You should hear the verison from the original writer of the song, Jimmy Webb. The song is autobiographical about the breakup of Jimmy Webb and his girlfriend, Suzy Horton (she broke up with him), which happened in MacArthur Park in LA back in the mid 1960's. The melting cake in the rain is a metaphor of the ending of the relationship.
This original version by Richard Harris, a classical actor who sings, is the greatest of all, moving to tears. There is a live performance on RUclips of him in concert with an orchestra that is even better than the recording.
Richard Harris is an Irish actor/singer who recorded this Jimmy Webb composition in 1968, 10 years before Donna Summer. Despite its length, it was a huge sucess. The story goes that the orchestration was recorded in L.A. and Harris dubbed his vocal to it in the U.K. A massive production and a timeless classic of the 1960s.
Apparently Harris recorded it while 'slightly' inebriated. What makes it a memorable performance is not his technical proficiency with staying on key but acting out the story to wring all the emotion from Webb's lyrics.
Richard Harris in an interview on a TV talk show stated that he never made one cent from the song or the album. Odd because it was played on the radio 24 hours a day. He stated that the record company used "creative accounting" to basically rob him of all profits
This will always and forever be my version of this song. I had a huge crush on Richard Harris back in the day, ever since the film of Camelot. He was one of a kind. Never forgotten.
I really miss him. Apparently he was living in a hotel when he was ill and as they wheeled him out to the ambulance, they went past the hotel restaurant and he looked up and said to everyone “It was the food!” Hilarious man. I really love him.
Wow, I've liked this song since it came out and never knew that the Richard Harris that sang it was the same Richard Harris that did Camelot with Vanessa Redgrave. I just never knew they were the same person.
I agree that richard sang it as it was written. The song is another mind blowing gut wrenching tribute to jimmy webbs god given talent. If you have lived at all the words will rip your heart out. Yet its cathartic and you know you have experienced true greatness. Jimmy webb was sure richard harris was the man to record it although harris himself had his doubts. Im glad jim webb convinced him because i cant imagine anyone doing it justice like richard harris did. He was a great actor and he had the talent to get the story of this song across. Donna summer was not comparable. In fact she butchered it and made it a disco duck but then everyone was doing disco at the time and the only band that was good in that decade was the beegees. Of course they started the ceaze and i dont think they intended to get every jack ass coming out with a song or movie about it. I find it sad that music today is just a cheap copy of whats already been done and mastered. How little people truly evolve. They just change the name of the genre and pretend they just discovered it. No one thinks outside the box or puts their soul on the line. Boring world these days. If youre not dressed up like a gangster and pretending to be streetwise youre not cool. Trust me jenny from the block aint from no block in queens and kanye west is a mommas boy. The true talent has left the building.
As a teen in the 60's I shouldn't have liked this song as much as I did. It seemed melancholy or just deep and it spoke to me. Love it! Thanks for reacting to this song
Same with me. Nobody I knew at that tim, me being a teenager, have imagined that this song could be so well liked. After I heard it a couple of time, I finally got it. In a couple of weeks after it was out, we all loved it. Also, it as a long sing, with which we loved it eve more. Dave in Sierra Vista AZ
It's extraordinary to think that this was written, arranged and produced by someone who was only 21 at the time, namely Jimmy Webb. His orchestration throughout but especially during the uptempo instrumental bridge was brilliant and it deservedly won him a Grammy.
Written by Jimmy Webb who won a Grammy for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist, for this song when Richard Harris released this song in 1968. It was rejected by The Association, but Harris fresh from singing a few tunes in Camelot asked Webb for a song to record. The back track was performed by The Wrecking Crew in L.A. while Harris recorded his part in London. This was the longest playing single to ever make the top 10. People either loved it or hated it. Personally I always enjoyed it. It's was so unique at the time. Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and Paul. 👏👏 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
LOVE The Wrecking Crew -- renowned group of brilliant LA studio musicians in the 60s and 70s, responsible for the sounds behind tons of hit pop songs. There is a great RUclips documentary (2008) about them! Very cool.
Written by Jimmy Webb when he first arrived in Los Angeles from his native Oklahoma to work for a music publishing company. He was dating a young woman who worked at a bank near MacArthur Park (not MacArthur's Park as Harris sings) and they had alfresco lunches in the park several times a week. As the song's lyrics recount, the relationship ended but it inspired one of Webb's first masterpieces. Harris, a Shakespearean actor (I believe he was knighted), fancied himself a crooner and Webb wrote, arranged and produced "A Tramp Shining," his million-selling album in 1967. American radio DJs used this record (an unheard of 7 minutes long) whenever they had to take a bathroom break. LOL. Still, a brilliant song, great bravura vocal performance from Harris. Thanks to Paul and Harri. BTW, it's fun to ride the swan pedal boats in the lake in MacArthur Park. To this day, they're a big attraction. When I lived in Los Angeles, many years ago, my children loved pedaling those giant swan boats on the lake.
