Our Great Singer-composer-lyricist - writer-producer-director BHUPEN HAZARIKA created a soul stirring song based on this wonderful missisipi song titled GANGA BEHTI HO KYON in Hindi with earlier versions in Bengali and Assamese. What a great genius and what a marvelouus creation by MUSICIAN OF THE WORLD or should I say UNIVERSE!!!
i like frank sinatras version waay better its very powerful and heartfelt and he belts the song out from depths of his soul it brings you to tears and when he sang it in 1963 at a Martin Luther King Civil rights movement fundraiser people said Martin Luther king was in tears as frank sang
The fool is smiling, who is he anyway? If ya gunna sing THAT song, do it with feeling it deserves. As (jcbahr) said "it's insulting" Wher'as Frank Sinatra does a pretty mean job, his mate Bing Crosby is a f... wit.
@makjac46 First off all you must be a little cunt of a kid who knows fuck all about music Bing Crosboy is THE KING of jazz singing and crooners he was in the business ten years before sinatra and invented jazz scat singing do some research on him and stop being so judgmental. Everyone who does a cover song does it there own way... ok you dont like this version but doesnt mean you have to call him a fuck wit...grow up kid.
@Joskejane You don't recognize satire? That's too bad! I'm old enough to be your Granddad. I've seen more of Bing than you'll ever find in your searches. I have the right to voice my opinion about a performers version of a great song that is wrecked by flippant, casual, off the cuff (jazz?) Sure, good performers can craft a song to their own style, but I don't have to like it. Fair dinkum, stone the crows, fair suck of the sav, Remember these are COMMENT windows and I gave mine.
@lasaboteuse unbeknownst to MOST of the public, the very first recording (Before Paul Robeson's in Showboat) was in 1928 also sung by Bing Crosby, and it was even jazzier than this.
I love his voice, but he is so disconnected from what he's singing; it looks like he might be thinking of his grocery list. Listen to Frank Sinatra's version (1946) and you will see why he knocked Bing Crosby out of his position at the top!
This was LIVE TV. Commericals, hurry-up. I'm a Bing historian, and Bing returned to his roots-as HE had the big hit in 1929 with Paul Whiteman Orch. ("The King of Jazz" at that time). This up-tempo version was the staple, until Paul Robeson's movie version in '36. Bing you see at age 59 or 60 here, Frank's version was technicolor, glitzy, not rushed for commericals (from a Lavish production), and Frank was about in his upper 30's, not near 60. No comparison; apples/oranges.
I personally consider this version to be a "remix" of the originally. It happens now, it happened then. They just didn't have synthesizers to give it that new age feel. ^_^
I'm not trying to be one of those horrible people who are over critical but I find this really offensive considering the songs meaning. It is probably even more offensive to African American people...well at least they eddited the lyrics
@BryZhane Then you shouldnt and put things into context with the times. Bing if you read about him was very progressive in his offices especially by hiring "African American" as you say when nobody did at decent wages also homesexuals and women as well. You can read a song many ways, making bing a racist in any mind would just be incorret
@romuluscreative He was a pallbearer for Louis Armstrong, one of the most influential African Americans of his time and the father of Jazz. I don't think a racist would pay his respects if what BryZhane said were true. Some people should read up before they post stupid things. Anyone can post stupid comments BryZhane... grow up and learn to do your research. Props to Romuluscreative.
@romuluscreative i don't think he's being racist truely the song is a slave spiritual and african americans sing with their own style a soul.not an opinion just a fact.
It appears on Bing's Chronological Series, on the label, Jonzo, produced in the U.K. They have like 4 takes, all slightly different. You can do 2 things: Do a Google of Jonzo records, or if you give me your email address on my BigBingFan --youtube site, I can give you the U.S. representative's name and email, and he can likely get you one. He, and I, are in the International Crosby Circle, Bing's fan club. Highly recommended for the real afficianado!
im 12, i rather listen to this real music then the stuff the put up now. things like the black eyed peas and kesha give music a bad name while things like crosby and dean martin make it the world.
@sexibeast965 allow me to first say i like this rendetion but still prefer Paul Robeson. back to my main point, so let me get this. you say your 12 but you account says that you're 17, a quote speaks of being drug free which most people your "age" know little about and finally you name is["sexi"]beast. how then am i or anyone here to believe that you are in fact the age you claim to be. i agree that young people should listen to this but don't lie just so more people will like your comment.
@Mortdahicken1 first of all im 13 and second of all it is a stupid name but it was the first thing that popped into my head so you can stop being a total hater. truely i do like some of the music now but i really think more kids my age should listen to the classics. i also didnt do that just so people would like my comment it was just my oppinion
@sexibeast965 theres a lie in there somewhere stupid. you account says 17 and you admit to be 13 so why should i believe anything you say. FInally wow 'total hater', get a real vocabulary, O faithless coward! O dishonest wretch! Wilt thou be made a man out of my vice? I bite my Thumb at thee.
@Mortdahicken1 Why quote Shakespeare? Quoting Shakespeare doesn't make you appear to be more intelligent, actually makes you appear to be a try hard loser. Also, your attack against sexibeast, who the hell cares if they ain't 12 years old, just disregard the "im 12" because what is said after that is what is important.
@CodeNameTyphoon ok listen ppl im done with all this bullsh*t hating comments, i posted this like a year ago if ppl like it thats kewl but really i luv all different kinds of music from the black eyed peas to bing crosby so really lay off!
