One of my childhood most loved movies, but this song is hard to describe what it means for me and to hear it again...I'm very thankful for the upload...thanks mate!
I could not have put it any better, Veb. This is one of the most memorable moments of any movie I've ever seen. His voice is juat absolutely haunting and it's worth watching the entire movie up to that point just to hear him sing. The only movie song that can come close to this one is when J.B. White sings Danny Boy in Gotham. If you love beautiful, haunting songs, you owe it to yourself to see that.
I always thought this was dubbed and only just found out 30 years after seeing the movie that he was an Opera singer and an English teacher inbetween movies, how amazing is that. Talk about dont judge a book by its cover. How sad to die so young with so much to give... At least he managed to be married and have a kid and work on a few truly inspirational movies... RIP dude 8-)
*Genius. Yeah, I was taken aback by this film too. I've watched it twice; I think that it's hilarious, expecially when Pryor does the whole 'My whole familiy's short - my dad was short, and my brother was even shorter... he was so short that we couldn't even see him." It's just a really lovely film.
This song has made an impression on me since I first saw this movie as a youngster. I pray that Erland Van Lidth De Jeude is in Heaven singing praises to the Lord above with that beautiful voice that the Lord undoubtedly blessed him with. This movie is truly a classic and this scene is so powerful. I pray in the name of Jesus for those left behind in his family.
the best version i've heard,erland could sing (sang opera),act and wrestle..held a BS in computer science from MIT..he was born blue blood of Dutch nobility
when HBO 1ST came out i took an old cassette player and recorded this song off this movie i thought it was so good i'm glad to see i wasn't the only one to see the talent that he has
Grossberger reminds me of my granddad! Everyone would be scared of him because he was so big and tall... But when he starts singing Hawaiian music his voice is so heavenly!!
Thank you so much for posting this kwomy. One of my favourite scenes from the movie. First time I saw it I was really shocked/touched: Such a great voice coming from the giant man most feared in the prison. Beautiful stuff!
Regardless of who this is singing, this particular version is the one by which I measure all others. I still haven't found one that can hold a candle to this, and I've been searching for a long time.
@Ebbtide007 Since Erland Van Lidth was an accomplished opera singer he certainly could have sang the song for the movie but, there is a lot of conflicting information on the internet regarding who sang this song. His IMDB page states: "His actual voice wasn't used for the song, Down in the Valley, in the film. Due to the SAG-AFTRA strike in 1980, he wasn't able to record the song himself, so they used the pre-recorded track to which he had sung the song during the filming in the final print"
he was from a musical family, his sister and he opera singers, he was a MIT grad, big talent you would expect it is such a big mass of person, unique, lovely song, RIP
I knew that. He died shortly after playing Dynamo in "The Running Man", which was the role that showed off his talent as an opera singer. Truly a great singing voice.
In 1999 I worked at this place in NYC with this woman who turned out to be Grossberger's (ie Erland De Jeude's) sister. She (and he) were actually trained classical singers (his sister is still an opera singer). Not only that, he had a degree from MIT in computer science, and was also on the US Olympic wrestling team in the 70s. The guy was a true Renaissance man, died way too young.
@Ebbtide007 The Wikipedia page for the song Down in the Valley states: "This song is sung by Erland Van Lidth in the 1980 comedy movie Stir Crazy". The end credits of the film do not include Down in the Valley but, the soundtrack album credit it to Dorian Holley. Some say it was the same Dorian Holley from American Idol but his Wikipedia page states he has only been active since 1987. Some claim it was Gene Wilder.
His actual voice wasn't used in film. Due to the SAG-AFTRA strike in 1980, he wasn't able to record the song himself, so they used the pre-recorded track to which he had sung the song during the filming in the final print of the movie.
@Rockhound6165 Hi Rockhound, I have been reading through many comments on here about who is really singing this song, Dorian Holley or Erland van Lidth. I don't know for sure, and will bow to your superior knowledge, but all i can say is, Erland van Lidth was a Bass Baritone, and this is definately a tenor voice. All i do know is, it is absolutely beautiful. (Northern Ireland)
@brownsugarnay - Is this really your dad singing this? OMG, his voice is just so hauntingly beautiful!!!! I am in awe of this particular version. In a million yrs nobody will ever be able to top this version. Nobody can hold a candle to your dad. Simply the best! 2:20 am June 7 2010
I know this is a comedy, but Grossberger is a truly tragic figure. This song was the perfect way to show that at least some part of him sought redemption. I don't want to give any spoilers, but in the end, he knew where he belonged. I, for one, thought both scenes to be very moving.