Harris was invested at a Los Angeles ceremony into the Venerable Sovereign Order of Saint John, Knights of Malta. So he's a real life knight -- of Malta.
Yes, Jimmy Webb and beside the disco version of Donna Summers, there were also a ProgRock version in 1972 by the scotish rock band "Beggars Opera", too !!
@@clannad99germany70 The most successful cover before Donna's was by Waylon Jennings & The Kimberlys in 1969. Waylon won a Grammy for best Country Performance for his version.
Richard Harris played Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter movies, before he sadly passed away. There is on RUclips a video of Richard Harris performing this live back in the day. You will love it.
My goodness I was 14 years old back in 1968 when this first came out. This was a monster hit for Richard Harris an Irish actor extraordinaire. Now that I am a senior citizen and 69 years old. The song still brings a smile and tears to my eyes remembering the music of my youth. Thanks, Harri for the memories.
Richard Harris' version of "MacArthur Park" is the one I remember hearing first in 1968 before Donna Summer covered it as a disco version in 1978. This song was recorded a year after Richard Harris played in the classic movie "Camelot" (1967). He performed several musical numbers in it.
Got this single in house, loved it when it came out, even though I liked t rex, slade, Alice cooper, cream, hendrix etc. Now I am old it tugs at my heart for lost people, and memories of these far off times, epic.
Odd that you thought the picture was of Gene Hackman. Richard Harris stared alongside Gene Hackman, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman and others in Eastwood’s classic western, Unforgiven. It was one of, if not the last movies for Mr. Harris. Although I really like the late Donna Summers version, this is by far my favorite. Mr. Harris totally nailed this performance by using his Shakespearean performance skills to bring out all the emotions of this song. And Harry, you’re absolutely correct about this being one of the greatest songs of the last 50 or 60 years. It’s better than good, it’s epic!
This is the original. Donna Summer’s was a remake. Written by the amazing Jimmy Webb, This song was like nothing else on the radio in the 60s. I think it came in over five minutes in length, for one thing. I don’t know what it is about it, but it’s just so powerful and it builds and builds until the crescendo at the end. I was maybe 11 or 12 years old when this played on the radio and I have always loved this song.
RIP Richard St John Francis Harris (1930-2002) was an Irish actor and singer. Having studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art he rose to prominence as an icon of the British New Wave. He received numerous accolades including the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor, Most recent rolls as the Emperor Marcus Aurelius in Gladiator (2000) and as Professor Albus Dumbledore (also Oscar-nominated) in Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone (2001), a role he repeated in the new Harry Potter And The Chamber of Secrets (2002). Peace out.
Webb produced this song for Richard Harris, crossing the Atlantic Ocean several times in the process. Explaining how he got together with the actor, "I met Richard on stage at the Coronet Theatre in Los Angeles. We were doing like an anti-war pageant with Walter Pidgeon, Edward G. Robinson, Mia Farrow and some other people, and I was doing music. In our off-time we used to like to play the piano backstage and sing and have a few beers, and Richard and I got to be really good friends. So one day I got a telegram over at my house on Camino Palermo that said, 'Dear Jimmy Webb, come London, make record. Love, Richard.' And it was the first time I was ever out of the country. I got on a 707 and flew to London and started doing this record with Richard. 'MacArthur Park'. Peace out.
Jimmy Webb is an extremely gifted composer. He also teamed up with Glen Campbell with "By the Time I Get to Phoenix, Witchita Lineman & Galveston" I had an old cassette tape of Richard Harris doing McAurthur Park and a notable song on there was "My Boy" which was also covered by Elvis. Don't know who wrote it but also very emmotional.
Curious how discovering one song leads to an older version, based on something else…like tracing a family tree. This rendition was supremely panned by the critics, but was popular enough on the radio to keep it on the charts that season. Also boosted Richard’s PR and TV appearances.
Written by the geat Jimmy Webb, who also wrote many of Glen Campbell's classics like Wichita Lineman, Galveston and By The Time I Get To Phoenix. Harris was a renowned actor and he wasn't the greatest singer but he nailed this one. His dramatic vocals and the soaring arrangement, along with the brilliant lyrics, make this mesmerizing and unforgettable. I was not a disco fan, but I loved Summer's remake with her powerful vocals and great dance arrangement but this will always have a place in my heart.
You are absolutely right Harri, comparing both great version. Harris tells a story, Donna was singing in a disco song. That's it. Best song written by Jimmy Webb, next to "Up up and away" !!
This song, along with (Smothers Brothers' musical director Mason Williams' "Classical Gas") got a lot of play on the Smother's Brothers' show. Those were the days.
The writer Jimmy Webb wrote a song that wound up on an album by The Fifth Dimension. Friends of mine were a group called 'The Brooklyn Bridge' and the group's lead singer (Johnny Maestro) wanted to record it. They got permission from Jimmy and the rest is history, for the song was 'The Worst That Could Happen' and skyrocketed the group to success. They performed it 'live' on The Ed Sullivan Show, which was the premiere venue for all singers, and 'The Bridge' reaped rewards for many years by performing it all around the country. Had 'The 5th Dimension' released it as a single, who knows how successful it would have been, but it has to be noted that they were a tremendously popular group, for sure. It's strange how things turn out, but one thing is true, Johnny did a fantastic job singing it.
