I prefer the version by The 5th Dimension....but I first heard it on glee and I loved it right away so I searched it XD I don't like this version very much ;/
I had a 45 rpm record of the single also. I used to collect 78 rpm records; I had a huge collection- I got tired of lugging them around; flood cured me of that- they got wrecked. A long time ago, 45 rpm records became very collectible. I gave mine away; However, my copy of Laura Nyro's single was not among these- I would not part with it, or several others. Alas, they are also gone now- but how thankful I am to U-tube for this version, which is very close to the original!
Her song, and her performance of it, are beyond the extraordinary- when I first heard it in college in '69, and still, when I hear it. It makes the hairs stand up on the small of my neck, still. I am an old guy now. Still- the hairs on the back of my neck go up!
For those of you who don't know, Laura Nyro recorded this song BEFORE the 5th Dimension did..because it was Laura who wrote the song...3 years before the 5D recorded it. 5D is good...LN is superbly better, IMO
@michael91411 yes it is, and I had the 45rpm by Nyro as a kid, never heard it played ANYWHERE ever. Loaned it to a friend and regretted it, never got it back. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN DECADES I've been able to hear her sing it again. This sounds just slightly different than the version I had, the reverse of which was Stoney End. Gosh what memories!!!
@noahstfuboi True for the fifties, the girl-groups and Brill Building acts...but there was Stax and Motown by the early 60's that changed a lot of that....Plus Luther Dixon, Sam Cooke, Little Richard did a lot of their own stuff and Jackie Wilson worked with black producers in the late fifties like Berry Gordy. But the Brill-Building and the black girl-groups were mostly Jewish-produced.
Not Latina or black. Laura Nyro was of Italian descent. Her family name was Nigro (rhymes with hi-grow). Phenomenal songwriter and echoing those who've already said she's way overdue for the hall of fame.
"Cruel fact"? Were black singers and producers oblivious when they decided to work with her on her album of soul covers, "It's Gonna Take a Miracle". What were Gamble and Huff smoking?
My first time hearing this song was in Gilmore Girls when Emily and Richard renew their wedding vows and I found the entire episode so great and well thought out and I loved how Richard told the story of how Emily said she wished his name was Bill so that this could be their song and he said on that day, well for today only my name is Bill and this is our song. Romance like that is what you don't see anymore. We could all learn from them.
my god, total respect !!!! writing a song this good and performing it so well at such a young age. can anyone anywhere write songs like this nowadays????
One of the best pop songs of all time. Having once lived in Oak Park, I'm sad to know that there are petty idiots lurking in the shadows in a otherwise fairly sane community, Though, glad as hell I'm outa there.
@minter74 There are various Oak Parks in the world. If you are responding to OakPark11MileRd, he is in Oak Park, Michigan. Is that the Oak Park you are talking about? I ask because I am not far from Oak Park, Illinois, which has the occasional violent crime committed by idiots or criminals lurking in the shadows. And of course, that is even more true where I am, on the South Side of Chicago.
I would have divorced my beloved wife for the opportunity of a millennium to marry this wonderful woman. Too bad for us that Bill didn't die, and Laura did.
Numerous beyond deserving icons such as Nyro are not in the RRHF and in many respects, it's fitting when you consider so many of the worthless "musicians" they've allowed in.
@TheDiggum she is going to be in the rock and roll hall of fame in 2012 along with donavan, beastie boys, the small faces/faces,red hot chilli peppers,and guns n roses
aargh, sorry for double post lol! I love this song - the chords are gorgeous (and initially much harder to figure out than I thought) and I envy how well she wrote for someone so young at the time.
Laura Nyro sings like Laura Nyro,,,,,,,I Love Her.....Being just a kid,,,How did she come up with these Beautifil Lyrics??..And when i die,Wedding bell blues,ECT..She was a pretty and talented young lady,,,...........Pauli
I love the 5th Dimension's version, but I actually think Laura Nyro does a very good job in singing this. The 5th singing "pop-soul", and Laura Nyro "singing with soul" - they end up meeting somewhere in the middle! :-)
Love her voice and songs, far ahead of her time. Apparently, she drove her backing musicians nuts because of her excessive use of rubato: they never knew what she would do next. But who cares, she is fab.
i was studying one night during my freshman year at duke in 1976, heard the DJ came on and said caller 3 would win, and i won, but what? i learned it was a Laura Nyro album. the DJ asked if i had ever heard of Laura Nyro, i was honest and said no, i was just calling in to win something. he said that was cool, but my music life was gonna change once i heard her and fell in love with her work. i biked over to the station the next day, figuring to pick up an album, he hands me all 6 albums!
Thanks for the info on Ms. Nyro. I really don't know much about her music except for the things made famous by the 5th Dimension. A little presumptious on my part. Just defending Joni.
Laura deserved so much more recognition than she ever got. I've been a fan since the very early days. I can only assume she just never had the right manager or agent.
I disagree with the Joni Mitchell comment. Mitchell was not striving for the catchy lyrical or musical pop hook that Nyro obviously perfected. And although Nyro's songs clearly have soul, its much more on a pop level. The soul in many of Mitchell's songs is not nearly as sentimental. While both artists wrote from the heart, Mitchell's songs are all heart.
@rblet The Laura/Joni debate is interesting. You are right that Joni was usually not "catchy" but there are some exceptions like "Car on a Hill", "Big Yellow Taxi" and "Help Me". And Laura was much more than the Brill Building swing heard on this album, which she wrote but did not produce. The rest of her albums were 100% Laura and most of the songs sound very different. Pls. listen to the mysterious, darkly beautiful lyrics and melodies of Eli, NY Tendaberry and Xmas and the Beads of Sweat.
Joni Mitchell gets all the credit for being the greatest female songwriter, but you know what? Laura Nyro was a better tunesmith than Mitchell. Much better. Laura Nyro's tunes were so joyous and beautiful. They leave Joni Mitchell's songs in the dust.
I read an interview with Laura where she said there was no "Bill", or anyone that she was trying to marry. She just wanted to do a commercial pop song, and pulled lines from earlier songs, and thought this would sell. "Bill" was a nice, short male name that rhymed with a lot of words.
