Stunningly great. There is nothing like this today. Nothing. Academy Award winning and biggest selling singer of all time, Bing Crosby, fabulous dancer and a key cast member of The Wizard of Oz, Ray Bolger, and playing piano for them, Academy Award winning artist, Marvin Hamlish. Wonderful!
Wonderful job. These men and others have brought us the joy of entertainment by sharing their amazing gifts. In case someone would like to croon along, see the lyrics below: Lyrics of "The Only Way to Go" by Bing Crosby verse: Like most people ever were I'm not a millionaire But what will shock the western world Is I don't even care chorus: And it's the only way to go And it's the only dream I know verse: I'm contented just to be Uncomplicated me So don't dig any deeper What you get is what you see And I'm the only man you'll find Who like nothing on his mind verse: Pull three chairs, draw me a beer Watch my dreams become real Oh no, please don't go I wanna tell you how happy I feel verse: Like there's nothing much to lose I never get to blues When you've been down as long as me Then everything is good news chorus: And that's the only way to go And it's the only dream I know verse: Heaven above, winter or fall The season's all the same to me I'm just having a fling, summer or spring I'm just swimming along and I'm free verseWe'll be happy 'til we die My foolish dreams and I relaxing 'Til it takes us to that bar up in the sky chorus: And that's the only way to go And it's the only dream I know. Writer(s): Marvin Hamlisch, Timothy Miles Bindon Rice www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Bing-Crosby/The-Only-Way-to-Go
I remember reading an interview with Ray in his last years saying he'd long suffered from arthritis, but believed stretching and dancing over the pain helped him fight it back. I also found this old interview quote I'd saved in some Oz stuff, "I must not accept weakness. I cannot give in to weakness of mind or body. Once I had a temperature of 102 and I did the show anyway." He admitted he never cared about wealth or fame. "Love from an audience is a superior form of human communication. I do not want that love to stop." An amazing human being, and he'd be so thrilled to know that decades after his death, that love still grows with new people.
Wonderful quotes - that's the only healthy attitude to a performing career. Astounding performance from both these men, with so many years of experience between them.
Many, many years ago I worked in the garment district in NYC. I attended a trade show and Ray Bolger turned out to be the entertainment. Imagine my utter joy to see the Scarecrow in person! He was absolutely delightful.
@@leeannhelvenston5435 Yes, he was. I also had the honor of seeing Bing Crosby perform in NYC, with his wife and family, in a Christmas concert in the late 1970's. It was great growing up in New York. I went to the Broadway shows all the time and met many wonderful performers. No security issues back then.
When stars were just that STARS! Bing and Ray were in a class all their own. I've always loved Ray Bolger. He was such a gentlemen and not to mention a man of incredible talent. He was MUCH more than "The Scarecrow". He was a powerhouse who I've admired since I was a little girl. May his memory live on.
Awesome blast from the past. My mother usually put us to bed before she would watch Johnny Carson. I was eight years old at the time. Blessed be ALL of their memories! They are missed!
unreal. the look on Carson's face when they come back to the desk really says it all. translation: when this generation departs you'll never see this type of stuff again. sure, there will always be other great talents, but since the world is always changing, the talents from new generations will inevitably manifest itself differently as they won't have the vaudevilles and one nighters their predecessors were weaned on.
I have the whole episode, and it was a gem. Bing sang a great old tune, "Where the Mornin' Glories Grow," and one would absolutely amazed at his intellect and insight. He was talking about his appearances on "The American Sporstman" hosted by Curt Gowdy, and talking in depth about the environment and just really a side of Bing that most people would never see. Bing and Bolger were likely about the same age, since this was '76, Bing was 73 & he would actually pass away the next year. RIP Bing!
It's been at least 75 years, but it's still a small thrill to see the classic soft-shoe break my father taught me done by a big star in a film or on TV.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this clip!!!! Two amazing performers with such incredible chemistry. Old vaudevillians showing with absolute charm performing. Thank you SOOOO much for posting this. This is my favorite Bing performance after the 1950s. He still had it. I'd shake your hand in appreciation if I could.
