I saw Cats in Boston Mass, with Betty B. as Grizabella. I also bought the Film, but they are a bit different, nothing like a live show! In Boston the crew was called "The Really Useful Group" and Terence V.Mann played the Rum Tum Tugger, and Timothy Scott played Macavity, and WOW what an amazing show! I really wasn't prepared to have a cat/person with glowing green eyes come out from behind my seat!!
Truly my favorite rendition of this song. There are plenty of good vocal performances of this, but there aren't any that have the kind of acting that Betty puts into this. Just see how many people can sing that high note with as much ease in their bodies as Betty has. To throw that high note into the sky like Elaine does is wonderful, but showboaty in my opinion, and not true to the character of Grizabella. Both performances are great, but Betty takes the cake.
@gingerlewis97 I very much agree with you. they both have their own ways of singing it, and I prefer the elaine version more. But I enjoy the betty version as well.
@gingerlewis97 I very much agree with you. they both have their own ways of singing it, and I prefer the elaine version more. But I enjoy the betty version as well.
@ValtronW. I have always been a huge fan of elaine, but I also think betty does a great job. I still must say elaine is better. I guess its just a matter of opinion.
@freddiebrianrogerjon i think they are both amazing, so different and both so talented i am massive fan of elaine and she is one of the best perfomers xx <3
Betty Buckley sings Memory like no other! She sings the best and most beautiful rendition of this song ever recorded. To say that Elaine Page sings Memory better then Betty is laughable. I enjoy Elaine's performance and version of Memory, but it is not nearly as good vocally as Betty's.
Elaine has a lovely voice, but it isn't at the same level as Betty Buckleys.
I had the pleasure of seeing Cats in New York when I was a senior in high school, 1983. It had only been open a few months, and the original cast was all still in place. This song comes at the end of the first act, and it received a standing ovation. Not at the end of the show, but after this song. It was a magical night in the theatre I'll never forget.
I have to say I like both versions, Elaine Paige's and Betty Buckley's, but honestly, the actress who sings Jemima's part really doesn't do very well, she's not horrible, but I feel like Jemima's character doesn't really suit her. But, after all, this is just my opinion.
@oneListhename She wasn't the original Jemima in the Broadway version. If you listen to the official cast recordings, it's a different woman. Just look it up here on YT.
@chrissi2810 In this particular performance? Can't be. She sounds completely different than the woman in the original BW cast recording. Is this Cynthia Onrubia playing Jemima here?
The girl playing Jemima here is the original Broadway Jemima (don't remember her name).
On the Original Broadway Cast Recording all parts that are actually sung by Jemima on stage were sung by the actresses of Tantomile and Victoria on the recording...;-)
I have heard both versions. Yes, Elaine Page originated it. However, Betty Buckley made it hers. Elaine's voice is weak compared to Betty's. I have heard many imitators but none matches Betty.
There was also a TV tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber. Placido Domingo sang it very well also. That video is also on Youtube.
@SuperMusicCrazed Remember they are suposed to be cats...they have to project their voices in a way to make them fit the characters and sound less of how a human being would normally sing it, :)
I think no one denied her talent or performance just that we favour Elaine, everyone has different likes.No doubt that she is a great performer and it would be silly to ignore the great amount of work put into these productions. I think each is tailored to a different audience and the reason we have differing views on this.
@llewellleo Again, my problem is not with differing opinions, it's when I go to a video and see comments like "not as good as Elaine" or "Elaine's the best" and the like, with no actual comment on the performance itself. Comparing performances is fine (And really fun, as a matter of fact), but one's performance shouldn't be judged entirely based on someone else's interpretation of the role.
@VRNProductions lol, well thats nothing to get too serious about. I did not like the performance above but that was just a small moment and she definitely has a wonderful talent, id say it again. But we were comparing and as you were saying that is fun.
@llewellleo I have no problem with differing views (Heck, I'd love to discuss who makes a better Javert or Grizabella for days on end), I just have a problem with people completely dismissing a particular performance because it wasn't as good as ____ in the role. It's particularly bad with shows that have a well-loved video cast, such as the video version Cats, or the 10th Ann. Concert of Les Miserables, or the film version of Cabaret, etc.
@VRNProductions You hit the nail on the head. And, if anything, this was a LIVE performance. I'm sure they took several takes of Elaine's in the video version. That's not to say her live performances are nothing to write home about- she's phenomenal. It's just a matter of preference.
This is what annoys me about shows that have an established popular cast is going to a video and finding the comments page filled with arguments on which one is better. I mean, seriously, does it really matter if Paige makes a better Grizabella than Buckley, or if Quast is a better Javert than Mann, or Grey a better EmCee than Cummings, etc. Can't we just watch each performance and enjoy the differences each actor brings to the role and appreciate that we have the variety in performers we do?
You people have no concept of how BIG her performances were back in the 80s. She got standing ovations almost every single night and popularized this damn song with Americans. SHE WON THE TONY AWARD FOR THIS PERFORMANCE.
"Not emotional"? Unbelievable. Her interpretation was different than Elaine's! Go watch her interview with Ernie Manouse right here on Youtube. She explains everything.
@llewellleo Whoa, whoa, whoa, excuse me? Betty Buckley is considered the "Voice of Broadway". She won the Tony Award for this performance and if it weren't for her, "Memory" would not have become so popular with Americans.
@ValtronW Never said the lady had no talent just not on Elaines level. Having heard both Id say Elaine is not only the greater singer , but also more natural on stage. Class through and through. Betty certainly would appeal to American audiences, and she is a great singer, but hard to see that European audiences would adore her as they do Elaine.
