What makes him so great? GORDON MACRAE sings 'If I Loved You" from Carousel

One of the GREATEST voices of American musical theatre! This performance is just a small fraction of his ability. His effortless baritone is a masterclass in legato, tone, expression and restraint.
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#gordonmacrae #rodgersandhammerstein #reacts

[@deuxjournalistes2993]

I feel like crying in happiness that someone is reacting to this incredible man's voice and presence. He's my favorite male singer of all time.

[@seagrapegrove727]

You must be "up there" in years like me. I could listen to him all day. What in incredible voice he had. He made it see so easy.

[@seagrape54]

Mine, too. I'm almost 80 years old. I remember that movie. I still get goosebumps listening to him sing.

[@user-sv2mr1td6v]

One of the best singers of all time .

[@user-kf8wb2cq4f]

Gordon's voice is Exceptional.

[@waterlily6543]

You said it better thanks

[@amandadaley4918]

Ken, Thank you, thank you, for appreciating the incredible voice he had! I was blessed to call him my Dad. ❤️ Amanda MacRae Daley

[@seagrapegrove727]

Oh, Amanda, I've been so hoping one of his children would finally show up on this thread--and here you are.

[@heather4155]

How wonderful to have him as your father .I'd be watching this film everyday,my all time favourite musical ❤️

[@vccomputing]

Hi Amanda!

[@francinefernandes2007]

Love his voice. The Desert Song, On Moonlight Bay two of my favourite movies. R.I.P Mr Gordon Macrae. Thank you for blessing our ears with your voice ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@taniaj09]

Hi Amanda! I hope it brings happiness to you when I say I love your father's voice so much to the point I honestly can't stand to hear anyone else sing the songs from Carousel. Nobody else comes close to doing those melodies justice, there is something so special and unmatched about the way Mr McRae sings them. Like they were written for him despite being created many years before he sung them. Carousel the film is one of my favourite musicals and I watch it often, it's such a beautiful yet sadly often misunderstood story.

[@seagrapegrove727]

As far as I can find out, Gordon Macrae never had any formal voice lessons--it was all just INBORN in him. What a gift he was blessed with!!

[@donnablankenhorn5905]

He had the whole package--Voice, handsome and good actor!

[@janetohara427]

I love Gordon Macrae’s voice and delivery of this song. Another great song he sings from that movie is “My Boy Bill”. Such a voice....wow!

[@seagrape54]

If you want to hear more of Gordon MacRae at his finest, pull up "Oklahoma!" (1955) and watch it--twice. He is incredible. The movie opens with him singing, "Oh, What A Beautiful Morning"--gives me goosebumps to hear that incredible voice. It's absolute perfection. This movie is sooooo well made, too. Chickens and turkeys pecking food from the ground, cows being herded in the background, window curtains blowing in the breeze, real period furniture and other furnishings. The photography for "Surrey With The Fringe On Top" is stunning. Costumes are colorful and gorgeous. Dancing is superb. When they sing "Oklahoma" I get more goosebumps. And BTW in the opening scene between Curly and Aunt Eller, that's REAL BUTTER she is cleaning off the paddles of her butter churn.

[@seagrapegrove727]

I am 87 years old and Gordon Macrae was--and still is--one of my all-time favorite singers!! He was one of the all-time greats and IMHO far outstrips any of the singers of today--who are mere performers and entertainers, not real SINGERS.

[@donnablankenhorn5905]

We are the same age and I "discovered" Gordon MacRae when I was 12 and saw many of his movies 3 to 5 times. The first movie was "Look for the Silver Lining".

[@seagrapegrove727]

I'm pretty sure I also saw all of his movies when I was younger, @@donnablankenhorn5905 but I don't remember most of them--"Oklahoma" being the exception as I have watched that movie 4-5 times over the years. I never get tired of Gordon MacRae. and I am so glad his music legacy is preserved for any and all to enjoy.

[@user-sv2mr1td6v]

Fell in love with his voice at 12 years old. First heard him on the radio program , the Railroad Hour. A fan from then on. He was the Best !!! Remarkable voice!!!

[@marya.pierce5236]

Today’s best is Johnny Mathis. But I’ve always loved Gordon MacRae, and if he was here today, I would have a mad crush on him! 🩷

[@TheSusu125]

He had such an amazing voice. Effortlessly.flawless!

[@deuxjournalistes2993]

In Oklahoma when Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae sing People Will Say Were in Love -it's like how can two human be that gorgeous looking AND so gorgeous sounding!??

