I agree with your comments. I think this song was one of the first hits of the last century and was done by just about everybody. Back then you just couldn't miss..
I have tracked him for many years. Never lived in his time but born 59 and introduced to him and his style by a loving parent. Will never look back. So many like this guy died young, Al, liberace, freddie, jackson. they brought a talent, more than that, life and a message to us all.
WOW ! I have never heard of this marvelous singer before ! How great that at my advanced age, over 60, I can find this brilliant , joyfull singer here on RUclips. Thanks so very much for posting . I am now off to Ebay/Amazon to track down any cds. I can never thank you enough for posting. Had goosebumps watching his performance and hearing his expresive and beautiful voice.
As the others say, it is amazing to see Al Sing and it is such a shame that he was taken from us like he was. My favourite songs by him are this, 'Midnight the stars and you' and also 'It's all Forgotten now' Thanks
Thank you so much, I have listened to Al for many years, and this is the first time I've ever seen moving footage of him, looks like he's enjoying him self. Wonderful stuff!
@albowllyniece He was the ultimate singer, you are truly blessed to have such great heritage in your family! A lot of people (myself included) would give anything to travel back and see him perform live!
His vocal control is just flawless. That last note on 'melancholy too' is just wow! I have commented before on this video but I cam back again...cant get enough. I recorded a really good Al Bowlly documentary on the tv. Thinkin of doing the Al Bowlly tour in london, visit his haunts and grave
Thanks for your note Confetta. Just ordered a cd from ebay. Can't wait to receive it. Til then I will be playing this video and "The Very Thought Of You " over and over again.He joins Mildred Bailey, Johnny Hartman and Lee Wiley as one of my favorite singers. And thanks for your wonderful site !
What marvelous clips! First time ever to see Al Bowlly on film. Al was probably performing in NY with the Noble band when he made this clip being on holiday back in London. The sound quality is quite good. I think they used carbon mikes in UK sound studios then. Litter was an excellent pianist.
I just discovered Bowlly a few months ago, and have downloaded about 30 of his songs...I listen to them a lot lately. There's just something about that era of music that's very soothing. I do have to say that my favorite version of "Melancholy Baby" is the version by Gene Austin. I think my favorites from Al Bowlly are "In The Still Of The Night" and "Little Lady Make Believe". The guitar work on the latter is surprisingly modern sounding...it's only played at the begining of the song tho.
This is an amazing film. I'm puzzled because Bowlly doesn't seem to have a British accent! He couldn't have been in America that long! What a relaxed natural style and great sense of swing. Lovely. And marvelous pianist.
I always tried to imagine how those great crooners of 20ies and 30ies look and how they act while singing. Now I can finally compare my imagination with a real (movie) performance. All I can say is that my imaginaton was poor. The movie shows so many details - real enthusiasm, pure musicality, open heart to share with all others lightly and naturally. No ego, no shouting, it looks like praying. I agree that Al Bowly is one of the best crooner ever.
So, I'm reading "Joy in the Morning," by Betty Smith--it's set in the late 1920s, and has several references to characters singing/humming this song. I just had to hear it for myself, and, man, I agree with everyone that it's simply timeless. The song's nearly 100 years old, and I can't get enough. *sigh* Sometimes, I think I was born in the wrong era...
I've always been a fan of Al since watching 'The Shinning' and wondering who sang the track at the end of the movie. Since then got lots of tracks from him from itunes. Awesome voice and presence and what a loss because of the Blitz. RIP Al
I thought it was my general and interest in 1920s 30s music, but I figured out its just Al Bowlly. His songs are the best to learn if you're auditioning for choir or theatre, very easy. Did you know that he died in a German air raid on Britain. A bomb got him
Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to see Al Bowlly perform. What fascinates me is that it seems he is working volume control with the mike as he performs - that he steps closer when singing intimately, and backs up when he belts out - is he modulating the sound?
I've just discovered this guy, thanks to you (furlight) and he's awesome! I'm searching for more. It's odd though, to me his diction sounds more american than british.
@thainfern04 - Yes, it's typical English dance band music of the day. Most of these songs are evergreens - they're timeless. Nice to hear someone from the 90s likes this music. Try "The Very Thought of You" to hear Al Bowlly at his very best. It's on YT.
