Johnny Mathis - Brian's Song (The Hands Of Time)

[iwtfy]

Brings tears to my eyes every single time I hear it.  "Brian's Song" was arguably the best made for TV movie of ALL TIME. The most beautiful part of the film is when Gale Sayers accepts the NFL "Man of Courage" award. Incredible scene. Beyond words. Anyway, I love this song and JM's version is the best!

[daniboic]

Lea Salonga did a cover of this :)

[mickflaire]

I came across this video today simply by way of serendipitous curiosity. I saw the tv movie back in 1971 with my whole family, when I was a senior at Balboa High School in San Francisco. We all cried because it was such an emotionally moving experience. Ironically enough, 40 years after it's release, Brian's Song (Hands of Time) still has a lasting endurance to it. We saw Gale Sayers return both a kickoff and a punt for TD's vs.my 49'ers on 12-3-67 in SF... Brian Piccolo hugged Gale after each!

[amapro21]

Brian's Song surely had to inspire thousands of folks. I became paralyzed in 1987 while in the Navy and was told I would never walk again. My son put that great movie on tv in 1999 and challenged me to try. After about 15 months of intense therapy and at the age of 53 I walked right at 50 feet with braces and crutches. Now at 65, I was forced to have two below knee amputatuions. I am once again in therapy and the movie Brian's Song is my inspiration. I WILL be on my feet once again.

[conyelp]

@amapro21 I believe you will walk again. My best wishes and prayers will be with you too. Thanks for your post.

[kathybaca]

I played this song over and over years ago. A lovely tribute.

[BMCamp64]

I have never been so moved by a movie like I was with Brian's song and I hope the Piccolo family see's this comment because for a man I never met he was a inspiration to me and every one of my friends that played football, Thanks Brian R.I.P. and God Bless the Piccolo family

[8jojobeans]

Absolutely beautifull! God bless.

[McShane896]

I use to listen to this song over and over as a boy. Brian's Song continues to sing the God's gift to us in Brian Piccolo. I am praying for Brian and praying to him. God bless!

[capatga]

As hard as it was for Brian Piccolo's family ,think of the speech Gayle Sayers made in that locker room and he still had to play ball , carrying that hurt with him on to the field ,they shared a room for a very specific purpose, they just didn't know at the time what that purpose was

RIP

[oneoldknight]

when i hear this song, i am deeply moved and thankful we had Brian for a short time...he should us all, faith, courage and love.....as for the movie, a gift........shared and happy that i saw it. life is so short............and being a cancer survivor, all i need do, is play this song and the day seems all the more beautiful.......so love well and always share kindness with others............

[digger15108]

I named my son after Brian. He was born in 1974. But the movie left such a lasting impression. We had been planning to name him Gabe, but seeing him immediately after being born, I said no, he's looks like Brian Piccolo. To you Mr Don Piccolo, I want to thank you and your family to allow us to see into Brian's life by allowing the movie to be made. He was a true inspiration to so many. God Bless.

[hobie996]

I saw Brians Song as a 10 year old kid and remember crying so hard. I was on a Southwest Flight about a month ago and read the article Gale Sayers had written about the movie being made. I cryed like a baby just reading about it. There were so many elements to that movie and it all started with a great story. My father met Brian Piccolo at Wake Forest were he worked as he managed the cafeteria. He said he was a great guy!

[navyfitness]

when I was a kid, my mom would listen to this album all the time.

[frankd1965]

@navyfitness my dad has this album which he bought back in 1972. I listen to this song a lot

[frankd1965]

@navyfitness my dad has this album which he bought back in 1972. I listen to this song a lot

[SuperJames129]

mr.piccolo i saw the movie when i was young,and anytime i see it i cry.brian was a great man who fought till the end.i lost my brother 4 yrs ago to cancer an there is not a day goes by i dont think of him.and this song makes me think about him more.thank you again for sharing your brothers story with the world

[ftsjr]

This song never fails to move me. Johnny was the perfect one to record it, too.

