it is great to see people still love and appreciate him. i come across many lovely old pictures of him, and letters in our family albums and the family is restoring some of his old instruments. all of us are passionate about music, i hope to be able to record with him one day!
Shortly after coming to Chicago in the Fall of 1964 I visited the great Rose Records in the Loop and stumbled across an Al Bowlly section. I'd never heard of him but the album covers intrigued me so I bought an L.P. Thus the beginning of a life long adoration and fascination with this most unique of singers, who ranks right up there with Jolson, Colombo, Crosby and Sinatra. As you can see and hear, he is brilliant and truly charismatic. And known to have been a truly kind and gentle man.
Yeah,back in the day. Funny thing it's way back before my day. Great peformance by Al and also his piano player who he shouted for at the start of this short movie.
Just beautiful, amazing this has survived. Wish I had been alive back then to see them do this in person. Thanks so much for whoever was responsible for bringing this video out. It has very much enriched me. What a great singer, so much expression. Fantastic!
This is a gem... I've heard him, but I've never gotten to see him before, and he is just as appealing visually as he is aurally. A music video almost 50 years before MTV.
I'd love to know if he was, and how much, the other influence on Crosby (besides Louis), and what Jolson, pretty much his contemporary, thought of him.
All props to the Gershwin-esque accompanist: The combination of the two of them lifts this to the level of a Schubert Art Song.
Well, folks . . . Ray Noble not only wrote THIS lovely song . . . this talented Englishman also composed that driving standard of American jazz groups---"Cherokee".
Some writers say that Fred Astaire modeled his singing style on Bowlly.
Look at how confident, brash and young they are, way back when. This was their time and they were wallowing in it. This is near the headwaters of cool, ladies and gentlemen.
my wife is Al's great neice and has the amazing Bowlly musical gift ,i'd love to record her singing and playing some of Al's songs would be a fantastic gift for the family and a great tribute to her great uncle.
This was probably from 1934, the year this song came out - sometime before the autumn when Ray Noble, Al Bowlly, and Ray's drummer/manager Bill Harty left England for America to form a new band for the Rainbow Room in New York City. Ray stayed in America, but Al returned to England in 1936 (I believe).
Monia Litter and Al Bowlly were an artistic duet far above anything that circulates nowdays. I realy enjoy so much these songs every single time I listen to them...
Monia Litter and Al Bowlly were an artistic duet far above anything that circulates nowdays. I realy enjoy so much these songs every single time I listen to them...
@RCKwtbd - Don't know about "Blue Moon" but you can find the original 1938 "The Very Thought Of You" by Billie Holiday on her CD "Lady D - The Best of Billie Holiday" I found it on Amazon a few years back.
@RCKwtbd - BTW there are several Al Bowlly CD's available with "The Very Thought Of You" on them if you prefer "his" original. I don't think any of them have "Blue Moon" on them however. Good luck in your search.
I first heard this record in1940, one of many 78's I played on my parents radiogram during the London Blitz (in Battersea). Although only 8 or 9 years old, I loved its haunting melody, the singing, and the piano playing. It was my favourite and thereafter the words and music remained in my memory. Many years later I learned about the life of Al Bowlly and his tragic death occuring just a few miles away from where I had been listening to his record as a child. Now 70 years later - Magic!
does anybody know what was Al's first language?? He was born in Mozambique, grew up in South Africa and was the son of a Greek and Lebanese. That confuses me! =)
He's a great singer, I love him, thanks for posting this video!
Thanks to YOUTUBE I was able to show my mother Al Bowlly who at 95 had never seen even though she was one of his fans it brought back beautiful memories to her
and tears to my eyes, she has passed on now but this song never leaves my mind..
I first heard this Al Bowlly track on the Singing Detective series on TV years ago and I thought it was outstanding. I bought the Singing Detective LP now on cd. I showed this footage to my mum she was amazed to be able to actually see him. It nearly brought her to tears and she told me he is her favorite. I cannot thank you enough for uploading this
For many years i have loved Al Bowllly's singing and the superb music. This is a revelation ; the first time i have seen his person. This is proof that he was not just an audio performer but also a charming and wonderful visual presence.
Great stuff- and don`t forget to watch the TV series Goodnight Sweetheart (often shown on ITV3) which often features songs from the 30s and 40s, including Mr Bowlly`s!
