The amazingness that is Audra Mcdonald

[@coolness06]

Vocally, she has the most POWERFUL head voice out of any singer I've ever heard. Acting wise, she is absolutely brilliant. I've never felt so captivated by a 4 minute solo song. Audra Mcdonald, you earned your record breaking 6 Tonys. Amazing work.

[@swarzeoz2550]

Most powerful HEADVOICE you have ever heard? Bigger than the singers at the Met? No. I love Audra McDonald, and I have seen her live a few times. I studied opera but had a career in musical theatre. I don't think you know what a "head voice" is. She does almost EVERYTHING in her head voice. And she mixes gorgeously, and when she dips into her chest voice, she just gives us further proof that she is a marvel. She is also a breathtakingly wonderful actor. I also know, (because I know people in the business who know her well) that she is a wonderful human being. How could she not be? When she performs it is where you want to be. But your comment about head voice is rather off.

[@MegaPrincessbear]

​@@swarzeoz2550 No reason to be a snob. A better approach would be, "here's a link to describe the different ways singers use their voice to make particular timbres. If you're interested in some really powerful voices, I recommend the following classically trained singers: Jessye Norman, Edda Moser, Stephanie Blythe, etc" I think it's a fair argument to say that Audra McDonald, as you said, is a marvel. Don't make someone feel bad just because they may not be using the correct terminology in a you tube comment.

[@juliavalencaschoen2234]

It's not really headvoice so much as mixing, but she has one of the most (if not the most) powerful one I've ever seen

[@chrissy2007]

swarze oz no reason to be an asshole

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

Hard to believe but "Your Daddy's Son" was originally not in Ragtime (at least early on)! Audra had been chosen to play Sarah and she was singing accompaniment on "Wheels of a Dream", but originally she didn't have a solo. That's when Ahrens and Flaherty realized "Oh shit, we need to give Audra a song, because we are doing the world a great disservice by not taking advantage of her voice and giving her something that she can sink her teeth in!" So they basically wrote this song specifically for Audra to show off her amazing pipes and have it double as a means to get the audience on Sarah and Coalhouse's side (firstly so they could empathize with Sarah for doing what she did to her newborn child, and later so the audience would be on Coalhouse's side when he begins his trajectory towards retribution for the racial injustices he suffers (and the misognoir that Sarah falls victim to).

[@jeremyflanagan7718]

And that's how you win a Tony in 4 minutes...

[@trevoraymar8406]

PERIOD

[@TheZeitergeist3]

When I saw Ragtime, during this song, there was a mid-song standing ovation in a 3,000 seat theatre. Chilling.

[@emmillienne]

+Sam Seleznow That's a really good point. I never thought of it that way

[@TheZeitergeist3]

Sam Seleznow i don't really have strong opinions on this like you do, but if it's any consolation, it was at the Florida State Thespian Festival where the drop of a hat gets a standing ovation... so take what I said in July with a grain of salt.

[@swarzeoz2550]

Oh, thank you so much for that comment! I would have given anything to have seen her do this live. I HAVE seen her live, but not doing this song. I live in hope.

[@justess797]

@@samseleznow3430 You are right, I read one of her interviews in which she said she felt super unconfortable just because of that.

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

@@samseleznow3430 It's just you. You're incredibly dense to assume the audience isn't aware of the gravity of the situation she's singing about, or that they're "not paying attention to the lyrics". A mid-song standing ovation means that they're so moved by the performance, they feel compelled to leap to their feet and begin applauding the singer/actor for their masterful performance. Like have you just never attended a show where the audience gave someone a standing ovation? Or have never attended a musical performance at all? Because a standing ovation is a really good thing. You have to be really good at what you're doing to move an audience to stand up and applaud you. When a singer receives a standing ovation, they earned it.

[@lauratanner412]

Well NOW she's just showing off, LOL. I cannot believe the power, the beauty, and she's doing this on. her. knees. WHAT?????

[@iankennedy9645]

It's impossible to not get goosebumps when she belts "son"

[@Mshottie6]

5 people were so moved and distracted by Audra's amazingness that they accidentally hit dislike.

[@YoYoRaeRae]

You know you have one of the greatest Broadway voices AND one of the greatest Broadway songs when a shitty VHS recording doesn’t stop you from crying. What an AMAZING performance. 😭❤️

[@autumnwalton5438]

I AM OBSESSED with her mixed voice, it's such a beautiful and powerful blend that is just captivating.

[@paulneedham2762]

What's a mixed voice?

[@adaj472]

@@paulneedham2762 it’s a mix between head voice (that operatic quality) and chest voice (belting).

[@KajiVocals]

@@adaj472 This doesn't make any sense physiologically.