R.I.P. Marvelous Marvin.... Needless to say, performers like these gentlemen are vanishing. Not too many true magnetic performers, with an impresive body of work, are showcased on TV anymore. Pray to God we can enjoy the likes of Ben Vereen, Chita, Liza, Joel Grey for as long as possible; and let's hope the new generations of well rounded 'triple-threat' performers (the likes of Sutton Foster, Neil Patrick Harris) can always find find venues to show their talents.
Paul, "The Only Way To Go" was written by Marvin Hamlisch and Tim Rice for the Jack Lemmon TV version of THE ENTERTAINER. That's why it was so easy for him to play...the man wrote it.
R.I.P. Bing Crosby (1903-1977), Ray Bolger (1904-1987), Johnny Carson (1925-2005) and Marvin Hamlisch (1944-2012). Four great talented people gone but not forgotten. Bing Crosby and Johnny Carson lived around average life expectancy. Ray Bolger lived to the ripe old age of 83 and Marvin Hamlisch died so young last year at the age of only 68!!!!!!!!
This entire show is available as part of The Tonight Show Vault series, no. 5 DVD set. It has the whole show with Bing, Ray, Marvin, and Burt Mustin. Completely uncut. I have it and highly recommend it. You can get it on Amazon. Truly, one of the best Tonight Shows ever!!
Woah! Its like standing on the sidewalk looking up at a skyscraper theyre just that big of a talent. U dont get guys like this anymore. Pioneers of entertainment. Cowboys of yesterday whos done set off into their own sunset leaving their mark of legacy that cant b duplicated.
I love the old-school entertainers. Today they call them 'triple-threats,' but I get the feeling even though I didn't live back then that it was simply a given that you generally had to sing AND dance AND act to really make it in show business. I think about Danny Kaye specifically, but there are countless others who just brought everything to the table.
+LordRufus I don't know if you had to do both, Lord, but it helped. Frank sang and I guess he danced a little, and Fred Astaire danced better than anyone (Gene Kelly very close second) AND sang too. It reminds me of what Jackie Gleason said on "The Tonight Show" in 1985; that lots of comics have made good careers playing serious parts, but he never saw a serious actor become a comic. You needed the gibbs AND cutlets back then.
Ray Bolger was amazing, yet years after OZ he can still dance the same. He was very fit & looked after himself. Also, very sad about Marvin. His passing was a shock & Barbra Streisand misses him terribly. They were very close.
I so appreciate this clip...............BUT, is there any way to have the whole hour and a half? Bing was terrific, showed his aplomb with words, phrasing, and sings a tune as well. Bing was likely the ONLY ONE of his genre---crooning--that was trained in the Classics at both high school and Gonzaga Jesuit College--Latin, Classical literature, World History, Linguistics, just read another book on him, and this is why if one listens to the old Kraft Music Hall (Radio broadcasts), you can see where he is quite intelligent, resourceful and can phrase things with wit and grace. Loved Ray Bolger also on his bit--------the WHOLE SHOW is something to treasure!!!!! If you enjoyed this clip--please hope someone on UA-cam can post the whole 1974 (I think it was 74) Tonight Show.
Hey Skippy, I was but 5 when Bing passed on, yet, when at 16 I commandeered my Dad's copy of his 'Merry Christmas' album, I was hooked, and have been since. Class and dignity are what comes to mind when I think of Bing. Friends whom I introduced to his music have been instantly captivated. You, and my Dad who is now 77, are fortunate to have lived in his times. I really cannot imagine that we will ever see his like again. May I ask where you live? I live in India.
Holy Canoli, I remember this!!! I mean, I saw the film they're promoting (wouldn't mind seeing THAT again) and I remember seeing this when it was first on, especially Carson's "Thanks, we'll call you. NEXT!" which I found hilarious then, as now. If I'm not mistaken Hamlisch was earlier talking about how he'd been approached for a sequel to "The Way We Were" "What are they going to call it?" he asked, "The Way We Was?". but I digress....thanks for posting this!