CLASSY AL BOWLLY AND HOW ABOUT THAT GREAT PIANIST!! Personality exudes from every aspect of these wonderful performers!!! Words fail to express the gratefulness to FURLIGHT,Bless You!!
Simply DIVINE! His voice is like warm syrup. Such a musician. His phrasing is beautiful and his vocal technique is stunning. He utilised his voice like no other. So sad he was taken away from us so soon. Tank you for posting this xxxx
How sad that this talented vocalist was killed during the Blitz in WWII. What a talent! A beautiful version of one of the all time great classics! THANKS for posting it! :)
Al is the best nobody sings it as romantically as him, and that parting in the hair reminds me of when my dear old mam used to do my hair before sending me of to school. unique.
I'm 59 and although I like today's music, my real love is music from the 1930s era, especially this singer..Al Bowlly lst his life early in WW2 in an air raid...the world lost him much too early !!
Bowley somehow managed to combine the sex appeal of Rudolph Valentino with the vocal allure of Bing Crosby [almost]. His early death was a great loss to British popular music.
Just watched a documentary on this bloke tonight. Just started to watch it having no clue.....LOL Heard his music before but never knew who he was...... i thought " I bet someone has put him on youtube" . Thanks....
From the commentator's introduction, where he says that Al is back from America, he must be over 34, since that's when he left the UK to work in the US. As a South African I'm fascinated by the little traces of his boyhood accent I can still detect under the layers of an adopted British and then American accent.
As I said before on a previous video.. Al Bowlly, you are simply amazing. I wish I could of lived then and seen you live.. A memory you would never forget!
there is the one video on YouTube of the Ray Noble Band (actually Lew Stone band, with Ray Noble fronting) in Holland. At the start of the clip, he's on guitar, then stands up and sings "Goodnight Sweetheart".
Thanks. Too often these pianists don't receive the recognition they deserve. Search for "Charlie Kunz" on this site for a wonderful example of contemporaneous (1934) piano playing.
A beautiful song...written by British-born bandleader Ray Noble (perhaps best known for conducting the music on the extremely popular Edgar Bergen-Charlie McCarthy radio show during the 30's & 40's)
Nice Nice Video. I really loved your video. Youtube can be a great asset for you. If you need any help getting your video exposed, check out this site called tubeviews [dot net] It has really done wonders for me, I have built 3 Channels up with videos at top in position and this is my forth channel i'm going to working on.
If Germany hadnt started the war we would have still had this wonderful singer it is tragic that many talented people was lost on both sides but when comments about british bombs are made remember we was fighting against a mass murdering Dictatorship who tried to wipe out jews Gypsies and many others
Al Bowlly was at his London Soho flat in bed reading a cheap cowboy novel - he ignored the air raid siren to go to the shelter - and a parachute mine exploded outside his window killing him instantly.
A sublime song, a wonderful video and, with Monia Lita at the piano, Al didn't need an orchestra.
Sorry, his name above should have read Monia Liter - not Lita. Born Odessa 1905 d.1989he was a talented composer, arranger, accompanist and a brilliant pianist in his own right.
He was a truly fine singer who probably would be even better remembered today if his life had not been tragically cut short (Al Bowlly was killed in a German blitzkrieg over England). Thanks for bringing this to us. His recordings with Ray Noble are well worth looking for!
His diction is perfect, compare this to our mumbling so-called pop and c(rap)singers of today. Thank you so much for posting this clip it is very much appreciated
Couldn't agree more. And to die in the way he did. To think of it fills me with deep sadness. At least he left us so many wonderful recordings. Rest in peace, Al Bowlly.
Angloyank: I've known the music of Al Bowlly since I was a kid! My dad loved his music. You are not alone. "The Very Thought of You" is perhaps my favorite song of all time. This video is GREAT.
Until I saw this video it seemed I was the only person who had ever heard of him. I never knew popular music this old could be so fresh and beautiful.
A superb method of song delivery...Totally unique voice...Any young singer should study Al Bowlly...For that matter any young pianist should listen to Monia Litter's remarkable, full-bodied swinging accompaniment...
Many might have been as good or better, but who knows who these people are? Bowlly had qualities that were actually intangible. He was probably the greatest crooner in history
A beautiful song, delivered with greater sensitivity. I've really enjoyed watching this clip. It has prompted me to find out more about the artist and his recordings. Thanks.
