Send in the clowns

Sarah Vaughan, Montreal 1983

[@altameseakiva9841]

There never was and there never will be another voice like Sarah’s! She was soul, jazz, gospel, and classical all rolled into one! Broke my heart when she died! What a great loss!

[@dennismclaurin1487]

These heartfelt comments exemplifies the gift this sassy singer possessed.

[@mediatorugy]

I was Sassy's road manager from 1979-1980. It was one of the most educational years of my life. I met many of the jazz greats of the day. "Send In The Clowns" was her show stopper.

[@pspicer777]

Add content to her Wikipedia page. Don't let your experiences and memories die with you.

[@Richie8a8y]

Can I buy you a drink?

[@buzzcut101]

Why only one year? You probably were not that good.

[@fernbear3950]

@@buzzcut101 I guess I really don't know your history, but could you possibly offer more constructive comments? Even if he was terrible (which I'm not saying, I hadn't even thought about it), what good does it bring?
It sounded like a very high octane time. Any reasonable person I think would be burnt out after a tour schedule in that kind of position.
Now, please be nice! You deserve the same grace he does in comments when it comes to benefit of the doubt, dear love.
Hope all have a good day, and much love to all, dearies! Have a good one, y'all! :)

[@ABCDuwachui]

@@buzzcut101why do you assume anything about the particulars of the tour?

[@jdjohnson7299]

Brilliant. A master class. No ear buds needed to stay on pitch. The most complete vocalist ever.

[@auckland37]

Sorry Judy, Frank, Barbara - you all have great renditions but this lady takes it to a whole different place. Utterly sublime.

[@fredalwatkins4506]

This is my favorite also but Judy's version is beautiful and touching

[@iamtrawayne1558]

Listen to Patti LaBelle’s version!!

[@CK-oz2kp]

Ive heard Patti, she's good, as always, sorry, NO ONE beats Sarah singing anything, and especially this song, no matter when she sings it. The lady is beyond accurate discription!!

[@dennismclaurin1487]

​@@CK-oz2kpI agree

[@nokiax1339]

❤🎉❤

[@stephaniebridges8407]

There is no other version, no other singer. When she sings a capela, I die a thousand deaths, shattered by sheer emotion. Sarah Vaughan in every language means artistry.

[@phumeoli]

tamara andre :)

[@sergioassuncao9503]

Barbra Streisand.

[@akeemj7676]

+sérgio assunção Babs is decent, but a bit on the boring side.

[@daddygirlchanelhines4600]

tamara andre Nina Simon

[@Craigjordan121]

tamara andre she was graced with the Stratovarius of vocal chords. Timeless. Like your post.

[@margieyarbrough1519]

You think you know a song. You’ve heard Judy Collins sing it brilliantly. But then, you hear the amazing Sarah Vaughan sing it. She never sings it the same way twice, yet every time she sings it, she breaks your heart in a whole new way. If this doesn’t make you cry, what ever would.

[@MegaNormanb]

I was priveledged to have attended this concert. Never before or since has someone toughed my soul so deeply. Miss Vaughn was a genius and a national treasure. I also attended her last public performance. I still get goosebumps when I watch this. I miss her spirit.

[@11buleria]

This is unbelievably great singing. No one will ever surpass Sarah Vaughn. She was simply one of the best singers who ever lived.

[@dennismclaurin1487]

I agree

[@luminiferous1960]

I am fortunate to have attended two of Sarah's live performances in the mid-'80's, one in a large auditorium and the other in an intimate jazz club. As sublime as recordings of Sarah's singing are, they really do not capture the full grandeur, power, and beauty of her live performances. Yet I am very grateful that we have these reminders of her transcendent talent.
I also want to say a word about the comments going back and forth about which jazz singer is the best, as if these goddesses of jazz were lowly participants in some inane singing competition. As for me, my world would be poorer if there had been no Sarah or Ella or Billie or Carmen or Anita or Dinah or ... and the list goes on and on. They have all contributed to the art of jazz singing and enriched the world by doing so. Let's hear it for the Ladies of Jazz - Thank You.

[@amirbell1]

Mahalia too.

[@luminiferous1960]

@@amirbell1 Most definitely!
One could list many great Gospel singers and Blues singers.
The roots of Jazz are in Gospel and Blues, and those three genres have cross-pollinated throughout their history, and heavily influenced R&B, Soul, and Rock and Roll.