So amazing. Much better than Elaine Paige. The original is always the best because everyone COPIES the original and then adds more to it. But it is the original who gives the "set" emotion and they set the facial expressions. Amazing. Check If I Was A Rich Man- Fiddler on the Roof! Listen to Zero from Broadway sing it... and watch how everyone copies it!
You say the original is always the best but like Betty over Elaine....... but Elaine was the original Grizabella, 1981 in London. Betty came to the show in New York, 1982...;o)
@chrissi2810 I was actually going to ask what's so original about the "Broadway" cast, till I read the above comment - lol
Forgive the self-centeredness of my fellow Americans, we're constantly being taught "The World Is Yours" by media, gov't sports & our peers - lol
While I prefer the original, I must admit that this is an amazing performance as well; though we Americans don't annunciate well & I think that it's the only thing that takes away from this performance.
@chrissi2810... actually Elaine Paige was an understudy...she was never meant to be the actual Grizabella, so she was the original Grizabella but it was an accident.
Elaine Paige never was an understudy of this role. Judi Dench was supposed to play the role of Grizabella but she already had an accident during the rehearsals................... Andrew Lloyd Webber called Elaine and asked her to play Grizabella since there wasn't much time until the first show was set.... Elaine said yes and was the first one to sing Memory (since Memory was supposed to be sung by Bombalurina until Elaine came into the cast)...;-)
@laxchick569 agree.. almost. but once upon a time a young man did even better then the one who created a song named the man who sold the world.. sorry but i ve to write down this. x
So amazing. Much better than Elaine Paige. The original is always the best because everyone COPIES the original and then adds more to it. But it is the original who gives the "set" emotion and they set the facial expressions. Amazing.
I went and watched just about every video I could of anyone performing this song, and I have to say, if they can't nail the climax (Touch Me! It's so easy to leave me! that part) it doesn't work for me. I love Elaine's version, but damn, I don't know if anyone nails it quite like Betty does. Barbara and Elaine get close, but Betty just hammers it in. I don't like the rest of her version quite as much, but she is my favorite for the climax.
holy crap.. I was thinking this was going to be like a terrible version because its much older (i know, i know) but jesus! THAT WAS INCREDIBLE my god... chills everytime
@alexmatra19 it was preformed at the Tony Awards, thats what gives it the "rushed" affect. they probably have to sing faster soley because of air time.
That's where I tear up. Listening to that raw emotion just flow out of her mouth. And her posture, the way she's crouching down like the mere thought of it weakens her. God I love it.
i'm sorry, but i far prefer Betty's version. i like the rhythm she uses to sing it much better, it's less flow-y and she pauses and emphasizes some words more, more like she's speaking-- always liked that about her original recording too, it took me forever to find the one on my old tape from 1994. :P
Watched this clip and the Elaine Paige clip 10x. Hard to be sure from only these parallel clips, but Elaine'scat is angry & terrifying, Betty's frail & wistful. Elaine enunciates each syllable, seemingly with the intent of sounding like a cat with some of the intonations, while Betty sings it straight.. My preference is for Elaine's version -- I like the angry oldster whose fate discomforts the other cats who see their future. Both, though, are fantastic performances.
Omgz I remember when Patty Ferrell sang this on Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. She was sooooooo wonderful an beautiful! It should have been called "Patty Rules". PATTY'S BETTER YOU CATTY LOSER!!!
I like both versions, but I'd have to say i like her better because she has more power in her voice and i just love powerful voices they give me goosebumps :)
I didn't like Betty Buckley as Grizabella. Her voice is pretty, but when she sings you can't feel any of the pain. Elaine's version is perfection. Her facial expressions alone tell the story. And as for those who say Betty originated Grizabella, she didn't. Elaine Paige originated Grizabella in 1981 and reprised her role in the film in 1998.
@darcvadurr Betty's interpretation of Griz wasn't a depressed, helpless character. That's what you guys need to realize. I was watching an interview with her and she explained that she saw Grizabella as a wise cat with wisdom to share. There's no pain or sadness in her posture, there's pride. She knows she is and will always be the Glamour Cat. It's just a different interpretation.
Check out the interview here on YT: Betty Buckley on InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse
I may have already posted this and forgive me if I did. Betty Buckley is amazing as Gizabella - and I fell in love with her long before she did CATS. However, when I saw the recording of Elaine Paige doing the same character in London, there is no comparison. Elaine's voice is so amazing and her acting is unlike any I've seen in this character. Elaine makes you feel Grizabella's pain - and Elaine's facial expressions tell so much more than does Betty's. I love them both but Elaine is my favorite
Believe it or not, this version makes me tear up more than Elaine's. That note is just a belt of passion. ".....it's so EASY to leave me!" ...the way she just let's that come out in one breath, really does sound like someone yelling for help. And the way she almost looks like she's going to lose her breath. It just, works.
She seems far more genuine and real than Elaine. Like someone who's trying to stay cool, but at that final moment, just goes out with it. That's true power.
@Mittensshnookums i was shocked when i found out that Jemima turned out to be the original Christine in "Phantom"...yes, its a very young Sarah Brightman
Was there opening night & later when Betty Buckley (Grizabella) came back for a limited run in the part she made so famous. After she sang Memory there wasn't a dry eye in the house. So thrilled to have gone. Funny also because the critics didn't think an American audience would like it & weren't too kind before it opened. Fun after watching all the critics claim the knew it would be a hit.
Opening night,full house, 10 min. standing ovation. Betty revived Broadway which was failing before that.
