Seven years ago my husband was struggling with Alzheimer’s and didn’t know who I was and I would play the song over and over and cry and cry because he just couldn’t remember who I was. And I did have it played at his funeral
My dearest grandfather “Pere” died of the same. He would watch his favorite movie Casablanca over and over and it would always break his heart how it ended, just like it was the first time he found out. I can remember him asking: “does Ilsa stay with Rick?” No, Pere. But we’ll always have Paris.
My goodness!!! Just saw Tom Jones just died, in the next article Jerry was singing. It is Aug.12, 2023. I did love me some Jerry. Loved to see him on Law & Order, but loved him in Dirty Dancing. I knew he was on stage in early years, but what a voice!!! RIP 🙏💕 Jerry & Tom🙏💕🙏🙏🥰🥰♥️♥️♥️
Yes, youtube is the most important vehicle of culture. Unexpectedly. It preserves the best of the best, introduces that, and offers accessibility. And they don`t make these gems anymore.
Law And Order brought me here. One of my favorite actors. I recall a story about him writing his wife a love note every morning and leaving it on her nightstand for when she woke.
@barbaralenox7092 me too I got his autograph on the picture he wrote To Sherry Best Wishes Jerry Orbach cool huh????....also wasn't he handsome??????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....I hope you will reply to this
I feel so very fortunate to have witnessed Mr. Orbach as the original star of The Fantasticks. Most definitely one of a kind. And this song! Very few as evocative, tear- and thought-provoking. Law and Order was great, but this man was so very much more!
Something else you may not have known: during their VERY extended run they removed one of the funniest comic relief songs because of political correctness. Title of the song was R - - E and it was sung by a character dressed up (pretending) to be a Native American Indian.
Yes, many younger people probably remember Mr. Orbach from his starring role on “Law & Order” and as Jennifer Grey’s father in “Dirty Dancing.” Mr. Orbach was also a superb singer as well, the original El Gallo in “The Fantasticks.”
My son did a version of this song for his musical theatre class in middle school. He's leaving in 4 weeks to go to Air Force Basic Training. This version by the late great Jerry Orbach brings a tear to my eyes.
Jerry Orbach reminds me of my father, comedic, a great singer and friendly. My dad didn't enjoy my company and that's the reason I wanted Jerry to be my dad, I was so young back when Jerry died and from the time I saw his work, I feel sad that that I didn't had a chance to meet him; he was so talented and this song is just spectacular, thank you my legend and thank you for uploading
I'm so sorry about your relationship with your Dad. I, too, imprinted my father on actors or celebrities in my youth. Amazing how songs can catapult you back in time. I love this version by Jerry also. R.I.P. Mr. Orhbach, and thank you.
Wow! I had no idea Jerry Orbach, of Law and Order, sang this song or could even sing. Thanks for posting this. Another surprise to many is hearing the late Paul Sorvino, who played numerous gangsters, sing. He had a beautiful operatic voice.
I see a number of folks remember Orbach's performance in The Fantasticks but don't forget he also starred opposite Anna Maria Alberghetti in the original Broadway production of Carnival! When I was a kid we had the cast album and we literally wore it out playing it over and over. Funny, I never remembered it was Orbach until a few years ago I was going through my mother's collection of old vinyl and saw his name on the cover. Yeah, it's true, he could sure sing.
When The Fantasticks came out in 1960 I was just 5. I do not need to try to remember because I am absolutely able to remember occasionally hearing this song. From where and how? That I do not remember, but I always liked it. What I REALLY LOVED more recently though was Jerry Orbach as Detective Lenny Briscoe. Definitely one of, if not my most, favorite Law and Order characters. Oh, and let us not forget Dirty Dancing.
In the late 1970's, we hugely respected those who came before us. They had life experience, and we knew, and appreciated that. Those who graced the Broadway stage, were especially honored. They paid their dues by dealing with the entire BS of that time. Black/White: It was hard for ALL to be fair.
