Queen Latifah - "Lush Life" - Full Version

[@zuluexmachina2191]

She doesn't just sing this song, she brings it to life. Long Live The Queen ❤

[@solidcatink]

This is the absolute best performance of Billy Strayhorn's masterpiece. Queen Latifah was born to sing this!!

[@Dante-dp6qx]

She done a very great job doing my uncle's piece

[@Dante-dp6qx]

Lady Gaga did an amazing job with my uncle's piece, as well.

[@TombCat]

@@Dante-dp6qx NO

[@deadandburied7626]

Linda Ronstadt too 😊

[@wenting2457]

absolute best seems hyperbolic, but it is nice, she's very talented. but the classic johnny hartman, coltrane, sarah vaughan. or if you like more modern, samara joy has a gorgeous recording of it

[@louis_corder3302]

I am ELEVEN YEARS LATE. I AM OUTRAGED. 😭😭😭😭 She just took me to a fairy tale world.

[@th3azscorpio]

The truly best way to describe this. ❤

[@photoguy4212]

I miss real music like this. Completely blown away by Queen Latifah’s range. I had no clue she was this talented. Bravo.

[@pnojazz]

She’s got a rare two octave range.

[@estellewinters8502]

So many people missed out on this album because she put it out under her given name, Dana Owens.

[@nanny287]

@@estellewinters8502It was also released on the “Living Out Loud” soundtrack. Unfortunately, It appears that did not do well enough to get her the notice she deserves. This soundtrack and song in particular is stunning. Her voice is otherworldly, kissed by God.

[@estellewinters8502]

@@nanny287 that song is a standard written in the mid to late 30’s and released in’48 by Duke Ellington orchestra and sung by Kay Davis. Linda Ronstadt released an entire album of the standards and it was called Lush Life with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra . I remember the film Living Out loud. I loved it. I loved the soundtrack. I have her album the she released under her given name, Dana Owens. I guess generationally, people didn’t appreciate her hidden talent. Neither did Kay Davis or Linda Ronstadt.

[@michaeltutty1540]

​@@pnojazz A two octave range is terribly small. A 3 octave range is minimum for any Broadway musical piece. 4 octave range is common. A 5 octave range is a rare and wonderful thing to behold.

[@marcydee]

Lawd!!!! It’s been a minute since I’ve listened to a song that made me emotional… What a truly talented Woman! I’ve always enjoyed and preferred her as an actress than a rapper but a friend that I was in a debate with suggested I listen to another side of her as an artist …..😯😯Wow just Wow this is one rabbit hole I don’t mind going down…Lazy Sunday we’ll spent🎤🎺🎹🎷

[@marcdany1]

I love, love, love this song...and why Queen Latifah doesnt sing more jazz?!!! she is brilliant here....

[@daalelli]

She has 2 full albums and has a soundtrack for Betsy, as well as many duets.

[@dermeistefan]

Would you please name these two (jazz) albums (artists - album name- year). What really made me an (almost completely) fanboy of hers is her album "Queen latifah - black reign". (god, i love this one).. Also her song in the movie "chicago", as well as this song here. I love her mastery in different genres and styles of music. (Yes, there are these mediocre movies, but let us just ignore them)

[@photo161]

Thanks for that information. I'm off to Amazon to see what I can get of her's.

[@busterjumper1]

We reckon it’s because popular contemporary music has dumbed down people’s ears. There was a time when only really good musicians/singers made it into the charts. Now people listen to a lot of music that’s auto-tuned, with simple chord progressions. Don’t use our band’s post-punk music as an example please, none of us had had much musical education then except Stella, and even she was pretty green in the 1980s!. We love this version of Lush Life, and Strayhorn would have too, we are sure.

[@MrBrown-mw9il]

I ENJOYED THIS ARRANGEMENT MORE THAN ANY OTHER.

[@jacobe4040]

Without any doubt, this is the best performance of Billy Strayhorn's masterpiece EVER! Queen Latifa you have talent in abundance! Big shout out to the producer(s), music arranger(s). Absolutely brilliant! Extraordinary!!! Love this so much!

[@saldevere9066]

#2 for me. for me #1 goes to Hartman and Coltrane ♥

[@kukuhsantoso5190]

@@saldevere9066 Gaga absolutely do better than all

[@crowing3886]

​@@kukuhsantoso5190 lmao stop

[@crowing3886]

Samara joy is up there too!

