He does also have just a pure talent. Many people have gone thru all the lessons and experience and years of singing and still don't sound like him. He's an angel.
This was perfect. It’s Christmas Eve and I’m up alone as my kids are in bed, while dealing with trauma and extreme pain. Pregnant and alone as well. I’ve always loved this song, but the way he sings it really hits a nerve for me in a way I can’t explain. The “without you” for me right now is grieving a future I thought my kids and I would have… with their dad. He didn’t die, but he chose addictions and chaos, so I had to leave. It’s so sad to know we all grieve in our own way, but this song is a reminder that all is not lost. We might feel lost and alone, but all of the constants will still be there. Life goes on… without you. Leslie Odom Jr. singing this song really heals as much as it causes us to feel. What a beautiful voice. Thank god for music (and musicals).
So there is Luther, Donny Hathaway, Peobo, Brian McKnight, Al Jarreau... and so many other male singers whom I greatly love and admire. But Leslie Odom Jr. is in a hemisphere all his own, a quiet, yet powerful instrument that overtakes the soul when you listen to him sing! More of Leslie can "never be enough"!
@ Ten Contento. Not everyone that has a falsetto can go in and out of it the way Leslie Odom Jr does. He does it so effortlessly with perfect pitch. He has an amazing voice.
@@rickwhitman8638 I admit it's a beautiful sound, but I've never heard him "go in and out" as you say. I heard him with the San Francisco Symphony, and he was so heavily miked that it distorted his voice. It was pure falsetto with no "real" voice. But everyone seems to love him and he has a big career, so more power to him.
I love him and this version...so powerful. Rent is one of those musicals that have such heartwrenching soul punching wisdom. Seriously one of the most beautiful musicals ever...I’m so glad i saw it live! I would watch it over and over again...and I’d love to see him in it!
I'm awe struck by this performance. For me it's all about the timing. He has impeccable timing for each phrase and all the perfect uses of pauses. It all conveys the emotion of this heart breaking song so much. And when he lands on the posting note of Die...i cry.
Without you The ground thaws The rain falls The grass grows Without you The seeds root The flowers bloom The children play The stars gleam The poets dream The eagles fly Without you The earth turns The sun burns But I die Without you Without you The breeze warms The girl smiles The cloud moves Without you The tides change The boys run The oceans crash The crowds roar The days soar The babies cry Without you The moon glows The river flows But I die Without you Without you Without you The hand gropes The ear hears The pulse beats [ROGER] Without you The eyes gaze The legs walk The lungs breathe [ROGER (MIMI)] The mind churns! (The mind churns!) The heart yearns! (The heart yearns!) [BOTH] The tears dry Without you Life goes on But I’m gone Cause I die [ROGER] Without you [MIMI] Without you [ROGER] Without you [BOTH] Without you
My cousin passed away a few years ago of a rare disease at 26- he was the glue of our family. I sang this song in my car and cried every night. This version is even more beautiful than the musical original I listened to then. It’s bringing back so many emotions, so beautiful ❤️ thank you for this.
I honestly cannot think of a better singer who exists right now. He's perfection. Just saw the current tour of Hamilton in Seattle, and it was really great. But damn, it just makes you extra appreciate the perfection of this guy.
There are two singers who seem to move me for their beautiful and soul-stirring music: Leslie Odom Jr and Chris Stapleton. They just make me cry with their interpretation of their passion found in the lyrics of their songs.
I can't believe all I needed was this man! What a truly beautiful tribute to a man who changed the lives of countless people. Jonathan Larson, thank you for crafting such a beautiful opus, and Leslie Odom Jr., Thank you for sharing your gift! Your voice can raise the hopes of humanity to believe in a better future.
This guy was excellent in Hamilton, but this song really gives him a chance to show off his skills. He has a beautiful voice and he knows how to use it. It's breathtaking!