The first time I saw Jerry Orbach on film was 1981 The film was Prince Of The City Directed by Sidney Lumet Starring Treat Williams costarring Jerry Orbach Lindsay Crouse About real life NYPDDetective Bob Leuci and his partners in SIU. I thought Jerry who played Detective Gus Levy was a retired NYPD Detective who retired after 20 or 25 years and then became an actor. At that time I didn’t know Jerry had been a star on Broadway and off Broadway for 20 years. Jerry was so realistic and naturalI just assumed he had been a cop. For many years I waited wished and hoped Jerry would be cast on Law and Order. Finally my wish was granted and Jerry Orbach became Detective Lenny Briscoe an extension of Detective Gus Levy from Prince of The City. Along with The Hill 1965 probably Sidney Lumets most underrated underappreciated film. The Hill was the first of five films Sidney would direct with Connery Sean Connery. Prince of The City is on TH-cam. I left a similar message at that site. Warning it covers some of the same territory as Serpico very dark and depressing. Rough tough and gritty. And almost as much cursing as Scarfaceby Brian Depalma. For some reason my phone likes to underline names in red. Born and raised in San Diego 1963 we didn’t get much Broadway plays musicals here over 3000 miles away. So please excuse my ignorance about Jerry Orbach being a song and dance man on Broadway for two decades before he made Prince OfThe City.
although I adore Bobby Darin, Jerry totally owns this song. Not just cuz Jerry is the original singer, its a better interpretation, clearer intonation, and his vocal tone is better. Um, I attended the show in 1965 in NYC w my GF. We were in high school in NJ.
Ooh! 1:47 He almost lets it go “in Dec” and then pulls back in, “ember.” Beautiful! EDIT: and it is at that precise moment in the following final chorus 2:13 when he cracks his voice opening up: “Deep in Dec’Amber it’s nice... to remember.” This man is performing at an incredible level.
I had no idea that he sang, and with such a distinguished voice. You are one of the reasons why I became an Actor. Thank you for the Inspiration my fellow ILLinoian. 🙏
i feel so dumb..i never knew till today, how truly talented this Man was. i was a kid who loved him on Law and Order. i will always ''remember'' now and forever.
This is the best version for me. The song is meant to be sung by an older man. In the musical, “The Fantasticks,” it is sung by one father to another, as their children are about to elope against their wishes. (That’s how I recall the scene, anyway.) The singer is saying, “weren’t you young once?”
It's actually sung by El Gallo, the trickster who comes in and changes everybody's lives. That's the part Orbach played when he created the role off-Broadway.
I was barely 11 when this guy became my hero as a jaded yet stoic detective. I never thought, back then, to dig into his past performances. He'll always be Det. Briscoe to me, but hearing this makes me realize he was so much more! Can't wait to go digging up his other gems. Thanks & Cheers! 🍺🍻🍺
When you hear Mr. Orbach sing this song, his pacing gives it a totally different mood than all of the commercial versions out there. And then there is his acting range from Broadway to Law and Order. When combined you understand when Kurt Vonnegut was asked if he could have been anyone else on the planet, he answered he would trade it all to be Jerry Orbach.
I’ve never heard anyone sing this song as beautifully as Jerry.
Jerry Orbach. The man of another time, now long gone.
He was spectacular in every way.
Seven years ago my husband was struggling with Alzheimer’s and didn’t know who I was and I would play the song over and over and cry and cry because he just couldn’t remember who I was. And I did have it played at his funeral
My dearest grandfather “Pere” died of the same. He would watch his favorite movie Casablanca over and over and it would always break his heart how it ended, just like it was the first time he found out. I can remember him asking: “does Ilsa stay with Rick?” No, Pere. But we’ll always have Paris.
Bless you.
🤗
😢hugs
Awe. He will remember you when you are reunited.
The late Jerry Orbach , star 🌟 of stage, TV, and movies. We are so honored to have his videos so we can enjoy his wonderful voice ❤ RIP Mr.Orbach
My goodness!!! Just saw Tom Jones just died, in the next article Jerry was singing. It is Aug.12, 2023. I did love me some Jerry. Loved to see him on Law & Order, but loved him in Dirty Dancing. I knew he was on stage in early years, but what a voice!!! RIP 🙏💕 Jerry & Tom🙏💕🙏🙏🥰🥰♥️♥️♥️
I stopped watching L&O after he died. And he sang this better than anyone who ever tried.
@@muffassa6739 I am just so in love with Jerry Orbach.
He is a national treasure.
And very missed...
@@JerryOrbachFan Me too. He was a sweetheart.
