I heard Bernadette Peter's sing this live two years ago. She was indeed magnificent. However, this version by Cleo has a directness a purity and honesty that is amazing. No pretense no drama just the song done perfectly.
I heard Cleo on The Tonight Show back in the early 70's. I was listening to rock, and blues mostly. Cleo touched my heart in a very powerful way. She was so very connected and so very very good.
In my opinion, this version trumps Streisand's by a mile, and that's because you need serious acting chops to make this song believable. And that is why Cleo Laine and Judi Dench are the definitive interpreters of this song. Babara is fantastically superb when she sings this, of course, but "Send In The Clowns" needs more depth than just a beautiful voice singing it. It needs to be sung by an experienced woman who has life experience under her belt.
@JumpStreet1983 Did you see Bernadette Peters' take on the number? That could, arguably, be called the definitive rendition of this song; Sondheim's favorite, most skilled interpreter tackling his most famous number. Watching her live in the song on stage was breathtaking.
@boynamedalexxx I saw it, yes. It did nothing for me, personally. We must remember that what is definitive to one person doesn't speak for all. I hope I didn't offend you, of course. Sondheim has his favorite, you have yours and I have mine. Let's all just enjoy the versions we like. Of course, the lyrics trump all. LOL
Cleo is one of the most amazing singers in the world. I remember hearing her version of this song back in the early 70's and I was totally blown away. Saw her in Seattle in the late 70's and she was awe inspiring.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
What's with the soap opera production? The original is always best. Give me Glynis Johns who it was written for. Second to that is Sinatra. Great song ... one of the best. It should be a mix of acting and singing. I love Babs but she over sings it.
Dame Judi's version of this song is spectacular!!!!!!!!! I like Cleo and Barbra, but I think Dame Judi's version is the most emotional and the most real.
No woman under 40 should sing this song. They don't have the life experience to identify with the lyrics, even if they've never been in a relationship like Desiree. Cleo Laine just makes the words come to life, much like Barbra Streisand does.
Thats amazing , I was and always will be in awe of Cleo...its been many years since we saw her in London Ontario . This version of Send In the Clowns is the best of any I have heard .
I just saw her and Sir John in concert last evening. Sadly she now hip problems and can barely walk. Her voice is unchanged. She was wonderful. She is 81 years old and an iconic performer in England and most of the world
God the woman has a set of pipes. But please...the plastic surgery leaves her looking in a state of permanent surprise. But....okay. Dame Cleo...applause. We love you
I meet Cleo Laine as student at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. I sent a note backstage to say hello and say that I had seen a warm up concert at the University of Oklahoma for her first Carnegie Hall performance.I later went to the green room, uninvited, to meet her. When she found out who I was she was truly excited. She threw her arms around me, gave me a kiss, and proceeded to introduce me to her whole entourage as "the friend in tempe" who sent the nice note. She's a sweetheart!
In October 1975 a tall dark Gable from Paterson, NJ by the name of George Wyche introduced me to the music of Cleo Laine. From 1st row centre I saw her LIVE twice in NYC during the `70's. She is an elegant yet unassuming woman with a superlative voice. Thanks G. for the enlightenment. You still be one~~~ Daddy Koooool!
not laughed so much in a long time. I love Sondheim, and thought - is this video worth watching. Your comments are better than the performance. Still laughing while I type! Made my day.
The mature Cleo is amazing. The young Cleo was perhaps even moreso though less dramatic. If you can catch Dame Cleo's cover of Carole King's "Music," you will be amazed at the range. Mariah Carey, eat your heart out.
Sara Montiel was a beauty and one of the most sensual women's cine.Barbra Streisand was a Jewish girl from Brooklyn with a face of a monkey mandrel, regular and cheap, and today looks like a monkey madril old and is completely without voice
Barbra Streisand ES una belleza y una de las mujeres mas sensuales del cine y la mas grande de todas las cantantes a nivel mundial.Sara Montiel fue una puta con una cara de un mono mandril, ordinaria y barata y hoy luce como un mono madril viejo y està completamente sin voz
The first time i heard Cleo, she sang, and J. Williams played the guitar. Just the two of them, and they made magic!From that day she is in my heart,. I´m sorry to say, but i have´nt heard her Live. One of the greatest singer ever, no limitations in her voice, and she can sing whatever we wish for. Thank you Cleo.
