Cilla Black - Alfie (Live)

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  • Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
  • Cilla Black - Alfie (Official Video)
    Listen on Spotify: smarturl.it/Cil...
    Buy on iTunes: smarturl.it/Cil...
    Amazon: smarturl.it/Cil...
    Follow Cilla Black
    Website: www.cillablack....
    Facebook: / officialcillablack
    Lyrics:
    What's it all about, Alfie?
    Is it just for the moment we live?
    What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
    Are we meant to take more than we give
    Or are we meant to be kind?
    And if only fools are kind, Alfie,
    Then I guess it's wise to be cruel.
    And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie,
    What will you lend on an old golden rule?
    As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie,
    I know there's something much more,
    Something even non-believers can believe in.
    I believe in love, Alfie.
    Without true love we just exist, Alfie.
    Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie.
    When you walk let your heart lead the way
    And you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,5 тис.

  • @indigohammer5732
    @indigohammer5732 7 місяців тому +90

    No headphones. No monitors. Sang live, with a group of session men, cameras and piano accompaniment/conducting by the song writer! No pressure Cilla Chuck!

    • @vettefool
      @vettefool 6 місяців тому +3

      Watch Dionne Warwick sing this with an open mind.. just because she is British doesn’t make it good.

    • @stephenhowell5611
      @stephenhowell5611 6 місяців тому +6

      @@vettefool I like all versions but a lot of people prefer Cilla's version, brits will relate to this more.

    • @stevelee4952
      @stevelee4952 5 місяців тому

      ​@@vettefoolwhat kind of racial shit is this? DW is loved in Britain. Now go back under the stone you crawled out of.

    • @rogerstarkey5390
      @rogerstarkey5390 5 місяців тому +3

      And George Martin producing

    • @indigohammer5732
      @indigohammer5732 5 місяців тому +3

      @@vettefool I'm curious, did you take classes to become such an antagonistic smear, or is it innate?

  • @tommyross5959
    @tommyross5959 4 роки тому +67

    A different era, glad I was part of it, grateful..

    • @Annie-442
      @Annie-442 16 днів тому

      We were blessed. We got this on an album of movie songs from the Columbia record club and it made me cry…12 year old.

  • @steely_Bob
    @steely_Bob 7 місяців тому +79

    RIP Cilla Black & Burt Bacharach. Thanks for the beautiful music.

    • @mauricewascom658
      @mauricewascom658 3 місяці тому +1

      She dared to Bare her Soul when she sang . . . and it was BEAUTIFUL ‼️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

    • @gstevens6948
      @gstevens6948 3 місяці тому +1

      Indeed. Indeed.

    • @mauricewascom658
      @mauricewascom658 3 місяці тому +1

      ​@@gstevens6948
      🥰👍🏼❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • @davidmuldrew7077
    @davidmuldrew7077 Рік тому +103

    I am 65 and I am in tears. My Mom would sing this song I can remember my Mom si ging her heart out in the living room.

    • @catherinesummers5057
      @catherinesummers5057 10 місяців тому +6

      God bless her memory❤

    • @BCassandra1
      @BCassandra1 10 місяців тому +4

      My mother used to play this song on her piano and sing it too. I was just sharing it with my youngest sister who was not born during those times. RIP Mama we love & miss you ❤

    • @dianelarkin847
      @dianelarkin847 10 місяців тому +3

      Absolutely beautiful, my favorite song.

    • @susanwansley7950
      @susanwansley7950 5 місяців тому +3

      Her version is the best vocal performance ever. When a singer brings you to tears... I'm 64 & only remembered Dionne Warwick then this just blew me away. I remember Lulu but Cilla Black man where was she lol

    • @user-ug1qh5tm4w
      @user-ug1qh5tm4w 5 місяців тому +2

      R.I.P. Mom...😢

  • @tyremanguitars
    @tyremanguitars Рік тому +349

    Cilla makes your heart just melt, RIP Burt and Cilla Black, both legends.

    • @revrotunda3206
      @revrotunda3206 Рік тому +11

      Along w/her producer George Martin shown here in the session. RIP

    • @Tocomaco
      @Tocomaco Рік тому +6

      How true...how true, and if you haven't watched the whole story of this recording coming together...you must!

    • @julieclegg5262
      @julieclegg5262 Рік тому +4

      Beautiful

    • @brentnicholas9279
      @brentnicholas9279 Рік тому +7

      @@revrotunda3206 I thought the shot of George giving the performance his deepest attention was amazing.What a performance.In another youtube clip Cilla explains Burt made her do 28 takes and how much energy each take took.

    • @AudreyHallPresents
      @AudreyHallPresents Рік тому +3

      Agreed. 100 per cent.

  • @macca744
    @macca744 4 місяці тому +31

    "Without true love we just exist"

    • @grant8218
      @grant8218 4 місяці тому +2

      "Without true love ,we just exist".
      Poignant, eloquent, beautiful.
      "I found a thrill , to press my cheek too" . At Last by Etta James.
      Another favourite .
      Grant

  • @freemanrabe4689
    @freemanrabe4689 Рік тому +21

    She is joined by her pianist now, they'd be singing songs of angels. RIP Burt Bacharach.

  • @alexandrainnes6142
    @alexandrainnes6142 8 місяців тому +39

    This was Cilla's tour de force. Anyone Who Had A Heart and You're My World were great. This song, and this performance of it, are world-class perfection.

  • @CommontaryTouch
    @CommontaryTouch Рік тому +137

    What an expressive and fantastic vocal performance by Cilla Black. "Alfie" has one of the most difficult to sing pop melodies ever written and beautifully performed here.

