Richard Harris - MacArthur Park

From LWT's A Gala Evening Of Music And Wit

[@dizzylizzy6571]

If I had been in the audience that night it would've taken every ounce of my self-restraint to stop myself from running up onto the stage and diving into Richards lap at the 3 minute mark. He's not just singing at that bejeweled moment. He's living and breathing the song. I am as if in a trance watching him perform. I can't explain it but he is so beautiful to me during the time that he's sitting on the stage and melting my heart with his passionate silky sensual voice. 🥰🥰❣️❣️😘😘💋💋😚😚❣️❣️☺️☺️💋💋🥰🥰❣️❣️

[@truthisall1592]

There's a reason why you're dizzy Lizzy, and it's because you're intoxicated with the Love of a magnificent rendition of Maccarther park ❤

[@ZeraphineDoll]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written and Richard Harris owns it….goes through your soul.

[@trustverify9726]

Yes, it does. Only Elvis could have equaled -

[@reykjavik82]

oh ya. recall the tune in the summer of 68. he was shooting the molly maguires with sean connery

[@kennymills7718]

7 minutes of pure magic

[@charlesscatola5488]

​@victorsuarez3546 it was a good thing

[@nidamalco-zi7ez]

Best version live,Richard,you nailed it.

[@Maderyne]

Few songs move me. This one always has, and always will. I first heard it when I was 15 years old, and now at 70, it still brings tears to my eyes. Such a moving testament to the songwriter.

[@vc23]

I totally agree, tears are actually rolling down my eyes now, I havent heard this song for ages, years I think but all of a sudden it came into my head and the years have rolled back. Beautiful song

[@D.S216]

👍👌👍

[@John-gq4xr]

I love this guy never thought he could sing this is a masterpiece

[@gillhargrove6807]

I have always loved this song

[@normkirk65]

Same here ! I was seven years old when I first heard this. Love it !

[@alunhughes2632]

Richard just proved that there is only one man who can sing that song, and he is that man.

[@jackspry9736]

RIP Richard Harris (October 1, 1930 - October 25, 2002), aged 72 You will be remembered as a legend.

[@wmbrown6]

Interesting that there was a 10-year gap between Mr. Harris' definitive version of this and Donna Summer's discofied 1978 cover - and that both died 10 years apart (Ms. Summer in 2012).

[@fernandomecca5083]

thi is music in hino the best for on brasil

[@noreenkadous2162]

Brilliant from limerick met him twice a gent

[@johnborzcik3058]

I understand he played the wizard on Harry Potter???

[@fionamaddock3984]

@@johnborzcik3058 Yes he played Dumbledore in the first 2 films. Then Michael Gambon took over from film 3. I love Michael Gambon and he did a great job but I always preferred Richard Harris’ portrayal of Dumbledore

[@timothyhopkins6960]

There will never be another one .

[@deborah7602]

Jimmy Webb... one of THE BEST SONGWRITERS of ALL TIME. WOW! That word sums it up. (If you times it by a zillion). UNBELIEVABLE! God gave him an incredible gift and he used it. Richard Harris knocked it out of the park! PUN INTENDED!!!

[@jonise2524]

It is not how loud can you scream and yell in a song ! It is how soul and feeling you can put onto it

[@burton48]

It is 1968 again, Urbana, Illinois, University of Illinois junior. This takes me back to a wonderful time. Now at age 75 the curtain appears ready to begin preparing for descent. This song will always invoke the most wonderful memories of a joyous time.

[@jimmyb1559]

It’s as though he was born just to sing this song.

[@burton48]

Excellent observation.

[@MusicMagick]

Follow up with Camelot, please, if you haven't already. :)

[@jimmyb1559]

@@MusicMagick Yes I have. Many times. The best!

[@shintaroaizawa9626]

I have listened to this song sooooooooooooooo many times and I still love it. But I have never never thought his live performance exists and find myself stunned by the magnificence. His stage performance is like seeing him acting Shakespeare on stage. His vocal is deeper and more emotional, even more powerful than the original recorded version. I was wondering how he manages to sing the high "oh" part of the last part but he really made it! Absolutely one of the very best performance I have seen!