[@kukuhsantoso5190]

@@crowing3886 that's fact Don't be so ridiculous

[@walteranders167]

Johnny Hartman is smiling with pride and happiness towards the Queen's respects and undeniable Talent.

[@dottiesutherland6630]

There is NO one who has ever sung this like Queen Latifah. It's like listening to silk. Billy Strayhorn would be so pleased.

[@dederugg]

Simply the best. I love love love Latifah. & Lush Life one of the best jazz songs ever written

[@elsplace896]

Lush Life can't be sung by just anybody, breathtaking.

[@dreamersjournal]

I had NO IDEA that she had this voice. The phrasing... the breath... She's fucking gorgeous

[@BillBene67]

Queen has an incredible voice. Hers is right up there with Natalies

[@zendyk]

This is the BEST version I've ever heard. And I've heard lots of them!

[@freedomm]

I'm about to utter the biggest sacrilege ever, but i think Queen Latifah just edged the great Ella Fitzgerald's also fantastic version. *Don't kill me jazz lovers* 😟😳

[@brucescott4261]

​@@freedomm Queen Latifah isn't anywhere near The First Lady of Song, The Divine One, Lady Day, etc.

[@carltonbrown8304]

I AGREE 1000%

[@douglasb.1203]

Natalie, then Queen, followed by Ella.

[@carltonbrown8304]

@@douglasb.1203 I gotta disagree with you on this Queens version out weighs Natalie and Ella. This arrangement is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@happinesshappiness5363]

Wow! She sings with the phrasing of a jazz singer. She must really love jazz.

[@michaeltutty1540]

She most definitely is a jazz and blues singer par excellance.

[@beprettylife]

She has a jazz album

[@MARIANSCATLIFFE]

Most intelligent people love jazz

[@iononcantomascrivo]

One the BEST covers of a Nat King Cole song. Ever!

[@jeanienewashington5351]

I love Queen's voice she can sing anything. But I think she sounds best when singing Jazz.

[@jenniferrodgers57]

Totally agreed! I had always heard Latifah the rapper. Then I saw this movie.....and I was floored by her. And then I saw Chicago, and I was in Heaven. Long live the Queen!

[@totalt6600]

Shades of Ella. Simply wonderful.

[@conniehollins1100]

@@totalt6600 Latifah is so Under rated. She also favors Pearl Bailey.

[@jerrylanglois7892]

It takes a real singer to handle such a difficult song -- Latifah nails it.

[@YourFaveScribe]

OK!!!!!

[@bebopdestroyer4641]

isnt that difficult

[@jerrylanglois7892]

@@bebopdestroyer4641 Well, frank sinatra was quite a singer and he admitted it was too difficult for him.

[@FREELEOONE]

@@bebopdestroyer4641 Frank Sinatra thought it was. I'll go with Frank's assessment.

[@FREELEOONE]

@@jerrylanglois7892 I saw your comment after I typed mine. lol.

[@photo161]

First of all Queen Latifa is here an endlessly gorgeous woman. As she sings, she effortlessly and convincingly reveals a kaleidoscope of emotions. And as they glide slowly over her lovely face, her beauty only intensifies. Her mastery of this style and level of Jazz/pop singing is revelatory. What a Dame!

[@jacquelinehopkins7230]

This is hands down the best rendition of Lush Life ever recorded

[@peterandreadakis3851]

Strange that a talent like Queen Latifah who has a great voice for song was never a household name intentionally. I guess she got everything she wanted. A great songbird.

[@Largo64]

Latifah is just so fine here. Her voice is so lush and silky, this song by her gets me every time! She could easily have a whole new career as a jazz singer. The lady has real jazz chops!

[@beprettylife]

Well she does have a jazz album. She is a renaissance woman.

[@persistence_of_vision]

This is a terrific version I didn't know she could sing so beautifully.

[@conniehollins1100]

I love it. But Donna Summer's version is still my favorite.

[@marlynhunter6384]

This is hands down one of best versions of this famous standard. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@charlesellis1738]

Try johnny hartman

[@jasonrwolf4499]

what a hidden gem. the Queen sings Strayhorn and it’s magnificent!

[@andrewgitzy2092]

This has been one of my favorite movies since it came out.

[@steviel6345]

What is really amazing is, Billy wrote the lyric when he was only 17 years old. How worldwise at such an early age!

[@solidcatink]

beautiful soul, yes ?