    • @christegethoff3785
      @christegethoff3785 Рік тому +4

      She herself said Burt demanded so many takes of this difficult song, she was literally in pain from all the effort she gave it!

    • @roystone9932
      @roystone9932 8 місяців тому

      I've played it as a Flugel solo and YES it isn't the easiest to get right but when you do it has a beautiful melody .

    • @hardren101
      @hardren101 8 місяців тому

      Matter of preference....I think Warwick did a great job also.... But I get your point....I have heard many versions of "That's All" the only version that resonates with me Edie Adams sung on the Luci-Desi CH....Along with Phyllis Human, u know how to love me...

    • @susanwansley7950
      @susanwansley7950 4 місяці тому +1

      Agree. I try but get choked up. I do Lulu To Sir With Love in karoake. Lol

  • @lesleyburton9999
    @lesleyburton9999 Рік тому +103

    Can't stop playing it and it makes me cry as it's such a beautiful song and so perfectly performed. As a teenager in the sixties in Merseyside I didn't appreciate the real quality there. Now I do!

    • @alisoncasinelli565
      @alisoncasinelli565 11 місяців тому +4

      I understand

    • @donnabittner69
      @donnabittner69 11 місяців тому +3

      I understand too. Listening to this on a rainy Philadelphia night 😢
      Thinking about the Alfie I know 😢

    • @LOBBYTHEROBBER
      @LOBBYTHEROBBER 9 місяців тому +1

      It makes me cry too. What's it all about??? Peace and love. xx

    • @jorgefiguerola1239
      @jorgefiguerola1239 9 місяців тому +4

      Gets me everytime much like Lulu with To Sir, With Love and Shirley Bassey's Goldfinger. Passionate.

    • @ninaelsbethgustavsen2131
      @ninaelsbethgustavsen2131 9 місяців тому +2

      Someone once said ;
      "Youth is waisted on the young"....
      But then we grow older and wiser.
      I didn't like ABBA as a teen.
      Now at 61 I've learned to enjoy their music very much.
      Love from Norway 😘🇧🇻

  • @kyawkyawwin1
    @kyawkyawwin1 3 роки тому +299

    One of the most iconic recording performances of all time.

    • @richardscally694
      @richardscally694 2 роки тому +11

      Yes!! and no voice enhancement trickery, just 100% Talent.

    • @markpeter4304
      @markpeter4304 2 роки тому +2

      I think dionne waricks 1973live version is better and more truthfully emotional

    • @Ostannij-Zuc
      @Ostannij-Zuc 2 роки тому +3

      @@markpeter4304 I think you're right, and you're wrong at the same time. Warwick's verson isn't better nor worse. It's just another, than Black's. I can say, Warwick's version is for listening and Black's obviously for looking. )

    • @clintjones9848
      @clintjones9848 2 роки тому +4

      Both versions are fantastic. I like this one because you get the full musical experience being live in the studio with the backup singers and Burt conducting and playing piano.

    • @itsmepaet6688
      @itsmepaet6688 2 роки тому +1

      I also love the original version of Dionne Warwick.

  • @craigwoodward8586
    @craigwoodward8586 6 місяців тому +16

    Cilla at her very best and in my opinion the best version ever ❤

  • @SweetDreams706
    @SweetDreams706 9 місяців тому +34

    Exquisite. They don’t make music like this anymore. RIP Cilla, Burt 💚

  • @andreyaniw453
    @andreyaniw453 5 років тому +772

    She doesn't just sing this. She is really speaking to Alfie. So much sadness, pleading and love. No one has done a better version.

    • @fifermcgee5971
      @fifermcgee5971 4 роки тому +61

      Agree with you 100%, she owned this song, she sang the best version of "Alfie".

    • @bbvenusian1960
      @bbvenusian1960 4 роки тому +34

      i'm in tears...

    • @buckjohnson1119
      @buckjohnson1119 4 роки тому +27

      Andre Yaniw It’s very wonderful. In the States; Burt had Dione Warwick, sing it. Her version, is also top notch. It’s probably here, on utube.

    • @robertdenson3740
      @robertdenson3740 4 роки тому +47

      She has a beautiful voice and did a good job on this song but she doesn't tell a story like Dionne's version. Dionne has more passion in her interpretation.

    • @nickpalmer3076
      @nickpalmer3076 4 роки тому +65

      Sorry don't agree. Cilla owns this song.

  • @lindason52
    @lindason52 Рік тому +37

    She really could sing! By far, the best - and right - version of this song.

    • @PC4USE1
      @PC4USE1 5 місяців тому +2

      This is great but I grew up with the Dionne Warwick version of the song and they are both magnificent in their own way.

  • @hellskitchen10036
    @hellskitchen10036 5 років тому +322

    I'm 70 and it makes me cry...still.

    • @warrendoe2164
      @warrendoe2164 5 років тому +27

      John Valandingham I’m 63 my late hubby would’ve been 66 this year...we both thought we were so fortunate to have experienced the 60s...there was a newness and sense of excitement especially in music like this that lasted into the 70s but is now long gone. We lived through the best.

    • @fifermcgee5971
      @fifermcgee5971 4 роки тому +17

      Me too, doesn't Cilla sound and like fantastic.

    • @michaelrock5615
      @michaelrock5615 4 роки тому +7

      Me too!

    • @hiptrip99
      @hiptrip99 4 роки тому +11

      I believe in love.

    • @mikehowarth1183
      @mikehowarth1183 4 роки тому +4

      god bless

  • @mickymantle3233
    @mickymantle3233 3 роки тому +33

    Best damn version ..ever !

    • @markpeter4304
      @markpeter4304 2 роки тому +5

      Go and check out dionne warick live 1973 of alfie...