[@tracyroweauthor]

In 2005 I had never heard of the musical version of Ragtime, but the small community theatre I worked in was going to perform it (I was the resident scenic artist) and someone brought in a cd soundtrack. I took it down to the costume room and put it in the cd player, curled up in the comfy chair in the corner and listened. I'll never forget hearing this song for the first time-so much emotion in her voice. And then later Coalhouse screaming nooooooooooooo and the line "We are voices and souls". I wept for an hour after listening to the cd. We ran 9 performances with an amazingly talented cast. I went to every performance and cried at every one, but Audra was the first, and she touched my soul...

[@ryebread9299]

Love this comment

[@justess797]

The first time I've listened to this song my mother ruined it, I wish I cuold get another first time ):

[@broadwaymelody33]

It's almost like I know what happened before, during, and after her frantic burial of her baby, the way she sings this. Just confused and in pain and afraid. This is phenomenal

[@samosullivan1744]

I mean, how often do you come across a voice like this in your life?!

[@Anjuli50]

I'd kill to have a voice like this...

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

Practice, practice, practice.

[@remyfacade]

Me too and I'm a guy

[@irvyne6111]

One of the greatest songs of all theatre, sung by one of its best singers. I get chills when I hear Audra sing it.

[@MatSwim94]

i'm obsessed with the belt she does on "son" 1:47

[@Aarondefyinggravity]

She's not actually belting, her folds are just really thick she sounds absolutely incredible though

[@izell6316]

Aaron Newland-Bentley that's definitely a belt sis, what are you even talking about? 😂

[@katiehuggins2006]

I must agree! It's belting. Obsessed! Actually with her voice overall. No effort, so natural, flawless!

[@bryantkeller9278]

I saw this original production and was dazzled. When Audra first appeared on Broadway, we followed her to each show knowing something extraordinary was happening. The revival of Carousel, Master Class, this, what a wonderful time in NY theater. ❤

[@filliamhmuffman2700]

And she sings so powerfully while crouching on her damn knees the whole time! LEGENDARY!

[@AjPoliMusic]

WOOOOW!!!! Such an AMAAAAAAAAZING VOICE!!!! A breath of fresh air!!! I LOOOVE opera and I LOOVE that she is an African American woman singing opera! There aren't that many African American women who sings opera but she DEFINITELY is AMAZING!!!! Soo beautiful! I too also like to sing opera and many other symphonic music! I LOOVED to sing the song Ave Verum Corpus! She have such a BEAUTIFUL voice!!! I LOOVE IT!!!

[@serimachan]

I swear my heart stopped for a second...gorgeous...both performance and her voice...just gorgeous.

[@Beautifullytragic6]

This hurts, it's so good. This is one of those shows I wish I could go back in time to see this cast.

[@kamdance4]

I grew up with Audra and she was as impressive at 13 as she is now. A powerhouse vocalist and unique talent. This is my favorite broadway performance of all time.

[@cellosing]

chills up and down my entire body, she's flawless and so passionate!!!

[@gothbird512]

3 people buried their hearts in the ground. This woman has a voice that just tears me apart. I cry every time I hear this.

[@k.hizzle5376]

I agree with that title whole heartedly

[@AtLastOnTheGround]

It's amazing that anyone that talented and beautiful could be so humble and grounded!

[@j.jmarlon1417]

chills......just chills....then tears.

[@MissKelsey796]

Her voice can bring anyone to tears.

[@FoggyRoad81]

This is one of those moments where no matter what anyone else ever does with this song I will always return to this version and the recorded version. The way she tells the story is jaw droppingly stunning. Every moment is perfect, she brings you along her emotional journey and it leaves you gaping for breath. Go Audra!

[@lorid.2133]

She is absolutely EVERYTHING!

[@cw1985]

My vocal instructor would have me listen to Audra MCdonald albums in order to observe her amazing techniques. The lady is incredible!

[@tntbandit5]

Well I'm a puddle....darn you Audra. It's so hauntingly perfect just like her. What else is there to say? AMAZING!

[@nickcortazzo4899]

So timeless and stunning

[@gerardm2002]

Classic. Talented. Amazing. I miss her on Broadway...

[@cuchelo1]

You got it right- Amazingness! I've seen her in several shows, in concert, and met when I lived in New York. She was never anything less than beautiful, gracious, and, yes, AMAZING. Her voice is supernaturally wonderful, but it's her acting choices that make her performances so memorable. She's perfection.

[@saundrapenix]

😶 I'm speechless... and totally in awe of Audra's voice...

[@eirikastokes9652]

This performance moved me to unstoppable weeping, Audra is utterly unbelievable.