[raymonddonna]

I met Brian when I was about 10 yrs. old & he was already playing pro football. . My Mother (Helen) was a good friend of Gina who was married to Brian's brother. My Mother took me over to Gina & husband's house & Brian was there. We all sat at the kitchen table & had dinner. I remember how nice he was to me because I was very shy. I have seen the movie many times & always cry at the end. What a wonderful tribute to Brian & his courage with this beautiful song & movie.

[piscessunlibramoon]

Mr. Piccolo, what a joy to hear from a relative of one of the main characters. I saw this in grade school and the friendship between these two had such an impact and has stayed with me all these years, and the courage and strength of your brother. Many another movie on this theme has been made, but this told it the best of all the ones I know. I would love the song anyway, but the story behind the movie makes it complete. Thanks for connecting, thanks @conyelp for uploading this version.

[MrJonathansmooth]

The movie Brian's song was the first movie as an assembly movie wjth my first ever

girlfriend Allisa Gettler. Since then we became friends. If we ever got hooked back up My present girlfriend will be upset,

[Crintingnut]

I have loved this song since I hear it many years ago. I now have the DVD and it never fails to move me - as much as the song does.

[TheDonpiccolo]

My name is Don Piccolo. Brian Piccolo was my brother and I thank all of you that remember Brian and acknowledge the wonderful job Jonny Mathis did. I met him at his office in Los Angeles and he signed the album jacket for my mom and dad. Truly a great singer and nice man.

[conyelp]

@TheDonpiccolo Hello Mr. Piccolo, thank you for stopping by. I'm glad to hear you were able to meet Johnny and that he signed the album jacket for you and your mom. He truly is a wonderful man and a great singer. Your brother was an inspiration to many of us and I'm so glad I was able to upload this song for all of you to enjoy. My best to you and your family.

[TheDonpiccolo]

@conyelp

THANKS AGAIN FOR THE UPLOAD. BRIAN WAS TRULY WONDERFULMAN, FATHER AND BROTHER. HE WAS LOVED BY MANY

DON

[frankd1965]

@TheDonpiccolo My dad has this album which was released in 1972. I also have a copy as well.

[bozinthebeach]

@TheDonpiccolo

Don, Karen here... I am 48yrs young. Never in my life did I see a friendship that was so color blind. When Gayle passed...I had to shed a tear. For now Brian and Gayle are throwing passes in Heaven.

[bozinthebeach]

@TheDonpiccolo

[fburnett13]

@TheDonpiccolo

Wow, I played against Brian in college. Your post is affirmation on so many things (including Johnny Mathis). Thanks for posting!

[4615larkc]

@TheDonpiccolo your brother was a courageous man in the face of an unknown cancer,,, & today on the anniversary of his death .,,may all of us reach a little farther inward & give a little more..,.not just monetary but of ourselves...often we can be a blessing to someone else

[ewd1967]

@TheDonpiccolo My name is Eddie Drady. I grew up in Hollywood Florida. I followed Brian's HS career at St Thomas (was I believe Central High Catholic school back then). He shared a portion of the spotlight back then with Tucker Frederickson from South Broward. Glad Brian got a park named after him.

Did not know him personally, but never heard anything but good stuff about him the 45 years I lived down there

[chewbud1966]

@TheDonpiccolo Mr. Piccolo, I've read "I Am Third" more times than I can count, and I think I have to credit your brother, with helping shape my sense of humor. My brother Patrick, died in 2000. As with Brian, it's not how he died, that's important, it's how he lived. I wish you peace and joy. Matthew Thomas Columbus, OH.

[mityawelsh]

@TheDonpiccolo Your brother was an inspiration to to so many people; I first saw Brian's Song as a boy so long ago, and I still feel so deeply moved by Brian's story. Thank you for sharing your story about Johnny Mathis.

My best to you and your family...

[McShane896]

@TheDonpiccolo  God bless you and your family Don. Your brother is still an inspiration of courage and faith which will not be forgotten. God Bless you.