Absolutely beautiful Hope she got the financial rewards for these songs.Like many others i never realised she wrote these songs and what a talent she truly was.I only stumbled on to her after watching Elton John in an interview on the telly.he couldnt praise her enough so i thought i must have a listen.glad i did.
When my cousin was dating a guy named neil, my aunt a/nd i would sing this for my cousin to neil. We would be like, would you marry me neil? I love you so I always will. Haha this song brings back memories.
Laura's was an amazing talent--one of kind---indefinable--with this social conscious feeling in her voice that one doesn't get in the slick bands/pop singers....can't explain it--well, most of you know what I mean. Laura is up there on a cloud, yet right down there by the river. AJ Music Girl we all thank you for posting!
Forgotten again by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame judges. Maybe one day she will get the recognition she deserves as she influenced so many other artists.
Yearning is defined as a "tender or urgent longing". This song and the way she sings it expresses yearning better than any other song I've ever heard. She just wraps her voice around it and becomes it. Yearning is personal and that's why the Fifth Dimension's version doesn't cut it - it's too slick. How can anybody 19 write this? I'm still amazed 45 years later.
laura nyro has bin an inspiration as a writer and an artist to loads of singers including barbra streisand and lots of others who have soul god bless her memory
@jmon73 yo babe im a blues guitarist from england and yeh, eli and the thirteenth has to be compulsive listening to anyone, male or female, who profess to have a musical bone in their body
Free energy has been here for a while ,But Elite controllers don't want ppl to be free from the costs of energy,Get a motor that works with the power of magnets only at LT-MAGNET-MOTORdotCOM ,take part in the revolution!
I had never even heard of Laura Nyro until coming to this song on Youtube. I am so glad that I now know about her. What a voice--strong and beautiful. I like this better than the 5th Dimension version. Thank you for posting, AJMusicgirl! I would never have known about her if you had not.
sounds like this are a template for many years too come,many come but never have that inner skill to make others feel emotions.lets take a moment to think about the bass and drum section in this tune,they tie down the tune so the others in the line up can paint there magic.when your down and there bad times coimin,hear this song and it will carry you on that bit further.peace and love from the uk.
Laura's songs got me through college the first time around, 1972 and for the next 20 years. Listen to LaBelle singing with her, too. Other favorites - Eva Cassidy, Adele, Amy MacDonald, Harry Nilsson, kd lang of course! Love love love Emmie, Tomcat (these aren't the right titles necessarily but what I remember of the songs..), the bells.....
Laura Nyro desires all praise for all her many talents. But, sometimes, often-times, There comes a singer like Marilyn McCoo who takes a really good song and makes it truly great... !
@jjdebaca ...I hope you don't find my comment disrespectful but I don't agree with that at all. First of all, I don't believe it's King's singing that drives her records, it's her indelible, unforgettable, piano-driven arrangements, and although her version of "A Natural Woman" is sublime, Aretha's original is certainly the best. King is a good singer but her true talents lie with her writing.
And likewise here, I prefer McCoo's version to Nyro.
@911insidejo8 I agree with that ... it's not to say that Laura or Carole aren't great performers or interpreters of their material, it's just that Aretha and Marilyn are incredible singers and really put their stamp on those songs.
RIP Laura you are awesome still and a timeless wonder for those who stayed behind here. Thank you for the great great songs. (It's a real tribute to her writing talent that so many diverse groups and singers did so well with her songs-though I wish she had had more hits under her own name-there were always
I don't get the adoration for Nyro's voice. Just listen to the weak, almost flat first note this track. Not to mention how totally sloppy the arrangements and production are. The horn arrangements are laughable. Nyro's recordings sound like rushed demos. Listen to her recording of Stoney End, and compare it to Streisand's. There are places where she clearly miss her entrances. The good versions are by the great pop voices, i.e., Streisand, McCoo, David Clayton-Thomas. As a SONGWRITER- A++
@hojpub The key word is "almost" flat. I like Laura's voice and arrangements just fine, and you need only look to Steely Dan to see the limitations of making sure your recording comes out "perfect."
I actually like this one better that the fifth dimension's version. I have never been a huge fan of Marilyn McCoo's voice- something about the way she pronounces her R's
As I've said several times on YouTube -- perhaps to the point of obnoxiousness, though I hope not:)-- Laura Nyro was a genius. Not only because of her musical intelligence and sophistication. Nor only because of her skill with lyrics and the elements of poetry, like rhyme, rhythm, onomatopoeia, etc. Don't get me wrong; each is vital in Nyro's work. But the icing on the cake is her VOICE. Rich, beautiful, soulful, wide-ranging, utterly heartfelt ---
When this album came out in 1969, I was working at "a hip" FM station in Detroit....we played this LP start to finish one night...actually a few times, it was that good.
I got that one from Gertrude Steins' Alice B. Toklas. Serious...they were friends. In any case it makes perfect sense...especially if you are an artist AND the kind that is the first to go over the top. Messy, yeah sure, but somebody's got to do it. :)
The two things that I really love about this version over the 5th Dimension's (which is a great rendition too!) is the blusey harmonica and the syncopation Laura gives the lines "Oh I was on your side Bill" and "I was the one came running when you were losing".
Marilyn McCoo has a gorgeous voice and the rest of the 5th Dimension sing beautiful back up harmonies to support her, but Laura makes the song swing and that's pretty cool too!
It isn't a rendition. SHE WROTE THE TUNE! She's like Dylan. The covers were always more sonorous...but so what. As Picasso said, it's always easier to pretty things up than to create it from scratch.
Hi Steve-- I guess Ididn't make it clear, but Iqasaware that this is Laura's song. The "rendition" I was refering to was McCoo and the 5th Dimension's version of the same song. Not every composer doesthe definitive versionof any particular song they write (eg. much of Bob Dylan's music was better sung by those covering them than by Dylan himself).
Also, Judy Collins had the big hit with "Both Sides Now" despite Joni Mitchell's brilliance as it's composer and original performer.
