Rufus would never sing just any old song. It is clear that he cherishes this masterpiece by the great Burt Bacharach and that he passionately tries and succeeds to do it justice.
Can you hear me whistle with the crowd? Geeze, what a beautiful song. I'm living in kentucky now and I can see a video forming in my headof all the places tat he would be...imagination downloads again!
I had a song in my head as a teenager 60 years ago and after all those years-2 years ago in 2015, I sat and wrote the lyrics and used some of the melody of this song for my tune. Had it professionally recorded and here it is.
Heard this on the Jools Holland show with Burt Bacharach...just loved as new someone called Martha and thought it perfect and been trying to buy it ever since to no avail...take it it's not recorded...I'd be first one in queue!
To think that this was originally recorded in 1963 and included on Jerry Butler's 'Giving up on Love' album. Wow! This is the best version though, in my opinion. Pity that, as far as I can see, it wasn't released commercially for purchase. It was one of many magic moments on the Jools Holland show. If anyone knows if Bacharach and Wainwright recorded it and where it can be purchased, do please let us know.
Just so everyone will know...the first hit version was by Lou Johnson, early 60's. The title was "Kentucky Bluebird (Message to Martha)". Dionne Warwick and other female singers changed it to "Message to Michael" when they recorded it in later years.
Agreed it's a marvellous song - been in my head for over 50 years. First version I heard was Adam Faith but best so far is Dionne Warwick - normally not one of my top favourltes.
Sorry...you mis-read my post. First HIT version. I knew about Jerry Butler's version, because he is one of my favorites. I own most of Butler's vinyl singles. Lou's version was played often on the radio. I don't think that Jerry's version was ever released as a single. If you had replied to me, I would have answered this 2 months ago. Thanks.
nice try but Burt says Jerry Butler recorded it first in 1963 as Message to Martha, Lou then Dionne etc. check the Burt Bios and Library of Congress records and you'll see
I wonder how Rufus felt about the change in lyrics from Michael to Martha; being a gay man. He must have respected the deeply conservative values of the master himself, Burt Bacharach!!
I cannot believe such a great song so wonderfully song is practically has had so few viewers. Great music.
Wonderful version of this song. ❤️
Rufus would never sing just any old song. It is clear that he cherishes this masterpiece by the great Burt Bacharach and that he passionately tries and succeeds to do it justice.
Adam Faith, a singer from England, did a very good version of this song: worth listening to.
Love this arrangement and Wainwright 's voice
Can you hear me whistle with the crowd? Geeze, what a beautiful song. I'm living in kentucky now and I can see a video forming in my headof all the places tat he would be...imagination downloads again!
Amazing Voice and performance! Gorgeous Talented Person Rufus! I love him!💕
rufus can take any old song and make it wonderful1
Thanks for posting
Rufus can sing any song and make it the best ever!
Absolutely true, Mary. I'm too old to be wrong!
i miss you lorenzo !!!
Just amazing !
love this version,its majic!!
Love it! 👍😊😎
I had a song in my head as a teenager 60 years ago and after all those years-2 years ago in 2015, I sat and wrote the lyrics and used some of the melody of this song for my tune. Had it professionally recorded and here it is.
This will let you hear my song www.jango.com/music/Tammy+Eccles?l=0
The best version I think of the song. Bacharach tells such a sad, beautiful story in the lyrics and music. Luv that Rufus.
Check out Adam Faith.
This just blew me away first time I heard it on Jools. Spent ages trying to find a recording. No chance but at least I can find it here!
Heard this on the Jools Holland show with Burt Bacharach...just loved as new someone called Martha and thought it perfect and been trying to buy it ever since to no avail...take it it's not recorded...I'd be first one in queue!
To think that this was originally recorded in 1963 and included on Jerry Butler's 'Giving up on Love' album. Wow!
This is the best version though, in my opinion. Pity that, as far as I can see, it wasn't released commercially for purchase. It was one of many magic moments on the Jools Holland show.
If anyone knows if Bacharach and Wainwright recorded it and where it can be purchased, do please let us know.
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Best version of the song. So why doesn't Rufus record it?
Just so everyone will know...the first hit version was by Lou Johnson, early 60's. The title was "Kentucky Bluebird (Message to Martha)". Dionne Warwick and other female singers changed it to "Message to Michael" when they recorded it in later years.
Wonderful!
Gorgeous rendition from a gorgeous man.
Agreed it's a marvellous song - been in my head for over 50 years. First version I heard was Adam Faith but best so far is Dionne Warwick - normally not one of my top favourltes.
rufus and martha are so sweet together
Rufus is GOD
Sorry...you mis-read my post. First HIT version. I knew about Jerry Butler's version, because he is one of my favorites. I own most of Butler's vinyl singles. Lou's version was played often on the radio. I don't think that Jerry's version was ever released as a single. If you had replied to me, I would have answered this 2 months ago. Thanks.
Rufus Wainwright's sister's name is Martha.
@RKMARTIN The best English version. Marlene Dietrich still kills it.
nice try but Burt says Jerry Butler recorded it first in 1963 as Message to Martha, Lou then Dionne etc. check the Burt Bios and Library of Congress records and you'll see
I wonder how Rufus felt about the change in lyrics from Michael to Martha; being a gay man. He must have respected the deeply conservative values of the master himself, Burt Bacharach!!
I prefer the Dionne Warwick version, which I've always known as "Message to Michael"...
He's the gay messiah
Message to martha not Kentucky bluebird
Shouldn`t have bothered. Adam Faith got him beat hands down😞
Lou Johnson sings it and makes more sense...nice voice but no emotion like lou s soul.