[Yankeesfanforlife5]

@TheDonpiccolo

I sow the movie Brian Song, Your Brother seem like such great guy. I'm sorry for your loss, You and brother Brian Piccolo are in my prayers.

[JPPT1974]

Love this song and as the instrumental. You are right conyelp as the original is the original. It just had more heart. The remake was ok. But the original had more heart and that it had better acting and writing! Thanks for putting this up here. Really a great song with great lyrics! Appreciate you doing this!

[frankd1965]

@JPPT1974 There were other singers who did this song including Andy Williams, Tony Bennett, Vikki Carr, Ed Ames, Jim Nabors, Jerry Vale and there was also a duet with Henry Mancini & Doc Severinson.

[gretatum]

Thank you so much for taking the time to type the lyrics to this beautiful song! I have a lot of fond memories of this. As a child, I would sing this song and my Mother would always accompany me on the piano - - it became our favorite pastime. This was 30 years ago! Thanks for posting!

[Fireblade49]

Can anyone tell me where I can get an mp3 download of Brians Song?

[conyelp]

@Fireblade49 I have a suggestion on where you can get the album on a CD from. I don't see any mp3 of this. We can't post URL website addresses in our comments so I'll send you a message on your channel.

[63sharred]

@conyelp Could someone tell me where I can get a cd of Brians Sond by Johnny Maths

[Fireblade49]

Can anyone tell me where I can get an MP3 download of Brians Song?

[preachermyron]

I saw this great movie but this is the first time that I heard the words to the theme song from "Brian's Song". Wow what a job Johnny Mathis did there.

[conyelp]

@preachermyron The original of this movie with James Caan and Billie Dee Williams I think was great. That pitiful remake they tried to do I think missed the mark. I agree that Johnny does a fantastic job on this song. I can't believe the number of hits it's gotten since I uploaded it. Thanks for your comments.

[63sharred]

Skneidlinger@att.net

[done7ful]

I really loved this album. I'm hoping it could be re-released on a regular CD.

I know some performers have re-released old albums on CD and then sell

them through their fan clubs rather than the retail outlets. (Barry Manilow and

the Osmonds do this). Some of these were near impossible to get before unless

someone just happened to be selling one. Thanks for responding to my post.

Also thanks again for posting this BEAUTIFUL SONG!

[conyelp]

@done7ful, Hi again, the only re-release of this album that I know of is the DVD Audio disc that I spoke about earlier. Some of Johnny's earlier albums were re-released and can be found on that amazon site. Also the majority of the songs, if not all of them, from this album are here on youtube. Some of us fans are doing our best to help the older fans and some of the newer ones have access to Johnny's early recordings. I'm glad you are enjoying this upload. Thanks again for your comments.

[done7ful]

No one does this song better than Johnny Mathis!

I used to have this wonderful album "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face"

Every song is a gem. I was barely into my teens when I became a fan

of Johnny Mathis in the early 70's. This is an album that deserves to be remastered and re-released. Maybe if enough fans request it we can get it

done! Thanks for posting it!

[conyelp]

@done7ful, I'm glad you like this song, Johnny really does a great job on it. There was a re-release of this album in 2000 on something called a DVD Audio disc, I'm not sure how well it sold. It would be nice if it could be re-released on a regular CD, there are so many great songs on here by Johnny.

[bradleyjstevens]

Magnificent voice!

[conyelp]

@bradleyjstevens, yes, and it still is. There are several uploads from Johnny's 50th Anniversary DVD on here. If you haven't listened to any of the songs I think you would find Johnny still has a good singing voice. Thanks for you comment.

[straightarrow123]

Michel Legrand turned 78 in February.

[conyelp]

@straightarrow123, I wsn't aware Legrand turned 78 in February, thanks for the info and thanks for stopping by.