Not to mention, that Roberta Flack had a HUGE hit with "Killing Me Softly(with his song) but it was first recorded as a folk song by teenaged(?) singer/songwriter Lori Lieberman.
he admitted and recognized his art was inferior to the classic representations and produced his art for clients to speculate and manipulate art scene,( make money?) he discusses this on you tube I think i saw it soemwhere if not here.
you did not answer my question peteranag. is it a coincidence that laura wrote this song in 1966 and then marilyn mccoo sang it to her husband to be billy davis jr in 1969 when they were in the fifth dimenision. It is an amazing thing.
Hey Jim: You know what bummed me out? They used this song and commented on it disparagingly in Gilmore Girls. They usually had such good taste in music on that show. Bummed me out. Regarding your question: I think Laura wrote this as a sort of homage to Rodgers and Hammerstein. The "Bill" is a nod to "Carousel" I think!
I just discovered who laura nyro was yesterday and I am amazed at her song writing talent. I love blood sweat and tears and the fifth dimension and was in shock when I found out they were not the original writers or singer. Laura is the unrecognized hero in such hits. It is ashame she never got the fame she deserved. She is also a talented singer. It is sad she died at 49. she had more gift to give the world.
New customers are always welcome. I saw her at the Fillmore in 1970. Where's the biography of her? Or her Hall Of Fame nom. There isn't a singer/songwriter alive who doesn't worship her. Todd Rundgren, The Roches, Aimee Mann, Elvis C. The list is endless
Yeh I discovered her acouple of years ago and got a couple of her albums.
Her talent is right up there with Joni Mitchell, and maybe more versatile in styles -- she'd combine in one song rhythm & blues, show tunes, jazz, modern pop, soul and more.
Laura wrote this song in 1966. Marilyn mccoo sung this in 1969 towards her husband to be Billy Davis Jr. Is this a coincidence or what. I always thought Marilyn wrote the song about billy. what a surprise
The 5th Dimension did the song essentially like the original, they didn't really bring anything to it...Laura's is better, sounds more natural. 5th D is a bit too 'mannered' for me.
With talent for songwriting like this, Laura Nyro could have gone down as the equal to Carole King. After all, she wrote this as a teenager. That's incredibly gifted ability for such a young age. But she never topped her earlier stuff for me and then retired and was in and out of the biz, never seeming suited for it which is just fine but it's too bad she isn't still with us for more music. I don't think she had an outstanding voice- like King- but could emote her words and music excellently.
Thats not at all racist; the muse speaks through the writer alone; all renditions by those who later record the song[s] are interpretations only. Quite often the interpretations are musically superior to the original version by the witer, but they are derivative, not original. The fifth dimension was a group with incredible talent, as a matter of fact I saw them perform in Las Vegas at the Riviera in 73 and 74. But as good as they were , the muse spoke through Laura Nyro on her songs, not them.
I am an amateur singer/songwriter. I do not claim to have a good, or commercial voice, and fancy myself more of a writer than performer. Although I adore Laura's range and emotive qualities, I also am a product of 60s & 70s AM radio. I prefer the 5th Dimension, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and the others who breathed life into Laura's incredible writing. I defer to others in my own music as you will hear if you cue up my song "Virginia" as interpreted by Kris Rowley. (please see next comment ---->)
It is my greatest joy to hear others perform my music. I'm sure Laura was thrilled to hear the powerhouse performances others gave to her writings as she herself held back from overbearing celebrity. Her recordings reveal the spirit of the creative muse within her. That insight in itself makes them something to cherish. She does have an incredible voice (mine sucks, big time), but still, her strength lay in her writing. Thank you for posting these wonderful songs from a brilliant genius!
I grew up on a ranch and came to the University of Texas not knowing about a lot of singers like Laura. My friend Nevin Dolcefino was the one that turned me on to Laura and others as well. Thanks, Nevin
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
oh please comparing her to carole king? carole king was a terrible singer and banged on the piano, i never could stand her. SHe did write great songs but was not much of a singer.
I wasn't saying she doesn't do a soulful rendition, but unlike Carole King (also a less than stellar vocalist), I find many of her notes unlistenable. But that's just my ear, not yours or countless other fans. Her lovely songs became more well known in the hands of great vocalists, that's all. .... like Carole, her songs are terrific!
The 5D's version is still the standard but this one is also good... I miss Laura...she was a major creative force in the '60s, only I can think of Caroline King as coming close to her.
I agree with your point one but disagree with point two. I'd say "obviously not a stellar polished fake singer". However this is a real hearfelt honest performance - which I much prefer.
Wow! She has a beautiful voice. I have to admit that I like the arrangement on the version by the 5th Dimenion a little better (especially the outro where Marylin McCoo repeats "I've got the Wedding Bell Blues"), but nevertheless, its a lovely song.
The more well known cover by The 5th Dimension was originally the second part to their original version of "The Worst That Could Happen" which would be covered note for note by The Brooklin Bridge. 5th Dim. "Worst..." segued directly into "Wedding..."
That's interesting--I had no idea about the segue. I love the 5th Dimension version (fond memories of having a huge crush on the singer when I was 8 years old!), but Laura's voice is absolutely beautiful. Hearing this version did inspire me to listen to many more Laura Nyro songs on youtube, which has been a real joy.
AJMusicgirl--thank you for this lolvely shrine to the singing and songs of Laura Nyro--I first got interested in her when I discovered that the 5th Dimension recorded her song "Love Lines Rhymes and Angles". Do you know if Laura ever recorded this gem on her own? If so could you post it along with her other songs you have here? Thanks again!
Fascinating that this song only peaked at #103 on Billboard, but on 93/KHJ in Los Angeles it reached all the way up to #3 the week of 12/28/66. The 5th Dimension's version hit #1 nationally and reached #2 at KHJ the week of 10/22/69.
I prefer the version by The 5th Dimension....but I first heard it on glee and I loved it right away so I searched it XD I don't like this version very much ;/
Yaoi47Queen 1 week ago
@Yaoi47Queen i totaly agree
GonzaloLamego 5 days ago
Movie My Girl ♥
YagoRj357 1 week ago
I saw this on gilmore girls for the first time a few years ago and now on glee tonight. I will always love this song<3
milomylove1 1 week ago
glee brought me here
SaraOhmary 1 week ago 5
@SaraOhmary im the biggest nerd for writing that
SaraOhmary 1 week ago
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SaraOhmary 1 week ago
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SaraOhmary 1 week ago
Her version is much better cause it's simple and basic
capitolemiproducer 1 week ago
I heard this song from my favorite movie My Girl c=
RawrSaysTheKittyKat 2 weeks ago
The good: I love this original tune of hers.
