The only differences between the deliveries are MUSICAL STYLE choices based on the decade the song was performed, The old it is, the more baritone and operatic, the newer it is, the more pop influenced the rendition, for example Aaron Tveit, extremely talented singer that performed the song higher than Peter Como who's voice literally defined the 50's-60's as well as Sinatra and others. McRae did also have an exceptional performance of the song, but you clearly just adopt the opinion of the masses to "fit in" (probably cause you never have anyways) McRae was rushed and nasally, mainly because you can hear how much air he's having to push through his vocal chords to hit those high notes- this gives the sound of him putting his "all" into it, but in reality that's the sign of an INEXPERIENCED singer STRAINING their vocal chords to hit notes that they don't know how to naturally "ease" into. So in reality, what every single person here who "prefers" McRae has proven, is that they know nothing about singing or music at all, they're simply responding to the "hype" behind McRae being a "hunky" male actor and his version of the movie being the most popular. Combine those two with old washed up good for nothings that contribute nothing to society trying to act like they know everything (talking about you old decrepit senior citizens 45+) Then you get a recipe for senior citizens trying to relive their "glory days" and then consequently rewriting reality to fit with your glory days. Just because when you were in your prime this movie was most popular, does NOT mean in anyway that that means McRae was more talented than all the others, it just means that you're a simple person that is never honest and simply adopts the opinion of everyone else around them.
Gordon MacRae and I had the same grade school music teacher mrs. Jenkins but I can't carry a tune in a bucket I listen to Gordon MacRae If I Loved You a couple of different times a month. I let my golden chances Pass Me By become so poignant to me. Gordon is the best.
Virtually all of the singers were superb but in my opinion (for this performance) the credits must go to Gordon Macrae who left us way too soon and was a wonderful talent.
The only differences between the deliveries are MUSICAL STYLE choices based on the decade the song was performed, The old it is, the more baritone and operatic, the newer it is, the more pop influenced the rendition, for example Aaron Tveit, extremely talented singer that performed the song higher than Peter Como who's voice literally defined the 50's-60's as well as Sinatra and others. McRae did also have an exceptional performance of the song, but you clearly just adopt the opinion of the masses to "fit in" (probably cause you never have anyways) McRae was rushed and nasally, mainly because you can hear how much air he's having to push through his vocal chords to hit those high notes- this gives the sound of him putting his "all" into it, but in reality that's the sign of an INEXPERIENCED singer STRAINING their vocal chords to hit notes that they don't know how to naturally "ease" into. So in reality, what every single person here who "prefers" McRae has proven, is that they know nothing about singing or music at all, they're simply responding to the "hype" behind McRae being a "hunky" male actor and his version of the movie being the most popular. Combine those two with old washed up good for nothings that contribute nothing to society trying to act like they know everything (talking about you old decrepit senior citizens 45+) Then you get a recipe for senior citizens trying to relive their "glory days" and then consequently rewriting reality to fit with your glory days. Just because when you were in your prime this movie was most popular, does NOT mean in anyway that that means McRae was more talented than all the others, it just means that you're a simple person that is never honest and simply adopts the opinion of everyone else around them.
@@sammysappy This has got to be the most pretentious, arrogant comment I've read on youtube. Since you seem to be such an "expert" on critiquing singing, why don't you tell us who you think sang this the best? Also, I'm not sure you understand the meaning of nasally because that is quite literally the opposite of Gordon Macrae's singing.
A wonderful clip. One of the great songs superbly sung by the equally superb Gordon MacRae. John Raitt is magnificent. However, l am a sucker for the unique "sound" of the great voice of Robert Goulet.
@@robertmusacchio9409 I'm afraid I disagree. His phrasing proved that he didn't understand the lyrics. "Off you would go in the mist of day never ... never to know". No point in singing a song you don't understand.
Dearest Ms Powell, thank you for this delightful video, Mr. MacRae made this song his own however I was impressed with almost all of these men. Mr Mario Lanza periced my heart with his song. Patrick Wilson is amazing too.
I’m very impressed with Patrick Wilson and he would look right in the part.Gordon MacRae produces a glorious sound and I love Perry Como singing anything.Thank you for this.
At the very beginning of his career, age 23, Patrick Wilson played Billy Bigelow in the National Tour of Carousel. There is a video of him singing sections of the Soliloquy (My Boy Bill) here on UA-cam.
The only differences between the deliveries are MUSICAL STYLE choices based on the decade the song was performed, The old it is, the more baritone and operatic, the newer it is, the more pop influenced the rendition, for example Aaron Tveit, extremely talented singer that performed the song higher than Peter Como who's voice literally defined the 50's-60's as well as Sinatra and others. McRae did also have an exceptional performance of the song, but you clearly just adopt the opinion of the masses to "fit in" (probably cause you never have anyways) McRae was rushed and nasally, mainly because you can hear how much air he's having to push through his vocal chords to hit those high notes- this gives the sound of him putting his "all" into it, but in reality that's the sign of an INEXPERIENCED singer STRAINING their vocal chords to hit notes that they don't know how to naturally "ease" into. So in reality, what every single person here who "prefers" McRae has proven, is that they know nothing about singing or music at all, they're simply responding to the "hype" behind McRae being a "hunky" male actor and his version of the movie being the most popular. Combine those two with old washed up good for nothings that contribute nothing to society trying to act like they know everything (talking about you old decrepit senior citizens 45+) Then you get a recipe for senior citizens trying to relive their "glory days" and then consequently rewriting reality to fit with your glory days. Just because when you were in your prime this movie was most popular, does NOT mean in anyway that that means McRae was more talented than all the others, it just means that you're a simple person that is never honest and simply adopts the opinion of everyone else around them.
@@sammysappy you've been reported, you nasty little narcissistic troll. Crawl back under your stone with your delusions of grandeur, ageism and vile intention to wound.
@@sammysappy you're showing your ignorance, it was Perry, not Peter Como. Sheesh, you really are a very effed up, misogynistic (incel, I'd guess) posting such a diatribe in order to justify your contempt at my personal choice a year after I posted. FYI I had classical music training from 6, including theory of music, so I can transpose music easily in my head. I'm a pianist, composer, singer. I went to one of two most prestigious colleges in London. My family were all professional musicians. My father played on Abbey Road. You need a sticker on your forehead warning others to keep away as you don't allow people their own opinion without being vicious. Don't reply, as I'll report you right out of YT.
@@sammysappy Why do you feel the need to insult and belittle another commenter for their opinion ? What does that say about you ? and by the way it's Perry Como, not Peter
I always think of Carousel as an operetta and somehow John Raitt and Gordon MacRae just fit the bill for me in that department, followed by Mr. Tveit and then Patrick Wilson. It has to be powerful but gentle and some of these recordings - like Goulet and Lanza - just hit it too hard (I was surprised that Lanza wasn't higher ranked for me because I'm a fan.) I can't even discuss the more "night-club" interpretations. Hugh Jackman gets points for throwing in some Billy jauntiness - what a wonderfully charismatic actor. This is a great video - thank you!