The three key vocalists on the group were Maestro, Fred Ferrara and Les Cauchi. John and Freddie are both gone but as far as I know Les is still alive. Fred and Les were originally a part of a group called The Dell Satins, who did back-up singing for Dion when he left the Belmonts. You can hear them on great Dion songs like 'Donna The Prima Donna', 'Runaround Sue' and 'The Wanderer'. At that time, Freddie's brother Tommy was also part of the group, but then he left to join 'The Capris' when 'The Brooklyn Bridge' were formed. Stan Ziska was the lead singer when they were 'The Dell Satins'. Stan was a fine lead singer, but he wasn't on a level with Maestro who actually started with a group called 'The Crests' who were very famous in their own right.
I laugh when I hear this song....a group of us did a pedal car tour of Detroit and you bring your own music to play. We are pedaling through a busy Greektown in Detroit with this song blaring out and ten of us singing this at high volume. Why MacArthur Park to sing? Who knows....but we got a lot of smiles from people as we cruised through. Good times!
Richard Harris was an Irish actor who passed away in 2002, and also a singer, obviously. Check out Justin Hayward's version- quite amazing! Pushing the limits of his high vocal range!
Classic! Good one Paul! Everyone knew Mr Harris as an actor and then Jimmy Webb and he put out this smash hit! Such great unique vocals from this Shakespeare trained actor! It caught the world by surprise!
A masterpiece! Richard Harris was a great stage actor and movie actor, and not only acted but sang his butt off as you hear here. His voice just drips with emotion. He makes you FEEL things. Loved him.
I really didnt realize Richard Harris was a singer. I always viewed him an actor. When ì heard this a decade ago i was really surprised. What a wonderful song that was.
Wow Paul! I remember when this was a huge hit and overplayed for weeks. That said, I haven’t heard it for many years and it sounds fresh and great again. Thanks Paul and Harri 🌺✌️
As others have mentioned, Richard Harris was an actor and he delivered in spades his dramatic interpretation of this Jimmy Webb classic, a number one hit back in the sixties. Thanks for your great review.
Takes me back to a specific time and place in 1968, as vivid in my mind as if it was yesterday. Feeling the same feeling ....... Remembering the dreams.......
Wow! I didn't know Harris was a singer as well. The first time I saw him was in a movie at the drive-in with my dad. A Man Called Horse was the western.
The Richard Harris version came out the year I married a wonderful girl and 10 years later we loved dancing to the Donna Summer version. You nailed it with your description of both versions. I also love songs that change tempo and key which Richard Harris' version does so dramatically. Excellent Review!
Jimmy Webb once said in an interview that this was written about his father when his mother died early (in her 40's) and hios father seemed lost---knowing this the song really takes on full meaning.
I believe that leaving the cake out in the rain was really about losing the love of your life to someone else. And as life goes on you may have other loves, but none that will ever match the recipe of the first. Richard Harris conveys the lyrics with a downtrodden desperate quiver in his voice that reminiscent of that lost lover. My eyes well up when I hear the emotion in his voice. I love Donna summer version as well, but with her version, I never heard or felt the gravity of these lyrics.
Richard Harris OWNS the role of King Arthur in "Camelot" for all time.....and he shows his acting chops in the title role of the terrific movie "Cromwell"
Great actor. His King Arthur was so good you really felt his emotions, particularly the pathos over losing Guinevere to his dearest friend To me, .his emotive acting carried him through this song and the songs in Camelo to great success! My favorite rendition!
This sobg had shown up in dozens of movies and TV shows including The Simpsons. Pop Culture Regerence. And its one of my favorite vocals of all time! There’s A wonderful video of this being performed and recorded live with full orchestra.
This songbird great actor Richard harris,composed I think by Jim Webber SUCH an effect on me as a young teenager, discovering that approximately supervising can be combined to transport and delight. Great memory and the whole piece still stands up a a major work in the evolution of popular music and what it can do
When the Welshman Richard Burton left the Broadway musical Camelot to make a movie Richard Harris took over the role of King Arthur. And Harris would play King Arthur in the film version around 1966-67 with Vanessa Redgrave as Guinevere. Harris was nominated for Best Actor in 1963 for the film “This Sporting Life” Richard played a Yorkshire coal miner who becomes a Rugby League player. Richard would lose out on the Oscar to Sidney Poitier for Lilies of the Field. It’s funny you should mention Actor Gene Hackman they were both born in 1930. Gene is still alive!!! And they would co-star together in at least two films. Clint Eastwood s Oscar winner Unforgiven 1993. And The Hawaiians around 1965??? Richard Harris was beaten up badly by Gene Hackman s sheriff in Unforgiven. This Sporting Life is currently free on RUclips if anyone wants to see Richard Harris when he was 32-33.
