CATS - Memory - Different singers

[PurpleBritishPanda]

Betty has the best "Touch me"

[Myste3]

Betty sings the best of the choices, followed by Elaine, Sarah, Barbara and Debbie in that order.....just my preference. My rankings of Elaine and Sarah would likely have switched had the clip of Sarah included her more powerful higher vocals. The best comparison would be to hear each singer sing the same part. I think it would come down to Betty vs Sarah, with the others ranking below the 2 of them.

[coffee3able]

PS: I'm sorry, I know you didn't feature Laurie on this video, but I think you should have.

[coffee3able]

Elaine Paige was the original Grizabella in the 1st stage presentation of "Cats" & opened in London before going to Broadway. All her videos are fantastic, the emotional impact unbeatable. I have always wished I could have seen her onstage in it. Elaine, for me will always be the best, no contest. Second, would be Laurie Beechman, the Grizabella I, personally, saw on Broadway. Sadly, she will always be missed.

[NatalieAnnFox]

Elaine

Barbara

Betty (only for her voice, not her characterisation)

Have to say I prefer Sarah as Jemima.

[noodle0912]

Betty will always be my favorite.

Laurie Beechman is a close follow-up, bother for her voice and characterization. Then, of course, Miss Paige.

[sebastianpellegrene]

I have to agree. I saw Betty sing this on Broadway in 1982. Amazing.

We have to remember the late Laurie Beechman. She is my second choice and then

Page. 

[AmelaRocks101]

Elanie paige (video 1997/1998) that's the one i go by

[Yip1982]

Paige gives a better performance of Grizabella in the video, but I think that the Buckley version on the Broadway cast album just gets closer to the spirit of the character of Grizabella (and I'm saying this as a Singaporean.)

[musicpianoman]

Conspicuously missing is Laurie Beechman, how come??? Also one needs to listen to the whole song, sung by each singer to make a fair comparison. The part you displayed for Byrne doesn't do her justice, and you gave more attention and best parts to Elaine. Another unknown on yt who sings this very well is Elisha Jordan. Hard to pick one over the other, Paige, Buckley, Byrne and Beechman do excellent jobs. Beechman seems to have great passion and the emotion that makes her standout.

[chpiyatas]

I kinda like Betty's version, it is powerful but classy. For emotion, gotta give up to Elaine. But for clarity, as thorgilt said, Barbra. I think Sarah's version depends on which voice she used, I like her live version in Japan, but I don't like the opera one at all

[MDDave00]

What about Laurie Beechman, the longest running Grizabella at the time of her untimely death in 1998.

[thorgilt]

Elaine Paige for emotion, Streisand for clarity ( btw, this was not her best version of "Memory", I believe Brightman was having voivr issues so was not at her best here.

Nothing at all bad about any of them really, I just prefer Paige.

A bit curious as to how that 10 year old would sound with this piece.

[number3nerd]

im alwayz for elaine paige

[thewanksta36]

Definitely not that Debbie Byrne chick.

[mpappas57]

They are all fantastic, but Elaine Paige in the 97/98 video chokes me up every time I hear it. It's kinda not fair to ask who's best, they all bring something special to the song.

[MsBelaRamos]

The part Sarah Brightman sang does not favour her voice. From "Touch me! It's so easy to leave me/ all alone with the memory/ of my days in the sun" on is the best part for her voice. If anyone troubles to hear her sing the whole song their doubts will vanish: she's fantastic.

[RevolErtaeht]

Both Elaine's versions would get my vote.

The others sang it well but Elaine's my favourite.

(I like Sarah as well but I prefer her as Jemima)

[Yuriy20009]

All of them is the best. But I prefer Elaine Paige (Video 1997/1998).

[biancamargouveia]

I love Sarah Brightman but Elaine Paige sing better than she in this musical.

Elaine Paige 1997/1998 Video Cast

Brazil

[Lindow]

To me noone even comes close to the vocal control, power and brilliance of Betty Buckley. Just as far as singing is concerned she clearly reigns untouched. Everything else is merely a matter of personal taste.

