Stephanie Mills sings Be A Lion & Ease On Down the Road!
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Stephanie Mills, Gregg Burge, Tiger Haynes and Michael Leslie and the cast of The Wiz perform Be A Lion and Ease on Down the Road in a 1977 telethon fundraiser! View more archives in the career of the marvelous Geoffrey Holder by bookmarking the website www.geoffreyholder.com. SUBSCRIBE to our channel for upcoming videos!
#stephaniemills #thewiz #broadway #geoffreyholder
That song was my late son’s favorite. We took him to see the 1975 show, when he was just 5. We also bought the album, and he’d sing the Lion’s part. It still makes me cry.
Wow what an awesome and inspiring story! May God continue to bring peace to you and love in the warm cherished memory of your son! ❤️ 🤗
This made me cry as a little boy. I was 5yrs old in 1975. I still cry and think about the memories as even now. I thank u. This made my night with your own memories. When did your son leave us to rest with the ancestors if I may ask? I think of my 2 buddies who left me as well Lonnie was 10 yrs old and Stan was 5 yes old as I was in 1975.
My condolences for your son....
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤
This makes me cry now😢😢😢
Totally missed the mark by letting Diana do the film. Stephanie just sends chills down the spine daymmm
It is a crime against humanity that Stephanie Mills was not hired to do the movie version!
Well look at it this way...she survived that movie to do “The Wiz Live!” and continue her rich history and legacy with the show as Aunt Em to a new generation of fans! 🤷🏾♂️ She wins and will always be remembered as the original Dorothy in The Wiz!!!
They wanted to use her, and for "The Wiz" to be a low-budget film which would basically recreate the feel of the stage show. But then a force of nature called Diana Ross intervened.
@@btheatre1 One of the most beautiful things I've ever seen is the video of Stephanie and Shanice Williams singing "Home" together. 🥰
@@MaskedMan66
Yeah, A Berry Gordy force!
@@sskiddles31081 As I understand it, he advised her against trying to get the part.
This is awesome! She should have been allowed to play this in the movie version. ❤❤❤👍🏾🎧🎶🎧🎵💯
Back in the day black people had the most beautiful quality voices. So many of our black artists brought years to your eyes. We were a very pure race with so much joy. That has been taken away with drugs, violence and the break down of beautiful communities. Stephanie Mills was classic like so many others.
You know what. There was WHITE people rooting for you. Just saying. We're here
Stephanie mills was destined to get the part in the movie THE WIZ,,and it broke my heart that she did not get the part,,despite destiny screaming loud for her to get the part...😪...in fact,,she started performing in THE WIZ on Broadway as Dorothy at 15 years old,,and continued for 7 years playing Dorothy on the legendary majestic Broadway stage...this 7 years of exceptional spectacular work on Broadway means that she earned the right to get the role for THE MOVIE,,and it boggles my mind how the makers of THE WIZ MOVIE could not did not and would not recognize this fact...smh.......Also,,her spectacular voice,,young age,,short height,,great personality,,kind spirit,,and experience playing the role of Dorothy on Broadway,,can not be matched by anyone,,not even Diana ross who was picked for the movie role...I love Diana ross,,but Stephanie would have made a better Dorothy in my opinion...
The lion has an afro lol I love it
Unmmm...Ofcourse he would?? 🤣
Stephanie Mills is a pint-sized phenomenon! Such amazing talent!
I AGREE!
Diana who … ! Stephanie mills is unbelievable : her range, her power, her ability…. Her last few notes are truly … I just … honestly I m speechless.
No one sings The Wiz songs like Stephanie!!
True but Diana looked right for the part.
@@AlexAtuh The two ladies are not so far apart in looks. Stage makeup can make anyone look the part, btw... As much as I love Diana and I do love Diana, 🙌🏽 she could never produce the sound Stephanie did here. She amazes me every time I discover a little more of her.
@@AlexAtuh Not for the part as Stephanie played it; she was the Kansas farmgirl. They had to rewrite Dorothy as a grown-up schoolteacher in order for Diana to be plausible.
I’ve loved this song since I was12 years old. I’m now59
Stephanie Mills' voice just speaks to the deepest part of my soul. Her singing is magical 🙂
Facts
When she hit that high note, my chills
It's too bad she never hit those notes on her hits!