  • @noyfor3322
    @noyfor3322 3 роки тому +124

    Cilla could express the full range of light and shade that this song demands. To me a perfect blend of singer and song

  • @tomhyland4077
    @tomhyland4077 Рік тому +127

    One of Burt's greatest compositions. This version with Cilla Black is historic and truly amazing. R.I. P. Burt Bacharach, among the greatest composers of the second half of the 20th century.

    • @ivebeenaround58
      @ivebeenaround58 Рік тому +10

      Please don't forget that the lyrics to the song ALFIE was written by HAL DAVID. Bacharach was not the only one who wrote the songs that Dionne Warwick and many other artists recorded. Hal David was the other half of this successful writing partnership. Sadly Hal David died much earlier than Burt.

    • @tomhyland4077
      @tomhyland4077 Рік тому +6

      @@ivebeenaround58 Great comment. Yes, I should have mentioned Hal David, but with Burt's passing, he was on my mind . In fact, Burt said that Hal's lyrics for "Alfie," "were just about the greatest lyrics ever written."

    • @ziqizhu7364
      @ziqizhu7364 Рік тому +3

      Bacharach is arguably THE most underrated composer

    • @lewisgoudy863
      @lewisgoudy863 7 місяців тому

      @@tomhyland4077According to Wikipedia, "Bacharach has cited "Alfie" as his personal favorite of his compositions".This adds another layer to your comment that he considered the words "just about the greatest lyrics ever written"

    • @tomhyland4077
      @tomhyland4077 7 місяців тому

      Thank you! @@lewisgoudy863

  • @gomogo2000
    @gomogo2000 2 місяці тому +11

    Somehow Cilla managed to make a gorgeous Wall of Sound practically single-handedly! Such a natural talent...

  • @Tape_Reader
    @Tape_Reader Рік тому +26

    With Sir George Martin in the control room recording this wonderful track. What a time to be alive!!

  • @pedrooliveira3486
    @pedrooliveira3486 Рік тому +23

    Such a voice. We are watching somebody in the process of inventing contemporary singing. That is a vocal lesson.

  • @seankriner190
    @seankriner190 2 роки тому +28

    I never imagined that I would hear a version of that song which could rival Dionne. I just did. Wow. Incredible.

  • @My84Lude
    @My84Lude 4 роки тому +89

    Yesterday I stumbled into a nostalgic mood, in doing so I rediscovered this recording. Now 66 as an instrumental musician from the age of 8. As a child everything was “live”, TV had live orchestras. As a young musician in Las Vegas 1975-1992 the era of house orchestras was waining with death soon to follow. The acts founded in vaudeville, the jazz age, the big band era were disappearing. It was a privilege to have been a part of many, many, many thousands of Live performances where that moment went out into the ether never to be witnessed again. This is a pure example of that era captured for as long as there are devices to save it and replay, this is the purest of musical examples of what musicians did day in and day out. This was the 28th or 29th take according to Mr. Bacharach, the studio orchestra performed this piece flawlessly for hours, patiently, quietly, perfect, never knowing when the real, the final take would happen, what chops, what time, intonation, what professionalism. Thank you for sharing this.

    • @gqbrown09
      @gqbrown09 Рік тому +1

      "When you hear music, after it's over, it's gone in the air, you can never capture it again." -Eric Dolphy

    • @nancygowster
      @nancygowster Рік тому +1

      28th or 29th take? Gruelling. But what a payoff!

    • @Resgerr
      @Resgerr Рік тому +2

      @@nancygowster but it was the 3rd or 4th take they used after George Martin said it was either of them that was the best take 😂

  • @johnw.davison1561
    @johnw.davison1561 Рік тому +86

    Thank you Cilla Black for this definitive version of one of Burt Bacharach's greatest songs -- a song that nonbelievers certainly believed in! Rest in peace, Burt Bacharach, Cilla

    • @ivebeenaround58
      @ivebeenaround58 Рік тому +5

      Please don't forget that the lines you quoted from the song were written by Hal David. Burt wrote the music, Hal wrote the lyrics.

    • @GeriC48
      @GeriC48 Рік тому +1

      Oh wow, YES!!!!! so true....love your comment!!!!

    • @felontrump5910
      @felontrump5910 11 місяців тому +3

      No one sings my songs like Dionne. - Burt Bacharach.

    • @johnw.davison1561
      @johnw.davison1561 11 місяців тому

      Rest in peace also, Hal David @@ivebeenaround58

  • @ptyb6195
    @ptyb6195 6 років тому +187

    Beautiful song recorded at Abbey Road. Cilla at her best. Whenever I hear this it takes me back to the magical days of the sixties.

    • @larciabella
      @larciabella 6 років тому +5

      totally MAGIC! I was born in Jersey City ,N.J. but I have been a Anglophile always.

    • @carolynwoodman1734
      @carolynwoodman1734 2 роки тому +1

      Always the greatest time for very talented people and our ❤

  • @paulwright9749
    @paulwright9749 4 роки тому +23

    Bert demanded perfection and Cilla delivered it!

  • @michaelterry1000
    @michaelterry1000 4 роки тому +65

    Hats off to anyone who would even attempt to sing this song. The range is out of this world.

    • @user-jl5eq2fp1z
      @user-jl5eq2fp1z 3 роки тому +3

      you should listen to the glee version, it’s amazing. by naya rivera. highly recommend

    • @FuriKitten
      @FuriKitten 3 роки тому

      the word attempt is being very very generous, it is more provide vocals and emotion from another town than even get close.

    • @chocolateice4u
      @chocolateice4u 3 роки тому +1

      Dionne Warwick did Alfie version.

