Harry Secombe & Roy Castle & Original Broadway Cast Of 'Pickwick' "If I Ruled The World"

[@terrybrown4400]

Takes me back to the 1960s when my parents owned a Harry Secombe album with this song on it. So long ago now

[@TomElvisSmith]

Harry Secombe, one of the greatest Welsh singers of all time! He had an incredible voice and recorded many albums performing popular music, operetta and opera. He was also a very popular comedian as one of the stars of Spike Milligan's "The Goon Show". Starring in the musical, "Pickwick", he made the show-stopping song from the show "If I Ruled the World" popular, and it became Harry's signature song. It has been recorded by a plethora of singers over the years including Jan Peerce and Tony Bennett. Harry's single of "If I Ruled the World" charted at number 18 on the UK Singles chart in 1963. The song was written by Leslie Bricusse & Cyril Ornadel. Harry's biggest hit was his version of "This Is My Song" which charted at number 2 in the UK in 1967. Petula Clark also had a big hit with it, and her version is wonderful, but in my opinion, no one has ever sung it as powerfully as Sir Harry Secombe. His recording of the song is majestic and I urge people to have a listen to it! Harry also starred in the movie version of the musical, "Oliver". Back in the 1950's, Harry charted in the UK with his version of "Vesti la giubba" which he also performed on the Sullivan show, and I hope we will get to see that as well someday. It's rather unfortunate that Harry only made two appearances on the Sullivan show, because he really was one of the great tenors with a big beautiful voice. He was supposed to appear again the following week after the performance in this video, but this didn't happen. He was also a very kind and generous person. Sir Harry was knighted in 1981. Thank you for posting this wonderful video of this fantastic entertainer!

[@adrinathegreat3095]

Roy castle, Actor, singer, comedian, world record tap dancer, and multi instrumentalists who could play anything. Did a hell of a lot for charities as well

[@lonestarfriend]

Pickwick has a fantastic voice!! 🙂👏👏

[@roysapanara2828]

Great job sir Harry

[@andymccall6861]

As Sir Harry used to say his voice was described as bel canto, or as he put it more like can belto!

[@that70sgirl90]

What a wonderful big boomin' voice! Happy Wednesday... thank you for sharing! 💖

[@rivards1]

Wow. What a show-stopper. Why can't anyone do this any more?

[@Trefoile]

Fantastic!

[@matthewmarston5149]

❤❤❤❤ Ed Sullivan ❤❤❤❤ Bravo Guy ...

[@matthewmarston5149]

Uncle Ed Sullivan: ❤Sir❤ 😢 ❤❤❤❤

[@Allagiti]

What a refreshing and enjoyable escape from today's politicians.

[@MrCPPG]

RIP Mr Bumble.

[@bh5606]

..wow..

[@douglasjohnson4382]

He will always be Neddie Seagoon to me.

[@matthewlawton9241]

I had no idea George Costanza could sing!

[@lonestarfriend]

Tony Bennett sang this song! 🙂

[@waldolydecker8118]

no foolin'?

[@lonestarfriend]

@@waldolydecker8118 Nope 🙂

[@twilightshealy4152]

I was 8 months old when this aired. I was born in the wrong era but still appreciate good entertainment 😊❤

[@JavertRA]

I don't remember Pickwick standing for election in the book, but I'm glad the scene exists in the musical, if it meant we got this brilliant song out of it. Edit: Have just watched the musical film which was posted here and I think the scene here has been edited for TV - which sadly means the film doesn't have the little bit of dialogue with Sam, Pickwick and the crowd where he muddles everything up. The person who sings this song on their campaign trail regardless of anything else gets my vote.

[@jameslamendola7843]

He was a classically trained tenor.

[@pintpot]

I had no idea that Roy Castle was in this production. It's weird to see him try a London accent

[@adrinathegreat3095]

Roy castle could do anything, world record tap dancer, Actor, singer, comedian and play any instrument

[@pintpot]

@@adrinathegreat3095 ...except do a London accent! :)