[@songbyrdmusicministry8398]

wow he was amazing. and the queen is killing this song.

[@busterjumper1]

It’s debated about how old Bill Strayhorn was when he wrote this amazing song, some say he worked on it from the age of 18 - 21. Whatever, it’s an awesome tune and Queen L handles it well. A tough number to nail.

[@danrose]

It took him a decade to complete, by which time on Duke's payroll he was predicting his own sad demise from alcohol.

[@busterjumper1]

@@danrose we’ve heard so many stories about that. We’re interested to read more about it. Would you please let us know where we can find more about that? Cheers. 2BB

[@mugrad25]

her diction is perfect ..such an emotional voice

[@aurorajazz9]

Best version of this song I have EVER heard!

[@thejazzman210]

Yes, this is Queen Latifah. No lip synching. She really has a wonderful voice.

[@Chris-rj5kn]

An outstanding version of one of the most important jazz ballads ever written. Well done, my Queen!!

[@emmimus]

As a jazz musician I really detest when singers of other genres want to play jazz for a minute like it’s a game and then go back to their regular life after, BUT Teefa’s got soul and technique and I love this, it’s just gorgeous singing and absolutely goosebump worthy even for some of us old jazz heads. 🎵

[@musicformonsters]

She blows it away- she can do anything - a true Queen of all she touches -and so gorgeous

[@yug08]

This woman is soooo talented!

[@fakerating]

I have to admit I never thought I would give a thumbs up to anything she did... but she knocked this one out... TOTALLY... she won me over..

[@lindakoschwitz7098]

Queen Latifah is a stunning woman. Her voice is like butter..she sings this song so perfectly, the best I've heard. She ranks up there with the best of them. I love everything she sings, but these classic Jazz standards are definitely her best.

[@4musikable]

Wonderfully sung and arranged. Sophisticated, elegant and heartfelt.

[@femmesusan1]

Her Nancy/Ella/Queen voice is shockingly outrageous. Keep singing like this girl, -you make people happy..

[@malcomhopkinson4042]

In my brain a female version of Lush Life, a wonderful song by Billy Strayhorn, a black gay singer/composer who worked for the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the song is superb... with a lengthy introduction before the main melody, Queen Latifah is a black actress and I learned she sings this really well… I listened to the other black female singers Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan ... Natalie Cole is good… but here Queen Latifah sings it the best (ands, I was only listening to her voice) You take a listen, it is definitely worth it … My early days in Canada I remember I was getting coffee for the Italian sales guys in Calderone Shoes in 1979, in Sherway Gardens, and walking back to the store , this song came on the loudspeaker, it stopped me in my tracks and I had to listen… wonderful composition Malcolm Hopkinson in Burlington/Toronto Feb 2024

[@tomcrowe-garey7485]

I love the versatility of Miss Owen's voice. I'm not concerned as much with comparisons as others are, but appreciative of her skills as a singer. She could sing for me ANYTIME she wants! Kudos to her!

[@mooncitizen1502]

This is a masterpiece singing

[@lylecosmopolite]

With this recording, the Queen is making a bold play to become the Ella Fitzgerald of our time. I am absolutely stunned at her feel for and phrasing of this great and daunting Strayhorn tune. The accompaniment is superb as well.

[@jongaulthero]

Great tune. Perfect for a late evening, just me, my sounds, a candle, my bottle and a few memories.....

[@awesomes2914]

and a Warm rainy night.

[@th3azscorpio]

Queen sung it best. Best chord, and vocal arrangements of any other version Ive heard.

[@user-ws2ow4tv6t]

I am so surprised! Her voice made me cry.

[@greeneyedsoutherngirl6468]

Queen Latifah needs to get back into jazz!!!!!

[@MebbWrbb]

I had no idea humans could melt listening to music but here I am in a puddle. The Queen ❤❤

[@CortexNewsService]

She was born for this kind of music.

[@lumpyq6385]

I have been a Billy Strayhorn fan for many years, the Music he produced with Duke Ellington was mesmerizing. I am particularly fond of Take the A-Train as many of us are. And I like this composition very much, however Queen Latifah absolutely nailed this song. Outstandingly beautiful. Thank you for sharing this.

[@Absurdist1968]

Lumpy Q You should see the movie then; Latifah is great as both singer and actress in it.

[@ThePianoMan1953]

@@Absurdist1968 Hmmm I feel the same way. Thanks for the tip.