@NuWyrldDave - Amen to that. This version is that ONLY one that rates IMHO. The one that sets the bar for the rest. Tears at my soul every time I hear it. 1:59 am June 7 2010
@delofitysix - man,if this is you singing this song..... WOW, what a VOICE!!!!! This song shreds my heart & soul. I have NEVER heard BETTER. You're more than talented, you are God. 2:08 am June 7 2010
Great scene where a monstrous killer with a haunting operatic voice lulls the entire block with a folk ballad. I think Shawshank borrowed from this when Dufrain commandeered the loudspeaker and played Italian opera throughout the prison.
Funny how there is someone claiming to be the man singing this song in this movie when it is indeed the late Erland van Lidth, who passed away in 1987, singing this song. Considering he was a trained opera singer and all.
Such a beautiful song, its earned its own place in my heart. its a shame that the bloody guards had to ruin it by talking over it, how rude. They dint even have n e thing important to say. Still looking for a version where theres no dialogue, if n e 1 can help me out with that id be grateful. Rest in peace my good man.
@jeffanderson3221 - I just happened upon your post & thought it was so heartbreakingly sad. It'll be 5 yrs this Sat. your Dad passed away, but please know that he was the happiest (lucky) man to have a son like you, to have a son that loves him that much. Not many parents now a days have kids that honor their memories. Your father will always be w/ you. 1:45 am June 7 2010
Is Erland van Lidth dead I see a few comments that say R.I.P. Just curious, never heard anything, just like when the actress Persis Khambatta had died, I didn't know she had died until I had looked her up on the internet.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Erland was a force of nature 💯
Fantastic movie 👌
One of the finest scenes in movie history. I'll never forget the feeling I had the first time I saw this!
One of my childhood most loved movies, but this song is hard to describe what it means for me and to hear it again...I'm very thankful for the upload...thanks mate!
What a film this was. Comedy genius of Pryor and Wilder, and in the middle of the film we have this beautiful and moving song. Amazing!!
I don't think this song could be sung any better. I've listened to this version over and over and don't get tired of it. Just beautiful.
This is one of my favorite movies and scenes. Brings back a great memory. Thanks for adding this.
What a fantastic film, after crying my eyes out with laughter, this scene brings a lump to my throat.
Great movie, great scene, great actors. Why cant we have movies like this any more?
one of the best parts of the movie.thank you for posting this up.
Watched this lastnight, great film
Great scene, had to see it again.
Clap if you love Grossberger.
I could not have put it any better, Veb. This is one of the most memorable moments of any movie I've ever seen. His voice is juat absolutely haunting and it's worth watching the entire movie up to that point just to hear him sing.
The only movie song that can come close to this one is when J.B. White sings Danny Boy in Gotham. If you love beautiful, haunting songs, you owe it to yourself to see that.
OMG-what a beautiful voice. One of the best songs from a movie!
ive been looking for this song for quite some time excellent song i love it
My fav part of the movie, his voice def caught me off guard when I first saw this movie!
Thanks for posting this. I really like this movie a lot, and This scene IS my most favorite! Thanks Again!
I always thought this was dubbed and only just found out 30 years after seeing the movie that he was an Opera singer and an English teacher inbetween movies, how amazing is that. Talk about dont judge a book by its cover. How sad to die so young with so much to give... At least he managed to be married and have a kid and work on a few truly inspirational movies... RIP dude 8-)
I am so happy I found this clip. I could not remember which moview this was from. I love this song so much!!!!
