Jennifer Holliday "And I Am Telling You"
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
- A performance of "And I Am Telling You" by the ORIGINAL Effie, Ms. Jennifer Holliday. She blows away almost anyone else in modern times with this performance, securing herself a rightful place amongst this era's greats (Aretha, Whitney, Ella, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Mahalia Jackson).
From the 1982 Tony Awards, where she won the award for Best Actress for her creation and portrayal of Effie in the then-breakout smash musical "Dreamgirls." The scene and preceding song lead up to "And I Am Telling You," which begins at around 3.25, but the whole scene is an invaluable look at what Jennifer Holliday was really made of (And she's only 21 here?!?)
And to think she performed this EVERY night for TWO YEARS straight... Wow. Let's see Whitney, Christina, Mariah, or anyone else do that!
![[TH] 2024 PMSL SEA Finals D2 | Fall | ต้องรักษาฟอร์ม อย่ายอมให้ใครแซง](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/x38QsGn7A3M/mqdefault.jpg)
EVERY night for TWO YEARS straight .. Except Sundays.
On Sundays she performed it twice.
A beast ! Jennifer Holliday is a legend ! 😍😍😍😍
Anders köhler she did amazing 😁😁
In Wendy william’s screaming co host voice :
Whaaaaaaaaat?!!???!
GOOD. GRAVY.
Scusami?
People forget that she was only 22-23 when she did this, so young and so full of maturity in voice and emotions!
She was 21 years of age
21 is amazing don
She was 21.
Janne Q OMG REALLY!!!?? Same age as the Chics ... wacky...YOUNGER than the little teen girls manipulated by Barry Gordy to turn on each other... WOW!!! 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🙄🙄🙄
Janne Q amazing!!!!
This shit should be in the Smithsonian. In HD, preserved for the ages. Never again will we see this in our lifetimes.
Your reply is hysterical!!! It made my day.
@@andromedagalaxy5950 this comment needs to be in the Smithsonian made burst out laughing awesome
Fantasia and Jennifer hudson are close
I know I have tried to find the original in DVD or streaming. They don't have it. I was told back then they did not record plays. Which is messed up because this is classic.
Agree...made me also burst out laughing...but so true and well said.
But don't stop at The Smithsonian my friend.
Its a performance that should be sent out deep into the heavens, in a capsule, for other universes to find one lucky day.
The fact she did this live is WILD
She did this live 8 shows a week... Broadway performers are unbelievable!
@@libbyo743 Broadway is the superstar lane of singers, wish more boosted up from it.
I've had many people tell me that they thought she overacted. When you are on a live stage, you play to the back row. That is fundamental. She was PERFECT!
TR Goohileshea and perfect is an understatement!!
Those people are haters!! and obviously never seen an opera
I saw this on Broadway as a kid, and I can tell you that there was not a dry eye in the place when she sang this.
Plus Effie is supposed to be dramatic
Who ever said that has no concept of Stage acting. BTW my husband is a director ,who has done work in NY.😁
How in HELL is anyone still in their seat after THAT performance ?? I'd have jumped up applauding halfway through and never sit down again !
Funny enough, thats what the audience did everytime Holiday performed. I'm guessing cause the tony's is a more formal affair but in a normal night, the theater would be shaken.
I know it‘s an old comment, but I‘ll still add my two cents. The public used to applaud this scene for more than 15 minutes, delaying the subsequent shows in the same night at the theater, so the producers had to put the upcoming scene right next to it, giving the audience virtually no time to applaud. It was not too few applause, it was too much - well deserved, of course. The movie producers did the same - put the two scenes one right after the other - for different reasons. I think it was to show that, though Effie‘s world was falling down, The Dreametts would still go on, her lover’s life would still go on; her claims meant nothing to them.
Fun Fact: During the Broadway performances, this number would stop the show nearly every night, as the audience would jump to their feet. The longest ovation she ever received for this song was nearly 15 minutes on the night of her last performance in the role.
When I first heard this, I thought to myself _"That is the greatest vocal performance I've ever heard."_
All these years later, it still is.
I was there and saw This number - I screamed Afterwards . Her song said that I needed to change my life. I listen to it Even today.
Maybe her vocal chords are made of steel. Damn, what a range and stamina she has singing this extra monstrous song!
th-cam.com/video/FVLdjqOuZ3k/w-d-xo.html
Jtrill Guzman Lol as if Hudson could ever touch what Jennifer Holliday did on this stage
@@lpjgj2179 jennifer hudson did the song better alot of ppl didnt even know it was jennifer holiday song until jhud did it
Jtrill Guzman Yeah people didn’t know because Holliday did it on Broadway and Hudson did it in the movie. Without Holliday there would never be a Dreamgirls movie - she made the musical what it is today. Hudson could never compare to the power and emotion Holliday brought to the stage. May I also add that Holliday did this 8 TIMES A WEEK LIVE.
Yes truly gifted.
You can’t replicate this, she is the blueprint for this song. She is UNIQUE.
This is actually painful to watch, on so many levels. How did she not bust a gut, or a vocal chord or two during these performances?! Incredible. No one has ever surpassed her, not even JHud.
Mary Valletta she was truly a once in TWO lifetimes type of voice.
And it’s crazy because she did this every night for almost 2 years too!!
How did she not kill her own vocals and or bust a gut you ask? Well my child there are stuff that are called, and bare with me here its shocking. technique. Incredible isnt it?