[@lolo17th]

as she began to sing i started to wonder why this only has 226,000 views and by the end of the song i realized many ppl dont deserve to hear such a wonder..and im content with that

[@psilo9865]

Don't deserve.... Gah, fuck humanity.

[@edwardmallon8679]

I absolutely agree with you. What idiots would give this a thumbs down??? They obviously have no taste or appreciation for beauty or talent. Sarah had the voice of an angel. Anyone who doesn’t feel that has no soul and should go back to the Lawrence Welk school of music or country western.

[@nathanielbooth259]

Very well said. Grateful to listen as well.

[@crazy_doc2816]

But you are the enlighteneds who derserve listening to this...? Hubris!

[@MultiversePatroller1]

I had not known of Sarah Vaughn before this moment. I was today years old when i learned that i have much, much more to learn about jazz and gospel and just. Good music. What a blessed discovery, and what a way to weep at 3 AM. Thank you, Ms Vaughn. I've got some listening to do.

[@aum3.146]

Rips my heart out every time . WHAT AN ARTIST !!

[@marymagmartha7453]

I've always loved her talent. I remember when my father introduced me to her work when I was in my late teens (over 40 years ago) saying, "If you going to respect music, start with the best"!

[@nursegrace7492]

Finest voice and interpreter of her generation, and genre...

[@arnborj]

I love old all jazz singers of that golden era but for me Sarah stands out among them.
Others would imitate Ella or Billie but none would dare to copy Sarah.
Her voice was like a Stradivarius among the violins.
This is the most wonderful song that Stephen Sondheim ever wrote. Sad and yet magical as I find it.
:-)

[@ijm123]

+arnborj6 - the reason nobody would dare to copy Sarah is simple. You don't copy a voice like that...you sit back in complete awe at the magnificence of it all!!!

[@yahswarrior775]

SING Miss Vaughan. STILL the best rendition of this song EVER. In 2019 and afterwards.

[@dennismclaurin1487]

Yes!!

[@gogoranigo]

Please don't ever take this video down. Truly most heart wrenching tune and performance of all time.

[@scorpdewd]

her voice, the clarity, the range it all comes across like it was so effortless. truly one that has little to compare to. amazing.

[@blanknalblanknalb]

and this is after years of smoking y'all... this is why she is one of my favorites . .. her voice becomes an instrument unimaginable, unexplainable--- this type of essence will always remain undefined-- what a treasure...

[@ABCDuwachui]

That’s why I’m smoking rn 😢

[@dennismclaurin1487]

I think allof the sweat on her face is from the tobacco smoke trying to get out of her system during her sassy performance

[@MsMuhanji]

I've always heard this song by her as a prayer . I never missed her whenever she was anywhere near Detroit. I've been searching for this song by her for years .

[@hekeptdying1428]

The first time I heard this song I was high. I has such an amazing experience listening to it.

[@michaelray493]

Pure talent at it's best. Loving ms sassy.

[@ianspeight6045]

Just discovered this woman... OMG!!! Love her, best rendition of this song ever...

[@dennismclaurin1487]

Better late than never

[@RobertLaberge]

Surely one the most heartfelt versions of this most beautiful song.

[@EuphoricImpact]

Wow Mrs. Vaughan you were platinum! This is superior musicianship!

[@Zaidemeit]

The Diva of Divas. She is the Inimitable, Eternal Songstress!

[@grahamcox662]

Have only recently discovered this.Exquisite.

[@SimonSverige]

The thing with Sarah Vaughan is that once she sings a song it becomes HER SONG and then no-one else's version will do.

[@michaelray493]

Ms Vaughn is and always will be the most classes voice God put on this earth period. Am i right about it.

[@MrPatricioG]

The greatest! I talked about her at work today and sadly, not one freakin' person had ever heard of her. Unbelievable!!! It really pissed me off!

[@margaretgaffney846]

Their loss; easily remedied.

[@65NART]

Their loss. She did a wonderful recording of “Bali Hai” too, from South Pacific.

[@kenwall7484]

Love her voice with and beyond the sweat could anyone today ever EVER ever come close

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

I can NOT stand to see all that sweat. To me (medically) it denotes a problem. It distracts me from her song. I realize this is supposed to be her song, but I have heard better versions of this great old song. Hers is a bit tedious. One thing though, she has a remarkable range, and a voluptuous tone that she can calm down to almost a whisper on some notes. But I like her better earlier in her career.

