The Gospel at Colonus

[@cedrichester4529]

The J D Steele Singers, The Radio Institutional Choir, Clarence Fountain & The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Soul Stirrers, Carl Lumby, The Great Morgan Freeman, Bob Telson (Music Director and Keyboardist), and Butch Heyward on organ, and the rest of the awesome actors, narrators and musicians. This is still my all time favorite play!!! The Gospel at Colonus!!!

[@jahiemcollier5041]

Still watching this play in 2023 one of the best Broadway shows ever made speaking of black excellent my mother loved it.

[@jerjo7824]

Just discovered this and this should be played in school to our people

[@terryb1110]

In 1986 I stumbled on this play in Los Angeles. I was a junior Officer in the Marine Corps flying out of El Toro. I had gotten up in the early morning and drove to Big Bear to go skiing . I drove back near noon and went to the beach in Santa Monica. After an afternoon on the beach I drove through LA with no destination until a spotted a marquee that read The Gospel at Colonus. I thought it was simply a gospel show. This production, with this cast, set the end of the most perfect day in my life. I am 62 now . My heart is still filled with this production. Thank you..

[@naomiburn5289]

Wonderful and thank you sir for your your service. I was privileged to attend that run in LA too, with my mother. It has never left the place in my heart.

[@tamiresler6502]

I saw it in high school with my humanities class. I was 17. It remains the closest I've ever been to a religious experience. I went back twice more. Stunning.

[@davidmoore7799]

I saw this on PBS back in 1984. when it was next to impossible to record something on the fly. I have longed to see it again for decades.

[@joeribot7810]

I had the great privilege of seeing this exact cast of the Gospel at Colonus on Broadway New York City in 1988 . My wife my two sisters share this amazing memory of seeing the most Powerful play we’ve ever seen. They did 3 encores for us because we the audience went insane with such gratitude for what we just saw. In all my life Iv never heard such astounding voices. It was a great gift of the creator to bring this masterpiece of such amazing talent together. and for Morgan Freeman taking us through it till the very end ! While we were standby in Front Of the theater I turned and saw Morgan Freeman walking towards me it was surreal I reached out and shook his hand and said Do it up ! and he held my Hands in his and looked into my eyes and he said -- I will smiled and walked into the theater !! I’ll never forget that as long as I live!

[@slidesbone]

I was the musical director of this show in Dallas, TX for a World-Renowned Actress' Musical Theatre. I loved this show.

[@lacreshabaker4223]

My dad song with the blind boys on this production rip dad joe watson

[@MrLbsrdi]

Bless you

[@MrLbsrdi]

Tupac sent me here, he said it was his absolute favorite to listen to

[@nic-tv4090]

THEY SHOULD DEFINITELY REVIVE THIS!!!!

[@suenelson4123]

I absolutely abhor remakes but I totally agree on this one.❤❤❤

[@nichellejones]

I watch this now to see my grandmoms face i miss her so much.

[@alanmorris7669]

Which one is your grandmother?

[@gregoryomarosborne2543]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJrIq4eGjtiVgLM

[@alanmorris7669]

@@gregoryomarosborne2543 I like the original film, not the one you posted

[@audreykincy2090]

Which one was your grandparents

[@alanmorris7669]

@@audreykincy2090 Don't waste your time asking. I asked her the same question over 3 months ago and she still hasn't said anything.

[@richardwitt8248]

worked sound on this show at Brooklyn Academy of Music in 1983. It is one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The Steele Family Singers are truly wonderful.

[@djStrimmer]

Richard Witt good for you

[@stepawayful]

Wow. What a great experience that must have been. I saw it there, then in LA, then on Broadway. JD, Jevetta, et al are gifts from heaven.

[@gregoryomarosborne2543]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJrIq4eGjtiVgLM

[@alanmorris7669]

Richard Witt That means you saw this production before it aired on PBS, "Great Performances."

[@richardwitt8248]

@@alanmorris7669 yes - as I said: I worked on the show in winter of 1983. It was magical!

[@nmarcus7233]

Tupac referenced this as one of his greatest creative inspirations rolling stone interview with Chuck Phillips in 1993. Wow. Highly articulated humanity.

[@BrettOwen71]

One of the most glorious theatrical undertakings I’ve ever seen. Just perfect.

[@TalibShakir-hf9nj]

Classic I never get tired of watching this marvelous body of redemptive work from a child at until now as 46 year old man. Peace and kingdom blessings to the entire cast ❣️

[@alanmorris7669]

I saw this gospel musical in 1985 when it first aired on TV. It was featured on PBS "Great Performances."