Watthiman-I very much regret to having to agree with you.She is a wonderful vocalist with a beautiful voice,but I have always been disappointed by most of her performances.She just does not flow right through on a song as do poets like Barbra,Ella,and Sarah.Call it focus or whatever.Truly a shame,as this separates her from the really all time greats.
I've seen Dame Cleo live and she is equally astonishing on stage and on record. No one will argue that Sarah and Ella are THE greats, but it's not a competition.
You are correct.I did not mean to do what to me is such a natural and human failing.She is of course great in her own way,and I should not demean this in any way.I stand corrected.
Gives Ella a run for her money. And I doubt Ella could have competed on the classical front. Cleo's interpretation and improvisation of any song is unreal. In my opinion nobody does it better.
@DelMkVI AGREE i love cleo she is great!!!!!!******love this post!!!!!!****ROGHARM cleo has a great voice and she sings in the minor key which is operatic. heard her daughter sing on on "in tune" yesterday on bbc radio 3. she is great too. thank you poster!!!!!!*******
Cleo Laine is one of the greatest singers ever!!I have been to 56 of her concerts across the globe, and this year she is 80 and still out there singing as perfectly as ever.
She is the best. Eartha Kitt sat behind us and said if only I could sing like her. Miss Laine is the greatest singer that has ever lived. My Partner listen to her nightly and never grow tier of her she is the master of voice and song.
What a bunch of dingalings responding. Cleo is a little hidden treasure that a handful who cherish exquisiteness love. She beats out a whole lotta more ` popular' singers in so many ways. Ever seen her live, or listened to an entire album ? She is the real goods, who eschewed star-maker paths. Just listen...and be enchanted......
She had every chance to expose her skills. The reason why she is not included in with the greats is because she is not great, not because she was not exposed enough. The beatles are great not because they had more exposure but because they had greatness within. Funny how the world works. The cream raises to the top.
The first time I saw Cleo in concert in 1977, I was in college, full-on disco period, and yet there was something about this woman and her voice that captivated me. At the concert, I had the realiztion that the human voice is a musical instrument unto itself...I'd never understood that till I heard and saw her consummate performance!
A stellar performance both vocally and physically from one of the best singers ever to do it. Cleo is peerless, and her recording catalogue a beyond remarkable. Been a fan since I was about 10.
Cleo average? Don't think so! She has impeccable understanding of lyrics and thus her interpretationsions are amazing . Phrasing , control, and sublime economy of what most others do vocally(that takes away from song), make her a justified legend. Like Sarah Vaughn, her name never comes up as as often as say, the less inspiring Ella, but had more people been exposed to Cleo, I suspect many more lives would have been enriched.
I looove Cleo so much...she is an inspiration to me and has enriched my life. We have similar backgrounds so she is important to me in that way as well...said all this to say I think you are right!
Oh so it's all about the discerning listener? See, the thing that makes greatness is that the average everyday people sense it. They recognize it. It did not take a discerning listener to tell the masses that the Beatles, Hendrix, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and Mile Davis were great. If it takes a discerning listener to tell you, then it aint greatness.
There is commercial success and there is artistic ability, and sometimes the twain shall meet and sometimes not. And then there is simply individual taste. Applied to food, your principles might lead one to consider a McDonald's hamburger as the greatest gourmet dish compared to a meal at a fine Parisian restaurant. There is snobbery and there is reverse snobbery. It seems you combine both.
Go to yur audio system, lay on floor, no distractions, with the speakers on both sides of your head. LISTEN! You wont find anything average about the experience.
she is definately an undersung heroine in the annals of jazz? vocalists. I, myself sang this song. while "studying styles". Actually looking for lyrics. Apollo Stompers. Fantasy 2, Father asked me to pick a song. Hers was one rendition i listned to and at the same time My Mans Gone Now. She has an awesome voice and range!!! maybe "ordinary version", but you must hear her on other songs.
To the "average" person her voice would deceptively appear as nothing special BUT to the discerning listener she is on par with the best of them. Her vocal technique maybe minimalist but definitely huge on impact. The key to her appeal is her brilliant sense of timing and phrasing.
It's not a matter of exposure. It's what you do when you get your chance. This women had her chance and did her best with it. It's nice but no amount of exposure would make her great.
I'm 40 and my wife sings better. Having said that I think Cleo has a fine voice but her lack of recognition is testiment to her talents. She's good but not great.
Good for your wife. You might do a little research and find the huge following Cleo had and has. Her singing with Mel Torme is to die for, along with all she has done...also check her stuff with James Galloway,if you know who that is.