Totally takes me back to my childhood. Summer days in Hyde Park, listening to this on Radio One. I fell in love with Richard from this moment onwards. He was just wonderful. This song is epic, and the best version ever. He was a magnificent actor, hence the story telling and dramatic quality of this. I’m really surprised you’ve not heard of him! He was amazing ❤️
I still remember the 1st time I heard this, it's debut on TOTP, Apr 68, and I was hooked. It was the longest pop song I'd ever heard, (a minute longer than Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone) and I just didn't want it to end. Later in 68 the Beatles released Hey Jude, another 7 minutes plus song - all amazing. Those were the days! 😊❤😊
Excelente ! Primeira e a melhor gravação de Mac Arthur Park . Pura emoção nessa composição de Jimmy Webb . Uma história real , do seu verdadeiro amor e como acabou . Ele a contou e a explicou totalmente a Richard Harris ( RIP ). Lançada em 1967 , sucesso global . Ainda hoje , existem pessoas que não conhecem a história dessa canção. Há outras versões com outros artistas mas NENHUMA supera a cantada por Richard Harris , que é a mais amada por Jimmy Webb . Abraços desde São Paulo - Brasil .
I remember this so well and, since I lived in the Wilshire District in LA at that time, MacArthur Park was a place we were very familiar with. Harris did such a great job with his interpretation. A great actor.
This is on my list of Top 10 Saddest Songs of All Time along with Honey, Don’t Cry Daddy, I Can’t Make You Love Me, Long, Long Time (Linda Ronstadt) You Gave Me a Mountain, What Now My Love, My Boy (Elvis) Separate Ways(Elvis) and a few other Tear Jerkers.
As a young adult (many years ago) its melancholy was like Carol King's Tapestry....Beautiful, sad...Hearing it again throws me back into memories of youth.
I prefer the Richard Harris version
Hell yes!
Me too
Absolutely not meant to be a disco song. The orchestra is beautiful. We as teens, when this came out had no idea what is was about.
Definitely! Donna Summer made me hate the song!
You should hear the verison from the original writer of the song, Jimmy Webb. The song is autobiographical about the breakup of Jimmy Webb and his girlfriend, Suzy Horton (she broke up with him), which happened in MacArthur Park in LA back in the mid 1960's. The melting cake in the rain is a metaphor of the ending of the relationship.
The all time best version
This original version by Richard Harris, a classical actor who sings, is the greatest of all, moving to tears. There is a live performance on RUclips of him in concert with an orchestra that is even better than the recording.
Richard Harris is an Irish actor/singer who recorded this Jimmy Webb composition in 1968, 10 years before Donna Summer. Despite its length, it was a huge sucess. The story goes that the orchestration was recorded in L.A. and Harris dubbed his vocal to it in the U.K. A massive production and a timeless classic of the 1960s.
Apparently Harris recorded it while 'slightly' inebriated. What makes it a memorable performance is not his technical proficiency with staying on key but acting out the story to wring all the emotion from Webb's lyrics.
Richard Harris in an interview on a TV talk show stated that he never made one cent from the song or the album. Odd because it was played on the radio 24 hours a day. He stated that the record company used "creative accounting" to basically rob him of all profits
This will always and forever be my version of this song. I had a huge crush on Richard Harris back in the day, ever since the film of Camelot. He was one of a kind. Never forgotten.
Yes indeed.
I so totally agree with you. Same here.
Well, he was a fine ass looking man.
Harris is known primarily for his acting- a career spanning just over 40 years and working with many of the greatest Hollywood legends. RIP.
I really miss him. Apparently he was living in a hotel when he was ill and as they wheeled him out to the ambulance, they went past the hotel restaurant and he looked up and said to everyone “It was the food!” Hilarious man. I really love him.
Harris was a great actor !!
Wow, I've liked this song since it came out and never knew that the Richard Harris that sang it was the same Richard Harris that did Camelot with Vanessa Redgrave. I just never knew they were the same person.
He was also the initial Dumbledore in the Harry Potter movies. He died between the first and second movies.
It's a Jimmy Webb song. Harris sang it the way Webb wrote it. Summer did a disco "interpretation" of the song.
I think both are astonishingly great
I agree that richard sang it as it was written. The song is another mind blowing gut wrenching tribute to jimmy webbs god given talent. If you have lived at all the words will rip your heart out. Yet its cathartic and you know you have experienced true greatness. Jimmy webb was sure richard harris was the man to record it although harris himself had his doubts. Im glad jim webb convinced him because i cant imagine anyone doing it justice like richard harris did. He was a great actor and he had the talent to get the story of this song across. Donna summer was not comparable. In fact she butchered it and made it a disco duck but then everyone was doing disco at the time and the only band that was good in that decade was the beegees. Of course they started the ceaze and i dont think they intended to get every jack ass coming out with a song or movie about it. I find it sad that music today is just a cheap copy of whats already been done and mastered. How little people truly evolve. They just change the name of the genre and pretend they just discovered it. No one thinks outside the box or puts their soul on the line. Boring world these days. If youre not dressed up like a gangster and pretending to be streetwise youre not cool. Trust me jenny from the block aint from no block in queens and kanye west is a mommas boy. The true talent has left the building.