[@slackthompson6984]

dear God , thankyou for letting me hear and see this...................

[@jackiemcleod9716]

I'm deaf and when I read the words I cry to hear his voice singing them

[@barnabasschuler9025]

I agree, this song and singer makes me stop and sit😍😋

[@mikerobinson7242]

This is one of the most exquisitely overwrought songs ever written. It is an absolute parody of itself. I love it!!

[@suzieparis6821]

He was beautiful

[@whereismel]

A Legendary performance. What a voice, what a force. We need a legend like him right now...2022 is suffering

[@JohnBuck41]

We've been suffering for 2+ years. But yes, you're right.

[@Njbear7453]

We need more MEN

[@padraiggillon]

He couldn't sing a note. Which is why he basically talks through this.

[@FrenkSummers]

@@padraiggillon He had his own unique way of singing. But in my humble opinion, he could definitely sing. He's telling a very emotional story here, and delivers in spades. Unfortunately, there will always be cynics in this world.

[@eileenvannooijen7195]

Too fucking right.

[@raymondhummel5211]

Such a magnificently crafted song written by Jimmy Webb and performed by Richard Harris. Verses that make you think. Tempo changes. The whole song takes you on an emotional journeys. Richard Harris being an actor is such a good fit for this song. The orchestration is wonderful and helps to breath added life to the composition.

[@carolholly1608]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ollyasss]

Spent 40 years believing this was a a Donna summer song, F. me this so much better, yet you never hear it on the radio.

[@bettetindel2127]

I love story about Richard Harris living in Savoy Hotel in London & one time he was I'll & emergency medical care was called & as he was being transported by gurney thru lobby, he raised his head & stated that it was the food!!! He was such a character. He & Peter O'Toole were great friends &. listening to them talk about some of their escapades was priceless!!!

[@babsbestinhistory]

I'm practically overcome with emotion watching this and then I'm stunned to see the polite muted applause that greets the conclusion. Did they not watch what I just saw?

[@FrenkSummers]

In Holland we call this 'Parels voor de zwijnen'. Literal translation being: 'Pearls for pigs'. ;-)

[@user-ks9hs7xl6r]

Richard Harris.

[@user-ks9hs7xl6r]

Brilliant, Richard , the passion, and charisma. ❤❤❤❤

[@bobmerlington1330]

I almost cry every time I hear this. I just turned 60!

[@Matlockization]

This is actually the best version out there. Nothing less then a masterpiece.

[@HappyQuailsLC]

It is! As a compliment to it, have you see Will Lee's version on Letterman amazingly faithful to the original? Listed on YT under Paul Shaffer + CBS Orchestra w/ Jim Webb -"MacArthur Park" on Letterman. I think you will enjoy it : ) from a fan

[@Matlockization]

@@HappyQuailsLC It sounds more authentic in some ways.

[@carolrountree6268]

I respectfully disagree. ✋. I owned the original version of this achingly. Beautiful song it is timeless and oh so great to listen to. Past becomes present What is in the future we will not know until we get there... ✋ CTR. Carol

[@hamitcampos4989]

Yeah I mean the origenal obviously was done in a studio. He was younger so he could go higher but he does project his voice better here. The most important thing to keep in mind though is this song is from 1968. So lots of it's short comings are from trash 68 tech.

[@Versul1]

@@HappyQuailsLC Oh it's Paul Schaffer, no wonder the piano is off. Who is conducting this orchestra because this was a train wreck

[@dianacuijpers1765]

Best Song ever written and performed........" I'll never have that recipe again..... oh No ! "

[@harleycarrick3980]

famously known as the worst song ever written

[@fredross6444]

The man was absolutely cool! Period!

[@philiphamer5959]

Fantastic performance of this superb Jimmy Webb masterpiece. One of the finest compositions ever written. Richard Harris is utterly extraordinary in his delivery of it.