I saw Michael Hayden sing it at Lincoln Center (Broadway) in 1994. I had a front row seat; when he started singing If I Loved You, he moved to the front of the stage and sang part of it to the "fourth wall" looking directing at the audience--me. I found the effect hypnotizing: his voice, his beautiful face, his concentration, the yearning this song has. I found myself in tears even while he was singing. I'll never forget that moment. Thank you, Universe!
All great, but Gordons phrasing of the song is the best All beautiful voices, but Gordon did it the best, he has a beautiful voice, Can’t beat Gordon & Shirley together I’m a big Mario Lanza fan too
Gordon McRae wins hands down. But not for the clip featured here. It's the reprieve of the song at the end after he comes down from heaven. He's not powering through it. He sings the note on "know" better than any note has ever been recorded in film. He sings that top note almost in a whisper, powers it slightly and then drops it back down. STUNNING!!
MrsRosencranz1 Exactly my thoughts - hands down Gordon MacCrae, and second Anthony (something). I was 'in love' with Gordon Mac Crae - Remember him on the radio show The Railroad Hour - magnificent voice, magnificent feeling - never a bad note.
What a compilation! All are wonderful. Patrick Wilson can hit the notes without even trying. Aaron Tveit - yum! And I love anything Anthony Warlow sings. This is a save, for sure.
Hard to choose. Gordon Mcrae can't be better than that. Robert Goulet probably one of the greatest/most beautiful baritones ever. Hugh Jackman was great, Patrick Wilson totally beautiful and Mario Lanza so powerful. All the others not mentioned here were wonderful. I can't pick one as the best.
Gordon MacRae gets my vote, but Anthony Warlow's voice impressed me too (btw, he's virtually unknown here in UK). The '56 film very nearly starred Ol' Blue Eyes, but I reckon the final choice was spot on.
His vocals were impeccable operatically but we can’t judge his acting and I would say listening wise he doesn’t have the light and shade that some of the stronger actors have
Mario Lanza had the most operatic cover of this by far, and he absolutely knocked it out of the park. Very strong falsetto that was one of his trademark signatures of his style. Singing-wise, I do believe his performance would be the most difficult for a male singer in today's day to replicate, and MacRae's performance being without a doubt the easiest. Throughout his performance you can hear the "force" he's putting into his singing. Inexperienced musicians and singers might attribute that to him "giving his all" in the performance and might even convince you more of how "emotional" it was. However in reality, that "force" is there only when a singer is singing out of their depth, reaching for notes that he/she has not trained for and can not "naturally" reach. Listening to Mario you can hear him reach those falsetto's due to his training of his voice, whereas Gordon MacRae was straining- you can hear how much he struggled especially @4:15 where instead of saying know with full power you can hear him getting caught up on his own singing because know should've had more power behind it but he can't put more power because I'm assuming he had a bad inhale and didn't quite catch his breathe for that note. He had more power for the "how I loved you", but in reality it's not TRUE power which is behind the ENUNCIATION of the word WHILE SINGING, he's putting the power on the "ooooo" reverberations of his vibrato at the END of the words, which is giving his performance a VERY amateurish and "help I'm running out of breath cause I've never practiced singing before" vibes.
One of my favorite Broadway love songs ever. I think they are all done well. For sheer vocal power and talent, it's hard to top the late great Mario Lanza who sang it in a higher key than everyone else. I personally love Gordon McRae and every movie he ever starred in. He had it all -- the voice, the looks, the acting chops, and the charisma. Of the contemporary versions, Aaron Tveit comes close to having it all as does Patrick Wilson, and the fact that he was seated and looking at the music while singing it impromptu, probably makes him my fav of the contemporary ones. Wish they could have aged him up and cast him in the film version of Les Miserable as Javert instead of Russell Crowe.
Tveit finished off-key. He sang most of it in E-flat, then went flat and his last 3 notes were B, C, D, instead of C, D, E-flat, as they should have been.
@@ericgrosch8073 In the live recording from 54 Below, Tveit is not flat. I checked it on my piano which was just tuned. He sang it in D major Perhaps you listened to a different recording.
I prefer the classically trained vocalists , several of those listed here. Nobody eqiual to Mario Lanza and Robert Goulet who was so unforgetful as Sir Lancelot in the most famous stage play “ Camelot.”
I'd like to see postings of this song by ladies such as Jan Clayton(first to play Julie Jordan on Broadway), Shirley Jones(who played Julie in the film), and Jackie Evancho(whom I hope will one day record the song).
I warmly applaud all the above tributes to Gordon MacRae. As a professional singer myself, I simply rate him the best male singer I have ever heard. Thanks to all of you.
Oddly, Jackman understood the lyrics best since he made an emotional shift at "if I loved you" at the end when he's trying to back off from the intimacy. Having said that, Gordon McRae has the best vocal technique I've heard in quite a while. Everyone else is "art" singing. I read somewhere that Sinatra was booked to do the movie and then backed out at the last minute and Jones recommended McRae to fill in. I like Goulet too, but McRae has much better technique. You don't notice it; that's why it's so good.
Sinatra was supposed to do the movie, but bailed out when he learned that many scenes would have to shot twice. There are some recordings that were discovered many years later that he did for the movie and they were much better than the version used here. He would have made an interesting and different Billy Bigelow. But The producers made the right choice in re-casting the part and listening to Shirley Jones in choosing MacRea when Sinatra changed his mind and left the production.
I wondered at that with Jackman. Thing is, Billy doesn't back off, he goes over to her and kisses her. Was surprised, though at how good he sounded, but as noted above Gordon MacRae is the best. His Soliloquy is stuning.
