Al Bowlly "Melancholy Baby"

[colinwells4]

Matchless performance by Al; Don't forget his piano player!

[sibyllanoff]

le mieux est d'écouter la version de Monk. splendide

[francisanosissi1]

sooo gooood



[holdthatdiggs]

Absolute quality this. He's a master

[rosewoodflower]

I am amazed, this should have 1 Billion viewings. It is FABULOUS!!!!!!

[mikestrat56]

It don't get smoother than this. Wonderful.

[michael6325]

The man was a genius with music. He was born to be a singer and was. He was among many greats back then...and damn I just love the song

[MrSimi71]

LOL...gotta love the dance jig he does when they change tempo!

[frankmachin]

How good is that? What a singer!

[stockportsmiler]

A wonderful and largely forgotten talent. Fantastic to watch this beautifully simple live performance

[thainfern04]

pardon my ignorance... but what genre would this type of music be classified under? i'm a 90's baby and i want more.

[fouldsie1]

@thainfern04 This is typical 1920's/30's/40's dance band music. Big hotels & night clubs of the time had resident bands to attract folk to come to regular dances, usually at weekends. With the coming of radio & mass ownership of gramophones & gramophone recordings (i.e.records), live broadcasts were often made from the bigger, famous venues like, for example, the Savoy in London and the Cotton Club in New York. Al Bowlly was killed during the London Blitz of 1941, singing at the Cafe Royal.

[paulkate72]

@thainfern04 - Yes, it's typical English dance band music of the day. Most of these songs are evergreens - they're timeless. Nice to hear someone from the 90s likes this music. Try "The Very Thought of You" to hear Al Bowlly at his very best. It's on YT.

[thainfern04]

amazing.

[amigovelho1000]

Great tune + extraordinary and wistful singer = unforgetable memories.

Thanks for share this video.

From Brazil

[BOHEMIANMEX]

Awsome, from which year is this video?

[ricothemagno]

I've always been a fan of Al since watching 'The Shinning' and wondering who sang the track at the end of the movie. Since then got lots of tracks from him from itunes.

Awesome voice and presence and what a loss because of the Blitz.

RIP Al

[columbia5557]

I've always hated this song until now. Everything this man sings he owns. His version of Over the Rainbow leaves Judy Garland, who I'm not a fan of, in the dust. I'm so greatful that I recently discovered Al Bowlly. He tops Sinatra.

[brendenjparker]

Such depth and sincerity.



[cooliohoolio92]

I really wish a great movie was made about him.

[pomeroy40144]

Oh, my heart!

[loonylinda]

Look at him...wasnt he gorgeous!...he always makes me feel emotional...didnt they come across as sweet...?

[bluto138]

Awesome footage of him, thanks!

[albowllyniece]

I have the privilege of being Al Bowlly's niece living in SA. My mom (his sister Nora) was also a singer and his brother Mish Bowlly was a band leader and jazz piano teacher in Johannesburg and his piano is in my lounge in the Drakensberg. We have slow internet and I decided to log in whilst in Durban on vacation and was so blessed for the first time ever to see a video of my uncle and cannot explain what a thrill this has been. I now understand why he had such a following as he is charismatic!

[mojoman4147]

@albowllyniece He was the ultimate singer, you are truly blessed to have such great heritage in your family! A lot of people (myself included) would give anything to travel back and see him perform live!

[JimmyDaKoik]

I just discovered Bowlly a few months ago, and have downloaded about 30 of his songs...I listen to them a lot lately. There's just something about that era of music that's very soothing. I do have to say that my favorite version of "Melancholy Baby" is the version by Gene Austin. I think my favorites from Al Bowlly are "In The Still Of The Night" and "Little Lady Make Believe". The guitar work on the latter is surprisingly modern sounding...it's only played at the begining of the song tho.

[TVWriterGuy]

Thank you very much for posting and remembering this greatly talented and brave soul.

[CarlHalling]

Just masterful. What a vocal genius; so underrated. Such a precious piece of film footage.

[me92me92]

when performers had class:)

[CJkaiju]

He had such a unique, soothing voice. So sad that his life was cut short by the war. F**king Nazis.

[baghend]

@CJkaiju Yes- a talented handsome man - he could have been safe elsewhere but chose to stay with his country in its darkest hours. A life sadly cut short. So were a lot of other people's. Tragic all of it.  Nothing glorious, despite the bravery and sacrifice of so many. A world war that destroyed tens of millions of lives. I'm not very positive at all about us -any of us -surviving the next one.