The bad: ENOUGH "Underworld" ads! Make Them STOP!!!!!!!
djdavemick 2 weeks ago
This is gonna be on glee.
TheRalfieFiles 2 weeks ago
Oh Laura Nyro, I love you so, I always will. :-)
amysita77 1 month ago
Great song!
songwriters2 1 month ago
She was a goddess. No one like her since. Rest well, Laura.
nitramfan 1 month ago
finally corrected today
kamelrockproductions 1 month ago
me bad. I was indeed referring to Oak Park, IL
minter74 2 months ago
I had a 45 rpm record of the single also. I used to collect 78 rpm records; I had a huge collection- I got tired of lugging them around; flood cured me of that- they got wrecked. A long time ago, 45 rpm records became very collectible. I gave mine away; However, my copy of Laura Nyro's single was not among these- I would not part with it, or several others. Alas, they are also gone now- but how thankful I am to U-tube for this version, which is very close to the original!
R-100/R-101
Phi1618ish 2 months ago
Her song, and her performance of it, are beyond the extraordinary- when I first heard it in college in '69, and still, when I hear it. It makes the hairs stand up on the small of my neck, still. I am an old guy now. Still- the hairs on the back of my neck go up!
R-100/R-101
Phi1618ish 2 months ago
Laura wrote this when she was 18. Bill was Bill Carter, who was a b-film actor.
billduncan411 2 months ago
Such a great song.
gregshell 3 months ago
For those of you who don't know, Laura Nyro recorded this song BEFORE the 5th Dimension did..because it was Laura who wrote the song...3 years before the 5D recorded it. 5D is good...LN is superbly better, IMO
michael91411 4 months ago 4
@michael91411 yes it is, and I had the 45rpm by Nyro as a kid, never heard it played ANYWHERE ever. Loaned it to a friend and regretted it, never got it back. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN DECADES I've been able to hear her sing it again. This sounds just slightly different than the version I had, the reverse of which was Stoney End. Gosh what memories!!!
GrannyTenderstone 2 months ago
@michael91411 I like the original better as well. Not only the lead singing, but I justs love the background vocals.
MrPistolMason 1 month ago
Man she was awesome!
jsilence418 4 months ago 3
"I love her so, I always will"
missbillytoast 4 months ago 3
@noahstfuboi True for the fifties, the girl-groups and Brill Building acts...but there was Stax and Motown by the early 60's that changed a lot of that....Plus Luther Dixon, Sam Cooke, Little Richard did a lot of their own stuff and Jackie Wilson worked with black producers in the late fifties like Berry Gordy. But the Brill-Building and the black girl-groups were mostly Jewish-produced.
leigy100 4 months ago
another classic shes was the best as singer and songwriter
slammer726 4 months ago
I think she was a Latina, actually. But there was no one more talented. And her voice is achingly beautiful and emotional.
ddd1570 4 months ago
Not Latina or black. Laura Nyro was of Italian descent. Her family name was Nigro (rhymes with hi-grow). Phenomenal songwriter and echoing those who've already said she's way overdue for the hall of fame.
2Tech12s 4 months ago
@noahstfuboi
Stax anyone? Jim Stewart, Chips Moman, Dan Penn, Steve Cropper?
dogkelp 5 months ago
@noahstfuboi she died like fourteen years ago
BillyT92679 6 months ago
"Cruel fact"? Were black singers and producers oblivious when they decided to work with her on her album of soul covers, "It's Gonna Take a Miracle". What were Gamble and Huff smoking?
ddevilpriestess 6 months ago
@noahstfuboi
Really? -- So what are those big issues you have with Laura Nyro singing gospel-inflected songs?
What can you hear that we awestruck Nyro fans can't?
Drblooter99 6 months ago
:14 to :16 and 1:20 to 1:22 had me reaching for my phone. Laura belongs in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Hootowl54 7 months ago
My first time hearing this song was in Gilmore Girls when Emily and Richard renew their wedding vows and I found the entire episode so great and well thought out and I loved how Richard told the story of how Emily said she wished his name was Bill so that this could be their song and he said on that day, well for today only my name is Bill and this is our song. Romance like that is what you don't see anymore. We could all learn from them.
elocin6710 7 months ago
my god, total respect !!!! writing a song this good and performing it so well at such a young age. can anyone anywhere write songs like this nowadays????
bethnalgreeen 7 months ago 3
What a great talent, I like both her original version and the hit version by The 5th Dimension of this song.
gmd1417 7 months ago
Dale good point. She was the best and a favorite to the idiots in Oak Park who are trying to forge words on their hi tech yet dummied down keyboards.
minter74 7 months ago
One of the best pop songs of all time. Having once lived in Oak Park, I'm sad to know that there are petty idiots lurking in the shadows in a otherwise fairly sane community, Though, glad as hell I'm outa there.
minter74 8 months ago
@minter74 There are various Oak Parks in the world. If you are responding to OakPark11MileRd, he is in Oak Park, Michigan. Is that the Oak Park you are talking about? I ask because I am not far from Oak Park, Illinois, which has the occasional violent crime committed by idiots or criminals lurking in the shadows. And of course, that is even more true where I am, on the South Side of Chicago.
ChicagoSouthDan 7 months ago
I would have divorced my beloved wife for the opportunity of a millennium to marry this wonderful woman. Too bad for us that Bill didn't die, and Laura did.
daledalereed 8 months ago
@OakPark11MileRd Only a full-of-themself jackass would have shit to say about any original songwriter. What songs have you written?
woodsprout 8 months ago
this is another one. How is Laura Nyro not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
TheDiggum 8 months ago 11
@TheDiggum
Numerous beyond deserving icons such as Nyro are not in the RRHF and in many respects, it's fitting when you consider so many of the worthless "musicians" they've allowed in.
death2pc 8 months ago
@TheDiggum She is now!