And she sang this song just as crazy on American Idol a few years ago. Even the gasp before the final note. Her technique, prep, care must’ve been PHENOMENAL to not ruin her voice forever like I’m in awe
Ohh look at sexy sexy Loretta Divine, wow!!!!
Can't NOBODY sing this song like Jennifer Holiday.
Ummmmm Jennifer Hudson
@@damionasplace9517 Not even close.
Amber
@@dirtcheap3098 I can't listen to anyone else sing it, the emotion is always missing.
@@anthonyoviedo3324 no
She made you feel the pain of this break up.
didn't she?
Made me cry 😥 Wow! Powerful!
I thought he was just kicking her outthe group not just breaking up with her. 😭😭😭😭
naw Curtis was an asswhole...just like Berry Gordy
crying!
This right here is why she won the Tony and why, no matter who sings it, this is her song!!!! #Legendary
EXACTLY!!
Amen!!!
Yes Ma'am!!!!
Well Deserved!❤
Agreed✊🏿
Imagine her doing this EIGHT TIMES A WEEK during the run of the show. Astounding. She left it on the floor Every. Single. Time. I saw her at the Paradise Garage in 1984 and she blew off the damn roof.
You're so lucky! Sadly I wasn't even born then 😭 she's absolutely spectacular 💜
Wow, what a blessing to have seen her perform Live.
She performed for the employee's at the Georgian Terrace in Atlanta where she lived for awhile in 2009...you talking about a blessing. A personal performance.. none other like her.
I wasn't there when she was there,but I was there for the amazing Grace Jones. That was a night to remember, she was spraying people with water.
@@MaryAnnSweetAngel exactly what i was about to say
8 shows a week doing this on Broadway. Folks don't acknowledge that you have to bring this EVERY PERFORMANCE!!! Nor do folks remember how this phenomenon created a legend. You don't do this by Instagram.
@James Bond She had her share of cancellations, and Lillias White would step in, but It only added to the buzz if she would perform, as you got to see it in action. She was really a soprano with the physical facility to create that style of singing. It's straight from the church, with her personal creativity.
Ok boomer
No one mentioned social media except you though.
You can...and make a lot more money in the process. A huge part of that is, Instagram is accessible to far more people than Broadway could ever reach.
Facts! You betta preach.
She really understood how Effie deserved to be portrayed.
Seriously feeling for every "Effie" in the world is the way she makes me feel.
Only because Jennifer Lewis fleshed out Effie in a the workshop they had....#motherofblackhollywood
@@kimberlywhitehead22 I’m reading her book right now , I was surprised to find this out
@@kimberlywhitehead22 this song was not part of the show.. it's written for Holliday
@@hyenanutz im taking about the character development of Effie
Still here in 2024 and still losing my mind over this performance...
We saw this on opening night on Broadway in NYC.... She stopped the show.... It was electric....the audience was stunned and went crazy....nothing we ever witnessed in the theatre before or since matched that magic moment
I wish I was there
Ken Chambers me too!
What you saw this opening night!?! Omg
Chaplain Dr Richard Lawrence that must’ve been INCREDIBLE!!! I know it may be hard to ask you to try and do this, but could you try and possibly describe what that moment was like in more detail?
-I really want to know what that moment would be like to experience...-
I agree 100%..nothing less than phenomenal and i still get goose bumps after all this time
So many people also forget Broadway was dying around this time DreamGirls saved it no one had ever seen a show like this moving sets incredible cast and costumes
Did Not know. Gonna look into it. I was born in NY when this debuted
There Were other shows, A Chorus Line, Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Cats, Les Miseables, others- it was a Golden Age on Broadway 🎭
@@robertn800 it’s still pretty insane to think POTO turns 35 this year
Hahah it was so not haha
@@logiclanguagelearningFrench Wasn't Cats a big hit at this time?
This is a great song, it's a shame it was filmed on a calculator.
Back then all they had were calculators
LMAOOOOOO!!!!!
😆😆😆
Best coment so far 🤣🤣🤣
It's more that this is most probably a home recording made on VCR, which were temperamental at the best of times. CBS will most certainly have the original performance in their archive and will hopefully one day remaster and release it.
The way she gasps before hitting that last note is the cherry on top. Just pure visceral talent, they don’t do it like this anymore.
21 years old and did this every night for two years. Dear God lmao that is unnatural talent.
Only 21?! Wow, I think I'm gonna go cry now
We have a whole race full of 'em.
Wow I’m 21 what am I doing with my life😭
Blown away from a computer with cheap speakers. Can y'al imagine what it was like seeing and hearing this live? She is truly otherworldly!
It was absolutely AMAZING! I saw it when was in high school in 1984.
No I think I saw it in '83.
Monique Davis you are so lucky
I saw this live. It was absolutely amazing!
I was fortunate enough to see this way back in the 80’s not one person in the audience was sitting when she was singing. I get goosebumps listening on my iPhone. You cannot even imagine how we felt seeing this live. Not a dry eye in the house. Pure magic
Jennifer Holiday gives "And I am Telling You" that desperation that other singers forget about.
Tony Mcneil the conviction . It’s not desperate. She is speaking her desires into existence with faith and conviction.
That other singers long for
Cus they're trying to show off instead of portray a story
Exactly my thoughts watching this. It's so full of emotion and character, like no other version.