[@seagrapegrove727]

Shirley Jones was 19 when she made "Oklahoma" and she said she had the biggest crush on Gordon McaRae. From the way he looks and smiles at her all throughout the movie, it appears he was a bit smitten with her, too. :-D

[@w.scottdewey3960]

I totally agree with your comments on Gordon MacRae. He had power, excellent phrasing, clear word pronunciation, very skilled in his dynamics, and he was faithful to the script. Richard Rodgers didn't like singers deviating from what he had written.

[@songbirdinnc]

Another tidbit: I worked with John Raitt as his leading lady in MAN OF LA MANCHA many years ago, and he was still singing the Carousel SOLILOQUY (which he originated!) as his encore at age 65! His voice was still lush and exquisite, and he was a lovely man. The reason he didn’t do film is because he had a “bad eye” which didn’t photograph well. Good friends with Gordon McCrae and Howard Keel, who also sang in this style. But he was Richard Rodgers’ favorite. RIP to all these glorious singers!

[@mauricioduron3193]

True indeed. Yet John Raitt did take 'The Pajama Game' ("Hey There") to the screen, with Doris Day.

[@gemini730lory8]

Love Gordon MacRae ,John Raitt.Also love Nelson Eddy who was a generation behind them.💙🙏

[@seagrape54]

I'm almost 80 years old. I remember that movie. I still get goosebumps listening to him sing.

[@paulvesely4773]

UPDATE -THANK YOU KEN ! I should like to express my sincere thanks to Ken for this post in recognition of Gordon Macrae who was truly a unique talent . Beyond the skill he had as a singer , he was and we were blessed to be able to enjoy his incredible voice. It is beyond my ability to fully express my appreciation for this truly great vocalist . Today I had a long ride with my 20 year old son . I needed to have some tests done and am not able to drive for a couple of weeks. While we were in the car , I had my son play some Gordon Macrae songs . I wanted to see what effect this incredible talent would have on the younger generation. He really enjoyed and appreciated how special Gordon was.

[@johnwagner409]

Gordon does an incredibly beautiful job of singing the gorgeous song. Cheryl Wagner

[@jantonon759]

Carousel has always been my favorite movie, and I always thought Gordon MacRae had the most wonderful voice ❤

[@Shadow_Banned_Conservative]

My introduction was as a kid in the 1970s, before VCRs were common place in homes. I didn't see the movie until later when it came on TV one night, but the sound track played in my home growing up pretty regularly, on an old reel-to-reel tape deck. My favorite part of the movie was end, when he showed up to give his daughter the star and to finally tell Julie that he loved her.

[@claire-janehawkins5883]

My favourite film was Desert Song, my mum and i loved watching it when I was in my teens , im 60 now and still love his voice, so talented.

[@devydu]

Thank goodness Gordon MacRae was available to play Billy Bigelow when Frank Sinatra dropped out during filming of Carousel in New England. I’ve heard Sinatra’s version of “If I Loved You” which I find so weak and unconvincing. I love Shirley Jones & Gordon MacRae as the perfect love-interest pair in both “Carousel” and “Oklahoma”, as they had true chemistry!

[@scottwhite2397]

I’m 72, but followed musicals at a young age. I’ve not found a voice yet that compares to Gordon Macrea.

[@CarinRuff]

I LOVE this. I'd love to see you look at some more of the great voices from the golden age of musicals.

[@dotallen9071]

He was my heartthrob when i was young, so good looking and beautiful voice x

[@donnablankenhorn5905]

Mine, too!! Had pictures on wall and saw movies 5 times!

[@tiggywinkle20]

So glad I found you Ken. I have adored Gordon MacRae for years, nearly all my life and adore this and his rich voice. He is incredible and in the Soliloquy especially. They just don’t sing like this now. Shirley wonderful too. Great to have this analysis which is so true. Sinatra good actor but glad he didn’t get this role. It was, for me, Gordon’s role. Many thanks from across The Pond❤️🙏🇬🇧

[@vintagebrew1057]

Yes, Gordon will never be topped in this role. Beautiful voice❤

[@Luana6350]

Yes, those were the days 👍

[@elainebeal811]

He had a great voice. Powerful.

[@lindahayden9202]

GOOSEBUMPS!!

[@JH-ki2iq]

Thanks for doing this review and analysis….Gordon is my favorite, and this is the outstanding song from Carousel. Have been listening to him since I was a kid, and am now 77. 😅

[@bjthorsnes170]

Thank you. Macrae was wonderful, and has been so forgotten. He was so talented, and so aware of his roles. We all should have been in love with him and killed ourselves at the end of each of his two big film presentations. Really. He deserved all of us to adore him!!!!!