As a teen in the 60's I shouldn't have liked this song as much as I did. It seemed melancholy or just deep and it spoke to me. Love it! Thanks for reacting to this song
I was a kid too and I also loved it.
Me Too! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Same here and it just shows great music defies genre.
Same with me. Nobody I knew at that tim, me being a teenager, have imagined that this song could be so well liked. After I heard it a couple of time, I finally got it. In a couple of weeks after it was out, we all loved it. Also, it as a long sing, with which we loved it eve more. Dave in Sierra Vista AZ
It's extraordinary to think that this was written, arranged and produced by someone who was only 21 at the time, namely Jimmy Webb. His orchestration throughout but especially during the uptempo instrumental bridge was brilliant and it deservedly won him a Grammy.
Anyone here after Bettle Juice 2? Hope this old video lights up. I also had no clue this is Potter 1 & 2 Dumbledore.
Written by Jimmy Webb who won a Grammy for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist, for this song when Richard Harris released this song in 1968. It was rejected by The Association, but Harris fresh from singing a few tunes in Camelot asked Webb for a song to record.
The back track was performed by The Wrecking Crew in L.A. while Harris recorded his part in London.
This was the longest playing single to ever make the top 10. People either loved it or hated it. Personally I always enjoyed it. It's was so unique at the time. Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and Paul. 👏👏 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
LOVE The Wrecking Crew -- renowned group of brilliant LA studio musicians in the 60s and 70s, responsible for the sounds behind tons of hit pop songs. There is a great RUclips documentary (2008) about them! Very cool.
I'll have to check it out. Thanks to this channel, I'm realizing they are on so many great tunes. Thanks for the information. 👍✌️🎶🇨🇦
Written by Jimmy Webb when he first arrived in Los Angeles from his native Oklahoma to work for a music publishing company. He was dating a young woman who worked at a bank near MacArthur Park (not MacArthur's Park as Harris sings) and they had alfresco lunches in the park several times a week. As the song's lyrics recount, the relationship ended but it inspired one of Webb's first masterpieces. Harris, a Shakespearean actor (I believe he was knighted), fancied himself a crooner and Webb wrote, arranged and produced "A Tramp Shining," his million-selling album in 1967. American radio DJs used this record (an unheard of 7 minutes long) whenever they had to take a bathroom break. LOL. Still, a brilliant song, great bravura vocal performance from Harris. Thanks to Paul and Harri. BTW, it's fun to ride the swan pedal boats in the lake in MacArthur Park. To this day, they're a big attraction. When I lived in Los Angeles, many years ago, my children loved pedaling those giant swan boats on the lake.
Harris was invested at a Los Angeles ceremony into the Venerable Sovereign Order of Saint John, Knights of Malta. So he's a real life knight -- of Malta.
Richard Harris in "A Man Called Horse" was magnificent, just like he was in this song.
Yes, Jimmy Webb and beside the disco version of Donna Summers, there were also a ProgRock version in 1972 by the scotish rock band "Beggars Opera", too !!
@@clannad99germany70 The most successful cover before Donna's was by Waylon Jennings & The Kimberlys in 1969. Waylon won a Grammy for best Country Performance for his version.
Richard Harris played Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter movies, before he sadly passed away. There is on RUclips a video of Richard Harris performing this live back in the day. You will love it.
Wow I had no idea he could sing! Only saw him as a movie actor. I'm quite surprised.😮
He sang in the movie Camelot.
My goodness I was 14 years old back in 1968 when this first came out. This was a monster hit for Richard Harris an Irish actor extraordinaire. Now that I am a senior citizen and 69 years old. The song still brings a smile and tears to my eyes remembering the music of my youth. Thanks, Harri for the memories.
Same age and same sentiments.
We grew up in the best decade for music. The 1960's. Thanks for your kind response.@@debbiechang5781
I was 14 and still have the same reaction.
Richard Harris was Irish not British.
I stand corrected. Thank you.@@thomasoflaherty3520
Richard Harris' version of "MacArthur Park" is the one I remember hearing first in 1968 before Donna Summer covered it as a disco version in 1978. This song was recorded a year after Richard Harris played in the classic movie "Camelot" (1967). He performed several musical numbers in it.
Got this single in house, loved it when it came out, even though I liked t rex, slade, Alice cooper, cream, hendrix etc. Now I am old it tugs at my heart for lost people, and memories of these far off times, epic.
He had the added benefit of the legendary musicians from the Wrecking Crew in L.A.