"art" singing? Sorry old man, I know you're far out of your prime, but you're seriously trying way too hard to act like you're some art critic when those are the people singing- not you, for good reason, you'd probably sound god awful. You cannot compare yourself to anyone in this video guaranteed and yet you dare to strike such a disrespectful tone to accomplished artists. It's clear you're salty you're a failure otherwise you'd have respect for the immense talent and hard work that every single person singing this sing had to put in to get their deliveries that sharp. The only differences between the deliveries are MUSICAL STYLE choices based on the decade the song was performed, The old it is, the more baritone and operatic, the newer it is, the more pop influenced the rendition, for example Aaron Tveit, extremely talented singer that performed the song higher than Peter Como who's voice literally defined the 50's-60's as well as Sinatra and others. McRae did also have an exceptional performance of the song, but you clearly just adopt the opinion of the masses to "fit in" (probably cause you never have anyways) McRae was rushed and nasally, mainly because you can hear how much air he's having to push through his vocal chords to hit those high notes- this gives the sound of him putting his "all" into it, but in reality that's the sign of an INEXPERIENCED singer STRAINING their vocal chords to hit notes that they don't know how to naturally "ease" into. So in reality, what every single person here who "prefers" McRae has proven, is that they know nothing about singing or music at all, they're simply responding to the "hype" behind McRae being a "hunky" male actor and his version of the movie being the most popular. Combine those two with old washed up good for nothings that contribute nothing to society trying to act like they know everything (talking about you old decrepit senior citizens 45+) Then you get a recipe for senior citizens trying to relive their "glory days" and then consequently rewriting reality to fit with your glory days. Just because when you were in your prime this movie was most popular, does NOT mean in anyway that that means McRae was more talented than all the others, it just means that you're a simple person that is never honest and simply adopts the opinion of everyone else around them. Remember that New York Time article when a woman was murdered and 37 neighbors heard and did nothing? Well, you all in the comments are the 37 neighbors, and I'm trying to be the one that calls the cops. Cause it's clear you all are living in lala land and it's about time someone woke you all up from it. Gee, I wonder how many other "realities" you all have denied simply because you're desperate to fit in and will adopt the opinion of others around you EVEN IF IT'S WRONG. No wonder my generation is so crap, you old people now are worse than when I was a little boy and my Grandpa was still around. Now the old senior citizens are all from the 70's and 80's none from the 50's and prior where the REAL men were born and made. Not like this clown A. Hirt that was almost assuredly born in the 70's.
McRae, Goulet and Raitt. Back when singers all got proper technical training. Some of the others are okay, but you can tell a lot of the younger ones have never really learned how to support properly like the older singers did to be able to project without being miked. P.S - I had forgotten what a lovely voice Como had.
Mario Lanza performed If I Loved You best, while many of the others are very good as well. Gordon MacCrea performed the song beautifully, as did Patrick Wilson. The others sound very good. Robert Goulet's rendition is excellent, as is Andy Williams' and Hugh Jackman's. Mandy Patankin's and Frank Sinatra's are the two I would rank lowest on the ist for their interpretations. Mario Lanza is ranked number one due to: Clarity, Superior tone and timbre, excellent phrasing, warmth, range, vocal flexibility, vocal control, emotional content, lyricism and phrasing. Gordon MacRea ranks high on all of those qualities as well.
Yes, my favourite, but he's the only baritone among a gaggle of tenors. Even Sinatra was in tenor mode here; later in his career, he transitioned into light baritone. Mandy Patinkin is not at his best singing this piece.
The most touching renditions was Andy Williams. Not the best voice but he replaces the angst with a melancholy and almost winsome quality. Quite unlike the others. Mr. Patakin wasn’t sure what musical he was in.
Gordon MacRae, perhaps my favorite male singer from the golden musical era. I also appreciate John Raitt's rendition, but honestly wonder what are most of the other singers doing there.
McRae and Raitt both knocked it out of the park. Goulet and Jackman were surprisingly good. The popular singers, Sinatra, Patinkin, Williams, and Como, don't belong in the mix. The singers I didn't know, who performed it for recordings, were also great.
Gordon MacRae sang it best, he was the original Billy Bigelow in the movie Carousel. I also like John Raitt for second best and Michael Hayden for third best. I will say that as a Mario Lanza fan, this was not his song. Thank you for posting this.
Interesting exercise. Gordon MacRae is the best. Many others sing the notes but lack that ‘extra something’. I believe a singer who was part of that era better connects with the ‘gestalt’ of the time, and the song, perhaps. Love the power of Mario Lanza and even Robert Goulet, but MacRae makes the song his own.
I've been crushing on Gordon MacRae and Robert Goulet my whole life....and they hardly dissappoint. that being said, give me Patrick Wilson singing or for that matter doing ANYTHING! ...By the way, i loved mandy in evita and Yentl...but he skeeves me now.
The only differences between the deliveries are MUSICAL STYLE choices based on the decade the song was performed, The old it is, the more baritone and operatic, the newer it is, the more pop influenced the rendition, for example Aaron Tveit, extremely talented singer that performed the song higher than Peter Como who's voice literally defined the 50's-60's as well as Sinatra and others. McRae did also have an exceptional performance of the song, but you clearly just adopt the opinion of the masses to "fit in" (probably cause you never have anyways) McRae was rushed and nasally, mainly because you can hear how much air he's having to push through his vocal chords to hit those high notes- this gives the sound of him putting his "all" into it, but in reality that's the sign of an INEXPERIENCED singer STRAINING their vocal chords to hit notes that they don't know how to naturally "ease" into. So in reality, what every single person here who "prefers" McRae has proven, is that they know nothing about singing or music at all, they're simply responding to the "hype" behind McRae being a "hunky" male actor and his version of the movie being the most popular. Combine those two with old washed up good for nothings that contribute nothing to society trying to act like they know everything (talking about you old decrepit senior citizens 45+) Then you get a recipe for senior citizens trying to relive their "glory days" and then consequently rewriting reality to fit with your glory days. Just because when you were in your prime this movie was most popular, does NOT mean in anyway that that means McRae was more talented than all the others, it just means that you're a simple person that is never honest and simply adopts the opinion of everyone else around them.
Gordon McRae, though the audio on this clip is a bit distorted. (He was a once-in-a-lifetime talent.) I will say that I'd take Patrick Wilson over any of the other more contemporary takes on the song. He's lovely.
All are tremendous singers. Ultimately, it comes down to a balance: the voice serving the music and the music bringing out the best in the voice. With that said my favorites are the first Broadway Billy, John Raitt, and the movie Billy, Gordon MacRae, and the almost movie Billy, Frank Sinatra.
The lack of comments for Anthony Warlow is outstanding. He is simply the best. Look up his studio recording of the song on UA-cam. Simply superb. His Ab towards the end simply transcends all planes of existence.
@@feelthejoy anybody who calls Anthony Warlow “too shmaltzy” obviously doesn’t know very much of his work. He can certainly lean into schmaltzy in appropriate circumstances (and, I’ll concede, the clip used here is one of his schmaltziest moments), but he has a beautiful, warm, classically-trained and yet adapted to modern showtunes sound. He certainly has the acting chops. Better than just about every singer in this comparison. Alas, he never got to perform Billy in Carousel and is just too old now, so we’ll never know what his performance would have been like. As it is, this is a cabaret performance for national TV over a very schmaltzed up (there’s that word again!) arrangement. This performance should be absolutely no indication as to how Warlow would play the scene in a production. He’s one of the finest actors of the Australian stage - ever. The most beautiful voice. As I said in my original comment, check out his rendition of this number which he recorded to album. The arrangement is much more in line with the traditional presentation of the song, and Warlow sings it as such. It’s a beautiful recording and he sounds wonderful. Still, as I said, we’ll never know what his faithful interpretation in the context of a full production would have looked like.
Yes. I was trying to figure out why I like him so much. His voice is quite powerful -- as are many of the others -- but there is a warmth to it that no one else quite matches. His Billy is a very strong man, but also fragile in a way. He voice really conveys that.
