The pure child-like joy that sweeps over Yo-Yo Ma's face during the performance - I hope everyone gets to experience that sort of happiness sometime in their lives. It's contagious.
Oh my goodness... the AMAZING George Harrison’s song, the incredible Ma, the purity of James Taylor and an orchestra, young people and Elmo within that chorus? This is pure beauty and an amazing rendition for all to hear and feel!
This song was so near perfect in it's original state, it can be a little tough to hear any kind of liberties taken with it. I love Richie Havens' version. Nina Simone's is another. The 4 "suns" didn't sit right at first, but it fell into place after a couple of repetitions. This brought a tear to my eye. It blossomed sonically. Gorgeous.
James was just in my little S: Italian town---he was splendid!! He talked about the songs, joked a bit with the audience in not-so-bad Italian and at the end shocked all by coming to the front of the stage and signing autographs for all-and-sundry for a long time. I heard one guy comment "These Americans are incredible. Anybody else of his magnitude would have been hustled off by his bodyguards". I taught him the Italian for "lullabye": "ninna-nanna", to introduce "Sweet Baby James".
A wonderful arrangement. Using James' recording of the song with YoYo Ma, George's love of Indian music, the imagery of children and color and light (and Elmo, of course), the simple beauty of the song was heard as if through a kaleidoscope - different shadings, and shapes, and rhythmic surprises - sounds never heard before with this melody, all of it expanding from this quiet little tune of hope.
+Dr. Hugo Palma Espinosa I agree, Doc. Some of these folks apparently have no ear for music. And, btw, that "guy" was Yo Yo-Ma, arguably the best living cello player in the world.
this is , with no doubt, the most beautiful and difficult version to do of the Harrison´s theme, magistral arrangement of John Williams, the syncopated rhythm gives brigtness and remembers the the classical air of great musicians, from Bach to Gershwin, sure the very George Harrison would be pleased with it. greetings from Lima Peru
+SmD71nG You Owe your existence + that of yours to james taylor- (being a fan) I think he would be quite worried if he heard of such mindless idolatry- instead of living the meaning of those songs!
You have JOHN WILLIAMS conducting it, a CHILDREN'S CHOIR, instruments from around the WORLD, and JAMES TAYLOR singing a wonderful song by GEORGE HARRISON and playing his guitar with his memorable iconic voice. All of this to celebrate the TALENT of YO YO MA!!! WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR??
its so nourishing to see and hear an obviously extremely talented group of performers playing a song,in their own way,of one of this planets musical treasures,GH.This is a performance which honours all of us who want a happier and safer world for EVERYONE.just love one another.I feel so blessed to have seen this.
I like it so much!!! it is another way of playing music!!! and the played with an orchestra!!! what else do you want!!!! it is music!!! music!!! in its different ways
An excellent singer is singing an excellent song. Whenever I hear the vocal of James Taylor , I can feel the good heart of United of States of America. From Tokyo
James Taylor has always interpreted other's songs in his own way and I love each and every one of them. How sad if we all played everything the same way.
He's happily married to a lady who hooked him up orchestrally. Now this sort of thing is what he mostly does, and there is a new(er) album. The ultimate soother, we will never tire of James' voice and signature style. Thank you James Taylor for sticking around...always a pleasure.
First time listening was caught off guard by the change of the song and felt irritated that wasn't the same beloved song version expected to hear. James Taylorized the song, though I love James Taylor. Very much enjoyed watching expressions of appreciation by Yo-Yo Ma. Second time listened to the song, then let it wash over and appreciated the interplay of the excellent musicians and voices. I think when listen a third time that will fall in love with this version.
Ilike the Beatles still today, They wrote music for the whole world, for times. This Version of this song is wonderfull ! It will show you what wonderfull songwriter wrote this song 1968/1969....
We agree I first heard Here Come the Sun when I was 13 and each time I have heard it again it fills me with never ending joy and wonder that such a perfect song could have been written arranged and played.....funny thing is that I am a cellist and greatly admire Yo Yo Ma:) James seems to lag behind the whole song...but I still think that he is a genius...all I have to listen to You can close your eyes with Carly Simon and him playing at his house and time stops: pure manifestation of perfection.
you took the words out of my --- goose flesh!!!! I've loved JT's and Yo-Yo's collaboration on this since the first time I heard it. To see him clearly feeling humbled by this arrangement brought tears to my eyes. pure bliss!