[@Roots567]

she's perfect

[@joshuataylor3975]

*Breathtaking* That score is so incredibly difficult, and she makes it look effortless. Doesn't get much better than that....

[@joanejohnson4122]

I love cast albums. I have this one and I play this song to death along with Ragtime, the opening.

[@kelseyanne08]

Her voice is angelic. I honest to God have never heard a more beautiful voice than that of Audra McDonald.

[@TheatreFilmBuff]

I saw this production with all of the original cast at 10 years old and it is probably one of the best moments (and one of my most vivid memories to at a young age) of my life. Audra McDonald has four Tonys and is on her march to legend, but if someone were to ask me "Why is she so loved?"....all I would say is watch this video. A vocal and acting performance that is probably among the best ever in the history of theatre. Ragtime itself is a masterpiece of a show, too.

[@honeebun]

obsessed obsessed OBSESSED with her. every time I hear her sing, especially this song, I get the chills big time. I even sang this for my recital senior year of high school!

[@AlexisRaeSmith]

Life changing performance. I aspire to be everything she stands for.

[@wickedfeylady]

This is so beautiful it makes Dear Evan Hansen sound like Ben Platt farting into a microphone

[@EnviroArtiste86]

thank you for posting this! i was obsessed w/ this song in high school.

[@interpretermom]

I can hold it together until she sings, "forgive me".

[@TheatreFilmBuff]

Audra McDonald's greatest performance....not only that, one of the greatest stage performances ever from my favorite musical ever. Powerful, simply powerful.

[@Donnymac]

She's IS amazing.

[@ericballingsworth6185]

I saw her do this years ago on BW - I will never forget her singing this song!!!

[@idontreallycare78933]

this song is so eerie yet beautiful......creepy but not even in a bad way......its so poignant to the point of giving me chills

[@Beelzebubbly]

LOOOVE THIS SONG!! HER PERFORMANCE GIVES ME CHILLS!!!

[@anjelheaven]

Audra McDonald, what more can I say about this woman? She is an amazing talent. Not only is her voice perfect, but she's also an INCREDIBLE actress.

[@kwright1970]

I saw this musical about a month after it opened, I completely lost it when she did this song...tears from this point till the intermission...she is a phenom!

[@HeyItsMeCrystal]

I love this woman, song, and musical!

[@iltw]

just amazing, I saw this on broadway and I'm crying just as hard now, it's timeless...

[@getreelxo93]

One of her brightest moments. brilliant

[@Mcrose1]

Audra is a true Gem. Absolutly mesmerizing. I am in complete awe of her talent and skill. Her voice is the most beautiful I have ever heard. I look up to her. she is an inspiration to me.

[@BwayDreamer1128]

i would kill to work with her, or even do a master class with her. she is my favorite broadway actress of all time.

[@Nattalyee]

I love the freedom she takes wit..Audra...I love you!

[@pudgeuncle]

From the second she stepped on stage at the Vivian Beaumont in Carousel, I was enchanted, enthralled and totally captivated...and I am today. What a unique talent.

[@ewyler81490]

well here comes the chills and tears.....

[@jcatenor]

Wow. There are just no words to describe the audacity of this woman. She is not scared to go there in her music. And she goes there everytime you hear her. I love her

[@eviehigginsmusic]

this is so amazing and captivating

[@crayonsinorange]

She's so beautiful and sings like an angel.

[@delphinelisabeth]

audra ... singing with her soul :)

[@hannahmaria9021]

The level of talent is just... Yes. Yes Audra, you better sing it!

[@Blakewilliams89]

. . . wow. . .this makes things like american idol seem so juvenile. she's incredible. . .can't find words. . .it's perfect. everything about it is perfect

[@thisisryanblood]

Honestly one of the most phenomenal musical theatre performances, of all time.

[@TheMLCBroadcast]

Astounding.

[@Mcrose1]

This makes me so sad I never got the chance to watch her perform this on stage.

[@rachelzwicker8731]

Chilling

[@heartlandcutie13]

wow. she is spectacular. we're doing this at my high school, but nobody would be able to do this song better than her.

[@elenipolidouli9883]

[SARAH] Daddy played piano Played it very well Music from those hands could Catch you like a spell He could make you love him 'Fore the tune was done You have your daddy's hands You are your daddy's son Daddy never knew That you were on your way He had other ladies And other tunes to play When he up and left me I just up and run Only thing in my head You were your daddy's son Couldn't hear no music Couldn't see no light Mama, she was frightened Crazy from the fright Tears without no comfort Screams without no sound Only darkness and pain The anger and pain The blood and the pain I buried my heart in the ground In the ground When I buried you in the ground Daddy played piano Bet he's playin' still Mama can't forget him Don't suppose I will God wants no excuses I have only one You had your daddy's hands Forgive me You were your daddy's son

[@witchygrrl]

OH MY LORD. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! HOMG HOMG HOMG SOMEONE FINALLY POSTED HER SINGING THIS!!! I...can die happy now.