Odd that you thought the picture was of Gene Hackman. Richard Harris stared alongside Gene Hackman, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman and others in Eastwood’s classic western, Unforgiven. It was one of, if not the last movies for Mr. Harris.
Although I really like the late Donna Summers version, this is by far my favorite. Mr. Harris totally nailed this performance by using his Shakespearean performance skills to bring out all the emotions of this song. And Harry, you’re absolutely correct about this being one of the greatest songs of the last 50 or 60 years. It’s better than good, it’s epic!
Richard Harris played the Headmaster Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter movies. They were his last films.
This is the original. Donna Summer’s was a remake. Written by the amazing Jimmy Webb, This song was like nothing else on the radio in the 60s. I think it came in over five minutes in length, for one thing. I don’t know what it is about it, but it’s just so powerful and it builds and builds until the crescendo at the end. I was maybe 11 or 12 years old when this played on the radio and I have always loved this song.
Over 7 minutes length
Loved it in 68, still love it now.
A real classic. Thank you.
Jimmy Webb. He wrote so many magnificent songs.
RIP Richard St John Francis Harris (1930-2002) was an Irish actor and singer. Having studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art he rose to prominence as an icon of the British New Wave. He received numerous accolades including the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor, Most recent rolls as the Emperor Marcus Aurelius in Gladiator (2000) and as Professor Albus Dumbledore (also Oscar-nominated) in Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone (2001), a role he repeated in the new Harry Potter And The Chamber of Secrets (2002). Peace out.
Webb produced this song for Richard Harris, crossing the Atlantic Ocean several times in the process. Explaining how he got together with the actor, "I met Richard on stage at the Coronet Theatre in Los Angeles. We were doing like an anti-war pageant with Walter Pidgeon, Edward G. Robinson, Mia Farrow and some other people, and I was doing music. In our off-time we used to like to play the piano backstage and sing and have a few beers, and Richard and I got to be really good friends. So one day I got a telegram over at my house on Camino Palermo that said, 'Dear Jimmy Webb, come London, make record. Love, Richard.' And it was the first time I was ever out of the country. I got on a 707 and flew to London and started doing this record with Richard. 'MacArthur Park'. Peace out.
Jimmy Webb is an extremely gifted composer. He also teamed up with Glen Campbell with "By the Time I Get to Phoenix, Witchita Lineman & Galveston" I had an old cassette tape of Richard Harris doing McAurthur Park and a notable song on there was "My Boy" which was also covered by Elvis. Don't know who wrote it but also very emmotional.
Curious how discovering one song leads to an older version, based on something else…like tracing a family tree. This rendition was supremely panned by the critics, but was popular enough on the radio to keep it on the charts that season. Also boosted Richard’s PR and TV appearances.
Written by the geat Jimmy Webb, who also wrote many of Glen Campbell's classics like Wichita Lineman, Galveston and By The Time I Get To Phoenix. Harris was a renowned actor and he wasn't the greatest singer but he nailed this one. His dramatic vocals and the soaring arrangement, along with the brilliant lyrics, make this mesmerizing and unforgettable. I was not a disco fan, but I loved Summer's remake with her powerful vocals and great dance arrangement but this will always have a place in my heart.
Oh, wow! I didn't even know he dabbled in music! I adored him as an actor!!❤ Cool to learn new things!
This is a beautiful song, it is profound and heartfelt.
You are absolutely right Harri, comparing both great version. Harris tells a story, Donna was singing in a disco song. That's it. Best song written by Jimmy Webb, next to "Up up and away" !!
“All I Know”- covered brilliantly by Art Garfunkel, is one of my Jimmy Webb favorites.
@@johncurtis7186 Was "All I know"written by Webb too ? I did not know. Yes a real nice song, I knew it.
Richard Harris was best known as an actor. He was the first Dumbledore in the Harry Potter movies before he passed away in 2002.
This is the only version I know. Fantastic!
I didn't even know there was a Donner Summer version. This was always the only version. No.1 all over the world in '68
This song, along with (Smothers Brothers' musical director Mason Williams' "Classical Gas") got a lot of play on the Smother's Brothers' show. Those were the days.
Agreed 👍
The writer Jimmy Webb wrote a song that wound up on an album by The
Fifth Dimension. Friends of mine were a group called 'The Brooklyn Bridge'
and the group's lead singer (Johnny Maestro) wanted to record it. They
got permission from Jimmy and the rest is history, for the song was 'The
Worst That Could Happen' and skyrocketed the group to success. They
performed it 'live' on The Ed Sullivan Show, which was the premiere venue
for all singers, and 'The Bridge' reaped rewards for many years by performing
it all around the country. Had 'The 5th Dimension' released it as a single, who
knows how successful it would have been, but it has to be noted that they were
a tremendously popular group, for sure. It's strange how things turn out, but one
thing is true, Johnny did a fantastic job singing it.
I LOVE that song!
I believe Harri has reacted to "The worst that could happen". A classic example of the perfect artist for the perfect song.