From the Musical "Showboat" - and someone below mentioned the best known version by Paul Robe(r)son - While it's a turn of the centurty tale of "integration" and mixed society and love and racism (and strife on the river/gambling boats and post slavery) - the show was and is a landmark American work of art.
Obviously, older music was "jazzed" up for the contemporary artists of their time (the 40s/50s) by such artists as Bing and Sinatra (as well as many others).
Usually I really like Bing Crosby, but this just doesn't feel right. No offense, but I don't think the song is supposed to sound like this. The feeling is comlpetely lost.
I love Bing, he's just too laid back to give this the intense Paul Robeson treatmen, though I am sure he could have if he'd wanted to. He makes everything seem so effortless!
Wow. People should do research before calling people racist. Yes, this version is too upbeat for the lyrics, but as other commentators have mentioned, Bing was hardly a racist. May I also remind people that the Irish immigrants were also looked on poorly by Americans when they first came here, they weren't considered 'white' either. Although they weren't slaves they suffered under both American and British racism for many years.
Robeson's version was in the FIRST-EVER Musical ever done, a lavish production with all kinds of time...This version of the song is from a TV Special, 1 hour, with commericals-it had to jump, given the constraints of time. Please people, BIng recorded this right before Robeson (or right afterward)-Robeson's was a poignant version for a MUSICAL; Bing's was for TV, more casual, with time constraints. Whiteman was the "King of Jazz" of the day & uptempo with an anglo singer-no problem
I've enjoyed reading the criticism of Bing Crosby's total misinterpretation of "Old Man River." I thought I was the only one who disliked his version. When I first heard him sing the song, he was young and with the Paul Whiteman band, and I blamed the arrangement on Whiteman. But in this version Crosby is much older, is much more famous and more powerful, and thus had control over the arrangement, which is the same as when he sung it with Whiteman. Crosby was great, but his version is stupid
it's incredible how singing the song makes a racial issue out of it. If Johnny Mathis sang it, would it be better and less "racist"? And what is borderline racist? The words, the music, the WHITE singer? These comments are so stupid. The idea of singing a song is INTERPRET the words to make them personal. You don't need to be a scientist to interpret the meaning of the lyric....written by WHITEY!
@xxxpaintballloverxxx Apparently you are not familiar with Bing and the fact that he and Benny Goodman were two of the pioneers of integrating musicians. There is a story of a venue owner not wanting to allow Louis Armstrong to play with Bing and Bing told him "No Louis, no Bing." Louis was allowed to play. You also have to remember these were different times. If you really want to think Bing was racist you should try his Abraham song from "Holiday Inn" or his recording of "Mississippi Mud."
@cameronchatterton Just took a listen. Pretty good. The only reason I'm a bit partial to Sinatra still is because I think, Ol' Man River was Sinatra's greatest EVER vocal. I do really quite like Al Jolson though.
The nervous trumpets happily ravaging the spirit of the piece in the background was typical of the ''cool cat'' style of the time. I grew up in those years and even as a kid it got on my nerves. Crosby himself did alright though. It sounds like some producer got carried away with the remix.
Jules Bledsoe sang this at the Broadway premier of Show Boat, in 1927. Paul Robeson sang it in London, in 1929, the Broadway revival of 1932 and in the 1936 cinema version. The lyrics were very germane to the story line and do not benefit from Crosby's addition of, "Oh mama, my aching feet." I will grant that the brevity of this number is the work of ABC producers, but this "upbeat" version, of whatever age, strays far from Jerome Kern's musical conception.
Let me help the unknowing with Bing. He first recorded this song in 1929, UPTEMPO, with the Paul Whiteman Orch. (at the time-the "King of Jazz") & it was a big hit. About the same time Paul Robeson sang it then again in "Showboat" (1936). Bing is merely recreating the uptempo feel of his earlier work, PLUS, this was on TV, and TV prized itself on saving time, so commericals can be sold; so, the producers decided on uptempo, which won Bing alot of fame then. Nothing wrong with this!
My chief point is that Bing Crosby was NO racist. He promoted and shared EQUAL billing with Louis, Mills Brothers, Ella Fitzgerald, etc. So, that's the main point. I understand your thoughts, yet, Bing was one of the FIRST to sing it, and become a hit, so the record buying public of the day liked it that way AS WELL as the slower Robeson version, so either must be acceptable. Many song adaptations stray, so as a Bing historian, think not much of any criticism of this "uptempo" one.
@BigBingFan Please do not confuse me with other posters, as I have never characterized Bing Crosby as a racist. Indeed, this version has strayed from the original. Whatever its popularity, it is not a piece which I can enjoy.
You know nothing of the context in which this appeared on LIVE TV, with precious little time, and besides the first time Bing recorded this was in 1929, right after it was written, and it was upbeat, happy, with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra. He neither trivialized it or reduced it to anything but a reprise of his first recording, which was given rave reviews at that time. So, please understand the context, TV time constraints, etc. You are not clued in at all in your comments.
Seriously, this is the interpritation of the song. It is not about race, It is about the fact that we are mortal and the river will keep on rollin along long after we are gone. This is a great song.
My dad told me to check this out for a jazz alternative to the usual music theatre version of "Old Man River." He says it came from one of Bing's ABC tv specials around 1960 w/Nelson Riddle's orchestra. I saw Rosemary Clooney do a very uptempo version of this in concert near the end of her life and said she based her version on Bing's.
Ooops, forgot to mention on Facebook, join the Bing Crosby fan site...and many people there also pose questions...and I recognize many on the Facebook site which actually knew, worked with, or had some knowledge of Bing, which might help any afficionadoes. I'd suggest everyone who likes Bing join, and there are some more clips the Estate actually put out, and some photos, too. Just FYI.