I am aware of who she is. I did not say she has no following or was an unknown. How do you think I found this video? I respect here talent. I simply said she is not mentioned with the greats for a very good reason and it has nothing to do with lack of exposure. She has a lovely voice and it more talented then 90% of people but she is not a stand out within the remaining 10%.
So are we to hear from your wife who you claim to be a greater Singer than Cleo Laine? Thats a ton of pressure my friend. She must be extremely popular. From your diatribe here you are saying that popularity is the judge of what is great. You threw in a bunch of pop artists as great names. Pop has always been mass marketed. Hence the word pop="popular". Cleo is a Vocalist that defies category. I do hope that you wont hide your wife under a bushel. Can't wait to hear her.
Lack of recognition? Are you kidding. I got to hear her in person almost 30 years ago, performing with her husband John Dankworth. They were fantastic! Cleo has sung everything from jazz to opera. She is a complete musician, and any musician or even an aficionado like me would know who she is. Nice that you like your wife's voice, though. Probably a good thing, too.
Meleny!, don't forget the beautiful original version by Glynis Johns, and if I have to add more bad work column: Patti LuPone (stiff and with robotic faces)
This is truly the only 'sung' version (performed as a single not from within the musical)that does this song any justice (from Julie Andrews, who an usually do no wrong...to Bernadette Peters, all hero's, but not with this song). Dame Cleo is just an unbelievable genius and vocal star. The only other version that hits the essense of this song emotionally is the act/sung version by Dame Judi Dench. These two Dames know how to make this song the experience it should be. Nice post! thanks!
Apparently Her Majesty The Queen is a fan, doesn't get much bigger then that !
keithmcneill55 1 month ago
don't her looks[and voice], just say,hey gay dudes,i'm prime drag queen material?
brainsareus 3 months ago 2
@brainsareus Bahahahaha. I was just thinking the same thing even though her voice is amazing
morrismadeleine 2 months ago
great ! does anyone sound more british,when they sing, than cleo laine ?!
brainsareus 3 months ago
q belleza!
juliolazzagonzalez 4 months ago
Ms. Laine's rendition is unique and pleasant!
vdwest4592 7 months ago
I heard Bernadette Peter's sing this live two years ago. She was indeed magnificent. However, this version by Cleo has a directness a purity and honesty that is amazing. No pretense no drama just the song done perfectly.
fireblossom2u 7 months ago
She does a fabulous version of Both Sides Now also.... Great voice.
ejsiem 8 months ago
Absolute perfection...brings me to tears every time I hear it
MsSmithers13 1 year ago
Best version of this song EVER!
Patti129able 1 year ago
I heard Cleo on The Tonight Show back in the early 70's. I was listening to rock, and blues mostly. Cleo touched my heart in a very powerful way. She was so very connected and so very very good.
fireblossom2u 1 year ago
In my opinion, this version trumps Streisand's by a mile, and that's because you need serious acting chops to make this song believable. And that is why Cleo Laine and Judi Dench are the definitive interpreters of this song. Babara is fantastically superb when she sings this, of course, but "Send In The Clowns" needs more depth than just a beautiful voice singing it. It needs to be sung by an experienced woman who has life experience under her belt.
JumpStreet1983 1 year ago
@JumpStreet1983 Did you see Bernadette Peters' take on the number? That could, arguably, be called the definitive rendition of this song; Sondheim's favorite, most skilled interpreter tackling his most famous number. Watching her live in the song on stage was breathtaking.
boynamedalexxx 9 months ago
@boynamedalexxx I saw it, yes. It did nothing for me, personally. We must remember that what is definitive to one person doesn't speak for all. I hope I didn't offend you, of course. Sondheim has his favorite, you have yours and I have mine. Let's all just enjoy the versions we like. Of course, the lyrics trump all. LOL
JumpStreet1983 9 months ago
@JumpStreet1983 Well, that's why I used the term *arguably*, heh.
boynamedalexxx 9 months ago
is this her house?
benbrenyefski 1 year ago
This is a piece of my chldhood not something I liked at the time but it grew on me over the years
magiclard 1 year ago
great song, but too many butchered animals though.
Mikeypod 1 year ago
Brava Diva!
chelseaguy52 1 year ago
Thats my aunty <3 love u aunty cleo :') <3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3
Xdppxdouchbag 1 year ago 4
why does she look like a muppet?
motocose 1 year ago
Incredible.