Like most people every where I′m not a millioniare But what will shock the western world Is I don't even care And it′s the only way to go And it's the only dream I know I'm contented just to be uncomplicated me So don′t dig any deeper What you get is what you see And I′m the only man you'll find Who like nothing on his mind three cheers, hand me a beer Watch my dreams become real Oh no, please don′t go I wanna tell you how happy I feel Like there's nothing much to lose I never get to blues When you′ve been down as long as me Then everything's good news And that's the only way to go And it′s the only dream I know Heaven above, winter or fall The season's all the same to me I'm just having a fling, summer or spring I′m just swimming along and I′m free We'll be happy ′til we die My foolish dreams and I relaxing 'Til it takes us to that bar up in the sky And that′s the only way to go And it's the only dream I know
fabulous. Hamlisch was a great accompanist (Bolger flubbed a line?) and Bing was in much better voice than many times in those last years. Besides his dancing, Bolger had a fine resonant voice, didn't he
This had to be one of Bing's last appearances on TV, wasn't it? Marvin Hamlisch was a contestant on the August 6, 2012 episode of Celebrity Bucket Kickers.
Well Bing still has his voice, and Ray still has his dance moves. And then there is Smilin' Marvin wondering what he is doing at a piano playing an old vaudville number from the late 1920's
And this children, is why you shouldn't "retire". My father-in-law is younger than these guys are and he retired from accounting and can barely walk to the mailbox without getting winded. Granted, some folks have better genes, but Bing I know had quite a few troubles along the way up to this point in time.
It's a costuming issue. that's why Gene Kelly wore white socks. It they had lit Ray's dark feet on a dark floor the light bounce would have been your complaint.
R.I.P. Bing Crosby (1903-1977), Ray Bolger (1904-1987), Johnny Carson (1925-2005) and Marvin Hamlisch (1944-2012). Four great talented people gone but not forgotten. Bing Crosby and Johnny Carson lived around the average life expectancy for an American. Ray Bolger lived to the ripe old age of 83 and Marvin Hamlisch died so young 4 years ago at the age of only 68 years old!!!!!!!! :(
Stunningly great. There is nothing like this today. Nothing. Academy Award winning and biggest selling singer of all time, Bing Crosby, fabulous dancer and a key cast member of The Wizard of Oz, Ray Bolger, and playing piano for them, Academy Award winning artist, Marvin Hamlish. Wonderful!
Wonderful job. These men and others have brought us the joy of entertainment by sharing their amazing gifts.
In case someone would like to croon along, see the lyrics below:
Lyrics of "The Only Way to Go" by Bing Crosby
verse:
Like most people ever were
I'm not a millionaire
But what will shock the western world
Is I don't even care
chorus:
And it's the only way to go
And it's the only dream I know
verse:
I'm contented just to be
Uncomplicated me
So don't dig any deeper
What you get is what you see
And I'm the only man you'll find
Who like nothing on his mind
verse:
Pull three chairs, draw me a beer
Watch my dreams become real
Oh no, please don't go
I wanna tell you how happy I feel
verse:
Like there's nothing much to lose
I never get to blues
When you've been down as long as me
Then everything is good news
chorus:
And that's the only way to go
And it's the only dream I know
verse:
Heaven above, winter or fall
The season's all the same to me
I'm just having a fling, summer or spring
I'm just swimming along and I'm free
verseWe'll be happy 'til we die
My foolish dreams and I relaxing
'Til it takes us to that bar up in the sky
chorus:
And that's the only way to go
And it's the only dream I know.