Yeah, Buckley's voice is gorgeous, but I don't think she played the character with as much emotion as Page. Page's performance could bring you to tears, maybe just the audio for Buckley's version could spice up some watery-eyes, but while watching her the difference is plainly seen and kind of disappointing for a Broadway cast.
Either way, this musical is amazing no matter how it's played :)
@TheCandicimo I personally found Elaine to be a tad over-dramatic. To me, she made Griz seem weak and desperate. When I listen to Betty's version, I hear a Grizabella who has experienced pain, but is still proud of who she was and is. I just see and hear a more confident individual, and for that, a stronger character. She believes that she is glamorous, no matter what the others think.
It's simply a different interpretation of the character.
I saw Betty do this role on Broadway and she was spectacular! Elaine is also very good. Both woman bring different interpretations which is what is so exciting with the theater.
there may not be a poor version of this song. those who are capable of signing it who have, have done phenomenally. Elain paige's version was almost heartbreaking, and capable of bringing a tear to just about anyone's eye. very painful, but in the most brilliant of ways. Betty buckley's was equally phenomenal, her voice was strong & powerful, almost empowering despite the tone of the piece. tired170 hit the nail on the head. two different versions done differently, both excellent. streisand's to
@1228sweety It's just a different interpretation of Grizabella.
Please keep in mind, during this time Cats just started in both America and London, so of course the make up isn't high quality, so that "freaky" make up that she's wearing was also being worn by Elaine Page.
For the VHS recording I would think it was pre-recorded. They would have had to do to many takes if there was anything the mic picked up from the dancers while they were singing. They tried to do the show somewhat like a movie. So, yes that would have been pre-recorded. Sorry I got confused on what you were talking about.
@sebastianpellegrene I KNOW this performance is live. I'm pretty sure I heard somewhere though (maybe it was in the behind the scenes video) that all of the singing for the VHS was pre-recorded.
She was singing live. This was not pre-recorded. This is what sets the tony's apart form other awards shows. I know Betty Buckley and know several people on Broadway and they are performing live. If you listen to the recording of this song on the Broadway album you will notice that they are not the same at all.
This is live. Broadway performers such as Betty Buckley do not have to have something pre-recorded. They perfrom live. And do it better then anyone else.
I hate to admit it but I agree. For myself, the London cast is stronger....although there was a bit of lipsynching going on in the original London production. It's not exactly a level playing field when you have Helen Massey providing vocals for London Jemima, whereas the Broadway Jemima was actually singing.
@poursuivant1 I'm glad you brought that up. Because all of the singing/music was pre-recorded, it allowed the actors to act more. Elaine would not have been able to make as many facial expressions if she were actually singing at the same time.
Now, granted, I have seen performances of her here on Youtube where she's very expressive. I would never imply that she was incapable of doing both. But everyone seems to be basing everything on her performance in the video, where she wasn't even singing.
@ValtronW Even so, it was still the actors who appeared in the film that sang (with the exceptions of Verlee and a couple more). In any case, they still had to sing live anyway on an actual show with an audience sat there and I know it is hard to sing and dance at the same time, but these actors and actresses are very capable of doing that.
@poursuivant1 Only because Verlee Castlyn has a very strong Dutch accent, meaning it was easier to dub over her with Helen. Apart from that, Verlee is a very strong singer and as a beautiful voice.
Also, our Jemima's tend to sound graceful and sweet, as apposed to strangled rats.
There's a video of Verlee as Jemima in a Dutch production of Cats where her singing is very thin. I love Verlee the dancer, but Verlee the singer is a bit suspect in my opinion. Yes, I think Helen sounds lovely too.
Wow! This is a great show! I love this song. This woman is great, and she seems to fit the role. This is sooooooooooo good! :) :) Thumbs up if you agree!
I have heard many singers' interpretation of "Memory" and none reached out to me like Ms. Buckley's. It's not just the best vocalization imaginable, it's her empathy with the audience that makes her among the greatest of artists. A few years ago she was in our city for only one performance. I sat a few feet from her as she looked at me while singing "Memory". It was my birthday. What a gift!
I saw Cats in Boston Mass, with Betty B. as Grizabella. I also bought the Film, but they are a bit different, nothing like a live show! In Boston the crew was called "The Really Useful Group" and Terence V.Mann played the Rum Tum Tugger, and Timothy Scott played Macavity, and WOW what an amazing show! I really wasn't prepared to have a cat/person with glowing green eyes come out from behind my seat!!
lemuriansoul 1 day ago
ok some do no it started in Londons weat side but he viuce is fabalous, and Paige is good but not nearly the vocal power
scott12061972 1 day ago
Streisand attempted to sing this but no way Its Buckly's song
scott12061972 1 day ago
off beat
InuFire12 6 days ago
she sings beautiful but i like Elaine's better :)
rosales499 2 weeks ago
Betty is absolutely WONDERFUL!!! What a voice!!
sharon102645 3 weeks ago
Her (Betty Bucklys rendition is clearly like a flute!!!Her voice has birdlike clarity chacka69 2012 will hopefully bring good Memories!!!
69chacka 3 weeks ago
Truly my favorite rendition of this song. There are plenty of good vocal performances of this, but there aren't any that have the kind of acting that Betty puts into this. Just see how many people can sing that high note with as much ease in their bodies as Betty has. To throw that high note into the sky like Elaine does is wonderful, but showboaty in my opinion, and not true to the character of Grizabella. Both performances are great, but Betty takes the cake.