[@coolkiwi1991]

I loved listening to MacArthur Park on the radio in 1968. Its playing time was twice the length of most songs of that era. I'm absolutely stoked to find it on KZbin in 2023. The song is about heartbreak and has amazing lyrics and a fabulous orchestral accompaniment. Richard Harris was multi-talented and his version is definitely the best. He was nominated for a Grammy award in 1969. Bravo to him and the wonderful writer, Jimmy Webb, who won the Grammy for best arrangement accompanying vocalist.

[@marymezick7262]

Still nothing to compare I love it! 😊

[@7373rosie]

One word......Legend!!

[@peteralborano685]

dads fav tune......we lost him this past xmas......brings back memories of my hero and my youth..rest now dad

[@Chella328]

It's about that 1 True and pure Love that you find, if you are lucky enough. You may have other "Loves" but that 1, Will ALWAYS stay With you, FOREVER !

[@cynthiagreske5957]

Yes, yes yes! You are so right when you say your first love is number one! Absolutely yes

[@Chella328]

​@@cynthiagreske5957 I was blessed we had 28 years together, until we were parted By death.

[@jaynebailey]

Awwwh so romantic deep soul

[@Owenwithee]

His vocal performance is stronger here than the original recording.

[@romans32426]

It survives for all who remember MacArthur Park in the 1960-1970 era.

[@hamitcampos4989]

Ah so it was an actual park then? So that adds some context then to the song. Hmmmmmm was the cake a replica of said park? I'm trying to understand all the context to this tune. Cause I've heard it listed as 1 of the most awefull tunes ever. I don't get why though.

[@krisblunt6293]

My mind is blown. I never knew him as a singer. I always saw him in movies, growing up.

[@shadrach6299]

You should see him in Camelot. It was before this song

[@charlesconway4798]

The only person who could sing this song what a legend RIP 😢😢😢

[@willewinky]

What a voice and he is sober.

[@richardmclean7949]

What a guy for me.i cry no matter how drunk he was a lengend ❤❤❤

[@carolzala3215]

I had the honour of meeting Richard Harris when I was temping. What a lovely man.

[@garywalton3707]

This is definitely the best version of this song. I love it👍

[@fredbearison8865]

Ionic.i listen to this 50 years later

[@west24021]

Richard Harris! Hellraiser brilliant actor and this song simply one of the best ever. He absolutely nails it and I can’t decide whether he was drunk, hi or just shy. Whatever the case this is a Sinatra level performance. Love the guy and he is greatly missed. RIP my friend

[@carolholly1608]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@marialuisadejesus8860]

His voice..his voice...raw, savage passion

[@carmencasas7124]

The most beautiful song a brilliant man amazing voice ❤️ and a beautiful soul songs with all his love and heart 💜❤️

[@bryanschmidt7336]

Born in '61. Stopped what I doing anytime I heard this on the radio

[@carolburgess6538]

I had no idea that Richard Harris could sing never mind sing this beautiful song so beautifully ,. So glad I found this .

[@richardbelsky7098]

I only knew from my Uncle being the studio drummer on the album..

[@frantrictantric]

Donna Summer and Mariah Carey covered it but to say they are classically trained singers and him not, my bias is with Richard Harris and they cannot match him in any way shape or form.

[@eileenvannooijen7195]

It’s very strange even for the time, but fucking brilliant and timeless in its own way.

[@Versul1]

Do yourself a favor and find the original studio recording. Way better.

[@Versul1]

@@richardbelsky7098 much better version. It pays to get the best studio musicians

[@emmiellamas-cruz3842]

I used to sing this often in the early 70's. It remained my favorite now that I'm 65. I love Richard Harris.

[@kdevinturner8778]

Me too

[@fredbearison8865]

Yes!!!!!

[@sandyaw3057]

@Emmie Llamas-Cruz ..as am I! I had the biggest crush on Sir Richard Harris before he even sang this song. I was enthralled with him afterwards, may he RIP

[@daisyno2673]

Singing the whole thing would seem to be exhausting

[@valskiecaster6563]

Until now I keep singing this song ❤❤❤

[@luishumbertovega3900]

Richard Harris told Burt Bacharach that since he was not a trained singer he approached songs as acting jobs, concerned with words and emotions, he performed them the same way he prepared for a character in a play, with the sort of honesty the song is trying to convey.