[@dachablue]

@@MJLeger-yj1ww , así era Barry White, sudaba mucho, el llevaba su pañuelo.

[@markdrinkwater1508]

@@MJLeger-yj1ww It's incredibly hot up there under the spotlight, try to appreciate that. If you've never seen a singer perspire on stage before then you obviously haven't watched that many.

[@septemberjanuary4636]

@@MJLeger-yj1ww Then close your eyes and listen. The sweating denotes the venue was warm and not air conditioned and she may have ran hot like so many of us without "medical" problems. The nerve of you.

[@leongardner710]

What a VOICE......one n only"THE DIVINE ONE." can remember her singing n the birds started too

[@kenwall7484]

I can't stop loving it enough listen to it every day

[@jmac4708]

If you want perfection, then start with this performance and then work your way back through all of the other performers who sang the song. Start at the top with this one, it does not get any better than this masterpiece.

[@sunlitweb]

She is a musical instrument like no other.

[@vincenzocordova3944]

Only Mina in Italy is a great musical instrument like Sarah !

[@sailingsam3815]

What an amazing vocalist

[@stevehaveron9581]

when the morning stars sang together..her beauty was born within

[@jamila3274]

Myyyyy hero. I love her rendition of this lovely song. BEAUTIFUL! Admire her!!! Her Vocsl embellishments! Made it her own!!!

[@Currabell]

Simply extraordinary. Unparalleled beauty.

[@divaslive6953]

How come African-American female singers of today didn't have the classiness, finessees, gracefulness of this lady?

[@Ladyrants]

She was--bar none--the greatest American singer of the 20th century.

[@letmetellyousomething123]

Such a wonderful self effacing and modest performer. Sheer class.

[@frauleinmona]

You are SO right! Sass has sheer class!😊💖👍🎶🎼🎹🎵🎤🎶

[@banksbuddy2]

I cry everytime I watch this

[@shaconage]

This is so spectacular I AM SPEECHLESS!!! BRAVISSIMO! WOW!

[@Audiophilus]

For me the best version of this song ever with "La Divina Sarah"

[@quinnparker6111]

The universe makes more sense, and less sense, every time I listen to Sarah Vaughan.

[@mariettechabaud1242]

Chapeau bas! ..et Merci pour la voix inoubliable..à l écouter à tout écouter en boucle...bel aujourd'hui avec Sarah Vaughan. ..

[@sylvielopez2686]

Beautiful song end great voice tank you for sharing this beautiful women merci pour le partage

[@dianebyard1498]

Recently, I was working at Norfolk State University in VA. While outside one of the classrooms in the arts and music building, I heard this rendition of the eloquent un-inimitable Ms. Sarah Vaughan, Sassy;....The professor played this video to the class. He was in awe. So was I as she is an inspiration I just love her soulful heartfelt rendition of the song. Barbaras is good too. I love her as well. but Sassy blew this out of the park, must have been close to her heart? and mine was jus t okay. LOL. Dads piano arrangement was the best!!!!!

[@thedivinemrm5832]

What I love about Ms Vaughan is that she tackled every song as HERS. Marrying her creative genius with that exceptional talent and you get the truly astonishing.

[@oldsoulbrother]

This is an outrageously moving performance. The utter mastery of her instrument is awe-inspiring. Truly, Ms V was Divine.

[@braveheartshininglight821]

I'd love George Michael to have recorded this purely for his velvety emotivel and real, true honesty. Ripxxxx 😘😘😘

[@Hecate2011]

I had a ticket to see her in Calgary, in 1985 or so. She cancelled due to illness and died shortly after. Heartbreaking loss of an amazing woman and talent.

[@jazzcatanderson1249]

Well, she died in 1990.

[@maasbesser1098]

This is one of my favorite songs- I did not know until now that Ms. Vaughn had sung it.
I am blown into the middle of next week. What genius she is and how fortunate to still have
her on tape-whoever filmed this and recorded it- I thank you- an outstanding job done.
Ms. Vaughn had such a tremendous gift that she shared with us. Thank you Sarah.

[@chipblock2854]

Such a great performance. She is a queen above many other performers. I could listen to her all night!

[@joannabohn7667]

God sings through her. An angel

[@jimjasper6690]

There won't be anyone better in a 100 years.

[@Zaidemeit]

She is a Goddess!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dennismclaurin1487]

A sassy goddess.

[@aum3.146]

Greatest singer of all time..?

