Feelin' Good - Gilbert Price

[hysings]

I knew Gilbert Price in the 60's - we were in All City Chorus together...I remember being

a very nice guy. When he was in "Roar of the Greasepaint, smell of the Crowd" I went backstage to see him....I late found out he had died...

[varadero1839]

@hysings I remember the "All City Chorus!" I'm from NY, and I remember what an honor it was to be chosen as a member! Good for you, and even better that you got to meet him. Sadly, he died so young; his voice was one for the ages. Thanks so much for your memories, and comment!

[FERMAT0123]

I saw him perform in Dayton, Ohio. Still one of the most remarkable talent I have ever enjoyed. At an astonishingly young 23 he had it all. A voice that really is perfect. Magnificent baritone, beautifull contol and sincerity. Miss him. Noone like him around today. Brian Stokes is fine, but Gilbert voice seem to defy it's owner. He was certainly not a big fella. But what effortless power.

[ke6vw]

Actually, this is one of the first Broadway shows that DID use radio mics on performers. Mr Newley used one. I was the original prop man on the show, and the sound man was a friend. When this song was sung, the entire sound system was turned off, including the mics in the footlights. Mr. Price had an awesome voice.

[varadero1839]

@ke6vw A million thanks to you ke6vw! Your comment and verification have made my year! I may be mistaken, but think the Shubert Theater has nearly 1,500 seats. This may not be considered enormous, but very respectable by Broadway standards. I can only guess that management understood that given Gilbert's voice, had they left things hooked up, they might have blown out the entire sound system for the theater; a smart move. Honored to hear from you!

[dianezee]

I saw the musical when I was 15. Mr. Price brought the house down. It's a great memory for me. And it's still my favorite version of this song.

[varadero1839]

@dianezee So happy to hear from you! I agree, as he's also my favorite. My feeling, aside from the amazing performance, few attempts can ever eclipse the original. Thanks so much!!

[Claaudiaml]

I love this version as much as Muse's cover. Awesome!

[kitboy69]

Amen.



[ecapital46]

Never knew this guy was 23 during this show. Agree with Newley, 23 was not the age for this character, but I understand why he made the exception. I use to think this original was the best version, until a friend 25 years ago sent me a tape of Billy Eckstine's rendition on his 1965 "The Prime of My Life" Motown LP. It is head and shoulders definitive, game, set, and match. Good luck finding it...the LP's been out of print for a while, but you can find it on Ebay or elsewhere online.

[varadero1839]

@ecapital46 Thanks for the comparison and update! I always liked Mr. E, but never knew of him having recorded this one. Will look for it! Thanks once more.

[harrypmgs]

I prefer the jazz versions

[LupeJustinian]

His voice is so vibrant!  Inspiration for black male vocalists everywhere :)

[1wallander]

I remember seeing Mr. Price sing this on Broadway, I was 8yrs old. I know Tony Newley was not sure about his choice, but later in life admitted no one could have done it better. Even now when I hear this song I am moved; plenty of versions around, but to me this will always be the best! Thank you for the memories, priceless!

[chksngrnyc]

@1wallander I too remember watching Gilbert sing this great song back then; my good friend, Gloria Chu was one of the "kids" in the production...

[MANUELFARINELLI]

What a voice!!... this is the best voice ever who sang this song.. always the best!

[wdrayr]

Thank you so much for this posting. I heard Mr. Price do this song on TV during the Broadway run of 'The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd'. I was about 10 years old at the time. It made such an impression that, whenever I hear it, my mind immediately returns to this version.

[varadero1839]

@wdrayr You're welcome! Happy to hear from you, and feel that the family members of Mr. Price will be really please to read yet another note of praise for their fine, and super-talented uncle, brother, etc! Happy New Year!

[CannedSausages]

If you read "I Put A Spell On You", you'll understand how Simone worked, how she played and why she started singing in the first place. I'm so glad I've finally found the original version of this song, so thanks varandero1839. It really helped me understand how she interpreted music and how she made it her own.

[horseyak]

My vote goes for Gilbert Price. The operatic delivery and arrangement just feels so right and heightens the beauty of the song and what it represents. Having said that, I also love Buble's version, but hell, that's just the mark of a great song.

[pjubagoni]

This is really amazing. Theatrical.