ShadesOfRapture 1 month ago
@TheDiggum was just announced she will be...
bitterfool 1 month ago
@TheDiggum she is going to be in the rock and roll hall of fame in 2012 along with donavan, beastie boys, the small faces/faces,red hot chilli peppers,and guns n roses
captainshadowdreamer 1 month ago
@TheDiggum She will be in a few months! (Check out her wiki article for details!)
startrekempress 1 week ago
Did Arif Mardin produce this. And is Clydie King, Shirley Matthews and Venetta Fields singing back-up?
minter74 8 months ago
@OakPark11MileRd you don't know shit oakpark
elbuck101 9 months ago
@elbuck101 I know that you mother likes the taste of sweaty balls.
Hoopermazing 9 months ago
aargh, sorry for double post lol! I love this song - the chords are gorgeous (and initially much harder to figure out than I thought) and I envy how well she wrote for someone so young at the time.
agentwaterfowl 9 months ago
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This song was stuck in my head the entire time I was watching the Royal Wedding lol (kind of ironic since Kate doesn't have to wait any more) :D
agentwaterfowl 9 months ago
This song was stuck in my head the entire time I was watching the Royal Wedding lol (kind of ironic since Kate doesn't have to wait any more) :D
agentwaterfowl 9 months ago
BILL!I LOVE YOU SO !～まさかケイトさん、同じウィリアムに～～WeddingBellBlues BY ローラニーロ #nhk
blackandtanful 9 months ago
Laura Nyro sings like Laura Nyro,,,,,,,I Love Her.....Being just a kid,,,How did she come up with these Beautifil Lyrics??..And when i die,Wedding bell blues,ECT..She was a pretty and talented young lady,,,...........Pauli
pauli760101010 9 months ago
Give LAURA NYRO a pass? Well jeez that's big a you.
rabe56 9 months ago
@OakPark11MileRd I'm not arguing with you, but if I sang this with my no talent voice, it would sound great. It's a song you just can't destroy.
StanBennet 9 months ago
I love the 5th Dimension's version, but I actually think Laura Nyro does a very good job in singing this. The 5th singing "pop-soul", and Laura Nyro "singing with soul" - they end up meeting somewhere in the middle! :-)
drwhatson 9 months ago
Love her voice and songs, far ahead of her time. Apparently, she drove her backing musicians nuts because of her excessive use of rubato: they never knew what she would do next. But who cares, she is fab.
caroline20853 10 months ago
like this if you clicked on this song because of the film ''MY GIRL''
MrLubberLubber 10 months ago
Miss Nyro's ability to fuse gospel, jazz, blues and folk together was, and still remains, UNIQUE.
Her vision was beautiful. Amongst the top 5 greatest songwriters ever born.
taildragger53 10 months ago 3
it was the full repertoire at the time. such a wonderful composer. WBB is just so upbeat.
305zzzz 10 months ago
i was studying one night during my freshman year at duke in 1976, heard the DJ came on and said caller 3 would win, and i won, but what? i learned it was a Laura Nyro album. the DJ asked if i had ever heard of Laura Nyro, i was honest and said no, i was just calling in to win something. he said that was cool, but my music life was gonna change once i heard her and fell in love with her work. i biked over to the station the next day, figuring to pick up an album, he hands me all 6 albums!
305zzzz 10 months ago 21
@305zzzz What a great memory, and fun story..!
billygoyboy 1 month ago
Thanks for the info on Ms. Nyro. I really don't know much about her music except for the things made famous by the 5th Dimension. A little presumptious on my part. Just defending Joni.
rblet 10 months ago
Laura deserved so much more recognition than she ever got. I've been a fan since the very early days. I can only assume she just never had the right manager or agent.
luvey44 11 months ago
she was truly a genius. died too early of cancer. so sad. she was the most talented female artist of all time!
TheKarenpb 11 months ago 2
i heard this song on gilmore girls and i fell in love with it!!! thank you for posting it!!!!
noh8supporter 11 months ago
I just discovered her, I had no idea she wrote so many great songs
CherryIce1114 11 months ago
I've heard this song before, but i LOVE it after Gilmore Girls :D
spuffylover95 11 months ago
I disagree with the Joni Mitchell comment. Mitchell was not striving for the catchy lyrical or musical pop hook that Nyro obviously perfected. And although Nyro's songs clearly have soul, its much more on a pop level. The soul in many of Mitchell's songs is not nearly as sentimental. While both artists wrote from the heart, Mitchell's songs are all heart.
rblet 11 months ago
@rblet The Laura/Joni debate is interesting. You are right that Joni was usually not "catchy" but there are some exceptions like "Car on a Hill", "Big Yellow Taxi" and "Help Me". And Laura was much more than the Brill Building swing heard on this album, which she wrote but did not produce. The rest of her albums were 100% Laura and most of the songs sound very different. Pls. listen to the mysterious, darkly beautiful lyrics and melodies of Eli, NY Tendaberry and Xmas and the Beads of Sweat.
pnyc1969 10 months ago
Joni Mitchell gets all the credit for being the greatest female songwriter, but you know what? Laura Nyro was a better tunesmith than Mitchell. Much better. Laura Nyro's tunes were so joyous and beautiful. They leave Joni Mitchell's songs in the dust.
pinkhighway 11 months ago 2
Laura Nyro is an amazing musician who got so little of what she deserved in terms of fame, and play. She's just gorgeous, gorgeous.
cloudfall23 1 year ago
This the meaning of the word : SOUL
vegasmclub 1 year ago
I read an interview with Laura where she said there was no "Bill", or anyone that she was trying to marry. She just wanted to do a commercial pop song, and pulled lines from earlier songs, and thought this would sell. "Bill" was a nice, short male name that rhymed with a lot of words.
