Randy Graff "I Dreamed a Dream" Les Miserables

[@franinconverse]

woah... she completely owned that. this song always makes me want to cry.

[@edgarbeverly7671]

I only say, WOW.

[@gogetyourverb]

One of the reasons I also love Randy Graff is that she is a graduate of Wagner College. That college has an excellet theater department so it's easy to see where Randy gets her talent and knowledge in every important aspect of theater.

[@bresslili]

I had the pleasure of attending Wagner College with Randy for a few years. She is a wonderful actress and singer and a great person. She recently performed at the Hartford Stage in "Motherhood Out Loud". Always a pleasure to watch and hear :)

[@natarajriya5550]

I Heard This song two Days Back... What an voice what an Lyrics...🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤

[@anthonyhenrysmith]

she is FANTASTIC! got the cast album BUT- never saw this! wow!

[@leandrofdossantos6595]

I love it powerful and efortless

[@Lindow]

God, the backing is a nightmare! Plonk plonk plonk!

[@ErinLovegood]

Of all the wonderful Fanitnes out there -Patti, Lea, Ruthie- Randy Graff is still my favorite. I even got into an argument about it with an adult ( I was 16, 17 at the time) who thought I was nuts to think anyone could replace Patti.

[@Frankiarmz]

I enjoy music but have not seen Les Mis, the only song I was familiar with was "Bring Him Home". I thank Susan Boyle for bringing attention to this beautiful song and all the fine singers who have made it their own. Thank you.

[@vscheyving]

That's a synthesized piano (that sounds like it's cutting in and out)!!

[@notbatman1000]

My favorite performance for this song is Marilyn Mccoo on some charity show. Very few can match Marilyn at singing anything though! I guess that's why they had her on a show like Solid Gold where she had to perform a different popular song every week!

[@bleachanime1]

I don't understand the brutal criticism of her performance... I think it was quite good, indeed.... Clearly, the audio quality needs work on the video, but that is no fault of Graff herself. And to those who criticized her smiling, it is to convey the illusion of happiness that was present for parts of Fantine's life, I believe.

[@ryke_out]

I dont understand all the rude comments. I get it if you think another actress has a better voice or fit the role better, but coming on here and saying that she is "shit" is pretty rude. To me, she has a nice voice and she can really make me feel so many emotions. Very powerful and moving. Keep in mind that this is a performance on a talk show, not her real performance on the stage. Much love for Randy Graff!

[@xxxxxxkarlaxxxxxx]

I've watched many many versions of this song and nobody matches the passion, soul, heart of Susan Boyle. Her voice is also celestial. Not many singers can do that. The only other singer who I can think of who can possibly do a really great job other than Susan is Julie Andrews but unfortunately haven't found anything on KZbin.

[@ozzian2000]

@gogetyourverb I went and was expecting Patti LuPone. I was FURIOUS to find out it was Ruthie Henshall and told everyone my feelings. Ate myself one whole heck of a lot of Humble Pie after that PHENOMENAL performance.

[@SONGLANGTHEMOVIE]

Beautifully sung! Though she is not the best person to interviewed is she? She gives "dead end" answers.

[@williamrizzo4501]

Nobody beats Ruthie!

[@atis9061]

Why does the band sound too loud?

[@MagicScarf]

she did wonderful...i don't think the backing music was traditionally done with 80's synthesizers though

[@gogetyourverb]

In addition to studying theater at Wagner College, I wonder if she also got vocal training.

[@Mimiyoh]

Suzan Boyle brought me here from Kuwait

[@mioant]

potresti spiegarmi cosa vuol dire? could you explain what does it mean? thank you!

[@lesmizfanatic90]

@thesilvershining i wouldn't say she's the best but i do really like her performance. she doesn't hit those high notes well but i love her low alto voice.

[@AndreBSouza]

Patti LuPone is from the original london cast and I guess she nails it as well!