[@MrOptomai]

Strayhorn made Ellington. Strayhorn wrote this when was 17 or 18 years old. Great arranger as well....

[@anne4562]

This gorgeous song, written by a teenaged Billy Strayhorn, is an all time favorite of mine, and Queen Latifah's rendition is by far the best I've heard. This includes Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Natalie Cole. Smooth, clear and luscious, she lets the lush words and music shine through. Absolutely beautiful.

[@OnyxxRose]

Found this on twitter and needed the full version wow 🔥

[@101doreen]

Today, Living Out Loud came across my mind. Just hearing the first few notes of the song put me right back into the feels of the whole movie. This is definitely in my top 3. Absolutely, love, and adore Holly Hunter. Queen Latifah has got to be one of the most beautiful talented humans in the industry. She really ticks all the boxes.

[@musicformonsters]

love that film

[@johnfritzel9833]

This version is a Masterpiece, I have listened to them all.

[@kurtbechtel5615]

Had no idea that Queen Latifa had this much talent. Not the easiest songs to sing.

[@douglasb.1203]

The chantuese is bringing the sexy on this one. Subtle and smoking. Top 5 singers who can belt this masterpiece. Queen is on that list.

[@edwardscott6558]

And you thought she could not cover this kind of sophisticated material!?!? I confess . . . but then I saw her do this in the film and she floored me. Billy Strayhorn's Lush Life requires a sense of tragic drama but with a voice unstrangled by booze and cocktails. Sing it Queen!

[@Luna_and_Miles]

Damn, that's gorgeous! I love the Linda Ronstadt/Nelson Riddle version, and Ella's (of course), but Queen Latifah really hits it out of the ballpark here, beautiful!

[@realchords8999]

If only Billy had lived to hear this!

[@magicknight13]

INCREDIBLE!!! I love all of her songs but especially the jazz ones!

[@jaytee2837]

Queen Latifah is a pandoras box of talent! brilliant, beautiful and a harmony on nature! where does she end! shes been soaring for years, always a pleasure to look and listen to.x

[@photo161]

I'm astonished. She looks and sounds fantastic..

[@michaelalexispalmer3375]

Every time I see this woman I think of Pearl Bailey. I don't know how she never played in the woman's autobiography story. Now theres an Oscar waiting to happen.

[@ginamarie6977]

Latifah is so underrated. She should have won an Oscar for "Chicago" and an Emmy for "Bessie". She knocks me out so much that she could sing the phone book and make it sound naturally great. She IS a queen!

[@robgrenville1432]

Beyond sensational: the singing, performance, arrangement, sound production of Lush Life, written by Billy Strayhorn. He was about 19 when he wrote this, the most demanding, chart in the American Songbook. 🌹🎤🎶🍷❤️

[@willowclay5406]

She can sing, dance, rap, and act. Bad a..Queen!

[@PhilWatson]

Tough song to carry but the Queen's up there with Sarah and Donna!

[@onesistersoul]

I SO AGREE WITH THAT.

[@basilshahid2905]

Up there with Sara and Dinah? You have been smoking something!!!!!

[@Absurdist1968]

Fred Google She had a hell of a producer in the recording sessions for this film. Mervyn Warren, who was the piano player in all the club scenes.

[@flexwork7948]

No hot water but we all know the truth

[@michelesacco1]

she is so sublime in this interpretation...

[@michaelmishaw]

I agree that Johnny Hartman's version with Coltrane is ONE of the definitive performances of Lush Life. The other two are both from the divine queen, Sarah Vaughan, in 1956 and 1979. Latifah correctly studied Vaughan's earlier version of Lush Life in her preparation, and quite deftly re-created Sarah's melodic turnaround at the end of the song, making it her own: "...of those whose lives are lonely too." For me, this rendition is one of the latest definitive versions. And you can't ever go wrong with a stunning and brilliant Mervyn Warren arrangement, which he conducted in the studio.

[@Absurdist1968]

michaelmishaw She also studied a little of Ella 1957. 😎

[@brucescott4261]

​@@Absurdist1968 ...Nonsense!

[@carolstein2713]

She is definitely a Queen of the Arts!! This woman has a gift so exquisite, her versatility is astounding, but above her music talent is her gift of compassion and humanity! She has made the world a better place.

[@queendionne659]

I've never been a fan of her singing until I heard THIS! She KILLED it! Brilliant!