[@scottjop656]

Ragtime is one of my favorite musicals... and this is one of the main reasons why!

[@bmc102392]

omg. there are no words. what a stellar performance.

[@MyMollydolly]

Amazing - I cried!!!!!!

[@tappytb]

o m g i love this musical, i love this song and i love audra mcdonald she is outstanding vocally and truly immense in this role!!!!

[@theatredirector50]

Brilliant Performance

[@jeannaegirl]

This songs sends chills up my spine when she sings it.

[@mogul123]

This woman is seriously amazing. NO WORDS

[@asmileisspecial]

I love this woman so much it's unreal.

[@temilyo]

she got it!!! i saw it live and it she was INCREDIBLE!

[@leojbramble]

Saw her do this on Bway, this was as powerful as anything I've ever seen on stage. She and BSM were both fantastic, I had to go back to see the show a second time. Wish PBS or someone had filmed it for posterity.

[@MilesBaltrusaitis]

wow. incredible performance.

[@ceobosshogg]

Nikki Shante' in the musical she tried to bury her baby alive, but a wealthy white woman (not being racist!!) Came and stopped her. The woman took care of her and the baby. So when she says "i buried my heart in the ground! In the ground! When i buried you in the ground" she's talking to her baby explaining why she'd tried to bury him alive :). Hope you get it now.

[@interpretermom]

Kathleen Parsons I can’t tell you how many times I've heard this song but when she sings “forgive me”, I burst into tears every single time. Heartbreaking. Audra is a goddess.

[@willwalker24601]

...... but why did she try and bury her baby...

[@Sam-lb8xs]

@@willwalker24601 Because her baby's father left her, unwitting that she was pregnant with his child. As an unmarried mother in the early 1900s, she would have been an outcast. She had no means of support, nobody to help her, she was heartbroken and desperate. She was in no position to support a child, and he also reminds him of his father (who abandoned her). She's explaining this to her little boy and begging for his forgiveness.

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

@@Sam-lb8xs Not to mention that she was a single, poor black woman with a child born out of wedlock in 1902 in America. So that would have exacerbated her situation more.

[@malachithomas1]

@@willwalker24601 i’m sorry, but a lot of these comments are just incorrect. What had happened was that Sarah met coalhouse after one of his performances, they had a relationship, but then Sarah found out Coalhouse was seeing other woman. She then left him, and later found out that she was pregnant, but he didn’t know she was pregnant. After she buries the child alive, the child is found in the neighbors garden. The police come to take her away, and mother (the rich white woman), claimed responsibility and took her and the child in. After the news headlines in the town, cool house figured it was Sarah and went to go see her. He went every Sunday for months, and brought her flowers and came inside and played ragtime piano for the entire house. At this point he still didn’t know that he had a son. Then this leads to Sarah coming down finally and forgiving coalhouse. This leads to the song wheels of a dream, where they talk about their plans for the future and this is the first time coal house met his son.

[@ghettomama4real]

Beautiful piece of music and the perfect singer.

[@MusicalAleo]

She is my idol :D

[@UncleWillieK1]

OK I GOT TEARS FLOWING LIKE A RIVER AND I JUST FOUND OUT NOW ABOUT THIS WOMAN, MY GOD IS ALL I CAN SAY.......BLESS ALWAYS

[@MelaniePorras]

AUDRA.omg this woman is like a god ! i met her in NY but wow she is beyond amazinggg

[@03tickle]

@BlueJeanBaby012 Not only that it can be that pure and gorgeous, but that she can act like that while singing and have feeling in every word and sound. I'm so amazed by this woman.

[@meganybos8047]

Because she knew she couldn't care for him and because he reminded her so much if the man she loved who left her.

[@ImJustSayin2014]

This is my Dream role 😩

[@asmileisspecial]

I hold my breath everytime I hear Audra sing this song. Her voice shouldnt exist, it's so.. .perfect. Completely flawless.

[@sunrisesunset51]

I have goosebumps. *awe*

[@Esprit6]

Her voice is a miracle. She can mix, belt, she can sing bass, tenor, alto, soprano, coloratura, you name it, haha. I am so proud that my own name is Audra for this reason :P

[@RyanFrenkrealme]

this... is kind of heartbreaking and her voice is breathtaking.

[@marduke302]

OMG…..awesome.

[@LadyJade217]

I am getting goosebumps! WOOOOO!

[@chinabby18]

man...i almost cry everytime i hear her sing this

[@broadwaybaby05]

oh audra... you are amazing.