Right after Toots Thieleman's unforgettable opening bars when those violins come in with that soaring haunting melody line-- God it took my breath away!! So beautiful and so sad at the same time, WOW!! If that didn't put a beach ball lump in your throat nothing will!!
nyterpfan Totally agree! It grabs hold of me in a mixture of exhilaration and sadness, a bit maddening LOL! I want to stop listening because it's so sad but I stay hooked because it's deep in my soul.
This is the music of an America that no longer exists. A time when Human beings actually talked to one-another, cheered together, laughed together, and cried together because...at a time in our History. Believe it or not. WE WERE ALL ONE.
I was so blessed to be able to take my mom to see Toots in concert before she got sick. And this sing still makes me sob. So beautiful. Thanks Toots. RIP.
I won't miss another chance to pay respects to this wonderful late great man. As a career musician I've actually had the pleasure of working with a number of fine harmonica players, but Toots Thielemans was of a singular league of soloists. As others have expressed, he breathed soul and timeless ethereal atmosphere into songs and soundtracks that stay with us evermore.
This is one of those rare performances that should be put in a time capsule so that future life forms can know that we earthlings were capable of musical genius. What a great composition and what a chilling performance by the legend. And that's none other than Sir Roland Hanna helping out on piano. God bless Toots - may you live forever!!! Great posting!!!!
It just doesn't get any better than this. Excuse me while I go apologize to my harmonicas. Loved this theme when the movie came out, this brings it up another level.
A few weeks ago Toots played this theme from Midnight Cowboy live in Antwerp.. 88 years' old and still touching the hearts and souls of 15.000 people that gave him a standing ovation.. Unforgettable!!
While listening to this very beautiful haunting song, I am reminiscing and feeling those wonderful feelings of the 70's, a time of wonderful beautiful music.
My pops recorded this on Vhs and he would always play it when I was a kid. 30 something years later I still never get tired of listening and watching this!😊
This live performance is every bit as haunting and evocative as the original. Rest in piece Mr. Thielemans, you've earned your rest and come back some day, ok ?
So if Midnight Cowboy came out in '69, then I was 9 when my ears were first lucky enough to hear him. My folks had this soundtrack, but I don't think I ever heard Bluesette until years later. ADORE him and his sound was so recognizable anywhere you ever heard it.
This is before my time but you know it's just an Amazing thing to listen to something so off the scale,something so brilliant and outstandingly talented!....wow!....could listen to this all night long!....what a man!...what a talent!..just something that cannot be matched!
Thank you luckysmusic for posting. I’m 54 y/o and was only familiar with Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles playing the harmonica like no other. I look forward to exploring Mr. Toots’ catalog he left us as well as Sir Ronald Hana.
I know that Toots had the Legendary John Williams....and his Awesome Orchestra backing him up....but....man ...Toots just was so Amazing with his performance on the harmonica here.....Absolutely Brilliant.
Such brilliance, performed so effortlessly!! Mr. Toots, your harmonica skills gave us a prelude to what “Heaven” on Earth feels like. Thank you for this masterpiece. Sleep In Heavenly Peace.
And the legend is still with us, at nearly 91 playing in Belgium next month!.. He'd seen it all.. from Diango Reinhardt, Charlie Parker, Miles Davies... You name it. The man is a coloseum and a virtuoso of probably the hardest instruments to play, and the only totally 'invisible' (to both player and audience). And only the ones of us who are trying to master it, will know what i mean... RESPECT !
+The22on lee oskar slippin into darkness John Mayall turning point to name two ... but toots w/ metheny is full of masterful technique and feeling.. JJ
According to the Boston Pops website, this was recorded in 1980. It was the last song of a night in which Toots Thielesman and Oscar Peterson both performed. A pretty good night of music, all in all.
2 greats from BELGIUM - 2 virtuoso explorers that changed the instruments of guitar and harmonica forevermore - THANK YOU BOTH - DJANGO REINHARDT - - January 23 1910 - May 16 1953 - - and then TOOTS THIELEMANS - - April 29 1922 - August 22 2016
Thank you for this Grand Slam of musical greats together on one stage! I had often wondered how many takes it took for Toots to capture the version on "Midnight Cowboy" soundtrack. See how Toots plays from his soul, I would guess it took one. When you insert yourself into the piece, that all takes.
Love this so much.........and you can hear a bit of a pre "Spy Who Loved Me Theme" in this version too. :) Love to Toots........now playing for Christ in Heaven is my hope!!
Right after Toots Thieleman's unforgettable opening bars when those violins come in with that soaring haunting melody line-- God it took my breath away!! So beautiful and so sad at the same time, WOW!! If that didn't put a beach ball lump in your throat nothing will!!
nyterpfan Totally agree! It grabs hold of me in a mixture of exhilaration and sadness, a bit maddening LOL! I want to stop listening because it's so sad but I stay hooked because it's deep in my soul.
+nyterpfan check out the beginning of " You only live twice"
I'll be more succinct, it makes me cry.
Yes, a story of the road.