Interesting to hear them all together. You can tell the stage singers from the pop singers in the clean way they hit the top notes. I prefer that style. Macrae, Raitt, Jackman…those who’ve played the character.
The only differences between the deliveries are MUSICAL STYLE choices based on the decade the song was performed, The old it is, the more baritone and operatic, the newer it is, the more pop influenced the rendition, for example Aaron Tveit, extremely talented singer that performed the song higher than Peter Como who's voice literally defined the 50's-60's as well as Sinatra and others. McRae did also have an exceptional performance of the song, but you clearly just adopt the opinion of the masses to "fit in" (probably cause you never have anyways) McRae was rushed and nasally, mainly because you can hear how much air he's having to push through his vocal chords to hit those high notes- this gives the sound of him putting his "all" into it, but in reality that's the sign of an INEXPERIENCED singer STRAINING their vocal chords to hit notes that they don't know how to naturally "ease" into. So in reality, what every single person here who "prefers" McRae has proven, is that they know nothing about singing or music at all, they're simply responding to the "hype" behind McRae being a "hunky" male actor and his version of the movie being the most popular. Combine those two with old washed up good for nothings that contribute nothing to society trying to act like they know everything (talking about you old decrepit senior citizens 45+) Then you get a recipe for senior citizens trying to relive their "glory days" and then consequently rewriting reality to fit with your glory days. Just because when you were in your prime this movie was most popular, does NOT mean in anyway that that means McRae was more talented than all the others, it just means that you're a simple person that is never honest and simply adopts the opinion of everyone else around them.
For nostalgia, it's Gordon McRae hands down. However, the best modern-day singer I've heard perform If I Loved You is Anthony Warlow. His version on his CD Centre Stage is fantastic. Much better than the version shown here.
Hands down Gordon McRae. Then Robert Goulet and John Raitt. Honorable mention: Andrew Warlow. Wow! Stinkers: Mandy Patinkin. Ugh! And so glad Sinatra didn't keep the part. He was slated to play it, but was married to Ava Gardner who was filming Mogambo with Clark Gable and he left the production due to "rumors" about her indiscretions on the set.
MacCrae is the standard of course, he & Shirley brought us so many moments of pure magic. But Goulet, omg, just instant chills of memory, tears, gone too soon. And, well, pretty sweet from Mario Lanza - there's voices, and then, there's voices...
They are all wonderful. That's why they're singers. My favorites were; Robert Goulet, Gordon McRae, Patrick Wilson and Andy Williams. You don't need to sing this song with projection to sing it with passion. Loved them all.
John Raitt originated the role and sings it beautifully, but Gordon MacRae's version is warmer. Patinkin's is the worst; Sinatra's is not much better. Patrick Wilson does very well on it!
John Raitt, Definitely. It's difficult to separate my perspective from knowing he created the role of Billy. MacRae and Goulet have magnificent voices, but the voice, rendition, and history inform my vote for John Raitt. I miss him still
Your name is Mandy Patinkin. You killed this song. Prepare to die! Wow, for me it's always Gordon MacRae - but the Hugh Jackman performance may have equaled it, the audio is not clear enough...
I am in absolute AWE!!! I didn't know, and as much of a fan as I am of these three, that Mandy Patinkin, Aaron Tveit, and Patrick Wilson ALL SANG THIS PRODUCTION!!! WHAT IS THIS MADNESS!?!?! I LOVE Carousel and the song If I Loved You but, boy did I not know what is stated above!! Thank to whomever posted this!!!
Gordon Mac was sheer perfection. He sang like an angel, looked like an angel, and was a terrific actor.
To all the Gordon MacRae fans how about The Desert Song with Katherine Grayson fantastic brilliant
The only differences between the deliveries are MUSICAL STYLE choices based on the decade the song was performed, The old it is, the more baritone and operatic, the newer it is, the more pop influenced the rendition, for example Aaron Tveit, extremely talented singer that performed the song higher than Peter Como who's voice literally defined the 50's-60's as well as Sinatra and others. McRae did also have an exceptional performance of the song, but you clearly just adopt the opinion of the masses to "fit in" (probably cause you never have anyways) McRae was rushed and nasally, mainly because you can hear how much air he's having to push through his vocal chords to hit those high notes- this gives the sound of him putting his "all" into it, but in reality that's the sign of an INEXPERIENCED singer STRAINING their vocal chords to hit notes that they don't know how to naturally "ease" into. So in reality, what every single person here who "prefers" McRae has proven, is that they know nothing about singing or music at all, they're simply responding to the "hype" behind McRae being a "hunky" male actor and his version of the movie being the most popular. Combine those two with old washed up good for nothings that contribute nothing to society trying to act like they know everything (talking about you old decrepit senior citizens 45+) Then you get a recipe for senior citizens trying to relive their "glory days" and then consequently rewriting reality to fit with your glory days. Just because when you were in your prime this movie was most popular, does NOT mean in anyway that that means McRae was more talented than all the others, it just means that you're a simple person that is never honest and simply adopts the opinion of everyone else around them.
His Riff Song is moving
@@sammysappy You are shamefully totally out to lunch about Gordon Macrae. You know very little about vocal production when singing.
Gordon & Robert Goulet Love them both but one of the All-time Best R&H tunes!
The best classical voice Mario Lanza too soon & too young!
Gordon Macrae is probably one of the most underrated singers of that era. Simply Beautiful voice
Yeah he’s great, one of my. Favourites
You said it better thankyou
Couldn’t agree more. His duets with Jo Stafford are lovely.
A bit too operatic to my taste.
Gordon Macrae had such a great voice. I agree he was the best with this song.
Gordon McRae has been one of my favourite singers for more than 60 years, I still listen to him often...poor Mandy P. Hasn’t got a clue
Gordon MacRae and I had the same grade school music teacher mrs. Jenkins but I can't carry a tune in a bucket I listen to Gordon MacRae If I Loved You a couple of different times a month. I let my golden chances Pass Me By become so poignant to me. Gordon is the best.
I would also choose Mario Lanza for his magnificent and beautiful voice.❤
Virtually all of the singers were superb but in my opinion (for this performance) the credits must go to Gordon Macrae who left us way too soon and was a wonderful talent.
The only differences between the deliveries are MUSICAL STYLE choices based on the decade the song was performed, The old it is, the more baritone and operatic, the newer it is, the more pop influenced the rendition, for example Aaron Tveit, extremely talented singer that performed the song higher than Peter Como who's voice literally defined the 50's-60's as well as Sinatra and others. McRae did also have an exceptional performance of the song, but you clearly just adopt the opinion of the masses to "fit in" (probably cause you never have anyways) McRae was rushed and nasally, mainly because you can hear how much air he's having to push through his vocal chords to hit those high notes- this gives the sound of him putting his "all" into it, but in reality that's the sign of an INEXPERIENCED singer STRAINING their vocal chords to hit notes that they don't know how to naturally "ease" into. So in reality, what every single person here who "prefers" McRae has proven, is that they know nothing about singing or music at all, they're simply responding to the "hype" behind McRae being a "hunky" male actor and his version of the movie being the most popular. Combine those two with old washed up good for nothings that contribute nothing to society trying to act like they know everything (talking about you old decrepit senior citizens 45+) Then you get a recipe for senior citizens trying to relive their "glory days" and then consequently rewriting reality to fit with your glory days. Just because when you were in your prime this movie was most popular, does NOT mean in anyway that that means McRae was more talented than all the others, it just means that you're a simple person that is never honest and simply adopts the opinion of everyone else around them.