TruthSerum101 1 year ago
scoobie de boob dee boobie do oops i just scat on the carpet
jayeevee 1 year ago
what !!
alreadyou 2 years ago
Best. World of Leather advertisement. Ever.
roberte8123 2 years ago 22
You Prat , have respect
racingrubberbiker 2 years ago
Nice one!
geoffnicholson999 2 years ago
LOL
ThePiano1991 1 year ago
What a beautiful rendition!
deepbreakfast1960 2 years ago 3
Ruthie Henshall. Enough said.
rvcrvc2 2 years ago
Enjoyed this version. She's a great performer.
dalesman4 2 years ago 3
Great Great job . . . I love this song!!!!!! Thank you for posting!!
UpTick21 2 years ago 2
Cleo is one of the most amazing singers in the world. I remember hearing her version of this song back in the early 70's and I was totally blown away. Saw her in Seattle in the late 70's and she was awe inspiring.
NaomisMommie 2 years ago 6
This comment has received too many negative votes show
What's with the soap opera production? The original is always best. Give me Glynis Johns who it was written for. Second to that is Sinatra. Great song ... one of the best. It should be a mix of acting and singing. I love Babs but she over sings it.
michaelakel 2 years ago
What' s with the Norma Desmond eyes?
roccoh21 2 years ago
Top marks.
ronaldalankeller 2 years ago
Have a look at Dame Judi Dench's!
ronaldosucks1 2 years ago
Dame Judi's version of this song is spectacular!!!!!!!!! I like Cleo and Barbra, but I think Dame Judi's version is the most emotional and the most real.
mochaman15 2 years ago
No woman under 40 should sing this song. They don't have the life experience to identify with the lyrics, even if they've never been in a relationship like Desiree. Cleo Laine just makes the words come to life, much like Barbra Streisand does.
JumpStreet1983 2 years ago 2
oh this brings back memories. I took my mom to see her live at Seattle's Opera House -- like 30 years ago or so. I simply love her!
herasmarket 2 years ago
Beautiful song by an equally beautiful lady.
robbie72uk 2 years ago 2
I am sad - there were a bunch more Dame Cleo videos a year or so ago, but they are slowly dropping off Youtube :(
JasonPaulHunter 2 years ago
Few understand this song - she understands.
Hickey66 2 years ago
Been around the block a time or two, for sure. But aren't we oh so lucky she has!!
GuyCIII 2 years ago
Now *THIS* is who should have played Desiree in the film version!!!!
JumpStreet1983 2 years ago
she even looks like a scary clown lol
nukecat 2 years ago
To those commenting on Dame Cleo's makeup, remember that it, like clothing, varies in style.
This clearly was a period when heavy makeup was in vogue so that's how they "did" her face.
Her musicality and voice are, of course, timeless. Cleo and Sondheim -- a magical combination!
YouzTube99 3 years ago 2
Check out Obama "Today is my day" feat.Coloria
ColoriaCleo 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
God, she's a circus freak!
JET997u 3 years ago
saw cleo and john in marina del rey this summer she is still simply wonderful..
princessk1223 3 years ago
Thats amazing , I was and always will be in awe of Cleo...its been many years since we saw her in London Ontario . This version of Send In the Clowns is the best of any I have heard .
Cheers to you and Sir John
Dave & Lorraine
Calgary
dwebster50 3 years ago
see Ruthie Henshall's
JibsForJabs 2 years ago 2
Did anyone see her in "Last of the Blonde Bombshells"? She was wonderful there as well.
0likeadame 3 years ago
OMG did you really say 81 years old...geesh!
REDDON2008 3 years ago
I just saw her and Sir John in concert last evening. Sadly she now hip problems and can barely walk. Her voice is unchanged. She was wonderful. She is 81 years old and an iconic performer in England and most of the world
sprover 3 years ago
Form watching a few vids of her, I think her makeup is always bad, but she was a looker in her hayday.
mercuryboyfilms 3 years ago
she LOOKS like a clown in this clip, i cant get over it and focus on the music, i'll have to listen without watching.
her makeup artist should be shot- absolutely disgusting (unless they MEANT to make her look like a clown)
rashellian 3 years ago
In 1978 in NZ I met this woman and she autographed my bare chest with a texta, What a Chick!
I was a punk rocker at the time..funny how Lfe moves?