[@nyjazzman]

Best musical ever !!✨ Saw it live years ago - truly an amazing experience to see it live with an audience completely wrapped up with the performance.

[@1594615]

I never imagined I’d find Greek tragedy set to soul music. Great story and live performance!

[@gregoryomarosborne2543]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJrIq4eGjtiVgLM

[@MrGarner10]

This was the first time I ever saw Morgan Friedman and Others that went on to be Stars in televisions and movies

[@stanjonesmusic]

One of the greatest musical plays of ALL TIME!!!!! ALLLLLLLL TIMMMEEEE

[@albertstarr3595]

I watch this again at least twice a year. An extraordinary production.

[@chisley1877]

THE BEST PLAY EVER. The nostalgia 🥰. Takes me back to my childhood when my brothers were still alive. Brings out so many emotions. They picked some of the best vocally talented singers. 🙌🏾

[@SoUtHMeMpHis]

So many more plays should've been given this treatment. Schools should promote this and BET, PBS , and the OWNetwork should air it yearly. Start a NEW tradition❗

[@jimirving5343]

REMEMBER IT LIKE YESTERDAY...TEARS ARE STILL DRIPPING...

[@thejcgroupassociates1256]

Absolutely EPIC production. First seen on PBS, then seen multiple productions performed in Los Angeles playhouses. One included the father of the late James Earl Jones, Robert Earl Jones. And I my memory serves me right some credit goes to Bob Telson!

[@hrichardhagen]

Thank you for this video. My uncle played in the ensemble - John Hagen on sax, when he was only 35!

[@carolynharris21]

I watched this on PBS when it came out in the 70's. Clarence Fountain & the Blind Boys of Alabama, The Original Soul Stirrers, Morgan Freeman, OMG this was the best cast of singers and actors!!!!

[@TruSoulDj]

The 80s.

[@RichardBienvenu]

I have a vinyl of the original recording. One of the few vinyls I kept when transitioning to CDs. That is how much I treasure this music. Truly transcendent. Would love to see it performed in New Orleans.

[@Ms89million]

Oh mercy me. What a wonderful treasure you have shared with us! Thank you so much! I'm going to sit with my Mom this Mother's day and watch this with her. She is in the late stage of Alzheimer's disease. We watched this as a family years ago and it always made her light up. I hope this will trigger a memory and she reacts to it. At this stage in Alzheimer's, every moment matters especially moments that cause her to light up. Thanks again.

[@kattie224]

God bless you and your mom I love this musical too

[@neecywatson]

Praying it stirs a memory in her. 🙏🏽❤️

[@boostergold20]

I pray.

[@adonicawright1161]

Zealand+1m

[@cherriejones11]

🙏🏽💜

[@Margejo7]

Clarence Fountain, who plays Oedipus, was the lead singer of the group, The Blind Boys of Alabama.

[@deecee5623]

Duh

[@peanutjelly727]

@@deecee5623 No need to be snide. I didn't know this. I didn't even know they were really blind.

[@terryselb8792]

I saw this productions many years ago at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis . It always stands out as one of the most memorable theater experience of my lifetime. A combination of passion, music and a very real combination of modern American Music with very strong roots in African American Slavery music that has withstood the ages of time.

[@BrinaMarySeattle]

I also saw this amazing work at the Guthrie. The Steele family are a treasure. I seem to remember Lee Breuer speaking to the audience, but am not sure if that happened at this show or if I heard him at one of the other shows that Mabou Mines did when they were at the Walker/Guthrie. What incredible theater!

[@sanjuan651]

Recorded this one back in the 80’s on vhs and played it until it no longer worked. I thought of the last song and came on KZbin to see if it possibly was uploaded. And to my amazement the entire play is here. Thank you for sharing!!! This was one of my favorites. Morgan Freeman took you to “chuch”.

[@SmolAliens]

I adore this show. I have never found any other gospel-style music without Christian lyrics. I wish there were more out there!

[@jazzybash1]

Basically how churchy folk explain Greek tragedy. Love this

[@carmenbell77]

I saw this, as it was broadcasted on PBS. It meant something then. But in these troubling times, it takes on a new and deeper meaning with a new understanding. Love for one another is becoming much more elusive. This production is a reminder of the need to return to this simple concept.