MegaObserver1 1 year ago
@MegaObserver1
Really? oh damn.I thought it was an unrequited love affair.
tillieanne76 1 year ago
Absolutely beautiful Hope she got the financial rewards for these songs.Like many others i never realised she wrote these songs and what a talent she truly was.I only stumbled on to her after watching Elton John in an interview on the telly.he couldnt praise her enough so i thought i must have a listen.glad i did.
ipanemaish 1 year ago
When my cousin was dating a guy named neil, my aunt a/nd i would sing this for my cousin to neil. We would be like, would you marry me neil? I love you so I always will. Haha this song brings back memories.
sydrocks10 1 year ago
Laura's was an amazing talent--one of kind---indefinable--with this social conscious feeling in her voice that one doesn't get in the slick bands/pop singers....can't explain it--well, most of you know what I mean. Laura is up there on a cloud, yet right down there by the river. AJ Music Girl we all thank you for posting!
windstorm1000 1 year ago
The originals are always the best, arent they? Thanks so much for sharing this.
MrPistolMason 1 year ago
Forgotten again by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame judges. Maybe one day she will get the recognition she deserves as she influenced so many other artists.
idigyoubaby 1 year ago
Yearning is defined as a "tender or urgent longing". This song and the way she sings it expresses yearning better than any other song I've ever heard. She just wraps her voice around it and becomes it. Yearning is personal and that's why the Fifth Dimension's version doesn't cut it - it's too slick. How can anybody 19 write this? I'm still amazed 45 years later.
stoolhandluke 1 year ago
i like this version better than 5th dimensions
15writergirl 1 year ago
@15writergirl darn. i meant to give your comment a thumbs up. wonder if there's any way i can undo it.
HotKit 1 year ago
@HotKit its ok your support is enough
15writergirl 1 year ago
Everyone recognizes Laura's songwriting brilliance but she was a great singer too.
zowlik 1 year ago
Laura Nyro was in a category by herself, crossed so many musical boundries...absolutely amazing. I miss her genius.
ralphmorris54 1 year ago
Nice but the 5th Dimension did this better.
FoxPlant2006 1 year ago
@FoxPlant2006 I think there's room for both.
windstorm1000 10 months ago
laura nyro has bin an inspiration as a writer and an artist to loads of singers including barbra streisand and lots of others who have soul god bless her memory
stevebful 1 year ago
Every girl at Ohio U in the mid 70's had this album in her dorm room. Ah memories , ah youth. Ah Laura Nyro.
jmon73 1 year ago
@jmon73 yo babe im a blues guitarist from england and yeh, eli and the thirteenth has to be compulsive listening to anyone, male or female, who profess to have a musical bone in their body
stevebful 1 year ago
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porscheghcje 1 year ago
very nice - I had never heard this before- Nice to hear the orignal!-- thanks for the video!
roselandalvin 1 year ago
I fucking adore this piece of pop heaven
poeticjournalism 1 year ago
None of the cover versions of her songs come near Laura's originals. None.
heru1966 1 year ago
@heru1966 aint that the truth! i keep mtryin to convince my son boot this
stevebful 1 year ago
Amazing!! She wrote everything.
ckhthd 1 year ago
She had such an amazing voice.
anonymystery13 1 year ago
I had never even heard of Laura Nyro until coming to this song on Youtube. I am so glad that I now know about her. What a voice--strong and beautiful. I like this better than the 5th Dimension version. Thank you for posting, AJMusicgirl! I would never have known about her if you had not.
MultiStats 1 year ago 12
this is groovy
MotownMaster 1 year ago
@MotownMaster
I second that emotion! Laura Nyro's early death from cancer deprived this world of one of it's most gifted singer-songwriters.
JubalCalif 1 year ago
She was not quite twenty when this was released in late '66. Astonishing.
TheDiggum 1 year ago 3
sounds like this are a template for many years too come,many come but never have that inner skill to make others feel emotions.lets take a moment to think about the bass and drum section in this tune,they tie down the tune so the others in the line up can paint there magic.when your down and there bad times coimin,hear this song and it will carry you on that bit further.peace and love from the uk.
penyafan 1 year ago
Laura's songs got me through college the first time around, 1972 and for the next 20 years. Listen to LaBelle singing with her, too. Other favorites - Eva Cassidy, Adele, Amy MacDonald, Harry Nilsson, kd lang of course! Love love love Emmie, Tomcat (these aren't the right titles necessarily but what I remember of the songs..), the bells.....
19161953 1 year ago
Amazing...
Mrsvampirefreak97 1 year ago
Laura Nyro desires all praise for all her many talents. But, sometimes, often-times, There comes a singer like Marilyn McCoo who takes a really good song and makes it truly great... !
Hesperus135 1 year ago
no one ... just like Carole King sings her own songs better than anyone
jjdebaca 1 year ago
@jjdebaca ...I hope you don't find my comment disrespectful but I don't agree with that at all. First of all, I don't believe it's King's singing that drives her records, it's her indelible, unforgettable, piano-driven arrangements, and although her version of "A Natural Woman" is sublime, Aretha's original is certainly the best. King is a good singer but her true talents lie with her writing.
And likewise here, I prefer McCoo's version to Nyro.
911insidejo8 1 year ago
@911insidejo8 I agree with that ... it's not to say that Laura or Carole aren't great performers or interpreters of their material, it's just that Aretha and Marilyn are incredible singers and really put their stamp on those songs.
jerryg1964 1 year ago
RIP Laura you are awesome still and a timeless wonder for those who stayed behind here. Thank you for the great great songs. (It's a real tribute to her writing talent that so many diverse groups and singers did so well with her songs-though I wish she had had more hits under her own name-there were always
olytanis 1 year ago
I don't get the adoration for Nyro's voice. Just listen to the weak, almost flat first note this track. Not to mention how totally sloppy the arrangements and production are. The horn arrangements are laughable. Nyro's recordings sound like rushed demos. Listen to her recording of Stoney End, and compare it to Streisand's. There are places where she clearly miss her entrances. The good versions are by the great pop voices, i.e., Streisand, McCoo, David Clayton-Thomas. As a SONGWRITER- A++
hojpub 1 year ago
@hojpub The key word is "almost" flat. I like Laura's voice and arrangements just fine, and you need only look to Steely Dan to see the limitations of making sure your recording comes out "perfect."
poosanias 1 year ago
@hojpub That's exactly why people love her music, not overly commercialized like you seem to enjoy.
spareaxe 1 year ago
I love Youtube. Thank you. This is so rare I downloaded it.
sharkbait8088 1 year ago
Um, Marylin McCoo definitely comes to mind...