First saw this on BBC series Turns and my recored copy was wiped! Lovely combination. No comment needed for Al but it great to see Monia Litter in action.
An aside for the two Annes you would have had to join the queues by all accounts!
Al Bowlly was probably the greatest crooner that ever lived. Unfortunately he never got that big break.A master of inspiration, he could sing anything.
aarrghh! Oh god, if only it was the 1930s, we could have gone together to see al and monia play! Yes we both love al- a little bit tooooo much! :) (but then can you ever love him too much?)xx
Ah! oh wow! yes, just now! i just added you! Thats weird! :) well I think you deserve a top 8 position for providing the videos on the page. I've had lots of good feedback from the videos too youll be pleased to know! Anna x
it is great to see people still love and appreciate him. i come across many lovely old pictures of him, and letters in our family albums and the family is restoring some of his old instruments. all of us are passionate about music, i hope to be able to record with him one day!
nzluthier 1 month ago
Shortly after coming to Chicago in the Fall of 1964 I visited the great Rose Records in the Loop and stumbled across an Al Bowlly section. I'd never heard of him but the album covers intrigued me so I bought an L.P. Thus the beginning of a life long adoration and fascination with this most unique of singers, who ranks right up there with Jolson, Colombo, Crosby and Sinatra. As you can see and hear, he is brilliant and truly charismatic. And known to have been a truly kind and gentle man.
waynebrasler 1 month ago
Yeah,back in the day. Funny thing it's way back before my day. Great peformance by Al and also his piano player who he shouted for at the start of this short movie.
colinwells4 1 month ago
wonderful thankyou..
Somme1916Somme 1 month ago
Beautiful man , beautiful music.
TheKylemoreRoze 2 months ago
Never be equalled the greatest dance band singer ever.Never be another.Look at the rubbish today.
gordonharkerfan 3 months ago
This is a great singer. And an inspiration to Gregory Page.
You all should listen to Mr. Page who brings this beautiful music into the present time!
andriezjezus 3 months ago
@andriezjezus
Arse mmn-mnn licky licky
custardaghost 2 months ago
I was born in 1966 and this reached my heart. Wonderful. Thank you for posting. Hope the songs in the Greatest Depression of 2011 are half as good.
eric5906 4 months ago
Just beautiful, amazing this has survived. Wish I had been alive back then to see them do this in person. Thanks so much for whoever was responsible for bringing this video out. It has very much enriched me. What a great singer, so much expression. Fantastic!
sweatytoes15 4 months ago
I <3 U MOY! :3
RebeccaKiddo 4 months ago
This is a gem... I've heard him, but I've never gotten to see him before, and he is just as appealing visually as he is aurally. A music video almost 50 years before MTV.
I'd love to know if he was, and how much, the other influence on Crosby (besides Louis), and what Jolson, pretty much his contemporary, thought of him.
All props to the Gershwin-esque accompanist: The combination of the two of them lifts this to the level of a Schubert Art Song.
tuxguys 5 months ago
We've now uploaded a higher quality full resolution version to our new BritishPathe YouTube channel.
britishpathe 6 months ago 2
a nice natural voice, with just a few affects of the era.
craigenputtock 6 months ago
Comment removed
colinwells4 6 months ago
Wish I was born in this era. I don't fit in with people today.
TheCraig1998 6 months ago 13
@TheCraig1998 I know exactly what u mean.
briandrbys 2 months ago
@TheCraig1998 I empathise with you completely.
nzlotrfan 2 months ago
@nzlotrfan Moi aussi. (Me too).
9j7m20 2 months ago
The song--very Cole Porter-ish. Perfect!
JamesMerlin2 7 months ago
Can't remember if I've commented here before or not...but t deserves to be said twice anyone. ..Love It!
Janeblueheaven7 7 months ago
A wonderful voice. My personal favorite of all the male vocalists. Thanks for posting this.
1casey234 7 months ago
Well, folks . . . Ray Noble not only wrote THIS lovely song . . . this talented Englishman also composed that driving standard of American jazz groups---"Cherokee".
Some writers say that Fred Astaire modeled his singing style on Bowlly.