    • @MrMonroman
      @MrMonroman 3 роки тому

      You can do it an octave down as a tenor

  • @888Sooty
    @888Sooty 5 місяців тому +14

    Clearly the best version of Burt Bacharach s favourite song

    • @user-rz8bu6vl8x
      @user-rz8bu6vl8x 2 дні тому +1

      But Dionne Warwick does a great job singing it too ❤

  • @helenmclean6707
    @helenmclean6707 5 років тому +408

    People forget what a truly magnificent singer she was.
    RIP Cilla and Bobby

    • @mikerivers9634
      @mikerivers9634 5 років тому +10

      Helen Mclean Hi Helen, yes she was a great singer. Always find it sad listening to this song. Still find it emotional after all these years. Also like Step Inside Love, but she has a fabulous catalogue.

    • @fifermcgee5971
      @fifermcgee5971 4 роки тому +5

      What a beautiful love story, Cilla and Bobby.

    • @susanorigel6846
      @susanorigel6846 4 роки тому +8

      She had soul!!

    • @woodie62
      @woodie62 4 роки тому +6

      Some people never knew, actually I'm one. She was splendid!!! Weird cause I thought I'd run across her at some point searching for info on the Beatles. But here I am, in 2020, just coming to knowledge of this beautiful talented lady who has unfortunately passed away.

    • @vitormauricioxavier5109
      @vitormauricioxavier5109 4 роки тому +6

      @@mikerivers9634 and to think she didnt want to sing Alfie at first...Black reacted negatively on hearing the demo "of some fella singing 'Alfie' ... I actually said to Brian 'I can't do this.' For a start - Alfie?? You call your dog Alfie!

  • @kevinobrien7782
    @kevinobrien7782 4 місяці тому +10

    What a rendition, no one can emulate this rendition ever. Miss you cilla.

    • @rr7firefly
      @rr7firefly 3 місяці тому

      Dionne Warwick does a much better job. Cilla gets shrill as her volume goes up.

    • @thomasrehag1747
      @thomasrehag1747 2 місяці тому

      ​​@@rr7fireflyFor me Whitney Houston top both. 😎😎

  • @davetaylor8858
    @davetaylor8858 3 роки тому +28

    I watched a documentary about Cilla years ago where George Martin recalled Burt Bacharach made her sing it over and over about twenty times and she didn't complain once. When he asked Burt about it he said he was looking for "something special" to which George replied something like "we've just heard it twenty times!!" Priceless.

    • @xqqqme
      @xqqqme Рік тому +3

      In an interview with Mitch Albom (also on UA-cam) Burt admitted that he'd taken her through, he thought, 28 takes and that by that point Cilla was ready to kill him. He recalled Sir George leaned over to Burt and said softly "I think you had it on take 4."

    • @michaelhurrell1295
      @michaelhurrell1295 5 місяців тому

      No the fourth version was mentioned and settled on it

  • @derekjohnston1183
    @derekjohnston1183 Рік тому +19

    I could be wrong, but when National treasure became a phrase, I think Cilla was the first to achieve that accolade.

  • @andycordy5190
    @andycordy5190 5 років тому +137

    Aside from the obvious beauty of this song I find the emotional commitment of the performers very moving. There are so many aspiring young musicians these days. When you look at the level of this entirely live performance, no enhancements, no computers, no overdubbing, it's really humbling.

    • @fifermcgee5971
      @fifermcgee5971 4 роки тому +7

      Correct, Cilla was a rare jewel, raw talent and we all loved her natural beauty.

    • @Topmember
      @Topmember 3 роки тому +8

      Exactly. Her rendition of ‘Alfie’ is heartfelt and her performance immaculately exquisite and unique; unmatchable!

    • @brianmallen8887
      @brianmallen8887 Рік тому +1

      I'll never get over the "what's it all about Alfie?" beginning. The singer, arrangement etc. I expect to be great. It's Cilia Black. Lulu, Cilia, and Petula Clark. Need I say more.? But the song, the words. What is it about a three minute pop tune that can encapsulate heavy profound thoughts and seasonings so easily, so effortlessly?

  • @judgedredd3568
    @judgedredd3568 Рік тому +20

    Clearly the best version of this song.....she is so connected

    • @voman0741
      @voman0741 Рік тому +4

      When you consider how much Dionne Warwick was BORN TO SING Burt's (and Hal's) compositions, I have to agree that Cilla's version is untouchable. So much vulnerability and passion.

    • @mreunome
      @mreunome 9 місяців тому

      Had to take a listen...not a fan.

  • @fireflyqueen6
    @fireflyqueen6 5 років тому +42

    I am madly in love with this song, with Cilla, with Burt Bacharach. I love watching this video because the two of them are so expressive. And Bacharach is a genius.

    • @ivebeenaround58
      @ivebeenaround58 Рік тому +1

      Please don't forget Hal David was also a genius with the lyrics that he wrote for Burt's music.

    • @rodneyrawlings7100
      @rodneyrawlings7100 8 місяців тому

      @@ivebeenaround58 Actually the lyrics came first, but I'll bet Bacharach made many adjustments here and there to fit musical ideas he came up with.