I agree with both, purists and non-purist, in that everybody can have an opinion. When you play a cover you have to put your own print and that was extraordinarily done here. We need to be open to art. The original version is there forever and will always be untouchable, however this new version is like a brand new song. Just think like that...a brand new song by James Taylor. Wouldn't you like it? I dare to say that George Harrison who was James Taylor's personal friend would have love it. This is like drinking wine, sticking to the same and not trying new ones becomes boring. Love it! I love Harrison and I love Taylor...two contemporary geniuses.
@James Taylor no,Sir,I have not.I live in the Texas panhandle& I'm not much of traveler,and I don't think you ever played anywhere near here.But seeing one of your live concerts,would be awesome .I have seen some of your concerts on PBS though.I have enjoyed those.
The Kennedy Center honors five people (mostly Americans) in the performing arts (actors, singers, dancers, musicians) each year. The ceremony is held at the Kennedy Center in Washington with a two-hour program of music, comedy, dance, and stage performance broadcast on TV by CBS. It is a great honor, and the president attends. This was 2011. Honorees were: Yo Yo Ma, Barbara Cook, Meryl Streep, Ronny Rollins, Neil Diamond. James Taylor's performance was for the Yo-Yo Ma part of the ceremony.
Beautiful! James does the song in F major, due to his rather low voice.... ............George did it in A major...........James...........one of the lower beautiful male voices.........we love him so! A tribute worthy of George.................RIP...utter peace, George H!..
Divine talent. James Taylor. So humble, too. His smile is magical and his music is a gift to every human ear. He's one of a kind.
The pure child-like joy that sweeps over Yo-Yo Ma's face during the performance - I hope everyone gets to experience that sort of happiness sometime in their lives. It's contagious.
100%! Check out his reaction when Led Zeppelin are inducted and Heart sing Stairway. Best.thing.ever!
Well, you have to also consider that Yo-Yo Ma shows the same or greater joyful enthusiasm when a leaf falls to the ground.
Wonderful version. John Taylor and the orchestra are magnetic
its james taylor sorry
I can't get enough of listening to this. The cello intro is Sublime. It's my favourite song of all time.
So many references to George Harrison: the uke/banjo, the Indian notes from Within you etc.
This honorary must be an avid fan of George ❤️
Oh my goodness... the AMAZING George Harrison’s song, the incredible Ma, the purity of James Taylor and an orchestra, young people and Elmo within that chorus? This is pure beauty and an amazing rendition for all to hear and feel!
This song was so near perfect in it's original state, it can be a little tough to hear any kind of liberties taken with it.
I love Richie Havens' version. Nina Simone's is another.
The 4 "suns" didn't sit right at first, but it fell into place after a couple of repetitions.
This brought a tear to my eye. It blossomed sonically. Gorgeous.
Incredible version of this fabulous song, Love It
James was just in my little S: Italian town---he was splendid!! He talked about the songs, joked a bit with the audience in not-so-bad Italian and at the end shocked all by coming to the front of the stage and signing autographs for all-and-sundry for a long time. I heard one guy comment "These Americans are incredible. Anybody else of his magnitude would have been hustled off by his bodyguards".
I taught him the Italian for "lullabye": "ninna-nanna", to introduce "Sweet Baby James".
A wonderful arrangement. Using James' recording of the song with YoYo Ma, George's love of Indian music, the imagery of children and color and light (and Elmo, of course), the simple beauty of the song was heard as if through a kaleidoscope - different shadings, and shapes, and rhythmic surprises - sounds never heard before with this melody, all of it expanding from this quiet little tune of hope.
I don't understand why people hate this rendition so much... I love it!
Wonderful!, wonderful!, this song put tears on my eyes!