Agoateeman 1 year ago
Just beautiful. I'm a late, late fan of this woman. Mea culpa!
shout102 1 year ago
Kenny Rankin has said that of all the people who ever influenced him, Laura Nyro was the one. Wish I could here that song they did together.
ABOSS302 1 year ago
I actually like this one better that the fifth dimension's version. I have never been a huge fan of Marilyn McCoo's voice- something about the way she pronounces her R's
tdiddy0027 1 year ago
marilyn mc coo sounds a trillion time better hands down she own the song
gemmni1 1 year ago
@gemmni1 Disagree. Marilyn McCoo has a triffic voice and it's a great version, but Laura still owns the song and wins in a photo-finish.
RichTBikkies 1 year ago
@RichTBikkies NOT EVEN CLOSE
jba2323 1 year ago
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@gemmni1 Disagree. Marilyn McCoo has a triffic voice and it's a great version, but Laura still owns the song and wins in a photo-finish.
RichTBikkies 1 year ago
Laura Nyro is a legend!!!!!!!!!!!!
delgadosfan 1 year ago 3
As I've said several times on YouTube -- perhaps to the point of obnoxiousness, though I hope not:)-- Laura Nyro was a genius. Not only because of her musical intelligence and sophistication. Nor only because of her skill with lyrics and the elements of poetry, like rhyme, rhythm, onomatopoeia, etc. Don't get me wrong; each is vital in Nyro's work. But the icing on the cake is her VOICE. Rich, beautiful, soulful, wide-ranging, utterly heartfelt ---
stevevandien 1 year ago 2
This brought me back to my junior year of high school. I loved her. Thank you so much.
vrsing 1 year ago
When this album came out in 1969, I was working at "a hip" FM station in Detroit....we played this LP start to finish one night...actually a few times, it was that good.
tmf945 1 year ago
I got that one from Gertrude Steins' Alice B. Toklas. Serious...they were friends. In any case it makes perfect sense...especially if you are an artist AND the kind that is the first to go over the top. Messy, yeah sure, but somebody's got to do it. :)
StevenCarinci 1 year ago
The two things that I really love about this version over the 5th Dimension's (which is a great rendition too!) is the blusey harmonica and the syncopation Laura gives the lines "Oh I was on your side Bill" and "I was the one came running when you were losing".
Marilyn McCoo has a gorgeous voice and the rest of the 5th Dimension sing beautiful back up harmonies to support her, but Laura makes the song swing and that's pretty cool too!
PoetryMan11 2 years ago 3
It isn't a rendition. SHE WROTE THE TUNE! She's like Dylan. The covers were always more sonorous...but so what. As Picasso said, it's always easier to pretty things up than to create it from scratch.
StevenCarinci 1 year ago
Hi Steve-- I guess Ididn't make it clear, but Iqasaware that this is Laura's song. The "rendition" I was refering to was McCoo and the 5th Dimension's version of the same song. Not every composer doesthe definitive versionof any particular song they write (eg. much of Bob Dylan's music was better sung by those covering them than by Dylan himself).
Also, Judy Collins had the big hit with "Both Sides Now" despite Joni Mitchell's brilliance as it's composer and original performer.
PoetryMan11 1 year ago
Not to mention, that Roberta Flack had a HUGE hit with "Killing Me Softly(with his song) but it was first recorded as a folk song by teenaged(?) singer/songwriter Lori Lieberman.
cmulwee001 1 year ago
Did Picasso really say that? I studied him for a while when I was young. Never heard/read that one.
nauort23 1 year ago
he admitted and recognized his art was inferior to the classic representations and produced his art for clients to speculate and manipulate art scene,( make money?) he discusses this on you tube I think i saw it soemwhere if not here.
xtiml 1 year ago
Love to you all. But really, Carole King, truly great songwriter. But truly grates as a singer
peterzang 2 years ago
you did not answer my question peteranag. is it a coincidence that laura wrote this song in 1966 and then marilyn mccoo sang it to her husband to be billy davis jr in 1969 when they were in the fifth dimenision. It is an amazing thing.
MrJim12341121 2 years ago
Hey Jim: You know what bummed me out? They used this song and commented on it disparagingly in Gilmore Girls. They usually had such good taste in music on that show. Bummed me out. Regarding your question: I think Laura wrote this as a sort of homage to Rodgers and Hammerstein. The "Bill" is a nod to "Carousel" I think!
peterzang 2 years ago
I just discovered who laura nyro was yesterday and I am amazed at her song writing talent. I love blood sweat and tears and the fifth dimension and was in shock when I found out they were not the original writers or singer. Laura is the unrecognized hero in such hits. It is ashame she never got the fame she deserved. She is also a talented singer. It is sad she died at 49. she had more gift to give the world.
MrJim12341121 2 years ago 2
New customers are always welcome. I saw her at the Fillmore in 1970. Where's the biography of her? Or her Hall Of Fame nom. There isn't a singer/songwriter alive who doesn't worship her. Todd Rundgren, The Roches, Aimee Mann, Elvis C. The list is endless
peterzang 2 years ago
@MrJim12341121
Yeh I discovered her acouple of years ago and got a couple of her albums.
Her talent is right up there with Joni Mitchell, and maybe more versatile in styles -- she'd combine in one song rhythm & blues, show tunes, jazz, modern pop, soul and more.
Genius.
drwinkle101 2 years ago
Laura wrote this song in 1966. Marilyn mccoo sung this in 1969 towards her husband to be Billy Davis Jr. Is this a coincidence or what. I always thought Marilyn wrote the song about billy. what a surprise
MrJim12341121 2 years ago
And Laura was about 18. Prodigy or what???
peterzang 2 years ago
To all the folks who are thumbs down: this is not your genre.......Let Laura rest in peace with dignity........ Happy Hanukkah, Laura
RamonaFromPomona 2 years ago
The 5th Dimension did the song essentially like the original, they didn't really bring anything to it...Laura's is better, sounds more natural. 5th D is a bit too 'mannered' for me.
heru1966 2 years ago 2
i love you, Laura! your sweet music is the soundtrack of my misspent youth, may we all be that innocent again someday. God bless Laura Nyro.
originaltbyrd 2 years ago 2
With talent for songwriting like this, Laura Nyro could have gone down as the equal to Carole King. After all, she wrote this as a teenager. That's incredibly gifted ability for such a young age. But she never topped her earlier stuff for me and then retired and was in and out of the biz, never seeming suited for it which is just fine but it's too bad she isn't still with us for more music. I don't think she had an outstanding voice- like King- but could emote her words and music excellently.
journeythruthepast 2 years ago 2
@journeythruthepast Thumbs are down to you, baby...