I had the pleasure of seeing Ms. Holliday performance when the show moved to Los Angeles. I can remember thinking that I was having a heart attack. My hands were shaking, I was sobbing. I felt like the air had been sucked out of the theater. There was about 2 seconds of stunned silence, followed by a thunderous ovation that should have blown the roof of the the theater. I will never forget it.
Your description brought me to tears for some reason. Man I was Just born when it debuted
Sobbing now watching this
Great description!!!!! I’m from L.A. Ca. Never got to see her perform 😢
You can actually here the Pain in her voice. The way she sings in all of her songs as if someone who is fed up.
She was way too damn young to have that much pain in her voice lol. But we love it
Yes, which is what was lacking in Jennifer Hudson performance. She sounds great, just no real passion.
@@Chloeceegaming..7253 well Jen Holliday has been performing this for years, while Hudson only did it once for a movie
she lived every second of that song. You can hear it in her voice.
@@jubilantsleep You can have deep, cutting pain at any age. Just be thankful you don't know what I'm talking about.
Never give no man this kind of power over you ladies.
I'm good if anybody wants to go I'm not stopping his ass.
She wasn't singing to just her man....but the dream of singing she was losing.
Her man and her dream was leaving at the same time.
Best comment and so true
oh shut up you tart
@Isopura 🏃
I saw this on Broadway when I was 13 or 14...over 30 years ago.. it was insane. When she sang this song the whole theater exploded. I'll never forget it.
What a memory! A true gift of music and performance
Wow. I wish I had have been there. She is incredible.
Moby Rick: You actually saw the show?! That's so awesome! What a great memory. That would have been amazing, right on.
I saw it in previews. she stopped the show five times in one song. five. the closest I ever felt to that was Melba Moore singing "I got love". check that one out. damn.
Moby Rick Same here. Saw original Broadway production, which also was noted as groundbreakingly cinematic for its fluid set changes masterminded by Michael Bennett of A Chorus Line fame. When she sang this showstopper, I had never before seen audience members hooting and hollering during a song in a show, shouting things like "Tell him, girl!" let alone giving a standing ovation when a song is over.
The physical manifestation of her inner pain was breathtaking! Until you have loved someone so deeply that it devastates you whether they leave or stay- you would not get why she sang or acted this way.
Truth Indeed
That is exactly what that song conveyed! So true I could feel her pain in my spirit. Many ppl would kill for that kind of vulnerability and honesty today.
Her moans were both melodic and painful. Her face was pained, her body was bent over in pain, and she moaned in pain. She was emotional and physical pain personified in this performance.
Yesss
YES!!!!!
it blows me away that this was live. this shit was LIVE! the emotion behind her voice and her vocals are just incredible. what's crazy is that nobody was singing like this at that time.. they don't even sing that way now because it's not easy!
This people was shooting for greatness
And every night for 3 years!!!! Incredible is an understatement if not just for the endurance of her voice.
Right!
Who are you talking too?
@Zeljko Trifunovic wtf
Other singers have mastered the notes BUT her performance is deep and her interpretation makes her delivery Masterful -The ABSOLUTE TEMPLATE the message and emotions are so raw!!!
Loretta Devine and Sheryl Lee Ralph were no joke
Jennifer Holliday is like the female Michael Jackson to me. She is the epitome of a vocalist and performer. In my opinion, she's the best in recorded time. I know there are contenders, but nothing and no one has ever done what Jennifer Holliday did.
She is the original. The others are just copies at best.
Yessuh!!
Yessssssssss!!!’🔥🔥
I saw Jennifer Holiday in Dreamgirls in New York and as the NYTIMES (1981) critic Frank Rich said: "If the curtain didn't fall, the audience would probably cheer Jennifer Holliday until dawn."
Unbelievable that she was only 22 here! This is sang so insanely mature and brilliant. And put al she has in this. Freaking amazing and unparalleled.
She looks here and on the video clip much older!🤦🤷♂️✡️🕎🇮🇱
@@eliranpinhasov5940well she wasn’t….
@@cressapellom4205 I know
😍😳😳😳😳😳😳😳WHAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTT😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳
@@Marcellat yess
I Was There....!!!!!!!!!!!!!....She LITERALLY BLEW THE ROOF OFF THE BUILDING...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....DAMN.....!!!!!!!!....THANKS LADY...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I got to only like this once sorry
Lucky!!!
billy moore lucky you!!
I was like 6 or 7 i remember going but not all details. I sent this to my Mothet, thanks for the share, truly a gem😳👍
Wow
"I'M NOT WAKING UP TOMORROW MORNING.. HAHAA!!! " Fave part
It's insane. And very real.
That hahaah shook me
I read this as she sang it lmao
@@Levi-Athan27 me too just now. Synchronicity
The most ferocious performance I have ever seen. She dared them not to give her the Tony. Which of course they did. I watched Dreamgirls the movie today - loved it but no one can touch Jennifer Holliday in her incredible voice, talent, courage and rawness. The last 5 seconds alone will take your breath away. Bravo Jennifer Holliday!!!
I can't watch any other performance of the song - no matter who does it - it would always be a long way second best.
and the grammy :D
:D
👏🏾
I was there there will NEVAH….EVAH be a performance with this profound intensity…no disrespect but Hudson isn’t even in the same universe forEVAH…..HOLIDAY!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Still one of the best performances in Broadway history. ❤❤❤
The kind of breathtaking performance that makes the whole world stop and listen to.