Not a Broadway person by any means, so I don't know Rent. Absolutely late to the game with Hamilton. Somehow came across this a few years ago and it absolutely levels me every single time I watch it. Such a brilliant delivery. The execution of precision in his voice simultaneously parallels the execution of the emotions in his performance. Both are just killer. ❤️
The amount of emotion that comes from his voice laid over just those two simple chords is amazing. My chest physically ached with heartbreak from it. Such a hauntingly beautiful performance.
When I thought I couldn’t love this song anymore than I already do, TH-cam is like... “Hold on a minute. I got something for you.” Thank you, Jonathan and Leslie. ❤️👏🏾 ❤️
I've seen Rent a million times, but this incredible rendition was absolutely a revelation. Wow. Leslie truly is brilliant. Kudos to his guitar player too. Perfection.
I played this concert over and over again until PBS no longer offered it for free. I bought a New House and this entire concert became the soundtrack to this house.... Sounds corny but If I were ever asked to explain my house... I'd play this concert.... That would be your answer!...
Goodness gracious, what a delicate and yet powerful arrangement of such a beautiful love song. And his phrasing and voice is obviously off the charts. Perfection.
Wow. Such a simple arrangement and yet so powerful at the same time. You can tell he puts his heart and soul into his vocals. What a remarkable and talented vocalist. 👏🏻
Just finished reading "Failing up". So happy that I can listen to him sing this song after reading, considering the meaning this musical has for him and the impact it had on him
I swear, I would listen to this man sing the ingredients off of a cereal box.
I would listen to him sing a manual on assembling a vacuum cleaner! LOL
agreed. Beautiful tone!
Yoooo! I’m mesmerized! Me too!
TRUTH!!!!
OK??? Lol!!
I feel like his diaphragm has abs
I mean he went to a performing arts high school, sang in church choirs, and went to CMU for a BFA. It's definitely abs now
He does also have just a pure talent. Many people have gone thru all the lessons and experience and years of singing and still don't sound like him. He's an angel.
Damn those naturally talented people! Who do I have to pay to get that?!
No kidding
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Absolutely!
Like butter. I love his voice
It is... It just is so pleasant to partake in this man's talent.
yesss🤩
same
I can’t explain how many times I’ve listened to this. It’s so beautiful. The little runs he put in it are so simple, but they’re so flawless.
Yes, I'm completely amazed. Perfect intonation and expression. Total flexibility.
@@jillsalkin7389 Agreed
Me too. It is so therapeutic.
i've also watched it TOO many times
Me too!! Can't get enough!!!
We all know how powerful his voice is, but the restraint and dissonance is what draws me in and makes this so unique.
This was perfect. It’s Christmas Eve and I’m up alone as my kids are in bed, while dealing with trauma and extreme pain. Pregnant and alone as well. I’ve always loved this song, but the way he sings it really hits a nerve for me in a way I can’t explain. The “without you” for me right now is grieving a future I thought my kids and I would have… with their dad. He didn’t die, but he chose addictions and chaos, so I had to leave. It’s so sad to know we all grieve in our own way, but this song is a reminder that all is not lost. We might feel lost and alone, but all of the constants will still be there. Life goes on… without you. Leslie Odom Jr. singing this song really heals as much as it causes us to feel. What a beautiful voice. Thank god for music (and musicals).
Bless you sister with all my heart, I hope that healing continues for you.
Every time I hear this I get shivers. It’s the most beautiful version I’ve ever heard.
The most poignant piece of music I've ever heard on loss. Wow this song is next level. So sublime
Rent gets crap from alot of people, but this point holds so true! These lyrics connect from start to finish! This is a song about life. Just amazing.
A borrowed bit of heaven. Thank you, Leslie Odom, Jr.
He had me at, Wait for it - Hamilton. Love him!
I know. I want to bottle what he has and drink it all day.
I’m not throwing away my shot -Lin Manual Miranda
Leslie Odom, Jr. has just the most calming voice. Though this song was written for a female character, he made it so soulful.
His voice, this song combined with the evening New York City 5th Ave backdrop is too beautiful! Leaves you stunned and breathless.
This song was written as a male/female (Roger & Mimi) duet.