[@svlutz]

He has the look and style of Roger Whitaker, love them both !! Big fan since childhood!!!!

[@richardgardner1268]

Best rendition ever of this great song.

[@britturk123]

You need balls of steel to do this because Richard Harris was no great singer, but he sold us those lyrics with an emotion that no other artist could match no matter how great their vocal range was.

[@Vinterfrid]

I beg to differ - Harris certainly had quite a good voice. I am surprised that anyone wouldn't realise that.

[@britturk123]

@@Vinterfrid Definitely competent but for me not exactly good but he definitely could sing, his emotion and phrasing along with his pretty stellar singing were great for this classic.

[@gillhargrove6807]

His voice is fantastic, I have always loved this song

[@chicanobear13]

those who perceive are usually wrong

[@GuiitarBilly]

Richard Harris was a fine singer. Far lesser vocalists than he have had hit records and careers as ‘singers.’

[@vHumboldt77]

If Donna Summer's version was not so great, this would definitely be the paramount one. Richard Harris was extremely sexy. Thanks for posting.

[@SteffiReitsch]

Richard was known as an actor, not a singer, but he winged it and pulled it off superbly. He got a big hit out of this to his delight. I always thought he was so handsome! I also like Donna Summers' disco version of this song.

[@jackpavlik3430]

I loved this song and still do❤

[@karenbarlow4300]

This man is/was a great singer you can feel it.

[@maryc.dalton1284]

Wow -- this is one live performance that exceeds the original studio recording, as far as I'm concerned. Richard Harris owned this song.

[@BlackDesertZen]

This is the cleanest clearest version of this i have erver heard. So outstanding!!!

[@ireneyoung8696]

That was always Richard Harris,s song.Only he could sing it like that.The best version ever.People said he couldn,t sing,they were so wrong.He knocks spots of so many of todays “singers”. RIP Richard Harris ,Limerick Man,singer and wonderful actor.

[@rileyhalls9301]

Glen Campbell who SO loved this song also did great on this song with the Boston Pops & also when he was older on a former southern talk show. Both times he was also accompanied on piano by Jimmy Webb. On you tube.

[@aburger1789]

What a magnificent singing voice, just grand!😎

[@zeedee8795]

I have loved "MacArthur's Park," for many years. I requested Stjepan Hauser to play the music on his Cello and he did. I will never forget Stjepan Hauser, Richard Harris and MacAthur's Park always. The music, the words, I will never forget. Thank You Gentlemen 💖

[@sandrasmith7508]

R I p I was there that night 1972 always in my heart xx

[@lewisaugustwilliams]

What a sad song about a cake. He must have really loved that cake. I guess the moral is always keep a copy of your favourite cake recipes safe. That way if someone leaves them out in the rain you can always bake them again.

[@jjs490]

It's not about a cake it's about a lost love that Jimmy Webb had, a real-life occurrence that happened in the late 60s look it up..... . Jimmy Webb's MacArthur's Park.

[@robertmchugh9024]

Well done Lewis that was funny!!!

[@dancingmonstersemerge2303]

What if you could make a cake that can withstand the rain? Like those ones with really thick icing?

[@hamitcampos4989]

It must've been real yummy like the Costco chocolate cake. Actually though I think there's more to it. I think and we'll never know now unless someone has asked MR Haris before but I think some how the cake has something to do with the girl. Because he does come back to her in the virces. Also the interesting thing is the Macarthur park thing. Did he make the cake replica of the park? Did the caractor go to that park with this girl whom he now misses? See cause that seems to be the thing. Who knows what happened to the girl. Did she leave or die? Was the recepy her recepy thus why he says he won't hav it again? That being the case whom ever left it out is 1 mean sperieted sucker.

[@Versul1]

@@jjs490 Jimmy Webb started saying that later in life. For many years he said he had no idea what the song was about.

[@DaveDarin]

WOW. First time seeing this. I might have heard this, maybe, twice in my life before today. This is spectacular. What a vocal range. INCREDIBLE!!!!!!