@@darkfeather6857 true
@@darkfeather6857What do you mean? Have you not heard the many songs where she completely goes off!
@@darkfeather6857 You're right, she hit HIGHER notes on her hits! you must not know, but it takes nothing to dive into her long and rich catalog of great music, she isn't praised for her vocals for no reason.
This almost made a grown man cry
I passed "almost " a while back. :-)
I sang Be A Lion to my premie son everyday. He was tiny but he was a Lion❤
How big is he now?
Stephanie could sang in her teenage years. Voice so strong
I'm 48 yrs old black man and I still have a crush on Stephanie mills to this day she's my wife in my mind ur gorgeous and talented I love you Stephanie
3-17-2023, today - Stephanie was just on an episode of the Jennifer Hudson Show. And Stephanie is still a powerful singer. Still gives me chills 🌹🙏🏾👍🏾❤🙂🦁
Did you see her as Aunt Em in _The Wiz Live?_
@@MaskedMan66 ......she's awesome. Years ago I saw her live at the Wiltern theater in Los Angeles....you know she has a lifetime movie out now. 💜💕
@@juantime9616 I didn't know that! I'll have to look it up.
I saw her in the tenth and twentieth anniversary tours of _The Wiz,_ and she was phenomenal. 🙂
Voice is undeniable powererrrrfullll
This exist! Wow. I love the boss Ms. Ross.. the whiz movie casting her in the lead as Dorothy over Stephanie is forever unforgivable!
After all these years, she still sounds the same. I saw her in concert last year and she didn’t miss a beat. A true legend 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾
Wow. What a privilege.
She is amazing ❤️
Last year? …. This is 1975
@@getyourkicks They're saying they seen Stephanie in concert "last year". And actually I believe this is from 1977 for a fundraiser as you see in the description.
My mom took me to see this in Baltimore. I thought we went to DC but she confirmed it was a theater in Baltimore back in 75 or 76. I was 8 years old and I have not forgotten it. It was amazing. This was a spark in my love affair with music. Sing on Stephanie. A living legend!!!
That little lady with that big voice just awesome vocals.
I’m not crying... you are!!!🥲😭
Stephanie's voice was off the chain it was the one.
Meant to say........so many artists brought tears to your eyes.
She is one of the best singers EVERRRRR!!! Completely unique
I have always loved Steph. She is a natural beauty.
Be blessed Sis🙏🏿
Wow... thank yiu all for showing me this 😊
I really actually love seeing this stuff
I am so glad she has been blessed with youth and longevity.💕
I remember seeing this photo years ago, not realizing there was footage. You found History here.
Tears! I saw The Wiz in late 70's in LA but without Stephanie. Then in '84 w Stephanie. Great revival but music was kicked up way too many BPM's for my groove. Every few months I search for any rare Wiz footage that may have surfaced. Seriously great stuff right here.
I was 7 yrs old when my mom took me to see this in ‘75. I was mesmerized. Had the album and I’ve been a diehard Stephanie Mills fan ever since.
Stephanie sang the shiiiit outta that
Yes she did! :)
i love this. Never saw it b4 until today.
One of THE best voices in music. Hands down.
When I saw The Wiz Ted Ross was the Lion, what a performance that was. I've been a Lion ever since
Sing Stephanie I saw her sing this in the Wiz when my Mom took me amd my sister's and brothers to see the Wiz on Broadway. & My sister sang it in the Miss Teenage NJ pageant back in 1983 & got 1st runner up and it's always been one of my favorite songs. Actually the album from the Wiz with Stephanie Mills is one of my favorites of all time👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
FANTASTIC! I was fortunate enough to see the original Wiz cast performance when I was in high school. This brings back great memories. Stephanie's voice was (and still is) AMAZING!
If you don’t mind, what is your review of this show when you were in high school?
I was honored to see the original cast also.
Lmao the lion wardrobe and makeup is killing meeee 😂
Such an incredibly beautiful voice
This outdoor, live performance takes me back to first time I saw the Broadway show in 1978.
What did you think of it in 1978?
My golly day! I am a grown man and I just cried.