@@sammysappy This has got to be the most pretentious, arrogant comment I've read on youtube. Since you seem to be such an "expert" on critiquing singing, why don't you tell us who you think sang this the best? Also, I'm not sure you understand the meaning of nasally because that is quite literally the opposite of Gordon Macrae's singing.
Gordon MacRae. I had the great opportunity of hearing him at the Dorothy Chandler, He had the most beautiful voice I had ever heard, man or woman.
Ill bet!!!
A wonderful clip. One of the great songs superbly sung by the equally superb Gordon MacRae. John Raitt is magnificent. However, l am a sucker for the unique "sound" of the great voice of Robert Goulet.
Gordon Macrae then Robert Goulet and Mario Lanza . My goodness Rodgers and Hammerstein could write some songs. Just beautiful beyond words
The Lettermen, has the best version of IF I LOVED YOU. check that out.
I never knew John Raif had sung it…his controlled effortless range and clarity are magnificent…..
Easily Gordon MacRae. Gorgeous tone, phrasing, enunciation. Butter...
Gordon MacRae! (My Gold Standard) with John Raitt a close second.
exactly right, oddly John Raitt's timing seems too fast, otherewise his emotion is beautiful, almost an equal to Gordon's
@@robertmusacchio9409 I'm afraid I disagree. His phrasing proved that he didn't understand the lyrics. "Off you would go in the mist of day never ... never to know". No point in singing a song you don't understand.
Shocked by Robert Goulet. Had no idea he had such powerful voice.
Gordon MacRae is the BEST for that song.
Gordon MacRae - no contest. MrsRosencranz1 hit the nail on the head. But I love Shirley too!
Dearest Ms Powell, thank you for this delightful video, Mr. MacRae made this song his own however I was impressed with almost all of these men. Mr Mario Lanza periced my heart with his song. Patrick Wilson is amazing too.
I’m very impressed with Patrick Wilson and he would look right in the part.Gordon MacRae
produces a glorious sound and I love Perry Como singing anything.Thank you for this.
At the very beginning of his career, age 23, Patrick Wilson played Billy Bigelow in the National Tour of Carousel. There is a video of him singing sections of the Soliloquy (My Boy Bill) here on UA-cam.
Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae. Apart from their superb voices, nobody can beat the chemistry that takes the original into the stratosphere.
Gordon and Shirley isnt the original performance. There are John Raitt and Jan Clayton
The only differences between the deliveries are MUSICAL STYLE choices based on the decade the song was performed, The old it is, the more baritone and operatic, the newer it is, the more pop influenced the rendition, for example Aaron Tveit, extremely talented singer that performed the song higher than Peter Como who's voice literally defined the 50's-60's as well as Sinatra and others. McRae did also have an exceptional performance of the song, but you clearly just adopt the opinion of the masses to "fit in" (probably cause you never have anyways) McRae was rushed and nasally, mainly because you can hear how much air he's having to push through his vocal chords to hit those high notes- this gives the sound of him putting his "all" into it, but in reality that's the sign of an INEXPERIENCED singer STRAINING their vocal chords to hit notes that they don't know how to naturally "ease" into. So in reality, what every single person here who "prefers" McRae has proven, is that they know nothing about singing or music at all, they're simply responding to the "hype" behind McRae being a "hunky" male actor and his version of the movie being the most popular. Combine those two with old washed up good for nothings that contribute nothing to society trying to act like they know everything (talking about you old decrepit senior citizens 45+) Then you get a recipe for senior citizens trying to relive their "glory days" and then consequently rewriting reality to fit with your glory days. Just because when you were in your prime this movie was most popular, does NOT mean in anyway that that means McRae was more talented than all the others, it just means that you're a simple person that is never honest and simply adopts the opinion of everyone else around them.
@@sammysappy you've been reported, you nasty little narcissistic troll. Crawl back under your stone with your delusions of grandeur, ageism and vile intention to wound.
@@sammysappy you're showing your ignorance, it was Perry, not Peter Como. Sheesh, you really are a very effed up, misogynistic (incel, I'd guess) posting such a diatribe in order to justify your contempt at my personal choice a year after I posted. FYI I had classical music training from 6, including theory of music, so I can transpose music easily in my head. I'm a pianist, composer, singer. I went to one of two most prestigious colleges in London. My family were all professional musicians. My father played on Abbey Road. You need a sticker on your forehead warning others to keep away as you don't allow people their own opinion without being vicious. Don't reply, as I'll report you right out of YT.
@@sammysappy Why do you feel the need to insult and belittle another commenter for their opinion ? What does that say about you ? and by the way it's Perry Como, not Peter
Gordon MacRae, without a doubt! Biggest surprise-Patrick Wilson. I mean, who knew?
Too bad Josh Groban recorded this too late to make the list.
Gordon. Definitely! His breathing. Phrasing. Tone. Sincerity
I always think of Carousel as an operetta and somehow John Raitt and Gordon MacRae just fit the bill for me in that department, followed by Mr. Tveit and then Patrick Wilson. It has to be powerful but gentle and some of these recordings - like Goulet and Lanza - just hit it too hard (I was surprised that Lanza wasn't higher ranked for me because I'm a fan.) I can't even discuss the more "night-club" interpretations. Hugh Jackman gets points for throwing in some Billy jauntiness - what a wonderfully charismatic actor. This is a great video - thank you!
I saw Michael Hayden sing it at Lincoln Center (Broadway) in 1994. I had a front row seat; when he started singing If I Loved You, he moved to the front of the stage and sang part of it to the "fourth wall" looking directing at the audience--me. I found the effect hypnotizing: his voice, his beautiful face, his concentration, the yearning this song has. I found myself in tears even while he was singing. I'll never forget that moment. Thank you, Universe!
MacRae and Raitt. Definitely the masters.
Yes I felt the same
Same.
Same.
Yep
Gordon MacRae .
Just beautiful .
Gordon MacRae. Power. Feeling. Musicianship. Masculine vocal beauty. It’s not even a contest. Look for him singing “Face to Face.”
Only one choice... and that is totally, Gordon MacRae!
Gordon MacRae. ---- hands down.
No question in my book, Gordon MacRae.
Absolutely - Gordon MacRae!
All really great...well almost all. Glad for the variety. Funny how such a tender song is known best paired with such powerful voices.
Yes, No body can sing this romantically beautiful song like Gordon….maybe Howard Keel!
