Growing up in the '60s and '70s we had the grand parade of the greatest entertainers in the history of show business still routinely performing for us, and we kind of took it for granted. These people went all the way back to a show business tradition that crossed the previous century and was an unbroken line, but in recent decades that line has broken and the collective memory seems to be fading. Astaire was, like Dean Martin, such an easy and effortless vocalist who knew just what to do with a song as an interpreter. I love this so much more than the moronic shouting that passes for singing today and that people confuse for genuine emotion when it's just forced pyrotechnics done by rote. These entertainers had an individual style and had no intention of sounding like everyone else. That's called artistry..
ABSOLUTELY. Could not agree more. And Astaire is who I was listening to in the 70's! (Whilst everyone around me was listening to rock and dancing to disco).
When half the vocal facility has left forty years later, what remains? Why only taste, timing, phrasing, precision and absolute total commitment and respect for the audience. He only sings what he can. It is more than enough.
Can you name EVERY song ever written for Fred Astaire?
He's still tapping his feet even when he's sitting. The man was born to dance!
Growing up in the '60s and '70s we had the grand parade of the greatest entertainers in the history of show business still routinely performing for us, and we kind of took it for granted. These people went all the way back to a show business tradition that crossed the previous century and was an unbroken line, but in recent decades that line has broken and the collective memory seems to be fading. Astaire was, like Dean Martin, such an easy and effortless vocalist who knew just what to do with a song as an interpreter. I love this so much more than the moronic shouting that passes for singing today and that people confuse for genuine emotion when it's just forced pyrotechnics done by rote. These entertainers had an individual style and had no intention of sounding like everyone else. That's called artistry..
Very well said! I agree 100%.
ABSOLUTELY. Could not agree more. And Astaire is who I was listening to in the 70's! (Whilst everyone around me was listening to rock and dancing to disco).
The legend.
the finest male dancer to have walked on two legs.. astoundingly excellent footwork like no other
I absolutely adore the very intelligent, witty and affectionate Dick Cavett. There really is no other like him.
yes he makes the perfect host for Astaire, a gentleman for a gentleman.
@@brianhammerstein Perfectly stated!
He was such a sweet man. Excellent 😊
Mr. Cavett the way you interviewed people is so refreshing. Great interview here with Mr. Astaire, thank you.
What an absolute class act and legendary talent!
Legend
Two fine men
Nice band, too. thank you.
When half the vocal facility has left forty years later, what remains? Why only taste, timing, phrasing, precision and absolute total commitment and respect for the audience. He only sings what he can. It is more than enough.
Are you going to upload Dick Cavett's interviews with Federico Fellini?