This almost made a grown man 😭 cry
Wesley Curtis She can bring out a range of emotions in anyone! Pure talent but I feel you It’s true!!!
Happens. Happens. Happens. Happens. Very. Nice. Very. Nice
Micheal wanted her to be in movie as Dorthy. Omg she’s so soulful.
Not so sure about that.
@@nomibe2911 he said it in his book
That’s facts but also it’s undeniable that Michael and Diana had really amazing chemistry…their version of ease on down the road is a classic..their voices really blend well and their relationship in the film seemed believable…I also think Diana’s song with the lion is very comparable to Stephanie’s and Diana actually stretched her vocal ability for the film as stated by Quincy Jones..she actually explored her belting ability… in the end I think the film version had some great recreations of the broadway’s songs… some great moments and Diana and Michael’s voice blends very well together…also Diana shines in the Stevie wonder song brand new day…no pop supremes vocals there, it actually was soulful in my opinion. Stephanie was amazing in the broadway version and her voice was so so powerful and soulful but Diana also had some great moments as well.
It should be noted that when Michael also found out that Diana was doing the role he was a shoe in for it… he was even more excited to be doing something with a woman that he actually loved so much at the time…you can’t tell me that he would rather Stephanie than Diana despite him dating Stephanie…everyone knew how much he admired Diana for pretty much his lifetime… he got so angry that she got married that he did not attend her wedding and eventually grew distant over the years
@@focus4ever00 Very well put. But I will say Diana al the way for me, and I am big Stephanie Mills fan. I met her in church in Marshville , N.C .
2024. IM SO EXCITED
Awesome, Stephanie is a phenomenal performer!!!❤❤❤
Just imagine she was in the movie with MJ and them. What if.......
Stephanie wasnt attractive enough for a feature film. Hollywood wanted no part of her. Why else would they allow the script be altered to accommodate Diana's age? If they thought they had a viable alternative.
@@anthonyyusef5897 wasn't that. and obviously it wasn't the voice either. But what she doesn't have is that same energy and soul that Diana Ross has. Watch when Diana Ross performs "Home" and "Be A Lion"... there's a big difference in Diana's performance versus Stephanie's.
@@Kreemerz wrong wrong wrong! Diana Ross was more popular. Plus Hollywood doesn’t mind discriminating dark skin with ethnic features. Hey we look the way that we look. There is no surgery that could give Stephanie’s soul. Yes look at both performances. Stephanie hit waaay more high notes and harmonized perfectly with Ted. Stephanie was the right age the right height and had the right pipes. Diana Ross was literally a few years away from being forty. Stephanie mills did not need to be light skinned with European features. She was a young talented beautiful black girl. We have big body parts. Except it
@@anthonyyusef5897 It was nothing to do with Stephanie's looks, which are adorable. It was because Diana was pushy.
She and MJ used to date, you know. 🙂
This is a diamond in the sky find right here! Grew up listening to my mother’s vinyl record of The Wiz original Broadway cast and ALWAYS felt robbed to have never seen the live show starring Stephanie Mills. ✨✨🤗
Saaaannngg, Stephanie..❤❤❤
Shirley Bassey and Stephanie Mills are my favorite vocalists.
This was AMAZING to watch!
SHE WAS SO MULTITALENTED
Beautiful!!!
Anita Parker Stephanie Mills is beautiful and amazing!
Legendary
You betta sang Stephanie 😮😮😮
i when't to go see this show 1975 all the time with my mom and i met Stephanie 2 times when i was 6
Yes “The Wiz” was at its live best in the 1970’s for sure! I saw it in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s and rank the original as the best!
@@btheatre1 i seen it 1975 1977 1979 1984 and 1993 but do you have the recording of the 1975 live??
@@jalilspeaks278 No I don’t have the 75 show. In all the years from 75-94 that you saw it which was your favorite and why?
@@btheatre1 what do you mean??
@@jalilspeaks278 Which version by the years in which you saw it was your favorite 75-79, 83/84 or 92/93?
4:17 is when Ease on Down the Road starts! Honestly, seeing clips of this is phenominal. I may not have been born in 1964, but if I was I would want to see this in action!
My favorite song from The Wiz!