[MyGreyBird]

I've always enjoyed each and every rendition of this beautiful song, all of the amazingly talented vocalists who have performed this has put their own personal stamp on it and every one deserves to be voted best. But no one can match the power that Barbra Streisand can put behind her voice.

[fayej70]

Elaine Paige without any doubt sings Memory the best.

Barbra Streisand is also outstanding.

[christophermgraham]

Each of them brings their own wonderful interpretation to this song. How can you compare greatness with greatness? I personally think Ms. Brightman's interpretation is the most "unfeeling," but she has a wonderful, wonderful voice nonetheless. It's a bit difficult to "rank" something like this, in my opinion, because the visual of the performance (since it's from a musical, after all) is so critical to the overall effect.

[CatsNowandForever]

ELAINE PAGE BIG TIME!!! #1

HA! at least she was picked for the movie in 1998!!!! Which makes he Dhaa Best!

The Rest of them make Grizabella Sound Too Old and Retarded!

And Barbra Streisand Sounds likee shes Choking on an apple .. xD

So Yeaaa Elaine Paige Dhaa best of dhaa best!!!! :DDDD <3

[djp1129]

Betty 1st

Elain 2nd

Barbara 3rd

[delkitten]

elaine paige... hands down

i love barbra but elaine KILLS this

[a1x2l3e]

Elaine Paige, no beats her emotions on the musical, tear jerking indeed... HOwever can you include Lea Salonga's version as she also made ot the MNL cast of cats. thanks!

[7805mimo]

paige.................... number one



[LadyShihita]

englsiche wettbewerbe sind nocht schlechter

[witherwings14]

BETTY BUCKLEY

[hankhe111]

Elaine Paige , you are the best!

[freyalicious]

I love Betty Buckley's version. I also really like the 1981 Elaine Paige one (but maybe that's because it's the one I'm used to the most). Love Sarah Brightman as well.

[hillevifan]

Of the stage versions of Cats, Betty Buckley is THE best. But overall, as my favorite, I think I have to say Barbra Streisand. You don't get better than her. SO much emotion!

[Ashleyd73]

Sarah Brightman hands down!

[phantomcrawford]

I have a weird oppinion I guess. I prefer hearing Sarah Brightman sing this song the version used in this video was not her best. But as nestersg said Grizabella should sound old and tired. Sarah's voice is way too beautiful for the part. I mean if they would pick one for Broadway I don't think they would use Sarah.  I love Sarah's version though. I get more emotion through her than I do through any of the others.

My choices:

Sarah Brightman

Elaine Paige

Barbara Streisand

....

[rosariomar77]

Elaine Paige and

Betty Buckley

[nestersg]

To be fair, the OLC recording of Elaine Paige's Memory is not her best. She was much better when she sang in the film. And Sarah's voice is completely wrong for Grizabella. Grizabbealla is an old cat way past her prime, not a cute little kitten.

[Lumirefan]

elaine page is the best grizabella ever.

[HankBenton]

I gone back and watched complete performances of each artist singing "Memory",

my opinion... Betty Buckley.

[HankBenton]

1. Barbra Streisand

2. Betty Buckley

3. Elaine Paige

[jessica1121994]

Barbera strizland :)

[siegfriedenea]

Betty Buckley will be Grizabella forever!

[tootallbrown]

Elaine!

[Boekincho]

The first recording of this I ever heard was Elaine Paige in the video, so I'm automatically partial to her. To me, Betty Buckley sounds lighter, while Debbie Byrne has a darker quality to her voice, and I think either could grow on me if I listened to it enough. I really enjoy listening to Barbra Streisand. I don't care for Sarah Brightman as much, but they all have their good qualities, and hey, they all were cast in the role!

[lilsaprano123]

Would you all mind looking at my video - 10 year old sings Memory. 

I think they are all great.

[fatheranthony4pope]

This really isnt a fair comparison based on this video - because we hear tem all singing different parts of the song - i fairr comparision wud be if they all sang the same section

but based on this

Elaine P 97/98

Debbie B - different interpretation to most

Betty B

Barbra S

Elaine P 1981

Sarah B

[Sucia1]

I would have to say its between Elaine Paige, Betty Buckley and Sarah Brightman

[Wenubischannel]

wel, i dont like debby bryne.