Good thing in the Age of Internet we can actually listen to real music.
Yes, youtube is the most important vehicle of culture. Unexpectedly. It preserves the best of the best, introduces that, and offers accessibility. And they don`t make these gems anymore.
@@carlhopkinson I could listen to Jerry all day.
Wonderful song so beautiful it will never be outdated .And I think Jerry Orbach’s rendition is the best
.
Who knew Lenny Briscoe could bring me to tears? 😢 RIP Mr. Orbach
I had no idea this TV detective could sing so beautifully.
Great actor and performer. More importantly a really nice man.
Law And Order brought me here. One of my favorite actors. I recall a story about him writing his wife a love note every morning and leaving it on her nightstand for when she woke.
Lenny might be my favorite character. I always look for his episodes on tv.
My schoolgirl crush on Jerry Orbach brought me here.
His widow wrote a book sharing some of the love notes he left.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@@karaoconnoraliasraidra to think about someone every morning enough to brighten their day.
Remembering Jerry Orbach with much love . . .
He was the first Broadway actor to sing this song. It was in the Broadway musical “The Fantasticks”.
One small correction: "The Fantasticks" was never on Broadway. It was and is the all-time off-Broadway champion.
OFF Broadway. It was down in Greenwich Village. Great song, wonderfully silly musical. Saw it '63.
"Law and Order" saved my parents' marriage. This song saved my life.
I did not know Jerry Orbach was a singer. Wow. I’ve always loved this song.
He originated the role.
He originated the role.
@@judilynn9569 He originally sang this in 1961 when he was just 24..
I love this and Jerry Orbach. God rest his soul 🙏.
I saw Orbach in Fantastiks when I was a kid, long time ago.
What a great song. What a voice. He is missed.
Sublime. Singing as we rarely hear it now. Such a shame to lose this wonderful artist.
More than 50 years ago we sang this song for a chorus recital in elementary school. Just brought back some memories. And I do love Jerry Orbach.
@barbaralenox7092 me too I got his autograph on the picture he wrote To Sherry Best Wishes Jerry Orbach cool huh????....also wasn't he handsome??????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....I hope you will reply to this
@@sherryhannah498 He was very handsome and incredibly sexy. I have such a crush.
I feel so very fortunate to have witnessed Mr. Orbach as the original star of The Fantasticks. Most definitely one of a kind. And this song! Very few as evocative, tear- and thought-provoking. Law and Order was great, but this man was so very much more!
Simply beautiful.
I just learned something new today.
The Fantasticks was not a Broadway musical. It was off-Broadway, in Greenwich Village.
Something else you may not have known: during their VERY extended run they removed one of the funniest comic relief songs because of political correctness. Title of the song was R - - E and it was sung by a character dressed up (pretending) to be a Native American Indian.
Was it that Jerry Orbach was as beautiful as Hell and you want to Or***m all over his beautiful bach?
The late Jerry Orbach (Det. Lenny Briscoe from 'Law and Order') rendition of this classic song is so moving, it brings tears to my eyes...
And a fantastically handsome gentleman.
I was shocked when I realized this extraordinary thespian was a detective on a television series!
Indeed.
Yes, many younger people probably remember Mr. Orbach from his starring role on “Law & Order” and as Jennifer Grey’s father in “Dirty Dancing.”
Mr. Orbach was also a superb singer as well, the original El Gallo in “The Fantasticks.”
@@artistphx And played the part fighting cancer for a long time.
So FABULOUS!!! Music wins again!! Thank you to all participants, artistic team & producers!!! Sending love from Alberta, Canada ♥️🏅🌹🍁
My son did a version of this song for his musical theatre class in middle school. He's leaving in 4 weeks to go to Air Force Basic Training. This version by the late great Jerry Orbach brings a tear to my eyes.
Hugggs
Kudos to your son for serving our country. I understand your pride and worries as he serves, my grandson is a Marine.
Jerry Orbach reminds me of my father, comedic, a great singer and friendly. My dad didn't enjoy my company and that's the reason I wanted Jerry to be my dad, I was so young back when Jerry died and from the time I saw his work, I feel sad that that I didn't had a chance to meet him; he was so talented and this song is just spectacular, thank you my legend and thank you for uploading
I wish you had seen him on the broadway stage. He really was so talented!