*I just can't...* Leslie Odom's voice is perfection. That is all.
So there is Luther, Donny Hathaway, Peobo, Brian McKnight, Al Jarreau... and so many other male singers whom I greatly love and admire. But Leslie Odom Jr. is in a hemisphere all his own, a quiet, yet powerful instrument that overtakes the soul when you listen to him sing! More of Leslie can "never be enough"!
He doesn't get enough credit at ALL. This is beautiful.
He gets TOO MUCH credit. Anyone who can carry a tune and sing falsetto can sing like him.
@@tencontento9177 No. Not anyone. Not debating this point. Go seek validation for your discrediting of his talent on your own comment. :)
@ Ten Contento. Not everyone that has a falsetto can go in and out of it the way Leslie Odom Jr does. He does it so effortlessly with perfect pitch. He has an amazing voice.
@@rickwhitman8638 I admit it's a beautiful sound, but I've never heard him "go in and out" as you say. I heard him with the San Francisco Symphony, and he was so heavily miked that it distorted his voice. It was pure falsetto with no "real" voice. But everyone seems to love him and he has a big career, so more power to him.
@@tencontento9177 dude hate isnt good...your wrong not many people have his talent....so go troll another video
I love him and this version...so powerful. Rent is one of those musicals that have such heartwrenching soul punching wisdom. Seriously one of the most beautiful musicals ever...I’m so glad i saw it live! I would watch it over and over again...and I’d love to see him in it!
You should go listen to Peter Hollins' version. Awesome. It's a cappella. He does a phenomenal job.
@@emilyshepherd997 i loved him awhile back! i should check up on him again
@@CyclingUrchin he just did U2's I Still Haven't Found with Home Free. PHENOMINAL!! They have HollsFam and HomeFries singing with them
So happy to see his success. Always thought he was way under appreciated on “Smash”. Such a stunning voice.
Same! My very favorite on Smash and then I was thrilled to see him achieve such stardom with Hamilton ❤️
I could not agree more!!! 💪🏾🙌🏾❤️❤️
Yes!!! Everyone knows him from Hamilton but I’ve been listening to him since I saw him in Smash! He deserves all of the fame he has
I'm awe struck by this performance. For me it's all about the timing. He has impeccable timing for each phrase and all the perfect uses of pauses. It all conveys the emotion of this heart breaking song so much. And when he lands on the posting note of Die...i cry.
He waits for it.
His voice touches my soul.
Without you
The ground thaws
The rain falls
The grass grows
Without you
The seeds root The flowers bloom
The children play
The stars gleam
The poets dream
The eagles fly
Without you
The earth turns The sun burns But I die Without you
Without you
The breeze warms
The girl smiles
The cloud moves
Without you
The tides change
The boys run
The oceans crash
The crowds roar
The days soar
The babies cry
Without you
The moon glows
The river flows
But I die
Without you
Without you
Without you
The hand gropes
The ear hears
The pulse beats
[ROGER]
Without you
The eyes gaze
The legs walk
The lungs breathe
[ROGER (MIMI)]
The mind churns! (The mind churns!)
The heart yearns! (The heart yearns!)
[BOTH]
The tears dry
Without you
Life goes on
But I’m gone
Cause I die
[ROGER]
Without you
[MIMI]
Without you
[ROGER]
Without you
[BOTH]
Without you
Unbelievable
I'm crying!! Thank You!!!
That guitarist is awesome too !
My cousin passed away a few years ago of a rare disease at 26- he was the glue of our family. I sang this song in my car and cried every night. This version is even more beautiful than the musical original I listened to then. It’s bringing back so many emotions, so beautiful ❤️ thank you for this.
I heard him sing this live a couple years ago and to this day it’s still one of the most intense moments of my life
Lord why is this man's voice so perfect. He pierces the sould, I have goosebumps and why do I feel so emotional? So beautiful. 💛😩
He reaches deep down and brings tears to my eyes I can no longer hide.