Without a doubt, it's Gordon Macrae!
Gordon Macrae
All great, but Gordons phrasing of the song is the best
All beautiful voices, but Gordon did it the best, he has a beautiful voice, Can’t beat Gordon & Shirley together
I’m a big Mario Lanza fan too
Gordon McRae wins hands down. But not for the clip featured here. It's the reprieve of the song at the end after he comes down from heaven. He's not powering through it. He sings the note on "know" better than any note has ever been recorded in film. He sings that top note almost in a whisper, powers it slightly and then drops it back down. STUNNING!!
MrsRosencranz1 Exactly my thoughts - hands down Gordon MacCrae, and second Anthony (something). I was 'in love' with Gordon Mac Crae - Remember him on the radio show The Railroad Hour - magnificent voice, magnificent feeling - never a bad note.
Mrs R you must be a voice teacher. You're so smart!
I love Gordon MacRae!
Yes indeed. I can’t listen to this without tearing up.
What a compilation! All are wonderful. Patrick Wilson can hit the notes without even trying. Aaron Tveit - yum! And I love anything Anthony Warlow sings.
This is a save, for sure.
Robert Goulet had such a rich voice.
Yes
Hard to choose. Gordon Mcrae can't be better than that. Robert Goulet probably one of the greatest/most beautiful baritones ever. Hugh Jackman was great, Patrick Wilson totally beautiful and Mario Lanza so powerful. All the others not mentioned here were wonderful. I can't pick one as the best.
😮agree, Robert Goulet
Gordon MacRae gets my vote, but Anthony Warlow's voice impressed me too (btw, he's virtually unknown here in UK). The '56 film very nearly starred Ol' Blue Eyes, but I reckon the final choice was spot on.
I just loved John Waitt and Gordon MacRae's version; two Broadway giants and John Waitt was a dreamboat!
Mac Rae was incredible!!! It's not fair to compare with Mario Lanza, Lanza was in a class by himself
His vocals were impeccable operatically but we can’t judge his acting and I would say listening wise he doesn’t have the light and shade that some of the stronger actors have
Simplemente maravillosos!!!!!!
Mario Lanza had the most operatic cover of this by far, and he absolutely knocked it out of the park. Very strong falsetto that was one of his trademark signatures of his style. Singing-wise, I do believe his performance would be the most difficult for a male singer in today's day to replicate, and MacRae's performance being without a doubt the easiest. Throughout his performance you can hear the "force" he's putting into his singing. Inexperienced musicians and singers might attribute that to him "giving his all" in the performance and might even convince you more of how "emotional" it was. However in reality, that "force" is there only when a singer is singing out of their depth, reaching for notes that he/she has not trained for and can not "naturally" reach. Listening to Mario you can hear him reach those falsetto's due to his training of his voice, whereas Gordon MacRae was straining- you can hear how much he struggled especially @4:15 where instead of saying know with full power you can hear him getting caught up on his own singing because know should've had more power behind it but he can't put more power because I'm assuming he had a bad inhale and didn't quite catch his breathe for that note. He had more power for the "how I loved you", but in reality it's not TRUE power which is behind the ENUNCIATION of the word WHILE SINGING, he's putting the power on the "ooooo" reverberations of his vibrato at the END of the words, which is giving his performance a VERY amateurish and "help I'm running out of breath cause I've never practiced singing before" vibes.
One of my favorite Broadway love songs ever. I think they are all done well. For sheer vocal power and talent, it's hard to top the late great Mario Lanza who sang it in a higher key than everyone else. I personally love Gordon McRae and every movie he ever starred in. He had it all -- the voice, the looks, the acting chops, and the charisma. Of the contemporary versions, Aaron Tveit comes close to having it all as does Patrick Wilson, and the fact that he was seated and looking at the music while singing it impromptu, probably makes him my fav of the contemporary ones. Wish they could have aged him up and cast him in the film version of Les Miserable as Javert instead of Russell Crowe.
Tveit finished off-key. He sang most of it in E-flat, then went flat and his last 3 notes were B, C, D, instead of C, D, E-flat, as they should have been.
@@ericgrosch8073 In the live recording from 54 Below, Tveit is not flat. I checked it on my piano which was just tuned. He sang it in D major Perhaps you listened to a different recording.
I prefer the classically trained vocalists , several of those listed here. Nobody eqiual to Mario Lanza and Robert Goulet who was so unforgetful as Sir Lancelot in the most famous stage play “ Camelot.”
Mario Lanza. Best control and feeling.
So hard but, for my money, I'm paying to watch/hear Patrick Wilson sing that. Perfect.
Gordon Macrac I love his voice .
I'd like to see postings of this song by ladies such as Jan Clayton(first to play Julie Jordan on Broadway), Shirley Jones(who played Julie in the film), and Jackie Evancho(whom I hope will one day record the song).
Thanks for doing this! For such a delicate song, the male animal can sure deliver a powerful punch! Very moving!
All beautiful.
Gordon M and Robert G the best for me.
Gordon MacRae hands down, followed by Robert Goulet. Fabulous voices.
Mario Lanza Glorius Voice!!!
Beatrice; A remarkable effort was required of you in sharing this comparison.I deeply value your gift to us all. Thank you. L
I warmly applaud all the above tributes to Gordon MacRae. As a professional singer myself, I simply rate him the best male singer I have ever heard. Thanks to all of you.
Patrick Wilson has my heart. He performed this song to perfection.
Oddly, Jackman understood the lyrics best since he made an emotional shift at "if I loved you" at the end when he's trying to back off from the intimacy. Having said that, Gordon McRae has the best vocal technique I've heard in quite a while. Everyone else is "art" singing. I read somewhere that Sinatra was booked to do the movie and then backed out at the last minute and Jones recommended McRae to fill in. I like Goulet too, but McRae has much better technique. You don't notice it; that's why it's so good.
Sinatra was supposed to do the movie, but bailed out when he learned that many scenes would have to shot twice. There are some recordings that were discovered many years later that he did for the movie and they were much better than the version used here. He would have made an interesting and different Billy Bigelow. But The producers made the right choice in re-casting the part and listening to Shirley Jones in choosing MacRea when Sinatra changed his mind and left the production.
I wondered at that with Jackman. Thing is, Billy doesn't back off, he goes over to her and kisses her. Was surprised, though at how good he sounded, but as noted above Gordon MacRae is the best. His Soliloquy is stuning.