As to uploader's question about where this clip came from, it is likely from "The Edsel Show", where Bing had guests, songs, etc. He also hosted the "Hollywood Palace" but this isn't from there. If you wanted the straight definitive word, please search for International Crosby Circle, the International Fan Club and pose a question. People pose questions all the time with similar questions. Good luck...but, I'll bet it's from "The Edsel Show"--I think 1957.
So Bing can't sing a song about how the world keeps moving? A white guy wrote it, (Jerome Kern). The song is about how even though people face hardships the world keeps turning the river keeps flowing. It's not about race.
In fact the song is originally a Russian folk song.
(reply to Danc3ParTy) Sinatra usually does it in a very dramatic way. However I probably too prefer a fast version, which indeed makes it essentially a different song.
As a Bing afficianado, let me say, he recorded the slower, more emotional version in 1941. It is a jewel-but, here on his own show, he is harking back to the 1928 version with the Rhythm Boys, very uptempo. It's hard to come by the '41 version, but if anyone cares to get it, it is part of "The Chronological Bing" (Jonzo Records, U.K.) Do Google search of JONZO or The International Crosby Circle. Wanted to get word that Bing recorded both uptempo & slower versions of this great song
Umm,,,,, This is a GREAT performance...I wouldnt let your well intentioned yet OTT PC bias blind you to whats happening in front of your face. A surer more confident display of swinging chops from a master of the art.
This cut is from "The Bing Crosby Show for Oldsmobile" (ABC) broadcast originally on March 2, 1959. Bing often did this song very upbeat-even in his last concerts in 1976-77, most of which were in England. He did a very slow reflective version in the 1940's.
Even though this is generally a song sung by males some women have done it. Aretha Franklin once said that Judy Garlands version was the best she had ever heard and i do agree. Judy was a tortured soul and intense talent with the heavy vibrato, these are the ingredients required to nail this song. Check it out
It the most white "Radio City" version of the 'Old man river'. The medium white is the Frank Sinatra's (1946) version, with original rhytm and white lyrics. The original black is Paul Robeson's version from the Showboat fik (1936)
You are so right. Bing's rich baritone is as delightful as ever but his misread of the song's meaning is egregious. How can he smile when he's delivering this classic lament about the injustice of slavery? Talk about spin!
I have to be honest- although the song is uniquely associated with Paul Robeson's performace- I personally think that the best version is Frank Sinatras from ''Till' the clouds roll by''.
It really is breath-taking- I find this ridiculous. Maybe even slightly ignorant.
But i do love Bing and Robeson its just as per usual Sinatra does it better
Bing's been dead for 32 years & never heard of Rush Limbaugh! Amazing idiocy!
- Bing was anti-vietnam war, and did more to promote african-american music (and african-americans IN music) than just about any other white singer of his time, with possible exception of Benny Goodman.
Read Gary Giddins' 2001 book "Bing Crosby - A Pocket Full Of Dreams - The early years, 1903 - 1940" and learn from America's pre-eminent jazz & cultural critic how one man changed the face of popular culture and music forever during the first half of the last century.
Virtually EVERY singer who strove for popularity in pop during the 1930s & 40s into the 50s tried to imitate the style & sound of Crosby, and he was one of the few white singers whose records could be found in black juke joints during the 30s & 40s. He was, stylistically &statistically, the most influential and popular performer of the first half of the 20th century.
My God, the number of people who post who have no knowledge of what they are talking about! - This song was written by Jews for a broadway musical! - It's been recorded HUNDREDS of times, by jazz artists..... it's what is called a "standard" - a pop song that ALL the singers did. DO SOME HOMEWORK!
there's no need to be so mean about it. not everyone knows the basics of jazz. not that i encourage ignorance, but when you tell some one a thing, you should do it nicely.
Rock, I apologize if I'm coming off "mean" - but I just re-read and I don't think I am.... Impatient, maybe. I just try to keep my mouth shut when I don't know what I'm talking about - a personal credo. Believe me, most people on this board know WAY more about MOST things than I do! - But I know this stuff for 40 years, and most people here don't! - Bing was a brilliant artist and innovator and the world's favorite singer for decades. I embrace history, and many people don't. This saddens me.
This version loses the passion that people like Paul Robeson put into it, I like Robeson's version better but this one's still really good.
CJCMurray 2 weeks ago
Comment removed
NPRMc 1 month ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Our Great Singer-composer-lyricist - writer-producer-director BHUPEN HAZARIKA created a soul stirring song based on this wonderful missisipi song titled GANGA BEHTI HO KYON in Hindi with earlier versions in Bengali and Assamese. What a great genius and what a marvelouus creation by MUSICIAN OF THE WORLD or should I say UNIVERSE!!!
I salute his immortal SOUL!!!
satinderbroca
satinderbroca 1 month ago
This song is from a musical called "Show Boat."
ellejh91 1 month ago
oh yeeeahhhhh
brod2man 2 months ago
i like frank sinatras version waay better its very powerful and heartfelt and he belts the song out from depths of his soul it brings you to tears and when he sang it in 1963 at a Martin Luther King Civil rights movement fundraiser people said Martin Luther king was in tears as frank sang
sarafranco100 3 months ago 2
Beautiful voice. Beautiful song. Sinfully pathetic arrangement.