The three key vocalists on the group were Maestro, Fred Ferrara and
Les Cauchi. John and Freddie are both gone but as far as I know Les
is still alive. Fred and Les were originally a part of a group called The
Dell Satins, who did back-up singing for Dion when he left the Belmonts.
You can hear them on great Dion songs like 'Donna The Prima Donna',
'Runaround Sue' and 'The Wanderer'. At that time, Freddie's brother
Tommy was also part of the group, but then he left to join 'The Capris'
when 'The Brooklyn Bridge' were formed. Stan Ziska was the lead singer
when they were 'The Dell Satins'. Stan was a fine lead singer, but he
wasn't on a level with Maestro who actually started with a group called
'The Crests' who were very famous in their own right.
I laugh when I hear this song....a group of us did a pedal car tour of Detroit and you bring your own music to play. We are pedaling through a busy Greektown in Detroit with this song blaring out and ten of us singing this at high volume. Why MacArthur Park to sing? Who knows....but we got a lot of smiles from people as we cruised through. Good times!
This was Beautiful♥️🎼👏🏻🌷
Richard Harris was an Irish actor who passed away in 2002, and also a singer, obviously. Check out Justin Hayward's version- quite amazing! Pushing the limits of his high vocal range!
This version was classic and even us psych fans singing along and smiling!
Back in the day I listened to Richard Harris sing this song over and over! Loved him.
Classic! Good one Paul! Everyone knew Mr Harris as an actor and then Jimmy Webb and he put out this smash hit! Such great unique vocals from this Shakespeare trained actor! It caught the world by surprise!
This is making me tear up
Such a different vibe than Donna Summer's version
Jimmy Webb wrote this about his real breakup. Harris sings it as is is supposed to be. Nothing else like this in 1968, or now.
A masterpiece! Richard Harris was a great stage actor and movie actor, and not only acted but sang his butt off as you hear here. His voice just drips with emotion. He makes you FEEL things. Loved him.
Great find! Fabulous piece of music! Conveys the emotion of love lost. This was a huge hit in the Fall of 1968.
Richard Harris was a great actor.
Richard Harris, a great actor of Hollywood, not necessarily a singer, but this is his song and it's great.
I loved this as a child and still do so many years later.
They used to play this song on the radio when I was a teenager. It’s one of the most spectacular songs ever written and recorded.
This was the first version I heard Love it
Richard was a great dramatic actor.
I will never forget his movie "A man called Horse". A versatile artist.
I really didnt realize Richard Harris was a singer. I always viewed him an actor. When ì heard this a decade ago i was really surprised. What a wonderful song that was.
The first time I heard this song, back in 1968, I thought, "What was that???!!" Then it really grew on me.
Wow Paul! I remember when this was a huge hit and overplayed for weeks. That said, I haven’t heard it for many years and it sounds fresh and great again. Thanks Paul and Harri 🌺✌️
I havent heard this since 1967.
Such a great song that it was a hit twice.
Written by Jimmy Webb
As others have mentioned, Richard Harris was an actor and he delivered in spades his dramatic interpretation of this Jimmy Webb classic, a number one hit back in the sixties. Thanks for your great review.
Takes me back to a specific time and place in 1968, as vivid in my mind as if it was yesterday. Feeling the same feeling ....... Remembering the dreams.......
In the 1980s the stage play "Camelot" starring Richard Harris came to Portland Oregon. I was fortunate to see it with my mother and sister.
Richard Harris was a well known actor also. He played King Arthur in Camelot. A musical film actually.
Glad you liked his version.
Be safe.
Always one of my favorite songs! I still have the 45!
Richard Harris was born in Ireland and was Primarily Actor who also sang.
He Stared in Camelot the Musical.
I believe this is the original....🥰
Richard Harris was an actor with many films. He was the original head wizard in Harry Potter.
Another great song 💚😊
Wow! I didn't know Harris was a singer as well. The first time I saw him was in a movie at the drive-in with my dad. A Man Called Horse was the western.
You should watch the movie Camelot! 😊
Like both Donnas cover and this original. Harris was great in the movie musical Camelot.
The Richard Harris version came out the year I married a wonderful girl and 10 years later we loved dancing to the Donna Summer version. You nailed it with your description of both versions. I also love songs that change tempo and key which Richard Harris' version does so dramatically. Excellent Review!
The women loved him in the 60's because he was so cool and handsome. He played King Arthur in Camelot!
Jimmy Webb once said in an interview that this was written about his father when his mother died early (in her 40's) and hios father seemed lost---knowing this the song really takes on full meaning.
He played King Arthur in the musical "Camelot", both on stage and in the movie.
I believe that leaving the cake out in the rain was really about losing the love of your life to someone else.
And as life goes on you may have other loves, but none that will ever match the recipe of the first.
Richard Harris conveys the lyrics with a downtrodden desperate quiver in his voice that reminiscent of that lost lover. My eyes well up when I hear the emotion in his voice.
I love Donna summer version as well, but with her version, I never heard or felt the gravity of these lyrics.
