Shirley Bassey - I Am What I Am (2009 Live at Electric Proms)
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- Опубликовано: 22 сен 2010
- 2009 (Dame Shirley Bassey Concert TV Special)
ABOUT this song:
"I Am What I Am" is a song originally featured on the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical La Cage aux Folles (1983--1987). The song is found on the finale number of the play's first act, and performed by the character of Albin Mougeotte, first played by George Hearn. The song was composed in 1983 by Jerry Herman, an openly gay man.
The song has since been covered by the likes of Gloria Gaynor, Marti Webb, Joannie Taylor, Carol Jiani, Amanda Lear, Hannah Jones, Soraya Arnelas, Ken Page, Gerard-Rene-Gordon, Doug Shneider, Teatro, Linda Eder, John Barrowman, Amateur Transplants, Karen Mulder, Anthony Warlow, and of course Dame Shirley Bassey.
I Am What I Am was the only studio album recorded by Shirley Bassey for the Towerbell Records label, several other tracks were also recorded at this label and issued as singles only. The recording sessions took place at Olympic Studios, Barnes, London, in July and August 1984. Following the success of the previous album All by Myself this album peaked at number 25 in the UK album chart and reached Gold status. This release was the first digitally recorded album made by Shirley Bassey and was issued on vinyl, cassette and CD. Consisting of mainly re-recordings from Shirley Bassey's back catalogue and two new songs, this album was recorded 'live' with The London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Carl Davies. The album also reunited Shirley Bassey with Norman Newell, who had served successfully as her producer throughout the 1960s.
LYRICS:
I am what I am
I am my own special creation
So come take a look
Give me the hook or the ovation
It's my world
That I want to have a little pride in
My world
And it's not a place I have to hide in
Life's not worth a damn
Till you can say
I am what I am
I am what I am
I don't want praise I don't want pity
I bang my own drum
Some think it's noise I think it's pretty
And so what if I love each sparkle and each bangle
Why not try to see things from a different angle
Your life is a sham
Till you can shout out
I am what I am
I am what I am
And what I am needs no excuses
I deal my own deck
Sometimes the aces sometimes the deuces
It's one life and there's no return and no deposit
One life so it's time to open up your closet
Life's not worth a damn till you can shout out
I am what I am 
Видеоклипы
2024 and STILL here and living for the LEGENDARY BEAUTIFUL AND TALENTED ICON that is and always will be…..SHIRLEY!!!! The girl from Tiger bay. Thank you Shirley for your beauty grace and talent. We will sadly never see the likes of stars like Shirley again. Continue to still shine always 🌟
At the time I am writing this, there are 119 people who do not like this video. Really? REALLY? Are you kidding me? This is Shirley at her very best. I would love to know what they don't like. Maybe because this song is closely connected to the gay community. Maybe. Some people are capable of such hate. Anyway, Shirley Bassey is FABULOUS! The best of the best now and always. If you don't love her, you have something wrong with you! She is a world treasure.
Harry - Great comment. Another way to look at it is out of over 1 million+ views there are only 119 losers out there, Regards,
Absolutely, she is fabulous and hey, I don't care that this is a gay anthem, in fact every time that I watch it which I have many times over the years without commenting, it makes me smile, makes me happy that her audience so obviously gay love it and her, pure joy on everyone's faces and I celebrate their evening with them!
its 246 lost souls now, but this is not really (in MY opinion) her masterpiece, i like to switch between "Get the party started" and of course "History repeating (with Propellerheads), favorite is "History repeating", AND: gay or not gay, guitar or synthizizer, scratching or scatman style: "Music is the Mother of all, and Mother is always right"(stolen at Fischmob, sorry and thx^^)
You want to know, why they dont like this? its not their kind of music, they came here by YT-Algo"rhythm", and its so easy to dislike, just press the button :(
Whatever, Shirley rocks the 60s, and still she rocks, nearly 60 years, .... SIXTY!!! in words.... no way to do this with no talent or voice, NO! WAY! hugs and kisses to her :*
Whatever the reason, if you ignore them it hurts them more.