[@sanduhra]

Definitely my favorite Fantine. Also, are you guys kidding about Susan Boyle? She's good for raw talent, and it was exciting how she surprised everyone, but she in no way even begins to communicate the emotion that Randy Graff does. As a huge Les Mis fan, I find this whole Susan Boyle comparison thing a bit insulting.

[@xxxruzzelxxx]

I was about to cry until I laughed at 5:50, LOL

[@bastard101]

Great video and nice quality for it being in 1987, wow, amazing!

[@hirhodes]

I applaud Randy for originating the role but I like Ruthie Henshall best.

[@babrell]

Not if you listen to the ORIGINAL BROADWAY recording, RANDY ORIGINATED AND OWNS IT, PATTI SINGS PRETTY, NOT NEARLY AS EMOTIONAL

[@NOLFPV]

something wrong with her voice on 5:35 she cant reach the ryt tune :) but shes good

[@Konni62]

Yes she dit ..... Copy and paste if Susan Boyle brought you here! :)

[@marmaduke0262]

this lady is still living the dream... I like Susan Boyle's version better.

[@jennypooh9617]

OK...Sorry but Susan's performance blows this away

[@xxxxxxkarlaxxxxxx]

Randy does a good job though by the way ;)

[@lilibethfrances7406]

For a second, I thought she was Cher

[@z3suzie123]

ugh wow how far this song has come.. she had no emotion until the end and couldn't reach the high note, Ruthie is soooo much better!

[@vynniev]

Copy this if **Susan Boyle** got you here

[@StarryNight713]

What is up with this backtrack from Hell?

[@Landonc95]

Copy and paste if Susan Boyle brought you here!!

[@kevisaurus]

I thought this was Cher for a minute. Haha.

[@Federico65us]

Copy and paste if Susan Boyle brought you here

[@runline]

Out of pitch? I think not.

[@Lehmann108]

The music behind the intro is terrible!

[@oprahismyhomegirl]

Jesus. Great performance, but God almighty, weren't the 80s an awful time for fashion??!!!

[@garrison968]

This is good, but its like Boyle's just good singing, not anything else: no characetr or delicacy or emotion.

[@MrMonroman]

The backing track sounds like a third rate karaoke and ruins it

[@islezeus]

5:36 she couldn't firmly hit the high note

[@lockedinsideurhsbox]

ugh the band was so bad!

[@iujock1974]

Worthless performance. No emotion at all. Pity.

[@adamtrack14]

5:12 and 5:34... shoot me. Horrible.

[@kfora649]

the most emotive voice. I mean, we all know Anne H. can beat everyone on acting on screen. But just by listening to the voice, I've never heard the equal of Randy Graf. Her vocal subtlety coupled with power is just breath taking

[@drummerac]

Copy and paste if Susan Boyle brought you here!!

[@riverdalepark]

Copy this if **Susan Boyle** got you here

[@colorex27]

Copy and paste if Susan Boyle brought you here

[@Currankei]

Okay, wait a sec. SUSAN BOYLE? SUSAN "BRITAIN'S GOT A LOT OF NERVE" BOYLE? That anyone (even "Boilers") would compare, and favorably, a performance given by a dime-a-dozen, barely mediocre, emotionally empty, and repulsively crass contestant on a pathetic and embarrassing reality show to that of a uniquely gifted, one-of-a-kind, gorgeously trained, Tony Award winning actror/singer, who possesses one of the most powerful, unique and absolutely thrilling voices on the planet earth, makes me both sad and angry. Ms. Boyle was a tipsy spinster who got lucky when the producers of a televised and over-produced dog and pony show decided to use her to, in a shameless and obvious ploy, to "surprise" and "move" both it's audience (in the studio as well as at home), and it's camera-hogging, crocodile-tear-shedding "judges". The whole spectacle was cringe-worthy. I have no idea if Ms. Boyle was "in on the joke" or not; either choosing, or allowing herself to be encouraged by the producers, to wear what was, perhaps, the ugliest, most old-lady looking dress in existence, have her hair done by a blind heterosexual volleyball coach, and behave like a tipsy, vulgar tart, but her "success" was based entirely on context; she just barely exceeded the lowest possible expectations. By the way, Ms. Boyle only reached the high notes in the song because she considerably lowered it's key, which had the unfortunate effect of making her thus unreachable low notes (and their accompanying words) completely unintelligible. Ms. GRAFF, on the other hand, while recreating her nuanced, entirely character-appropriate Broadway performance on Carson's Tonight Show, , filled the lower notes with resonance, import, and power, while hitting EVERY SINGLE HIGH NOTE with the same emotionally rich intensity she gave the rest of the song, and gives every song she sings. And, no, I am neither her agent or her mother. Just a long-time fan. Ms. GRAFF, by the way, a Broadway regular, continues her highly successful career, maintaining her presence on Broadway, while touring in concert, and appearing on television programs. Programs where the act that precedes her, by the way, is not a poodle that can jump through a hoop, a ventriloquist who's dummy is named "Misrer Blowbo", or a housewife who balances furniture on her forehead. Ms. Graff, also quite active in the recording industry, has her lastest album, a tribute to a favored composer, being released in time for Christmas. Regardless, it is SHE who originated the role of Fantine in the original Broadway production of "Les Miz". The song is hers. And, interestingly enough, she actually earned it.