[@ampc34]

This is a Sophocles's tragedy, Oedipus at Colonus but the spirit moves all over that place I enjoyed it as a child and I still love it

[@gregoryomarosborne2543]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJrIq4eGjtiVgLM

[@helenmurray3276]

I don’t know how it happened but it became tradition in my family to watch this every Christmas. Jevetta Steele’s voice! The whole cast!

[@LaurenK-j7x]

I remember the gospel at colonus on DVD and on VHS and also on Spotify on my phone practicing the songs from the gospel at colonus

[@CarolynHarris816]

I don't know why, but I watch this daily!

[@bridgettjonessmith9311]

I never get tired of seeing this and hearing the glorious voices.

[@romamartin5086]

Such beauty in song from the most tragic tale ever spun by the Greeks. If you have the Blues Gospel is the cure!

[@collettecaraway2759]

THIS is my most favorite performance of all! 💚♥️💚♥️👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@CaroleBuggeCELawrence]

Saw this twice - once on Broadway and once in DC - wept each time. "Numberless are the Wonders" may be the best song ever written.

[@cka2nd]

"Never Drive You Away" would probably be my choice for the greatest number from this show.

[@cka2nd]

Saw it at Carnegie Hall, myself, in the early or mid-90's, with Robert Earl Jones playing, I think, the minister. I brought a friend who didn't care for gospel music and even he got into it.

[@alanmorris7669]

I completely agree and I love your hair.

[@CaroleBuggeCELawrence]

Thanks!

[@dfromcool]

I saw this on PBS back in the eighties! And I still remember the line: “Live where you can, be as happy as you can”😀

[@lstuart5379]

I saw this originally on PBS when it aired in the 80s. I had it on VHS which of course I can't find. Love, love , love the music. Awesome production.

[@gregoryomarosborne2543]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJrIq4eGjtiVgLM

[@alanmorris7669]

Me too. I remember it aired in 1985 on PBS, "Great Performances." During the commercial break, they announced it would be coming on next. I hurried and put a VHS in my VCR and taped the whole show. I loaned it to a friend but I never got it back, so I bought a copy of it on DVD.

[@agkrakow]

Before there was #HamiltonMusical, there was #TheGospelatColonus. Briiliant. A powerful story of redemption and love!

[@RonStarr215]

amy krakow Truth

[@latifahjohnson]

I was brought here because a clip of "Do Not Go On" song went viral and I decided to check this out within context and I'm glad that I discovered this. Loved it

[@asabifatosin1150]

I saw this live in Philly over Annenberg on Penn’s campus. It was IMPRESSIVE. I remember Carl Lumbly, so distinctly handsome, and the Five Blind Boys of Alabama.

[@gwendolynp24]

I been looking for this for years im so happy to find it 🙌 ☺ 😌 🤗

[@sheilacannon9914]

Love love love this musical!!!! I know every word to every song 🥰 gives me chills. Every. Time.

[@lucillesmith196]

This is a true tragedy, one of its kind 😢..deeper than deep!!! I was blessed to view this Greek play over 32 years ago with my family ❤❤❤

[@cyyrious]

I remember my grandmother taping this on beta when it came on PBS and I watched it all the time. Really good play

[@cyyrious]

lmao we probably taped it the same time does anyone even still watch PBS...a lost good publicized channel

[@cyyrious]

I don't my antenna doesn't really pick up anything I got rid of cable too...but I do catch somethings on their KZbin channel

[@cka2nd]

@@cyyrious Parents still trust PBS for its kid shows, "Downton Abbey" was a huge hit for the network, and those of us 50 and up are more likely to find music that we like on public TV than we are anywhere else on TV, and without the clutter of the internet.

[@TheSheriffofCaliPlanes]

Wow. that's something from the old days... Betamax.

[@brendarewan7441]

Just thought to google this. So glad I can watch it again after many years. I had this recorded on V HS and lost it through a tornado. One of my most favorite. 😊

[@suenelson4123]

I watched this ALL THROUGHOIT my childhood. I know EVERY song, facial expression, scene, and the HOLY GHOST happens to STILL HIT in the very same way! Myyyyyyy God, what memories, what an anointing on these lives! What an impact!

[@bucksix1]

I had the great good fortune of seeing this same cast at the Doolittle theater in Los Angeles. My bravos were only out numbered by my tears. This is a true definition of great theater!!!!!!!!

