Ben Vereen - lets face it, the best Judas and best recording - original Broadway 1972 cast. Anderson and Murray are good but Vereen tops all by far! And just to throw it into the pot, Fenholt best Jesus.
I havent heard Ben Vereen sing in years... I was suprised to know he was in the origional cast of JCS on broadway.
As far as Christianity goes, as people are talking about, people were monkeys/apes untill aliens came to earth and spliced in a gene for sentient thought so we could learn to mine the planet for them. Look up the ancient race of Sumeria 6000 BC
This is rather interesting. Your user name is darwinwaswrong (no, evolution is an observed fact actually) and yet you are a fan of this show? You realize that it is highly critical of Christianity, don't you? This song says it all.
C.A. is great. Right off the bat, B.V.'s version is several keys higher! Very powerful when sung so high. Strange thing is...I bet C.A. could have sung as high...I wonder if that was a movie choice.
@trugsby Sorry, but every version I am aware of, including this one, of has been recorded in Dm, which is the original key as scored. Vereen just has a brighter timbre that makes it sound as if he is singing it higher.
This is not unofficial. This is the Broadway version. There are several versions. All of them are official. Carl Anderson, who eventually did the movie, was Ben Vereen's replacement.
wait, what? this version, whatever it is, definitely is not from the movie Jesus Christ Superstar... is this, like, an unofficial version of the song or something....?
@DarwinwasWrong no the original recording was murray head which was an english production. this was a broadway production recording. carl anderson played the original judas but he got sick or something so ben stood in and when carl got better they took it in turns playing judas but carl played judas in the movie
@nickmandl I happen to agree with you. Due to a foux paus three months ago, I misspoke and said this is from the original recording. I meant to say the Original Broadway Recording.
@evergabrielle This is from the 1971 Original Broadway Cast recording, not from the movie.
This is the version I grew up listening to as a child, so I am partial to Ben Vereen over Carl Anderson as Judas, but both had incredible voices for the role.
@evergabrielle This isn't from the original concept album but from a recording they made of highlights from the original broadway cast a few years later (the show was a concept album first because no one wanted to produce it on stage.)
@evergabrielle This is "unofficial" if that's how you'd like to put it. Murray Head sang as Judas on the original 1970 concept album; however, when the album was adapted for Broadway, Ben Vereen realized the role. Carl Anderson also played Judas on Broadway, but he is best known as having been Judas in the 1973 film version.
@evergabrielle nope! this is the opera rock version, that was recorded, with Ian Gillan as Jesus, guess it never was on stage, but the best voices interpretation ever! buy the cd`s, and you`ll find out, how cold your bones will become when you´ll here Ian Gillan shouting and begging because of his father betrayal, before givin up,
anyways, your right! the original version is with Murray Head, beautiful indeed! made me cry a thousand times hearing his suffering, when he finds out he`s been cheated... outrageous! awesome, and bloody creepy crying, love him!
My favorite all time performer. Years ago, he had a TV special as Entertainer of the Year. I would have given anything to have a tape of that. Saw him performing live at the then new Kentucky Center of the Arts. Fantastic! Okay, was he the original Judas on Broadway? I know he was in Hair and Pippin, and a Fosse favorite. The world knows him as Chicken George in "Roots". The man could do it all, and can still do most of it, even after his accident. Love ya Ben.
Don't know why some think Sarich is the best. For me it is CArl then Murray then Sarich or whoever else it matters not. No-one had the soul of Carl. Mind you Ben here sings very well.
Have you even watched the Sarich version? the passion and soul is stunning! i love Carls version, it was him that made me love the song and love the musical, but having heard Sarich, he is just heads above the rest.
I heard Sarich and I disagree.Listen--the Nazareth's favourite Son --line in the song is a clear example on how Sarich looses the rhythm. Adam Lambert from "American Idol" also covers this, not bad, but again that line drops. Listen to Carl effortlessly "Nazareth your favourite Son" I can't find a version of anyone making it through that like he did. The closest is Ben Vereen. Lastly CArl really cries out at the end and its very emotional.
now he is expressive and comes the closest to carl's version. I would enjoy listening to either one of them singing as judas. Ben is right up there with carl in jcss songs. i liked both of them equally. cant say that for any of the other performances i have seen or heard.