[@tiggywinkle20]

I haven’t forgotten Gordon. Watch this and his singing regularly. Wonderful favourite singer.🇬🇧

[@paulvesely4773]

A very sincere THANK YOU for posting this . Now at 80 years old , I have too much time on my hands so I am reviewing all the music that I have enjoyed over these years. I don't understand why I never realized what an incredible talent Gordon Macrae was at the time I first heard him. I was a music student which makes this all the more puzzling. I won't echo your fine comments , they are exactly what I feel . What a gift this fine singer was to all of us. Again , thank you for this post. I do wonder if my children and grandchildren will ever have the good fortune to hear and experience someone as remarkable as Gordon Macrae.

[@therealcg3]

I would trade a lot to sing like he did. What a voice and career

[@victoriasicola2286]

I love him. Have you looked at Oklahoma's "People Will Say We're in Love?"" Also, fantastc!

[@AndthenthereisCencorship-xc6yi]

You are right! I grew up listening to this genre. My dad played it so many times I thought I had it memorized. Gordon and Alfred Drake. Richard Kiley was another one. I grew up on this stuff. Opera, too! Yes, I played my rock in the 70's, but I had a steady diet of his music, too. I am 62 years old and this stuff just melts my heart and brings back memories of my father.

[@sozanmarshall2832]

Absolutely marvelous

[@leswainwright5343]

To me Gordon McCrea is the best male singer I have ever heard, his voice is just perfect, he hasn't had the praise he richly deserves

[@averone502]

Tis true… There has never been another Gordon MacRae. He was something very special ❤

[@cathykrueger4899]

Thus is such an incredibly beautiful song. I’ve known all the words since I was a teenager and never wanted to hear anyone else sing it. The words express a sentiment that we all recognize. This song put words to the music and the music in our hearts. That is what Gordon MacRae’s voice can do.

[@gemini730lory8]

No one has mentioned Nelson Eddy .Beautiful strong classically trained baritone.He had amazing breath control.He could sing manly marching songs,but also tender ballads and duets with Jeanette MacDonald.In his radio broadcasts and concerts he sang a variety of music- opera,operetta,musical theatre,popular music,folk music. Love Gordon MacRae,John Raitt.Also love romantic ballad singers- Perry Como,Nat King Cole,Johnny Mathis.💙🙏

[@anthonysimpsonanygoround8749]

Presently there are about a dozen recordings of “Carousel” and will be another in Sept. 2024 as conducted by John Wilson, finally with all the music complete at 107 mins. 🎠🎪 MacRae still remains my favorite in this role and I’m a big fan of “Carousel”. As long as Nelson Eddy was mentioned, there was a record album (and cd) of Nelson Eddy in “Oklahoma!” and he did a great job. “Carousel” is my favorite R&H show but I’m also fond of all their other works including “Oklahoma!”John Raitt toured in the show and was picked originally in 1945 for Billy’s role in “Carousel” onstage, and later did a studio cast record of “Oklahoma!” and was Billy again in a 1965 revival of “Carousel” twenty years after originating the role. Raitt did very few films although it’s been mentioned that he and Doris Day were paired up for the film of “The Pajama Game” (which Raitt had also originated onstage). This may be a bit off-topic but the Nelson Eddy record I mentioned also had in my opinion one of the best interpretations of the Persian peddler Ali Hakim, as acted by David Morris with chorus in the lesser-known (and sometimes cut) number “It’s a Scandal! It’s a Outrage!”. ..Just sayin’!

[@gemini730lory8]

@anthonysimpsonanygoround8749 Thank You for posting about the upcoming John Wilson recording of Carousel.💙🙏

[@anthonysimpsonanygoround8749]

@@gemini730lory8 You’re welcome! Already from the sample clips I’ve heard it sounds wonderful…I’m a little ambivalent about some of the casting choices that were chosen …I’m no critic and mean no disrespect here, and they might have considered going with a few other voices…but I will be very content to have it! 🎠🎪 I’m thrilled that at long last after seventy-nine years and a dozen or so versions there is finally going to be a recording of everything in one place, in context, to include all songs and verses, dance music, even scene change music, etc. John Wilson did this recently with “Oklahoma!” as well. He is a superb conductor. One of my favorite concerts and cd recordings several years ago also had him conducting many R&H songs with a great cast and his large orchestra, replicating very closely the arrangements heard in the R&H films, plus a few embellishments. That recording for example of “The Carousel Waltz” was outstanding, and in a video version we were also treated to the view of all the skilled musicians passionately playing it. 🎠🎪

[@gemini730lory8]

@anthonysimpsonanygoround8749 Who is singing the roles of Billy Bigelow,Julie Jordan?