7beers 3 months ago
The fool is smiling, who is he anyway? If ya gunna sing THAT song, do it with feeling it deserves. As (jcbahr) said "it's insulting" Wher'as Frank Sinatra does a pretty mean job, his mate Bing Crosby is a f... wit.
makjac46 4 months ago
@makjac46 First off all you must be a little cunt of a kid who knows fuck all about music Bing Crosboy is THE KING of jazz singing and crooners he was in the business ten years before sinatra and invented jazz scat singing do some research on him and stop being so judgmental. Everyone who does a cover song does it there own way... ok you dont like this version but doesnt mean you have to call him a fuck wit...grow up kid.
Joskejane 3 months ago
@Joskejane You don't recognize satire? That's too bad! I'm old enough to be your Granddad. I've seen more of Bing than you'll ever find in your searches. I have the right to voice my opinion about a performers version of a great song that is wrecked by flippant, casual, off the cuff (jazz?) Sure, good performers can craft a song to their own style, but I don't have to like it. Fair dinkum, stone the crows, fair suck of the sav, Remember these are COMMENT windows and I gave mine.
makjac46 3 months ago
This interpretation is insulting.
The song is supposed to be moving, grave, and sad.
This is an insult to the very meaning of the song, although his voice is beautiful
jcbahr 4 months ago 2
why does everybody have to state their age? you're 10 and listen to al jolson? good for you! move on!
eleanorfan1990 4 months ago
Short and sweet. I mean... REALLY SHORT... o_O
ohmss069 4 months ago
The song "Old Man River" is from an old musical called "Showboat" if I'm not mistaken
Migz61013 4 months ago
You can't sing a song like Old Man River in this style.
lasaboteuse 4 months ago
@lasaboteuse unbeknownst to MOST of the public, the very first recording (Before Paul Robeson's in Showboat) was in 1928 also sung by Bing Crosby, and it was even jazzier than this.
SAsherK 4 months ago
Go to openmind5050
a couple tune there include Ol Man River
People have said they like it
Singing better since that was recordered
openmind5050 5 months ago
this clip is from The Bing Crosby Show from the early 1960's.
Merlin8157 6 months ago
from Frank Sinatra show in 1960
RINGOFE 6 months ago
I love his voice, but he is so disconnected from what he's singing; it looks like he might be thinking of his grocery list. Listen to Frank Sinatra's version (1946) and you will see why he knocked Bing Crosby out of his position at the top!
SalasinSalvation 7 months ago
@SalasinSalvation
This was LIVE TV. Commericals, hurry-up. I'm a Bing historian, and Bing returned to his roots-as HE had the big hit in 1929 with Paul Whiteman Orch. ("The King of Jazz" at that time). This up-tempo version was the staple, until Paul Robeson's movie version in '36. Bing you see at age 59 or 60 here, Frank's version was technicolor, glitzy, not rushed for commericals (from a Lavish production), and Frank was about in his upper 30's, not near 60. No comparison; apples/oranges.
BigBingFan 6 months ago
Worst cover ever, and i mean ever
WonderBread006 7 months ago
I dont think it should be played in the upbeat style, because the songs pretty much about slavery
mlballs 8 months ago
I personally consider this version to be a "remix" of the originally. It happens now, it happened then. They just didn't have synthesizers to give it that new age feel. ^_^
Raykenn 8 months ago
he was a first class ass.
Discoboy504 9 months ago
I'm not trying to be one of those horrible people who are over critical but I find this really offensive considering the songs meaning. It is probably even more offensive to African American people...well at least they eddited the lyrics
BryZhane 10 months ago
@BryZhane Then you shouldnt and put things into context with the times. Bing if you read about him was very progressive in his offices especially by hiring "African American" as you say when nobody did at decent wages also homesexuals and women as well. You can read a song many ways, making bing a racist in any mind would just be incorret
romuluscreative 9 months ago 7
@romuluscreative He was a pallbearer for Louis Armstrong, one of the most influential African Americans of his time and the father of Jazz. I don't think a racist would pay his respects if what BryZhane said were true. Some people should read up before they post stupid things. Anyone can post stupid comments BryZhane... grow up and learn to do your research. Props to Romuluscreative.
Illivatur 6 months ago 2
@romuluscreative i don't think he's being racist truely the song is a slave spiritual and african americans sing with their own style a soul.not an opinion just a fact.
JSantoroify 1 month ago
@JSantoroify Actually, the song was written in 1927 by a white man for a musical.
Celtillus 1 month ago
@BryZhane You need to grow up!
kchaney56 7 months ago
nice version done by bing. thanks for the post.
jeanise10 10 months ago
Comment removed
jeroen2006 10 months ago
It appears on Bing's Chronological Series, on the label, Jonzo, produced in the U.K. They have like 4 takes, all slightly different. You can do 2 things: Do a Google of Jonzo records, or if you give me your email address on my BigBingFan --youtube site, I can give you the U.S. representative's name and email, and he can likely get you one. He, and I, are in the International Crosby Circle, Bing's fan club. Highly recommended for the real afficianado!
BigBingFan 10 months ago
is it from Paul Robeson???? "Showboat - 1936" ???
hero0fdarkthepker 11 months ago
im 12, i rather listen to this real music then the stuff the put up now. things like the black eyed peas and kesha give music a bad name while things like crosby and dean martin make it the world.
sexibeast965 11 months ago 23
@sexibeast965 listen to what ever you want. dont hate on any generation of music because its all good. not cool to be a music bigot.
deadjoey77 4 months ago
@sexibeast965 I'm 2, do I win?
ukra1nekid90 4 months ago
@sexibeast965 You shouldn't admit that. it means you can be banned. You need to be 13 to have a youtube account.
juxtapositioning 3 months ago
@juxtapositioning i am now! :)
sexibeast965 3 months ago
@sexibeast965 allow me to first say i like this rendetion but still prefer Paul Robeson. back to my main point, so let me get this. you say your 12 but you account says that you're 17, a quote speaks of being drug free which most people your "age" know little about and finally you name is["sexi"]beast. how then am i or anyone here to believe that you are in fact the age you claim to be. i agree that young people should listen to this but don't lie just so more people will like your comment.