[bam3004]

watch his behaviour until 0:30

a pure gentleman.perfect. and the song: perfect,too.

[nocount1]

I've just discovered this guy, thanks to you (furlight) and he's awesome! I'm searching for more. It's odd though, to me his diction sounds more american than british.

[elliniwendy]

Thanks ,he is very talented

[elliniwendy]

wow , so beautiful ,thanks for posting ,do you know who the amzing pianist is ?

[2744718]

@elliniwendy The pianist is Monia Lita.

[Plattensammler88]

It's great!

[VictrolaJazz]

Beautifully rendered! It reminds me of W. C. Fields quip: "She has a body like a melon and a head like a collie".

[rhapsodyswept]

So, I'm reading "Joy in the Morning," by Betty Smith--it's set in the late 1920s, and has several references to characters singing/humming this song. I just had to hear it for myself, and, man, I agree with everyone that it's simply timeless. The song's nearly 100 years old, and I can't get enough. *sigh* Sometimes, I think I was born in the wrong era...

[allegroconmoto]

wonderful song and sweet performance !!

[Bloozboy91]

The more I watch this video the more I wonder why he has an American-sounding accent at the beginning? He was raised in British South Africa and lived in England for a while leading me to assume he would sound english.

[Duvidddd]

@Bloozboy91

He lived in the US for a while.

[1967mustanggta]

Just missed out is all.

[HarborGuy]

I agree with your comments. I think this song was one of the first hits of the last century and was done by just about everybody. Back then you just couldn't miss..

[cdadave83814]

Just thot I'd check out Mr. Bowlly...he's good, ain't he? It's interesting watching his expressions throughout...he really knows how to sell a song!

[Shollazar]

Absolutely terrific.

[maurocerutti]

Beatiful

[amitmediratta]

so indescribably beautiful

[innit27]

Monia Liter was born in Odessa on the Black Sea on 27 January 1906, where he studied piano and composition at the Imperial School of Music. He left Russia during the 1917 revolution for Harbin, in North China, where he managed to continue with his musical education....

[padgeroonie]

In my message just now, that should of course read Paolo Nutini, not Paulo. Being a Paul myself, I got confused. I am now going to have to go on a quest to find whether Mr Nutini has ever listened to Mr Bowlly.

[padgeroonie]

This is great. I - probably in common with most posters - was born after Bowlly's death, but he clearly was a fantastic performer. While watching this performance, I was struck by a similarity in delivery to the current up-and-coming Scottish star Paulo Nutini. I wonder if Paulo has been consciously influenced by Al Bowlly. He's certainly in the same tradition.

[Bloozboy91]

Happy birthday, Al! Thank you for sharing you're wonderful talent with us.

[bradybraidz]

Happy Birthday Al - one of the greatest singers of our time.

[BigBandHeaven]

He was one of the very best vocalists recording in the 1930's - thankfully he recorded a very large amount of songs which are slowly becoming available on you tube.

[happytalk94]

such a wonderful experience to find and listen to Al Bowlly.i am eternally grateful for sharing with us.

[davidglow3]

Clearly influenced by his American experience.His delivery and posturing mimic what was going on stateside with crooners.

[Inverfar]

Love the 20's 30s music Check Out The Footloose Dance Orchestra from the UK

[prettyparisian]

What an absolute charmer, he is. such an entrancing and soothing voice. You just melt and fall in love with him x

[rosewoodflower]

I just have to keep returning to this performance, It's very special, he was unique. Simply stunning, I wish there were more films of him singing, not forgetting the great pianist accompanying him.

[StopFear]

I thought it was my general and interest in 1920s 30s music, but I figured out its just Al Bowlly. His songs are the best to learn if you're auditioning for choir or theatre, very easy.

Did you know that he died in a German air raid on Britain. A bomb got him

[ronald2394]

He reminds me of my parents as they listened to his discs. I shall always be grateful to Al for that memory.

[rubbishsignup]

I can't listen to these artists without thinking of my late Dad. he died 2 years ago at 93 so the 1930's was his time. He loved Heddle Nash, Richard Tauber etc. I get upset but I have many great memories of him.

[Corrie121]

Great post.

Thanks for sharing.

[Filyr]

Does anyone know what cd this song is on? I've been looking for hours but I cant seem to find it anywhere, exept in The Al Bowlly Story 1928-41, but I can't seem to find it in store or anywhere.