Gary in Arizona
garysaddleback 8 months ago
It is truly a wonderfull song.
wardmann1 8 months ago
Oh Mr Bowlly!! *SWOON*
paulmcguineapig1 8 months ago
Look at how confident, brash and young they are, way back when. This was their time and they were wallowing in it. This is near the headwaters of cool, ladies and gentlemen.
guitarmarc2 9 months ago 4
king of crooners..Bing is nº2...Sinatra is in the first 25 top list
vertxxgg 9 months ago
my wife is Al's great neice and has the amazing Bowlly musical gift ,i'd love to record her singing and playing some of Al's songs would be a fantastic gift for the family and a great tribute to her great uncle.
nzluthier 11 months ago 2
This was probably from 1934, the year this song came out - sometime before the autumn when Ray Noble, Al Bowlly, and Ray's drummer/manager Bill Harty left England for America to form a new band for the Rainbow Room in New York City. Ray stayed in America, but Al returned to England in 1936 (I believe).
TomCO59 11 months ago
Does anyone know what year this video was recorded?
CandidCountry 11 months ago
@CandidCountry This was filmed in 1936 when Al returned to London from the USA for a brief visit, in a small studio in Wardour Street.
Mousepie999 10 months ago
Thanks!
CandidCountry 9 months ago
I love him!
Rena1934 11 months ago
@Rena1934 me too : )
abcemarquez 11 months ago
al bowly rocks!
MrHendrix1959 11 months ago
Lovely music to sit back and enjoy, and maybe dream about the way things used to be!
TheOldshep 1 year ago
None better.
1casey234 1 year ago
Dear God he was brilliant! How tragic that he died so young.
ChevyChaseLibrary 1 year ago
How come he sounds American ?
PupuTheClown 1 year ago
originality at its finest
asiantheo 1 year ago
Monia Litter and Al Bowlly were an artistic duet far above anything that circulates nowdays. I realy enjoy so much these songs every single time I listen to them...
Did you know that Al Bowlly was Greek?
dinoschet 1 year ago
@dinoschet - actually he was south african, with lebanese-greek parents. he was my great-uncle :)
nzluthier 1 month ago
Monia Litter and Al Bowlly were an artistic duet far above anything that circulates nowdays. I realy enjoy so much these songs every single time I listen to them...
dinoschet 1 year ago
This has been recorded by a singer for the forthcoming BBC series "South Riding" to be aired later this month on a Sunday night.
meddsy 1 year ago
He was my Mum's heart-throb. Shame he had such a short career. This song is one of many written by the mega talented Ray Noble.
davecollinsmusic 1 year ago
Love it. These songs just take me away to the world of cigarette cases, foxfurs, dancing all night and oodles of cocaine :-)
MulBerrie 1 year ago
SHEER ROMANCE!
I just love Elegant Al and this Ultra Romantic Song.
Thank you furlight and thank you David for sharing.
A million STARS, a Fav. Romantic PL
genia106 1 year ago
Thank you bonneville58bob ! ;)
RCKwtbd 1 year ago
Thank you.. :)
the offer is huge but there is often bad quality - especially the sound quality is bad.
I hope to find some good records soon...
RCKwtbd 1 year ago
It's one of the best and most romantic songs I've ever heard.
I'm happy that I'm not the only one who loves and listens to songs from a past that wasn't his own. :)
Does anybody know if there's a CD with at least "the very thought of you" and "blue moon" available that has a really good original sound?
RCKwtbd 1 year ago
@RCKwtbd - Can't say for sure but looking online might help. Al's too good for the modern generation not to hear him.
Best wishes on your search, RCKwtbd
paulkate72 1 year ago
@RCKwtbd - Don't know about "Blue Moon" but you can find the original 1938 "The Very Thought Of You" by Billie Holiday on her CD "Lady D - The Best of Billie Holiday" I found it on Amazon a few years back.
bonneville58bob 1 year ago
@RCKwtbd - BTW there are several Al Bowlly CD's available with "The Very Thought Of You" on them if you prefer "his" original. I don't think any of them have "Blue Moon" on them however. Good luck in your search.
bonneville58bob 1 year ago
I first heard this record in1940, one of many 78's I played on my parents radiogram during the London Blitz (in Battersea). Although only 8 or 9 years old, I loved its haunting melody, the singing, and the piano playing. It was my favourite and thereafter the words and music remained in my memory. Many years later I learned about the life of Al Bowlly and his tragic death occuring just a few miles away from where I had been listening to his record as a child. Now 70 years later - Magic!
pridex8 1 year ago
does anybody know what was Al's first language?? He was born in Mozambique, grew up in South Africa and was the son of a Greek and Lebanese. That confuses me! =)
He's a great singer, I love him, thanks for posting this video!