EILAINE PAGE IS THE BEST!

[lucy1fanwholovesbabs]

i like barbra streisand:D

[beentheredonethatb4]

For me it is hands down, Betty Buckley.

[prettyoddlove22]

Elaine Paige for sure! :)

[zajacx]

Connie Fisher - concert for Diana - check it !!! :)

[tjstank82]

Elaine the best!!!!

[bilykopeki123]

elaine and betty

[toolonglong]

I love Buckley and Streisand.

[nasti93]

they are all fantastic ♥♥

[OscarMoeRuffus]

Great idea for a video.

[umleroi]

I absolutely adore Betty Buckley's tone in the original American cast recording. Having seen video performances of her singing it also shows how much she puts herself into it. Not to say I don't like the others also, but those attributes put Buckley at the top for me. I have to say, the only one I don't like is Ms. Brightman's - never been a fan, just my opinion.

[rlee1976]

Sorry to add someone not on this list, but what about LAURIE BEECHMAN? Laurie was truly classic and made you just melt in your seat!

[abelhinhamg]

É SARAH BRIGHTMAN THE BEST FOREVER

[n2n001]

I think that Elaine Page from the 97-98 movie version was the best as far as acting goes; she really looked like she suffered.

[ChiaraMarilera]

1. Elaine Paige!!!

2. -

3. Sarah Brightman

Stimmlich gesehen finde ich Barbra Streisand auch unglaublich<3 Aber sie singt es komsich. Schade, sonst singt immer schön. Aber Memory ging irgendwie nicht... :(

[wodetube123]

susan bolye

[msjellikat]

Wait... are talking as just a song, or as Grizz? Because as a song, I prefer Betty, and as Grizabella, I prefer Elaine. Everyone else did great, but those two stand out to me.

[IlincaLirael]

I agree ^_^

[Calithir]

Betty

[Larreisand]

Everyone talks about Barbra Streisand's tone, the one that inspired all those comparisons to the world's smoothest condiment. They also speak of her range, which mirrors the distance between the depths of the Grand Canyon and the peaks of Everest. Her lung power invites equal comment; Small wonder since, at full bore, it can flatten a town.

[gusgus1975]

Sorry all responders, but no one does an Andrew Lloyd Webber song like Barbra. She is by far, the best.

[mazziotta]

Elaine Paige!!!

[Smilebelta]

Elaine Paige!

[abucua]

Peige, definitly

[rosariomar77]

Betty Buckley (OBC 1982) I think

[HouseOnSunset]

Debra!

[galmbv]

Elaine Paige!

[wedgiepower]

Betty Buckley.

[CharmedBalthazar]

Elaine Paige.

[BlazeluvsPouncival]

Elaine Paige...always!

[icecuboz1]

Debra Byrne all the way, she just keeps getting better with age. World class and very underated.

[4527]

Betty Buckley and Elaine Paige. But really, just Betty Buckley; I've heard them both sing it live, and Betty just owns this song.

[TheAnandaXX]

Debra Byrne did a pretty good job of this song in Sydney

[LeoBloom2007]

Betty Buckley and Elaine Paige...

[TheComplainer]

As much as I love Elaine Paige, Betty Buckley beats them all, end of.

[TheDarkPhoenix23]

No way. I'm here to tell you, the climax at 2:53, if you head Betty Buckley sing it, she SMOKES Elaine Page. Her voice is able to carry the high notes far better then Elaines.

[BigMaik96]

Elain Paige are the best!

[zwllflwrz]

Betty Buckley. I really enjoyed watching her performance at the Kennedy Center Honors.

[JoshuaMars99]

I don't like Betty Buckley's phrasing. Debbie Byrne's voice is too manly. Mechastriesand is pretty good. but imho nothing beats Elaine Paige at the top of her game

[mastertusk]

Barry Mannilow

[BMH13X]

elaine padge

[Lumirefan]

meine zwei sind elaine page und betty buckley.

ich finde aber auch linda balgord gut.

[shirkhan08]

Elaine Paige - Video version Without a doubt

[sweetbutsassy1]

they should have all had a chance at the chorus to do all their voices justice... WOULD have gone Sarah but they way its set up have to go for Elaine...

