I absolutely agree. This is the worst version of this song I have ever heard. My favourate version is the one of Howard Keel, who sang the part on Broadway. In the film it was sung by Enio Pinza, and that was better too. I just listened to it sung by José Carreras and, even thoug Carreras is a tenor and this song was written for a baritone, it is still much better than this dreadful performance.
I agree with those that believe Goulet butchered this song. His musicality and phrasing is erratic, and he tends to slide into some of his notes with a glottal push. The song is about remorse over a lost love, not a 60's lounge singer working for tips on a street corner well off Broadway, clearly demonstrating little respect for the composer's intent. Every singer is free to their own stylistic interpretation, but this one simply was not enjoyable. And for the record, I generally like Goulet.
I have always heard that Robert Goulet was deeply in love with Julie Andrews...of course who has not been in love with her....there was an undeniable chemistry between Robert and Julie for all the world to see. Julie Andrews has to rank as one of the all-time beauties of this world.
Couldn't be better! I've heard Sinatra's and Pinza's version and RG beats them both. There was magic when he shared the stage with Julie Andrews and their chemistry sparked the imaginations of millions. Would that he were still around. Thanks for sharing this.
Ahhh, Robert Goulet. I've been in love with him since I was a young girl...He was fabulous and I miss him so much. I saw him in a production of Camelot...3rd row. I could see the twinkle in his eye. A once in a lifetime moment. I'll never, ever forget it.....or him....{{sigh}} RIP
This is such a great post with my two favorite people. I just love this song, and I love to watch Robert and Julie work together. Too bad his life was cut too short, but he'll be remembered with all the beautiful posts that you have here. Thank You for the fond Memories.
If you want to hear this song as Rodgers and Hammerstein meant it to be sung, listen to Brian Stokes Mitchell. It's posted under his name on this site; you won't be sorry.
How do you know how R&H meant it to be sung? BSM does an extremely slow and dramatic version, but that doesn't mean it's better. I like Goulet's version just fine.
Our dear Bobby is gone. I met him in a parking lot after a concert. I asked why he patted Julie A. on her tummy all the time--He roared in laughter _then patted mine!! He gave me the lovliest 30 minutes of my life! Bless his heart & Vera.
I'd love to hear more of what he was like and what he said about Julie. Wow! you got to spend 30 mins with him! What a thrill! I got to spend about 1 mins talking to Julie once and it was a thrill of a lifetime.
Robert Goulet is generally an excellent singer, but I don't like what he's done with this song. He's changed the lyrics for no good reason and sounds a little tight. This song needs to sound more wistful and slightly melancholy.
I do not detect any changed lyrics. This is the arrangement from the stage production, which differs from the movie somewhat. Perhaps that's why you think he's changed it?
Robert Goulet absolutely owns the song "If Ever I Would Leave You" from "Camelot." Nobody, but nobody does it better. He will be immortalized because of that song.
But what the hell got into him while singing "This Nearly Was Mine?" He murdered it.
"this old drunk sings well" is a rude and an unjustified comment. With all due respect, as talented as Mr. Mitchell is, he cannot hold a candle to Mr. G.
Enjoy the video for the lovely sentiment and the theatrical history they share instead of dishing out unwarranted cheap shots.
He had such a mad crush on her. I think he still does, if you ever see him with her. Can't blame him. He confided in Richard Burton only to be told to get over it, he wasn't the only one! Ha!
I saw the title and I thought that Julie Andrews was going to be singing it. Their voices are very similar, aren't they :P
SopranoOfTheNight 1 month ago
Those who hate this Goulet version should listen to Paolo Szot sing it. Try it: you'll like it likely.
rr7firefly1 3 months ago
Goulet!
MJJCashman 7 months ago
They totally did it.
EnchantedSilence 1 year ago
they really ought to be required to serve crackers with this cheese!
BernardProfitendieu 1 year ago
I absolutely agree. This is the worst version of this song I have ever heard. My favourate version is the one of Howard Keel, who sang the part on Broadway. In the film it was sung by Enio Pinza, and that was better too. I just listened to it sung by José Carreras and, even thoug Carreras is a tenor and this song was written for a baritone, it is still much better than this dreadful performance.
BelgianTuber 1 year ago
I agree with those that believe Goulet butchered this song. His musicality and phrasing is erratic, and he tends to slide into some of his notes with a glottal push. The song is about remorse over a lost love, not a 60's lounge singer working for tips on a street corner well off Broadway, clearly demonstrating little respect for the composer's intent. Every singer is free to their own stylistic interpretation, but this one simply was not enjoyable. And for the record, I generally like Goulet.
jawiki 1 year ago
I didn't know who Robert Goulet was until I read Julie Andrews book " Home" and then I saw these videos of them on Youtube
rebarox85 2 years ago
I have always heard that Robert Goulet was deeply in love with Julie Andrews...of course who has not been in love with her....there was an undeniable chemistry between Robert and Julie for all the world to see. Julie Andrews has to rank as one of the all-time beauties of this world.
parzifal39 2 years ago 4
Dear parzifal39,
He can't be in love with Julie Andrews!