This is great. I - probably in common with most posters - was born after Bowlly's death, but he clearly was a fantastic performer. While watching this performance, I was struck by a similarity in delivery to the current up-and-coming Scottish star Paulo Nutini. I wonder if Paulo has been consciously influenced by Al Bowlly. He's certainly in the same tradition.
Only just discovered who Al was (this week) after years of hearing his voice in period dramas and films. You seem to know what you are talking about, perhaps you can help? In the 1980's there was a Chanel No5 commercial which used 'I Don't Want to Set the World On Fire' as the music over glossy images. It was a long time ago but it sounded just like Al Bowlly. Do you know if he recorded the song and is it available today? Thanks.
Al Made it sound so easy and simple, yet his timing, diction, control was amazing! True the Nazi's caused his deasth, but if he had observed the air raid warning as others in his hotel did, he would have gone on, like Vera Lynn to bring us joy with his music well into the 1970's. From Pete 'Kiwi' Keegan
I have unbridled contempt for contemporary singers and so-called stylists who wreck these wonderful old songs. Al Bowlly's singing is unaffected and true to the songwriters' intentions. A perfect complement to Ray Noble's orchestra.
In my message just now, that should of course read Paolo Nutini, not Paulo. Being a Paul myself, I got confused. I am now going to have to go on a quest to find whether Mr Nutini has ever listened to Mr Bowlly.
the best crooner there ever was now you got the so called singer rod stewart trying to cash in singing 30s songs not even in the same leauge as Al Bowlly
@CJkaiju Yes- a talented handsome man - he could have been safe elsewhere but chose to stay with his country in its darkest hours. A life sadly cut short. So were a lot of other people's. Tragic all of it. Nothing glorious, despite the bravery and sacrifice of so many. A world war that destroyed tens of millions of lives. I'm not very positive at all about us -any of us -surviving the next one.
Charles Brown, if you believe in reincarnation, you were from that time, everyone is born again, and again, that's why you have memories of that time, and that music, :-) :-) :-)
I've always hated this song until now. Everything this man sings he owns. His version of Over the Rainbow leaves Judy Garland, who I'm not a fan of, in the dust. I'm so greatful that I recently discovered Al Bowlly. He tops Sinatra.
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I'm 17 years old and I love this music. Amazing quality, especially the audio!
now you're 28
The song is as old as dirt, this fresh, wonderful rendition would play well even today I think, thanks again......
Its Great that footage like this exists as its from an era of long ago. Well done for putting this on here and keeping this man's legacy alive.
Al Bowlly-the haunting, timeless, life affirming breathless charm of a perfect music box made into a man
Couldn't have said it better my self,
& though I still feel the same...
I agree with your comments. I think this song was one of the first hits of the last century and was done by just about everybody. Back then you just couldn't miss..
Happy Birthday Al - one of the greatest singers of our time.
I have tracked him for many years. Never lived in his time but born 59 and introduced to him and his style by a loving parent. Will never look back. So many like this guy died young, Al, liberace, freddie, jackson. they brought a talent, more than that, life and a message to us all.
Thank you, Mr. Bowlly!!! That was lovely!
WOW ! I have never heard of this marvelous singer before ! How great that at my advanced age, over 60, I can find this brilliant , joyfull singer here on RUclips. Thanks so very much for posting . I am now off to Ebay/Amazon to track down any cds. I can never thank you enough for posting. Had goosebumps watching his performance and hearing his expresive and beautiful voice.
Thank you for putting this up - now I have SEEN the Inimitable Al vocalising as well as heard him - I didn't realise he was so lean.
As the others say, it is amazing to see Al Sing and it is such a shame that he was taken from us like he was. My favourite songs by him are this, 'Midnight the stars and you' and also 'It's all Forgotten now' Thanks
Thank you so much, I have listened to Al for many years, and this is the first time I've ever seen moving footage of him, looks like he's enjoying him self. Wonderful stuff!
One of the great voices of the century. Just pure class, taste, intelligence.
He reminds me of my parents as they listened to his discs. I shall always be grateful to Al for that memory.
Absolute quality this. He's a master
@albowllyniece He was the ultimate singer, you are truly blessed to have such great heritage in your family! A lot of people (myself included) would give anything to travel back and see him perform live!