[braeraphael]

Betty Buckley. She really moves like a cat.

[michelleyownsall]

That doesn't sound like Sarah Brightman, for some reason. I don't know, maybe it's me.

[littlesongbird1]

All are good...but sadly my favorite still is liz callaway

[themonaghans]

Betty Buckley. She's the only one who conveys the abandoned, loneliness of the song.

[karrezza]

Betty Buckley is the best... but again that is just opinion.. nobody is "RIGHT". Its no diff than I like Coke and you like Pepsi

[jurassicpark04]

elaine paige video version always

[NastasiaHijaDeLaLuna]

Sarah Brightman !

[Yip1982]

I know Elaine Paige is justly celebrated for her portrayal of Grizabella but I don't think the OLC version does her justice. The single was incorporated into the cast album and that's why it lacks the feeling of the video version. I tend to prefer Buckley's rendition, as it just seems to be a more sorrowful portrayal of the character. I think her timbre really suits the role well too.

[joshpembers]

Impossible to pick a "best", as these are all wonderful singers / performers.

[relu58]

You left the best part for Elaine Paige. I avoided your trap by searching the whole song of each of the singers.

After listening to each of them, I liked Barbra Streissand and Elaine Paige (both great, but none of them perfect).

Thanks for the mix, it's a rare ocasion to hear four different great artists in a single song.

[woody41435]

this is unfair to Debra and Sarah - they sang on the harder parts while the others got to belt out the most familiar. Still I enjoyed them all....thanks

[YukiDBSKSe7en]

Elaine Paige!

[TineLahm]

Elaine Page

[nikandnana]

Definitely Elaine Paige, no contest. She is the only one to not only understand this song but able to deliver it. It's like reading a person's life when you hear her sing this. None of the others delivered the same or correct effect.

[MrJohanfromSweden]

Darn hard since theyre all preatty much simular. The original sydney was the only one standing out but I dont know if its for better or worse. If you force me to choice I go for Elaine page :-) Johan.

[starangelbelle]

Elaine Paige.

[icze09]

Elaine...

[kjman62]

Betty

[brolga99]

Isn't this strange? The posting of this video asks for your opinion of who you like singing this song but, it seems, if you don't choose the 'right' one you will get a 'poor' rating.....Ok! Who ever you think is the best really must be.

[chrissi2810]

You're so right. Everyone has an opinion and I posted that others can see who other people like. I will disable the rating tool in this video.

[nadiabmw]

@chrissi2810 yeah you're rigt because what does it give to us to vote ?

[brooke510]

Betty Buckley by a nose

[rocky2u2]

Easy then tunaboy. Just do a search on here, and you will see just how bad/good some versions are.

[tunaboy86]

Debra Byrne for me but I may be biassed as hers is the only version I have seen.

[rocky2u2]

None of those mentioned are anywhere near as good as Suzan Erens. (See Ande Rieu)

[zsoly]

Elaine 97-98 video cast

[LikeToTryToBeGood]

betty buckley!!!

[Chadeyes4]

Betty Buckley, this edit doesn't highlight her voice at all. Listen to the entire track, and your opinions may change.

[ryannsmith]

Elaine Paige for sure, in my opinion.

[DaviiziiThooO]

elaine paige and sarah

[brolga99]

It would be a fairer comparison if we heard the same lines from each singer. My personal favourite is Debra Byrne but Betty Buckley and Barbara Streisand sing the song just as well. Elaine Paige is over-rated.

[khanrhy]

the only thing that bothers me about Elaine Page is the wind-up. hAPPyness... among other examples. She is not powerful on the first letter or syllable of the word. That kills it for me.

I want a singer that gets out there and hits those notes hard and clear, without sounding like she is screaming her lungs out.

I watched one of the touring groups back in the day. Donna Lee Marshall owned this song.

[ADNovaDivine]

you missed Laurie Beechman

[ChrisMagoo99]

Betty Buckley

[umigal]

Is Debbie Byrne an alto?