Rena1934 1 year ago
@Rena1934 - It's likely Portuguese (they speak Portuguese in Mozambique) but English is probably what he spoke as he moved into adulthood.
What a great singer Al Bowlly was. Surely the best of all time. This isn't his best version of The Very Thought of You just the same.
paulkate72 1 year ago
Wow, never heard of him. He's great. Nice phrasing and style. Thanks for posting!
nocount1 1 year ago
I have heard him many times, but now seeing him for the first time. Thanks.
GreenMaven1 1 year ago
Even when days are cloudy and rainy, these songs, they are sunshine in my heart =D I feel like it´s summer all year
anavitch 1 year ago
Thanks to YOUTUBE I was able to show my mother Al Bowlly who at 95 had never seen even though she was one of his fans it brought back beautiful memories to her
and tears to my eyes, she has passed on now but this song never leaves my mind..
63lakeside 1 year ago
Wow, the great Al Bowlly ! Poor devil died in the blitz April1941, he was only 43
whenjazzwasking 1 year ago
Thanks for sharing,
beforeourveryeyes 1 year ago
I first heard this Al Bowlly track on the Singing Detective series on TV years ago and I thought it was outstanding. I bought the Singing Detective LP now on cd. I showed this footage to my mum she was amazed to be able to actually see him. It nearly brought her to tears and she told me he is her favorite. I cannot thank you enough for uploading this
adalaugh 1 year ago
wow ! melting
elliniwendy 1 year ago
For many years i have loved Al Bowllly's singing and the superb music. This is a revelation ; the first time i have seen his person. This is proof that he was not just an audio performer but also a charming and wonderful visual presence.
colinwells4 1 year ago
Amazing performance! both by Al Bowlly and his pianist!
bigcity233 1 year ago
Al Bowlly is the king!
glcvideo 1 year ago
Loving the stride piano accompaniment!!
Allotmenteer2 1 year ago
What a wonderful voice and delightful screen presence he had. How many other Richard Thompson fans are here?
julietaron 1 year ago
Qué enorme PIANISTA... qué enorme CANTANTE.
jafigueroa41 1 year ago
Great stuff- and don`t forget to watch the TV series Goodnight Sweetheart (often shown on ITV3) which often features songs from the 30s and 40s, including Mr Bowlly`s!
john8pies 1 year ago
How old was HD when HD died, he was young I think
Turkeydoodlers 1 year ago
CLASSY AL BOWLLY AND HOW ABOUT THAT GREAT PIANIST!! Personality exudes from every aspect of these wonderful performers!!! Words fail to express the gratefulness to FURLIGHT,Bless You!!
dholm5058 1 year ago
Simply DIVINE! His voice is like warm syrup. Such a musician. His phrasing is beautiful and his vocal technique is stunning. He utilised his voice like no other. So sad he was taken away from us so soon. Tank you for posting this xxxx
fingalcrom 1 year ago
How sad that this talented vocalist was killed during the Blitz in WWII. What a talent! A beautiful version of one of the all time great classics! THANKS for posting it! :)
JubalCalif 1 year ago 2
This version with its accompaniment (solo piano) is not the best one...Nat King Cole and Gordon Jenkins represent the gold standard for this song.
royalconcertgebouw 1 year ago
this is wonderful.Thanks for posting the late great Al Bowly.
SallyMander4711 1 year ago
between the two of them (Al and Bing) they completely changed the landscape. Singing has never been the same.
syncopeter 1 year ago
...no doubt..amazing talent...!
yedon68 1 year ago
You should look at the Palm Court Dance Orchestra, who play this type of music.
ladyoboe 1 year ago
Al Bowlly is so Original when it comes to his songs.
mybuttlookslikeurfac 1 year ago
I love this video, Bowlly is as ever ,so good ,but the pianist is not too bad either. in fact great.
queenievenus 1 year ago 4
I love this. One of my favourite singers, his voice makes you fall in love with him :)
sritazombita 1 year ago
Fantastic...what a voice!
pieman3007 1 year ago 3
Al is the best nobody sings it as romantically as him, and that parting in the hair reminds me of when my dear old mam used to do my hair before sending me of to school. unique.
gismethewillies 1 year ago 3
There is another video on YouTube with the same film but it doesn't have the annoying copyright notice from British Pathe on it.
daughterrevolution 1 year ago
i think the piano player was paid 30 bob and ten woodbine
ballynafeighbluedog 2 years ago
Beautiful. The magic of words and music.