KevinIsPretty 3 weeks ago
Holy Goosebumps
GravyandCandles 4 weeks ago
Very beautiful. But if i compare the Originals from New York and London in London not only the singing skills but also the costumes are better ;)
Winselprinz 1 month ago
how beautiful :')
yiselcova 1 month ago
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@gingerlewis97 I very much agree with you. they both have their own ways of singing it, and I prefer the elaine version more. But I enjoy the betty version as well.
freddiebrianrogerjon 1 month ago
@gingerlewis97 I very much agree with you. they both have their own ways of singing it, and I prefer the elaine version more. But I enjoy the betty version as well.
freddiebrianrogerjon 1 month ago
@ValtronW. I have always been a huge fan of elaine, but I also think betty does a great job. I still must say elaine is better. I guess its just a matter of opinion.
freddiebrianrogerjon 1 month ago
@freddiebrianrogerjon i think they are both amazing, so different and both so talented i am massive fan of elaine and she is one of the best perfomers xx <3
gingerlewis97 1 month ago
Doesn't even compare to the Elaine performance... Elaine does it a million times better.
freddiebrianrogerjon 1 month ago
@freddiebrianrogerjon Doesn't compare? Are you insane? This woman is considered "The Voice of Broadway", for cryin' out loud!
ValtronW 1 month ago
Betty Buckley sings Memory like no other! She sings the best and most beautiful rendition of this song ever recorded. To say that Elaine Page sings Memory better then Betty is laughable. I enjoy Elaine's performance and version of Memory, but it is not nearly as good vocally as Betty's.
Elaine has a lovely voice, but it isn't at the same level as Betty Buckleys.
Myste3 1 month ago
I had the pleasure of seeing Cats in New York when I was a senior in high school, 1983. It had only been open a few months, and the original cast was all still in place. This song comes at the end of the first act, and it received a standing ovation. Not at the end of the show, but after this song. It was a magical night in the theatre I'll never forget.
jefffreemanpresents 1 month ago
I have to say I like both versions, Elaine Paige's and Betty Buckley's, but honestly, the actress who sings Jemima's part really doesn't do very well, she's not horrible, but I feel like Jemima's character doesn't really suit her. But, after all, this is just my opinion.
oneListhename 1 month ago
@oneListhename She wasn't the original Jemima in the Broadway version. If you listen to the official cast recordings, it's a different woman. Just look it up here on YT.
If it makes a difference.
ValtronW 1 month ago
@ValtronW
She WAS the original Jemima/Sillabub... on the CD recording, Victoria and Tantomile sing all the parts that are actually sung by Sillabub. ;)
chrissi2810 1 month ago
@chrissi2810 In this particular performance? Can't be. She sounds completely different than the woman in the original BW cast recording. Is this Cynthia Onrubia playing Jemima here?
ValtronW 1 month ago
@ValtronW
The girl playing Jemima here is the original Broadway Jemima (don't remember her name).
On the Original Broadway Cast Recording all parts that are actually sung by Jemima on stage were sung by the actresses of Tantomile and Victoria on the recording...;-)
chrissi2810 1 month ago
this looks weird :S
BrokenLipz 1 month ago
@BrokenLipz you mean from 0:44-1:00 ? lol
NinaLeeMusik 1 month ago
I have heard both versions. Yes, Elaine Page originated it. However, Betty Buckley made it hers. Elaine's voice is weak compared to Betty's. I have heard many imitators but none matches Betty.
There was also a TV tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber. Placido Domingo sang it very well also. That video is also on Youtube.
realdancerMN 1 month ago
"Open up, enter in" - I have that part stuck in my head hahahaha
NinaLeeMusik 1 month ago
i lol hard
HikaruXXXXKaoru 1 month ago
erm Im a young girl with the most incredible smile
181tombyrdsong45 2 months ago
For the most part this sounds .. just bad.... and is kind of short...
SuperMusicCrazed 2 months ago
@SuperMusicCrazed You really think she's bad? @ 1:30? Really? You can't be serious.....
ValtronW 2 months ago
@ValtronW I said for the most part .. At 1:30 .. it starts to sounds lovely .. before that point it's Ok...
SuperMusicCrazed 2 months ago
@SuperMusicCrazed Remember they are suposed to be cats...they have to project their voices in a way to make them fit the characters and sound less of how a human being would normally sing it, :)
NinaLeeMusik 1 month ago
@NinaLeeMusik Not to mention, they are incapable of making facial expressions, :-)
ValtronW 1 month ago
@ValtronW lol
NinaLeeMusik 1 month ago
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SuperMusicCrazed 2 months ago
Sing is good. but Ealine Page sang it better
SuperMusicCrazed 2 months ago
Eh. I don't care who's "more emotional", Betty sang it better. Period.
End of discussion.
noodle0912 2 months ago
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SuperMusicCrazed 2 months ago
i love when she says "look...a new day has begun" give me chills:)
MrDuffmann22 2 months ago
Can't we all just agree that Laurie Beechman was the best?
(lol...)
ValtronW 2 months ago
lool Your little princess is here to please you
caitlinbrayer54545 2 months ago
NOT. ELAINE PAIGE BEST FROM BEST!
NEDELSKIY1957 2 months ago
I think no one denied her talent or performance just that we favour Elaine, everyone has different likes.No doubt that she is a great performer and it would be silly to ignore the great amount of work put into these productions. I think each is tailored to a different audience and the reason we have differing views on this.
llewellleo 2 months ago
@llewellleo Again, my problem is not with differing opinions, it's when I go to a video and see comments like "not as good as Elaine" or "Elaine's the best" and the like, with no actual comment on the performance itself. Comparing performances is fine (And really fun, as a matter of fact), but one's performance shouldn't be judged entirely based on someone else's interpretation of the role.