His voice, this song combined with the evening New York City 5th Ave backdrop is too beautiful! Leaves you stunned and breathless.
Its amazing the amount of talent in the original cast Leslie, Chris, Renee, Anthony and Philippa. All those beautiful voices.
Don't forget Daveed,Lin,Oak, and Jasmine
He was not in the original cast....
@@evand2 he definitely was. He originated Burr.
@@evand2he was BURR
I honestly cannot think of a better singer who exists right now. He's perfection. Just saw the current tour of Hamilton in Seattle, and it was really great. But damn, it just makes you extra appreciate the perfection of this guy.
That ending holy sht he's amazing!! His voice is INCREDIBLE!
most beautiful rendition of this song i’ve ever heard. wow....
Every time I watch this, I cry. The passion he puts into this breaks me in pieces.
Leslie's voice just makes me feel so many emotions. He is unbelievable!
My lord, it’s just too easy for him. I feel like i’ve been washed clean and blessed. He is a gift.
This man's voice is a blessing to our universe. Also forgot how much I loved this song, going to listen to all of Rent now. Bye
This is so beautiful it should be illegal. My favourite rendition of one of my favourite songs. I could listen to this forever.
Not sure how you can keep it together listening to this. Beautiful and flawless.
There are two singers who seem to move me for their beautiful and soul-stirring music: Leslie Odom Jr and Chris Stapleton. They just make me cry with their interpretation of their passion found in the lyrics of their songs.
The arrangement, the vocals, the instruments....PERFECTION.
WHAT!?!!?! What the heck!?! Why are my eyes tearing up??
I can't believe all I needed was this man! What a truly beautiful tribute to a man who changed the lives of countless people. Jonathan Larson, thank you for crafting such a beautiful opus, and Leslie Odom Jr., Thank you for sharing your gift! Your voice can raise the hopes of humanity to believe in a better future.
How is this not at 7 million views. My soul aches and my heart yearns for someone I'm not quite sure why I miss so much after these effortless notes.
Thank You it's beautyful song brought tears to my by eyes I listened few times I hope you got the same message I got from it
Yes it should be in the millions
This guy was excellent in Hamilton, but this song really gives him a chance to show off his skills. He has a beautiful voice and he knows how to use it. It's breathtaking!
I’ve listened to this over and over. My favorite rendition of this song. Gorgeous guitar solo too ❤️
He has the best voice I have ever heard.
Not a Broadway person by any means, so I don't know Rent. Absolutely late to the game with Hamilton. Somehow came across this a few years ago and it absolutely levels me every single time I watch it. Such a brilliant delivery. The execution of precision in his voice simultaneously parallels the execution of the emotions in his performance. Both are just killer. ❤️
You should definitely check out Rent but have the tissues ready, I go through it when I watch it ❤️ but also 😭😭😭
The amount of emotion that comes from his voice laid over just those two simple chords is amazing. My chest physically ached with heartbreak from it. Such a hauntingly beautiful performance.
When I thought I couldn’t love this song anymore than I already do, TH-cam is like... “Hold on a minute. I got something for you.” Thank you, Jonathan and Leslie. ❤️👏🏾 ❤️
His voice, this song combined with the evening New York City 5th Ave backdrop is too beautiful! Leaves you stunned and breathless.
I like this guy. He’s a fantastic actor and he can sing as well! He’s becoming one of my favorite actors.
Impeccable! He has the most beautiful tone to his voice.
This has to be one of the most beautiful songs about love, life and death. My heart 💔
Nothing but an angel's voice 😍
Of all the incredible gifts Jonathan Larsen left us in his treasure trove that is RENT, I like this song the best.
LESLIE WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO US MY HEART CANT TAKE IT!!! My god he is literal perfection.
Leslie is such a talent. His star will just continue to rise.
I would drive 500 miles to see this soul in concert. And it would be SO HARD for this senior woman not to swoon!!
Same here!!!!
Damn, Leslie's voice makes me cry after only a few seconds..such a beautiful voice.