[davhuw]

it's on a cd called 'songs that won the war'2

[Pactrolus]

Only just discovered who Al was (this week) after years of hearing his voice in period dramas and films. You seem to know what you are talking about, perhaps you can help? In the 1980's there was a Chanel No5 commercial which used 'I Don't Want to Set the World On Fire' as the music over glossy images. It was a long time ago but it sounded just like Al Bowlly. Do you know if he recorded the song and is it available today? Thanks.

[davhuw]

hi-have chkd my al bowlly collection-dont have this song by him but do have a version by a woman called Dorothy Carless...hope this helps ?

[Pactrolus]

Strewth! That was quick, thank you.

[coxpaul]

i think the version you heard was by Leon Redbone , check youtube

[Pactrolus]

Cheers, mate, even found the advert!

[bradybraidz]

'I Don't Want to Set The World on Fire' was recorded by The Ink Spots :)

[OhYouNastyMan]

hi, i have it as an mp3. message me if you wouls like me to send a copy! x

[Georgiahulse]

Got it on an old '78 from my Grandfather.

[cottonsnark]

This must not be allowed to disappear.

[TheDanHudds]

@cottonsnark Yes I agree

[sweeetxfire]

i always cry a little when i watch this :(

he just seems so sweet and sincere. none of todays "artists" have this much heart!!

[LOVEMUNCHKIN22]

@sweeetxfire He definitely got all the ladies

[MegaSweetd1]

Absolutely capital.

[Bloozboy91]

I wish I lived back then and was able to see him live... That would be something you never forget.

[vinceguz5159]

I have tracked him for many years. Never lived in his time but born 59 and introduced to him and his style by a loving parent. Will never look back. So many like this guy died young, Al, liberace, freddie, jackson. they brought a talent, more than that, life and a message to us all.

[ballynafeighbluedog]

al was killed by an nazi air raid.

[vertxxgg]

best crooner of them all..he remembers me in voice and looks the Spanish actor Antonio Casal in 40s

[bcostin]

What a great performance. Funny thing, I remember an old issue of Cracked or Mad magazine from back in the 70's that had a caricature of a man (with a huge chin) singing this song. I just now realized that it was clearly intended to be Al Bowlly.

[tony9L9L]

Dam Hitler for throwing a bomb at Al

Love you Al

[ImpeturbableLawrence]

Thank you for putting this up - now I have SEEN the Inimitable Al vocalising as well as heard him - I didn't realise he was so lean.

[musicalidea]

What ever did happen to charming? Whew...they don't make them even remotely like they used to! Thus is the cause for my melancholia.

[FranzivonSpeck]

Molto furioso!!!

Mille grazie.

[RETRONAUTA]

thanks for sharing this treasure!

[ragemanchoo82]

His regular speaking voice makes me think of Sterling Holloway

[william1h1bonnie]

who knows the Melancholy Baby song from the movie Roaring Twenties? I want to play it on the piano and i would like someone to help me?

[guitaress1]

This is an amazing film. I'm puzzled because Bowlly doesn't seem to have a British accent! He couldn't have been in America that long! What a relaxed natural style and great sense of swing. Lovely. And marvelous pianist.

[abdoujaparov]

Al was brought up in South Africa

[Artist3303]

I dont get it, he was, hows that a bad comment?

[xxpiggystardustxx]

Albert Allick 'Al' Bowlly (January 7, 1899 April 17, 1941) was a popular British Jazz singer in the United Kingdom during the 1930s, making more than 1,000 recordings between 1927 and 1941. Bowlly was born in Mozambique to Greek and Lebanese parents who met en route to Australia and moved to South Africa. He was brought up in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was killed by the explosion of a parachute mine outside his apartment in Jermyn Street, London during the Blitz.

[Doubledig]

Al was born in Mozambique and grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa before moving to England.

[iVenge]

I agree with the other comments about the sound quality. It's actually quite phenomenal, and far exceeds most available recordings from that era.

[rapture2012livecouk]

Wonderful Man Indeed - Such a controled voice and so breathtaking. Romantic and uplifting. By far my personal favorite artist from that era. My favorite song that he sang still has to be "You Ought to Be In Pictures" He puts so much flare and individuality into it its marvelous!

[mettanc]

fantastic....don't make them like this anymore.

michael

[miltsar]

Thanks for your note Confetta. Just ordered a cd from ebay. Can't wait to receive it. Til then I will be playing this video and "The Very Thought Of You " over and over again.He joins Mildred Bailey, Johnny Hartman and Lee Wiley as one of my favorite singers. And thanks for your wonderful site !

