Wow, Paul has crammed a full orchestra in there. But this song deserves it. IMO the greatest song of the sixties. It could not have been written any other time.
@MrTomengle Me as well...and I'm a 78 y/o guy, and I've loved it forever. Please consider listening to Donna Summer's disco version on UA-cam. It too, brings tears to my eyes. Kindest regards from N.Kentucky USA Y'All 🇺🇸. ❤
I keep coming back to this song. I have listened to it probably 100 times. I've commented on it several times, but seriosuly I cannot express how much this song moves me. I will always listen to it, and the bit about "there will be another song for me, someone will sing it..." I cannot express how THANKFUL I am that artists could express this emotion, to write it, and then the way Will SINGS it. It makes me weep. Thank you, artists, gentlemen and gentleladies for moving me to tears. I love you for it.
I keep coming back too. It's phenomenal. What's interesting to me its that back in the 1970s this song did nothing for me. But with the benefit of this orchestration, it came alive. Magical!
For me, the best version is Jimmy's on 10 Easy Pieces. I remember exactly where I was the first time I heard this song as a high school junior on family vacation. 1968. Still moves me, the passion. And to have composed that at such an early age is unimaginable to me.
I played the tympanies (kettle drums) in our high school symphonic band back in 1976 to this song. I feel blessed to have been a teenager growing up in the 70`s. Life was simpler and safer then. What a great decade. This song brings tears of joy.
I think I heard the wrecking crew was there for a few days. I think Richard Harris said they went out a bit. But the production by Jimmy Webb. A true masterpiece.
The Wrecking Crew, what a great documentary that was! Such talented musicians. And such a masterpiece song, esp when you know the story behind it, per J Webb's interview. R. Harris' studio version is the ONLY one!
That final note is legendary. I'd always heard Richard Harris has "help" in the form of a brass accompaniment to reach that note but Bill Lee absolutely nails it. Still one of my favorite songs of all time. No one but Webb could have composed it.
Holy crap! I had no idea Will could sing like that. I’m impressed he got up to those high notes at the end, but his voice sounds best around the 1:51 mark. Mighty powerful and moving performance!
Its taken me a while to understand this song. Being born in '81 I haven't heard anything like this in my lifetime. I must say Will Lee did a good job singing this. After learning why Jimmy Webb wrote this song, it makes me think of my first love and how hard the break up was.
Listen to Jimmy Webb's solo piano version from the 60s (not Ten Easy Pieces). Probably my favorite of all. Offbeat, with great feeling, surpassing others because we see more deeply into the composer's soul.
i remember when the richard harris version came out i was 18 years old and didn't know what to make of it but i went out and got the album and i still love it, a masterpiece by jimmy webb and really well done here.
You can hear the backup singers on Richard Harris’ version. I can’t tell if Will Lee had any electronic help, and this was a live performance . But you can watch his breathing and tell he’s singing all those last notes. Amazing falsetto!
This was so. So we’ll done it seemed beyond the late show. Carnegie Hall! Brilliant. Have never heard it done better. Remember playing it in high school band. What a tune and Will Lee. Bravo!!! Bravo Bravo!
@@johntechwriter Now that's one I never thought of! Or Bochelli? Will's not the strongest vocalist, but better than Donna Summer's or Glen Campbell's versions. The best I've heard is Jimmy do it himself...I like his interpretations of his own work in most cases.
Always loved this song and Richard Harris made is own until i heard Will Lee sing it absolutely fantastic voice and wow a full orchestra and obviously the amazing Paul Shaffer and the great Jimmy Webb fantastic
This was a Big moment in Will Lee's career , to sing on National TV . A show he has work on with Paul Shaffer's band for many years and David Letterman barely give him a Shout out. Am I wrong. This was a Great Performance by an Non Singer who just wanted to do this Song with Jimmy Webb on the stage
Beautiful composition! Absolutely stunned when I saw the new beetlejuice movie and the entire song was the ending of the movie with the huge cake and green icing flowing down. Brilliant ❤
Yes. Almost 2 octaves above middle C, making it a Bb6 in scientific pitch notation; right at the top end of the male falsetto. At first I thought a female soprano was providing all those final notes, but no it was Will!