+Dr. Hugo Palma Espinosa I agree, Doc. Some of these folks apparently have no ear for music. And, btw, that "guy" was Yo Yo-Ma, arguably the best living cello player in the world.
this is , with no doubt, the most beautiful and difficult version to do of the Harrison´s theme, magistral arrangement of John Williams, the syncopated rhythm gives brigtness and remembers the the classical air of great musicians, from Bach to Gershwin, sure the very George Harrison would be pleased with it. greetings from Lima Peru
Hermoso comentario
Qué bonitos arreglos y la voz de James Taylor es insuperable.
This brought me to tears 😇
A WORK OF ART!
God bless you, George.
Fantastic interpretation...George would have been very impressed.
That smile on his face and the gratitude is why we are alive!
+SmD71nG You Owe your existence + that of yours to james taylor- (being a fan) I think he would be quite worried if he heard of such mindless idolatry- instead of living the meaning of those songs!
Just lovely beautiful and sweet💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜🌈🌈💞💞🌷🌷🌺🌺🌸
You have JOHN WILLIAMS conducting it, a CHILDREN'S CHOIR, instruments from around the WORLD, and JAMES TAYLOR singing a wonderful song by GEORGE HARRISON and playing his guitar with his memorable iconic voice. All of this to celebrate the TALENT of YO YO MA!!! WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR??
What a magnificent vídeo for those ones that music is our live. Thanks a lot for posting it!!
Why are they wearing those colors? the colors on Merryl's dress
The colors you see are part of the medal awarded to each Kennedy Center Honorees. If you look again, you'll see Yo Yo Ma wearing the same colors.
am excessively elated to see all these beautiful and talented people together...thank you for sharing this here!!!
great cover
Thanks
James Taylor & crew ✌🌻🌻🌻☀☀☀
Thank you, beautiful.
James!! Que hermoso que estás!! Hermosa versión del tema de mí querido George!!!
Maravilhosa música e letra de George Harrison na voz de James Taylor!!!!!!
its so nourishing to see and hear an obviously extremely talented group of performers playing a song,in their own way,of one of this planets musical treasures,GH.This is a performance which honours all of us who want a happier and safer world for EVERYONE.just love one another.I feel so blessed to have seen this.
I like it so much!!! it is another way of playing music!!! and the played with an orchestra!!! what else do you want!!!! it is music!!! music!!! in its different ways
Elena Godoy It bastardized the original. Adding arrangement is one thing but to completely lose the original melody is sacreligious.
unique la grande classe rien a dire respect
An excellent singer is singing an excellent song.
Whenever I hear the vocal of James Taylor , I can feel the good heart of United of States of America. From Tokyo
Omygosh - one of the greatest, by one of the greatest, newly reinterpreted by one of the greatest. A transcendental experience.
Sublime.
James Taylor has always interpreted other's songs in his own way and I love each and every one of them. How sad if we all played everything the same way.
He's happily married to a lady who hooked him up orchestrally. Now this sort of thing is what he mostly does, and there is a new(er) album. The ultimate soother, we will never tire of James' voice and signature style. Thank you James Taylor for sticking around...always a pleasure.
Hermosa versión!! James que hermoso y elegante estás!! Yo-Yo Ma está feliz!!❤😂
This is so beautiful. Just another reason to love you, James!
Yo Yo Ma, James Taylor, and John Williams - What a nice treat. And real nice to hear Here comes the sun!
This is making music about music. I like it and i think George would like it too.
Yo Yo Ma seems genuinely touched. Perhaps genius recognizes genius
wonderful arrangement! turned it into a beautiful waltz. this is how to do a tribute!
I think Mr Taylor's phrasing is as great as always and very refreshing.
First time listening was caught off guard by the change of the song and felt irritated that wasn't the same beloved song version expected to hear. James Taylorized the song, though I love James Taylor. Very much enjoyed watching expressions of appreciation by Yo-Yo Ma. Second time listened to the song, then let it wash over and appreciated the interplay of the excellent musicians and voices. I think when listen a third time that will fall in love with this version.
Very Original !
James Taylor ha una voce incredibile. Mi sorprende ogni volta.
Tra l'altro gran bell'arrangiamento per questo brano.
Da brividooooooo ...♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
Belíssima interpretação!
A gem from before the world ended
WE LOVE U JAMES! I UNDERSTAND A LOT ABOUT HUMANITY. A LOT OF PEOPLE DO NOT.