RamonaFromPomona 2 years ago
? What for? I just said she didn't have an outstanding voice. It was good though, better than Carole King's at least.
journeythruthepast 2 years ago
RIP Laura.
ElectricShark 2 years ago
Another example of someone playing the race card when it's totally uncalled for.
argopunk 2 years ago
@argopunk You obviously are out of touch and did not live in the day...You live in a different world of music and should stay there.........Grow up
RamonaFromPomona 2 years ago
What are talking about Ramona. Grow up? You must be a tool.
argopunk 2 years ago
Thats not at all racist; the muse speaks through the writer alone; all renditions by those who later record the song[s] are interpretations only. Quite often the interpretations are musically superior to the original version by the witer, but they are derivative, not original. The fifth dimension was a group with incredible talent, as a matter of fact I saw them perform in Las Vegas at the Riviera in 73 and 74. But as good as they were , the muse spoke through Laura Nyro on her songs, not them.
moosehead556 2 years ago 2
What a creative genius; the fifth dimension were certainly more commercial, but the muse spoke through Laura.
moosehead556 2 years ago
I am an amateur singer/songwriter. I do not claim to have a good, or commercial voice, and fancy myself more of a writer than performer. Although I adore Laura's range and emotive qualities, I also am a product of 60s & 70s AM radio. I prefer the 5th Dimension, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and the others who breathed life into Laura's incredible writing. I defer to others in my own music as you will hear if you cue up my song "Virginia" as interpreted by Kris Rowley. (please see next comment ---->)
FlyingHorseKnuckles 2 years ago
It is my greatest joy to hear others perform my music. I'm sure Laura was thrilled to hear the powerhouse performances others gave to her writings as she herself held back from overbearing celebrity. Her recordings reveal the spirit of the creative muse within her. That insight in itself makes them something to cherish. She does have an incredible voice (mine sucks, big time), but still, her strength lay in her writing. Thank you for posting these wonderful songs from a brilliant genius!
~Jon
FlyingHorseKnuckles 2 years ago
I grew up on a ranch and came to the University of Texas not knowing about a lot of singers like Laura. My friend Nevin Dolcefino was the one that turned me on to Laura and others as well. Thanks, Nevin
jhr459 2 years ago
This is the best version of the song--hands down.
Kirke182 2 years ago
Commercially no. Innocently yes.
StanBennet 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
oh please comparing her to carole king? carole king was a terrible singer and banged on the piano, i never could stand her. SHe did write great songs but was not much of a singer.
imajeepster 2 years ago
It's too late was one helluva song and she sang it well. I respect your opinion, but sometimes someone who can't sing can.
StanBennet 2 years ago
I wasn't saying she doesn't do a soulful rendition, but unlike Carole King (also a less than stellar vocalist), I find many of her notes unlistenable. But that's just my ear, not yours or countless other fans. Her lovely songs became more well known in the hands of great vocalists, that's all. .... like Carole, her songs are terrific!
screenwitch 2 years ago
The 5D's version is still the standard but this one is also good... I miss Laura...she was a major creative force in the '60s, only I can think of Caroline King as coming close to her.
raponte1955 2 years ago
Excellent songwriting !! Obviously not a stellar vocalist. ;-)
screenwitch 2 years ago
I agree with your point one but disagree with point two. I'd say "obviously not a stellar polished fake singer". However this is a real hearfelt honest performance - which I much prefer.
jcisbell 2 years ago
The song's simply beautiful... and somehow I think a Dusty Springfield version would be really cool..
Hedvibelle 2 years ago
Wow! She has a beautiful voice. I have to admit that I like the arrangement on the version by the 5th Dimenion a little better (especially the outro where Marylin McCoo repeats "I've got the Wedding Bell Blues"), but nevertheless, its a lovely song.
raelraven2 2 years ago 7
The more well known cover by The 5th Dimension was originally the second part to their original version of "The Worst That Could Happen" which would be covered note for note by The Brooklin Bridge. 5th Dim. "Worst..." segued directly into "Wedding..."
cmulwee001 2 years ago
That's interesting--I had no idea about the segue. I love the 5th Dimension version (fond memories of having a huge crush on the singer when I was 8 years old!), but Laura's voice is absolutely beautiful. Hearing this version did inspire me to listen to many more Laura Nyro songs on youtube, which has been a real joy.
raelraven2 2 years ago
The Worst That Could Happen was not on the same album as Wedding Bell Blues.
Wedding Bell Blues was on Age of Aquarius...Worst was on Either The Magic Garden or Stone Soul Picnic *I can't remember right now*.
The Segue was on a Best of Album.
However, Laura's version is VERY nice....I do like the 5th's version better though.
MsTexas73 2 years ago
I knew this wonderful voice in 1991 from my dear friend Antonio Dal Bon! I didn't forget Laura Nyro and him! Thank's Tony
sagittariofly 2 years ago
AJMusicgirl--thank you for this lolvely shrine to the singing and songs of Laura Nyro--I first got interested in her when I discovered that the 5th Dimension recorded her song "Love Lines Rhymes and Angles". Do you know if Laura ever recorded this gem on her own? If so could you post it along with her other songs you have here? Thanks again!
PoetryMan11 2 years ago
Great song :)
LimettenJO 2 years ago
Fascinating that this song only peaked at #103 on Billboard, but on 93/KHJ in Los Angeles it reached all the way up to #3 the week of 12/28/66. The 5th Dimension's version hit #1 nationally and reached #2 at KHJ the week of 10/22/69.
mylittledecoy77 2 years ago 2