[@anthonysimpsonanygoround8749]

@@gemini730lory8 Nathaniel Hackmann who was the lead in the former “Oklahoma!” recording is Billy and Mikeala Bennett is Julie. The role of Carrie is performed by Sierra Boggess who was heard as Laurey in “Oklahoma!”. Boggess would have been perhaps a lighter soprano sound and fine in the Julie role but Bennett has some great operatic depth. Others they could have considered are Aaron Tveit or Patrick Wilson as Billy, and certainly as Julie another great singer named Lily Kerhoas would have been outstanding (all three I just mentioned were in the 80th Anniversary televised concert of R&H works). Nathaniel Hackmann, Nathan Gunn and Julian Ovenden are all strong in their portrayals of Billy with great dramatic and sometimes operatic voices, but they’re not my favorite choices for the role. I preferred Jason Danieley in the NY Phil. concert rather than Julian Ovenden in the new recording as Enoch Snow, and of course Robert Rounseville from the film was superb. I also liked Cameron Mitchell in the film. Shuler Hensley from the NY Phil concert also would have been effective as Jigger, but in retrospect I loved Murvyn Vye’s deep bass tones in the original cast, and George S. Irving from a studio cast recording. From videos I’ve seen I would have also liked James Snyder and Kelli O’Hara as Billy and Julie, or Steven Pasquale and Laura Osnes (who were in the Chicago lyric opera revival). From all the recordings I have, my personal favorite as Julie (next to Jones!) is Sally Murphy from the 1994 revival. I also would have liked the idea of Jessie Mueller as Julie or Carrie for the new recording and Audra McDonald as Nettie, considering how wonderfully she did Mother Abbess in the tv production of “The Sound of Music”. The film soundtrack for “Carousel” is still my favorite cast grouping for all of the roles, and my personal favorites of course for both the roles of Billy and Julie respectfully remain Gordon MacRae & Shirley Jones. 🎠🎪

[@thomasprimavera2699]

Thank you so much for your expertise, I was a very young man in the early 1960s and my mother was a retired opera singer growing up in Providence Rhode Island we didn’t have a lot to listen to but she took me to all the performances that she could and she taught me how to appreciate beautiful vocal styles people with great ranging richness and great technique, Gordon MacRae was always one of her favorites and always will be mine, my question is call today has that power and range in fullness as he did in the 1950s is there anyone today who has that style of singing that I might be able to access, thank you so much Tommy PRIMAVERA, PS you have a beautiful speaking voice of your own👍

[@jesselbal]

Would love to read biography of Gordon Macrae, how he started… family influences, where did he first start out singing,etc. 9:58

[@ryansmallwood1178]

Would love more analyses of old musicals!

[@susandonb58]

Ive been a fan since my childhood. Love him so much. I have an autographed album of his spiritual album.

[@paulgraham421]

I saw Gorden macrea in Oklahoma on the giant cinerama screen in 1966. It brings back memories of my childhood in the 60s. The opening song in the movie Oh what a beautiful morning was unforgettable.

[@theosimone]

Surely, one of the most gifted male vocalists of our time and I never grow weary of hearing his music. I am and always will be in total awe of his talent.

[@baskervillebee6097]

Love Gordon McCrea

[@susandesanti3339]

This is a fantastic analysis of Gordon McRae’s superb singing. Thank you for discussing his ability to make the line continue even when the sound stops, among his many other talents. Yes, I subscribed.

[@Arkelk2010]

I wish people still did sing like this. There won't be another Gordon McRae, but this style. With modern miking, in revivals onstage the voice sounds a bit different than it used to.

[@yinunit]

This brings back memories! I used to fall asleep when little to Gordon McCrae and Kenneth McKellar on the stereo. My Dad used to emulate him

[@Arkelk2010]

You might want to make an appendix to this video. He reprise at the end is exquisite. Changes one word and resolves at least the Julie-Billy love arc.

[@Makeji]

I just listened to 3 or 4 other singers sing this song and he is by far the best. Wonderful voice. The Soliloquy is perfection. So glad Frank Sinatra didn't do the role as planned. This was my first musical when I was a kid. This scene - with her singing first - actually changed musical theater.

[@CatherineMeltzer]

II became acquainted because of my mother, who went to HS with him. He was wonderful and underrated. Still listen to him.

[@7Sandie]

when music up lifted you!!!!!

[@willettej7988]

When I was 2 I was in love with Gordon and I told my family I was going to marry him. Carousel and west side story are the top of the top! Great songs, great emotion, great voices.

[@sectiondrecords4580]

Always Love your reactions! I played Billy in our High School play

[@laurenbuzmonahan]

Thank you for this. I am singing this at a pageant in Atlantic City coming the fall and it made me cry. Thank you for showcasing this musical and this song

[@Mrrossj01]

It’s called talent. He was born with it, that’s why we all watch in awe. BTW, R&H did not allow variations from their score.