*Genius. Yeah, I was taken aback by this film too. I've watched it twice; I think that it's hilarious, expecially when Pryor does the whole 'My whole familiy's short - my dad was short, and my brother was even shorter... he was so short that we couldn't even see him." It's just a really lovely film.
this is the 1st version of the song I heard and listening to many others just now on YT it;s still my fav :)
This song has made an impression on me since I first saw this movie as a youngster. I pray that Erland Van Lidth De Jeude is in Heaven singing praises to the Lord above with that beautiful voice that the Lord undoubtedly blessed him with. This movie is truly a classic and this scene is so powerful. I pray in the name of Jesus for those left behind in his family.
the best version i've heard,erland could sing (sang opera),act and wrestle..held a BS in computer science from MIT..he was born blue blood of Dutch nobility
when HBO 1ST came out i took an old cassette player and recorded this song off this movie i thought it was so good i'm glad to see i wasn't the only one to see the talent that he has
I love this song. I make sure the last 30 mins. of the movie I tun to this scene. I'm so mad I missed it today.
His voice is awesome! Wish i could find a full recording
ruclips.net/video/8M_hLZykFw0/видео.html
Grossberger reminds me of my granddad! Everyone would be scared of him because he was so big and tall... But when he starts singing Hawaiian music his voice is so heavenly!!
Thank you so much for posting this kwomy. One of my favourite scenes from the movie. First time I saw it I was really shocked/touched: Such a great voice coming from the giant man most feared in the prison. Beautiful stuff!
love this... brings a tear to my eyes.
I have looked every for this thank you.
semper Fi, and thank you for your service!!!!
love this song, and he just sings it beautifully!
class song from an old all time classic film
Regardless of who this is singing, this particular version is the one by which I measure all others. I still haven't found one that can hold a candle to this, and I've been searching for a long time.
Just watched this movie ...
This guy sings incredible ...
15/10 , 5/5 stars.
song gives me goose bumps, reminds me of my sister, R.I.P carley iloveyou.
@Ebbtide007 Since Erland Van Lidth was an accomplished opera singer he certainly could have sang the song for the movie but, there is a lot of conflicting information on the internet regarding who sang this song. His IMDB page states: "His actual voice wasn't used for the song, Down in the Valley, in the film. Due to the SAG-AFTRA strike in 1980, he wasn't able to record the song himself, so they used the pre-recorded track to which he had sung the song during the filming in the final print"
That was beautiful!
he was from a musical family, his sister and he opera singers, he was a MIT grad, big talent you would expect it is such a big mass of person, unique, lovely song, RIP
a voice of a angel
Without this scene you really dont feel for the characters. This song is beautiful and tragic at the same time! That's Life!
I knew that. He died shortly after playing Dynamo in "The Running Man", which was the role that showed off his talent as an opera singer.
Truly a great singing voice.
In 1999 I worked at this place in NYC with this woman who turned out to be Grossberger's (ie Erland De Jeude's) sister. She (and he) were actually trained classical singers (his sister is still an opera singer). Not only that, he had a degree from MIT in computer science, and was also on the US Olympic wrestling team in the 70s. The guy was a true Renaissance man, died way too young.
i stated singing this song at work this mrning ,,, love it :)
it brings tears to my eyes when i hear that song it so beautiful who sings tgat song??
erland singing this still gives me goosebumps what a voice r.i.p. big man
That bit always gives me goosebumps
@Ebbtide007 The Wikipedia page for the song Down in the Valley states: "This song is sung by Erland Van Lidth in the 1980 comedy movie Stir Crazy". The end credits of the film do not include Down in the Valley but, the soundtrack album credit it to Dorian Holley. Some say it was the same Dorian Holley from American Idol but his Wikipedia page states he has only been active since 1987. Some claim it was Gene Wilder.
The actor was/is an opera singer, and he was a very good olympic wrestler in college!! also... and DYNAMO in "the Running man"
Lovely voice
best voice to this song ever!
Nice voice!
His actual voice wasn't used in film. Due to the SAG-AFTRA strike in 1980, he wasn't able to record the song himself, so they used the pre-recorded track to which he had sung the song during the filming in the final print of the movie.
@Rockhound6165 Hi Rockhound, I have been reading through many comments on here about who is really singing this song, Dorian Holley or Erland van Lidth.
I don't know for sure, and will bow to your superior knowledge, but all i can say is, Erland van Lidth was a Bass Baritone, and this is definately a tenor voice.
All i do know is, it is absolutely beautiful.