Ben Vereen is a legend. Great actor and singer. He makes this sound easy which is no mean feat, Though I have to say I still prefer Carl Andersons rendition from the film - purely because he has and tormented edginess in his voice.
For those of you who believe JCS ends at the crucifixion are just not paying attention. Watch the 1973 movie at the very end, in the foreground you will see a living Christ leading a flock of sheep. Look past you assumptions and biases and maybe the truth will be made clear to you,
That's just in the movie and that shot was an accident, it was a real shepherd leading his flock. They kept it in because it seemed fitting. In the stage production of the musical it ends shortly after the crucifixion, usually just everyone shedding some tears, which I believe is what Mr. Eagle was referring to.
Of course some productions have gone to the trouble of adding some imagery. The last two major revivals that featured Ted Neeley (from the original film) have included an ascension sequence during "John 19:41."
This is really outstanding......But someone like myself would have not ended the musical at the crucifixion(as J.C Superstar did ).......You see,He rose after three days.....It was a great musical other than that.....
Andrew Llyod Weber chose to end the musical at the crucifixion because his idea for it was to show Jesus as being more man than god. The resurrection did not fit into that idea.
since the whole story is a myth to begin with, Lloyd Webber and Rice were just tweaking it a little and making it bit better than the original fairy story....
Ben was the original Judas on Broadway in 1971 selected by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Carl was his understudy, who stepped up when Ben became ill. They switched off after that. BTW Ted Neely was the understudy for Jesus, and ended up playing him in the movie, not to mention on stage more than anybody else. (just saying, as I was actually ALIVE in 1971 and saw the original production)
Typical example of someone trying to make a song fit their style, instead of singing the song the way it should be.
Also, the background music is too active and distracting.
It's not bad, but it doesn't approach Carl Anderson's version, which is pretty close to perfect. Improving on it, is probably an exercise in futility. He was spot on.
Don't be an idiot - Ben Vereen precedes Carl Anderson. If anything, Carl Anderson moulded the song to HIS own style. Although I agree, Anderson's is absolutely brilliant.
This is interesting. While I personally enjoy Anderson the most on this song, I feel like Vereen's interpretation is still valid. He can handle the song very well. His confidence (not singing, acting) is higher and lends to putting Judas in a more empowered position in this song. It's less desperate, but who says this song has to be desperate. I like it. Thanks for the post.
Vereen's a fine singer, and he does a good job of singing the song...but I'm just not feeling him as Judas. That frantic, frustrated edge of growing desperation doesn't seem to be there.
Yes, Carl Anderson did a wonderful job. I recommend that you listen to Zubin Varla. His version is outstanding! Strong, no falsettos, passionate, dramatic.
The best Jesus/Judas couple on JC Superstar is Steve Balsamo / Zubin Varla. You can find them on You Tube. Just check Gethsemane Steve Balsamo (mind boggling!) and Zubin Varla (outstanding!). Enjoy.....
I have to say, Murray head's voice is a little too soft for this part, I honestly don't like his take on it that much, vereen suffers from the same problem slightly, but still does a good job, though that could just because I love vereen in general, but I have to say Carl Anderson did it best, his loud, bombastic, almost growling overture was probably the best version.
I saw him on stage in one of the last dress rehearsals on broadway befor the show ran. He was loud and powerful from what I remember, much like the album.
EkulShmer is right about the order. I still prefer Murray Head's version just because I am as familiar with as my ABCs. But this is the kind of fun song that allows everyone some individual variations. I think the score should stay true to the page it is written on in JCS, though.
Very good, actually. Stop comparing him to Carl! I mean Anderson does set the standard, but just listen to it like you've never heard it before! Its extremely good.