I'm just thankful it was captured for us all to enjoy. 💝💝💝
@TonyEnglandUK I have looked everywhere for this play. I can't find it anywhere. The movie was ok, but this play I have to have.
@@roshelltannen9698look it up on Google videos. The entire play is on there. Not the best quality. Someone must’ve snuck a camera inside.
That performance by Jennifer Holliday was like a nuclear bomb, it laid waste to anyone else ever trying to inhabit that song. She decimated any other pretenders who tried it after her. Her vocals are nothing short of amazing.
John Haggard and she did it at 21!
Can you not praise her performance without insulting other actresses and singers by calling them 'pretenders'? I've just been watching Jennifer Hudson's phenomenal rendition in Dreamgirls and I was blown away by amazing she was - especially considering it was her acting debut.
Check out this 15 year old from Britain got talent
Her name is Sarah
I have to agree with this!
I wish the Tony's would go into their archives and restore this cause it's an absolute classic
The laugh at 5:18 is what gets me. The anger, the desperation, and the absolute disbelief is fantastic. God level vocals, but fantastic acting as well.
That laughter marks the loss of your sanity.
Awesome comment 🙂
That wasn't a laugh... it was absolute denial
@@trulysavedbyChrist I mean yea but the power is there...
@@trulysavedbyChrist she did say absolute disbelief.
I saw this opening night in Boston prior to it moving to Broadway and you're right! Everyone jumped up from their seats and gave a standing ovation for at least ten minutes. I know I held my breathe in the last few bars of the song and jumped up even before the song ended as did many others in that electrically charged theater. I'd never experience another night in musical theater again such as that night.
I also saw the show during the Boston run. Literally lifted out of my seat by the anguish. The genius of Michael Bennett
John, I was devastated when Michael Bennett passed away from AIDS. I have a DVD "Hullabaloo" where Michael was a dancer on the show, matter of fact Donna McKecknie was also in this dance troupe. Imagine the amazing things he would have accomplished if his life had not been snuffed out so young? Sad. Meanwhile, I think Jennifer Holiday still owns the song but Jennifer Hudson did that song mighty justice, truly Oscar worthy. BTW I wonder if we knew each other back in the good old days.
Same! Saw the show in Boston in tryouts, with few expectations, and walked out breathless. I've since seen many Broadway productions, but this performance will always be my favorite.
That's a one in a life time experience, good for you.
Yep she said no other play had a standing ovation like this. She did say they stood for a long time.
I saw "Dreamgirls" on broadway with friends back in 1982...she just blew us right out of the water with her vocal talent!!!!!!! We met her at the stage entrance back door after the ow and got her autograph!! One of the best nights of my young life!!!!!!
chad ewing that’s amazing 😁😁😁
Lucky you!
Cool 😎
Amazing memories
I had no idea..it was a song from her..am.from the 80s but not old enough to know this ppl.who sing the heart out until the 90s..I never thought for a sec its wasn't Jennifer Hudson...wow...nice show, nice experience you had..Americans have these way with music a long time ago..such advancement is admirable..but nowadays you see only artist singing funny tracks and stripper videos...no raw talent and emotions..am not saying this generation can sing but something bus still missing ...
How did she not receive a standing ovation, whistles, screams, or have some shoes thrown at her? Indescribable performance, once in a lifetime, and they say it live!
you gotta remember, this was 30 years ago & people were more dignified & snooty at these award shows..notice every man was in tux & bowties & women was in evening wear & when i saw it in L.A., we had to wait til the end of the play to give her a standing ovation...different times
Well this was the Tony Awards. Other performers were not going to give her that much credit, especially when you are competing with her. However, when you saw this on Broadway in the 80`s, yes people gave her many standing ovations. Sometimes it was hard to hear the song because of people cheering and emoting. She would turn it out each night.
Mainly because the curtain is down and she's no longer there. It's also the end of the first act.
Marquese Robinson SHOES!! 👞 👟 👠
If she does this today people would be doing what happens in the birdbox movie because it is too overwhelming
No one can hold a torch to Jennifer Holiday
@Daisy i dont think anyone is insulting the great Jennifer Hudson...... but Jennifer Holiday set the standard!! Had she not done this......It would just be another random song!
Original
NOBODY❤💯💯💯!
I don’t think a performance this powerful will occur ever again. It’s otherworldly.
The range of her voice is amazing...
This was one of the greatest performances in theater history . Some 40yrs. later and they still talk about it !
Yes.
She gave ever ounce of herself in that performance.... unmatched.
My boyfriend took me to see this play in NYC, and today 40 years later, boyfriend husband, passed I still feel chills on my arms. Thinking about the night we had..Dream girls will always be special to me.. Jennifer Holliday ❤
“IM NOT WAKING UP TOMORROW MORNING, HA! HA!” Did it for me. 😩🙌🏽
That part is deep
Chileeee
🤣🤣🤣
This should be in Guiness book of world record.
Greatest vocal of all time!!
YEEEEEEEEEESSSSSS
100!!
Very correct
💯
Yes
Never in the history of anything has someone sung their anguish with such complete abandon and physicality, so well, with such vocal power and skill. She sings this song like she's literally being stabbed in the gut. Brilliant. Unmatchable.