My personal "favorite" is the second Waylon Jennings version "revisited" (no Kimberleys). This gives me a completely different set of "feels". Good but different. I was in high school when it was first released - we have history.
we used to call the oldies channel back in 1990/91 at midnight and request this song. the dj then had time to jump in his car and run down to the mcdonalds to get some drive through. but they wouldnt play it for us during the day because it was so long
Linda música, mas a performance de Richard Harrys não tem igual.......me transportou a minha adolescência e Harrys era um homem lindo, carismático e com um voz inigualável.........saudades muitas! ❤😢😊
I was 17 years old in 1968 when I first heard this song on the radio I remember being puzzled and confused by it , then being indifferent about it .. 56 years later , Im still indifferent about hearing it ...Its a weird song but then again its not .. I will not go out of my way to hear it , if its on I wil sort of listen to it ..but I like Richard Harris
This song was considered very controversial back in the 60's because you were not allowed to say 'pants' on the radio. Coincidentally Richard Harris released this song in the same month that cooking guru Julia Child was fined by the FCC for saying the word 'nutmeat' on live television. 🤣
I think this is the medium to announce that I might, may, could be thinking of becoming gay. I don't think anyone might/may/could notice until my deathbed.
Wow, Paul has crammed a full orchestra in there. But this song deserves it. IMO the greatest song of the sixties. It could not have been written any other time.
Amen. I agree 100%.
Brings tears to this old guys eyes......what a song.
@MrTomengle Me as well...and I'm a 78 y/o guy, and I've loved it forever. Please consider listening to Donna Summer's disco version on UA-cam. It too, brings tears to my eyes. Kindest regards from N.Kentucky USA Y'All 🇺🇸. ❤
The genius of Jimmy Webb!
I keep coming back to this song. I have listened to it probably 100 times. I've commented on it several times, but seriosuly I cannot express how much this song moves me. I will always listen to it, and the bit about "there will be another song for me, someone will sing it..." I cannot express how THANKFUL I am that artists could express this emotion, to write it, and then the way Will SINGS it. It makes me weep. Thank you, artists, gentlemen and gentleladies for moving me to tears. I love you for it.
I keep coming back too. It's phenomenal. What's interesting to me its that back in the 1970s this song did nothing for me. But with the benefit of this orchestration, it came alive. Magical!
I’ve listened about 15 times…. Just found this recently!
@@rockslide4802 la meilleure interprétation - et de très loin- est celle de Richard Harris !!!
For me, the best version is Jimmy's on 10 Easy Pieces. I remember exactly where I was the first time I heard this song as a high school junior on family vacation. 1968. Still moves me, the passion. And to have composed that at such an early age is unimaginable to me.
Outstanding work.........Felicia Collins on Guitar, btw! 4:40
One of the most iconic songs of the era.
I played Bass on this song and others... in the School Orchestra at 15 yrs old (1974). What a great time in life!
I played the tympanies (kettle drums) in our high school symphonic band back in 1976 to this song. I feel blessed to have been a teenager growing up in the 70`s. Life was simpler and safer then. What a great decade. This song brings tears of joy.
" The Wrecking Crew" flew to London for backup in the original Richard Harris version and nailed it in one take.
i dont think so. they cut the music here and fly the tapes over there.
I think I heard the wrecking crew was there for a few days. I think Richard Harris said they went out a bit. But the production by Jimmy Webb. A true masterpiece.
The Wrecking Crew, what a great documentary that was! Such talented musicians. And such a masterpiece song, esp when you know the story behind it, per J Webb's interview. R. Harris' studio version is the ONLY one!
Not everybody gets it...but I do...great song...and a great job by Will...
I'd be very hard pressed to choose between this and Glenn Campbell's version as my favorite. What a great performance.
Me too. Glen's vocals are virtually flawless and his guitar solo, epic!
I'm very impressed by this performance and production. I don't give accolades whimsically.