Pitsku 2 years ago 3
Genius. Unique. The greatest singer we have ever had.
jh8856 2 years ago 24
@jh8856 a truly innosnet human being killed by nasty war mongrel hellhounds...
infantrydivision11 9 months ago
Thank you Al, so much pleasure from your lovely voice
blackvulcan100 2 years ago 4
"That was a voice".
Hardwyck 2 years ago 5
Sigh. Such a wonderful man and singer. Imagine dying in your bed reading a book. War is such a waste.
daughterrevolution 2 years ago 5
Happy birthday, Al. Thanks for all of the talent you have given this world.
Bloozboy91 2 years ago
I'm 59 and although I like today's music, my real love is music from the 1930s era, especially this singer..Al Bowlly lst his life early in WW2 in an air raid...the world lost him much too early !!
Osocooltwo 2 years ago 3
Just read Al's bio - he was the FIRST crooner !! Started a playlist for him as well.
I'm playlisting music year by year, every year from today back into the 1800s.
My lists are waiting to take you back in time to the sounds of any past year.
chkjns 2 years ago
Al was not the first crooner, chkjns. There were many before him. How about Whispering Jack Smith in the 1920's?
daughterrevolution 1 year ago
I have heard this for the first time in my life and I have to say this man is amazing!
You know where Sinatra and the rest of them got their style from. Utterly brilliant!
SJoynson 2 years ago 31
@SJoynson He was beautiful wasn't he?
Johnny75416 1 year ago
@SJoynson ...this is my absolute fave old romantic song...introduced to me by my old uncle....thanks Ray x
loonylinda 10 months ago
WHAT a voice and perfect phrasing , I am constantly in awe of this British singer .
gringetoad 2 years ago
Lost art: singer and piano
meandrunk 2 years ago
Bowley somehow managed to combine the sex appeal of Rudolph Valentino with the vocal allure of Bing Crosby [almost]. His early death was a great loss to British popular music.
saltburner2 2 years ago
The pianist is awsome! Wish I could play the piano like him.
6silhouette5 2 years ago
Love the 20's 30s music Check Out The Footloose Dance Orchestra from the UK
Inverfar 2 years ago
Bravo!
meandrunk 2 years ago
The real question is why does he sound American, when he talks if he was raised in South Africa and lived in London for so many years?
discott75 2 years ago 2
I have wondered the exact same thing for a while now. In his other video he sound 100% American, too.
Bloozboy91 1 year ago
Comment removed
discott75 2 years ago
Just watched a documentary on this bloke tonight. Just started to watch it having no clue.....LOL Heard his music before but never knew who he was...... i thought " I bet someone has put him on youtube" . Thanks....
yasminjananjum 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
...was al bowlly gay..?
yedon68 2 years ago
Al was a renowned ladies man.
waverley610 2 years ago
Super oldie!Thanks Mike for sharing.
111oldie 2 years ago
does anyone know how old al is here??
sweeetxfire 2 years ago
From the commentator's introduction, where he says that Al is back from America, he must be over 34, since that's when he left the UK to work in the US. As a South African I'm fascinated by the little traces of his boyhood accent I can still detect under the layers of an adopted British and then American accent.
ajhollmann 2 years ago 2
This really is a masterpiece of song. I just love it!
Thank you for sharing.
Corrie121 2 years ago
I was born in the wrong era !!
jennefer74 2 years ago 2
110% Glam...Thanks
dorisboy52 2 years ago
This is why I Love You-Tube
ellenhawk 2 years ago 4
Talented is the meaning of Al Bowlly.
jinxxy 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
creepy motherfucker old jazz scares the shit out of me, but i love it
jackstein104 2 years ago
As I said before on a previous video.. Al Bowlly, you are simply amazing. I wish I could of lived then and seen you live.. A memory you would never forget!