Janna Balthaser I'm here crying wow
well said!
Aint no man worth that........................
LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOO @CHRIS FRY aint that the truth
Yes, she even held her Belly. I love it.
She left her soul on that stage floor. Every. Single. Night.
I feel bad for her understudy. How could you possibly fill those shoes?
Roz Ryan was pretty damn respectable. I saw the entire original cast but Jennifer. Blew my mind
So excellent.
Imagine if Jennifer Hudson is the understudy... I think she could do justice to the song, but of course the orig is always the best...
I think I read somewhere that Holiday was sort of erratic, not with her performance, but things like being late, calling in sick, problems with other cast members, etc. If true- it’s understandable because it’s such a demanding role & takes it’s toll on an Artist.
@@robertn800 I heard she was going to be fired but people threatened to boycott the show if she was
@@lestatlouis47yui jennifer hidson would have been like a year old during jennifer hollidays run of dreamgirls
Omg if you didn't feel this you need to look for your soul. Holiday will always wear the crown. Amber Riley and Jennifer Hudson shook me when they sang it, but I had to call FEMA for Holiday cause she destroyed me.
@Anita- You "had to call FEMA?" LOL!!!
Haha! Old school technology!
Anita Blake🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Are you ok now?
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
"I had to call FEMA for Holiday cause she destroyed me." Kindly, spread my ashes over the Pacific Ocean.
No matter who comes after, no one will ever do this song better than her.
FACTS
@@rosewhip5332 Ummm... Jennifer Hudson did justice to the song, but NO ... She did NOT do it better than Holiday. No disrepect to Hudson, but it's just facts.
Truth Indeed AMEN
I came here after listening to the then 15 yr. old Sara sing the sing. This was incredible wow!
They both did good no need to compare
Usually you are not allowed to clap or shout midway of a musical performance, not to mention most of the attendees here are professionals in the Theater industry. This shows that this section of Dreamgirls will always be a part of history as a sensation, a showstopper and a standard for musicals especially when it is revived (especially this song).
I would have been on the floor!
So many artists (both new and old) did their own rendition of this song, but nobody come close to Jennifer Holliday's version. The emotion in her every growl is unmatched!
Aizen Knaik I know what you mean. I wish the quality of this clip was better, but I still never get tired of watching it. I was just bringing up this performance on Quora and describing it made me want to watch it again right now. Simply AMAZING!!
Actually it's funny, I've heard this song a million times but never knew where it came from, though I always loved the song...
Then I was watching my mom's apartment while she was on vacation last week and I was looking for a movie to watch, and I found Dream Girls.
So damn amazing, there are not enough words... yeah it was the version with Jennifer Hudson, still amazing... obviously I wanted to hear the original which lead me here...
every version of this song I've heard is amazing. I can't pick a favorite...
Yes this is forever the best version of all. Whitney's performance at the AMA comes in second. And then Jennifer Hudson and the rest...
sara ikumu owns this song now ok
Aizen Knaik shalyah fearing almost matches but this is still the best
She made you feel Effie's fear and hurt. She really didn't want to lose him especially in this important time in her life with the baby coming. She conveyed her panic and inner turmoil. You'll very rarely see true desperation in a performance executed this beautifully. Bravo, GORGEOUSLY DONE 😍😍😍
I agree!!!!
Pathology of black community
Exactly. Other singers (including JHud) sing this as some sort of triumphant anthem. It isn't. This song is pain , fear, and desperation. That's what Ms. Holiday is giving you.
Yes and the Line in the Song where she Sing (We both Share the Same Blood)
In terms of Tony Performances, this is simply one of, if not, THE best performance ever.
you know this stuff is beyond awesome when even Voldemort appreciates Muggle talent
Is she a muggle though? As far as I am concerned, Jennifer Holliday is an All Powerful Goddess xD
A Goddes can still be a muggle.. Right?
EX: Emma Watson is a goddes amongst 9gag'ers and shes a mudblood. True story.
This is why it IS STILL. The Number 1 Tony Award Performance of all time!!!😁
Lord Voldemort indeed
My goodness. I'm having my lunch break. Thought of the "short people" song from Ally Mc Beal. Googled Jennifer. Came to this song. Was reading through my work while munching on my lunch and all of a sudden I'm sitting here crying because of what one of the most remarkable singers of all time sang. I wasn't even paying a whole lot of attention to the start, but she just grabbed me by the throat and belted a Niagara Falls of emotions in my brain. And then I read she did this every day for 2 whole years?
How?
And how lucky are the few that got to witness an angel singing.
I'm here watching this performance because I saw Dreamgirls at the St. Louis Muny Theater yesterday, and the first time I saw Dreamgirls on stage was also at the Muny back in 2012. Jennifer Holliday again played Effie White. She was 51 this time, not 21, but those blessed to hear her didn't give a damn.
@@jessicanolen8511 Whoa! So happy for you you got to see her sing this song in person!
A few years back, I had a roommate who was a theater fan. One night, she told me about this performance. I had just gotten a computer - she refused to use one, lol - so I went looking, and found this clip. My friend wasn't kidding when she said this was the best performance ever on a televised awards show - it gave me goosebumps then, and still does now. I played this almost every day, and my friend would stop whatever she was doing to come and listen. Sadly, I lost her to cancer just a few years later - nothing fills that empty place her passing left, but I always think of her each time I hear this song :)
I'm sorry, that's a beautiful history thanks for share it
I remember when this aired. Everyone tuned in to see the live performance of the hit soundtrack/radio single, but the dramatic reinenactment was a total surprise! Mesmerizing! Made me wanna skateboard to NY to see it live as a kid.