Creosmary 3 years ago
Yes 1978 in Wellington, I didnt get my chest signed. I do recall wondering if the Wellington town hall would survive the standing ovation for Cleo
mk2zakspeed 3 years ago
I've just stumbled on perfection....
OMG how beautiful, no one could have done it better.
I LIKE IT !!!!! I REALLY LIKE IT.
onceaking 3 years ago 2
Dames Cleo Laine and Shirley Bassey are great friends. Great seeing their creative works on YouTube.
yardleyaloe 3 years ago
I love you Cleo
champlain9 3 years ago 2
What a gorgeous singer!
54spiritedwill54 3 years ago 2
God the woman has a set of pipes. But please...the plastic surgery leaves her looking in a state of permanent surprise. But....okay. Dame Cleo...applause. We love you
ccl2006 3 years ago
I meet Cleo Laine as student at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. I sent a note backstage to say hello and say that I had seen a warm up concert at the University of Oklahoma for her first Carnegie Hall performance.I later went to the green room, uninvited, to meet her. When she found out who I was she was truly excited. She threw her arms around me, gave me a kiss, and proceeded to introduce me to her whole entourage as "the friend in tempe" who sent the nice note. She's a sweetheart!
dm5401 3 years ago
One of the most beautiful voices-not to mention 'songs'-of al time...
MGTRRZ 3 years ago 2
In October 1975 a tall dark Gable from Paterson, NJ by the name of George Wyche introduced me to the music of Cleo Laine. From 1st row centre I saw her LIVE twice in NYC during the `70's. She is an elegant yet unassuming woman with a superlative voice. Thanks G. for the enlightenment. You still be one~~~ Daddy Koooool!
BigIronOnHipMan 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
to much booopeddy booop booo boooo booop booop bbbopeddy bolocks for me i`m afaraid kids!
nightfire620 4 years ago
not laughed so much in a long time. I love Sondheim, and thought - is this video worth watching. Your comments are better than the performance. Still laughing while I type! Made my day.
barrowchap 3 years ago
Many thanks!
nightfire620 3 years ago
I rather her answer to you would be "boop, boop to you!" She has an excellent sense of humour!
dm5401 3 years ago
Beautiful song. Beautiful woman. Beside a warming fire. What more could a man ask for?!
jake52horn 4 years ago 2
Was there a video for each song on her "Cleo Sings Sondheim" album?
ItalianDivo101 4 years ago
My favourite British singer singing the greatest broadway composer (Sondheim 'the Genius').
ronwilliams753 4 years ago
But don't miss Eydie Gorme on "If he walked into my life today." Check it out.
SailFreex 4 years ago
The mature Cleo is amazing. The young Cleo was perhaps even moreso though less dramatic. If you can catch Dame Cleo's cover of Carole King's "Music," you will be amazed at the range. Mariah Carey, eat your heart out.
SailFreex 4 years ago 3
Absolutely agree. I saw her in DC years ago when I was in college.Amazing!
WayCoolNurse 3 years ago
Cleo = angel.
careythefox 4 years ago 3
very nice
Hannaschygulla43 4 years ago
for alan wo where did you post cleo lane i cant find it
MarciaJoan1939 4 years ago
beautiful
Hannaschygulla43 4 years ago
que mierda es esta? apesta mas que mi ano
MissanoApesta 4 years ago
Je T'aime... Moi Non Plus
Hannaschygulla43 4 years ago
quiten esto tan horrible que le ha dado diarrea e hinchado las hemorroides de mi ANO
MissanoApesta 4 years ago
Sara Montiel was a beauty and one of the most sensual women's cine.Barbra Streisand was a Jewish girl from Brooklyn with a face of a monkey mandrel, regular and cheap, and today looks like a monkey madril old and is completely without voice
Hannaschygulla43 4 years ago
Barbra Streisand ES una belleza y una de las mujeres mas sensuales del cine y la mas grande de todas las cantantes a nivel mundial.Sara Montiel fue una puta con una cara de un mono mandril, ordinaria y barata y hoy luce como un mono madril viejo y està completamente sin voz
MissanoApesta 4 years ago
aqui estan las difuntas hanna y compania
RosannaSchiaffino 4 years ago
The first time i heard Cleo, she sang, and J. Williams played the guitar. Just the two of them, and they made magic!From that day she is in my heart,. I´m sorry to say, but i have´nt heard her Live. One of the greatest singer ever, no limitations in her voice, and she can sing whatever we wish for. Thank you Cleo.