Ben Vereen is a great showman, but hearing this version makes me glad that Carl Anderson replaced him in Jesus Christ Superstar. I would hate to see him turning the Judas role into another Uncle Tom, Chicken George spectacle. Carl Anderson's Judas was better and edgier. In Vereen's version of this song, they didn't even play the music right.
I personally like Carl better, but Ben did come first, and he's a lot better than a lot of people that I've heard attempt to play the part of Judas. And he is good. Just not the best, in my opinion. :}
I don't think people should be bad-mouthing this performance without being able to see how he acted the song. His vocal performance is neither better nor worse than Carl Anderson - just different.
If I am not mistaken, and pease tell if I am I won't be offened *smile*...Ben is THE FIRST Judas ever..then Carl came after. I LOVE CARL! but BEN BE THE BROADWAY GEM HONEY!.
Ben Vereen - lets face it, the best Judas and best recording - original Broadway 1972 cast. Anderson and Murray are good but Vereen tops all by far! And just to throw it into the pot, Fenholt best Jesus.
eoin86 1 month ago
Ben Vereen was the original Judas, Vereen got sick, Anderson was his understudy and ended up replacing him and making the role famous.
TheAjcoffelt 3 months ago
the Actor of Judas Iskariot in Jesus Crhist Super Star...1971.....
Jaringan2 3 months ago
I worked with Ben on the ship "Splendour of the Seas" - 2000. Wonderful experience.
darominu 3 months ago
He'll always be the narrator from Zoobilee Zoo to me :)
neeniebeanie18 4 months ago
This is from the original Broadway cast, 1971. Vereen was very talented, and this is a very good version, but I still prefer Murray Head.
PtolemyJones 4 months ago
I feel Vereen the nearest to the Biblical interpretaion of Judas: the traitor.
I feel Carl's version the nearest to the Truth.
Both awesomes.
TheBraveDiamond 5 months ago 4
lol this def isnt carl
solarwarrior63 7 months ago
I havent heard Ben Vereen sing in years... I was suprised to know he was in the origional cast of JCS on broadway.
As far as Christianity goes, as people are talking about, people were monkeys/apes untill aliens came to earth and spliced in a gene for sentient thought so we could learn to mine the planet for them. Look up the ancient race of Sumeria 6000 BC
dragontooth81 7 months ago
This is amazing. I can never find the original broadway cast recording. I have london.
littlesongbird1 8 months ago
This is rather interesting. Your user name is darwinwaswrong (no, evolution is an observed fact actually) and yet you are a fan of this show? You realize that it is highly critical of Christianity, don't you? This song says it all.
SanRafaelSwell 8 months ago
@SanRafaelSwell
Just because people believe in something doesn't mean they can't appreciate a good song or show.
ColumbiaPhoenix 7 months ago
i think this is just as good is not better than Carl Anderson or Murray Head as Judas
busterbone 8 months ago
think its fair to say carl anderson wins this one...
slashedmckagan 9 months ago
@slashedmckagan
Respectfully disagree.
C.A. is great. Right off the bat, B.V.'s version is several keys higher! Very powerful when sung so high. Strange thing is...I bet C.A. could have sung as high...I wonder if that was a movie choice.
B.V....very powerful stuff!
trugsby 7 months ago
@trugsby Sorry, but every version I am aware of, including this one, of has been recorded in Dm, which is the original key as scored. Vereen just has a brighter timbre that makes it sound as if he is singing it higher.
MauneyM 7 months ago
This is definitely the best orchestrated version I've heard.
dmuller1291 10 months ago
This is awesome. So much passion in his voice, it definitely matches the lyrics. Great effort.
psaulm119 10 months ago
I saw Ben Vereen as The Wizard in Wicked back in '05...can't believe he also played Judas. I love Ben!!
tipofmytongue1024 10 months ago
This is so very different from any version I've heard. I love it!!!
TheOzian 10 months ago
The guitar work is pretty kick ass on this track. And of course Ben Vereen deserves props.