[@sammy2840]

His is by far the greatest of all interpretations! Wonderful❤

[@supalaksu8208]

This is magnificent! It's the best MacArthur Park singing by him. His voice is clearer than other versions and it's so emotional. Though I think he was high in that time on the stage, I still love this show. It's the best of the best.

[@edmaglaque5786]

Singing is speaking from the heart. Harris does it eloquently. Mcarthur Park is his song. Nobody has sang it better.

[@introspectivedreamer3864]

having never seen this before I was blown away by the whole performance magical to be honest

[@Stevebrandon-vq7nx]

Hello,how are you doing i hope you and your family are safe!

[@kdevinturner8778]

You were not honest before?

[@alexsaitta4041]

I love it. What a live performance. All the imperfections in the mix and even how he is off key here and there. Live music and live vocal. Gutsy and it sounds great. No three piece band here. Just to mic the room correctly is a challenge, let alone to orchestrate it and then the singer being able to hear himself as loud as the 100-piece band is. He can belt and hold a note for sure. He is amazing; in many ways his vocal is better here than the studio track -- surely more powerful at his peaks. This is one of the best truly live recordings I've heard on you tube.

[@seltaeb9691]

Hits these high notes well enough tho.

[@GuiitarBilly]

The studio recording is brilliant and ultimately a studio creation with takes and punch ins (sometimes line by line). Richard was hearing the song for one of the first times and -with the help of producer/arrangers and perhaps the songwriter…working out his incredible performance. And recording it piece by piece. In this live performance, his job is to interpret the studio creation in one take, as he sees fit and as he can. Power is needed to hit some parts, parts that were sung softer and likely with multiple takes in the studio. As far as mic-ing the orchestra, this sounds pretty basic. No matter how many mics were deployed, there’s not much definition on the individual instruments. It could be primarily a couple of distant/ boundary mics on the full orchestra plus Richard’s vocal making the broadcast mix. Whatever it was, only the engineer knows for sure 😊. It sounds fine for what it is and that’s the only thing that counts. Orchestras play with some volume but often not as much as a basic loud rock band (of the 1980s or 90s time of this performance). Still, props to the monitors guys. Richard could obviously hold most notes, but the monitors helped.

[@lindathompson2498]

I always loved this song and Richard Harris. He was amazing in Camelot, the musical, and in A Man Called Horse.

[@hamitcampos4989]

Yeah and he was totally Alvis DumbleDore. Or at least he was totally true to Jim Dail's portrail. The new dude never ever felt right to me. So why was this chosen as worst song ever in the Miami Harald?

[@carolr9581]

Amazing performance.

[@hamitcampos4989]

@@carolr9581 Yes indeed.

[@carolr9581]

@@hamitcampos4989 👍

[@stephencollier453]

If I may add - his performance in the Eastwood's Oscar winning movie "The Unforgiven".

[@AnnaWhite-vr6by]

He played King Arthur in the wonderful movie version of Camelot. A perfect role for him. His performance as a very sad Arthur (as seen in his beautiful eyes) when he learned of Guinevere's infidelity with Sir Lancelot was so heartbreaking. He was able to stir up so much emotion in the viewers. A true and beautiful man and talent!

[@joannanangle4876]

I will drink the wine while its warm instead of looking at the sun this part.of the song makes me feel tears

[@DavidSmith-ze2wi]

I was a young man when this came out and loved it now I'm in my late seventies and it's still magical and rolls back so many years. A masterpiece from Jimmy Webb and performed by Richard Harris wonderfully. Only he could have done it.

[@erniebaldridge796]

Always Loved this song. Years later I've come to understand what it's about‼️My life exactly 💔

[@garywalton3707]

This will always be the number one singer singing this song, Richard Harris you really were blinding.👍👍

[@adamjukes6064]

i adored him in the 60's and 70's, it's different now. as i get closer to death he means even more to me.

[@carolholly1608]

ABSOLUTELY TRUE!! ❤❤❤

[@andyreid138]

It's been emotional, Richard.

[@sophieallen5613]

truly!