Wow Stephanie Mills singing home and in general is so phenomenal!
Thank you so much. I have never see this...
Michael James Leslie Your very welcome sir and your an awesome Lion! 👏🏾❤️
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW, AMAZING!!
Original talent and real voice!
The lady can sing!
Thank you so much for introducing me to this watermelon moment. This is blowing my mind! This show is weird in the best ways. I hope the upcoming revival takes stylistic risks.
I obviously meant to comment this on the Glinda video, but here we are. I’ve been watching all your videos on a loop for a week straight
I saw this live as a child in the early 80's with Stephanie Mills.... aaaaand continue to watch the movie for motivation.
Wooow. They absolutely sold it! Wish I had been born sooner to see this on stage.
Wow this is so wonderfully old. thank you
AMAZING VOICE LIVING LEGEND GREAT VOICE
Wow wow wow. What a time
AMEN. IM SURELY AM AMEN. THANK YOU GOD FOR YOUR UNCONDITIONAL LOVE YOU HAVE FOR ME AMEN
Gregg Burge was on the Electric Company.
Portento de voz!!!! Una de las divas mas grandes de la musica!!!
Gregg Burge!!!!!
rolando orellana He is wonderful in this performance and his dance skills are amazing!
@@btheatre1 ..there is a movie here on YT called Soul of the Game Gregg has a small tap dancing part playing Bill Robinson it was from 1997 Gregg died of a brain tumor in 98.
This one of the most amazing clips in history as i know it...🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤👑❤🖤💚☝😍🇺🇸🎶🎶🎶
BEAUTIFUL!!!! ❤
Thanks for posting this I was just going through a Broadway archive folder and found some recordings of the show and addicted all over again.
Awesome 👏🏾 hopefully you can post something!
WOW!!!!
man i had a crush on her when i was a kid
Both Ladies did a Phenomenal Job as Dorothy in the WIZ
Wow
I love this so much. The band was too loud at the end of Be A Lion though!
🤎. Love it! 🤍
Awesome
This gives me chills!!🔥
Unbelievable.❤
Totally missed the mark by letting Diana do the film. Stephanie just sends chills down the spine daymmm making a dude cry
lol i love this show's
I didn't know she could sing like that back then. I thought she developed
Where you been bookie
@@quarmainestephenson3163 I thought that the range came in in the 80s but I see that it was always there from the start.
Happens. Happens.
@@rondothard1698 Did you forget she won 6 nights in a row at the Apollo at only age 9. The voice has definitely always been there lol!
💛
Yes you better sang Stephanie
They did us a serious disservice by not putting her in the movie. We’ve been cheated. Hollywood needs to go all the way head discriminating. Stephanie sung the crap out of this song. She is the best Dorthy
Oh my goodness
Yo this wild, but she should have been a big Star!!!
I am a product of this era and was severely upset that when the movie was cast that dorothy was Diana Ross...who no way had the vocal power to be dorothy..
Here because of Verzuz 😍
Yes! Long Live the Queen Miss Stephanie Mills!
Why oh why couldn't she be in the movie !!!
Which movie? The Wiz? Oh, it's because it's not only about the voice. There's more to it than that. What Stephanie doesn't have is that same energy and soul that Diana Ross has. Watch when Diana Ross performs "Home" and "Be A Lion"... there's a big difference in Diana's performance versus Stephanie's. I think they made a good decision.
@@Kreemerz I’ve seen the wiz plenty of times love what Diana did however totally believe Mills would of gave it something more specially coming from a musical theatre background
@@Kreemerz That's definitely an opinion you have there. 🤔 Diana Ross is an egomaniacal narcissist (opinion) who got the part by using her power to manipulate people (fact), and they had to write a completely different story to accommodate the fact that she was way too old and incapable of playing the character as it was written. 🤷♀️
Lovettescalade 4x4 gone
I STILL think Stephanie should have been in the movie version. Unfortunately Diana Ross had higher recognition and (from what I read) a lot of influence (Berry Gordy was whipped) and pull.
tiger Haynes the. old man
Amazing Amazing Amazing and can’t wait to see this on Broadway in 2024!!
Oh God!! 0_0
That’s all I got...
#🎤 Drop