VRNProductions 2 months ago
@VRNProductions lol, well thats nothing to get too serious about. I did not like the performance above but that was just a small moment and she definitely has a wonderful talent, id say it again. But we were comparing and as you were saying that is fun.
llewellleo 2 months ago
It's okay to have different views, but denying either of talent or credit where it's due is unacceptable.
ValtronW 2 months ago
Whats wrong with having different views., makes life interesting.
llewellleo 3 months ago
@llewellleo I have no problem with differing views (Heck, I'd love to discuss who makes a better Javert or Grizabella for days on end), I just have a problem with people completely dismissing a particular performance because it wasn't as good as ____ in the role. It's particularly bad with shows that have a well-loved video cast, such as the video version Cats, or the 10th Ann. Concert of Les Miserables, or the film version of Cabaret, etc.
VRNProductions 2 months ago
@VRNProductions You hit the nail on the head. And, if anything, this was a LIVE performance. I'm sure they took several takes of Elaine's in the video version. That's not to say her live performances are nothing to write home about- she's phenomenal. It's just a matter of preference.
ValtronW 2 months ago
This is what annoys me about shows that have an established popular cast is going to a video and finding the comments page filled with arguments on which one is better. I mean, seriously, does it really matter if Paige makes a better Grizabella than Buckley, or if Quast is a better Javert than Mann, or Grey a better EmCee than Cummings, etc. Can't we just watch each performance and enjoy the differences each actor brings to the role and appreciate that we have the variety in performers we do?
VRNProductions 3 months ago
You people have no concept of how BIG her performances were back in the 80s. She got standing ovations almost every single night and popularized this damn song with Americans. SHE WON THE TONY AWARD FOR THIS PERFORMANCE.
"Not emotional"? Unbelievable. Her interpretation was different than Elaine's! Go watch her interview with Ernie Manouse right here on Youtube. She explains everything.
Just unbelievable.
ValtronW 3 months ago
What a voice...
MacPic1 3 months ago
This girl is okay but she holds no candle to Elaine Paige :)!
basketball30ism 3 months ago
Better than Elaine, no way. Get the wax out of your ears.
llewellleo 3 months ago
@llewellleo Whoa, whoa, whoa, excuse me? Betty Buckley is considered the "Voice of Broadway". She won the Tony Award for this performance and if it weren't for her, "Memory" would not have become so popular with Americans.
Show some goddamn respect!
ValtronW 3 months ago
@ValtronW YOU should get the wax out of your ears if her climax (@ 1:30) to this song did not wow you. Good gracious.
ValtronW 3 months ago
@ValtronW Never said the lady had no talent just not on Elaines level. Having heard both Id say Elaine is not only the greater singer , but also more natural on stage. Class through and through. Betty certainly would appeal to American audiences, and she is a great singer, but hard to see that European audiences would adore her as they do Elaine.
llewellleo 3 months ago
from the part when she sings "Touch me...it's so easy to leave me ..."it's much better then elaine's version.
Lovett19991 3 months ago
Elaine's is the one in the movie it was so beautiful nobody could ever top it :) just amazing makes me cry
basketball30ism 3 months ago
I love elaine's and the girl they used for the movie version, there's so much more emotion to it. It makes me tear up.
VivaLaEquus 3 months ago 2
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her voice has the complete theatrical force you can depend upon, and is perfect for the stage.
experimentalactor 3 months ago
Hm...I personally prefer Elaine Paige's performance
LadyKnight123 3 months ago
Well I don't know about Grizabella, but the other girl that came in..... dreadful. Not a good voice... wayyy to pitchy for my taste.
ThePokegaga 3 months ago
So amazing. Much better than Elaine Paige. The original is always the best because everyone COPIES the original and then adds more to it. But it is the original who gives the "set" emotion and they set the facial expressions. Amazing. Check If I Was A Rich Man- Fiddler on the Roof! Listen to Zero from Broadway sing it... and watch how everyone copies it!
laxchick569 3 months ago
@laxchick569
You say the original is always the best but like Betty over Elaine....... but Elaine was the original Grizabella, 1981 in London. Betty came to the show in New York, 1982...;o)
chrissi2810 3 months ago 28
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ThePokegaga 3 months ago
@chrissi2810 this made me laugh.... so many forget that cats started in london, not new york!
kezzadiva92 3 months ago 17
@kezzadiva92
yeah, i think that's really sad............ it was even longer in london than on broadway!
chrissi2810 3 months ago 7
@chrissi2810 I was actually going to ask what's so original about the "Broadway" cast, till I read the above comment - lol
Forgive the self-centeredness of my fellow Americans, we're constantly being taught "The World Is Yours" by media, gov't sports & our peers - lol
While I prefer the original, I must admit that this is an amazing performance as well; though we Americans don't annunciate well & I think that it's the only thing that takes away from this performance.
deadfred821 2 months ago
@kezzadiva92 LOL !!!!!!!!!!!
murilopedrorosa 2 weeks ago
@chrissi2810... actually Elaine Paige was an understudy...she was never meant to be the actual Grizabella, so she was the original Grizabella but it was an accident.