TommySwede 4 years ago
What a gorgeous singer!
michi19580127 4 years ago 4
i love Cleo Laine so much!
& i think CLEO SINGS SONDHEIM is a masterpiece, for her, Tunick, AND Sondheim!
is there a clip for her take on NO ONE IS ALONE?
timmytickles 4 years ago 11
Yes - just posted No One Is Alone
AllanWo 4 years ago
Watthiman-I very much regret to having to agree with you.She is a wonderful vocalist with a beautiful voice,but I have always been disappointed by most of her performances.She just does not flow right through on a song as do poets like Barbra,Ella,and Sarah.Call it focus or whatever.Truly a shame,as this separates her from the really all time greats.
paulostroff99 4 years ago
I've seen Dame Cleo live and she is equally astonishing on stage and on record. No one will argue that Sarah and Ella are THE greats, but it's not a competition.
BronzeVenus 4 years ago
You are correct.I did not mean to do what to me is such a natural and human failing.She is of course great in her own way,and I should not demean this in any way.I stand corrected.
paulostroff99 4 years ago
Gives Ella a run for her money. And I doubt Ella could have competed on the classical front. Cleo's interpretation and improvisation of any song is unreal. In my opinion nobody does it better.
DelMkVI 4 years ago 18
@DelMkVI AGREE i love cleo she is great!!!!!!******love this post!!!!!!****ROGHARM cleo has a great voice and she sings in the minor key which is operatic. heard her daughter sing on on "in tune" yesterday on bbc radio 3. she is great too. thank you poster!!!!!!*******
rogharm 1 year ago
wonderful singer! I've seen Cleo in concert 5 times and she is outstanding.
MikeWilliamsonMusic 4 years ago 2
Cleo Laine is one of the greatest singers ever!!I have been to 56 of her concerts across the globe, and this year she is 80 and still out there singing as perfectly as ever.
leather1026 4 years ago 5
She is the best. Eartha Kitt sat behind us and said if only I could sing like her. Miss Laine is the greatest singer that has ever lived. My Partner listen to her nightly and never grow tier of her she is the master of voice and song.
Franziasack 4 years ago 3
That's amazing story! Eartha Kitt said that? Wow...
ItalianDivo101 4 years ago
What a bunch of dingalings responding. Cleo is a little hidden treasure that a handful who cherish exquisiteness love. She beats out a whole lotta more ` popular' singers in so many ways. Ever seen her live, or listened to an entire album ? She is the real goods, who eschewed star-maker paths. Just listen...and be enchanted......
hubbellgardner 4 years ago 2
Wow it only takes 1 to make it sooo weird!
jefferyscottwines 4 years ago
She had every chance to expose her skills. The reason why she is not included in with the greats is because she is not great, not because she was not exposed enough. The beatles are great not because they had more exposure but because they had greatness within. Funny how the world works. The cream raises to the top.
Watthiman 4 years ago
The first time I saw Cleo in concert in 1977, I was in college, full-on disco period, and yet there was something about this woman and her voice that captivated me. At the concert, I had the realiztion that the human voice is a musical instrument unto itself...I'd never understood that till I heard and saw her consummate performance!
johnmcd7 4 years ago
A stellar performance both vocally and physically from one of the best singers ever to do it. Cleo is peerless, and her recording catalogue a beyond remarkable. Been a fan since I was about 10.
LindaMoyer 4 years ago
Cleo average? Don't think so! She has impeccable understanding of lyrics and thus her interpretationsions are amazing . Phrasing , control, and sublime economy of what most others do vocally(that takes away from song), make her a justified legend. Like Sarah Vaughn, her name never comes up as as often as say, the less inspiring Ella, but had more people been exposed to Cleo, I suspect many more lives would have been enriched.
xled 4 years ago
I looove Cleo so much...she is an inspiration to me and has enriched my life. We have similar backgrounds so she is important to me in that way as well...said all this to say I think you are right!
susuemikado 4 years ago
Oh so it's all about the discerning listener? See, the thing that makes greatness is that the average everyday people sense it. They recognize it. It did not take a discerning listener to tell the masses that the Beatles, Hendrix, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and Mile Davis were great. If it takes a discerning listener to tell you, then it aint greatness.