  • @taurus3973
    @taurus3973 6 місяців тому +11

    A little history about this amazing song: When approached by Paramount studios to write a song to accompany the movie Alfie, neither Burt Bacharach nor Hal David were enthusiastic. Their first reaction was, how do you write a good song about a guy named “Alfie?” They grudgingly agreed to try, and departed from their usual process by having Hal David write the lyrics first. Once the song was completed, they asked British singer Sandie Shaw to sing it. She declined. They then sent a demo to Cilla Black. She didn’t want to record it either, telling her manager, “I can’t do this. For a start, Alfie?? You call your dog Alfie.” Rather than simply say no, she kept upping the ante, telling Bacharach, he’d have to be the arranger, come to Britain and conduct the orchestra, and also agree to play the piano in the orchestra. To her surprise, he said yes to all her conditions. It is said that taskmaster Bacharach demanded over 20 grueling takes before being satisfied with a version. It’s also amazing that someone was filming the recording session, and caught this footage. At last count, this song, that no one wanted to write or perform, has been covered by over 400 artists. Bacharach said it was his favorite of all his compositions. Lines from the song are inscribed on Cilla Black’s gravestone.

    • @Susan-id8sz
      @Susan-id8sz 2 місяці тому +1

      I was so little but sumthg in this song just hit my soul , Amazing! 😪

    • @mariadelpilar1590
      @mariadelpilar1590 2 місяці тому

      Sweet of you to share. I am staying for a month in a beautiful home in Ojai with a long haired Corgi named Alfie that has taken a shine to me. He is so sweet. I love this song and will be sure to play it for Alfie when he comes to visit.

    • @johnnicholls5344
      @johnnicholls5344 Місяць тому

      It was Brian Epstein who arranged the filming apparently. He was Cilla's manager.
      Burt insisted that Hal David do the lyrics first. Hal looked for a line in the script. He found it: What's it all about Alfie ?
      The structure of the melody which was then composed by Bacharach was dictated by Hal's lyrics. Thus Burt wrote ten bar verses... Very unusual for a pop song.

    • @rogeriovillela
      @rogeriovillela Місяць тому

      Incrível o que contou. Fico surpreso com a falta de sensibilidade daqueles que ouviram essa obra prima e nem perceberam a sua grandeza, coisa que percebi em 3 notas iniciais. Mesmo numa época de ouro, existiam os surdos e sem talentos. Impressionante.

  • @Elijahhaswings
    @Elijahhaswings Рік тому +16

    In my opinion, the best version. She sang with such feelings.

  • @TheEulerID
    @TheEulerID 3 роки тому +33

    Far and away the best thing Cilla ever sung, and it was famously an extremely stressful recording session.

    • @robanks3895
      @robanks3895 3 роки тому +2

      A great song, but her best song and performance was most definitely Anyone Who Had a Heart, check out her 1964 live performance of this song, just perfection

    • @michaelmckinley5708
      @michaelmckinley5708 3 роки тому +1

      I strongly disagree with "Far and away..."
      I'd likely have loved Black's Alfie, but it sure helped that I already adored her 'Your my world' and 'Anyone who had a heart.
      Those three songs, highlight, without mentioning another, what made Cilla Black stand out.

    • @kyawkyawwin1
      @kyawkyawwin1 3 роки тому

      Burt was a perfectionist to the point of obsession - as, indeed, was Dusty.

  • @geoffrey121148
    @geoffrey121148 7 місяців тому +13

    She is an Angel 👼 singing now in heaven. Always loved her beautiful voice ❤😢

  • @jenniferjones188
    @jenniferjones188 Рік тому +14

    Just superb the best version of this song by the wonderful Cilla Black. I miss her.

  • @pavementpounder7502
    @pavementpounder7502 4 роки тому +159

    Just sublime, really hits you in the feels. Bacharach was some sort of genius, and Cilia's voice is just incredible.

    • @colinjennings3661
      @colinjennings3661 2 роки тому +3

      It's quite beautiful.

    • @jackiebrankley8332
      @jackiebrankley8332 2 роки тому +2

      @@colinjennings3661 apprently cilla had to sing alfie a few time before burt Bacharach was happy with the recording

    • @DavidJohnson-yq4nz
      @DavidJohnson-yq4nz Рік тому +1

      About a million times I bet

    • @Resgerr
      @Resgerr Рік тому

      @@jackiebrankley8332 and it was GeorgeMartin who said I think Cilla did the perfect take on 3rd or 4th attempt!

    • @margaret513
      @margaret513 Рік тому +1

      Burt Bacharach passed today 😭🙏❤️ Genius LEGEND RIP 1928-2023
      Thank you for your music 🎶 Burt YOU will be missed 🎉

  • @mikerivers9634
    @mikerivers9634 5 років тому +62

    Fabulous song by Bacharach beautifully sung by Cilla in her prime. Undeniably 60’s and the epitome of why it was such a great era for melody. Burt must have been so impressed with her delivery. She could sing delicately one second and turn up the gas a split second later in a way other singers would struggle to achieve. No wonder Agnetha Fältskog cited her as a big influence and there’s a lady who can speak with authority on the matter.

    • @steffanhoffmann1906
      @steffanhoffmann1906 5 років тому +2

      Thanks I didn't know that

    • @kyawkyawwin1
      @kyawkyawwin1 3 роки тому +1

      And, ironically, both sang If I Thought You'd Ever Change Your Mind.

    • @ivebeenaround58
      @ivebeenaround58 Рік тому

      Please don't forget that Bacharach wrote the music and Hal David wrote the lyrics to all their greatest hits with Dionne Warwick and many other artists as well.

  • @socrates1818
    @socrates1818 Рік тому +17

    ‘Something even non believers can believe in’ wow! These lyrics are a million miles from any other songwriter! Spiritual yet powerful- when she goes into the masterful bridge - George Martin simple stops cold to witness true genius..

    • @January.
      @January. Рік тому +1

      *nonbelievers *simply

    • @therealDac10012
      @therealDac10012 7 місяців тому

      The other half of the Bacharach song writing team, the late great Hal David, wrote the words.

  • @lawrencemartin6041
    @lawrencemartin6041 5 років тому +67

    Simply stunning. RIP Cilla.