"art" singing? Sorry old man, I know you're far out of your prime, but you're seriously trying way too hard to act like you're some art critic when those are the people singing- not you, for good reason, you'd probably sound god awful. You cannot compare yourself to anyone in this video guaranteed and yet you dare to strike such a disrespectful tone to accomplished artists. It's clear you're salty you're a failure otherwise you'd have respect for the immense talent and hard work that every single person singing this sing had to put in to get their deliveries that sharp. The only differences between the deliveries are MUSICAL STYLE choices based on the decade the song was performed, The old it is, the more baritone and operatic, the newer it is, the more pop influenced the rendition, for example Aaron Tveit, extremely talented singer that performed the song higher than Peter Como who's voice literally defined the 50's-60's as well as Sinatra and others. McRae did also have an exceptional performance of the song, but you clearly just adopt the opinion of the masses to "fit in" (probably cause you never have anyways) McRae was rushed and nasally, mainly because you can hear how much air he's having to push through his vocal chords to hit those high notes- this gives the sound of him putting his "all" into it, but in reality that's the sign of an INEXPERIENCED singer STRAINING their vocal chords to hit notes that they don't know how to naturally "ease" into. So in reality, what every single person here who "prefers" McRae has proven, is that they know nothing about singing or music at all, they're simply responding to the "hype" behind McRae being a "hunky" male actor and his version of the movie being the most popular. Combine those two with old washed up good for nothings that contribute nothing to society trying to act like they know everything (talking about you old decrepit senior citizens 45+) Then you get a recipe for senior citizens trying to relive their "glory days" and then consequently rewriting reality to fit with your glory days. Just because when you were in your prime this movie was most popular, does NOT mean in anyway that that means McRae was more talented than all the others, it just means that you're a simple person that is never honest and simply adopts the opinion of everyone else around them. Remember that New York Time article when a woman was murdered and 37 neighbors heard and did nothing? Well, you all in the comments are the 37 neighbors, and I'm trying to be the one that calls the cops. Cause it's clear you all are living in lala land and it's about time someone woke you all up from it. Gee, I wonder how many other "realities" you all have denied simply because you're desperate to fit in and will adopt the opinion of others around you EVEN IF IT'S WRONG. No wonder my generation is so crap, you old people now are worse than when I was a little boy and my Grandpa was still around. Now the old senior citizens are all from the 70's and 80's none from the 50's and prior where the REAL men were born and made. Not like this clown A. Hirt that was almost assuredly born in the 70's.
Sinatra is probably the most anemic among this stellar company.
Agreed. You can't croon this song.
True
And to think Gordon MacRae took over the movie part when Sinatra dropped out.
His arrangement didn’t help- ouch!
I don't care. Still has charm.
Gordon MacRae absolutely the gold standard
Very interesting video.. Robert Goulet and Perry Como are in a tie.
McRae, Goulet and Raitt. Back when singers all got proper technical training. Some of the others are okay, but you can tell a lot of the younger ones have never really learned how to support properly like the older singers did to be able to project without being miked. P.S - I had forgotten what a lovely voice Como had.
Mario Lanza performed If I Loved You best, while many of the others are very good as well.
Gordon MacCrea performed the song beautifully, as did Patrick Wilson.
The others sound very good.
Robert Goulet's rendition is excellent, as is Andy Williams' and Hugh Jackman's.
Mandy Patankin's and Frank Sinatra's are the two I would rank lowest on the ist for their interpretations.
Mario Lanza is ranked number one due to: Clarity, Superior tone and timbre, excellent phrasing, warmth, range, vocal flexibility, vocal control, emotional content, lyricism and phrasing.
Gordon MacRea ranks high on all of those qualities as well.
Lanza...bit of a strain at the end there.
Robert Goulet was awesome and so emotionally nuanced with a golden voice.
Harry Javila but he sang it in an easier key
Yes, my favourite, but he's the only baritone among a gaggle of tenors. Even Sinatra was in tenor mode here; later in his career, he transitioned into light baritone. Mandy Patinkin is not at his best singing this piece.
The most touching renditions was Andy Williams. Not the best voice but he replaces the angst with a melancholy and almost winsome quality. Quite unlike the others. Mr. Patakin wasn’t sure what musical he was in.
Gordon Macrae, for sure. He owns this song just as Judy Garland owns Over the Rainbow. Anthony Warlow and Patrick Wilson come in second and third.
Gordon MacRae, perhaps my favorite male singer from the golden musical era. I also appreciate John Raitt's rendition, but honestly wonder what are most of the other singers doing there.
McRae and Raitt both knocked it out of the park. Goulet and Jackman were surprisingly good. The popular singers, Sinatra, Patinkin, Williams, and Como, don't belong in the mix. The singers I didn't know, who performed it for recordings, were also great.
John Raitt (the original), Gordon MacRae, Anthony Warlow and Nathan Gunn (who is missing from this video).
I do love Gordon MacRae. His was the first I ever saw and heard….but I've always been in awe of Anthony Warlow's voice. It's a toughy!
Gordon MacRae sang it best, he was the original Billy Bigelow in the movie Carousel. I also like John Raitt for second best and Michael Hayden for third best. I will say that as a Mario Lanza fan, this was not his song. Thank you for posting this.
HUGE APPLAUSE TO ALL THE SINGERS, THEY ARE AND WERE BLESSED WITH FANTASTIC PIPES!!! ❤❤❤
Gordon McRae, Patrick Wilson , Nathan Gunn ( not on here but is spectacular)
Interesting exercise. Gordon MacRae is the best. Many others sing the notes but lack that ‘extra something’. I believe a singer who was part of that era better connects with the ‘gestalt’ of the time, and the song, perhaps. Love the power of Mario Lanza and even Robert Goulet, but MacRae makes the song his own.
I think Raitt and MacRae are similarly matched from a vocals plus acting standpoint
Perry Como's voice is solid and convincing and contagious
I've been crushing on Gordon MacRae and Robert Goulet my whole life....and they hardly dissappoint. that being said, give me Patrick Wilson singing or for that matter doing ANYTHING! ...By the way, i loved mandy in evita and Yentl...but he skeeves me now.
Nobody can take Gordon MacRae’s place, ever.
The only differences between the deliveries are MUSICAL STYLE choices based on the decade the song was performed, The old it is, the more baritone and operatic, the newer it is, the more pop influenced the rendition, for example Aaron Tveit, extremely talented singer that performed the song higher than Peter Como who's voice literally defined the 50's-60's as well as Sinatra and others. McRae did also have an exceptional performance of the song, but you clearly just adopt the opinion of the masses to "fit in" (probably cause you never have anyways) McRae was rushed and nasally, mainly because you can hear how much air he's having to push through his vocal chords to hit those high notes- this gives the sound of him putting his "all" into it, but in reality that's the sign of an INEXPERIENCED singer STRAINING their vocal chords to hit notes that they don't know how to naturally "ease" into. So in reality, what every single person here who "prefers" McRae has proven, is that they know nothing about singing or music at all, they're simply responding to the "hype" behind McRae being a "hunky" male actor and his version of the movie being the most popular. Combine those two with old washed up good for nothings that contribute nothing to society trying to act like they know everything (talking about you old decrepit senior citizens 45+) Then you get a recipe for senior citizens trying to relive their "glory days" and then consequently rewriting reality to fit with your glory days. Just because when you were in your prime this movie was most popular, does NOT mean in anyway that that means McRae was more talented than all the others, it just means that you're a simple person that is never honest and simply adopts the opinion of everyone else around them.