LOL...gotta love the dance jig he does when they change tempo!
just amazing to see him at last. thanks.
The man was a genius with music. He was born to be a singer and was. He was among many greats back then...and damn I just love the song
His vocal control is just flawless. That last note on 'melancholy too' is just wow! I have commented before on this video but I cam back again...cant get enough. I recorded a really good Al Bowlly documentary on the tv. Thinkin of doing the Al Bowlly tour in london, visit his haunts and grave
Just masterful. What a vocal genius; so underrated. Such a precious piece of film footage.
absoloutely! thanks for this, he really melts my heart!
Absolutely beautiful, bless you Al. Music me, my parents and grandparents can listen to together!
Loved this song since hearing Pricilla Lane sing it in the 1939 classic,"The Roaring Twenties",one of my most favorite films!
Great voice great version of an old song even then. Thanks!
Oh, my heart!
Al had a really good voice!
Wonderful recording of Al Bowlly.
Aah! Same! What a singer!
Thanks for your note Confetta. Just ordered a cd from ebay. Can't wait to receive it. Til then I will be playing this video and "The Very Thought Of You " over and over again.He joins Mildred Bailey, Johnny Hartman and Lee Wiley as one of my favorite singers. And thanks for your wonderful site !
Matchless performance by Al; Don't forget his piano player!
Beautifully rendered! It reminds me of W. C. Fields quip: "She has a body like a melon and a head like a collie".
What marvelous clips! First time ever to see Al Bowlly on film. Al was probably performing in NY with the Noble band when he made this clip being on holiday back in London. The sound quality is quite good. I think they used carbon mikes in UK sound studios then. Litter was an excellent pianist.
I just discovered Bowlly a few months ago, and have downloaded about 30 of his songs...I listen to them a lot lately. There's just something about that era of music that's very soothing. I do have to say that my favorite version of "Melancholy Baby" is the version by Gene Austin. I think my favorites from Al Bowlly are "In The Still Of The Night" and "Little Lady Make Believe". The guitar work on the latter is surprisingly modern sounding...it's only played at the begining of the song tho.
Very pleasant voice.
Soooooo sweet...
What a fantastic performer. Brillant. Great audio quality..
Such depth and sincerity.
This is an amazing film. I'm puzzled because Bowlly doesn't seem to have a British accent! He couldn't have been in America that long! What a relaxed natural style and great sense of swing. Lovely. And marvelous pianist.
Exceptional “soundie” amazing fidelity lovely singing!
I always tried to imagine how those great crooners of 20ies and 30ies look and how they act while singing. Now I can finally compare my imagination with a real (movie) performance. All I can say is that my imaginaton was poor. The movie shows so many details - real enthusiasm, pure musicality, open heart to share with all others lightly and naturally. No ego, no shouting, it looks like praying. I agree that Al Bowly is one of the best crooner ever.
Awesome footage of him, thanks!
So, I'm reading "Joy in the Morning," by Betty Smith--it's set in the late 1920s, and has several references to characters singing/humming this song. I just had to hear it for myself, and, man, I agree with everyone that it's simply timeless. The song's nearly 100 years old, and I can't get enough. *sigh* Sometimes, I think I was born in the wrong era...
the consummate crooner. very fine.
Great post.
Thanks for sharing.
I've always been a fan of Al since watching 'The Shinning' and wondering who sang the track at the end of the movie. Since then got lots of tracks from him from itunes.
Awesome voice and presence and what a loss because of the Blitz.
RIP Al
It's great!
sooo gooood
I thought it was my general and interest in 1920s 30s music, but I figured out its just Al Bowlly. His songs are the best to learn if you're auditioning for choir or theatre, very easy.
Did you know that he died in a German air raid on Britain. A bomb got him
I agree with the other comments about the sound quality. It's actually quite phenomenal, and far exceeds most available recordings from that era.
thanks for sharing this treasure!
Love the 20's 30s music Check Out The Footloose Dance Orchestra from the UK
Got it on an old '78 from my Grandfather.
Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to see Al Bowlly perform. What fascinates me is that it seems he is working volume control with the mike as he performs - that he steps closer when singing intimately, and backs up when he belts out - is he modulating the sound?