(Northern Ireland)
@brownsugarnay - Is this really your dad singing this? OMG, his voice is just so hauntingly beautiful!!!! I am in awe of this particular version. In a million yrs nobody will ever be able to top this version. Nobody can hold a candle to your dad. Simply the best! 2:20 am June 7 2010
according to the internet it was a prerecorded song Erland van Lidth had sung earlier and put into the movie, due to the SAG-AFTRA strike in 1980.
Back when you didn´t need $100,000,000 to make a good film!
I know this is a comedy, but Grossberger is a truly tragic figure. This song was the perfect way to show that at least some part of him sought redemption. I don't want to give any spoilers, but in the end, he knew where he belonged. I, for one, thought both scenes to be very moving.
RIP Gene and Richard
And Erland!
breath taking.
Heartwrenching tune...
@NuWyrldDave - Amen to that. This version is that ONLY one that rates IMHO. The one that sets the bar for the rest. Tears at my soul every time I hear it. 1:59 am June 7 2010
oh...man. even if you have a shitty day, listen to this. And then all is good and gone, and everything is peaceful.
@delofitysix - man,if this is you singing this song..... WOW, what a VOICE!!!!! This song shreds my heart & soul. I have NEVER heard BETTER. You're more than talented, you are God. 2:08 am June 7 2010
Wow! I never made the connection to Running Man - thanks for the info..
Amazing, just amazing...
Rest in peace Grossberger, for those who doesn't know, he died with only 34 years, problems with heart. :((
Call me crazy, but that was always my favorite part!
Grossburger seems like a swell guy!
Great scene where a monstrous killer with a haunting operatic voice lulls the entire block with a folk ballad.
I think Shawshank borrowed from this when Dufrain commandeered the loudspeaker and played Italian opera throughout the prison.
that was his actual voice as well. amazing
Funny how there is someone claiming to be the man singing this song in this movie when it is indeed the late Erland van Lidth, who passed away in 1987, singing this song. Considering he was a trained opera singer and all.
he was pursuing both an acting career and a career in opera when he passed away.
Just so sad that a big heart attack took him at 34 just two months after playing dynamo in the running man
grossberger can sing awesome
I just found out that it is "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" sung by Kiki Dee. Please post it, can't find it here.
The hairs on my whole body are standing on end, is that really that big guy singing, fucking powerful.
that man has talent
What a powerful scene
the original song is by Leadbelly
RIP Gene
Such a beautiful song, its earned its own place in my heart. its a shame that the bloody guards had to ruin it by talking over it, how rude. They dint even have n e thing important to say. Still looking for a version where theres no dialogue, if n e 1 can help me out with that id be grateful.
Rest in peace my good man.
@jeffanderson3221 I do too, my mom died in 2006 of a brain tumour, great song, means a lot......chin up mate......... :)
Grossberger = BOSS
Would someone upload the ending song or tell me what song it is and who it is performed by?
LEGENDS
Wow. That's a young Craig T. Nelson, from Poltergeist, and ABC's 'Coach'. (01:29)
Dorian Holley is the singer on the soundtrack.
R.I.P. Sir
did erland van lidth ever go for a music career? because if he did im getting his records. please reply
@FinCroweman I agree!
@jeffanderson3221 - I just happened upon your post & thought it was so heartbreakingly sad. It'll be 5 yrs this Sat. your Dad passed away, but please know that he was the happiest (lucky) man to have a son like you, to have a son that loves him that much. Not many parents now a days have kids that honor their memories. Your father will always be w/ you. 1:45 am June 7 2010
@jeffanderson3221 im sorry for your loss god bless you
The actor is actually a trained opera singer.
@NuWyrldDave - Oops... meant to say "This version is THE only one...." 2:02 am June 7 2010
@ryanlfc1986 - AMEN to your comment. Brings me to tears every time I hear it. So hauntingly sad! 1:55 am June 7 2010
Is Erland van Lidth dead I see a few comments that say R.I.P. Just curious, never heard anything, just like when the actress Persis Khambatta had died, I didn't know she had died until I had looked her up on the internet.
Once you get to know him.
sorry to hear that man
Type in youtube dorian holley and this song will come up with no dialogue what so ever.Title is down in the valley.
I would have to say it came from the sound track CREDITS