AdognamedOp 11 months ago
This is not unofficial. This is the Broadway version. There are several versions. All of them are official. Carl Anderson, who eventually did the movie, was Ben Vereen's replacement.
daytonville 1 year ago
As always, Ben sounds too happy. He doesn't quite carry the anger and concern in his voice that the song calls for. Just my opinion.
Eroticon4 1 year ago
wait, what? this version, whatever it is, definitely is not from the movie Jesus Christ Superstar... is this, like, an unofficial version of the song or something....?
evergabrielle 1 year ago
@evergabrielle This is from the original recording.
DarwinwasWrong 1 year ago
@DarwinwasWrong no the original recording was murray head which was an english production. this was a broadway production recording. carl anderson played the original judas but he got sick or something so ben stood in and when carl got better they took it in turns playing judas but carl played judas in the movie
cfcfa 1 year ago
@DarwinwasWrong Actually, this is from the broadway recording. The original had Murray Head doing it.
BlackHoleSun1921 1 year ago 2
@DarwinwasWrong i dont think so
nickmandl 11 months ago
@nickmandl I happen to agree with you. Due to a foux paus three months ago, I misspoke and said this is from the original recording. I meant to say the Original Broadway Recording.
DarwinwasWrong 11 months ago 7
@DarwinwasWrong I've got the brodway recording on cd. It sucks. Carl Anderson and Jerome Pradon are way better.
amanogirl1 10 months ago
@DarwinwasWrong Saw this guy live doing this. Amazing. It is the original Broadway Recording.
yummyyaoi2 3 months ago
@DarwinwasWrong Nope in the original recording Murray Head was judas, and that's not Murray singing.
AtWarWithWMG 2 months ago
@evergabrielle This is from the 1971 Original Broadway Cast recording, not from the movie.
This is the version I grew up listening to as a child, so I am partial to Ben Vereen over Carl Anderson as Judas, but both had incredible voices for the role.
jimmypop33 1 year ago
@evergabrielle This isn't from the original concept album but from a recording they made of highlights from the original broadway cast a few years later (the show was a concept album first because no one wanted to produce it on stage.)
sbhathena 1 year ago
@evergabrielle This is "unofficial" if that's how you'd like to put it. Murray Head sang as Judas on the original 1970 concept album; however, when the album was adapted for Broadway, Ben Vereen realized the role. Carl Anderson also played Judas on Broadway, but he is best known as having been Judas in the 1973 film version.
JohnAugustus92 1 year ago
@JohnAugustus92 I like Carl but I must say I wish I could see Ben played the role. I was not too impressed with the Judas in the newer movie.
littlesongbird1 6 months ago 2
@evergabrielle It is from the original broadway production.
prendes4 11 months ago
@evergabrielle nope! this is the opera rock version, that was recorded, with Ian Gillan as Jesus, guess it never was on stage, but the best voices interpretation ever! buy the cd`s, and you`ll find out, how cold your bones will become when you´ll here Ian Gillan shouting and begging because of his father betrayal, before givin up,
latinalibreriocuarto 5 months ago
anyways, your right! the original version is with Murray Head, beautiful indeed! made me cry a thousand times hearing his suffering, when he finds out he`s been cheated... outrageous! awesome, and bloody creepy crying, love him!
latinalibreriocuarto 5 months ago
listen cheeses i dont like what i see
najtrows 1 year ago
Jerome Pradon is the best, anyway
Gasolife 1 year ago
what year was this version recorded?
Rycher13 1 year ago
@Rycher13 From what I have read, this is a recording from the very first production of JCS.
DarkAngel40 1 year ago
@Rycher13 1970.
AxellSlade 1 year ago
My favorite all time performer. Years ago, he had a TV special as Entertainer of the Year. I would have given anything to have a tape of that. Saw him performing live at the then new Kentucky Center of the Arts. Fantastic! Okay, was he the original Judas on Broadway? I know he was in Hair and Pippin, and a Fosse favorite. The world knows him as Chicken George in "Roots". The man could do it all, and can still do most of it, even after his accident. Love ya Ben.
oldixe 1 year ago
Vereen is personally my favorite Judas. Fenholt being my favorite Jesus.