[@DrRawley]

+Keith Curran Well said, when I think of this song, I think of Graff. Seeing as she's the one on the Broadway recording. I posit, however, that Hiromi Iwasaki did a slightly better job. Although it's in Japanese, it's worth checking out if you never have heard her performance. I'd say Ruthie Henshall is a close third for me.

[@tomgallowitz]

DrRawley Agree with Randy and Ruthie would also Lea Salonga her power, acting, and emotion never fails to move me

[@caroxoxo]

Beautiful voice!

[@AtLastOnTheGround]

Best version I've ever heard. Effortless and powerful.

[@thesilvershining]

I actually really like Randy Graff's portrayal of Fantine. I might even like it best. I guess I'm in the minority on that one. Don't care, tho ;)

[@lizza625]

I'm with you - I love her Fantine!

[@UnlimitedTimeOnly]

I honestly think Randy Graff is one of the most underrated Fantines. Listen to the way she phrases "life worth living" and "I dreamed that love would never die." It's understated devastation. You can tell she really understands Fantine's sense of disillusionment with her life.

[@nathannapier191]

This is why johnny carsons show was so special her performing seems so casual and to think Les Miz was brand new! That audience must have been like Whoaaa!

[@MrPoochsmooch]

Bold and brassy! And that's HOW we liked to hear it when the show first came to America, although we are used to hearing more subtleties these days, it's nice to be reminded of this old school version. BTW the strings on the backing track suck, but that was probably the best synthetic strings we had back then. AND, thanks Randy for flipping America off at 6:37 lol

[@parkhsa]

Susan Boyle's performance was simply the best and touching in all respect

[@realmclennyd]

that was a beautiful performance

[@tennshaun]

I dislike singers who change the rhythm DRASTICALLY. It feels extremely pretentious.

[@koalasarah]

I think the best Fantine I've heard is on the International album. I think her name is Debbie White or something. Absolutely the best Fantine I've heard ever.

[@soxhorn]

For all of you who are trying to compare a recording from today to one from 1987 to see who does a better job, get yourself a copy of the Original Broadway Cast Recording and listen to Randy sing this song. She is a fantastic performer and vocalist and has gone on to much success, winning a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a musical (City of Angels). She's also put out an album of Cy Coleman's music. Randy is superb and, in my opinion, the best Fantine this musical has seen.

[@DarthxErik]

I've always heard her on the soundtrack and never knew what she looked like. She's a really good Fantine. I love it!

[@leleco520]

her voice is super trained...... i love it

[@Scoobybyeday]

A wonderfully strong performance for a live show but yes, as another commentor has noted, the backing was dreadful. I got a much better backing track for this song from Selectatrack for a mere £2.00!!

[@Mardell88]

I thought it was Cher.

[@hawkeyecreations]

copy and paste if your love for music is what brought you here, and that the next person who says "Susan Boyle brought you here" Should be bitch slapped!!!