Sorry for the loss of your friend
hamstergirl4444 I’m so sorry you lost your friend! She did, however, teach you well. I saw Ms. Holliday perform this live. It was a mind-boggling performance.
Thats a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing, i know I'll think of your friend when i hear it now too x
Call me ignorant but Ive never heard Jennifer Holiday singing, I didnt think she was this incomparable. This is the first ever video and song I watched of her. Wow all other singers just do not get to this level. Whoever had the chance to be seeing this live in person is so blessed man
Me too. Shes literally mind-blowing!!
Blessed is a word for it. As a native New Yorker of a certain age I’ve seen many Broadway shows including The Wiz with Stephanie Mills and this was probably the greatest vocal performance of them all. It’s hard to compare singers of course and Stephanie singing “Home” as a teenager is up there with the best of them.
Same here, I’ve heard this song many times, and now watching this... this is just so beautiful
The legendary reputation of the ORIGINAL was EARNED...emphatically WELL! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 I cannot listening to any other version...nope! ❤️
I saw Dreamgirls on a spring break trip to NYC in 1983 and YES, Jennifer Holliday was playing Effie White. I have still not recovered...
I feel sorry for anyone who wasn't born, or was around and didn't get to see this live. Still the greatest live performance I've ever seen, and that was in 1983.
I wasn't born yet but I'm glad I was able to see this performance. I can only imagine how it felt to experience this performance live
This is true...also the same for Sophisticated Ladies
I was born 1970 in another continent, so I never got to see her. But boy, did my mother play this over and over. A huge part of my childhood. I always return to this song.
congrats for being old I guess
Oh but I did see and it was phenomenal.
Music already has a powerful effect on me, physically and emotionally. I'm one of those people who get chills down their spine for certain songs/notes... it's a neat feeling and is very satisfying. It feels like a dopamine release. But this song. Oh my god. It started as a chill but it just kept going and I just started bawling. This performance is one of the greatest things I have ever seen.
samee
Same man same and that is an auditory response and it is a dopamine release! Everyone says it’s to quote “the definition of literally being able to feel the music in your soul” it’s rare for people to get it off music and I’ve even experienced it and and asks my friends and they would say nah I don’t feel anything! You feel the music in your soul man! Be proud!
@@paigeanne1325 Yes!! It's so hard to explain this feeling. So thankful to have seen your descriptions. I LOVE feeling the emotions of a song or performance!!
@@heiditweedell818 hell yes❤️✨keep feeling the music, so many people may forget things as time goes on..but u never forget how to feel and listen to music✨✨it’s like a high or a trip and as someone who smokes were everyday and has done shrooms a couple times I always listen to music when I visit those other realities ❤️
I get the chills from great music and acting as well but THIS is on a whole different level. The passion and vocal talent totally left me in shock. Jennifer Holliday is incredible 🤍
The deep inhale at the end!?? The cherry on top of the cake! You hear me!?!
CROWD. CON. TROL!
My edges might never grow back again and I'm perfectly fine with that...they were snatched for a great cause
Justina Adarkwah Luke is a way i was way way
tom. the only way to make it happen is that the way it was to
happen to make it happen to 👩🏿🍼🥰😍😂😭
Lol that's hilarious!!
Perfect reaction to a song 😂 straight up perfect description lol
Now that’s funny 😂😂
Snatch clean from the follicle!!!!
she sung that LIVE! YASSSS.
shawn preston RIIIIIIIGGGHHHHTTT 💯💯💯
you do understand that this show is about broadway shows which are performed every night on stage LIVE.
is it possible such stupidity can exist?
Jade Zee they are responding to the comparisons of others who tried this but prerecord. They are saying she sang it the best AND did it all live. No cuts. No edits. They are giving praise to the absolute power of her voice.
So...
Jade Zee shut up, its just astonishing how broadway singers can sing like that every night thats all they were pointing out, to appreciate that fact
Jade Zee is a bitch lol
There is NO WAY even our best singers today could do this!!!! I am blown AWAY! ... tears gushing down my face! Ms. Holiday, your voice is the stuff divinity is made of!
I absolutely cannot listen to anyone else sing it. It would always be second best to this.
There are quite a few who can, but she is the ORIGINAL hands down 🙌🏿
Amazing!!
She was 21 years old performing this WOW
I sing this when people r not around
WOW.........🔥👏📀
ONE OF THE GREATEST PERFORMANCES BROADWAY HAS EVER SEEN...BAR NONE!!!
REMEMBER SHE SANG THIS 8 TIMES A WEEK..WHAT STAMINA!
8 times ? Wow!
She is the benchmark for this performance!
@@trgoohileshea2820 is a benchmark the same as a milestone in statistical theory?
I'm going to go with yes. Anyway. what does it matter. This woman is a nuclear bomb of perfection. As a person who has performed on stage, I can say sustaining this level of talent days upon days a week is a drain. To do it is a testament to true talent. I did it for three months. It's not easy.
Eagle Claw age is just a number honey!