Writer(s): Marvin Hamlisch, Timothy Miles Bindon Rice
www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Bing-Crosby/The-Only-Way-to-Go
I remember reading an interview with Ray in his last years saying he'd long suffered from arthritis, but believed stretching and dancing over the pain helped him fight it back. I also found this old interview quote I'd saved in some Oz stuff, "I must not accept weakness. I cannot give in to weakness of mind or body. Once I had a temperature of 102 and I did the show anyway." He admitted he never cared about wealth or fame. "Love from an audience is a superior form of human communication. I do not want that love to stop." An amazing human being, and he'd be so thrilled to know that decades after his death, that love still grows with new people.
Wonderful quotes - that's the only healthy attitude to a performing career. Astounding performance from both these men, with so many years of experience between them.
Many, many years ago I worked in the garment district in NYC. I attended a trade show and Ray Bolger turned out to be the entertainment. Imagine my utter joy to see the Scarecrow in person! He was absolutely delightful.
Wow!! He was so talented and adorable.
@@leeannhelvenston5435 Yes, he was. I also had the honor of seeing Bing Crosby perform in NYC, with his wife and family, in a Christmas concert in the late 1970's. It was great growing up in New York. I went to the Broadway shows all the time and met many wonderful performers. No security issues back then.
Like the old saying goes "They don't make 'em like that anymore." Thanks for sharing such precious memories.
They're all gone now -- Bing, Ray Bolger, Marvin Hamlisch and Johnny Carson. Thank God for UA-cam.
Marvin died relatively young
Same!
When stars were just that STARS! Bing and Ray were in a class all their own. I've always loved Ray Bolger. He was such a gentlemen and not to mention a man of incredible talent. He was MUCH more than "The Scarecrow". He was a powerhouse who I've admired since I was a little girl.
May his memory live on.
I feel the very same way you do about Ray Bolger!!! I've loved him since I was a little girl too.
Awesome blast from the past. My mother usually put us to bed before she would watch Johnny Carson. I was eight years old at the time. Blessed be ALL of their memories! They are missed!
Their voices are still in such good shape
Pure class and the antithesis of modern late night television.
unreal. the look on Carson's face when they come back to the desk really says it all. translation: when this generation departs you'll never see this type of stuff again. sure, there will always be other great talents, but since the world is always changing, the talents from new generations will inevitably manifest itself differently as they won't have the vaudevilles and one nighters their predecessors were weaned on.
Wow! When we actually had talent to be seen, heard and experienced on television.
Two of the all time great entertainers and The Entertainer. What a trio.
I have the whole episode, and it was a gem. Bing sang a great old tune, "Where the Mornin' Glories Grow," and one would absolutely amazed at his intellect and insight. He was talking about his appearances on "The American Sporstman" hosted by Curt Gowdy, and talking in depth about the environment and just really a side of Bing that most people would never see. Bing and Bolger were likely about the same age, since this was '76, Bing was 73 & he would actually pass away the next year. RIP Bing!
Marvelous
When entertainment was entertaining! Makes me smile and feel good all over!
It's been at least 75 years, but it's still a small thrill to see the classic soft-shoe break my father taught me done by a big star in a film or on TV.
OMG the damn tributes and stuff for Hamlisch have me in tears. Miss him so much, he was the most amazing and adorable man ever.
Awwwww....so good.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this clip!!!! Two amazing performers with such incredible chemistry. Old vaudevillians showing with absolute charm performing. Thank you SOOOO much for posting this. This is my favorite Bing performance after the 1950s. He still had it. I'd shake your hand in appreciation if I could.
Believe it or not, there's even more to this. A solo song by Crosby and solo dance by Bolger.
Wonderful! We may never see their like again =(
Marvlin Hamlisch shows true professionalism in this clip. R.I.P. !
Such an uplifting clip. Such talent.... R.I.P. Mr. Hamlisch.
Priceless...
My gosh, I wrote that 7 years ago! Johnny Carson's tagline was great: "We'll call you. Next!"
Amazing! 3 legends! Love Ray...74 and moves like a young buck! Good luck coming across a trio with equivalent talent as these guys!