Bloozboy91 2 years ago
Shame there is no film surviving of him singing with a dance band
davidglow3 2 years ago
Join one of the two group on yahoo,most clips of Al are there both groups have a strong following worldwide of this great singer
formichinoo 2 years ago
there is the one video on YouTube of the Ray Noble Band (actually Lew Stone band, with Ray Noble fronting) in Holland. At the start of the clip, he's on guitar, then stands up and sings "Goodnight Sweetheart".
TheAnomalousA 2 years ago
(in response to davidglow3)
TheAnomalousA 2 years ago
Who was the pianist?
Myrmecia 2 years ago
Monia Liter
TAH0934 2 years ago
Thanks. Too often these pianists don't receive the recognition they deserve. Search for "Charlie Kunz" on this site for a wonderful example of contemporaneous (1934) piano playing.
Myrmecia 2 years ago
Born in Russia as Monia Litter in the UK he changed it to Liter as you really cannot be called rubbish !
formichinoo 2 years ago
OH BILLIE, YOU DID GREAT !!!
frankbar007 2 years ago
Wonderful !!
Thanks for sharing.
Why this "tit for tat"?The posting is about music - not war. Enjoy the posting without recrimination.
Corrie121 2 years ago
lovely, thank you for sharing this :)
hapitree 2 years ago
A beautiful song...written by British-born bandleader Ray Noble (perhaps best known for conducting the music on the extremely popular Edgar Bergen-Charlie McCarthy radio show during the 30's & 40's)
JubalCalif 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Nice Nice Video. I really loved your video. Youtube can be a great asset for you. If you need any help getting your video exposed, check out this site called tubeviews [dot net] It has really done wonders for me, I have built 3 Channels up with videos at top in position and this is my forth channel i'm going to working on.
Your Video was compled nice!
Adrieldsf 2 years ago
If Germany hadnt started the war we would have still had this wonderful singer it is tragic that many talented people was lost on both sides but when comments about british bombs are made remember we was fighting against a mass murdering Dictatorship who tried to wipe out jews Gypsies and many others
kushtisasteem 2 years ago 3
A brittish bomb kill in 44 the pretty austrian soubrette Lizzi Waldmüller.....
vertxxgg 2 years ago
con Monia Liter al piano Al Bowlly es inolvidable y sus discos editados en LP y CD en U.K una maravilla......5 STARS¡
bluexxg 2 years ago
a genius murdered by the nazis
ballynafeighbluedog 2 years ago 3
Oh, if only they had hifi stereo those days! ! ! ! such a beautiful song
lostjamqaddsa 2 years ago
Al bowley was brought back into the memory by the tv hit goodnight sweetheart
gillhill92 2 years ago 2
And in that wonderful series The Singing Detective some years earlier, with this very song (the whole soundtrack was brilliant and of this era).
bigbearleeds 2 years ago
Al Bowlly was at his London Soho flat in bed reading a cheap cowboy novel - he ignored the air raid siren to go to the shelter - and a parachute mine exploded outside his window killing him instantly.
A sublime song, a wonderful video and, with Monia Lita at the piano, Al didn't need an orchestra.
fatsfan70 3 years ago
Sorry, his name above should have read Monia Liter - not Lita. Born Odessa 1905 d.1989he was a talented composer, arranger, accompanist and a brilliant pianist in his own right.
fatsfan70 3 years ago
bloody nazis
ballynafeighbluedog 3 years ago
Wunderbar!
Marleneagnes 3 years ago
He was a truly fine singer who probably would be even better remembered today if his life had not been tragically cut short (Al Bowlly was killed in a German blitzkrieg over England). Thanks for bringing this to us. His recordings with Ray Noble are well worth looking for!
michaeljayklein 3 years ago
His diction is perfect, compare this to our mumbling so-called pop and c(rap)singers of today. Thank you so much for posting this clip it is very much appreciated
paxguns 3 years ago 6
hear, hear.
cliffe53 3 years ago
Very emotive singer. Listen to New Mayfair Dance orchestra(Ray Noble) recordings for his best.