Mortdahicken1 2 months ago
@Mortdahicken1 first of all im 13 and second of all it is a stupid name but it was the first thing that popped into my head so you can stop being a total hater. truely i do like some of the music now but i really think more kids my age should listen to the classics. i also didnt do that just so people would like my comment it was just my oppinion
sexibeast965 2 months ago
@sexibeast965 theres a lie in there somewhere stupid. you account says 17 and you admit to be 13 so why should i believe anything you say. FInally wow 'total hater', get a real vocabulary, O faithless coward! O dishonest wretch! Wilt thou be made a man out of my vice? I bite my Thumb at thee.
Mortdahicken1 2 months ago
@Mortdahicken1 Why quote Shakespeare? Quoting Shakespeare doesn't make you appear to be more intelligent, actually makes you appear to be a try hard loser. Also, your attack against sexibeast, who the hell cares if they ain't 12 years old, just disregard the "im 12" because what is said after that is what is important.
JakeDK991 1 month ago
@sexibeast965 Get over yourself. Music is a matter of opinion
CodeNameTyphoon 1 month ago in playlist bing crosby
@CodeNameTyphoon ok listen ppl im done with all this bullsh*t hating comments, i posted this like a year ago if ppl like it thats kewl but really i luv all different kinds of music from the black eyed peas to bing crosby so really lay off!
sexibeast965 1 month ago
Its his brilliant phrasing for Christ's sake.
rvollin1935 1 year ago
It's a great song, but its a little to fast and happy for the real meaning.
JamesTJoplin 1 year ago
@FreakyGirl2631 I'm so happy for you...but not sure what that has to do with "Ole man river..."
olen3105 1 year ago
This is hilarious.
Jemmer1000 1 year ago
Old man river was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1927 musical Show Boat
micknjoots89 1 year ago
Bing sang and recorded this song several times over his long career. Try the 1929 version. It's a bit more 'jazzy".
jazon217 1 year ago
1:19 Wow. That sounds so great. Undescribable.
ThisWickedBullShit 1 year ago
Nice memories from old America, when we were free, before the communist takeover.
RonaldR2007 1 year ago
The man is a prawn.Wrecked a great feeling song. Try Frank Sinatra's version
(tarminbeaulieu)
makjac46 1 year ago
What exactly is "offensive" about it? The song was written by two white Jewish guy, ya know.
I guess if you want politically correct, you would prefer this.
PLlTlYfqQV4
googuse 1 year ago
Others have recorded it "jazzed up" besides Bing. Case in point - check out the Cab Calloway version.
uofjim 1 year ago 2
Comment removed
uofjim 1 year ago
what an arsehole
JoeDrogba11 1 year ago
From the Musical "Showboat" - and someone below mentioned the best known version by Paul Robe(r)son - While it's a turn of the centurty tale of "integration" and mixed society and love and racism (and strife on the river/gambling boats and post slavery) - the show was and is a landmark American work of art.
Obviously, older music was "jazzed" up for the contemporary artists of their time (the 40s/50s) by such artists as Bing and Sinatra (as well as many others).
KJamesB 1 year ago
AWFUL!!! BARF!!!!!
BrickLaneBetty 1 year ago
Interesting take and his interpretation..he's entitled to it after one billion in lifetime sales.
waldcast 1 year ago 2
Great voice, but I feel what he did to this song is disrespectful to say the least.
killerXchinchilla 1 year ago
Bing does a terrible dis justice to this song. He sings it with no heart or dignity.
gotch09 1 year ago
terrible job Bing
xmcdonnell 1 year ago
originally sung by Paul Robeson...(not sure)
ruparay 1 year ago
Usually I really like Bing Crosby, but this just doesn't feel right. No offense, but I don't think the song is supposed to sound like this. The feeling is comlpetely lost.
daydreamer1991white 1 year ago
Les Americains aiment beaucoup Bing Crosby et ils ont bien raison, quelle superbe voix.
Merci au post
alain451 1 year ago
Les Americains aiment beaucoup Bing Crosby et ils ont bien aison, quelle superbe voix.
Merci au post
alain451 1 year ago
Great ..Bing shitting on niggers
ytertyu 1 year ago
@ytertyu Really? I don't think so. He just stylized a popular song the way he did many others. Perhaps you're just shitting on yourself.
madamerotten 1 year ago
@madamerotten Bing shits on niggers , and I shit on u smelly cunt
ytertyu 1 year ago
1:25 - did he just say *Obama* ???
chrissamm 1 year ago
I agree I don't like the way he singing, too cute.... this is a sad song.
youfilha 1 year ago
It was originally sung by Paul Robeson in Showboat in the late 1930's.
collincdf 1 year ago
I don't like this version, it doesn't really have the soul the original had.
JeffZHigs1 1 year ago
I love Bing, he's just too laid back to give this the intense Paul Robeson treatmen, though I am sure he could have if he'd wanted to. He makes everything seem so effortless!
dfarmbrough 1 year ago
This is the happiest version of the song i've heard.
