REQUEST: “Ol’ Man River” (music by Jerome Kern, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II) was a popular song written for the 1927 musical “Show Boat”, that contrasts African American hardship and struggles of the time with the endless, uncaring flow of the Mississippi River, from the view of a dock worker on a showboat.
The most famous rendition of it, one that is still noted today, was sung by Paul Robeson in James Whale’s 1936 film version of “Show Boat” (Robeson had first performed the song in the 1928 London production of the show and in the 1932 Broadway revival, and had even recorded it with Paul Whiteman’s orchestra back in 1928). Many musicians and musical groups have covered the song, including Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Sam Cooke, Al Jolson, Ray Charles, Jim Croce, and The Beach Boys and it is considered an American classic. William Warfield sang it in the 1951 film version of “Show Boat”, another rendition which became very famous. (It became his signature song, and he performed it several times on television.) Famous bass singer of The Temptations, Melvin Franklin was known to sing this at most concerts, and it eventually became his signature song, as well. Judy Garland, one of the few female singers to attempt the song, sang a powerful rendition of it on her television show in 1963, and also recorded it.
Here is my humble attempt at this powerful, broadway chart. I hope I do it justice and I hope that you all enjoy it!
Thank you for watching! Much appreciated! : )
Duration : 0:3:28
Great singer,Sergio …
Great singer,Sergio Vellatti makes us happy with this lovely version.
Merci Segio
Thank you very much …
Thank you very much, my friend! I really appreciate the kind comment! Glad you were able to enjoy it!
Very nice. I have a …
Very nice. I have a hearing problem where really deep voices are an audible blur so I can’t understand the words. I used to love those deep rich voices when I was younger. Your voice is audible to me so I can hear the words and enjoy this song again. Thanks
Thank you for the …
Thank you for the kind words! Stayed as far as possible from Robeson’s style for a reason.
Great voice. Song …
Great voice. Song sung exceptionally well yet now the critique. No-one can reach the rich and bariton voice of Robeson. I am sure you agree with me.
Thanks, Alex! I …
Thanks, Alex! I appreciate you stopping by!
FANTASTIC! Really …
FANTASTIC! Really love the clarity of your voice my friend
Alex *****
@Mimana2503 I thank …
@Mimana2503 I thank you….everyday!
Every day, listen …
Every day, listen to this beautiful voice ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ Thank you very much Sergio !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@jimmy59ca Haha! …
@jimmy59ca Haha! Thanks, Jim! I’m not trying to hide these days!!!
@parametrio Thank …
@parametrio Thank you very much for the kind compliment! I used a generic “Showboat” karaoke arrangement.
Sergio, I cant …
Sergio, I cant believe you havent sang professionaly, where have you been hiding, you are great, Jim
WoW! Another …
WoW! Another AWESOME delivery. I am still in a stage of disbelief and joy just having discovered your gift a couple days ago. I am enjoying every one of your new/old songs. I could go on but won’t. Just keep on doing what you are doing! The world is listening!!! (-=
ok im listen again …
ok im listen again with more volumen
beuatiful voice
in wich tone you´re …
in wich tone you´re singing is the paul´s version? to me sound a litle more like sinatra´s. howevwe you havea great voive and you made a great version, congratulations my friend
beautiful
beautiful
Thank you so much! …
Thank you so much! I absolutely love this song and was surprised to see how little attention it got…..but oh well! Haha! I’m glad I took you on that nostalgic journey and please keep in touch! Happy New Year!
This is beautiful …
This is beautiful Sergio.
“Showboat” is my most favorite movie of all time. It has been ever since I was a little girl, (I am 45 now.) Hearing this brings back memories of when I fell in love with the movie! Thank you!
Thank you very very …
Thank you very very much! Merry Christmas!
I really love this …
I really love this song but I love it more the way how you sing it. beautill.
I think Robeson …
I think Robeson would be proud! truly wonderful!
excellent rendition …
excellent rendition…as soul stirring as the original. gr8 pics too! Thanks for sharing
That is such a …
That is such a great compliment….in which I humbly accept. Thank you very much!
In my humble …
In my humble opinion Sergio, apart from Paul Robeson, yours is the best rendition of this legendary song.