[@Fruity-Cookie]

He was just wonderful. It’s sad that alcoholism interfered with his career and his voice. Howard Keele is another lovely vocalist in the musical genre from that era that I can think of.

[@fredbloggs6080]

I was going to mention Howard Keele also. Robert Goulet was good for bombastic parts like his role in Camelot, but he really could not express sensitivity in his singing as far as I'm concerned. Elvis Presley also shared that view and would shoot the television whenever Goulet came on.

[@anthonysimpsonanygoround8749]

Howard Keel (corrected spelling) was also John Raitt’s replacement in the original stage show of “Carousel”. 🎠🎪

[@benschili]

IMO, Joshua Henry's version (with Jessie Mueller) comes closer than anyone to Gordon Macrae.

[@lisag1510]

This reminds me of Harve Presnell singing They call the Wind Maria from my childhood. Imagine our surprise seeing Clint Eastwood and Lee Marvin in a musical!

[@anthonysimpsonanygoround8749]

Harve Presnell also performed as Billy in productions of “Carousel” (as did Robert Horton and many others) but to my knowledge there is no recorded version. As long as we’re at it, Howard Keel also did the role as Raitt’s replacement, but again there’s no documented recording. There are however recordings of Stephen Douglass in 1950 in the London production. 🎠🎪

[@songbirdinnc]

Another singer and voice coach here. I absolutely agree with your praise of Gordon McRae. He is impeccable. But while you’re looking for current singers who sing with that old-school technique, I would urge you to listen to the phenomenal Nathan Gunn sing this with Kelli O’Hara. He sings opera, musical, concert, and recital repertoire beautifully. And while you’re there, listen to his C’est Moi from Camelot. He is also THE MAN!

[@chuckatinha]

Totally agree about Nathan Gunn. Thank you for mentioning him. And Kelli O"Hara.

[@mauricioduron3193]

To differ, respectfully. For legitimacy, perhaps a gentler delivery of the song by Gunn and O'Hara is called for. They are highly accomplished vocally and abundantly schooled. Yet the rendition comes across cerebral, as if penned by Stephen Sondheim, not so much melodic but rather mechanical, her breathing technique here less than flawless.

[@karenmassaro2591]

I agree! I was in the audience for the semi-staged production of Carousel with Nathan Gunn and Kelli O’Hara. He was just phenomenal!

[@philharris5848]

It's a shame that you didn't start the video at the very beginning of the scene, where Shirley Jones sang her part of the duet amazingly. This was Richard and Oscar's favourite musical that they wrote together, and I find it hauntingly beautiful. I understand that Frank Sinatra was originally offered the roll but he turned it down when he found out that they would have to shoot all the scenes twice. Apparently they wanted two separate cinematic film versions, and Frank only liked to do one take. Unfortunately today we rarely get to hear such lovely music and singing.

[@fredbloggs6080]

I'm pretty sure Frank Sinatra did start some filming. The two separate film versions were Todd-AO (of which Oklahoma was the first example), and CinemaScope, which had different formats and different takes for every shot.

[@anthonysimpsonanygoround8749]

Please see other comments I’ve posted regarding all that..The dual filming idea was dropped pretty early on when it was discovered that a lab could effectively reduce a 55mm print down to 35mm…most theaters at the time were more equipped to handle a 35mm print. 🎠🎪

[@anthonysimpsonanygoround8749]

Gordon MacRae was wonderful in this role and remains my personal favorite. He was the logical choice to replace Sinatra, as he had already performed the role in a production at the Dallas State Fair and of course he would be paired up again appropriately with Shirley Jones. In her recent autobiography she claimed one reason Sinatra left was because Ava Gardner (Frank’s spouse at the time) was busy with her own films at that point and wanted Frank close at hand. Another theory is that Frank felt R&H never fully endorsed his being cast in the role and as much as he cherished it he began to feel insecure with the project from the start. The most well-known theory is he saw two cameras on the set (as “Oklahoma!” had been done) and as he preferred doing one take of any scene he told the crew he “was being paid to do one film but not two”, and left the set abruptly, but some photos and recording sessions still survive. Screenwriters Phoebe and Henry Ephron urged Jones to call MacRae who was in Lake Tahoe and he was excited but said he needed to drop a few pounds! He even had some pin curls put in his hair on certain nights to give it the necessary look, but kept the longish sideburns from his work on Billy in the recent staging. Sinatra did however play a somewhat similar swaggering anti-hero a year later in “Pal Joey”. There was never actually any dual filming as it was possible by labs to reduce a widescreen 55mm print down to 35, which more theaters were equipped to handle. 🎠🎪

[@janehouston6822]

Enjoyed this very much, Gordon McRae is one of my favorites. Would like for you to listen to John Gary, my absolute favorite

[@seagrape54]

I had never heard of John Gary before so I listened to some of his songs on KZbin and read his Wikipedia page. He had an extraordinary range--3 1/2 octaves--and could sing tenor as well as baritone. He was really talented--a great voice and gone too soon.