[@reneeford8417]

This deserves recognition as a Truly American Masterpiece. A Classic. Saw the original PBS Great Performances broadcast in 84, videotaped it on VHS the next time they reran it, wore that tape out. Saw the original cast live performance on tour in San Francisco in the early 90s , was thrilled to see it available on DVD and here on YT. It's just as moving as it was 40 years ago, and seeing the reknown talents no longer with us moves me to tesrs as much as the stellar performances.

[@kitty2pat]

If I had money I'd pay everyone to reprise their roles live on stage for me. Sadly I never saw this most cherished play in person.

[@kattie224]

I feel the same way can we get together and do just that they are doing it here in Philadelphia and I am sure that they wont be able to touch this 1985 version however I intend to see it.

[@CalvinRE]

This September (2018) they are reprising it at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park.....with many of this original cast!!!! Get thee to NYC!!!

[@makedagershenson5468]

Patricia Peoples, www.publictheater.org/Public-Theater-Season/The-Gospel-At-Colonus/ It's back on stage!! :) This week

[@bonwalk01]

I had a chance to see it. It was amazing. I had a chance to know Clarence Fountain(the lead character) Sam Butler both amazing Artists.

[@sheilahrenee6730]

​@@bonwalk01Sam Butler passed away a little while ago

[@AntTuck]

This video helped me establish my style as an organist!! Butch Heyward was my teacher and he doesn't even know it!!

[@agkrakow]

Bob Telson, who wrote the music, credits him with teaching him a gospel style! He was his teacher too but he knew it). Telson is on piano, you can see him in the video.

[@johnathanstowe85]

RIP my brother Minister Anthony Tucker.

[@cka2nd]

@@johnathanstowe85 My condolences. www.journalnow.com/news/local/friends-remember-winston-salem-man-who-died-in-car-crash/article_5cd10a85-6847-54ba-8783-b92d56f69c7f.html

[@alanmorris7669]

@@johnathanstowe85 Did Anthony Tucker pass away?

[@floydgodfrey5182]

What a CLASSICAL BLESSING. The Five Blind Boys, Th Soul Stirrers, Morgan Freeman and so much other Gifted Black People.

[@GradyPiglip]

This is easily my favorite theatrical production of all time, for so many reasons, on so many levels. Robert Meagher introduced me to it in 2003 and I am forever grateful.

[@henriettaparks586]

BEAUTIFULL!! LOVELY!! JUST AS I REMEMBERED IT! SAW IT WHEN IT WAS FIRST AIRED ON PBS!!! OUTSTANDING!!! IT PLAYED IN OAKLAND! BY THAT TIME ROSCOE LEE BROWNE TOOK MORGAN'S PLACE!

[@lw1913]

Watching this again because it’s just that good.

[@javiandavid]

Just excellence! Black Excellence!! This is what made me want to a public speaker or actor!

[@juliescapulet]

I love Ismenes song at 18:08. What a beautiful adaptation of scene 3 in the original play!!

[@TheGospelQuartetParadise]

Every time I see this my mind goes back to 1985, sitting in my living room with my sons watching this. At that time I never knew that I would come into personal contact with some of the stars of this production, through my radio ministry.

[@MrGarner10]

I remember watching this program about forty years ago watch it twice in Duluth very moving

[@donv21117]

Seen some of the songs on KZbin but this is the first time I've seen the entire production. The music and the singers, OMG! Don't even get me started on the brilliance of Morgan Freeman!

[@angelamcgregor1042]

So glad to find this. Saw the play in Minneapolis a long time ago. Always loved watching the Steeles perform around town.

[@asabifatosin1150]

I had the album and played it often!

[@margicates553]

John Darneils favorite thing of all time. I had to come see it and seek sanctuary.

[@godschool8427]

Omgosh this is pure magic...thank you SO much for making this available!!!

[@lw1913]

Yes!!!

[@judygrimes603]

Saw this there times at the Guthrie inMinneapolis. Loved it..

[@laurenkelly4151]

James earl Jones is one of my favorite actors of all time and his father Robert earl Jones

[@Msfifisquarepantz]

Saw it in LA.Transcends time and cultures.

[@ellbdotmusic3521]

Still watching in 2019😋

[@Rinnyrinnyrinny888]

ReelVanLife Living I got the soundtrack

[@GermonoToussaint]

This style, this type of singing is dying. Glad we have this

[@theresabarnes5875]

Beautiful voices Jevetta Steele and her siblings.,Awesome singers🌷🌷🌷

[@kaysloves3146]

One of my favorite performances of all time. Brilliantly creative concept, brilliantly realized. Simply spectacular yet deep and nuanced performances. I watch it every few years, and pick my jaw up off the floor every time. Lord God it is good. Thank you and bless you for posting it.