AwesomeLeannaMarie 2 months ago
@AwesomeLeannaMarie
Elaine Paige never was an understudy of this role. Judi Dench was supposed to play the role of Grizabella but she already had an accident during the rehearsals................... Andrew Lloyd Webber called Elaine and asked her to play Grizabella since there wasn't much time until the first show was set.... Elaine said yes and was the first one to sing Memory (since Memory was supposed to be sung by Bombalurina until Elaine came into the cast)...;-)
chrissi2810 2 months ago 3
@laxchick569 agree.. almost. but once upon a time a young man did even better then the one who created a song named the man who sold the world.. sorry but i ve to write down this. x
RockieSugar 3 months ago
@laxchick569 I don't understand your comment. Elaine Paige WAS the original Grizabella in London 1981. If anything Betty would have copied HER!
Dianaemanuel 3 months ago
@laxchick569 I like her, but Elaine it´s more expressing in theatre
EloisaTerraLuna 2 months ago
So amazing. Much better than Elaine Paige. The original is always the best because everyone COPIES the original and then adds more to it. But it is the original who gives the "set" emotion and they set the facial expressions. Amazing.
laxchick569 3 months ago
This rendition by Betty Buckley gives me chills!
luvmuzik4me 3 months ago
And that, ladies and gentleman, is why she won the Tony Award.
ValtronW 3 months ago 2
ha I`m good looking babe, with great sense of humor
belindagambles 3 months ago
I went and watched just about every video I could of anyone performing this song, and I have to say, if they can't nail the climax (Touch Me! It's so easy to leave me! that part) it doesn't work for me. I love Elaine's version, but damn, I don't know if anyone nails it quite like Betty does. Barbara and Elaine get close, but Betty just hammers it in. I don't like the rest of her version quite as much, but she is my favorite for the climax.
10scheherazade01 4 months ago 3
@10scheherazade01 same opinion here...best version so far!! and this was just a short presentation...
davidqvdo 3 months ago
holy crap.. I was thinking this was going to be like a terrible version because its much older (i know, i know) but jesus! THAT WAS INCREDIBLE my god... chills everytime
ShotUrGoldFish 4 months ago
. no. stick to the movie cats. i like when she sang out thought
jAsciba 4 months ago
What a voice!
bels10 4 months ago
Sorry but no. Lol
Paynekillr 4 months ago
I don't like it =/.. The other of Elaine Paige is better.. (for me at least)
When I listen to this version...it seems they are rushing the moment.. it doesn't have the same feeling the other version has..
alexmatra19 4 months ago
@alexmatra19 it was preformed at the Tony Awards, thats what gives it the "rushed" affect. they probably have to sing faster soley because of air time.
alexheartshair 4 months ago
@alexmatra19 Have you heard the touring version? It's way faster than this.
ValtronW 4 months ago
"It's sooo EASY to leeeeeeave meeeeeee!"
That's where I tear up. Listening to that raw emotion just flow out of her mouth. And her posture, the way she's crouching down like the mere thought of it weakens her. God I love it.
ValtronW 4 months ago
i'm sorry, but i far prefer Betty's version. i like the rhythm she uses to sing it much better, it's less flow-y and she pauses and emphasizes some words more, more like she's speaking-- always liked that about her original recording too, it took me forever to find the one on my old tape from 1994. :P
sparkpenguin 4 months ago 3
Watched this clip and the Elaine Paige clip 10x. Hard to be sure from only these parallel clips, but Elaine'scat is angry & terrifying, Betty's frail & wistful. Elaine enunciates each syllable, seemingly with the intent of sounding like a cat with some of the intonations, while Betty sings it straight.. My preference is for Elaine's version -- I like the angry oldster whose fate discomforts the other cats who see their future. Both, though, are fantastic performances.
ramilles1706 4 months ago 9
wow, what a voice. all these different ladies are so very talented, i like them all
Buddyg1960 4 months ago
Betty Buckley My Favorite Grizabella...
alexanderdiaz1 5 months ago
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Omgz I remember when Patty Ferrell sang this on Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. She was sooooooo wonderful an beautiful! It should have been called "Patty Rules". PATTY'S BETTER YOU CATTY LOSER!!!
KaylaS999 5 months ago
i love when she sas "look" at the end, shes da bomb
superduffman22 5 months ago
Not as good as the one that led me here :-P
AKittyKatProduction 5 months ago
this is undoubtedly the best rendition. betty, has the pipes, the sound, and the character of an old cat.
jeweldoc 5 months ago 4
Am I weird, or I prefer this version than the original london cast!!!
Thony5555 5 months ago
I like both versions, but I'd have to say i like her better because she has more power in her voice and i just love powerful voices they give me goosebumps :)
loveitorDIEA7xfoREVa 5 months ago
I didn't like Betty Buckley as Grizabella. Her voice is pretty, but when she sings you can't feel any of the pain. Elaine's version is perfection. Her facial expressions alone tell the story. And as for those who say Betty originated Grizabella, she didn't. Elaine Paige originated Grizabella in 1981 and reprised her role in the film in 1998.
darcvadurr 5 months ago
@darcvadurr Betty's interpretation of Griz wasn't a depressed, helpless character. That's what you guys need to realize. I was watching an interview with her and she explained that she saw Grizabella as a wise cat with wisdom to share. There's no pain or sadness in her posture, there's pride. She knows she is and will always be the Glamour Cat. It's just a different interpretation.
Check out the interview here on YT: Betty Buckley on InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse
ValtronW 5 months ago
@darcvadurr Right at 18:43 of that video. Check it out. It's rather interesting, I found.
ValtronW 5 months ago
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darcvadurr 5 months ago
wow...what a voice.....amazing !