    • @derekdawson9419
      @derekdawson9419 3 роки тому +1

      We all have a golden moment in life I think was hers

  • @dadiraclorenzo
    @dadiraclorenzo 10 місяців тому +12

    The very best version of Alfie....

  • @dermotdooley8744
    @dermotdooley8744 Рік тому +9

    Rip beautiful lady you were simply the best ❤🌷

  • @johnsrabe
    @johnsrabe 7 місяців тому +13

    What an amazing dynamic and emotional range she had. Thanks for posting this.

  • @alexandrealves4517
    @alexandrealves4517 5 місяців тому +4

    Que video lindo de uma época de ouro da musica. Cilla Black a beleza de sua voz e interpretação emocionam

  • @paulmichaud7565
    @paulmichaud7565 Рік тому +22

    I thought I would stop by remembering Burt Bacharach. He wrote a lot of good melodies, but this one is my favorite. Cilla's performance is wonderful and she pulls the whole story out of those lyrics.

    • @Pythonette
      @Pythonette Рік тому

      It was his favorite, too.
      This video shows up in my FB feed at least once a week, and I never tire of it.

  • @SandraKing55
    @SandraKing55 7 років тому +80

    there will never be another Cilla

  • @billythehat5246
    @billythehat5246 16 днів тому +4

    When we were kids in the 60s and 70s, we really did not know how lucky we were to be there.

    • @AndrewOkus
      @AndrewOkus 3 дні тому

      I think I knew. My heart did anyway. It made me a professional musician.

  • @ivebeenaround58
    @ivebeenaround58 5 місяців тому +10

    Cilla Black was such a great talent that the legendary Brian Epstein himself managed Cilla Black's career while also managing The Beatles. The Beatles actually treated Cilla like their own sister and were close friends with her all throughout their careers.

  • @mrfester42
    @mrfester42 3 роки тому +76

    Such power, control, range and emotion. What makes her even more interesting is that she came up with the Beatles and was from Liverpool as well. Brian Epstein, the manager of the Beatles, was also her manager and it seems that he put his heart and soulful into her career as he did the Beatles.
    As a matter of fact, the producer here was George Martin, the Beatles producer, and the studio we see here is where the Beatles recorded all but one of their albums.

    • @sandyfeet9502
      @sandyfeet9502 Рік тому

      When in the video I saw George Martin it all fell into place. So thank you for tweaking my memory. How lucky am I to have lived and had the music experience of the 60s...all of it.

    • @michaelandrew4488
      @michaelandrew4488 Рік тому

      But that's Burt Bacharach at the piano and conducting the orchestra .. and Cilla . He was the song writer , and I think you'll find the producer.

    • @revrotunda3206
      @revrotunda3206 Рік тому

      @@michaelandrew4488
      It was already said that Cilla Black’s producer of this song was George Martin-the guy they showed here in the wings smoking a cigarette which was why he was there to oversee.

    • @DivineMizE
      @DivineMizE Рік тому

      ​@Michael Andrew that just doesn't look like Burt...so young.

  • @brittenmusic6923
    @brittenmusic6923 Рік тому +11

    Right song, composer, singer, studio, producer...and the cameras were there for all to see. Amazing ❤

  • @Gdonis5533Gunzi
    @Gdonis5533Gunzi 6 місяців тому +5

    I'm Born Alfie this is the best version hands down. My mom would play both I would always play this version only. Love D.W. but this is Heaven on Earth. Chills.

  • @brianmiller4207
    @brianmiller4207 5 років тому +17

    That last few bars when it changes at the end always breaks my heart.... :(

  • @user-ug1qh5tm4w
    @user-ug1qh5tm4w 5 місяців тому +2

    Jus beautiful.....love Cilla...😢

  • @brettgillingham3313
    @brettgillingham3313 7 років тому +102

    Burt's favourite song he says. The pressure in the room with such a technically difficult song and a perfectionist composer must have been mind bending.

    • @fifermcgee5971
      @fifermcgee5971 4 роки тому +7

      But, our Cilla pulled it off, God bless her.

    • @mwj5368
      @mwj5368 4 роки тому +2

      You comment is interesting. Do you mean that it is difficult to kind of talk-sing like she does in one part then seamlessly go back into the melody? I've listened to this song many times and was great to learn more about it, and see Cilla's interviews. I like too the video where she talks to Burt and sings while sharing the piano bench with him. Both amazing talents and recall they did many takes on this before Burt approved, and that he flew in from the US to England especially to work on this song with Cilla. I fell in love with this song immediately back in the day when I'd hear it on the radio as many songs Burt wrote, yet never knew who the singer was until recently.

    • @kenmicallefjazzvinylaudiop6455
      @kenmicallefjazzvinylaudiop6455 4 роки тому +3

      @@mwj5368 The video of Bacharach practically berating Black over her inability to get the phrasing right is on youtube. She sings it, Warwick simply floated over it.

    • @mwj5368
      @mwj5368 4 роки тому +3

      @@kenmicallefjazzvinylaudiop6455 Hi Ken! Thanks for taking the time to reply! I find the recording of "Cilla Black Dionne Warwick Alfie" but I can't find the one where they are in studio with Burt and Burt gets impatient with Cilla. With the recording I just listened to, with my amateur ear it seems Dionne is more supporting Cilla's lead and joins in halfway into the song so it's hard for me to compare how each artist approaches it. I realize now after Cilla's comments how difficult that song is as to me there are difficult stark changes in (my amateur terminology) intonation and volume like the words (I can't quite make out right) just before she does a kind of "reply" and tones down and sings, "I believe in love, Alfie" and also again when she dramatically tones down to, “When you love let your heart lead the way...” I am amazed though how vocalists, musicians... can exhibit such self-control when under such pressure with studio time and for her with Burt flying all the way from the US to direct etc. I want to find Dionne's version, which I love too, and listen more carefully, and thanks to your comments as you open a door on really looking into what happens with how the miracle of music comes together to form a “masterpiece”, a real wonder.