That final note is legendary. I'd always heard Richard Harris has "help" in the form of a brass accompaniment to reach that note but Bill Lee absolutely nails it. Still one of my favorite songs of all time. No one but Webb could have composed it.
Holy crap! I had no idea Will could sing like that. I’m impressed he got up to those high notes at the end, but his voice sounds best around the 1:51 mark. Mighty powerful and moving performance!
In my opinion this is one of the best songs ever written and performed. This is Richard Harris song and he sang it with a heart full of passion.
He did.
Its taken me a while to understand this song. Being born in '81 I haven't heard anything like this in my lifetime. I must say Will Lee did a good job singing this. After learning why Jimmy Webb wrote this song, it makes me think of my first love and how hard the break up was.
Listen to Jimmy Webb's solo piano version from the 60s (not Ten Easy Pieces). Probably my favorite of all. Offbeat, with great feeling, surpassing others because we see more deeply into the composer's soul.
i remember when the richard harris version came out i was 18 years old and didn't know what to make of it but i went out and got the album and i still love it, a masterpiece by jimmy webb and really well done here.
This song is a masterpiece! Richard Harris owned this song ❤
That fkn very last note, Wil nails it, big time.... greetings from Melbourne Victoria Australia , Thursday August 15th 2024
Time now 12:14p.m.
Great performance guys! Best version of MacArthur Park. Ever. Nailed it!
Lee nailed the last note - Harris did not. He had backup singers. A true masterpiece.
Is that supposed to be a joke? This guy is barely on key.
that he hit that note is amazing
The falsetto was correct agreed. Still prefer Richard Harris’ vocal ….
You can hear the backup singers on Richard Harris’ version. I can’t tell if Will Lee had any electronic help, and this was a live performance . But you can watch his breathing and tell he’s singing all those last notes. Amazing falsetto!
Merry Clayton who sang backup on Gimmie Shelter was the person who hit that last note on the Richard Harris version.
Fabulous. I never appreciated this song in the 60s. But this performance brought it to life for me.
This was so. So we’ll done it seemed beyond the late show. Carnegie Hall! Brilliant. Have never heard it done better. Remember playing it in high school band. What a tune and Will Lee. Bravo!!! Bravo Bravo!
Great song no matter who performs it, in my opinion Richard Harris owns it ❤
Awesome job everyone. Excellent. Love Jimmy Webb
Brilliant.
A great performance Will, and even more so with the exceptional arrangement and orchestra that takes me back to the original. A masterpiece!
I’m with you on the score. But the singer is not remotely up to the task. I would love to have heard Pavarotti take a run at it.
@@johntechwriter Now that's one I never thought of! Or Bochelli? Will's not the strongest vocalist, but better than Donna Summer's or Glen Campbell's versions. The best I've heard is Jimmy do it himself...I like his interpretations of his own work in most cases.
Absolutely brilliant!
Just a wonderful and beautifully done rendention.
My all time favorite!
Wow, that was great!❤
Very nicely performed. The song is a monumentally great hit.
Totally completely incredible, the whole thing. Will was great.
Will Lee incredible ! great job!
Absolutely superb from everyone involved! Thanks for the upload. 😃
Everyone, please consider listening to Donna Summer's disco version on UA-cam. Very tastefully done...she has so much class! RIP, Donna. ⚘️❤️
Magnificent ❤
La mejor versión que escucho en años, muchas gracias!!!
Bravo a hundred times.❤
Will Lee car really sing those high notes at the end...Wow
The INCREDIBLE Will Lee
Bloody brilliant work 👏
An undeniable classic
Brilliantly done
The phenomenal music and a voice that comes so close to the amazing Richard Harris it’s mind blowing
Dave should have introduced the great Jimmy Webb standing right next to him but appeared to be overwhelmed by the moment. He can be forgiven for that.
Amazing.
Not to take away from the original Richard Harris, but dam!! This was played on am radio back in the day,full version and light my fire.
This is amazing.