[@soxhorn]

Thanks to you who posted this. This is my cousin and I always appreciate seeing things she, or my other relatives have done. I recall watching this the night it aired and how proud I was of her. She has certainly continued on to success.

[@broadwaylove52]

Dude....no need to bash Lea Salonga. She just had a different take on the song. Personally, I prefer Ruthie Henshall.

[@AtlasShrugged2005]

She was not one of the better Fantines - hard to believe she originated it on Broadway. Clearly she goes terribly off-key and begins warbling at 5:37. I remember her reviews being very unfavorable and when you have a signature song like this, generally you are Tony-nominated which she was not. She was better suited for City of Angels which called fro brash and brassy.

[@caseym5004]

miladyfencer is absolutely right, Patti LuPone originated this role two years before Randy. The show premiered in London two years before it premiered on Broadway, and the original LONDON cast recording had already been out by that time. Randy did not originate the role.

[@Nightingal518]

It's probably already been said, but this performance doesn't do justice to how Randy sang it on stage, as Fantine, and there it was incredibly emotional and powerful. Just my opinion, but I liked it better than Patti LuPone's version in the London production.

[@darrin1701]

right strange performance with inequal voice quality and presence, maybe to much acting this song need sincerity, you can find 20 girls that can reach 5 octavs so what emotion is the key to this song

[@jamiegrifter]

A very strange performance! At times she seemed very robotic! Then she went on to salvage the performance with some bit notes only to go completele off key with that terrible warbling at the end!

[@jonathanrodgers4893]

Patti Lupone originated the role in London. Randy Graff was the first Fantine on Broadway. I think no one's ever sang it better.

[@Koalkracker]

Susan Boyle has certainly got people running all over KZbin ... reviving an interest in performances of the beautiful song ... "I Dreamed a Dream" ... and I think it's great.

[@BaritoneDeLaTorre]

what happened with the music??? her voice is very good, but the music is terrible!!!

[@CyrilWashbrook]

Not sure what they were thinking with that accompaniment. The rendition is reasonable, but the enunciation seems a bit too mechanical in the first half.

[@gogetyourverb]

Randy Graff is phenomenal, she is the best fantine other than ruthie henshall. I think I'm going to use Randy as my vocal influence.

[@dannymc010334]

Well said. Now listen to Liv Unni Larsson. She has to have the best voice and rendition of this song. You will appreciate it I'm sure

[@gogetyourverb]

I wonder why Randy wasn't in the 10th Anniversary Dream Cast. Does anyone know why? Don't worry I love Ruthie just as much.

[@helencheddar]

wow, she's got a nasal voice, and the band sounds weird, I agree the frequeist, Ruthie Henshall was waaaay better!

[@cgt2631]

OMG 5:40 horrible!!! The rest was alright - too slow imo. Ruthie is supreme! I love Lea Salonga as well.

[@aquilito]

Copy and paste if Susan Boyle brought you here!!

[@moneycrab]

it might just be the recording that is cutting out the notes and giving it a wawawwa sound

[@nochnel]

susan and boyle have different technique and voice. they have their own plus and minus.

[@facelessmusik]

absolutely no passion.. bleh. susan's so much better..

[@jhulsmyself]

Copy and paste if Susan Boyle brought you here! . Susan brought me here:) (SPAIN)

[@clamman27]

She's one of the better Fantines. I like Patti best, but Randy is a close 2nd.

[@waori]

Dreadful backing track but she did ok. No match for Ruthie Henshall of course :)

[@giannis22b]

Copy and paste if Susan Boyle brought you here! . Susan brought me here:) Greece

[@sformoso]

Copy and paste if Susan Boyle brought you here!!!

[@rugbyhooker200]

Copy and paste if Susan Boyle brought you here!! and i think she is better

[@Flash8Bro]

Copy and paste if Susan Boyle brought you here!! She brought me here :)

[@mabsoloists]

Copy and paste if Susan Boyle brought you here! . Susan brought me here:)