[mbonhamwolv1]

As I was watching 'King Of Queens' just a little while ago, they were doing dream sequences, & one of them had 'Doug'(Kevin James) as Brian, and 'Deacon'(Victor Williams) as Gale Sayers. Watching it made the waterworks flow again, as I know I need to appreciate every moment that I have, now @ age 43, and am mostly confined to a wheelchair because of Spina Bifida, to live on this earth. God will not make me take more than what I can handle. I am ready when He calls me home.

[conyelp]

@mbonhamwolv1 I didn't see your post until now. I guess the ones of us who don't have a disability take our good luck for granted. I need to pause more often myself and give thanks that my health is as good as it is. Bless you and I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers, we live in a world where people aren't very kind anymore. It is true God won't ask us to bear more than we can but sometimes I've found he pushed me right up to the limit. Take care.

[johneunson]

if you think this is good, johnny made an album with legrand. the critics hated it. to me it was ravihing. they work so well together. do we under estimate legrand? i think we do. he's a wonderful composer.

[conyelp]

johneunson, I don't listen to the critics just like I don't listen to those people in Washington, DC If I like something that's all I care about. What is the name of the album please that Johnny made recording Michele's songs? I happen to think Legrand is an outstanding composer and I believe I've heard Johnny highly praise him too, thanks for your comments.

[johneunson]

@conyelp i am sure the album was called 'how do you keep the music playing'. was that a legrand tune? failing that try johnny mathis / michel legrand. have you heard the vaughan / legrand? i had an album lena horne / michel legrand which should have been divine but wasn't. thank you for all the beautiful music.

[conyelp]

johneunson, I believe there is an album with that title. And that song was written by Michel along with the Bergman's Alan and Marilyn, he wrote many songs with them. I also did a Wikipedia search on Michel and he has credits and acholades miles long. He's still living too, he's around 70, Johnny is 74 now. I'll see what I can find out about the album How Do You Keep The Music Playing, it was also a song. Thanks for your input.

[conyelp]

johneunson, yes, the album was released in 1993 and all of it's songs are written by Michel and the Bergman's and Johnny singing them. There is an upload of the song "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life" on youtube live but the audio is poor so I'll upload a good audio. It's such a great song and Johnny sings it was such feeling, he is backed by only a piano so his voice can really be heard. johneunson, thanks for your encouragement on this.

[josiemask]

The song "How do you keep the music playing" isby Michel Legrand (lyrics by the Bergmans), recorded by James Ingram and Patti Austen for the film "Best Friends" staring Goldie Hawn and Burt Reynolds.

[conyelp]

@josiemask Hi, I believe I uploaded the song How Can You Keep The Music Playing." Yes it is from the movie "Best Friends" which I saw on cable TV not too long ago and I listened to the melody of the song.

[frankd1965]

@johneunson The album "The First Time Ever I saw Your Face" was released in 1972 and not 1993

[verel9]

I remember seeing Brians Song many years ago and yes it was indeed inspirational and beautiful.

I also remember out of the many artists who have sung "hands of time" it is unfortunate that I cannot locate the version sung by Sarah Vaughn on the album:Sarah Vaughn sings Michel Legrand. Now THAT version is worth hearing (not that Johnny Mathis' isn't). But, with her rich strong voice it was indeed an incredible experience.

JackieS

[conyelp]

vere19, yes Sarah Vaughn is a good singer. Don't think I've ever heard her sing this song. I have heard her sing Misty which is Johnny's signature song. I believe he said it was Sarah who he first heard sing Misty. I think it isn't fair to compare their singing, Sarah is ok with some songs and Johnny with other others. Of course since he's my favorite singer, I prefer to hear him sing a song, any song. Thanks for dropping by.

[johneunson]

@verel9 the sarah / legrand version is wonderful. mathis recorded this song with legrand and, if it is possible, it's better than this one. it is such a beautiful song.

[UncleAllan33]

This is for Don Piccolo. I was 5 years old when Brian died and only learned of his life through the 1971 movie. I was born with a birth defect called spina bifida and I am paralised below the waist. I have made the best of my life, and am very happy at the age of 44. But seeing that movie as a child showed me how to have the courage I needed to make it. My parents were told when I was born that I would not survive, but I did. Thanks to Brian.