[miltsar]

WOW ! I have never heard of this marvelous singer before ! How great that at my advanced age, over 60, I can find this brilliant , joyfull singer here on Youtube. Thanks so very much for posting . I am now off to Ebay/Amazon to track down any cds. I can never thank you enough for posting. Had goosebumps watching his performance and hearing his expresive and beautiful voice.

[Deotyma7]

Very great video-5/5

[osama2000il]

very nice,thanks for sharing CRISSANCA.

[opticon12000]

I have this record on 78 and in A1 condition played on a HMV 101 and oh boy is it fantastic !

[ronnkarenmccoy]

Stunning, Flawless delivery!!!!Breathtaking.

[bradybraidz]

His vocal control is just flawless. That last note on 'melancholy too' is just wow! I have commented before on this video but I cam back again...cant get enough. I recorded a really good Al Bowlly documentary on the tv. Thinkin of doing the Al Bowlly tour in london, visit his haunts and grave

[TonofRecords]

Wow! I keep forgetting how much feeling old music has in it.

[Jekatherina]

Soooooo sweet...

[zenbluescat]

I love this guy, thanks for posting. I really like the way the tempo changes, and that blue note he sings at the end is just awesome!

[gaztheraz]

thank you so much furlight, Al was the greatest and still is. I thought I was the only Al Bowlly fan until a few years ago-good on you furlight for these clips

[geoffds]

At the time of its release, this song was considered to be so sexually suggestive that MTV refused to air it.

[sleaponit21]

top doller, and yes I agree, he knew mic technique, but never mind gals an guys we got the spice girls ha ha ha

[tony9L9L]

This is the best thing on you tube. Al was the greatest.....but the Germans got him and that was it. We love you Al, it doesn't matter how much water passes under the bridge.

[redverskyle]

Wonderful. Al should have been one of the biggest pop stars of the 20th Century.

Theres no justice.

[PDdod]

Treated myself at Christmeas to a couple of cd's of Al Bowley from Amazon UK. When I played them I thought I must be the only one in Britain buying these

Glad to read the comments -It has convinced me believe i'm not alone

[shanghaibenny2]

Poetry. The best rendition I've ever heard.

[LKayL]

I wish he was singing it personally to me!

[rosewoodflower]

I forgot to mention the piano player,very attentive and an excellent musician, so pleased someone shared this with us!

[Bobibuck]

Amazed & delighted to find a movie of the great Al Bowlly

[gmlch]

wow, it's fascinating to see how the popular style of presentation has changed so much over the years.....riveting

[rosewoodflower]

great song, great voice and a wonderful performance,first time I've found myself attracted to a person of the same sex as me !

[casdave2]

Very much a proffessional, if you notice the way he approaches the mike, he's careful not to get too close or too far, mike back then had limitations, at the end when he ups his voice he moves back a little, but makes it all part of the show

[12111968]

Un moment magnifique. Al Bowlly aura été un maître en son genre.

[PrincessPosa]

this is so lovely its a delight both to listen to and to watch thanks for putting it on youtube!

[Chindit623]

Superb! With his movements, there was something of Al Jolson in his style!

[CHATMOSSMAN]

Al's voice is just fantastic,so distinctive,oh yeah

[ReginaldDuvale]

Better than Crosby! Al Bowlly has qualities in his vocal chords that are more beguiling thank any crooner I've ever heard

[tomorrowsboy7]

Loved this song since hearing Pricilla Lane sing it in the 1939 classic,"The Roaring Twenties",one of my most favorite films!

[l0025b]

Al Bowlly had no idea how great he was. Apity we couldn't see more of him, at least we have these two videos.

[HarborGuy]

The song is as old as dirt, this fresh, wonderful rendition would play well even today I think, thanks again......

[furlight]

You are so right...

I looked it up

"MY MELANCHOLY BABY (Music by Ernie Burnett / Lyrics by George A. Norton, Maybelle E. Watson , 1912)"

Al makes it timeleSs ; )

oxo

fettz

[DickAllen4HOF]

@HarborGuy I rather liked the way the American Doo Wop group The Marcell's covered this song.

[tunewell]

Thank you so much for this. Captivating. He was a real pro.

[yvofra]

what class .I ve got some records of him

[rnchy]

Many thanks for posting Al Bowlly. I've only known his voice from my records!

[furlight]

Lovely isn't he tho?

oxo

~confetta

[dawnbreaks]

absoloutely! thanks for this, he really melts my heart!

[ta455driver]

Wonderful recording of Al Bowlly.