I'm so sorry about your relationship with your Dad. I, too, imprinted my father on actors or celebrities in my youth.
Amazing how songs can catapult you back in time. I love this version by Jerry also. R.I.P. Mr. Orhbach, and thank you.
I wanted Mufasa to be my dad. And/or Darth Vader. Any dad would do
I put this on to feel good every September. I remember being flabbergasted that Det. Lennie Briscoe could sing!!
Read that he and Jesse L Martin who played his partner Ed Green in L&O and was also a veteran of musical theatre would entertain the cast with duets .
I wasn't a bit surprised. I knew Jerry Orbach as a Broadway actor and singer long before he portrayed Lennie Briscoe on Law & Order.
@@tamolyn5141 Well I didn't. I was still quite young at the time and I was also shocked that he had voiced Lumiere.
And not just sing…. Like… singggggg
Wow! I had no idea Jerry Orbach, of Law and Order, sang this song or could even sing. Thanks for posting this. Another surprise to many is hearing the late Paul Sorvino, who played numerous gangsters, sing. He had a beautiful operatic voice.
He was a great song &. dance man on stage. God, what a talented man, gone so soon.
Look up his Promises, Promises and Chicago
He sang this song Off Broadway in The Fantastics. He originated the role .
Before he was a dramatic actor he was a old fashioned song and dance guy
Exactly my thought too! It was a nice surprise!
I got to surprise the award winning author Mercedes Lackey with a video of Mr. Orbach singing. She did not know.
love and miss you so much Jerry . i loved you in everything and your voice so soothing. happy heavenly bday today xxxxx
I hope this is never removed from YT.
saw Fantasticks twice in a theater six or eight seats deep. touched me then - and now
Class act!
Mr Orbach delivers the song wonderfully, of course, but I am marvelling at all the internal rhymes and half-rhymes in the lyrics. Wowzers!
I adore him❤️
This song is so sad and so beautiful at the same time
I see a number of folks remember Orbach's performance in The Fantasticks but don't forget he also starred opposite Anna Maria Alberghetti in the original Broadway production of Carnival! When I was a kid we had the cast album and we literally wore it out playing it over and over. Funny, I never remembered it was Orbach until a few years ago I was going through my mother's collection of old vinyl and saw his name on the cover. Yeah, it's true, he could sure sing.
And he originated the role of Billie Flynn in Chicago, as well as many other Broadway roles.
Beautiful!
Very beautiful and a fan of his work. 👍
The song that made me fall head over heels in love with Jerry Orbach.
Very warm voice...👋👋👋Jerry
A guy in key West at Mallory square was singing this just before sundown it was beautiful
Oh Jerry - thank you for hyour sweet voice ! I am weeping with joyh !
A charismatic man in every way. I miss him.
When The Fantasticks came out in 1960 I was just 5. I do not need to try to remember because I am absolutely able to remember occasionally hearing this song. From where and how? That I do not remember, but I always liked it.
What I REALLY LOVED more recently though was Jerry Orbach as Detective Lenny Briscoe. Definitely one of, if not my most, favorite Law and Order characters. Oh, and let us not forget Dirty Dancing.
What a treat to stumble on this. Our favorite in Promises, promises.
a king
One of the very last Leading Men.
Jerry, you stand alone, what a voice....
Thank you making these available. Jerry Orbach originated the song in his off Broadway days.
National Treasure.
In the late 1970's, we hugely respected those who came before us.
They had life experience, and we knew, and appreciated that.
Those who graced the Broadway stage, were especially honored.
They paid their dues by dealing with the entire BS of that time.
Black/White: It was hard for ALL to be fair.