Charlottinaina 5 months ago
I may have already posted this and forgive me if I did. Betty Buckley is amazing as Gizabella - and I fell in love with her long before she did CATS. However, when I saw the recording of Elaine Paige doing the same character in London, there is no comparison. Elaine's voice is so amazing and her acting is unlike any I've seen in this character. Elaine makes you feel Grizabella's pain - and Elaine's facial expressions tell so much more than does Betty's. I love them both but Elaine is my favorite
andrevarner1967 5 months ago
that's so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes
jenny2383 6 months ago
it's the PE teacher from CARRIE!! WOW!! She have a Powerful Voice!
029Mhelz 6 months ago in playlist New
Elaine Page is so much sadder and it's more beautiful. Still, this is very dramatic and worthy.
PinkJulia 6 months ago
Betty was the original, but Elaine took it to a whole other level
wakygee 6 months ago
WOW. She's amazing. I can HONESTLY say she rivals ...the great ...ELEIANE PAGE ....POWER FULL........ her take on it different !! LOVE IT!!..
9SAWYER 6 months ago
@9SAWYER
She's the originator of the role.
Treemeadow 6 months ago
@Treemeadow I know its that her style of singing memories is different from... Elaine Paige...She great over all ..
9SAWYER 5 months ago
Yes, this is Great, but I still think Elaine Paige did it better.
wakygee 6 months ago
1:30 Nobody sings that note as well as Betty! I mean Holy Crap!
GingerSpiceCurry 6 months ago 2
Holy vibrato!
notanignoramus 6 months ago
@Mittensshnookums actually I think its Demeter
MultiPearl007 6 months ago
@MultiPearl007 Idk its usually jemima... iI dont like this version
shakerboy99 6 months ago
I like elaine better. No offence...
TheKokokiss 6 months ago 27
@TheKokokiss MeToo, Elaine Page...
RAFHAELTODHAKA 5 months ago
@TheKokokiss i agree alot i love the other jemima to
bossman22475 5 months ago
Believe it or not, this version makes me tear up more than Elaine's. That note is just a belt of passion. ".....it's so EASY to leave me!" ...the way she just let's that come out in one breath, really does sound like someone yelling for help. And the way she almost looks like she's going to lose her breath. It just, works.
She seems far more genuine and real than Elaine. Like someone who's trying to stay cool, but at that final moment, just goes out with it. That's true power.
ValtronW 6 months ago
Two little words made me scream. "Touch me..." Betty Buckley, you are AMAZING.
iamclery 6 months ago
Guys- There's a great interview right here on Youtube where she explains her interpretation/influence of her role as Griz. Check it out!
Look up: Betty Buckley on InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse
noodle0912 6 months ago
@Mittensshnookums i was shocked when i found out that Jemima turned out to be the original Christine in "Phantom"...yes, its a very young Sarah Brightman
baronessdouglass 6 months ago
@baronessdouglass I know right! Cats is where Sarah Brightman and Andrew Lloyd Webber first met. :D
carihigs 6 months ago
Kinda? It totally sucks ...
MoNiBeRrY999 6 months ago 2
This Jemima kinda sucks.
raintalonwindclan 6 months ago 2
and to think before this show,i had only known her from "eight is enough" on tv!
biddybooable 6 months ago
Happy birthday, Betty!
raintalonwindclan 6 months ago
I got chills listening to her sing. Beautiful.
SinisterCadre 7 months ago
Was there opening night & later when Betty Buckley (Grizabella) came back for a limited run in the part she made so famous. After she sang Memory there wasn't a dry eye in the house. So thrilled to have gone. Funny also because the critics didn't think an American audience would like it & weren't too kind before it opened. Fun after watching all the critics claim the knew it would be a hit.
Opening night,full house, 10 min. standing ovation. Betty revived Broadway which was failing before that.
SteveAndrade623 7 months ago
it's such a shame that she lost her voice from belting that song 8 times a week for 3 years.
mushroompower345 7 months ago
@mushroompower345 erm... no she didn't. she did her best work in drood. and sunset after that... and she still sounds amazing for her age.
orestes005 7 months ago
@orestes005
...XD
my bad!
mushroompower345 7 months ago
i watched a few other ladies perform this and they are not as good as this lady
traboe 7 months ago
1:31 *goosebumps*
great voice :)
golang17 7 months ago
Betty Buckley walks all over Elaine Page's performance. Elaine Page just isn't Grizabella. Betty rocks this role.
allthatjazzspaz95 7 months ago 3
I think I might like Elaine Page because she plays the roll a lot sadder lol but they both did very well
coolhorseman123 7 months ago
Yeah, Buckley's voice is gorgeous, but I don't think she played the character with as much emotion as Page. Page's performance could bring you to tears, maybe just the audio for Buckley's version could spice up some watery-eyes, but while watching her the difference is plainly seen and kind of disappointing for a Broadway cast.
Either way, this musical is amazing no matter how it's played :)
TheCandicimo 7 months ago 2
@TheCandicimo I personally found Elaine to be a tad over-dramatic. To me, she made Griz seem weak and desperate. When I listen to Betty's version, I hear a Grizabella who has experienced pain, but is still proud of who she was and is. I just see and hear a more confident individual, and for that, a stronger character. She believes that she is glamorous, no matter what the others think.