Pity he had to go denouncing the show.
pannicatack 1 year ago
great voice!
EpidemicHatred 1 year ago
@biggbadmilt but he did mention that he thinks you're an idiot biggPUSSYmilt....just sayin....
eire138 1 year ago
most remarkable
LampoonedHerd 1 year ago
the best version of this is drew sarich by a mile. nice version though
B8ers10 1 year ago
@B8ers10
Don't know why some think Sarich is the best. For me it is CArl then Murray then Sarich or whoever else it matters not. No-one had the soul of Carl. Mind you Ben here sings very well.
babystinky 1 year ago
@babystinky
Have you even watched the Sarich version? the passion and soul is stunning! i love Carls version, it was him that made me love the song and love the musical, but having heard Sarich, he is just heads above the rest.
B8ers10 1 year ago
@B8ers10
I heard Sarich and I disagree.Listen--the Nazareth's favourite Son --line in the song is a clear example on how Sarich looses the rhythm. Adam Lambert from "American Idol" also covers this, not bad, but again that line drops. Listen to Carl effortlessly "Nazareth your favourite Son" I can't find a version of anyone making it through that like he did. The closest is Ben Vereen. Lastly CArl really cries out at the end and its very emotional.
babystinky 1 year ago
IMO the finest of all the versions of this song recorded, both vocally and instrumentally. The original Broadway cast & band.
teedammit 1 year ago 2
Good version, but Carl forever no comparison
whitedemai 1 year ago
Didn't know that.:)
greetje42 2 years ago
He sure did.
timberwolf84 2 years ago
Ben Vereen is a superstar. Never forget him as chicken George in Roots. Love him as an great acteur.
greetje42 2 years ago
@greetje42
Let's not forget. He guest starred in a 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' episode playing Will Smith's biological father.
timberwolf84 2 years ago
you really had to go out of your way to point out he was gay?
Islabagotta 2 years ago
No, i mean boy...
I'm sorry that woesn't the thing that I would say!!!
I mean men... (i think)
sorry for this big mistake! He was a great men with a beautiful voice
Rinskesmiles 2 years ago
Guy was the word you were looking for.
DarwinwasWrong 2 years ago
Jep, thanks
Rinskesmiles 2 years ago
@Rinskesmiles how many of them were there ?
mattyohara 1 year ago
@mattyohara How may where what??????
Rinskesmiles 1 year ago
@Rinskesmiles
mattyohara 1 year ago
Nice! Good version
TTYumYum 2 years ago
Talented Brother, R.I.P.
1lemurian 2 years ago 4
wtf he is alive
keftes1989 2 years ago
I believe you are thinking of Carl Anderson.
DarwinwasWrong 2 years ago 10
@1lemurian
YOU ARE AN UNEDUCATED ASSHOLE!
BEN VEREEN IS ALIVE AND WELL!
I'M SITTING WITH HIS GRANSDON OLIVER RIGHT NOW.
stuartrileygustafson 1 year ago
@1lemurian
Carl Anderson, the "Judas" from the movie has passed, but Ben is still with us :)
stedgar369 1 year ago
@1lemurian He's not dead is he??
hrvggz 1 year ago
@1lemurian Good news, He's alive!
MrActor123456789 1 year ago
@1lemurian He's not dead....
irreversablehappines 4 months ago
Ben Vereen is great!
Murray Head invented the role, Ben Vereen gave it soul and character and Carl Anderson made it perfect! :-)
WJvanEden 2 years ago
incredible! him and carl anderson, much better than the 2001 guy, he really sucked.
the1realdreamer 2 years ago
Wow! Very nice!