R.I.P. Marvelous Marvin.... Needless to say, performers like these gentlemen are vanishing. Not too many true magnetic performers, with an impresive body of work, are showcased on TV anymore. Pray to God we can enjoy the likes of Ben Vereen, Chita, Liza, Joel Grey for as long as possible; and let's hope the new generations of well rounded 'triple-threat' performers (the likes of Sutton Foster, Neil Patrick Harris) can always find find venues to show their talents.
An absolute treasure........the best of the best!!!!!
Paul, "The Only Way To Go" was written by Marvin Hamlisch and Tim Rice for the Jack Lemmon TV version of THE ENTERTAINER. That's why it was so easy for him to play...the man wrote it.
Talent such as this doesn't exist anymore
It does. It's just not appreciated.
I remember seeing this when it was originally broadcast. I smiled then, I'm smiling now.:)
An absolute delight
Pure entertainment. A lost art on these so-called talk shows of today
This really is wonderful. God bless you all. Good by Marvin. RIP
What a great combination! But, who could dislike? Thanks for this work.
this is why carson is the forever king of late night.this is when stars were STARS.
R.I.P. Bing Crosby (1903-1977), Ray Bolger (1904-1987), Johnny Carson (1925-2005) and Marvin Hamlisch (1944-2012). Four great talented people gone but not forgotten. Bing Crosby and Johnny Carson lived around average life expectancy. Ray Bolger lived to the ripe old age of 83 and Marvin Hamlisch died so young last year at the age of only 68!!!!!!!!
Wow! Show business legends captured on tape. Must-see viewing for every American.
National treasures.
This entire show is available as part of The Tonight Show Vault series, no. 5 DVD set. It has the whole show with Bing, Ray, Marvin, and Burt Mustin. Completely uncut. I have it and highly recommend it. You can get it on Amazon. Truly, one of the best Tonight Shows ever!!
That was awesome, the Scarecrow & Bing!
This is absolutely one of the best things on UA-cam.
Woah! Its like standing on the sidewalk looking up at a skyscraper theyre just that big of a talent. U dont get guys like this anymore. Pioneers of entertainment. Cowboys of yesterday whos done set off into their own sunset leaving their mark of legacy that cant b duplicated.
Lovely!
A triumvirate of 20th century musical mega-talents!
Legends!
I love the old-school entertainers. Today they call them 'triple-threats,' but I get the feeling even though I didn't live back then that it was simply a given that you generally had to sing AND dance AND act to really make it in show business. I think about Danny Kaye specifically, but there are countless others who just brought everything to the table.
+LordRufus I don't know if you had to do both, Lord, but it helped. Frank sang and I guess he danced a little, and Fred Astaire danced better than anyone (Gene Kelly very close second) AND sang too. It reminds me of what Jackie Gleason said on "The Tonight Show" in 1985; that lots of comics have made good careers playing serious parts, but he never saw a serious actor become a comic. You needed the gibbs AND cutlets back then.
Wow! made me feel great seeing this! Talent, star power and class is not made like this anymore.
Thank you so very much for posting this. Thank you.
Ray Bolger was around 72 years old in this clip. 72 years old. And he made that little tap routine look easy. How impressive is that!?
Ah, this was WONDERFUL! Thanks for sharing!
Why can't we have that today? What's happened to our world?
Ray Bolger was amazing, yet years after OZ he can still dance the same. He was very fit & looked after himself. Also, very sad about Marvin. His passing was a shock & Barbra Streisand misses him terribly. They were very close.
I so appreciate this clip...............BUT, is there any way to have the whole hour and a half? Bing was terrific, showed his aplomb with words, phrasing, and sings a tune as well. Bing was likely the ONLY ONE of his genre---crooning--that was trained in the Classics at both high school and Gonzaga Jesuit College--Latin, Classical literature, World History, Linguistics, just read another book on him, and this is why if one listens to the old Kraft Music Hall (Radio broadcasts), you can see where he is quite intelligent, resourceful and can phrase things with wit and grace. Loved Ray Bolger also on his bit--------the WHOLE SHOW is something to treasure!!!!! If you enjoyed this clip--please hope someone on UA-cam can post the whole 1974 (I think it was 74) Tonight Show.