[@athorpe630]

Unforgettable So glad I found this again such a classic.

[@fabianseh2783]

This fills me with joy, awe and wonder!!

[@sybilarroyo6929]

I lost my VHS copy and have been wondering all these years if I'd ever see this play again. I saw it at The Brooklyn Academy of Music and it was phenomenal! I still remember every song...I wish they would do this again.

[@kattie224]

they are doing it again here in philly and I am definately going to see it but nothing can touch the origional

[@bradwatson1048]

The Public Theatre in NYC is performing it NOW in Central Park.

[@agkrakow]

katherine Valentine I've seen it live now 5 times... BAM, Phila, Bway, the Apollo and most recently this week in Central Park.. JD Steele still in the production and acts as if its 35 years ago. Sam Butler still sounds great, but now is bald. Alas, Clarence is gone, but the Messenger - the Preacher - is played by the real-life Preacher who worked with Morgan and the cast. But yes, there was nothing like seeing this the first time, with the original cast... all in this video.

[@Ma1nguy]

Love this and the music

[@joeymcfloey2467]

I watched this on TV in London, UK and I have never forgotten this phenomenal show!

[@JHarder1000]

Ineffable and everlasting.

[@GermonoToussaint]

So much soul in this.

[@j.g.p.jr.6497]

Legendary!!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@JerzCe73]

Thank you, Thank you and Thank you so much. I was TEN years old when this came out. I remember my family watched it on PBS and then my Mom purchased the VHS tapes (Rather expensive) and then gone to time. It had an enormous impact on me. This retelling allowed me to experience a Greek Myth through a Black American cultural lens, and appreciate the complexity and nuance of the text.

[@marshajohnson9393]

Words cannot express the joy I have gotten from this production since 1985. I sing and would love to be a part of a reproduction. Brilliant performance by all involved. I think I have viewed more than 100 times over the years since it appeared on PBS. I bought many copies for family and friends.

[@cka2nd]

I would love to see a local production of this, featuring our regional gospel choir made up of the choirs of the local churches. If memory serves, I gave cassette tape copies of this and Aretha Franklin's live Amazing Grace album to the director of one of the local church's gospel choir.

[@cka2nd]

Wikipedia notes that this has been done, first in Malvern, PA in 1995 and again in Coatesville, PA in 2015 and again in 2018 (www.broadstreetreview.com/theater/coatesville-cultural-society-presents-the-gospel-at-colonus#). Hopefully, other communities, regional theaters and churches can reach out to those folks and put on their own local productions.

[@rhondailabor5229]

Saw it when it first came out. Must have seen it 10 ten times!!

[@nichellejones]

Love you Grandmom. Selene A. Jones ❤👼

[@chloemathews3432]

I grew up with this I know every word to every song still love it till this day it takes me to a wonderful place when I'm feeling down thank you for posting this

[@ericdeubanks]

Here's one of those theatre pieces I only know from a few sentences here in there when people write about what was going on in the wider world I [as a young theatre major with no money, LOL] couldn't afford to go and encounter in person. So to finally hear and feel and experience this is a marvel. Thank you so much for posting this.

[@basswriterNYC]

Like so many others, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for posting this. I treasure my DVD copy of this performance (given to me by the amazing bass player, Lincoln Schleiffer), but you've made it possible for me to share this precious moment far and wide. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@gregoryomarosborne2543]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJrIq4eGjtiVgLM

[@manyattitudesofdennis3980]

Oedipus: Damned... Damned... Damned... (Googling "What happened on March 24, 1988" brought me here: the opening day of this musical.)

[@laurenkelly4151]

I remember James earl Jones was my favorite actor playing as mufasa in the lion king in 1994

[@sergioleo7824]

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful....................

[@jrivtechv]

This was an all around grand production! Amazing! Simply amazing!

[@diannajordan0607]

A real GEM, love this!!!!

[@cynthianavarro4316]

My friends and I saw this live in Los Angeles! I lost an earring that night! Thank you for sharing this

[@Kater0330]

I remember seeing this live in Philadelphia at least 3 times!! I love it!! And what a cast!! Morgan Freeman, Carl Lumbly, Robert Earl Jones, and the singers and musicians! I am so glad I found this as I had lost my tape and hadn't gotten a DVD yet!!

[@asabifatosin1150]

SO SO glad to see this again!