[conyelp]

UncleAllan33, thanks for your post. As hard as life is, I've never understood why anyone is born with any kind of disability. Those who rise above it and make the best of their lives seem to be the happiest. Guess we can all learn something from the disabled. Thanks for your inspiring post. And Brian Piccolo was a very courageous man.

[4615larkc]

@UncleAllan33 my son has cerebral palsy & is unable to move without the aid of someone else..i have a daugher as well that is handicapped & god bless the ppl behind making the movie to place a man who inspired many to go & live inspite of many setbacks even death god bless him

[luvindixie]

This is my all time favorite song, and I've been struggling to learn it on the piano forever, it seems. Also my favorite movie - I was too young to realize who Brian and Gale were when it was really happening, but I've never forgotten the LOVE I felt when I watched the movie. I cry EVERY time I watch it as soon as Gale says "I loved Brian Piccolo". Starting to tear up now just thinking about it.

[conyelp]

luvindixie, this is a beautiful melody and a very touching story about friendship and respect. Thanks for your comments.

[TheDonpiccolo]

To all of you who loved Brian Piccolo. God Bless you all.

Don Piccolo,

Brians brother

[conyelp]

Mr. Piccolo, welcome to the video. Your brother was an inspiration to many of us and a stand up guy. Thanks for your blessings to us and the same to you in return.

[frankd1965]

I saw this film and have the DVD to watch anytime I want. hard to imagine 40 years had passed since your brothers passing. sorry about your loss.

I have the song done by singers Ed Ames, Vikki Carr, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Perry Como and Henry Mancini & Doc Severinson.

[Megamom527]

I got cancer 1 month after the movie came on TV. I cried and remarked to my parents that I could never be that strong. I was 17. Malignant melanoma..late stage=death sentence. So..here I am typing & listening to this wonderful song & watched the movie yesterday on Thanksgiving, btw. This movie about Brian helped me live.

[conyelp]

Megamom527, I'm glad you are well and I hope you stay that way. Thanks for dropping by.

[joylowie]

I am so happy for u I know u r very strong and brave to have survived. God bless u buddy and may u be happy.

[TheDonpiccolo]

@Megamom527

God Bless you

Don Piccolo, Brians brother

[mbonhamwolv1]

Out of the blue, I was just thinking of this song, and as tears stream down my face, I can relate to the situation, as my birth mother told me years ago in a letter responding to my first letter to her, that people with my disability from birth, Spina Bifida, weren't expected to live long back in 1966. I saw the Brian Piccolo movie many years ago when I was in elementary school, and I understood what it was about. Brian Piccolo, I hope you're resting in peace.

[conyelp]

mbonhamwolv1, I'm glad you are still here. And I hope you are doing well. Thanks for your comment and take care.

[peeje852]

Perfection. Thak you for posting this. Johnny Mathis singing one of the greatest songs, from one of the BEST movies EVER!!! The story of Brian's life is inspiring on so many levels. I've seen the original countless times and I am always moved. I even got a friend to watch it with me a few years ago, and she had never seen it...of course she LOVED it!!!

[conyelp]

peeje852, Hi, yes when a person fights as courageously as Brian Piccolo did it can be inspiring to the rest of us. The actress Farrah Fawcett displayed the same courage this past July when she fought to live, she even had a documentary made of it which I recorded. I too have the DVD of the original Brian's Song with James Caan and Billy Dee Williams. That movie was made in 1972 when Hollywood was still capable of turning out movies worth the time and money spent on them. Thanks for your comment.

[peeje852]

Very good point about Farrah. When she says in a voiceover at the end, "...I'm fighting for my life. What are you fighting for?"- I could't breathe.

[conyelp]

peeje852, yes I remember that at the end too. What are you fighting for? What a classy woman, I miss her very much. Thanks for dropping by.

[nancyfloressantos]

Thanks for sharing.