SGde3a 1 year ago
@SGde3a Agreed - nobody but Bing could get away with this :-)
dfarmbrough 1 year ago
judy garland does it so much better because of how she belts out the ending the emotionsin her face hers is truly a masterpiece
maxie102 1 year ago
Wow. People should do research before calling people racist. Yes, this version is too upbeat for the lyrics, but as other commentators have mentioned, Bing was hardly a racist. May I also remind people that the Irish immigrants were also looked on poorly by Americans when they first came here, they weren't considered 'white' either. Although they weren't slaves they suffered under both American and British racism for many years.
darlingzooloo 1 year ago
@jamez4u2
Robeson's version was in the FIRST-EVER Musical ever done, a lavish production with all kinds of time...This version of the song is from a TV Special, 1 hour, with commericals-it had to jump, given the constraints of time. Please people, BIng recorded this right before Robeson (or right afterward)-Robeson's was a poignant version for a MUSICAL; Bing's was for TV, more casual, with time constraints. Whiteman was the "King of Jazz" of the day & uptempo with an anglo singer-no problem
BigBingFan 1 year ago
a little peppy for a song about prejudice
branhoff 1 year ago
I've enjoyed reading the criticism of Bing Crosby's total misinterpretation of "Old Man River." I thought I was the only one who disliked his version. When I first heard him sing the song, he was young and with the Paul Whiteman band, and I blamed the arrangement on Whiteman. But in this version Crosby is much older, is much more famous and more powerful, and thus had control over the arrangement, which is the same as when he sung it with Whiteman. Crosby was great, but his version is stupid
lannylandrith 1 year ago
it's incredible how singing the song makes a racial issue out of it. If Johnny Mathis sang it, would it be better and less "racist"? And what is borderline racist? The words, the music, the WHITE singer? These comments are so stupid. The idea of singing a song is INTERPRET the words to make them personal. You don't need to be a scientist to interpret the meaning of the lyric....written by WHITEY!
chuckobrien 1 year ago 3
this is borderline racist.
xxxpaintballloverxxx 1 year ago
@xxxpaintballloverxxx Apparently you are not familiar with Bing and the fact that he and Benny Goodman were two of the pioneers of integrating musicians. There is a story of a venue owner not wanting to allow Louis Armstrong to play with Bing and Bing told him "No Louis, no Bing." Louis was allowed to play. You also have to remember these were different times. If you really want to think Bing was racist you should try his Abraham song from "Holiday Inn" or his recording of "Mississippi Mud."
TuberOnTheLoose 1 year ago 3
wow! ... !!!
Shoxus 1 year ago
Paul Robeson did it the best. I love Bing, but this song just wasn't made for him.
3rdStrikeWalty 1 year ago
Sorry Bing fans. Doesn't hold a candle to Sinatra's version. I don't care what color they are.
TheJoCor 1 year ago
@TheJoCor : Al Jolson was better than either
cameronchatterton 1 year ago
@cameronchatterton Just took a listen. Pretty good. The only reason I'm a bit partial to Sinatra still is because I think, Ol' Man River was Sinatra's greatest EVER vocal. I do really quite like Al Jolson though.
TheJoCor 1 year ago
silly stupid junk
JadeTomZ 1 year ago
The nervous trumpets happily ravaging the spirit of the piece in the background was typical of the ''cool cat'' style of the time. I grew up in those years and even as a kid it got on my nerves. Crosby himself did alright though. It sounds like some producer got carried away with the remix.
tostentwo 1 year ago
Jules Bledsoe sang this at the Broadway premier of Show Boat, in 1927. Paul Robeson sang it in London, in 1929, the Broadway revival of 1932 and in the 1936 cinema version. The lyrics were very germane to the story line and do not benefit from Crosby's addition of, "Oh mama, my aching feet." I will grant that the brevity of this number is the work of ABC producers, but this "upbeat" version, of whatever age, strays far from Jerome Kern's musical conception.
acheciny 1 year ago
This is not right
artanis821 1 year ago
Crosby trivialized both the music and the lyrics, reducing it one minute and forty seconds of "pop."
acheciny 1 year ago 3
@acheciny I agree its lack of respect............ and just shows how racist he was
less01 1 year ago
@acheciny
Let me help the unknowing with Bing. He first recorded this song in 1929, UPTEMPO, with the Paul Whiteman Orch. (at the time-the "King of Jazz") & it was a big hit. About the same time Paul Robeson sang it then again in "Showboat" (1936). Bing is merely recreating the uptempo feel of his earlier work, PLUS, this was on TV, and TV prized itself on saving time, so commericals can be sold; so, the producers decided on uptempo, which won Bing alot of fame then. Nothing wrong with this!
BigBingFan 1 year ago
@BigBingFan I know about Bing Crosby's history with this song from other postings, here, please see above.
acheciny 1 year ago
@acheciny
My chief point is that Bing Crosby was NO racist. He promoted and shared EQUAL billing with Louis, Mills Brothers, Ella Fitzgerald, etc. So, that's the main point. I understand your thoughts, yet, Bing was one of the FIRST to sing it, and become a hit, so the record buying public of the day liked it that way AS WELL as the slower Robeson version, so either must be acceptable. Many song adaptations stray, so as a Bing historian, think not much of any criticism of this "uptempo" one.