[@MeelaESQ]

She sang this with the Boston Pops and a baby Winton Marsalis (they also did September Song). I've been looking for this version ever since. I can't believe I have finally found one. Huge Thanks for uploading.

[@kenwall7484]

what a prize WHAT JOY what a VOICE

[@DrewWasMe]

No, No, No, No. Stop. I don't buy anyone's dissent on this. We are all given to very personal preferences, but this...is above personal preference. No one has sounded like this ever or since. If you disagree, ask your favorite artist to challenge Sarah.

[@frauleinmona]

I've heard many people say that Sarah has a much better voice than Ella's. I agree. I've heard a lot of jazz singers and musicians who were influenced by skat singers, older jazz singers of Fitzgerald's and Vaughan's time. And *those* singers and musicians even say that they feel Sarah is by far better than Ella in every way. More control, technique and phrasing in her singing and much much more beautiful voice. So many different instruments in Sarah's voice. Ella, in no way has all of that. Nobody can compare to THE DIVINE ONE. Miss you Sass!

[@frauleinmona]

@Scott D. I've never, and I mean NEVER heard anybody say they thought Ella was a better singer than Sarah was. Sarah Vaughan died of Cancer. I have no idea what Ella died of, but I know I've never seen so many people as impressed and so much in awe with Sarah as they were with Ella. Sarah's piano player said she could eat a four course meal and then go out on stage and sing a whole concert without running out of breath, with superb control in her breathing and singing. And never had to worry about any residue in her throat or burping. All of that without ever missing one beat. She had THE best voice. I 've been singing and playing piano and sax and clarinet for 45 years. At first people seemed to think Ella was the best. And she probably *was* . But when Sass came along, she was better. A more beautiful, smoother, richer voice. This woman makes people cry. She can break down even the hardest of people and bring them to their knees. I've seen it. Just an all around better everything. Sara plays piano. She can sing *and* play piano. I have to differ with you on this one. Sarah by far had way more talent than Ella. By leaps and bounds. No contest. The statement "Sarah tried harder" sounds so foreign to me. So odd. Because, Sarah didn't *have* to try. It was effortless for this fine woman. Everything came so naturally to her. A natural born talent. Even Amy Winehouse said that she preferred Sarah to Ella by a longshot. She only listened to Sarah Vaughan. And was heavily influenced by her. And did not think Ella was as good as Sarah was. Amy loved listening to Sass and credits her for part of her success. Winehouse didn't think Ella was as great as so many people make her out to be. Ella *was* great, at one time. But Sarah Vaughan was greater.

[@jameshealy4276]

@@frauleinmona Totally agree with you. Saw her live countless times. The best

[@frauleinmona]

@James Healy Absolutely. You are SO very fortunate that you were able to see THE Divine One *COUNTLESS* times! I ENVY you James! I really *do* ! Sarah Vaughan is a true legend and will live on always. Sass is timeless.😊💖👍

[@a_bode1]

I melt. Sarah Vaughan was and still is the ultimate Queen 👑

[@ryanburns644]

She is so endearing. Can't help but root for her!

[@Currabell]

Simply extraordinary.

[@romanasever]

She was sing so powerfull,so intensionly that can make you effort to get on,to grow..

[@jimtitus126]

What a set of pipes. Sassy forever.

[@winsboy]

@BrotherEden: You said it all ..."the definitive version of this song.., hands down."
Oddly enough, Sarah did not consider herself a Jazz singer. With that comment she reminds me of the late great (Jazz) piano man, Dave McKenna, who always said he was "just a saloon player". I was lucky enough to sit in that saloon six nights a week for nearly six of his ten-year stint at Boston's Copley Plaza Bar. Thank you Sarah, and thank you Dave, for leaving this world a better place through the music you shared with us live and the music you left behind for us to enjoy always!

[@ralphecairns5272]

Sooo right the very best of all " hands down " indeed The last time i saw Sarah perform in public was @ Boston,s Syomphony Hall she finished her show with this song {even then a signature piece for her} The crowd went absoulety bonkers it was awesome indeed.

[@lannylim25]

When I feel down and all alone this is the only song I wanna hear...

[@stevew5146]

Listen to her beautiful voice when she sings the world, "dear"..... Just fabulous!

[@leprachaunz5]

That was superb.

[@robramos1500]

Absolutely extraordinary. She was such a gifted singer.