This is the music of an America that no longer exists. A time when Human beings actually talked to one-another, cheered together, laughed together, and cried together because...at a time in our History. Believe it or not. WE WERE ALL ONE.
I watched it "live" on PBS before cable TV. Never forgot Toots' performance - and saw him in NYC in the 90s. I'm a lucky guy.
Arthur Fielder and the Boston Pops (pre John Williams) was my fave. But John ain't bad either. Lol
I was so blessed to be able to take my mom to see Toots in concert before she got sick. And this sing still makes me sob. So beautiful. Thanks Toots. RIP.
Me too!! I play it when I want to feel my mother's hand on mine and remember her words, "In the end sister, all there is, is love."
I won't miss another chance to pay respects to this wonderful late great man. As a career musician I've actually had the pleasure of working with a number of fine harmonica players, but Toots Thielemans was of a singular league of soloists. As others have expressed, he breathed soul and timeless ethereal atmosphere into songs and soundtracks that stay with us evermore.
Damn, I am crying this is so beautiful. I am crying, happy and confused. THAT is what art is supposed to do. Stir all the emotions!!
Check out Valez . Quincy Jones and Toots. This will really mess you up
You toooo😳
John Williams and everyone in that orchestra knew they were playing with a true craftsman.
Knew!
The harmonica , an instrument that speaks of loneliness and wide open spaces
This is one of those rare performances that should be put in a time capsule so that future life forms can know that we earthlings were capable of musical genius. What a great composition and what a chilling performance by the legend. And that's none other than Sir Roland Hanna helping out on piano. God bless Toots - may you live forever!!! Great posting!!!!
I know this is way in the future, but that's what I was just thinking when I read your comment,"that's a lot of musical heavyweights on one stage".
It just doesn't get any better than this. Excuse me while I go apologize to my harmonicas.
Loved this theme when the movie came out, this brings it up another level.
He plays it like a mixture of sax, harmonica and French accordion, completely nails it ✌️
Sooooo beautiful brings tears to my eyes ! He died today he was our belgian greatest musician
De man was virtuoos. Legendarisch
Also tears in my eyes
A few weeks ago Toots played this theme from Midnight Cowboy live in Antwerp.. 88 years' old and still touching the hearts and souls of 15.000 people that gave him a standing ovation.. Unforgettable!!
So impressive, I wasn't expecting this amazing improvisation. What a talent, remarkable and what a guitarist.
The way he played on the original film score was out of this world - he made the harmonica sing.
While listening to this very beautiful haunting song, I am reminiscing and feeling those wonderful feelings of the 70's, a time of wonderful beautiful music.
Maybe heaven is where Toots and his friends are playing... I'd never want them to stop.
This piece of music affects me like no other. Thank you Toots for playing it so beautifully.
My pops recorded this on Vhs and he would always play it when I was a kid. 30 something years later I still never get tired of listening and watching this!😊
This haunting rendition evokes so much emotion, God Bless 🙏 music, it's the voice of human feeling when you don't know what to speak!
My favorite movie theme ever. What a treat this performance is. Thank you for sharing it.
A musical total genius, hands down the best harmonica player that ever lived!👍😉❤️
Only the Boston Pops can really bring out the best of this song
This live performance is every bit as haunting and evocative as the original. Rest in piece Mr. Thielemans, you've earned your rest and come back some day, ok ?
So if Midnight Cowboy came out in '69, then I was 9 when my ears were first lucky enough to hear him. My folks had this soundtrack, but I don't think I ever heard Bluesette until years later. ADORE him and his sound was so recognizable anywhere you ever heard it.
What a sweet mournfull sound this man is able to bring out of such an unsuspecting instrument. An Harmonica. WOW
Toots was beyond insane. So musical, such an improviser, such phrasing. No one will EVER touch him.
A performance that never ends! Miss you, my dear old friend... Thanks.
such an ordinariy man, such an extraordinary talent, such a joy to listen to his music!
God bless Toots,see you around the campfire,God willing bring your harp!💥
Willing him on. Goose bumps. Pure love.
This is before my time but you know it's just an Amazing thing to listen to something so off the scale,something so brilliant and outstandingly talented!....wow!....could listen to this all night long!....what a man!...what a talent!..just something that cannot be matched!
Such a bittersweet tune ... so fitting for the news of his passing. RIP, Toots
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL 😍 DEVINE IN ITSELF ❤ Rest In Peace, Toots. 🌹
The best......part of the be bop jaz generation.....you youngsters have no idea.......
Rest in peace "Toots" Thielemans , when you arrive here in the US, you brought another way to listen to the Harmonica!
Oh my..Boston Pops and Toots. Just heavenly
Thank you luckysmusic for posting. I’m 54 y/o and was only familiar with Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles playing the harmonica like no other. I look forward to exploring Mr. Toots’ catalog he left us as well as Sir Ronald Hana.
Thanks Toots for inspiring people for decades now, myself now included. You live live on as a unique voice and song of our human spirit
so beautiful it makes you cry. Thank you "Toots" Thielemans for the musical memories. rest in peace
So beautiful. Toots is the best that ever was.