BigBingFan 1 year ago
@BigBingFan Please do not confuse me with other posters, as I have never characterized Bing Crosby as a racist. Indeed, this version has strayed from the original. Whatever its popularity, it is not a piece which I can enjoy.
acheciny 1 year ago
@acheciny
You know nothing of the context in which this appeared on LIVE TV, with precious little time, and besides the first time Bing recorded this was in 1929, right after it was written, and it was upbeat, happy, with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra. He neither trivialized it or reduced it to anything but a reprise of his first recording, which was given rave reviews at that time. So, please understand the context, TV time constraints, etc. You are not clued in at all in your comments.
BigBingFan 10 months ago
@acheciny Hey, it's better than Friday
StewyG 7 months ago
Awful song by the racist Republican Crosby.
JuanMacready 1 year ago
This style doesn't really fit the song that well
Idrivethe405 1 year ago
@Idrivethe405
yea, but it works out really well
KidOnTheNet 1 year ago
Seriously, this is the interpritation of the song. It is not about race, It is about the fact that we are mortal and the river will keep on rollin along long after we are gone. This is a great song.
chuckfleener 1 year ago
The song is from Show Boat, of Jerome Kern. Ol' man river.
demonyangel 1 year ago
where is the mic?
ShahinErian 1 year ago
wow, he really is magic....
KidOnTheNet 1 year ago
old man river was originally sang by Paul Robeson pretty sure
supersie10 1 year ago
His eyes are GEMS!
Evasively 1 year ago 3
This is what I call a STAR
MANUELFARINELLI 1 year ago 3
His voice is good for this song but the introduction sounds awful, more like something Irish.
mahler71 1 year ago
When I get a taste of Bing, I stop what I am litening to and replace it with him!! Same with Louis, and well THE MILLS BROTHERS!
millsbrothers 1 year ago
i dont like it...
ibayibay1 2 years ago
My dad told me to check this out for a jazz alternative to the usual music theatre version of "Old Man River." He says it came from one of Bing's ABC tv specials around 1960 w/Nelson Riddle's orchestra. I saw Rosemary Clooney do a very uptempo version of this in concert near the end of her life and said she based her version on Bing's.
broadwayapple 2 years ago
Ooops, forgot to mention on Facebook, join the Bing Crosby fan site...and many people there also pose questions...and I recognize many on the Facebook site which actually knew, worked with, or had some knowledge of Bing, which might help any afficionadoes. I'd suggest everyone who likes Bing join, and there are some more clips the Estate actually put out, and some photos, too. Just FYI.
BigBingFan 2 years ago
As to uploader's question about where this clip came from, it is likely from "The Edsel Show", where Bing had guests, songs, etc. He also hosted the "Hollywood Palace" but this isn't from there. If you wanted the straight definitive word, please search for International Crosby Circle, the International Fan Club and pose a question. People pose questions all the time with similar questions. Good luck...but, I'll bet it's from "The Edsel Show"--I think 1957.
BigBingFan 2 years ago
A brilliant rendition. Why should he have to conform to the pessimistic version? Thanks for cheering us up Bing.
yookiedookie 2 years ago 2
This song was one of his first hits in 1928 when he sang with 'The Rhythm Boys' - although this version was obviously recorded years later.
shoptimist 2 years ago
Sacrilege!
Melevolentzeroenvoy 2 years ago 2
I think he just liked the song, no matter where it came from.. so do I
yesrdevries 2 years ago 22
Comment removed
Danc3ParTy 2 years ago
So Bing can't sing a song about how the world keeps moving? A white guy wrote it, (Jerome Kern). The song is about how even though people face hardships the world keeps turning the river keeps flowing. It's not about race.
In fact the song is originally a Russian folk song.
Verator 2 years ago 3
(reply to Danc3ParTy) Sinatra usually does it in a very dramatic way. However I probably too prefer a fast version, which indeed makes it essentially a different song.
gyohng 2 years ago
@gyohng
As a Bing afficianado, let me say, he recorded the slower, more emotional version in 1941. It is a jewel-but, here on his own show, he is harking back to the 1928 version with the Rhythm Boys, very uptempo. It's hard to come by the '41 version, but if anyone cares to get it, it is part of "The Chronological Bing" (Jonzo Records, U.K.) Do Google search of JONZO or The International Crosby Circle. Wanted to get word that Bing recorded both uptempo & slower versions of this great song
BigBingFan 2 years ago
@BigBingFan Do you have the '41 version of Ol' Man River? I'd kill to have it if you do!!
ChrisStockslager 10 months ago
Umm,,,,, This is a GREAT performance...I wouldnt let your well intentioned yet OTT PC bias blind you to whats happening in front of your face. A surer more confident display of swinging chops from a master of the art.
Bootrosgali 2 years ago 2
I LOVE this song and Bing Crosby
StarWars20002 2 years ago 2
This is such a disgrace to the original song. I like Bing Crosby, but this shows a lack of taste and class.
lmwtsv 2 years ago
Agreed. This version is poop to be honest.
VivaLaTrumpet 2 years ago
This cut is from "The Bing Crosby Show for Oldsmobile" (ABC) broadcast originally on March 2, 1959. Bing often did this song very upbeat-even in his last concerts in 1976-77, most of which were in England. He did a very slow reflective version in the 1940's.
WintersKn 2 years ago
Even though this is generally a song sung by males some women have done it. Aretha Franklin once said that Judy Garlands version was the best she had ever heard and i do agree. Judy was a tortured soul and intense talent with the heavy vibrato, these are the ingredients required to nail this song. Check it out
gfdsaasdfg1 2 years ago
Bizarre!
eyesorbe 2 years ago 3
It came from the musical "Showboat"
poodah2013 2 years ago
cynical
sebarobissengo 2 years ago
lol i didn't know you could "White up" Old Man river.