[@fredbloggs6080]

@@seagrape54 I discovered John Gary in the mid 1980s I believe. Aside from his vocal range he was known for his breath control and ability to sing long phrases on one breath. The song once upon a Time, he ascends in the melody instead of going down like the original, to make use of his range.

[@gooddognigel4947]

Not as fan of Carousel but loved him in Oklahoma.

[@gemini730lory8]

I also love Alfie Bow.Classically trained tenor sings opera,musical theatre,popular music.💙🙏

[@anthonysimpsonanygoround8749]

Quick fun fact: Three people actually performed vocally in the scene! Shirley Jones was not available at one point in the shooting, so her line at 2:02 was dubbed by well-known “ghost” singer Marni Nixon who had a successful recording career of her own, besides dubbing for various performers such as Natalie Wood in “West Side Story” and she later appeared as one of the nuns in “The Sound of Music”. The line in question was however recorded by Shirley Jones herself in another session for the vinyl soundtrack album of “Carousel”. 🎠🎪

[@PhilippinesFarmLife]

You missed the beginning of this scene where Shirley Jones sings. INCREDIBLE voice at age 22. She was the only singer who had an exclusive contract with Rogers and Hammerstein. The only actress singer who had that type of contract and one of the Few actresses of that era who actually was NOT DUBBED. Did you know FRANK SINATRA was supposed to be in the movie. He actually recorded the soundtrack and walked Off the movie due to some issue with his wife. Sinatra version Smells Bad in my opinion.🤪 Gordon MacRae ending was so sad. He passed away with Mouth & Jaw cancer.

[@SuperHans64]

Goulet is great, but Gordon is head and shoulders above him. Easily the greatest voice in the history of the popular musical, male or female. Godlike.

[@williamsnyder5616]

Gordon MacRae was not the first choice for the role. Fox had signed Frank Sinatra to play Billy Bigelow. After the success of "Oklahoma" in Todd-AO, Fox had decided to expand on its discovery of CinemaScope by shooting "Carousel'' in CinemaScope 55. But they were going to shoot each scene TWICE...in 35 and 55mm Scope. Sinatra wanted to get paid twice and walked out when Fox balked. Then, the studio hired MacRae and got the better person for the part. He was magnificent.

[@user-oe9wu1vq8k]

Yes he's a natural at it. He was born with it. Not bad on the eyes either... hubba hubba❤😅

[@sozanmarshall2832]

I used to sing this at school in front of my classmates as they would ask me to sing

[@starstuff84]

Brian Stokes Mitchel is the closest I've heard of current singers that is able to come close to touching Gordon Macrae.

[@JH-ki2iq]

I was just thinking the same…..

[@DavidofBHA]

"And I always say two heads are. better than one to figure it out" was sung by Marni Nixon. According to studio logs, she was called in to sing "If I Loved You" for Shirley Jones in the movie version of Carousel, released in February 1956, although she later professed to have no memory of having done so, and Jones, unlike many of the actresses for whom she worked as a vocal stand-in, had an excellent singing ... (allMusic)

[@fredbloggs6080]

When Frank Sinatra pulled out of the film, Gordon MaRae recorded all of his songs with Alfred Newman and the Fox orchestra before going to the location in Maine. One line in Gordon's section called for Julie to sing, but Shirley Jones was already in Maine, so Marni Nixon sang that one line as a temp track--"And I always say two heads are better than one to figure it out"--but Shirley never did redub the line. Most of the film was shot on location before the weather turned bad, but Soliloquoy was shot on Zuma beach in California. So Marni Dixon did not sing whole song for Shirley Jones. I also believe in a forum about 10 years ago someone stated that a different singer dubbed that line--I can't find the original comment or remember who it was--but that may be why Marni had no recollection of that.

[@anthonysimpsonanygoround8749]

Yes, I had heard that as well and I posted a comment also within this thread. The line can be heard at 2:02…from what I understand Nixon did it for the film but Jones did actually manage to sing the line when it came time to do the recording sessions for the vinyl soundtrack album itself. 🎠🎪

[@Calcprof]

John Rait, too.

[@kschirod]

Why, why don't people want to sing like this? Why don't people want beautiful music any longer?