I'm in love with Julie Andrews!
thechinadesk 2 years ago
Love it! Too bad we couldnt see the whole version of Robert Goulet singing that wonderful song!
jen3kat 3 years ago
Although I love him, I like Paulo Szot at this song better.
EnchantedSilence 3 years ago
Couldn't be better! I've heard Sinatra's and Pinza's version and RG beats them both. There was magic when he shared the stage with Julie Andrews and their chemistry sparked the imaginations of millions. Would that he were still around. Thanks for sharing this.
admanstan 3 years ago
This is not a baratone number!!
Harvey030547 3 years ago
how would you know? seeing as though you spelled it wrong...
zurfinne 3 years ago
this is a baritone piece. Absolutely. It's written this low.
estelgur 2 years ago
Ahhh, Robert Goulet. I've been in love with him since I was a young girl...He was fabulous and I miss him so much. I saw him in a production of Camelot...3rd row. I could see the twinkle in his eye. A once in a lifetime moment. I'll never, ever forget it.....or him....{{sigh}} RIP
LavaGirl55 3 years ago
I saw him play Emille in South Pacific in Connecticut... WOW!!! There is nothing this man could not sing. R.I.P. and thank you!!!
ozzian2000 3 years ago
Rob if you have lived and sung with her for so long and she wanted to sing with you for so long.
She loved you.
Hickey66 3 years ago
This is such a great post with my two favorite people. I just love this song, and I love to watch Robert and Julie work together. Too bad his life was cut too short, but he'll be remembered with all the beautiful posts that you have here. Thank You for the fond Memories.
Ska8erdee 4 years ago
Oh, THANK YOU!!! Just beautiful, i love and miss Robert Goulet. I have one of his many CDs. Wow, what a loverly voice!!
KristinKewi 4 years ago
If you want to hear this song as Rodgers and Hammerstein meant it to be sung, listen to Brian Stokes Mitchell. It's posted under his name on this site; you won't be sorry.
star1836 4 years ago
How do you know how R&H meant it to be sung? BSM does an extremely slow and dramatic version, but that doesn't mean it's better. I like Goulet's version just fine.
Kokopuffs78 3 years ago
Our dear Bobby is gone. I met him in a parking lot after a concert. I asked why he patted Julie A. on her tummy all the time--He roared in laughter _then patted mine!! He gave me the lovliest 30 minutes of my life! Bless his heart & Vera.
LMorgan1234 4 years ago
I'd love to hear more of what he was like and what he said about Julie. Wow! you got to spend 30 mins with him! What a thrill! I got to spend about 1 mins talking to Julie once and it was a thrill of a lifetime.
cuiml8 4 years ago
RIP Mr. G
drfajerski 4 years ago
Robert Goulet is generally an excellent singer, but I don't like what he's done with this song. He's changed the lyrics for no good reason and sounds a little tight. This song needs to sound more wistful and slightly melancholy.
cloraxion 4 years ago
I have to agree.
LornaDoone63 4 years ago
I do not detect any changed lyrics. This is the arrangement from the stage production, which differs from the movie somewhat. Perhaps that's why you think he's changed it?
Kaileo1 4 years ago
Dear cloraxion,
Robert Goulet absolutely owns the song "If Ever I Would Leave You" from "Camelot." Nobody, but nobody does it better. He will be immortalized because of that song.
But what the hell got into him while singing "This Nearly Was Mine?" He murdered it.
thechinadesk 2 years ago
i was in this
fudgealisious 4 years ago
In this where? What?
JAFLili 4 years ago
LOVELY!!!!!!!!
Julie is perfect!!!!!
Mika60006 4 years ago
Lovely... a beloved song and two wonderful artists.
Snowsofyesteryear 4 years ago
Thanks papillonamber- Your comments are grately appreciated. I love Robert Goulet- and I surely adore Miss Andrews.
lili917 5 years ago
"this old drunk sings well" is a rude and an unjustified comment. With all due respect, as talented as Mr. Mitchell is, he cannot hold a candle to Mr. G.
Enjoy the video for the lovely sentiment and the theatrical history they share instead of dishing out unwarranted cheap shots.
papillonamber 5 years ago
Lovely tribute to two great talents. I know them both and it is a delight to watch.
papillonamber 5 years ago
He had such a mad crush on her. I think he still does, if you ever see him with her. Can't blame him. He confided in Richard Burton only to be told to get over it, he wasn't the only one! Ha!
cuiml8 5 years ago
Robert has always adored Jules. They are the best of friends but both have been happily married for many years. Jules to Blake and Robert to Vera.
papillonamber 5 years ago
One love ... One partner in paradise... Once nearly was mine!!!
So Great!
Lovely video!!! :)))))
THAN kyou!
Miranna7 5 years ago
Great video! I love the quotes you used. :)
loverlyjulie 5 years ago