    • @kenmicallefjazzvinylaudiop6455
      @kenmicallefjazzvinylaudiop6455 4 роки тому +1

      @@mwj5368 You have to wait through a full minute of inane ads, but this clip shows interviews with Cilla, Bachrach and George Martin. Basically, Burt made her work hard. A great clip! And she's great in a different way. I love British music from this period. www.express.co.uk/videos/4400438235001/Cilla-Black-Burt-Bacharach-Recording-Alfie-in-Abbey-Road-Studios

  • @petermartin8190
    @petermartin8190 7 місяців тому +2

    Just brilliant. Nothing else.

  • @birchply023
    @birchply023 5 років тому +35

    Cilla has a beautiful voice , this is the 60s i love .

  • @musikerongpanday4237
    @musikerongpanday4237 4 роки тому +14

    A very underrated interpretation of this majestic song. 👍🏾

  • @ninarizzo7312
    @ninarizzo7312 Рік тому +15

    Fabulous voice. I loved her and all her songs! May this great lady rest in peace.🙏🙏🌹🌹

  • @1066sgp
    @1066sgp Рік тому +2

    Oh Burt...thank you. Yours truly was the songscape of my youth.

  • @hilary531
    @hilary531 Рік тому +7

    A lusciously balletic production from BB & Cilla is her usual stunning self... I wanted to be Cilla!

  • @themistermax
    @themistermax 4 роки тому +18

    I feel like such a fool. I don't know how many times I've watched this, and focusing so much on Cilla, I just now realized, that's Bacharach on the piano. And he is absolutely amazing. Such a wonderful piece of history this video is!

  • @honeybeebadger
    @honeybeebadger 4 роки тому +12

    I love Cilla’s voice makes me cry too

  • @RobertDeMartin
    @RobertDeMartin 10 днів тому +1

    Incredible! Burt and everyone there realized they were listening to a very special performance by Cilla. Every time you listen to it, it gets better and better It was that good..

  • @petrus666love
    @petrus666love Рік тому +7

    There’s so much beauty in songs , rather than life , that’s why I try and live my life in songs and forget what life throws at me 😊

  • @fireflyqueen6
    @fireflyqueen6 4 роки тому +39

    This song is like a magnet for me. I could listen to it endlessly. So powerful when you believe in love in spite of everything.

    • @susanorigel6846
      @susanorigel6846 3 роки тому +1

      I feel the same way about this song as you do. I could listen to this song all day, all week, all month. It is a beautiful and powerful song. It puts a lump in my throat everytime I listen to Cilla Black sing it.

    • @brianmallen8887
      @brianmallen8887 Рік тому +1

      I'm afraid of it- "Alfie." The song and the movie- but especially the song. It's too much, it hits too hard. The question( s) that Hal David asks are not meant for answers, those are the worst kind. "And is life only meant for the strong Alfie?" Please stop, I can't take it. It hurts too much. And besides, what's love got to do with sex? I'm asking you Alfie.

    • @fireflyqueen6
      @fireflyqueen6 Рік тому

      @@brianmallen8887 I guess that's why I love it so much. Those words.

    • @brianmallen8887
      @brianmallen8887 Рік тому

      @@fireflyqueen6 and check out Burt Bacherate doing his "Squidward" interpretive dance from the piano. And Cilia Black. Good-great-greatest? To do this song justice, the singer isn't just a one in a billion talent. That's a given. The voice has to be so special, so distinct to defy description. Cilia knew what was expected of her and what was at stake, God bless her. This was musical Audie Murphys going into battle. Burt, Hal and Cilia. All three had to be genius to make it work. To make "Alfie" seem more ....sympathetic. ..You know, like "Moon River" does for "Breakfast at Tiffaney's,"

  • @Motocicleiros
    @Motocicleiros 4 роки тому +62

    She initially didn't want to record the song and established several conditions, including Burt travel to England to play himself the piano and compose the orchestra arrangement. She told this in the hope that he would say 'no' and she could use it as a excuse to not record the song, but when Bacharach agreed with the terms she had no option unless to record it. One of the things she said when she first read the lyrics and heard the demo that has been sent to her from USA was: "Alfie? This is the kind of name we give to a dog!". Other funny fact about this is that Bacharach and Hal David themselves didn't want to compose the song for the film. Who could imagine that it would turn out on one of more beautiful songs of all times and the great hit it became!

    • @bjornironside261
      @bjornironside261 4 роки тому +1

      Burt Bacharach and Hal david felt fine to compose a song for the film, what they didn't like is that dionne wouldn't be the one to sing their song.

    • @misterjag
      @misterjag 4 роки тому +1

      Burt felt he had a problem as a pianist maintaining the time signature, so he wouldn't play on his recordings.

    • @bingola45
      @bingola45 4 роки тому +1

      @Cray Fishe You missed out Catholics.

    • @EHYHDY
      @EHYHDY 3 роки тому

      Wow love the back story! Thank you.

    • @irenejohnston6802
      @irenejohnston6802 3 роки тому

      @@bjornironside261 Cilla's rendition is more in keeping the character of one of Alfie's 'birds'

  • @johnabramson1031
    @johnabramson1031 5 місяців тому +3

    really live, the real thing. no lip synching, no auto tune. authentic. you may prefer one version or another, no matter. but we are hearing the song, the voice the orchestral arrangement in real time.