Thank you Toots. You and your music made the world a better place. Future generations will remember you and thank you.
Brilliant.. absolutely brilliant.
I know that Toots had the Legendary John Williams....and his Awesome Orchestra backing him up....but....man ...Toots just was so Amazing with his performance on the harmonica here.....Absolutely Brilliant.
Just Stunning - amazing man
Wow! Wonderful 👍👏👏
Soooo beautiful, moving, and masterful! Sending love to Toots.❤️💜
So beautiful! Toots was and is it for me as far as harmonica goes! Thanks1
BEAUTIFUL!😊🎉❤
One of my favorite movies ever!!! I can't help myself from shedding a few tears just listening to toots play. Thanx for the post luckysmusic!
do you remember this wonderful musicfrom our youth
Such brilliance, performed so effortlessly!! Mr. Toots, your harmonica skills gave us a prelude to what “Heaven” on Earth feels like. Thank you for this masterpiece. Sleep In Heavenly Peace.
Toots was the best ever. Still is - in heaven💖
so beautiful,love it ,thanks for sharing
Toots and BPops = Magic!
Godspeed Toots. Thanks for the music.
God bless you, Toots. You are immortal.
Sends me all tingly, wonderful music
Wow. I never thought a harmonica could bring tears to my eyes.
I'll miss you Toots. Rest In Peace, Love & Good Music.
Haunting beautiful . Good bye Toots
And the legend is still with us, at nearly 91 playing in Belgium next month!.. He'd seen it all.. from Diango Reinhardt, Charlie Parker, Miles Davies... You name it. The man is a coloseum and a virtuoso of probably the hardest instruments to play, and the only totally 'invisible' (to both player and audience). And only the ones of us who are trying to master it, will know what i mean... RESPECT !
GOD BLESS Toots..! Happy BIrthday...! 90 years going..!
Amazing! He was able to make that harmonica really sing.
RIP TOOTS THEIELEMANS DESCANÇA EM PAZ FOREVER...FROM PORTUGAL
Does there exist a harmonica player who can do better than this? I think not. What a tour de force. BRAVO, TOOTS!
+The22on lee oskar slippin into darkness John Mayall turning point to name two ... but toots w/ metheny is full of masterful technique and feeling.. JJ
Wow! Outstanding.
Ky lloj është një gjeni dhe një virtuoz, Shumë kohë më parë , kur unë isha një fëmijë , muzikë për të dëgjuar dhe unë kam qenë i kënaqur SHUME
Rip mr. Toots and mr. Barry...from Chile...genial...
That movie would not have been quite the same without his amazing harmonica playing. He captured the feeling of the movie perfectly.
So beautiful
Still very nice piece really... thanks to all involved after many years
:-( My 2 favorites together. TT & JW. In tears.
Im just cryng-this is soo beautiful
Probably the best pop ( instrumental ) song ever. It cannot be any cooler.
If heaven exists, Toots gets in on this alone. Masterpiece!
I saw Toots perform at Gelredome Arnhem. He played ths song. He is 88 years old and still going strong amazing.
Incredible performance
Het blijft geweldig om met deze Grootheid samen achter computer een beetje mee te spelen op mijn mondharmonica ( heerlijk )
Cinematic in every sense of the word, it sounds so beautiful in a modest and delicate way, peace
John Williams plays John Barry. This is fantastic combination.
Always makes me want to cry its so beautiful.
I just love to watch the conductor really getting into the groove, his face says it all about Toots performance.
Beautiful!!
😪 always loved this... now I wanna find and watch the movie!
According to the Boston Pops website, this was recorded in 1980. It was the last song of a night in which Toots Thielesman and Oscar Peterson both performed. A pretty good night of music, all in all.
Whew...thank you.
Original version on the Midnight Cowboy soundtrack also featured Toots.
Toots was a master of his craft
Beautifully written Edouardoor.
Thank you for sharing with us.
Toots the best harmonicaplayer in the world and from Belgium !!!
2 greats from BELGIUM - 2 virtuoso explorers that changed the instruments of guitar and harmonica forevermore - THANK YOU BOTH - DJANGO REINHARDT - - January 23 1910 - May 16 1953 - - and then TOOTS THIELEMANS - - April 29 1922 - August 22 2016
Thank you for this Grand Slam of musical greats together on one stage! I had often wondered how many takes it took for Toots to capture the version on "Midnight Cowboy" soundtrack. See how Toots plays from his soul, I would guess it took one. When you insert yourself into the piece, that all takes.
I am speechless!!!
There are no countrys borders or nationalitys just peaple and this is world wide class music is free
I cry every time I hear this. I saw Midnight Cowboy when released and still consider this to be the best film music ever. Gracias.
Beautiful!!💥🎈👍
Voli d 'angeli e note di armonica ti accompagnino al tuo riposo , caro ,indimenticabile Toots . . .
Tears...
Love this so much.........and you can hear a bit of a pre "Spy Who Loved Me Theme" in this version too. :) Love to Toots........now playing for Christ in Heaven is my hope!!
He's got a touch and feel on that instrument that's uncanny.