[fatheranthony4pope]

Michael crawford was best - just to throw another one into the basket

IMHO (with out sounding sexist) most songs written for females in musicals sound best sung by men

for instance this by Michael Crawford and On my Own sung by Rob guest

[GeorgeBailey2]

FYI

EP - 37; BB - 27; DB - 4; BS - 1 and SB -1 with several can't decides

[GeorgeBailey2]

I like BB the best, with EP a close second. I think Betty has a "Sunset Boulevard" take to Grizabella (faded glamour cat with proud/sad reflection), while Elaine takes a homeless (life spiralled into chaos) approach with sad desperation.

Also, I think Betty just has a bit more power.

After watching the Tony Awards (short version) and the 1998 video, my preference is Betty.

[Pxlism]

Elaine Paige FTW. So emotional.

[ASpringSymphony]

Sarah got the best voice even though Elaine might have been more suited for the role.

[KrelianMizrahi]

Sarah as Jemina and Elaine as Grizabella made the best version, the original from 1981, not the remade version of 1997.

[Mshottie6]

betty buckley

elaine paige

barbra streisand

sarah brightman sounds pretty, but not right for grizabella.

[kblair7]

They have different voices and styles. Ms. Paige's style fits better in this particular situation.

[dsd1953]

This is my favorite song of all time and I think Elaine Paige is the best al the way!!!!!

[miledancarina]

For me the best version of memory, while Barbra Streisand has a beautiful voice is the voice of Betty Buckley, if you do not really hear the whole act, the judge in the voice is only 30 seconds, It is vibrant hear your voice to the chorus! A voice without equal!

[Luciusdeatheater]

Elaine Paige, definitely.

[mrdonut378]

Eleane Paige hands down understood the emotion and range of this piece and never stepped out of character

[Defencenoobi]

elaine paige

the amount of emotion she puts into this can not be reached by anyone else.

[amandashamanda]

Elaine Paige for sure! She has such a beautiful voice and the right amount of emotion in her delivery, makes me cry every time I listen to it! She's the purrfect Grizabella! Can't be matched!

[stevjen1]

Elaine Paige but BS studio version kills Elaine.

[Transcona1234]

I like Betty Buckley, but Elaine Paige is good too. All other versions were also interesting to hear, but not as good as Betty & Elaine.

[myangelmyall]

Elaine Paige hands down

[ap0lonia]

susan version is the best

she is gonna eat all these one

[thinandtinyplease]

Elaine Paige all the way! :] but I really like Sarah Brightman and Betty Buckley too

[jimmycat76015]

Betty Buckley is best. I will always remember the first time I heard "Memories" was from Betty Buckley.  She was fabulous.

[michellet8389]

Elaine Paige b/c she just seem (to me) she puts more emotion in it. but that's my vote and opinion!

[beeingup]

betty buckley is the best!!! her voice is super!

[edwardcioffi]

Elaine Page live (and I hate saying so. I'm a big BB fan) BB and BS has a better studio version. They are all good. I think that cat makeup is pretty sexy. I'm going to try to get my wife to dress like that.

[Bunnierebel]

Betty Buckley = #1

Barbara Streisand = #2

Elaine Page = #3

[MTA1966]

Elaine Paige by a mile.

[DC13K]

Elaine Paige for sure

[GhostsXXInXTheXXSnow]

Elaine Paige, the first and the best

[drexel6337]

Betty Buckey ....hands down

[jmbmailbox]

like there's any serious doubt: debbie byrne, of course. the worst: streisand. no doubt there, either.

[cobrioc]

BS best!

[limericcntelosnet]

Betty Buckley, Babs, Elaine

[Joseebus]

Betty Buckley. No question.

[rickycrew]

Betty Buckey ,hands down.

[doobie1963]

Each bring themselves to the song. That would be expected, All are good in thier own way. But THE BEST. No question Betty Buckley.

[12BarDave]

Can't compare without hearing full version from each. All are magnificent!

[HCHASE5]

Betty Buckley by a landslide.

[badbear68]

Debra Byrne....definately

[ttrojan69]

Betty Buckley has the best voice and sings "Memory" with passion!

[memocotafoto]

la streisand.

[Jemima4428]

Elaine Paige, both versions!

[Margretakok]

Elaine paige she is simply the best

nr2 sarah bright man