Mutch820 2 years ago
now he is expressive and comes the closest to carl's version. I would enjoy listening to either one of them singing as judas. Ben is right up there with carl in jcss songs. i liked both of them equally. cant say that for any of the other performances i have seen or heard.
joyspirited 2 years ago
beautiful!
lilkeekster 2 years ago
Great job Ben.....................
mervrun 2 years ago
I love Ben Vereen, hes the man!
spydergoalie35 2 years ago
this man cam to my high school today, no lie. i got the chance to interview him :]
fulleeshaw 2 years ago
OH MY GOD.
mynameissareyberry 2 years ago
Man, he makes this sound easy. And, this is from the Orininal Broadway Cast recording.
gasmmusic 2 years ago
SPOILER ALERT: JESUS DIES!
boatload 2 years ago 89
ahaha - twist ending: He comes back in the sequel!!!!!!
ChrisCummins 2 years ago 49
haha!
ROWANV1 2 years ago
LMAO well if Andrew Lloyd Webber thinks Phantom of the Opera needed a sequel, it's not much of a stretch for him to make a sequel to the Bible.
MithraMusic 2 years ago 3
@ChrisCummins hahaha nice, Zombie Jesus!
paul93455 1 year ago
@ChrisCummins yah, i've read the book?!
aureastella 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Big Twist - God Is His Father!!!!!
GuitarRocker2008 10 months ago
ahaha
TruculentBones 2 years ago
no way! rly?
spydergoalie35 2 years ago
@boatload MOTHERFUCKER D=>!!!
Mandoneko 6 months ago
Ben Vereen is a legend. Great actor and singer. He makes this sound easy which is no mean feat, Though I have to say I still prefer Carl Andersons rendition from the film - purely because he has and tormented edginess in his voice.
iago71 2 years ago 7
For those of you who believe JCS ends at the crucifixion are just not paying attention. Watch the 1973 movie at the very end, in the foreground you will see a living Christ leading a flock of sheep. Look past you assumptions and biases and maybe the truth will be made clear to you,
MrNatural99 2 years ago
That's just in the movie and that shot was an accident, it was a real shepherd leading his flock. They kept it in because it seemed fitting. In the stage production of the musical it ends shortly after the crucifixion, usually just everyone shedding some tears, which I believe is what Mr. Eagle was referring to.
DarwinwasWrong 2 years ago 2
**SPOILER WARNING**
Of course some productions have gone to the trouble of adding some imagery. The last two major revivals that featured Ted Neeley (from the original film) have included an ascension sequence during "John 19:41."
secondeagle 2 years ago
I saw that production when it came to Boston. It was really powerful. Ted Neeley floated in the air!
shmoogle14 2 years ago
Comment removed
scobie2010 1 year ago
As much as I love Ben Vereen, I'm a Murray Head man.
Lungsandface 2 years ago 3
Absolutely, no one I've heard compares to Murray Head as Judas.
PtolemyJones 2 years ago
Personally i never cared for Murray Head...
bernie1589 2 years ago
This is really outstanding......But someone like myself would have not ended the musical at the crucifixion(as J.C Superstar did ).......You see,He rose after three days.....It was a great musical other than that.....
eaglestirreth 2 years ago
Andrew Llyod Weber chose to end the musical at the crucifixion because his idea for it was to show Jesus as being more man than god. The resurrection did not fit into that idea.
DarwinwasWrong 2 years ago
since the whole story is a myth to begin with, Lloyd Webber and Rice were just tweaking it a little and making it bit better than the original fairy story....
schrire39 2 years ago
Ben was the original Judas on Broadway in 1971 selected by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Carl was his understudy, who stepped up when Ben became ill. They switched off after that. BTW Ted Neely was the understudy for Jesus, and ended up playing him in the movie, not to mention on stage more than anybody else. (just saying, as I was actually ALIVE in 1971 and saw the original production)
aprilliz 2 years ago
In my opinion Carl's Judas is awesome... but the "perfect" is murray head...
and Gillan as Jesus... beautiful... enough said...
fabin69 2 years ago
Typical example of someone trying to make a song fit their style, instead of singing the song the way it should be.
Also, the background music is too active and distracting.
It's not bad, but it doesn't approach Carl Anderson's version, which is pretty close to perfect. Improving on it, is probably an exercise in futility. He was spot on.
TA152H01 2 years ago
Don't be an idiot - Ben Vereen precedes Carl Anderson. If anything, Carl Anderson moulded the song to HIS own style. Although I agree, Anderson's is absolutely brilliant.