It's simply a different interpretation of the character.
noodle0912 7 months ago
I saw Betty do this role on Broadway and she was spectacular! Elaine is also very good. Both woman bring different interpretations which is what is so exciting with the theater.
johnfrank25 7 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
well this is shit...................Elaine Pagie is way way way way way way way WAY better
HikaruXXXXKaoru 7 months ago
@HikaruXXXXKaoru You are she's considered the Voice of Broadway, right? Think you can do better?
noodle0912 7 months ago
@noodle0912 never said i could do better i said Elaine Pagie could
HikaruXXXXKaoru 7 months ago
@HikaruXXXXKaoru I respectfully disagree.
noodle0912 7 months ago
there may not be a poor version of this song. those who are capable of signing it who have, have done phenomenally. Elain paige's version was almost heartbreaking, and capable of bringing a tear to just about anyone's eye. very painful, but in the most brilliant of ways. Betty buckley's was equally phenomenal, her voice was strong & powerful, almost empowering despite the tone of the piece. tired170 hit the nail on the head. two different versions done differently, both excellent. streisand's to
Scars4lyfe08 7 months ago
Elaine Paige is WAY better!
I think this old cat's voice sounds like Maleficent from sleeping beauty and also her make up is freaky and she's not sad enough
when she sings this song. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
1228sweety 7 months ago
@1228sweety It's just a different interpretation of Grizabella.
Please keep in mind, during this time Cats just started in both America and London, so of course the make up isn't high quality, so that "freaky" make up that she's wearing was also being worn by Elaine Page.
LaneCormier 7 months ago
where can i find these lyrics cause I can't find them anywhere
danyelejames 8 months ago
@danyelejames Google is your friend. :)
ValtronW 8 months ago
Aslo a trained singer and voice teacher, Betty takes is. The best.
sebastianpellegrene 8 months ago
Would have loved to see her in the VHS version. Wish she took the part!
noodle0912 8 months ago
sorry from a musical/voice trained person Buckley wins hands down
scott12061972 8 months ago
this lady was singing towrds the end, wasnt expecting that
traboe 8 months ago
For the VHS recording I would think it was pre-recorded. They would have had to do to many takes if there was anything the mic picked up from the dancers while they were singing. They tried to do the show somewhat like a movie. So, yes that would have been pre-recorded. Sorry I got confused on what you were talking about.
sebastianpellegrene 8 months ago
ニューヨーク、ロンドン、東京と色々なグリザベラが居るけれど、日本のグリザベラが1番、演歌っぽくて悲壮感が漂い好きだなぁ～(^ ^)
yogo512 8 months ago
Oh, and I assure you, Elaine was singing live as well.
sebastianpellegrene 8 months ago 2
@sebastianpellegrene I KNOW this performance is live. I'm pretty sure I heard somewhere though (maybe it was in the behind the scenes video) that all of the singing for the VHS was pre-recorded.
ValtronW 8 months ago
She was singing live. This was not pre-recorded. This is what sets the tony's apart form other awards shows. I know Betty Buckley and know several people on Broadway and they are performing live. If you listen to the recording of this song on the Broadway album you will notice that they are not the same at all.
This is live. Broadway performers such as Betty Buckley do not have to have something pre-recorded. They perfrom live. And do it better then anyone else.
sebastianpellegrene 8 months ago
The other one is better . . .
ChipmunkNationFan200 8 months ago
I pretty sure Cats would've lasted only a month without this song!!!
RUnerdy 9 months ago
chills...every...single...time!!!
FlyingTori 9 months ago
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Betty Has the best version...
ftjax 9 months ago
I don't like it. The singers are terrible!
PhanPhanPhanPhanPhan 9 months ago
London Cast - Better than this.
Don't get me wrong, I love Broadway, but I do think we have the edge.
NatalieAnnFox 9 months ago
@NatalieAnnFox
I hate to admit it but I agree. For myself, the London cast is stronger....although there was a bit of lipsynching going on in the original London production. It's not exactly a level playing field when you have Helen Massey providing vocals for London Jemima, whereas the Broadway Jemima was actually singing.
poursuivant1 8 months ago
@poursuivant1 I'm glad you brought that up. Because all of the singing/music was pre-recorded, it allowed the actors to act more. Elaine would not have been able to make as many facial expressions if she were actually singing at the same time.
Now, granted, I have seen performances of her here on Youtube where she's very expressive. I would never imply that she was incapable of doing both. But everyone seems to be basing everything on her performance in the video, where she wasn't even singing.
ValtronW 8 months ago
@ValtronW Even so, it was still the actors who appeared in the film that sang (with the exceptions of Verlee and a couple more). In any case, they still had to sing live anyway on an actual show with an audience sat there and I know it is hard to sing and dance at the same time, but these actors and actresses are very capable of doing that.
NatalieAnnFox 8 months ago
@poursuivant1 Only because Verlee Castlyn has a very strong Dutch accent, meaning it was easier to dub over her with Helen. Apart from that, Verlee is a very strong singer and as a beautiful voice.
Also, our Jemima's tend to sound graceful and sweet, as apposed to strangled rats.
NatalieAnnFox 8 months ago
@NatalieAnnFox
There's a video of Verlee as Jemima in a Dutch production of Cats where her singing is very thin. I love Verlee the dancer, but Verlee the singer is a bit suspect in my opinion. Yes, I think Helen sounds lovely too.
poursuivant1 8 months ago
Singing- Buckley
Acting- Paige
Infantcide 9 months ago
1:05 Is that Jemima?
raintalonwindclan 9 months ago
Wow! This is a great show! I love this song. This woman is great, and she seems to fit the role. This is sooooooooooo good! :) :) Thumbs up if you agree!
GreekFood08 9 months ago 46
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I have heard many singers' interpretation of "Memory" and none reached out to me like Ms. Buckley's. It's not just the best vocalization imaginable, it's her empathy with the audience that makes her among the greatest of artists. A few years ago she was in our city for only one performance. I sat a few feet from her as she looked at me while singing "Memory". It was my birthday. What a gift!
wholeNwon 9 months ago