Always loved this song and Richard Harris made is own until i heard Will Lee sing it absolutely fantastic voice and wow a full orchestra and obviously the amazing Paul Shaffer and the great Jimmy Webb fantastic
This was a Big moment in Will Lee's career , to sing on National TV . A show he has work on with Paul Shaffer's band for many years and David Letterman barely give him a Shout out. Am I wrong. This was a Great Performance by an Non Singer who just wanted to do this Song with Jimmy Webb on the stage
Beautiful composition! Absolutely stunned when I saw the new beetlejuice movie and the entire song was the ending of the movie with the huge cake and green icing flowing down. Brilliant ❤
1968 seems like it was from a different lifetime
Incredible!
Watch and enjoy people we will never have music like this on Late Night ever again. God love The Letterman Show...
Pleasing arrangement, over the top in parts as it should be. I was entertained.
That’s a Bb to finish. I liked it
Yes. Almost 2 octaves above middle C, making it a Bb6 in scientific pitch notation; right at the top end of the male falsetto.
At first I thought a female soprano was providing all those final notes, but no it was Will!
Great Performance!
Richard Harris is a King of the Key Changes.
He would do it right in the middle of a note
Felicia Collins getting a little shred time in. Will Lee with the falsetto..who knew?!
I went to UofMsame time Will Lee did. His father was a professor there. This version is astonishing.
I kind of like this song. It's pretty cool
My personal "favorite" is the second Waylon Jennings version "revisited" (no Kimberleys).
This gives me a completely different set of "feels". Good but different.
I was in high school when it was first released - we have history.
Brilliant gift to Harry!
Great !
5:45 of memories and tears
This is very good!
we used to call the oldies channel back in 1990/91 at midnight and request this song. the dj then had time to jump in his car and run down to the mcdonalds to get some drive through. but they wouldnt play it for us during the day because it was so long
Bravo
Fantastic.
Good God Almighty! Whoa!!!
That was awesome!!! 😊
Jimmy Webb is magic
Richard Harris epically aced this song and set the bar so high it’s a tough call to follow
Jurassic Park is frightening in the dark
Git after it, Will.
Wow!
Sure. Top that. F-ing great!
Linda música, mas a performance de Richard Harrys não tem igual.......me transportou a minha adolescência e Harrys era um homem lindo, carismático e com um voz inigualável.........saudades muitas! ❤😢😊
WOW!!
i prefer richard harris on SCTV doing his live version on Mels Rock Pile
Holy shoot.
Well, there goes my UA-cam algorithm
Wow
Fantastic performance 🎭 David Letterman is a great talk show host and a great father 🧑.
Will Lee was a MASTER!!!!
He used to play with the Brecker Brothers. He'd sing in a deeper raspy voice.
Richard Harris did the best version
He also did the worst version...he couldn't sing heh
Didn't know than anyone could hit all those notes'
A tour de force. What an amazing composition
I was 17 years old in 1968 when I first heard this song on the radio
I remember being puzzled and confused by it , then being indifferent about it ..
56 years later , Im still indifferent about hearing it ...Its a weird song but then again its not ..
I will not go out of my way to hear it , if its on I wil sort of listen to it ..but I like Richard Harris
surely something i didn't understand, what is the trip of the cake ?
The cake is a metaphor for the composer's girlfriend who left him.
@@futfut1 ...i'm french, sometimes there's things i don't catch easily ....thanks...
👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
This song was considered very controversial back in the 60's because you were not allowed to say 'pants' on the radio. Coincidentally Richard Harris released this song in the same month that cooking guru Julia Child was fined by the FCC for saying the word 'nutmeat' on live television. 🤣
A worldwide PANTS production
Who came here after seeing Beetlejuice Beetlejuice 😂
Dave getting his Grandma to sing the song was amazing
Its a love story, ie. I cant get that recipe again
I think this is the medium to announce that I might, may, could be thinking of becoming gay.
I don't think anyone might/may/could notice until my deathbed.
Não sabia que o Paulo Nunes cantava. Kkķkkk
Well...... that was ambitious.....
Any idea what year this took place?
2 014
7:14
Not as good as Richard Harris. But still very well sang
Looks like he’s wearing those gag fake black glasses mustache things.