Bowlly blows today's lot away.
samjhatfield 3 years ago 2
Couldn't agree more. And to die in the way he did. To think of it fills me with deep sadness. At least he left us so many wonderful recordings. Rest in peace, Al Bowlly.
seeyouintheentity 3 years ago
This Bowly classic sticks for life, I constantly play this on my harmonica, it just rolls so easily.
webaroos 3 years ago
...'dare i say; he has the edge on 'bing.
navajopete 3 years ago 2
A very talented singer who still sounds good after all these decades.
ta455driver 3 years ago
"We used to dance the whole night through, While Al Bowlly sang The Very Thought of You, Al Bowlly's in heaven, and I'm in limbo now."
-Richard Thompson
Thanks so much for postig this! Now I know what he was talking about.
magmcq 3 years ago
Angloyank: I've known the music of Al Bowlly since I was a kid! My dad loved his music. You are not alone. "The Very Thought of You" is perhaps my favorite song of all time. This video is GREAT.
Bobchai 3 years ago 4
Thanks for your comment. This is one of the greatest recordings of all time.
angloyank 3 years ago
angloyank: I'm happy you posted this video. It's the only film of Al Bowlly I've ever seen
Bobchai 3 years ago
my sentiments also,
craigowler 3 years ago
Until I saw this video it seemed I was the only person who had ever heard of him. I never knew popular music this old could be so fresh and beautiful.
angloyank 3 years ago
There should be an Al Bowlly revival!
angloyank 3 years ago 4
my dad used to sing this to my mum!its
nly now that there not hear that i realise
what a great singer al was great!!!
spmelj 3 years ago
I can't sing and I certainly can't play the piano, God I'm jealous, GREAT clip
tynybeili 4 years ago
Great music,
I have this CD for sale in my Ebay store, look for Phil's Music Store on Ebay,
Phil
pimsquirt 4 years ago
Superb! Al was the best!
Chindit623 4 years ago
A superb method of song delivery...Totally unique voice...Any young singer should study Al Bowlly...For that matter any young pianist should listen to Monia Litter's remarkable, full-bodied swinging accompaniment...
ReginaldDuvale 4 years ago
Amazing, the best song ever and I love this video! I hope Al gets his blue plaque in Duke st (?) soon. He so deserves to be remembered.
ConstanceMarkiewicz 4 years ago
I'm one of those US listeners who've admired Bowlly's voice for years -- what a pleasure to see him and Liter's rather stomping piano. What a treat!
swingyoucats 4 years ago
He was at the top but I think many of the day were just as good as he was. Its like saying one color or better then another
toonsis 4 years ago
Many might have been as good or better, but who knows who these people are? Bowlly had qualities that were actually intangible. He was probably the greatest crooner in history
l0025b 4 years ago 2
A beautiful song, delivered with greater sensitivity. I've really enjoyed watching this clip. It has prompted me to find out more about the artist and his recordings. Thanks.
lalalalalablahblah 4 years ago 2
First saw this on BBC series Turns and my recored copy was wiped! Lovely combination. No comment needed for Al but it great to see Monia Litter in action.
An aside for the two Annes you would have had to join the queues by all accounts!
peteressex 4 years ago 2
Al Bowlly was probably the greatest crooner that ever lived. Unfortunately he never got that big break.A master of inspiration, he could sing anything.
l0025b 4 years ago
I ADORE HIM!!!!!!!
Glad you agree he was a GREAT CROONER!!!
thanks for posting this!
~confetta
furlight 4 years ago
No one could sing like him, a most unique tlent, imagine after all these yrs, how popular he remains.
Barry
l0025b 4 years ago
Only once in a life-time! I am so glad to be part of an era now that I should have been in the first place...thank you...
HarborGuy 4 years ago
aarrghh! Oh god, if only it was the 1930s, we could have gone together to see al and monia play! Yes we both love al- a little bit tooooo much! :) (but then can you ever love him too much?)xx
OhYouNastyMan 4 years ago
Ah! oh wow! yes, just now! i just added you! Thats weird! :) well I think you deserve a top 8 position for providing the videos on the page. I've had lots of good feedback from the videos too youll be pleased to know! Anna x
OhYouNastyMan 4 years ago
anna x?
I am ann r !!
HA!
AND
we both LOVE AL!!!
Your page on myspace is great!!
Hope more people find it through this!
Hoo HOO!
~confetta-ann
furlight 4 years ago
I love this so much, really. Something about this really gets me. Thank you. oh and visit my page on my space it's albowllyandlewstone !
OhYouNastyMan 4 years ago