[@sophieallen5613]

The way he coordinates his body movements with the music is intense and fascinating. The power and emotion of his voice is just beautiful.

[@dizzylizzy6571]

I AGREE 100%!!!

[@ianwalsh9552]

Wow what a singer

[@andrewhannah4331]

Fabulous voice, One of my favourite all time songs

[@miguelflores4032]

Tengo 72,años y lo conocí en 1982 trabajaba en Washington DC ,buena persona alegre,me tomé una foto con el y muchos tragos ,más de 30 personas en el restaurante y el pago,su secretaria,nos dio buena propina., Dios me lo cuide en el cielo 😂

[@MariaLopez-uj2fc]

Always loved this song!!

[@davidpaulmichaelde]

Brilliant!😯

[@pauljarvis7428]

Bonkers, beguiling, barmy, beautiful, nonsensical, inspiring, the best worst song ever, genius, These are just some of the descriptions I’ve heard of this masterpiece and I agree with all of them! I first saw this performance as a teenager and it has stayed with me ever since. One of my all time top 10 songs. Like someone else said, Richard Harris absolutely owns it!

[@gloriaangelinaarcaya7775]

Love Richard Harris!

[@lcarballo100]

I remember first hearing Richard Harris singing this song in the late 80's. It made me cry then...and it still makes me cry. He was an amazing actor and singer.

[@Stevebrandon-vq7nx]

Hello Lori,how are you doing i hope you and your family are safe!

[@stevepotocin9501]

This is MASSIVE!

[@savvaschristodoulou3242]

An amazing Harris with a ticket to eternity!

[@whereismel]

The Orchestration makes this a classic. The Strings, the horns, the percussion...outstanding.

[@hank1519]

Maynard Ferguson has an amazing version of this

[@whereismel]

He does..outstanding too @@hank1519

[@diggersouth]

Richard Harris. Men of his generation are missed. To the talented "HellRaisers"

[@douglasanderson153]

Some of us are still alive.

[@diggersouth]

Nice to meet you.

[@Njbear7453]

Cheers

[@britturk123]

Not by women and pub landlords they're not .

[@donaldpruitt6787]

What a great talent this icon actor singer left us with a volume of great works The great movie classics and when I was a little boy I loved this song ...a great gain for the art world when born ,and a sad loss for all .....Time will his works stand in ✌️👍💯✝️

[@valcrawshaw5312]

So talented i loved most of his movies nice voice, no talent like his, Oliver Reed, Peter O"Toole!!

[@user-dd6sn4li4d]

Unglaublich, und unmöglich die Gefühle hier zu beschreiben, welche dises Lied mit dieser wundervollen Stimme bewirken. Vielen, vielen Dank ❤

[@kathykuhl4016]

Richard had a way of pulling you into his music. Growing up in that time gave me great memories and this one is one of the top ten memories.

[@mariaalano3077]

Richard Harris created his own version, and it fits him so well, for the audience, it's extra gift. A surprise!

[@popcornnoble437]

Song reminds me of growing up near palmer park in Detroit in the 1960s. Older men playing checkers or dominos under the trees. Great memories.

[@malchman1]

Always the longest song on the radio and well worth the listen. My favorite version as well.

[@ralex3697]

Hauntingly beautiful Richard Harris - RIP

[@Pamela-zy7vc]

*he sang the hell outta that song❤*

[@deborahgrecco7477]

Richard Forever and ever

[@caroldaum1862]

Great song by Jimmy Webb and Richard Harris is outstanding

[@lifespanwellnessbeauty-60i64]

There are just NO SONGS like this anymore. Songs that conveyed emotions; not just a bunch of rhyming curse words strung together. This is music.🎶

[@sheilabatey492]

I remember when I first heard this song back in the late 60's, it actually gave me goose pimples and it still does. Brilliant.

[@wendyf1204]

Amen

[@dorothyhashman9315]

Richard Harris Greatest Song, I Loved It Back Then and Still Do.

[@user-jp7sc6kf7b]

Wow 🤩 what a star

[@hurleymacmaster8262]

I heard it for the first time in on an old a.m .radio in 1967. It is always fresh and alive.