You said it better thanks violar
Gordon McRae, though the audio on this clip is a bit distorted. (He was a once-in-a-lifetime talent.) I will say that I'd take Patrick Wilson over any of the other more contemporary takes on the song. He's lovely.
MacRae. No contest.
All are tremendous singers. Ultimately, it comes down to a balance: the voice serving the music and the music bringing out the best in the voice. With that said my favorites are the first Broadway Billy, John Raitt, and the movie Billy, Gordon MacRae, and the almost movie Billy, Frank Sinatra.
The lack of comments for Anthony Warlow is outstanding. He is simply the best. Look up his studio recording of the song on UA-cam. Simply superb. His Ab towards the end simply transcends all planes of existence.
He’s a bit too schmaltzy for most people’s tastes. Plus he doesn’t have the acting chops, at least not for this song.
@@feelthejoy anybody who calls Anthony Warlow “too shmaltzy” obviously doesn’t know very much of his work. He can certainly lean into schmaltzy in appropriate circumstances (and, I’ll concede, the clip used here is one of his schmaltziest moments), but he has a beautiful, warm, classically-trained and yet adapted to modern showtunes sound. He certainly has the acting chops. Better than just about every singer in this comparison. Alas, he never got to perform Billy in Carousel and is just too old now, so we’ll never know what his performance would have been like. As it is, this is a cabaret performance for national TV over a very schmaltzed up (there’s that word again!) arrangement. This performance should be absolutely no indication as to how Warlow would play the scene in a production. He’s one of the finest actors of the Australian stage - ever. The most beautiful voice. As I said in my original comment, check out his rendition of this number which he recorded to album. The arrangement is much more in line with the traditional presentation of the song, and Warlow sings it as such. It’s a beautiful recording and he sounds wonderful. Still, as I said, we’ll never know what his faithful interpretation in the context of a full production would have looked like.
Gordon MacRae gets my vote. There's a warmth to his voice, unmatched.
Yes. I was trying to figure out why I like him so much. His voice is quite powerful -- as are many of the others -- but there is a warmth to it that no one else quite matches. His Billy is a very strong man, but also fragile in a way. He voice really conveys that.
Interesting to hear them all together. You can tell the stage singers from the pop singers in the clean way they hit the top notes. I prefer that style. Macrae, Raitt, Jackman…those who’ve played the character.
Gordon MacRae, in his prime, was unbeatable.
The only differences between the deliveries are MUSICAL STYLE choices based on the decade the song was performed, The old it is, the more baritone and operatic, the newer it is, the more pop influenced the rendition, for example Aaron Tveit, extremely talented singer that performed the song higher than Peter Como who's voice literally defined the 50's-60's as well as Sinatra and others. McRae did also have an exceptional performance of the song, but you clearly just adopt the opinion of the masses to "fit in" (probably cause you never have anyways) McRae was rushed and nasally, mainly because you can hear how much air he's having to push through his vocal chords to hit those high notes- this gives the sound of him putting his "all" into it, but in reality that's the sign of an INEXPERIENCED singer STRAINING their vocal chords to hit notes that they don't know how to naturally "ease" into. So in reality, what every single person here who "prefers" McRae has proven, is that they know nothing about singing or music at all, they're simply responding to the "hype" behind McRae being a "hunky" male actor and his version of the movie being the most popular. Combine those two with old washed up good for nothings that contribute nothing to society trying to act like they know everything (talking about you old decrepit senior citizens 45+) Then you get a recipe for senior citizens trying to relive their "glory days" and then consequently rewriting reality to fit with your glory days. Just because when you were in your prime this movie was most popular, does NOT mean in anyway that that means McRae was more talented than all the others, it just means that you're a simple person that is never honest and simply adopts the opinion of everyone else around them.
Robert Goulet was always my favorite
Beautiful song no matter who sings it.
For nostalgia, it's Gordon McRae hands down. However, the best modern-day singer I've heard perform If I Loved You is Anthony Warlow. His version on his CD Centre Stage is fantastic. Much better than the version shown here.
His performance here is pretty impressive here though considering it’s a small cabaret and he’s checking the words
I was surprised with Anthony Warlow. Wow!
GORDON MCCRAE
Robert Goulet ( Canadian TV production ) was best by a country mile and he was a great actor toboot.
Gordon. Then -Robert Goulet
Gordon McCrae made this song his own
Hands down Gordon McRae. Then Robert Goulet and John Raitt. Honorable mention: Andrew Warlow. Wow! Stinkers: Mandy Patinkin. Ugh! And so glad Sinatra didn't keep the part. He was slated to play it, but was married to Ava Gardner who was filming Mogambo with Clark Gable and he left the production due to "rumors" about her indiscretions on the set.
Gordon MacRae , always
MacCrae is the standard of course, he & Shirley brought us so many moments of pure magic. But Goulet, omg, just instant chills of memory, tears, gone too soon. And, well, pretty sweet from Mario Lanza - there's voices, and then, there's voices...
Gordan MacRae
Here are my favorites in order:: (1) Robert Goulet (2) Gordon MacRae (3) Mario Lanza (4) John Raitt and (5) Patrick Wilson.
The worst is Frank Sinatra who happens to be my favorite singer. Thank goodness the role was given to Gordon Mc Rae. Mario Lanza is too operatic.
Robert Goulet is my choice. Simply nails it!
MacRae
They are all wonderful. That's why they're singers. My favorites were; Robert Goulet, Gordon McRae, Patrick Wilson and Andy Williams. You don't need to sing this song with projection to sing it with passion. Loved them all.
John Raitt originated the role and sings it beautifully, but Gordon MacRae's version is warmer. Patinkin's is the worst; Sinatra's is not much better. Patrick Wilson does very well on it!
All great but Gordon Macrae wins it for me
John Raitt, Definitely. It's difficult to separate my perspective from knowing he created the role of Billy. MacRae and Goulet have magnificent voices, but the voice, rendition, and history inform my vote for John Raitt. I miss him still
My favorite is Robert Goulet. His rendition is so powerful and yet so tender.
It’s Gordon McRea for me!
Gordon McCrea and John Raitt
Your name is Mandy Patinkin. You killed this song. Prepare to die!
Wow, for me it's always Gordon MacRae - but the Hugh Jackman performance may have equaled it, the audio is not clear enough...
So idiosyncratic as only Patinkin can be!
I was trying to come up with that line, but you nailed it 🤣🤣🤣
Mandy too weak
I am in absolute AWE!!! I didn't know, and as much of a fan as I am of these three, that Mandy Patinkin, Aaron Tveit, and Patrick Wilson ALL SANG THIS PRODUCTION!!! WHAT IS THIS MADNESS!?!?! I LOVE Carousel and the song If I Loved You but, boy did I not know what is stated above!! Thank to whomever posted this!!!
Perry Como hits the high notes as if its some easy note to reach his voice is just perfect for this classic song