Unbeaten. He showed Bing Crosby the path. Bless them both...
I've just discovered this guy, thanks to you (furlight) and he's awesome! I'm searching for more. It's odd though, to me his diction sounds more american than british.
amazing.
Strewth! That was quick, thank you.
@thainfern04 - Yes, it's typical English dance band music of the day. Most of these songs are evergreens - they're timeless. Nice to hear someone from the 90s likes this music. Try "The Very Thought of You" to hear Al Bowlly at his very best. It's on YT.
Al was born in Mozambique and grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa before moving to England.
I really wish a great movie was made about him.
what class .I ve got some records of him
Al was brought up in South Africa
@sweeetxfire He definitely got all the ladies
Cheers, mate, even found the advert!
Sometimes, I Feel like I was born in the wrong era as well. Al had a great voice!
Absolutely capital.
Hop into the time machine! Al’s driving.
This is great. I - probably in common with most posters - was born after Bowlly's death, but he clearly was a fantastic performer. While watching this performance, I was struck by a similarity in delivery to the current up-and-coming Scottish star Paulo Nutini. I wonder if Paulo has been consciously influenced by Al Bowlly. He's certainly in the same tradition.
'I Don't Want to Set The World on Fire' was recorded by The Ink Spots :)
My oh my.. what the heck happened in 2006, where angy rap music is the staple of a generation...
I too vote 'bloody' brilliant...
Only just discovered who Al was (this week) after years of hearing his voice in period dramas and films. You seem to know what you are talking about, perhaps you can help? In the 1980's there was a Chanel No5 commercial which used 'I Don't Want to Set the World On Fire' as the music over glossy images. It was a long time ago but it sounded just like Al Bowlly. Do you know if he recorded the song and is it available today? Thanks.
pardon my ignorance... but what genre would this type of music be classified under? i'm a 90's baby and i want more.
Al Made it sound so easy and simple, yet his timing, diction, control was amazing! True the Nazi's caused his deasth, but if he had observed the air raid warning as others in his hotel did, he would have gone on, like Vera Lynn to bring us joy with his music well into the 1970's. From Pete 'Kiwi' Keegan
Look at him...wasnt he gorgeous!...he always makes me feel emotional...didnt they come across as sweet...?
Awsome, from which year is this video?
dam son
I have unbridled contempt for contemporary singers and so-called stylists who wreck these wonderful old songs. Al Bowlly's singing is unaffected and true to the songwriters' intentions. A perfect complement to Ray Noble's orchestra.
Well you are the only comments who's not 5+ years ago you are special aren't you
@@jack-cs8if Perhaps the next time you write you'll do it in English.
@@geraldjampol3120 next time
At the time of its release, this song was considered to be so sexually suggestive that MTV refused to air it.
In my message just now, that should of course read Paolo Nutini, not Paulo. Being a Paul myself, I got confused. I am now going to have to go on a quest to find whether Mr Nutini has ever listened to Mr Bowlly.
top doller, and yes I agree, he knew mic technique, but never mind gals an guys we got the spice girls ha ha ha
the best crooner there ever was now you got the so called singer rod stewart trying to cash in singing 30s songs not even in the same leauge as Al Bowlly
@CJkaiju Yes- a talented handsome man - he could have been safe elsewhere but chose to stay with his country in its darkest hours. A life sadly cut short. So were a lot of other people's. Tragic all of it. Nothing glorious, despite the bravery and sacrifice of so many. A world war that destroyed tens of millions of lives. I'm not very positive at all about us -any of us -surviving the next one.
what happened??????????please tell me...
His regular speaking voice makes me think of Sterling Holloway
Charles Brown,
if you believe in reincarnation, you were from that time,
everyone is born again, and again, that's why you have memories of that time, and that music, :-) :-) :-)
Clearly influenced by his American experience.His delivery and posturing mimic what was going on stateside with crooners.
im 1 year older than this video
15 now? I'm 16 🥺
@@jack-cs8if Happy birthday~
I've always hated this song until now. Everything this man sings he owns. His version of Over the Rainbow leaves Judy Garland, who I'm not a fan of, in the dust. I'm so greatful that I recently discovered Al Bowlly. He tops Sinatra.
He's great isn't he ? Shame he was killed in the air raid.