I love, love love this! Thanks for sharing it. xxxx
Remarkable!!😀😍
Assim é o magnífico momento!... Em que a arte supera a tudo e a todos!...
Wonderful version.
Very good James ❤️❤️
great emotions... straight to the heart !! extraordinary...
Maravilha!! James meu ídolo!!
I really liked James' altered vocal melody, I went back and had to hear it again immediately.
Magnífico!
Simply brilliant and moving
A canção ficou ainda mais bonita.
Thanks for sharing...
Beautiful!
Love it! Something different but sooo good to hear and watch!
Yo Yo Ma, James Taylor, and John Williams in the same room. What am I supposed to watch on UA-cam now?
AMAZING!
I love America!!! Every race respects and lives together peacefully and in harmony showcasing their own unique talents. USA!
Ilike the Beatles still today, They wrote music for the whole world, for times. This Version of this song is wonderfull ! It will show you what wonderfull songwriter wrote this song 1968/1969....
This is my favorite version this song. Love it!
I thought it was different and I liked it very much
We agree I first heard Here Come the Sun when I was 13 and each time I have heard it again it fills me with never ending joy and wonder that such a perfect song could have been written arranged and played.....funny thing is that I am a cellist and greatly admire Yo Yo Ma:) James seems to lag behind the whole song...but I still think that he is a genius...all I have to listen to You can close your eyes with Carly Simon and him playing at his house and time stops: pure manifestation of perfection.
Out of this world... heavenly!
Quanto mais escuto James Taylor mais me apaixono.
Awesome !!!!! PERIOD !
Flashes of brilliance !
A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
beautiful rendition...
i like him,one of the best
you took the words out of my --- goose flesh!!!! I've loved JT's and Yo-Yo's collaboration on this since the first time I heard it. To see him clearly feeling humbled by this arrangement brought tears to my eyes. pure bliss!
Grazie Riccardo.........video stupendo
I totally loved it. Brilliant performance.
One of the best videos on the World Wide Web!
made me cry.. so awesome james youre the man
Very good!!!!
I agree with both, purists and non-purist, in that everybody can have an opinion. When you play a cover you have to put your own print and that was extraordinarily done here. We need to be open to art. The original version is there forever and will always be untouchable, however this new version is like a brand new song. Just think like that...a brand new song by James Taylor. Wouldn't you like it? I dare to say that George Harrison who was James Taylor's personal friend would have love it. This is like drinking wine, sticking to the same and not trying new ones becomes boring. Love it! I love Harrison and I love Taylor...two contemporary geniuses.
That's Pure admiration for James they have a long history
Simply wonderful !
My God, that was exquisite.
simply wonderful
James can sing anything.I like this version too.
@James Taylor You are most welcome.
I have been a JT fan for 50 years
@James Taylor no,Sir,I have not.I live in the Texas panhandle& I'm not much of traveler,and I don't think you ever played anywhere near here.But seeing one of your live concerts,would be awesome .I have seen some of your concerts on PBS though.I have enjoyed those.
super...!!! from spain
I had the same reaction that Yo-Yo had when the children's choir joined in!! Wow!!
Essa música e Linda DEMAIS
the orchestral sound he manages to get from a simple acoustic guitar never ceases to amaze..
This Collaboration is Really Beautiful and Inspiring , I watched it twice.
the most amazing tribute ever. love love love this. chillllllzzz
Sublime!
Absolutely Alright!❤❤❤😄🎻🎤🎺🎻🎸
The Kennedy Center honors five people (mostly Americans) in the performing arts (actors, singers, dancers, musicians) each year. The ceremony is held at the Kennedy Center in Washington with a two-hour program of music, comedy, dance, and stage performance broadcast on TV by CBS. It is a great honor, and the president attends. This was 2011. Honorees were: Yo Yo Ma, Barbara Cook, Meryl Streep, Ronny Rollins, Neil Diamond. James Taylor's performance was for the Yo-Yo Ma part of the ceremony.
Awesome!
Beautiful! James does the song in F major, due to his rather low voice.... ............George did it in A major...........James...........one of the lower beautiful male voices.........we love him so! A tribute worthy of George.................RIP...utter peace, George H!..
Браво!Потрясающе!Бесподобноڰۣ✿