Crawfy7 2 years ago
can't wait to see the play in jackson, mi tonight with ted neely oh yeah
Jerryson09 2 years ago
compared to andersons this is shit
sliksta08 2 years ago
I know Carl's the popular choice, but I go with Ben. I also like Jeff Fenholt as Jesus.
busterbone 2 years ago
Nice.
Has a curtis mayfield feel to it.
pricean 2 years ago
This is interesting. While I personally enjoy Anderson the most on this song, I feel like Vereen's interpretation is still valid. He can handle the song very well. His confidence (not singing, acting) is higher and lends to putting Judas in a more empowered position in this song. It's less desperate, but who says this song has to be desperate. I like it. Thanks for the post.
bigjeffystyle 2 years ago 2
You can't judge a performance on the audio alone.
gdmadix 2 years ago
Vereen's a fine singer, and he does a good job of singing the song...but I'm just not feeling him as Judas. That frantic, frustrated edge of growing desperation doesn't seem to be there.
brpierce 2 years ago
original cast is best. this guy isnt up to par. like i own a cd with original cast and it sounds the best
jaketune 2 years ago
This is original cast. You're probably talking about the movie cast. Ben Vereen was original broadway cast.
AMDS789 2 years ago
Yes, Carl Anderson did a wonderful job. I recommend that you listen to Zubin Varla. His version is outstanding! Strong, no falsettos, passionate, dramatic.
Hope you find it.
carlopetox 2 years ago
The best Jesus/Judas couple on JC Superstar is Steve Balsamo / Zubin Varla. You can find them on You Tube. Just check Gethsemane Steve Balsamo (mind boggling!) and Zubin Varla (outstanding!). Enjoy.....
carlopetox 2 years ago
What I think makes Anderson's best is that the struggling noble desperation that judas had whereas this is a little to upbeat.
lordofweasels 3 years ago
I have to say, Murray head's voice is a little too soft for this part, I honestly don't like his take on it that much, vereen suffers from the same problem slightly, but still does a good job, though that could just because I love vereen in general, but I have to say Carl Anderson did it best, his loud, bombastic, almost growling overture was probably the best version.
lordofweasels 3 years ago
the orginal & best ever Judas. Fehholt as Jesus. Original 72 soundtrack is epic. Nothing touches it.
eoin86 3 years ago
EPIC
ries0000 3 years ago 2
This is a bit too upbeat for my liking. I love Drew Sarich's emotion in his voice whilst singing this song.
jethyy 3 years ago
Very good version! The voice is very personal and beautiful. This song is my favorite one of the musical.
DARKSEI 3 years ago
I saw him on stage in one of the last dress rehearsals on broadway befor the show ran. He was loud and powerful from what I remember, much like the album.
TonyJenRock1 3 years ago
WOOO BEN VEREEEN!!!!!!!
SKYEKING43 3 years ago
Probably my favorite Judas. Pity the Original Broadway Cast Recording was woefully inadequate.
pannicatack 3 years ago
Very good, apart from thge soft 'r' at the start, and isn't he a dead ringer for Charlie Williams?!
dfarmbrough 3 years ago
He was the original--I thought Carl took over from Ben who went on to do Pippin or something.
Bobsyermomsuncle 3 years ago
You are correct....Carl Andeson was the understudy in the Broadway production
angryjason1234 3 years ago
great version
membri07 3 years ago
Murray head from the original concept recording is my fav. Then second would have to be carl anderson!!!!
natejon83 3 years ago
Funny, originally Carl Anderson was my favorite with Murray Head as my second.
Drysku11 3 years ago
this is good but i think carl anderson's voice is more powerful
54spiritedwill54 3 years ago
seeing the jcs tour with ted nelly in it in april
wweecw1 3 years ago
Love BV, but I will always prefer Jerome Pradon.
evefromiowa 3 years ago
i prefer carl's vocals on this song...but i'll bet that ben vereen danced the shit out of judas on stage.