[whispperson]

Its Great that footage like this exists as its from an era of long ago. Well done for putting this on here and keeping this man's legacy alive.

[l0025b]

Have heard all the great male singers, austin, crosby,haymes,Gardel,etc. Some may have had better voices, but Al was in a class by himself, no one could deliver the goods like him, especially slow ballads.

[madboy65]

One of the great voices of the century. Just pure class, taste, intelligence.

[OhYouNastyMan]

I cannot express how much it means to see him sing. This video was the first time i saw him on film and it blew me away. Until i heard this, i never realised how resonant his voice was. Listening to Al's more poignant songs are the aural equivalent of tears of joy. I heard Ray Noble said that for those three minutes, he really meant what he was singing and had such conviction in his lyric. That is apparent from film like this. He was the best.

[l0025b]

He was the best.

[furlight]

AL WAS *THE BEST* : )

oxo

fettz

[redteamla]

Thank you, Mr. Bowlly!!!  That was lovely!

[jesselaffan]

you can tell its all about the music

and thats probably why he sounds so wonderfull

[HarborGuy]

Great voice great version of an old song even then. Thanks!

[bhsisthebest]

I always tried to imagine how those great crooners of 20ies and 30ies look and how they act while singing. Now I can finally compare my imagination with a real (movie) performance. All I can say is that my imaginaton was poor. The movie shows so many details - real enthusiasm, pure musicality, open heart to share with all others lightly and naturally. No ego, no shouting, it looks like praying. I agree that Al Bowly is one of the best crooner ever.

[susannesusanne]

AWSOME!!

[bigcity233]

What marvelous clips! First time ever to see Al Bowlly on film. Al was probably performing in NY with the Noble band when he made this clip being on holiday back in London. The sound quality is quite good. I think they used carbon mikes in UK sound studios then. Litter was an excellent pianist.

[mactopolis]

This Was When Men Could Really Sing And Sound Nice To

[bradybraidz]

As the others say, it is amazing to see Al Sing and it is such a shame that he was taken from us like he was. My favourite songs by him are this, 'Midnight the stars and you' and also 'It's all Forgotten now' Thanks

[furlight]

Thanks for posting your comments!

I also love 'Midnight the stars and you' and also 'It's all Forgotten now' ...

What an addictive voice!

pure sweetneSs!

~confetta

[mic33george]

These two are among my favourites too,i heard them on the horror "The Shining",and held a tape recorder to the tv!

[bradybraidz]

Aah! Same! What a singer!

[1952mgyb]

Great rendition from Al Bowlly that transcends the years.

[FluffQueen]

Just beautiful! It's fantastic to see Al perform at last. Very moving. Many thanks for downloading this! :O)

[boomelf]

I have been a big fan of Al Bowlly ever since Dennis Potter brought his music to my attention using it for 'Pennies from Heaven' and 'The Singing Detective'. It's so amazing to actually see the man perform! I'd never thought i'd see the day. Thanks ever so much for posting this.

[laughingsal]

just amazing to see him at last. thanks.

[furlight]

Thanks for responding!

It has been such a gift to know others out there who had never SEEN al sing are also as happy as I am to SEE HIM!

Al is carefully stepping back - mics were very new still (relatively) and that is perhaps he sings so gingerLy with thought to where he is standing.

I only wish we had MORE AL to SEE...lots and LOTS more!

What I would have given to see him sing LIVE just once...and to tell him how much his music has meant to me!

best -

~confetta

[loris711]

Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to see Al Bowlly perform. What fascinates me is that it seems he is working volume control with the mike as he performs - that he steps closer when singing intimately, and backs up when he belts out - is he modulating the sound?

[333maxwell]

My oh my.. what the heck happened in 2006, where angy rap music is the staple of a generation...

I too vote 'bloody' brilliant...

[accc21]

Wow! His voice, especially at the end! He is brilliant!

[sallyonsunday]

This is absolutely fantastic! Like mrbigarms said; I've never seen him on video before. It's beautiful. Whats more, I can really hear his voice properly in a way I have never been able to do on the recordings. The sound quality is amazing. It's really moving, I can't explain why! Thank you so much for taking the time to upload this.

[rmm413]

Thanks for posting this. What years is it from?

[mrbigarms]

Thank you so much, I have listened to Al for many years, and this is the first time I've ever seen moving footage of him, looks like he's enjoying him self. Wonderful stuff!

[JimmyC1983]

Beautiful, wonderful, lost for words at sight of 'A'...

Thanks

[Glover36]

That is just brilliant. Thank you so much for posting it.