But you should notice that Nina's version is the one that other's cover. She put that melody there, except the refrains and lyrics. Also I agree that those covers ( Muse, Buble etc..) are boring cos it's an pure imitation, but this masterpiece and Nina's have artistic and lifeline connection and are Art. And that's all that matters. Nina didn't destroy the soul of it except she put her's into it. And that's the beauty of art and interpretation and imitators.

[Spootiskerry]

My parents saw the original Broadway production and brought home the "record" which is fabulous! I still know and love all the songs. It is a story of Sir and Cocky (representing the Bourgeois and the Proletariat (rich vs. poor) and it is a "Game" in which the the rich oppress the poor. When the poor (Cocky) wins, and Sir is sent packing, the Negro (played by Gilbert Price) is free. This is his song. He expresses how good it feels to know freedom. Powerfully done.

[zitronesaft]

why are there so many tempo fluctuations?? was this normal at this time?

[pippacummings]

I don't like the version by Muse or others. It's lacking the raw intensity and pureness of the emotion. This is about african americans being freed from slavery... it's powerful. People totally lose that when they sing.

[zitronesaft]

hey,i have a question... can somebody help me to find the original music sheet of this song, written by anthony newley and leslie bricusse?

[loko2468]

yeah. its pretty obvious whose voice has more command and presence :-)

[loko2468]

wow michael buble is a load of bollocks compared to gilbert price. or anyone for that matter.

recently found out about price through his ol man river video. its bloody fantastic. had no idea the original of feelin good was in this style though. classic...no trace of jazz.

[fissaqueen]

yeah I prefer Muse version too :)

[MelodramaticAct]

Well dam o_o that voice IS beautiful... I'm shocked.

[zitronesaft]

i have a question, is this the original version???? is this it?

[monica4834]

Wonderful! I met him and heard him in 1965 at Variety Recording Studios, NYC thanks to Warren Allen Smith... owner and my English teacher at NCHS. I was 15 yrs. old. I am moved to tears!!!

[Gonz099]

Was researching this song for my daughters mausic higher for her to sing, can I just say his version blows me away. And it did bring a tear to my eye.You must be very proud of him.

[gorydeath3000]

its crazy to see how much this song has evolved over the years and in how many completely different ways it has been covered... personally my favorites are the michael buble and the muse versions, but props to this guy for starting it all with his version, not quite my cup of tea in terms of style but I can't deny the singing is outstanding

[alicehaumont]

is this the original song? because it was covered so many times i don't know who is the original singer.

[samboskull]

This is the original, the next major cover was Nina Simones, that came a few months after, kinda stole the spotlight, hence why most people think hers is the original.

[12jo0]

@samboskull are u kidding john coltraine is a major recorder...

[lolzmagelolz]

@samboskull it's probably because this one takes an aquired taste to really like? i hadn't heard of this one, was looking for the original :) love it :D

[twinsehayes]

Yes this is the original. This is from the the Musical: The roar of the grease paint- the smell of the crowd. I just found out about this. lol

[irocksogetoverit1]

hello all i do thank you all so much for your comments it makes me feel so good to see so many people that love my brothers voice thank you mark price

[Brooke0134]

Honestly I love the Muse one better.

[varadero1839]

Hi Brooke0134,

To each his/her own! You've an opinion and it means much to you! I'm not a teacher; I only hope I know fine vocal techniques. Thanks for your comment!

[Maianewley]

@Brooke0134 I do like the Muse version of my father's song but I've always loved the original, Cy Grant, version above all others. It's incredibly soulful and perfect in every way. Cy also performed it in the original stage show (Roar of the Greasepaint,Smell of the Crowd). Sadly, Cy passed earlier this year and I've always thought it terribly wrong that he remains massively under-appreciated. The Cy version is on youtube but it won't let me post the link! Search for it, it's well worth it.

[cbibuld]

Mr Price was more than a superb voice. He was a superb human being. He gave many the gift of his time. I took free voice lessons with him at a theatre company called the Family, in the 70s. He was accessable to all, such was his heart.

[ohashey]

Where can I download the mp3? (:

[varadero1839]

Right here! When the show starts, a download window appears on the lower portionf of the video offering either iTunes or Amazon. Click on one or the other and you're in business. Thanks for noticing!

[horseyak]

I think it's a testament to the greatness of the song that it can be interpreted so many ways by so many artists and be great every time. I love Buble's version, but when it came out I went back to this version which I've been listening to since the original soundtrack album came out

and decided I really like this version best because of its purity and simplicity.