Watthiman 4 years ago
There is commercial success and there is artistic ability, and sometimes the twain shall meet and sometimes not. And then there is simply individual taste. Applied to food, your principles might lead one to consider a McDonald's hamburger as the greatest gourmet dish compared to a meal at a fine Parisian restaurant. There is snobbery and there is reverse snobbery. It seems you combine both.
SailF 3 years ago
Go to yur audio system, lay on floor, no distractions, with the speakers on both sides of your head. LISTEN! You wont find anything average about the experience.
xled 4 years ago 2
she is definately an undersung heroine in the annals of jazz? vocalists. I, myself sang this song. while "studying styles". Actually looking for lyrics. Apollo Stompers. Fantasy 2, Father asked me to pick a song. Hers was one rendition i listned to and at the same time My Mans Gone Now. She has an awesome voice and range!!! maybe "ordinary version", but you must hear her on other songs.
dianesmelody 4 years ago
her daughter jacqui looks her double... jacqui done i 2week programme wif mee ......... she was my singin teacher and she is truely amazinn
deanopepe 4 years ago
Well done Cleo ...saw you on Vancouver Island many years ago
10SERENDIPITY66 4 years ago
She still mesmerizes me...the best female voice ever.
Lauragc 4 years ago
Glad you enjoy her voice but I would not include here in my top 100. She is lovely but extremly average in ability.
Watthiman 4 years ago
To the "average" person her voice would deceptively appear as nothing special BUT to the discerning listener she is on par with the best of them. Her vocal technique maybe minimalist but definitely huge on impact. The key to her appeal is her brilliant sense of timing and phrasing.
wantok99 4 years ago
It's not a matter of exposure. It's what you do when you get your chance. This women had her chance and did her best with it. It's nice but no amount of exposure would make her great.
Watthiman 4 years ago
How old are you, 10? Cleo Laine was leaving others in the dust before you could hear. Have a little respect.
ceb2633 4 years ago
I'm 40 and my wife sings better. Having said that I think Cleo has a fine voice but her lack of recognition is testiment to her talents. She's good but not great.
Watthiman 4 years ago
Good for your wife. You might do a little research and find the huge following Cleo had and has. Her singing with Mel Torme is to die for, along with all she has done...also check her stuff with James Galloway,if you know who that is.
ceb2633 4 years ago
I am aware of who she is. I did not say she has no following or was an unknown. How do you think I found this video? I respect here talent. I simply said she is not mentioned with the greats for a very good reason and it has nothing to do with lack of exposure. She has a lovely voice and it more talented then 90% of people but she is not a stand out within the remaining 10%.
Watthiman 4 years ago
So are we to hear from your wife who you claim to be a greater Singer than Cleo Laine? Thats a ton of pressure my friend. She must be extremely popular. From your diatribe here you are saying that popularity is the judge of what is great. You threw in a bunch of pop artists as great names. Pop has always been mass marketed. Hence the word pop="popular". Cleo is a Vocalist that defies category. I do hope that you wont hide your wife under a bushel. Can't wait to hear her.
themackdiva 4 years ago 2
Lack of recognition? Are you kidding. I got to hear her in person almost 30 years ago, performing with her husband John Dankworth. They were fantastic! Cleo has sung everything from jazz to opera. She is a complete musician, and any musician or even an aficionado like me would know who she is. Nice that you like your wife's voice, though. Probably a good thing, too.
Largo64 4 years ago 2
Cleo Laine had a four active range. There's nothing average in that.
jemb2000 2 years ago
Wow. I saw Cleo in concert back in the late 70's. Never forget that voice...ever. Thanks for posting this!
Nalora 4 years ago
Meleny!, don't forget the beautiful original version by Glynis Johns, and if I have to add more bad work column: Patti LuPone (stiff and with robotic faces)
Bellmascle 4 years ago
This is truly the only 'sung' version (performed as a single not from within the musical)that does this song any justice (from Julie Andrews, who an usually do no wrong...to Bernadette Peters, all hero's, but not with this song). Dame Cleo is just an unbelievable genius and vocal star. The only other version that hits the essense of this song emotionally is the act/sung version by Dame Judi Dench. These two Dames know how to make this song the experience it should be. Nice post! thanks!
Meleny001 4 years ago 2
First time I heard her sing this, had to pull the car over and park. That was 33 yrs ago. Thanks SO much.
hubbellgardner 4 years ago
what a beautiful version : Dame Cleo is upper class
Xohra 4 years ago
Super Gorgeous...thanks so much...I'm crying as I write this.
themackdiva 4 years ago