What did I just witness? The strength in her voice and the control is unmatched anywhere. This is what you call a soul singing, a soul weeping and bearing itself! That was more than just a voice. That was her entire being! When God made her he lined her lungs with pure gold. He ordained this child for something greater than just this Broadway performance. That's just too great for just a record deal or stage performance! May The Most High cover you Jennifer and guide your steps to even greater stage for songs of freedom for his chosen people!
MistyRose Lulu
MistyRose Lulu
MistyRose Lulu t
MistyRose Lulu
MistyRose Lulu
Jennifer doesn’t get the credit she deserves! She’s such a powerhouse singer…and it proves she still has it because she snapped on her new song called “so in love”
What we are witnessing here is a performer giving NO consideration to how "Beautiful" or "Pretty" she looks whilst performing,
Just giving EVERYTHING she has at that moment and hen some!
Keep your controlled, beautiful, pretty performers, I'll take the raw, leave it all out there performances Ms Holliday gives here every time.
Mika B Etta James was the same
Thats right ! I need to see that ugly face dammit ! That's what gives you the chills real talk ! Have you stomping your feet and clapping your hands like we having church ! I love it!
can't for the life of me understand why you and the two replies thinks she looked so bad, she looked perfectly fine and plenty beautiful to me. the whole performance left me with goose bumps.
Beauty is on the eye of the beholder, Talent is to be Appreciated
YES! You Have To Make Some Weird Faces To Sing Like This. Real People Cry Ugly...Thats How You Know What You're Feeling Is Real. Lol
Crazy that she was in her late teens to early 20's. When she was apart of this classic initial Broadway performance.
She was 21
If Wikipedia is reliable (!), she started in this role when she was 16 and finished it when she was 20-21.
Whitney Houston sang this song & in my opinion will forever go down in history as one of THE GREATEST singers in the world. But BAABY!!!Jennifer Holliday was singing to somebody. She put her heart and soul into this song
How does someone can sing like that and never break their voice??? AMAZING!!
I think what makes Miss Holliday's version so special is she puts heart and emotion in it. She understands the song.
It's like she lived the lyrics. You can't get this type of performance without pulling from your own personal experience. She went from indignant, to confused, to anger, to desperation then resignation. All of those emotions packed in one short scene and she does them all flawlessly.
Okok..so I thought Jennifer Hudson was remarkable . Which of course she is ...but um, I can't even talk after this performance ...oh my gosh!! Oh my gosh!
Walking Trails 777 Both Jennifer’s can blow. I got chills watching this performance.
Nothing compares to it. I feel sorry for Hudson. Her performance was to me like Climbing Mt. Everest...she's just one of many who never made it to the Top...she tried. I was hard to watch and still is Hard to watch anyone attempt THIS SONG. Holiday made it hers and it will always be HER SONG. Same thing with Ross attempting HOME after Mills...embarrassing to watch.
EXACTLY man i thought nobody topped jhud and i found this. Its 4 am now bye bye sleep
Jennifer Hudson is an amazing singer. She did a fantastic version. But it was just a version. This is the standard
@@cawsnallthis : Agree, Holiday cemented this song and nobody can beat the original Ms. Holiday on this song. 💞🤗👍👌💪💪💪
My throat started hurting just watching this
Wahaha
Hahahahaha
Lol hahahha me too. How can anyone sing like that and never break their voice. Just AMAZING!!
This rendition still gives me chills. No one can match the power and force of this song, in life period. exclamation point!
Jennifer put her entire existence into this performance. Her soul, her past, her love, her everything.
You had better Believe It. Ms. JENNIFER HOLIDAY's version and all the theatrics that goes with a "LIVE Stage" performance was masterful!!!
Do you hear that roar of thunderous applause at the end and even before the song is over. This is super human. It you don't have tears welling, a lump in your throat or some type of throat in your belly....man oh man are you sleep. I Am Changing is powerful too.
Every version is good....brilliant in fact. But this is just raw and uncut!
@J Allen I'm so glad to hear your positive thoughts. Thank you
..oh
J Allen I agree with you, hands up! That voice is unbelievable! 😊
will smith on fresh prince did the best version after this one..
No. Just This one.
I have heard so many people sing this song well. But this performance changes the meaning of this song for me. She EMBODIED the song. She became it.
Most times the original is the best version with more passion and meaning. She sings it with so much emotion.
i absolutely agree with you
You can tell from this performance that she has lived these emotions, not just sang about them.
Same thoughts here... she feels it, and make me feel it!! Wakes the "i believe in the big love" -side of me! She is brilliant!
She teared me up! Amazing!
This is the best thing I've seen in my 39 years
I was 18 years old when I witnessed this history-making performance in my room on TV. Needless to say, after she ended this song, I went absolutely berserk. I was screaming and broke out in a cold sweat and I cried. Later that year, I read everything I could about this vocal beast because I was obsessed with her talent. I read that she was supposed to die at the end of this act, but they rewrote the musical to bring her back. All I could remember feeling is that she killed me and resurrected my soul when she hit that glass-shattering note and raised her hands to the sky and I could feel all the pain of my ancestors resonate through her fingertips as her face and hands ascended toward the heavens. I remember wondering why the cameraman did not pan the audience to see their reaction but I realized the cameraman must have been too much in a state of shock to realize what he was doing and I said to myself with a sly smile that "if you were not moved by this performance, you were already dead!"
