving nothing uncovered, completely exposed, and Ramin sings with his well trained delicious voice. It's not about one's color of skin is about passion in singing styles or 4 Tony's versus 1 Tony.

[@PhantomPhan7880]

My point was that Les Mis switched Eponnie's race halfway through the play. People can't change their race, so they shouldn't have cast it that way. I understand the meaning of the song, I just wish Ramin could perform the role. He'd be perfect and I'm sure there are plenty worse casting decisions in the world of musical theater.

[@PhantomPhan7880]

I said I haven't watched it, not that I don't know what its about. -.- And I'm not saying Ramin is the ideal person to play the role, I'm just saying that I would love to see him perform it, regardless of race. Can't you just let me want to see one of my favorite actors perform a role? Why does this have to be an arguement? It's not like anyone will ever actually care about my opinion anyways and I know he'll never get the role. A girl still has the right to her imagination though.

[@scabbz48]

phantomphan7880 read what the play is about and then you will see why people are reacting this way..

[@AFF461]

Brian Stokes Mitchell sang it better

[@stefanhoimes8119]

No offense, since he has a beautiful voice... but something feels so... wrong... about a non-black man singing this song... It's taking the power out of it.

[@dnatsrednUouYoD]

stefan hoimes why can't someone just 1. Enjoy the goddamn song 2. Honour the history and emotional value of the song through their performance. No one can help their skin colour. But anyone can choose to stand in solidarity, regardless of skin colour.

[@scabbz48]

Totally agree. It has so much power when a man of color sings it. Also a man of color has the ability to tap into the pain and the desperation that others cannot portray. Although I do love Ramin and his voice is beautiful, I’m just not feeling it

[@detectivefiction3701]

It's fine if Ramin's rendition doesn't move you emotionally. I understand; it's your personal opinion. But, if you're claiming that a man of a certain color *necessarily* has the ability to portray "pain and desperation" -- and that a man of another color *necessarily* does not -- then you're making a generalization based on race. That's a form of prejudice; the idea that certain abilities *come with* skin color is the very definition of racism. I don't know if this is the claim you're making -- but if you are, then I'd reconsider it.

[@detectivefiction3701]

Angel -- Thank you!!

[@detectivefiction3701]

I'd also add that not every single "person of color" is going to be able to "tap into" pain and sorrow -- because these people are all *individuals*, with distinct experiences. Not every black person has experienced racism to the same degree; and it could even be that Ramin, as a Persian living in Canada, has experienced prejudice himself.