I miss this man’s singing and presence
The first time I saw Jerry Orbach on film was 1981 The film was Prince Of The City Directed by Sidney Lumet Starring Treat Williams costarring Jerry Orbach Lindsay Crouse About real life NYPDDetective Bob Leuci and his partners in SIU. I thought Jerry who played Detective Gus Levy was a retired NYPD Detective who retired after 20 or 25 years and then became an actor. At that time I didn’t know Jerry had been a star on Broadway and off Broadway for 20 years. Jerry was so realistic and naturalI just assumed he had been a cop. For many years I waited wished and hoped Jerry would be cast on Law and Order. Finally my wish was granted and Jerry Orbach became Detective Lenny Briscoe an extension of Detective Gus Levy from Prince of The City. Along with The Hill 1965 probably Sidney Lumets most underrated underappreciated film. The Hill was the first of five films Sidney would direct with Connery Sean Connery. Prince of The City is on TH-cam. I left a similar message at that site. Warning it covers some of the same territory as Serpico very dark and depressing. Rough tough and gritty. And almost as much cursing as Scarfaceby Brian Depalma. For some reason my phone likes to underline names in red. Born and raised in San Diego 1963 we didn’t get much Broadway plays musicals here over 3000 miles away. So please excuse my ignorance about Jerry Orbach being a song and dance man on Broadway for two decades before he made Prince OfThe City.
The OG El Gallio. Exquisite.
DAMN, DET. BRISCOE REALLY HAD A GREAT SINGING VOICE!!!!!!!!!!
big fan especially of his l and o work but liked him in dirty dancing too Gerry wilson
although I adore Bobby Darin, Jerry totally owns this song. Not just cuz Jerry is the original singer, its a better interpretation, clearer intonation, and his vocal tone is better. Um, I attended the show in 1965 in NYC w my GF. We were in high school in NJ.
Ooh! 1:47 He almost lets it go “in Dec” and then pulls back in, “ember.” Beautiful!
EDIT: and it is at that precise moment in the following final chorus 2:13 when he cracks his voice opening up: “Deep in Dec’Amber it’s nice... to remember.” This man is performing at an incredible level.
Simply amazing. Thanks for posting this.
I had no idea that he sang, and with such a distinguished voice. You are one of the reasons why I became an Actor. Thank you for the Inspiration my fellow ILLinoian. 🙏
Some kind of Guiness record must've been established by this guy.
My dad used to sing this to me to help me fall asleep. I miss him a lot (he’s not dead I’m just at college and a baby)
Exquisite, marvelous, mellow, and dismundane!
His performance for the Reagan's was first class too.
Sweet
i feel so dumb..i never knew till today, how truly talented this Man was. i was a kid who loved him on Law and Order. i will always ''remember'' now and forever.
This is the best version for me. The song is meant to be sung by an older man. In the musical, “The Fantasticks,” it is sung by one father to another, as their children are about to elope against their wishes. (That’s how I recall the scene, anyway.) The singer is saying, “weren’t you young once?”
It's actually sung by El Gallo, the trickster who comes in and changes everybody's lives. That's the part Orbach played when he created the role off-Broadway.
@@serpyllum Ah thank you, a trickster has been playing with my memory. I will have to see it again soon.
@@raffriff42 always the correct response!
I was barely 11 when this guy became my hero as a jaded yet stoic detective. I never thought, back then, to dig into his past performances.
He'll always be Det. Briscoe to me, but hearing this makes me realize he was so much more!
Can't wait to go digging up his other gems.
Thanks & Cheers!
🍺🍻🍺
Wow 😯
One of the greatest performance
National treasure
Brilliant!!!!
Learning this in musical theater class rn!
RIP, Detective Lennie Briscoe
Dang!! Did not know he sang!!!!❤
When you hear Mr. Orbach sing this song, his pacing gives it a totally different mood than all of the commercial versions out there. And then there is his acting range from Broadway to Law and Order. When combined you understand when Kurt Vonnegut was asked if he could have been anyone else on the planet, he answered he would trade it all to be Jerry Orbach.
I think Mr. Ohrbach performed this first in the long running show, The Fantastiks.
Awesome!
❤
R.I.P. Jerry Orbach.
Rip Jerry ❤
Es, Interesante, la actuación.
I'd say it was Law and Order that brought me here, but now I have to say Resident Alien inspired me to look up Jerry Orbach.
He first played El Gallo and recorded this song when he was just 24 years old.
Hard to believe, but it’s true.
Imagine Lumiere the Candlestick singing that
❤️❤️❤️❤️
sing it lennie
Getting old😅 I saw the show off Broadway 3x
So this is what Briscoe did in his free time 🤔
I like Jerry’s version better.
i wonder how many of his partners knew detective Lenny Brisco could sing.
Rest Jerry, you gave us great memories ❤
It's from 1982.