[@sectiondrecords4580]

Harve Presnell is my favorite

[@lennon1252]

Here is Gordon singing 'If I Loved You' LIVE in 1960 backed terribly in my opinion by Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey. Later in life Gordon got a debilitating stroke which destroyed his beautiful voice. He kept on singing as long as he could and then passed into the midst of days. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2jHd2aehs5njassi=yxEUXR_59kOwVSgu

[@susandonb58]

Ken, have you ever heard John Gary? Wonderful singer from the 60s. Even had his own tv show.

[@lennon1252]

Dear Ken Lavigne, I love your videos especially this one you made about Gordon MacRae who was also fantastic as Curly McLain with Shirley Jones as Laurey, in the movie 'Oklahoma'.. But keep this in mind; Mr. MacRae was lip syncing to a prerecorded track he had made in the studio. He had the luxury of perfecting his vocal. I've heard him sing the SOLILOQUY live and he was fantastic as well. But as great as he was, there was one baritone that was better ( in my opinion of course) and that was John Raitt father of singer Bonnie Raitt. I am really surprised you never did a video on him? John Raitt was the original Billy Bigelow in the Broadway play along with Jan Clayton who played Julie Jordan. As a little trivia for other old timers like me, Jan Clayton also stared in the first Lassie TV show called 'Jeff's Collie' where she played Jeff's mother Ellen Miller. In any case, I have found two LIVE performances on KZbin with John Raitt. They are both from 1952. The first is an unbelievable find. Both Jan Clayton and John Raitt singing 'If I Loved You' LIVE! and unlike Gordon MacRae's version in the movie where they edited out part of the song, John Raitt sings it the way it was written. The second find is John Raitt in his prime singing the 'Soliloquy' from Carousel LIVE and he hits a high Bb at the end instead of the F. I will post both KZbin links as comments and hopefully you will watch them as I'm sure as a singer you will enjoy greatness. And I hope it will inspire you to do a video on John Raitt ❤ Here is the KZbin link to a LIVE performance of 'If I Loved You ' by John Raitt and Jan Clayton kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIq1gnuDmZaXpJIsi=xhO_xo0MQJG-D0wd

[@lennon1252]

'IF I LOVED YOU' LIVE John Raitt & Jan Clayton kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIq1gnuDmZaXpJIsi=xhO_xo0MQJG-D0wd

[@lennon1252]

John Raitt in 1952 singing the 'SOLILOQUY' live! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXymhpSmiqp5obssi=P-kmGMBLXMPRnqfF

[@lennon1252]

John Raitt singing the 'Soliloquy' from Carousel LIVE in 1952 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXymhpSmiqp5obssi=P-kmGMBLXMPRnqfF

[@lennon1252]

John Raitt singing the SOLILOQUY from Carousel LIVE in 1952 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXymhpSmiqp5obssi=P-kmGMBLXMPRnqfF

[@fredbloggs6080]

I think John Raitt was better in Soliloquy, particularly My little girl--in the early 1980s I listened to the vinyl LP of the Broadway cast album on a high-end stereo system at my father's house, and the climax of My Little Girl was chill inducing. Only a few singers have given me chills like that, and in different ways. I got it listening a small AC/DC Sony radio in the late 1970s when I first heard Frank Sinatra's Autumn Leaves--I got it at the end of the song. I got it from some of Jackie Evancho's singing on Dream with Me in Concert DVD, Blu-ray and/or album, when she was 11. I got it from opera soprano Sonya Yoncheva earlier in her career, and recently I regularly get chills from my current favorite singer, Jona Viray of the Philippines. With her I get it from an effect where she goes from a moderate mid-range that suddenly increases in volume and pitch with her particular tone of voice. However, getting back to Gordon MaRae I feel MacRae was better than John Raitt with the softer more sensitive parts like iI I Loved You, particularly, the reprise.

[@davids6898]

This song is very similar to the Sound of Music at least in phrasing and structuring.

[@lennon1252]

No one was or will a better Billy Bigelow ever! He also reprised the song at the end... kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5fWiYioqbOEkKcsi=RpHnD6OQNpUpPhz9

[@lennon1252]

Carousel! Probably the greatest musical of all time! 'IF I LOVED YOU' 'SOLILOQUY' 'JUNE IS BUSTING OUT ALL OVER' and 'YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE' all in the same musical! Can't be beat. Did you know Susan Luckey who played Billy Bigelow's daughter Louise was only 4 years younger than Shirley Jones. Unfortunately, Susan died of liver failure in 2012. She was 74. Shirley Jones is still alive and will be 90 March 31, 2024. Here is the ending to the movie where Billy inspires Louise and Julie and redeems himself and gets to go to heaven. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH7Ti59vbJpkg9Esi=ahA7riubzqg2ba10

[@christinephipps8236]

Check out cross over tenor Joanathan Antone he was on B G T in 2012 with a girl called Charlotte the video has 149 millon views. Joanathon has sung in sell out concerts in America and elsewere.His verson of unchaned melody has over 11 millon views, he also sings in italian and gets praise from native italians.there are videos of him singing curouso and parla piu pianio from the god father.