HATERS GONNA HATE!
272 PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TALENT LOOKS LIKE, NO AUTO TUNE JUST CLASS QUEEN OF TIGER BAY
I swear her voice was more powerful in her 70s than ever before. It’s rare to maintain a belting voice into the 70s, much less get more powerful. Incredible!
I know it’s amazing I recently rediscovered her, grown up with but finding her new Xmas song with Blake got me through Xmas!
Tom jones is like that as well
It depends on the kind of your voice has
@@MsArembi It dependes how developed your voice is. Shirley was classically trained. Most of today singers are not which means they are probably gonna lose their voices very soon.
COULDN'T AGREE MORE
I ain't gay, but I still need to be WHAT I AM! moved to tears by this QUEEN !!!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍❤❤❤❤❤
I had the honour and the greatest pleasure to attend the Dame's 60th birthday concert at the southbank centre in London 20 years ago and must admit it was the greatest musical moment of my life and I have had many including twice seeing the great Pavorroti live, but having the opportunity to see this remarkable woman live is something to behold as there is nobody else that comes close to this living legend and in my eyes there never will be, as on every level this is one of the most hard working (still today she comes up with the goods at 80!!) and professional singers the world has. So thank you Dame Shirley for all the pleasure you bring to this troubled world and long may you continue to do so.
I wish I had seen her live. She gives me strength when I need it most. She is brilliant.
Totally!!!
This is spectacular at 72 years old.... What a voice. She's a living legend, a treasure for the world 💜
She is 86!! (Born in 1937)
@@skykitchen867 and this was recorded in 2009 - making her 72.
@@skykitchen867 It was a good year for babies. I was also born then.
Out off the closet for a year now, not always easy...
When needed I listen to this masterpiece and ready for the next day 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Six years now for me and late into adulthood. Life's still tough, but if I go tomorrow I'll rest knowing my mom passed away knowing who her son is and I'll reunite with her as that person she always loved.
@@artanastacio1569 I can't stop crying reading your post. I wish you all the happiness in the world living as your authentic self.
Well done you ❤x
@@user-sh4mv3tc3rIs it ok that I give you a virtual hug?
Thx ❤️
No words can properly describe this LEGENDARY DAME!
Wow!
GOOSEBUMPS what a voice. What a voice.
Música maravilhosa. Lembra as travas/monas cantando nos programas de auditório na década de ' 80...kkkk
I had a goosebumps as well while l listened her voice
This is such a beautiful lyric .You are what you are and never be afraid of it.
Truth here 🌈🌈🌈🌈
Goes for everybody
See the notes: it was written by a gay man for a gay character. But I loved what it conveyed before I knew that.
I’ve never known a singer be able to sing so powerfully and maintain it for the entirety of their life like she has
Shirley Bassey did the right thing with her fame -- continued singing and dressing beautifully. That is what makes her legendary. Tyler Lord Hamilton
A real lady with real class! My late father used to say to me, get up, dress up, go out.
That's what I call a PERFORMANCE! There's no one like her. What a belter! And she can't even read music... really.
Now that is what you call a STAR!!!
DAME SHIRLEY BASSEY ONE OF THE WORLDS FINEST LADIES, I HAVE EVER COME ACROSS, I MET DAME SHIRLEY. IN THE SEVENTYS IN A PLACE CALLED, THE BATLEY VARIETY CLUB JUST BETEEN LEEDS AND BRADFORD, SHE BROUGHT THE HOUSE DOWN WITH THAT AMAZING VOICE OFF HERS, A TALENTED WOMAN, GOD BLESS YOU SHIRLEY FOR ALL THOSE YEARS OF PLEASURE YOU,VE GIVEN TO ME AND THE REST OF THE WORLD, GEORGE ROE.
I love these comments, so full of praise and admiration. Well deserved!
She is unique. A real diva. The audience is in a state of SHOCK. I am crying right now.
Legend is over used, but not for this lady! What a voice and what a treasure. :)
She’s giving me so much LIFE! YAS QUEEN!!