Oh my Lordy his voice is sensational
Thank You.
He is magnificent ... no matter what he chooses to use his instrument to capture all the variations so clearly. Sweet!
Perfect song, perfect guitar, perfect singer, perfect voice. Perfection.
I've seen Rent a million times, but this incredible rendition was absolutely a revelation. Wow. Leslie truly is brilliant. Kudos to his guitar player too. Perfection.
If they do a gender flip Leslie for Mimi (i don’t care that Mimi is supposed to be 19/20)
What a build! Amazing and unique rendition! Leslie is something special. He just gets right into every word so deeply and takes you in.
I'm so in love with this man's talent and spirit
He has the sweetest voice I have ever heard!!!
Geez - so moving. - pulling this song out of past and breathing his own spark into it
No one sings this song better than Leslie Odom Jr.
Leslie, that rendition, the voice, the calmnest, all I can say, much respect for your craft sir.
I cry every single time i hear him sing this song. Absolutely amazing!!
I'm not crying Leslie Odom Jr, you're crying!
I played this concert over and over again until PBS no longer offered it for free. I bought a New House and this entire concert became the soundtrack to this house.... Sounds corny but If I were ever asked to explain my house... I'd play this concert.... That would be your answer!...
I can’t believe how brilliant this song is and how he sings!!!! Completely overwhelmingly perfect!!!!
He is underrated his voice is beautiful 💞😭
I heard this performance by Leslie around the time my father passed away, so I always equate this song to my emotions then...and now.
My sister and best friend just passed away : This song eases the pain
I WAS SENT TO HEAVEN.
I don't know if there's such thing as a perfect performance, but this is as close as it gets!
He is such an unbelievable performer! That voice!
I completely agree with what Lamar said. Jonathan has inspired me in so many ways.
Goodness gracious, what a delicate and yet powerful arrangement of such a beautiful love song. And his phrasing and voice is obviously off the charts. Perfection.
Beautiful ❤
Idk how he does it, but when he sings "The pulse... beats" I lose my mind in the best possible way.
Wow. Such a simple arrangement and yet so powerful at the same time. You can tell he puts his heart and soul into his vocals. What a remarkable and talented vocalist. 👏🏻
The way his voice shifts, in such a subtle way, between Mimi and Roger’s lines... it’s magic.
OH MY GOD !!!!!!!!!!!
a remarkable talent, he is flawless
this cuts my heart out and fills my soul...all at the same time
Gorgeous❣Leslie!
Leslie Odom, Jr. is my favorite male singer!! The richness, depth & warmth in his voice is AMAZING!! What a gem of a man!! I love him!! ❤️🔥👍🏿😊
Just pure, God given, effortless talent. Wow.
I get your point, but it's surely not effortless.
OMG !! He’s amazing, very soft in the beginning and incredibly strong and potent voice in the climax. 💕💕💕👏👏👏👏👏
one of the most beautiful things i've ever heard. God really did a thing with this man's voice.
These are a few of my favourite things
Aaron Burr + Rent 💛
Just finished reading "Failing up". So happy that I can listen to him sing this song after reading, considering the meaning this musical has for him and the impact it had on him
This is beautiful...❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍
I can listen to him sing all day 😌 💕
I'm so glad I came across this version. Gorgeous. Leslie, Leslie, Leslie. 💕
When I first saw this I was thinking about the song from RENT and I was like, this can't be the same song but then I listened to it and I was like: 😭😭
Just beautiful.
This is a combination of my two favorite musicals and I can’t handle it!!! 😩
I can't do it. I can't stop listening to this man sing 😍
Perfection!! So natural so effortless and yet so powerful and moving. His voice is like the wind!!
Sweet jesus, what a voice. The Perfect voice for this song. LOVE LOVE LOVE.
He is SO fantastic. Omg
Why do you sound this good??!! I hear about 6 genres of music, all at one time! How is this possible sir??!!
Fan forever!
Wow. I’m blown away by the whole performance. Rent was always a favorite of mine growing up. This is special. Thank you.