[@juanaguirre4833]

Ok you really need to check out Robert Goulet doing this. Now that’s a Voice!!

[@fredbloggs6080]

Goulet tried, but he doesn't have the sensitivity to sing this type of music.

[@anthonysimpsonanygoround8749]

They were both great, but just different! 🎠🎪

[@MiladyMacabre]

Do check out Robert Horton in 110 in the Shade OBC album- definitely worth it (here's a playlist for the whole album kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJe6q5pmp8SmjdU )

[@anthonysimpsonanygoround8749]

Billy Bigelow was actually Robert Horton’s favorite role to perform but unfortunately there’s no documented recording to let us hear him. 🎠🎪

[@barryloughran3632]

Shirley Jones could hold her own.

[@Nikko_hizashi]

To me, carosuel vs Oklahoma are two totally different things. One aged badly and one aged in a funny cute way. My vote is for Oklahoma. All around… perfect.

[@mauricioduron3193]

QUERY: does the song suit a tenor as well as it does a baritone?

[@anthonysimpsonanygoround8749]

Yes, but it’s usually played by a baritone. 🎠🎪

[@alybi9569]

Pleaseeeee react to Leprous 😭🙏

[@dmnemaine]

MacRae's acting style doesn't help the "hokiness". Had he been able to dig more deeply into the anger and insecurity of Billy Bigelow, I think it would have helped immensely. I'm not sure he was capable of that level of acting, but his beautiful treatment of the music more than makes up for it.

[@anthonysimpsonanygoround8749]

That wasn’t necessarily MacRae’s fault; no disrespect to Phoebe and Henry Ephron but the script (as strong and interesting as it was) didn’t allow the darker edges of the character to emerge as successfully as they did in the original show, and Jones was also somewhat cheated dialog-wise. While we’re at it, if you’re looking for a more rough interpretation of the character it’s certainly apparent in the two filmed versions of “Liliom” and Goulet managed to convey it too in the later 1967 tv version of “Carousel”with a much altered script. 🎠🎪

[@melclo3641]

To think this role should have been Frank Sinatras doesn't bear thinking about.

[@davidreidenberg9941]

In retrospect, does anyone actually believe that Frank Sinatra could have pulled this off?

[@robertberger5985]

no

[@user-kf8wb2cq4f]

I don't think this movie, in any way, is "Hokey." I think Today's culture is Sad..in so many ways. And funny..sadly funny.👌

[@66605]

Seeing this clip reminded me of this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXiZZZSAnLd3d8U

[@diegoneira9326]

Always love to heard Gordon's voice. For this particular role, I feel Robert Goullet fits a bit better (Perfectly, both in character and voice)

[@anthonysimpsonanygoround8749]

They’re both great in the role in my view, with different nuances in the characterization. I prefer MacRae although Goulet added more of a hard edge to the character, but in all fairness he had more to work with script-wise for that tv version. Both were great singers in their own ways bringing their own styles while acting and vocally performing the role. In other words, both should be considered standouts but just different, just as many people played Billy (and Liliom for that matter) with varying interpretations, yet remaining faithful to the basic traits of the “anti-hero” protagonist. 🎠🎪

[@dominicmorlino30]

Great singing ofc but why tf aren't they on a bench?!

[@anthonysimpsonanygoround8749]

You’re right about this being known as the “bench” scene which in the original also is the backdrop for the earlier part where Billy is discharged and Carrie reveals to Julie her engagement to Mr Snow. In the film there was a rounded bench by a tree earlier in the scene, in many shots with the spoken words leading up to the actual song. Billy even referred to meeting at that bench when suggesting it earlier to Julie. As you know, the song was abridged for the film inasmuch as the introductory sections of it, plus the “sweater” verse removed (yet that verse remains on the vinyl soundtrack record). All that editing was probably for time reasons but also perhaps to give the scene a less “operatic” feeling. The tv version with Robert Goulet and Mary Grover contains the “full” version of the song. The long shots were there in the 1956 film to take advantage more fully of the widescreen techniques at the time, this one being in 55mm which only certain theaters were equipped to handle, and many prints were also shown supposedly in 35mm.

[@soleywolfgangsdottir]

i cannot stand this fifties-movies from the u.s. anyway, interesting at least and thank god those times are over. how about some really nice vocal performances by susanne sundfor? the true godess of norwegian singing and songwriting? when the lord the brothel live at cigalle sound of war undercover

[@fredbloggs6080]

Carousel is frequently performed in revival up to this day.