PhantomLord 2 years ago 21
haha :D
roky1337 2 years ago
@PhantomLord thats a good one ahahah make it trivial... make it as nothing happened and there u go republican white heterosexual male AMERICA lol
less01 1 year ago
@PhantomLord yeah! it is almost offensive! hahaha... it is very "whited up"
drsevi85 1 year ago
It the most white "Radio City" version of the 'Old man river'. The medium white is the Frank Sinatra's (1946) version, with original rhytm and white lyrics. The original black is Paul Robeson's version from the Showboat fik (1936)
All are in rhe Youtube.
drvargagyorgy 1 year ago
he made a sad song fun :D
roky1337 2 years ago
bad bad bad
dertuy 2 years ago
Well sung but very odd interpretation I agree.
ShawDAMAN 2 years ago
No offense to Crosby, but this is a disgrace to the meaning of the song. Its supposed to have a sad feel to it and he made it seem all happy
ropeadope87 2 years ago 3
You are so right. Bing's rich baritone is as delightful as ever but his misread of the song's meaning is egregious. How can he smile when he's delivering this classic lament about the injustice of slavery? Talk about spin!
saturnaspider 2 years ago 4
@saturnaspider yes indeed is the constant refferal to "it wasnt that bad why should we change so quickly"
less01 1 year ago
Its a song out of showboat from 1936 but i dont remember the singers name...
LancelotLNC02 2 years ago
Paul Robeson
üdv zelefant/hungary
zelefant 2 years ago
it was made in 1927 and this song was written specifically
for paul robeson u should check out his version
it is honestly one of the greatest pieces i've ever heard
senorshmee1 2 years ago
lolol hehe
MrSinantra 2 years ago
sweet Valencia oranges
tonvol5 2 years ago
lol that was really funny dont worry Peter just give em a belt like this lmao
MrSinantra 2 years ago
wasnt it with a belt lol
MrSinantra 2 years ago
I like Bing but this had nothing on Pauls original - oh and even Sinatras cover
teewoods 2 years ago 2
dont piss of bing he'll throw the smack down on you XD
xbatwingsx 2 years ago
Just doin my job as a Daddy B.C. fan. Almost at 100,000!!!
zigeal 2 years ago
wow, this is great! :)
such amazing talent.
pleasebeminejonas8 2 years ago
I have to be honest- although the song is uniquely associated with Paul Robeson's performace- I personally think that the best version is Frank Sinatras from ''Till' the clouds roll by''.
It really is breath-taking- I find this ridiculous. Maybe even slightly ignorant.
But i do love Bing and Robeson its just as per usual Sinatra does it better
carleton06 2 years ago
Once you hear Judy Garland's live version it's hard to imagine why anyone else would even try singing this song.
gfdsaasdfg1 2 years ago 2
Man, Bing is always awesome!
What a pimp. lol.
amazonhippie 2 years ago
Paul Robeson sang it first
tomsl94 2 years ago
I'm transcribing this song
musictranscription 2 years ago
Well...you know what bing Crosby always said: Rush Limbaugh for President!
heartsofspace 2 years ago
Bing's been dead for 32 years & never heard of Rush Limbaugh! Amazing idiocy!
- Bing was anti-vietnam war, and did more to promote african-american music (and african-americans IN music) than just about any other white singer of his time, with possible exception of Benny Goodman.
arnefogel 2 years ago 5
If you hate Bing's version of this one go check out the upbeat version Dean Martin did on his TV show.
elzuzo267 2 years ago
Pure Talent
ront2437 2 years ago
I really like this version..!!
nejellerja 2 years ago
nice video i like black and white colour
aaaaasssss 2 years ago 2
Recommendation:
Read Gary Giddins' 2001 book "Bing Crosby - A Pocket Full Of Dreams - The early years, 1903 - 1940" and learn from America's pre-eminent jazz & cultural critic how one man changed the face of popular culture and music forever during the first half of the last century.
arnefogel 2 years ago 4
Virtually EVERY singer who strove for popularity in pop during the 1930s & 40s into the 50s tried to imitate the style & sound of Crosby, and he was one of the few white singers whose records could be found in black juke joints during the 30s & 40s. He was, stylistically &statistically, the most influential and popular performer of the first half of the 20th century.
arnefogel 2 years ago 3
My God, the number of people who post who have no knowledge of what they are talking about! - This song was written by Jews for a broadway musical! - It's been recorded HUNDREDS of times, by jazz artists..... it's what is called a "standard" - a pop song that ALL the singers did. DO SOME HOMEWORK!
arnefogel 2 years ago
there's no need to be so mean about it. not everyone knows the basics of jazz. not that i encourage ignorance, but when you tell some one a thing, you should do it nicely.
rockkandie 2 years ago
Rock, I apologize if I'm coming off "mean" - but I just re-read and I don't think I am.... Impatient, maybe. I just try to keep my mouth shut when I don't know what I'm talking about - a personal credo. Believe me, most people on this board know WAY more about MOST things than I do! - But I know this stuff for 40 years, and most people here don't! - Bing was a brilliant artist and innovator and the world's favorite singer for decades. I embrace history, and many people don't. This saddens me.
arnefogel 2 years ago 4
This comment has received too many negative votes show
1:23-1:38 = racism masked by "humor" and sarcasm
Xclusivenig9a 2 years ago
i enjoyed the hyped-up version. most of the performances on tv during those years had a super fast paced opening number or a &quo