I remember watching this with a huge smile on my face! Pure entertainment!
@@jonsmum5552 NUNCA IMAGINE que a,esta alturas recinto le tomara el sentido a este tema y que Es MAARAAVILLOODOOO ❤
@@nemygermain9860 Thank you! ❤️❤️
my god her voice is better then ever
Oh gosh that's a real diva! Powerhouse voice and impeccable even through time.
Yes she most certainly is a Diva, if there ever was one!
Ms. Shirley Bassey sings from the heart and mind which is why she influences everyone who listen to her performs.
What a voice!!...Ms. Bassey is so beautiful, so elegant!!!
Can't stop listening to her such a powerful voice xxx
🇪🇦 Ya en los años 70 hizo aparición en la escena musical española y la reconocí como un auténtico crack. De individuos así, Federico García Lorca diría que: "posee duende"... y ello es aplicable no ya y sólo a su portentosa voz de amplio registro, sino también a su personalidad arrolladora.
nobody can sing this like shirley she can grip the crowd with the power and performance
I cry everytime i hear this song, she never lied. this is who i am Baby!!! Thank Momma Bassey
God's name is Jehovah! (Psalms 83:18)
The one and only The greatest performer ever
Wow ! She is singing this song strong and committed. I will learn from her..... Greetings from Germany , Mam Babs
What a performer, there will never be another one like our Shirley, just fantastic. You cannot tear yourself away, her magnetism is incredible, moves you to tears, there are not the adjectives and superlatives to do her justice. Just simply THE BEST.
Oh wow. She was around 72 years old and still able to belt powerfully. How many singers can do that?
May God bless that woman
Sang with the power, glitz and glamour that song deserves, class act Ms Bassey
our mothers song??? says it all she was what she was?? love you mum,, Beverly rafferty, god rest your soul,,,never ever forgotten by us en ya boys? xxx
Saw her in concert in Cardiff, (her home town).. Also saw her in Bristol twice. She didn’t need to perform on Broadway as she was already World Class. 🏴🏴🏴🏴
I love Shirley singing this, she is great and a great song
❤❤❤ Shirley doesn't get the respect that she deserves 😢
Dame Shirley was inducted into the Guinness book of world records in 2001 for being the largest selling female vocalist from the United Kingdom. She also is the only artist with at least one top 40 hit over 7 consecutive decades. These alone are two of the biggest awards that can be bestowed on any artist. Scot, USA
Dame Shirley, you are fabulous .xxx
The GREATEST popular female singer of the U.K ever, and rightly so. Thanks for the posting.
RAY LAZER. Without doubt. Jxxx
When I was an attractive young teen boy this was my song and it gave me much comfort and reassurance for my challenging adult hood ahead . I never found true and fulfilling happiness coz life " is what life is as "I am what I am .
this song is lovely as it reminds me of my mum,who i sadly lost 13 yr,s ago,miss that woman so much as she was and still my friend and soul mate,xx r.i.p.mum.youre son craig,xxx
This is the top! Shirley has always been an icon for gays and for transvestites who impersonated her on stage. And this song is a very proud song for those people. So no other song is so much her!
I simply get taken over and drawn into her emotions the moment she opens her mouth. Such a gracious lady who never compromised her principles once. She sure could pick her material and submerge herself in it all the was....what a Grands Damme..... she never forgot who she was there for, her audience. A class act all the way for a longer singing career than most only dream of attaining, and she often mentored new, nervous voices that had the promise of greatness in them.
Just superb. Listening to this fills you with energy and you simply cannot help but move to the music. We love you Shirley, and your feathers and spangles. You’re elegance personified.
I'm from the Philippines and i am only 27 years old, the first time i saw her performance i became a big fan of her . her music is gold and genuine. and hoping to have another her in this generation.
that night those who were present was Magic
Shirley is charm in person
Goosebumps every single time. What a powerful voice and beautiful woman.
Spectacular!!!
I m the only baritone-bass the love to sing it in this version? Its soo gorgeous!
WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THAT PERFORMANCE BRILLIANT!!! A TRUE SUPERSTAR..
You know that you have made a monumental impression on people from all walks of life when you can go on stage to an open chord, sing "I.." and the crowd goes wild...
Long may she reign - if ever you need reminding of what the word "Legend" means, bookmark this video...
Love her to bits "go on girl sing" XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Dame Shirley Bassey has the MOST powerful voice I have ever heard & the ironic part is that she stands a mere 5'3" tall. A TREMENDOUS, PHENOMENAL, WHIRLWIND OF TALENT... Brava, Dame Bassey, Multi Brava!
When I listen to your music I forget all my worries.Thank you for your wonderfull music! YOUR FOREVER FAN.
the "LEGENDARY" SHIRLEY BASSEY! INCOMPARABLE TALENT!
OCTOBER. 9. 2019. DAME. SHIRLEY. BASSEY. AT HER VERY BEST!!!👑👑. NEVER GET TIRED. OF WATCHING. THIS VIDEO. A. TRUE. CLASS ACT🌹🌹🌹🌹. JO-ANN. LAMONICA. ONEONTA. NEW. YORK🌗🌗🌗
I had the enormous pleasure to see her concert in 2013 in Hamburg...it was the concert of my life...just magnificent and I will never ever forget it, when the whole crowd stud up and applauded her....thank you divine Dame Shirley Bassey....✨✨✨✨
I CAME HERE FROM THAT ADVERT.
WE ARE WHT WE ARE ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I Am What I Am
Proud to be one 🌈🌈
June 2020
Played this fabulous song at my mum's funeral last December, she was a big fan xx
DAME SHIRLEY WALKS TO HER OWN DRUMMER. !!!! You go girl🙋♀️. JUST RECEIVED A AWARD FROM THE GAY COMMUNITY!!!! AMERICA. JO-ANN 12/4/2023
All I can say is FLAWLESS!!!!
Thanks to all the Grand Dames who have been bolsters of the gay community, whether they've known it or not. Ms. Bassey gets an especial bow and curtsey. Thank you so much!
Dame bassey at her absolute best. Pure class and talent❤❤❤
Classic Shirley Bassey!!!
Damn! Dame Shirley has so much power in that voice. She needs no mic 🎤
Shirley bassey is one of my favorite old times singers and she gives the performance of her life. ❤️🤗
When things settled down in this world. You can find me relaxing and listening to Shirley 💙 🌹 🍹
What a wonderful woman singer stc etc
"Burly Chassis" brought something new to every song she performed and they were never the same with any artiste that followed.
I am in tears every time I hear this girl sing this A welsh legend
I had this played at my Mum's funeral, she loved shirley Bassey..
Legend, Diva and Iconic 😉😉😃
At age 72, how could someone sing like that!! Unbelievable!! 💕💕
wonderful love her
I'm an American from the South but I am madly in love with the beautiful Dame Shirley from Wales, especially her superb rendition of this song!
Fantastically Fabulous.♥️🎶🥀🎶♥️🥰
Always loved her,and love this fabulous song!!
it's so magical to me
The greatest singer Britain as ever produced without doubt.
A great lady and a great singer!
Absolute legend and treasure.x
I got goosebumps, too! Beautiful voice!
all she needs to do is stand there and somehow she exudes charisma and generates an atmosphere of excitement
amazing
Just melts off of her!
One of my favourite singers. She is GREAT!!! Love her so much! :-)))
Incredible voice!
great performer!!!! i love you Shirley bassey!
What a superb performance!
Beautiful song from the greatest singer 😍
What a great Dame & song !!!
Absolutely amazing
Her songs makes my day especially I am what I am legendary
What a lady, what a voice, what a universe inside a human..
2019 and i still listen this song
Simply a class act!! Just love her and always will!!
Pure magic. Our national treasure.
I so love the lyrics of this song and with Shirley singing it it is magic to my ears. Thankyou
Fabulous in every possible way
72 years young at this moment. Better than many, many, many singers 40-50 years younger. Dame Shirley Bassey: Wonderful!!!