  • @erepsekahs
    @erepsekahs 5 років тому +10

    So tender, so sensitive, so beautiful......so true. Just like love itself....smiles and tears.

  • @IceSkater8491
    @IceSkater8491 Рік тому +5

    RIP Burt Bacharach. Thanks for the fantastic music throughout the years.❤️✝️

  • @peteworthy8322
    @peteworthy8322 Рік тому +9

    How Burt Bacharach brought out the very best in Cilla Black.

  • @ellenmadsen7308
    @ellenmadsen7308 7 місяців тому +4

    Such a big voice from such a little woman

    • @mecx7322
      @mecx7322 3 місяці тому

      Little woman, not very tall, but powerful voice 😀

  • @peggysosa8436
    @peggysosa8436 Рік тому +2

    just wonderful

  • @farky350
    @farky350 6 років тому +59

    She was just perfect for this song, just beautifully sung soft & powerful with passion. Underrated singer .

  • @JerriBerriBoBerri
    @JerriBerriBoBerri 11 місяців тому +6

    And she created what we used almost daily "what's it all about Alfie?" Still used today.

  • @michaeltowle2607
    @michaeltowle2607 5 років тому +10

    This video is a treasure................

  • @jf8461
    @jf8461 Рік тому +5

    My favorite version of this song. Something very unique about how she sings it.

  • @771jlp
    @771jlp 4 роки тому +3

    What an intricate melody

  • @joehamiltonsongs
    @joehamiltonsongs 2 роки тому +2

    This is maybe the best song ever written

  • @KeldThor952
    @KeldThor952 3 роки тому +99

    She was a wonderful singer. We can only miss her. R.I.P.

    • @mahmoodrizi7536
      @mahmoodrizi7536 3 роки тому +8

      She was a wonderful singer and a beautiful person

  • @onetoner2004
    @onetoner2004 3 роки тому +4

    Simply superb, hair stands on end.

  • @SD-nh5yr
    @SD-nh5yr Рік тому +8

    Wow....I never really realized how beautiful her voice was.❤🙏✌️

  • @nigelarbury9989
    @nigelarbury9989 Рік тому +10

    This is Cillas, no matter how good Dionne is and she is special, this song belongs to Cilla❤

  • @MsLynco
    @MsLynco 6 років тому +12

    just thee most beautiful song ...ever!!!! and belongs to Miss White, forever

    • @dean5220
      @dean5220 2 роки тому

      Hello Lynn, How are you doing?

  • @lindalambert8642
    @lindalambert8642 Рік тому +2

    A Legend 😘

  • @StellarFella
    @StellarFella 7 років тому +57

    1966!!!! The music was stupendous. Born Free, Georgy Girl, and Alfie are three timeless classics. 1966/67 represented the period of a cultural crescendo in art and music that was negated by the sour experience of Vietnam.

    • @chazwalker7156
      @chazwalker7156 6 років тому +2

      Cecil Treadwell Nice one Cecil - and what about Lulu's 'To Sir With Love' 1967? Beautiful sounds that certainly depict that era, against the backdrop of what you say there - wonder how today's nonsense will be reflected?

    • @aladdinsane5448
      @aladdinsane5448 6 років тому +1

      Cecil Treadwell AN AMAZING TIME TO BE YOUNG AND ALIVE.

    • @FeedScrn
      @FeedScrn 6 років тому +1

      Cecil Treadwell - The war was one thing. Then it was Nixon. Then it was the civil 'rights'
      movement. Then it was the Fair Housing Act - which was not Fair, because it was invoked only when
      a non-white wanted to move into a white neigh (because the opposite almost never happened) (destroyed many nice neighborhoods)., Then it was the riots of 1967 and the aftereffects, then it was waves of drugs, pimps, etc...
      But back before all this happened, it was a time of innocence. Raindrops fall on my head / Alfie /
      Do you know the way to San Jose? / classics from a short, distant era.

    • @larciabella
      @larciabella 6 років тому

      yep I agree with my goosebumps just thinking about those WONDER years.

    • @FeedScrn
      @FeedScrn 6 років тому

      Iarciabella - Thank You.

  • @IsItTrue1
    @IsItTrue1 6 місяців тому +1

    I saw Alfie film and enjoyed the song by Cilla back then. Recently I heard Cynthia Erivo sing it and thought great song again. I then went back to Cilla,s version, and Cilla nails it. Pure.

  • @carmie9400
    @carmie9400 Рік тому +26

    Love Cilla’s version of this - such a magnificent voice & Burt’s arrangement is superb. ❤

    • @jennywatkins6266
      @jennywatkins6266 11 місяців тому +1

      Me too. Love Dionne but she doesn't come close to Cilla on this song for me.

  • @shenickpop1694
    @shenickpop1694 Рік тому +2

    Love this version.

  • @TheGerry3950
    @TheGerry3950 Рік тому +5

    this is THE ORIGINAL recording of this song!!

  • @rbcoysspursforlife3697
    @rbcoysspursforlife3697 3 роки тому +4

    Cilla singing this song brings me back to another time and place.

  • @musicrocksoffical
    @musicrocksoffical Рік тому +4

    ❤❤❤Cilla❤❤❤

  • @imeldaennis3220
    @imeldaennis3220 5 років тому +22

    Without true love you just exist...great song...Brilliant rendition... Rip Cilla 💙

  • @edwinflower
    @edwinflower Рік тому +3

    Golden days.
    God Bless you both.

  • @albinosugar
    @albinosugar Рік тому +3

    Brilliant singer ❤

  • @fredharris2783
    @fredharris2783 4 роки тому +5

    My favourite song of Cilla's