[neweast1]

same for me i saw it in 8th grade makes you an old man.they called me pic

[conyelp]

neweast1, thank you for your comment, I'm glad you enjoy this song, it has special meaning for many of us.

[Brib3636]

Thank you Conyelp.U R great to post this. It makes all of tlife's small problems pale. Brian Piccolo was & is an "unsung" (pardon the pun) American hero. His story affected my entire life starting with my first watching the movie on Channel 7 in NY as a sophomore in High School. My first name is also Brian, the kids in my class made a joke of it, but after we all watched the Movie the night before, they all came in the next day with somber faces. That next day we all loved Brian ! Brian B.

[Brib3636]

"I love Brian Piccolo !" I first saw Brian's Song as a sophomore in H.S. The next day was a scheduled Geometry exam, a really tough subject for me. I knew that Brian's Song movie was first and studying would come later.

I never regretted it. The exam grade was poor but Brian's Song and Brian's life's meaning and affect on others meant so much more ! I love Brian Piccolo...

Bryan Burstyn

[conyelp]

Brib3636, I'm glad the song had special meaning for you. Men like Brian Piccolo come along once in a while and provide inspiration to us. It's sad when their life is cut short by a disease that we should have had a cure for long ago. Thanks for your comments.

[cquick05]

this song is so lovely and slow

[robinspillman]

to wake forest university there is no time especially when you have something in you rlife that has taken away some of your joy. but god and time will heal you! thanks wake forest university for you dedication 4-ever

[Monica2124]

I have always loved this song, there are 2 times that I want it played in my life, once at my wedding, which it was. The second at my funeral, it has a beautiful meaning and the movie is wonderful

[conyelp]

Monica2124, I can't believe the number of hits this song has gotten since I uploaded it. At your wedding and your funeral huh? Those are two very defining moments in life. Glad you like the song, take care.

[MBOYA22]

Great job Monica, expect many many more hits to come.

[neweast1]

live for today no one is promised tomorrow.

[conyelp]

neweast1 you're so right. To me life is a learning process with ups and downs, good and bad. Only by learning from what happened to me yesterday can I hope to make a better tomorrow. All we have for certain is today.

[lettie113]

This song says so much. That no matter how much you want to stay with a loved one, the choice is not yours to make.

[conyelp]

lettie113, the words of this song do indeed tell us that the choice of living or dying is not really ours. All we can do is try to take the best care of ourselves that we can but still, I think when that appointed time comes we move on. Cancer seems to claim people before their time and recently claimed another lovely person, Farrah Fawcett. Thanks for dropping by.

[Crintingnut]

Hugely moving song. Have failed to find the movie on DVD, though. The MTV remake didn't cut it, cf the original.

[conyelp]

Crintingnut, no the MTV remake of this movie didn't cut it. If you look on the Turner Classic Movie Channel web site they have the DVD for sale with James Caan in it. Or if you have a DVD player recorder you can request it be put on their schedule and record it when it comes on.

[CATMIOU]

Thank you for this precious gift. It is the best version of a great song!

[conyelp]

CATMOU, you're welcome, this song is very special and especially when sung by Johnny.

[OlymPigs2010]

Mathis is great and Perry Como also did a superb version of this song!

[conyelp]

OlymPigs2010, yes Perry was a great singer and Johnny, to me, is one of the best if not the very best. Thanks for dropping by.

[frankd1965]

@OlymPigs2010 My dad has this album. I also heard the Perry Como, Andy Williams, Tony Bennett and the Henry Mancini & Doc Severison and an instrumental version of this song

[jsbach15]

I never knew this song had lyrics!  Wow! How perfect is it that Johnny Mathis is singing this beautiful song? 10+ stars! Thanks for uploading.

[conyelp]

jsback15, hi there. Yes this is a perfect song for Johnny. This is the original song from the movie that was made in the early 1970's. I think it was a better version that the later remake. The lyrics bring tears to my eyes every time I hear it and the sensitive and caring way Johnny sings it is really great.