March 5 1976
Hey Skippy, I was but 5 when Bing passed on, yet, when at 16 I commandeered my Dad's copy of his 'Merry Christmas' album, I was hooked, and have been since. Class and dignity are what comes to mind when I think of Bing. Friends whom I introduced to his music have been instantly captivated. You, and my Dad who is now 77, are fortunate to have lived in his times. I really cannot imagine that we will ever see his like again. May I ask where you live? I live in India.
RIP MARVIN SIR 8/8/2012
Holy Canoli, I remember this!!! I mean, I saw the film they're promoting (wouldn't mind seeing THAT again) and I remember seeing this when it was first on, especially Carson's "Thanks, we'll call you. NEXT!" which I found hilarious then, as now. If I'm not mistaken Hamlisch was earlier talking about how he'd been approached for a sequel to "The Way We Were" "What are they going to call it?" he asked, "The Way We Was?".
but I digress....thanks for posting this!
Like most people every where
I′m not a millioniare
But what will shock the western world
Is I don't even care
And it′s the only way to go
And it's the only dream I know
I'm contented just to be uncomplicated me
So don′t dig any deeper
What you get is what you see
And I′m the only man you'll find
Who like nothing on his mind
three cheers, hand me a beer
Watch my dreams become real
Oh no, please don′t go
I wanna tell you how happy I feel
Like there's nothing much to lose
I never get to blues
When you′ve been down as long as me
Then everything's good news
And that's the only way to go
And it′s the only dream I know
Heaven above, winter or fall
The season's all the same to me
I'm just having a fling, summer or spring
I′m just swimming along and I′m free
We'll be happy ′til we die
My foolish dreams and I relaxing
'Til it takes us to that bar up in the sky
And that′s the only way to go
And it's the only dream I know
fabulous. Hamlisch was a great accompanist (Bolger flubbed a line?) and Bing was in much better voice than many times in those last years. Besides his dancing, Bolger had a fine resonant voice, didn't he
WONDERFUL!
Does anyone know if the sheet music is available for this song? Please let me know!
Thank you
This had to be one of Bing's last appearances on TV, wasn't it? Marvin Hamlisch was a contestant on the August 6, 2012 episode of Celebrity Bucket Kickers.
Well Bing still has his voice, and Ray still has his dance moves. And then there is Smilin' Marvin wondering what he is doing at a piano playing an old vaudville number from the late 1920's
I believe Marvin WROTE this, but in that style.
And this children, is why you shouldn't "retire". My father-in-law is younger than these guys are and he retired from accounting and can barely walk to the mailbox without getting winded. Granted, some folks have better genes, but Bing I know had quite a few troubles along the way up to this point in time.
could some one please tell me where the song that they are singing comes from thanks.
It's a costuming issue. that's why Gene Kelly wore white socks. It they had lit Ray's dark feet on a dark floor the light bounce would have been your complaint.
It's a costuming issue. He wore dark shoes/ slacks on a black floor. If they had lit his feet, the floor light bounce would have been the complaint.
Ray had so much talent, may not be appreciated so much, because it was more like valdville slap stick talent.
Ray doesn't look 72 at all here!
The abashed growth acly pack because pollution anecdotally signal on a stereotyped trail. nutritious, petite keyboarding
R.I.P. Bing Crosby (1903-1977), Ray Bolger (1904-1987), Johnny Carson (1925-2005) and Marvin Hamlisch (1944-2012). Four great talented people gone but not forgotten. Bing Crosby and Johnny Carson lived around the average life expectancy for an American. Ray Bolger lived to the ripe old age of 83 and Marvin Hamlisch died so young 4 years ago at the age of only 68 years old!!!!!!!! :(