Richard Harris OWNS the role of King Arthur in "Camelot" for all time.....and he shows his acting chops in the title role of the terrific movie "Cromwell"
Justin Hayward, from the Moody Blues, sings this song too... and his version is wonderful!!!
Great song and reaction. I was a teenager when it came out and I have loved it ever since.
Watch Richard Harris in the 1967 film CAMELOT. I listened to this record over and over when I was young.
Listen to his version of "My Boy". Gave me the shivers.
He was so damn cool😍
Great actor. His King Arthur was so good you really felt his emotions, particularly the pathos over losing Guinevere to his dearest friend To me, .his emotive acting carried him through this song and the songs in Camelo to great success! My favorite rendition!
This song got lots of air play back when it was released, great song.
I feel this version has a deeper meaning. Great reaction Harri
This sobg had shown up in dozens of movies and TV shows including The Simpsons. Pop Culture Regerence. And its one of my favorite vocals of all time! There’s
A wonderful video of this being performed and recorded live with full orchestra.
This songbird great actor Richard harris,composed I think by Jim Webber SUCH an effect on me as a young teenager, discovering that approximately supervising can be combined to transport and delight. Great memory and the whole piece still stands up a a major work in the evolution of popular music and what it can do
When the Welshman Richard Burton left the Broadway musical Camelot to make a movie Richard Harris took over the role of King Arthur. And Harris would play King Arthur in the film version around 1966-67 with Vanessa Redgrave as Guinevere. Harris was nominated for Best Actor in 1963 for the film “This Sporting Life” Richard played a Yorkshire coal miner who becomes a Rugby League player. Richard would lose out on the Oscar to Sidney Poitier for Lilies of the Field. It’s funny you should mention Actor Gene Hackman they were both born in 1930. Gene is still alive!!! And they would co-star together in at least two films. Clint Eastwood s Oscar winner Unforgiven 1993. And The Hawaiians around 1965??? Richard Harris was beaten up badly by Gene Hackman s sheriff in Unforgiven. This Sporting Life is currently free on RUclips if anyone wants to see Richard Harris when he was 32-33.
I like both versions of this song
Totally takes me back to my childhood. Summer days in Hyde Park, listening to this on Radio One. I fell in love with Richard from this moment onwards. He was just wonderful. This song is epic, and the best version ever.
He was a magnificent actor, hence the story telling and dramatic quality of this. I’m really surprised you’ve not heard of him! He was amazing ❤️
Reminds me of another heart-rending song called Echo Park,by Keith Barbour. "The old man walks in Echo Park..." Very haunting and beautiful.
Another old, popular park in L.A.
His acting and voice made him the greatest Dumbledore
I still remember the 1st time I heard this, it's debut on TOTP, Apr 68, and I was hooked. It was the longest pop song I'd ever heard, (a minute longer than Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone) and I just didn't want it to end. Later in 68 the Beatles released Hey Jude, another 7 minutes plus song - all amazing. Those were the days! 😊❤😊
Richard Harris first recorded this in 1968.
Richard Harris's last film role was as Professor Dumbledore.
Love Donna Summer but this version is the best sung with so much emotion with an orchestra Harris being an actor adds that believable conviction.
Another favorite song on my playlist. Thank you ☺️
There is a video of Richard singing this with an orchestra. I believe it was at Albert's Hall. Its good.
this great song has always been underrated- it was a quality song
Excelente ! Primeira e a melhor gravação de Mac Arthur Park . Pura emoção nessa composição de Jimmy Webb . Uma história real , do seu verdadeiro amor e como acabou . Ele a contou e a explicou totalmente a Richard Harris ( RIP ). Lançada em 1967 , sucesso global . Ainda hoje , existem pessoas que não conhecem a história dessa canção. Há outras versões com outros artistas mas NENHUMA supera a cantada por Richard Harris , que é a mais amada por Jimmy Webb . Abraços desde São Paulo - Brasil .
I remember this rendition, it was a lovely song. Miss Summers added Drama to it definitely ❤❤❤
I remember this so well and, since I lived in the Wilshire District in LA at that time, MacArthur Park was a place we were very familiar with. Harris did such a great job with his interpretation. A great actor.
And I still have my LP! Pure Joy !Thank you Paul & Harri!
Glen Campbell has a brilliant version as well
This is on my list of Top 10 Saddest Songs of All Time along with Honey, Don’t Cry Daddy, I Can’t Make You Love Me, Long, Long Time (Linda Ronstadt) You Gave Me a Mountain, What Now My Love, My Boy (Elvis) Separate Ways(Elvis) and a few other Tear Jerkers.
Long Long Time, Linda Ronstadt & Patches, Clarence Carter .. top 2 sad songs ever 😉
@@smffeb58Love Patches!
As a young adult (many years ago) its melancholy was like Carol King's Tapestry....Beautiful, sad...Hearing it again throws me back into memories of youth.
One of my favorite songs by the talented Richard Harris.