I’m jealous! I would’ve loved to see this live!
I completely agree with you! I've never had chill bumps and tears at the same time before this. She flooded me with the feeling of my one true love. I've never heard a performance that so perfectly took me back to that glorious, pain filled time.
@@carolking1502 and my God I know just what you felt. A musical moment like this only comes around once in a lifetime.
@@WMichael1711 I agree! I sent it to a musician friend, who said "Yeah, she's good." I was flabbergasted! This friend oohs and ahs over everybody, but this is THE performance that's "okay"???? Jennifer made me feel more in one performance than I've felt about any singer for my 63 years!
@@carolking1502 I am a bit surprised about your friend because you poured your heart out to them about how this touched you and that is what you were really sharing and they did not see that. It had a profound impact on your life and congratulations on being 63 years young. Millions did not make it. I have taken the stance that I keep my circle of friends very small these days and those who don't understand me, get very little of my time. Because "once time is spent, it can never be regained." Be happy, be blessed, and always be kind. Thank you for sharing. I appreciate the time that was given.
I truly believe this will never be topped. There are a lot of VERY talented people who have been brave enough to cover this and a lot of them have done a good job.
But none of them and no one is Jennifer Holliday. Not even close.
there was a run in the west end last year.
It’s HER song
We are all so lucky to have this live performance captured on tape. Almost 40 years later and I still can't find anything to compare it to. She is a gift to the world, to history.
Forty years later and still no singer can match Ms. Holiday's performance. Three words. Mm mm mm. That's what I'm talking about. That girl can sang!
The single greatest live performance of all time
Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful xxx
NAH NAH THERE IS A FEW MORE ...WESTSIDE STORY ETC BUT THIS IS ONE OF THE OUTSTANDING INDEED
Agreed!
I was actually there to see Jennifer Holiday in the Original Cast in Los Angeles sing this. Absolutely stopped the show! The greatest moment in live theater that I have ever seen!
This song just gives me chills PERIODTTT 😭 this is my first time seeing the OG version , all I can do is clutch my invisible pearls
Simply amazing love
i am exhausted watching her sing the hell out of that song
I love how authentically 80s this is. In my household one sibling would have been holding up the TV antenna to at least keep the audio, another on the floor holding down the record button. Youngsters nowadays don’t know the struggle 🤣
90's were like that as well. The crappy tv antenna were never good.
💯 This comment! 🙌🏾 Bless you!
How about when you had to smack the side of the TV??😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁
@@vincentstrain2042 that too 🤣🤣
No one can beat a black singer when he/she sings from their guts because there are lots of ancestralities, pain, respect, love, hate, and grace mixed at the same time jumping off from their mouths............ God save the black community and their cultural contribution to the world!!! A Latino guy that loves you soooo much......
Yes
WELL SAID.... THANK YOU!
Very very well said 👍😏
No
Love you too 🥰
What the fuck! I thought Jennifer Hudson was everything on singing this song until I found this legend. She does sound like a holiday.
EXACTLY I thought no one did it better than jhud
@@galaz85 You likely weren't around (or were a small kid) in 1982. I was, and the radio version was on constantly. I wish the video quality was better though...
@@pennsyadmini1654 true my parents had not even met yet. I noticed that the video quality isnt great, thats why I said on another comment how I envy whoever happened to witness this live!
It is j holiday in her 20s
@@galaz85 Yeah, this was likely done on someone's VHS or Betamax and a long time ago.
Jennifer Hudson did a marvelous job in the movie, and I am sure subsequent on-stage performers did a wonderful job too, but this right here was beyond exceptional. Not only does Jennifer Holliday have the range and the vocal ability, but she made you feel the pain Effie was going thru. I would have loved to have seen this live back in the day.
This was live at the Tony awards while the show was still running.
Only Jennifers Can perform this song properly
@@siyalakhamdlolo5680 ikr
Streisand owned Funny Girl Merman owned Call me Madam, Gwen Verden owned Sweet Charity, Bacall owned Applause, Barbara Cook owned the Music Man, and thus Jennifer Holiday owned Dreamgirls. Ahhh and Carol Channing owned Hello Dolly! They put their stamp on their signature song and therefore the show becomes their signature show. This is how I see it anyway.
Too bad she wasn’t in the movie and won the Oscar
HOLY SH**! Oh my god. This was my first time seeing Jennifer Holliday’s performance. Hairs on the back of my neck literally stood. Nobody can touch this! She literally gave them no choice but to give her a Tony!
Thank you Jennifer Holliday for giving me one of the most memorable nights of my life! We saw you in New York on our 10th wedding anniversary....We are now in our 48th year of marriage, you were the best anniversary gift ever❤️👏👏👏👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Congrats!
So powerful. She made you feel her pain.
With all due respect to Jennifer Hudson THIS is the Best Version,hands down!!!
She is a great singer but I like Jennifer Hudson version better 🤷🏾♀️
Definitely more soul! 💪🏽
@@trelavell3453 who?
Without question -- JENNIFER HOLLIDAY was "AWESOME & SPECTACULAR". She sung this song Y'all from somewhere that's still being questioned!!
Just a matter of taste but for me, this is the best ever version of the song, sung by Ms. Holliday with all the soul in her entire being.
no one does it better - this is her song forever and ever
She put her entire heart, soul, body and mind into this performance.
I'm just thankful it's here to watch again and again.