[@jjarndyce]

You said it. Precisely. This woman was utterly remarkable.

[@moanman1776]

This lady was so much more than a singer. She transcended definition, and she transcended emotion, like some great actress or epic poet. We who appreciate such God-given talent are Blessed to have had her on the planet just to show us what the human voice is capable of achieving.
Thanks for posting Sassy at her most regal best!

[@karellroohulamin6280]

i remember when i was a child i often hear my father sang this song very emotionally with feelings then he end up crying, at first i dont understand why the lyrics and the meaning of that song. but now im grown up, i have come to feel the meaning of this song and i can say my reverence to this song, my heart leap with joy b i SALUTE AND I CRY AS WELL... like my father.

[@patrickdemarcevol]

The mesmerizing voice, the sweat trickling down like tears, what a wonderful performance

[@johnbarnett6924]

My God, I have Always liked this woman's Vocal style, Much like Rachell Ferrell ,who came later, Thank You for This

[@joanlowden8099]

So happy to find this version, looking for Sondheim songs following his passing and this is a fitting tribute. RIP.

[@exjazzer]

beautiful

[@yiyifood7120]

Isn't it rich? Are we a pair? Be here at last on ground You in mid-air Send in the clowns Isn't it bliss? Don't you approve? One who keeps tearing around One who can't move Where are the clowns? Send in the clowns Just when I stopped, openin' doors Finally knowin' the one that I wanted was yours Making my entrance again with my usual flair Sure of my lines, no one is there Don't you love farce? My fault I fear I thought that you'd want what I want Sorry, my dear Where are the clowns? Quick, send in the clowns Don't bother, they're here Isn't it rich, isn't it queer? Losing my timing this late in my career And where are the clowns? There ought to be clowns Well, maybe next year, maybe next year Maybe next year Maybe, maybe next, maybe next year Maybe next year

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

The Unmistakable Sarah Vaughn

[@alinebarilar8410]

This is beautiful and so are u woman its my parents song my mother passed away today⛪

[@BrotherEDEN]

This is the definitive version of this song.., hands down.

[@donchen1963]

Oh! What I have missed!

[@ucviga46]

This lady was called 'The Divine Sara Vaughan" She was the one and only .Thanks for the song.

[@shannonterrill7540]

i love this song and many versions of it, Ruthie Henshall's version was my favorite. after seeing this i think she may have to take 2nd place cuz im in love, Sarah is amazing. thank yu for posting

[@dianabaty5005]

Wow beautiful she made me cry

[@tregibbs]

Mesmerizing - effortless and spectacular…

[@miketarmstrong7617]

This is class on every level…..

[@tdenisegravely-forbes384]

THANK YOU

[@kathymayo2319]

I got the chance to see her in person in Elizabeth New Jersey she brought the house down with song.

[@sunflowerpwr.8821]

beautiful voice... powerful

[@wilburnbaker8204]

There are no words that can describe her voice, simply out of this world! Unbelievable! Thank you for posting this.buffalomacco76.

[@doggiedearest]

an absolutely unique and brilliant artist with a superb voice,
she knew how to deliver a song. There will never be such
an artist again, staggering and breathtaking, superb,
The Divine One

[@dennismclaurin1487]

AMEN.

[@dcp8nts]

No one better, at any time, at any era.

[@margaretgaffney846]

Exactly. I saw/heard the divine Sarah in San Francisco twice in 1979, 1980. So exquisite!!!!!

[@mathewburke139]

A beautiful rendition of this great song - if some people say singing isn’t hard work, this performance from Sarah should put that misconception to rest. I just wish that I could have seen her in concert. One of jazz’s pure legends.

[@jamila3274]

An original, unique unforgettable rendition of a very tender and beautiful song. She took it to another level, as only she could. Unforgettable rendition, pure genius.

[@arnie3631]

Such an incredibly moving performance. She taps into such a deep well of emotions that it just reduces you, the listener, to tears without knowing why.

[@brendanjohn9928]

There is no one better ! Exquisite !

[@Purplecolors88]

They should've place fans on the stage those light are so bright .

[@dennismclaurin1487]

I was just thinking that, before I came to your post.

[@memeexclusive]

The Devine One. Perhaps the greatest monicker ever.Definitely her personage as well.what's even more mind-blowing than her pitches is the fact that her voice got better as she got older and she had skills as a teenager.WOW by the time she hit her 60's she had ascended to top singing angel in heaven or earth.