[@aja1383]

She makes you feel the emotion of this song so well!

[@redthepost]

Ah yes, she Carrie’s each note from one to the other. Smooth as silk.

[@northpole8634]

Going on 69 yo and this is the best version I've ever heard. That includes the instrumentals.

[@benbenassi2348]

This is her sound. I’ve heard her sing before, but jazz is her spot!! She looked good too. Hot BBW

[@MichaelSmith-mm3fd]

Absolutely brilliant. There is everything in her rendition. Just masterful.

[@jjOnes10mine]

What the hell...Queen Latifah should have head lined every show she has ever done, this artist is outstanding...

[@RobinHughes-g1l]

The best! Donna Summer was great too!

[@mbw82ify]

I feel like we all forget this queen and how amazingly she can sing.

[@MaMusiqueUK]

What a phenomenal talent

[@kennyone2006]

This is a superb version of the song, a long classic for sure. Look for Donna Summer's excellent rendition of it as well on her album produced by Quincy Jones from 1982. It's stellar. It has been recorded by many vocalists throughout the years and is considered a workhorse of a song; Rickie Lee Jones, Natalie Cole, Esperanza Spalding and several others have all put their spin on this excellent and unique tune over the years. My personal favorite is Summer's, but Latifah's is a very very close 2nd. Thanks for sharing this here. It definitely proved that Queen Latifah (Dana Owens) can hold her own as a singer!

[@tooma4886]

Who else comes back to listen to this divine piece of art every month of so? Queen Latifah masters this incredibly difficult but sublime song, and no one even comes close! But I sure would have loved to hear Judy Garland sing it!

[@allenptc]

Am stunned by her performance, exquisite...!

[@chigeek61]

I can't remember the last time I've heard a song of this kind sung so beautifully. She really is a treasure. I hope we see her in more films

[@yusufalikhan4823]

I Love You Queen Latifah Beautiful❤❤❤❤😘😘😘😘😘😍😍😍😍

[@angelinak.4868]

No words can describe how beautiful this is. Awesome Queen.

[@phyllistagg-bovino1355]

She really nails this classic......Bravo!

[@dec3700]

I remember seeing this in the theater when it came out and was struck by just how brilliant Queen Latifah's performance was. Hearing it again 25 years later, I'm glad I haven't just romanticized the memory. Queen Latifah's performance still stands the test of time

[@janicedixon8032]

Yes, she MUST sing more Jazz!! You hear that Ms. New Jersey! From, Ms. New York!! 🌹💖🌹👊🏽😉

[@braeonart]

My favorite rendition of this song. Queen Latifah’s vocals and Mervyn Warren’s orchestration are without flaw...not to mention the recording and mix 👌🏽

[@ezabdullah]

jarbon5 I certainly agree with you. Queen Latifah has set new standards initiated in the golden age of yesteryear music. Her talent is exquisite!

[@rabit818]

Queen Latifah knew that she needs to up her game with this classic. And she did.

[@Nighthawk5210]

This version is very beautiful, her voice and phrasing are very impressive--I had no idea she could sing this way. My all time favorite version of this song is by Sarah Vaughn but this is getting up there for me, very beautiful arrangement too.

[@JazzlitaBudgets]

I love this movie and song.

[@ItsMefromSnuffys]

Greatest version I’ve heard!!! This song has waited on her and here they found each other

[@mhstpt]

Queen Latifah has a real feel for the music - one that belies what some might think of the more frivolous side she has portrayed in her comedic twists in the movies. Like Bette Midler, underneath it all is a truly magical talent. We would do well to listen and enjoy her for this "Lush Life" she weaves for us! Billy Strayhorn himself would be pleased by this performance!

[@williamgause4029]

Is Queen Latifah 's version of Lush Life Photoshopped I certainly hope not

[@phillipvaleri]

Without a doubt the greatest sung performance of this tune I've heard yet

[@borichro]

Better! The tone of anger and resignation is wonderfully captured here. "Oh yes I was wrong... is rendered perfectly. So is "a week in Paris will ease the bite of…"

[@klausgh]

I've always found her really beautiful looking, and now she even sounds amazingly beautiful! ❤❤❤

[@ArtistAllanWest]

No one can sing this as well! I was utterly blown away! Wow!

[@Lavaman3682]

The word you're searching for is MAJESTIC

[@integrityorigin2444]

So soft and delicate such soft tones from such a strong woman. Stunning voice....