Archaebob 3 years ago 5
Kinda scarey thought a "Dancing Judas".
VValkyrie 3 years ago
i prefer carl, hes more of a nutter but i do lyk my jazz
lunalovin 3 years ago 2
Original Album (1970): Murray Head; Original Broadway Cast (1971): Ben Vereen; Movie Soundtrack (1973): Carl Anderson
cbsadler 3 years ago 3
th 970
finarfin262 3 years ago
The 1970 album was the concept recording, while the 1971 recording was the Original Broadway Cast album.
finarfin262 3 years ago
this guy almost sounds like Carl Anderson, in a Jazzy kind of way
orionblaze000 3 years ago 2
Is this from the original Broadway recording?
NathanF11989 3 years ago
no......
Sadclownbad 3 years ago
no...........
Sadclownbad 3 years ago
Nope. I'm not sure where this recording is from.
alchemistjuice 3 years ago
I honestly don't know where this was from. It was on a CD I found in my CD collection.
DarwinwasWrong 3 years ago
Yes its the Original broadway cast!
jeeeem 3 years ago 2
Yes..This is. Ben Vereen played Judas, Yvonne Elliman played Maria and Jeff Fenholt played Jesus.
royc1983 3 years ago
YES, it is. I have a CD of it and a vinyl record I bought in 1972. It is indeed from the original Broadway recording.
nordenfan 3 years ago 2
This IS the originab Broadway recording, why are people saying it isn't?
EvanOz85 3 years ago 3
EkulShmer is right about the order. I still prefer Murray Head's version just because I am as familiar with as my ABCs. But this is the kind of fun song that allows everyone some individual variations. I think the score should stay true to the page it is written on in JCS, though.
tjctuber 3 years ago
Very good, actually. Stop comparing him to Carl! I mean Anderson does set the standard, but just listen to it like you've never heard it before! Its extremely good.
wuzupmyhomiz 3 years ago 3
i agree, i think, honestly, as much as carl anderson is a god, this version is RIGHT UP THERE, no one else comes close
chrisz31974 3 years ago
Ben Vereen is a great showman, but hearing this version makes me glad that Carl Anderson replaced him in Jesus Christ Superstar. I would hate to see him turning the Judas role into another Uncle Tom, Chicken George spectacle. Carl Anderson's Judas was better and edgier. In Vereen's version of this song, they didn't even play the music right.
denzelsnipes69 4 years ago
Its different than carl... but it sounds very smooth, and heartfelt... i like it.
DSAhmed 3 years ago 3
I think this is actually one of the best versions I've heard so far. On the level of that of carl!
Anatolij86 4 years ago
this is good but i think carl anderson's voice is more powerful
beastlyonion 4 years ago 5
did u ever see Ben dance???? WOW
jeanbean43 4 years ago
Gotta disagree. I like Ben miles more than Carl. But both are very talented guys.
FUNCHOMCLALA 4 years ago
I personally like Carl better, but Ben did come first, and he's a lot better than a lot of people that I've heard attempt to play the part of Judas. And he is good. Just not the best, in my opinion. :}
bobthebox 4 years ago
I don't think people should be bad-mouthing this performance without being able to see how he acted the song. His vocal performance is neither better nor worse than Carl Anderson - just different.
Reservoirdog119 4 years ago
Exactly.
DarwinwasWrong 4 years ago
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Man fucc ben vereen, he's washed up and can't sing with his gay ass....Blaze
analher 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
but the beginning of the music is sweet!!! Blaze
analher 4 years ago
If I am not mistaken, and pease tell if I am I won't be offened *smile*...Ben is THE FIRST Judas ever..then Carl came after. I LOVE CARL! but BEN BE THE BROADWAY GEM HONEY!.
MaryMRevis 4 years ago 2
correct, Carl anderson took over for him when he got sick, then they shared the part on broadway, of course Anderson did the movie.
thegaythespian 4 years ago
Correction, Murray Head was on the original recording with Ian Gillan from Deep Purple as Jesus.
FanHalen5150 4 years ago