[horseyak]

Thanks Veradero for sending me the the I Gotta Be me video. He was a great talent. We lost him too soon. Re: the no mic thing, he must have had classical training. I wish I had been able to see Greasepaint on Broadway. Between him and Newley at the prime of his wonderful voice, well.. thank God we have the album.

[TheAnniem]

Mr Newley was right about the voice, a magnificent instrument. A superb talent gone from us far, far too soon.

[TheAnniem]

The song comes from 'Roar of the Greasepaint'. It is a classic song in every sense of the word, and Mr Price has a superb voice, but I can't for the life in me work out how it fits in. I much prefer the composer's interpretation, much softer and not as much intensity

[Hrasberry1]

i like it . it's sort of like a cry

[MrTuturduthebest]

I don't like this version there is not feeling in it... it's just technical

[AnerStroz]

are you deth?

[AnerStroz]

deaf*

[Seargent363]

@MrTuturduthebest no feeling??? Really, you can't feel the emotion and this is theater baby.

[varadero1839]

@Seargent363 Guess there's really no place to begin, with the exception of an enormous "Thank You!" This was theater, and I'm proud to say I witnessed this incredible singer twice, in this role! I'm beginning to think I'm his only "champion" on this site. If "GB" sang it, I hope I've found it! I'm so grateful to you for having spoken your opinion. Best wishes!

[Seargent363]

@varadero1839 I wish I was born make then, so I could have heard him live and this is the only version of the song that makes me tear up.

[varadero1839]

@Seargent363 Would that you had witnessed it too! I saw him live performing this number on 2 separate occasions. The total show was superb, but this one number really left people with their jaws dropping! Back in those days there were no "mikes." I know today there are some similar performers, but at that time you could hear Mr. Price anyplace in the theater! It was like he was right next to you! Artist Brian Stokes-Mitchell is another with this gift. I'm so glad to hear from you: thank you!!!

[tiedyefalafel]

I love Muse's cover, but I have to agree with Anthony Newley about this guy. This is absolutely the best version of the song.

[zitronesaft]

@tiedyefalafel hey, do you know who wrote this song?? Antony Newley or leslie briscusse?? or both?? thx for helping

[billk700]

Spectacular.

And do yourself a favor: Go see a current Broadway show.

[FRYN]

isn't it funny how covers made this song first jazz and then rock?

I love every version!

[pokerchic89]

muse by far has the best cover of this

[xXxJanKxXx]

Nah... As long as Joe Bonamassa's around, they'll allways be second best, see :)

Check out he's bluesy version on his latest album "The Ballad Of John Henry".

I still give you a thumbs up on this since you've probably not heard it yet ;)

[toomart4u]

Michael Bublé.

[RentRocks05117]

check out the muse version, its pretty good.

[xaxie1]

hang on dw, i didnt watch the ending, is pretty good

[xaxie1]

rubbished, to soft, the song is a loud one

[SourProductions0]

thank god it was covered

[bigjimmi24]

i agree lol, i've never heard the original to now and i wasnt expecting this

[2good4Utube]

REally good voice

[cardboarddouchebag]

this is amazing, but i like Nina Simone's the besttt.

[fifikatana]

Just incredible.

[cmw1226]

This SONG makes me FEEL GOOD!

[teya18]

what a voice!

[hayailaa13]

i love this version but is still love muse version best sorry

[jamzlo]

As my opinion, I love his voice, it is strong and powerful but I don't think it suits this song and as a result I didn't like this version but everyone one has opinions so I don't care what someone else says.

[costumeteen]

I'm glad to hear this. It seems like the popularity of the Michael Buble version has completely overshadowed the purity, power, and meaning of this beautiful piece of music.

[varadero1839]

Thank you for your learned observation!! I'd seen the Buble version and, for what it's worth, an excellent interpretation of the song. However, the comment you made was so astute that I was literally floored! The rendition by Gilbert Price, who 1st sang this on Broadway, will never be surpassed! Grateful to you for having seen, heard and commented on this piece of history!

[greenTleaf]

I've been trying to find this version for the longest time. but the michael buble arrangement was actually based on Nina Simone's rendition of the song (including the brass, etc.)

[raymonda100]

I had the good fortune of ushering at this show for two weeks and saw it 16 times. I'll never forget him singing this song.

[Icycheetah01]

i love this song, thnx for posting this i am doing it for my higher in msical theatre and really wanted to hear the original.

Thank You So Much for posting this

[3muimui]

Thank you for posting such an amazing & inspiring song to us!

Truly moving!

Thank you!!