The Impossible Dream (The Quest)
Encyclopedia
"The Impossible Dream" is a popular
song composed by Mitch Leigh
, with lyrics written by Joe Darion
. It was written for the 1965 musical Man of La Mancha
. It is the main song from the musical and became its most popular hit.
The song is sung all the way through once in the musical by Don Quixote as he stands vigil over his armor, in response to Aldonza (Dulcinea
)'s question about what he means by "following the quest". It is reprised partially three more times—the last by prisoners in a dungeon as Miguel de Cervantes
and his manservant mount the drawbridge-like prison staircase to face trial by the Spanish Inquisition
.
, as their pennant-winning season was popularly dubbed "The Impossible Dream."
In 2005, a two-minute-long television advertisement
for Honda
used the Andy Williams
recording as a soundtrack. It was named "Television Advertisement of the Year" in the British Television Advertising Awards.
As a fitting tribute, the song was recently adopted as Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
official football anthem tune in their quest for the English Premier League which helped them reach promotion on 18 April 2009.
The song is also spoofed by British comedian John Cleese
as part of his December 1977 appearance on The Muppet Show
. For the show's closing number, as the opening chords of The Impossible Dream play in the background, Kermit the Frog
introduces a rather bewildered Cleese - who immediately demands to speak with Kermit. Cleese then tells the frog that he refuses to sing old show tunes. Kermit apologizes and a few seconds later, the curtain reopens, this time with Cleese dressed as a Viking, as Sweetums attempts to duet with him in Wagnerian opera.
Cleese isn't thrilled with this either,so they try putting him in a Mexican maraca solo costume. When Cleese tells Kermit that "there's no way I'll do a song", the pigs and monsters he didn't want to work with are brought out on stage.
JOHN: You were supposed to be my host. How could you do this to me? Kermit - I am your guest!
CAST: (singing to "Impossible Dream") This is your guest - To follow that star...
The Pinky and the Brain
episode "Mouse of la Mancha" parodies the entire play affectionately, and Richard Stone
's re-working of the song features heavily, re-titled "(To Scheme) The Improbable Scheme".
During Robert Kennedy's long shot campaign for the presidency in 1968 George McGovern
introduced him before a South Dakota stump speech
by quoting from The Impossible Dream. Afterwards Kennedy questioned whether McGovern thought it was impossible, McGovern said "No I don't think it's impossible. I just...wanted the audience to understand it's worth making the effort - whether you win or lose." Kennedy replied, "well, that's what I think." Andy Williams
who covered the song was a close friend of Robert Kennedy. The song was a favourite of younger brother Ted Kennedy
and was performed by Brian Stokes Mitchell
at his memorial service in 2009.
Popular music
Popular music belongs to any of a number of musical genres "having wide appeal" and is typically distributed to large audiences through the music industry. It stands in contrast to both art music and traditional music, which are typically disseminated academically or orally to smaller, local...
song composed by Mitch Leigh
Mitch Leigh
Mitch Leigh is an American musical theatre composer and theatrical producer best known for the musical Man Of La Mancha.-Biography:Leigh was born in Brooklyn, New York) as Irwin Michnick...
, with lyrics written by Joe Darion
Joe Darion
Joe Darion, was an American musical theatre lyricist, most famous for Man of La Mancha.Darion was born in New York City and died in Lebanon, New Hampshire.-External links:* at the Internet Broadway Database...
. It was written for the 1965 musical Man of La Mancha
Man of La Mancha
Man of La Mancha is a musical with a book by Dale Wasserman, lyrics by Joe Darion and music by Mitch Leigh. It is adapted from Wasserman's non-musical 1959 teleplay I, Don Quixote, which was in turn inspired by Miguel de Cervantes's seventeenth century masterpiece Don Quixote...
. It is the main song from the musical and became its most popular hit.
The song is sung all the way through once in the musical by Don Quixote as he stands vigil over his armor, in response to Aldonza (Dulcinea
Dulcinea
"Dulcinea del Toboso" is a fictional character who is referred to in Miguel de Cervantes' novel Don Quixote. Seeking the traditions of the knights-errant of old, Don Quixote finds a true love whom he calls Dulcinea. She is a simple peasant in his home town, but Quixote imagines her to be the most...
)'s question about what he means by "following the quest". It is reprised partially three more times—the last by prisoners in a dungeon as Miguel de Cervantes
Miguel de Cervantes
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was a Spanish novelist, poet, and playwright. His magnum opus, Don Quixote, considered the first modern novel, is a classic of Western literature, and is regarded amongst the best works of fiction ever written...
and his manservant mount the drawbridge-like prison staircase to face trial by the Spanish Inquisition
Spanish Inquisition
The Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition , commonly known as the Spanish Inquisition , was a tribunal established in 1480 by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. It was intended to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in their kingdoms, and to replace the Medieval...
.
In popular culture
The song is strongly associated with the 1967 Boston Red Sox1967 Boston Red Sox season
The Boston Red Sox season, often referred to as The Impossible Dream, consisted of the Red Sox shocking New England and the rest of the baseball world by winning the American League Championship and reaching the World Series for the first time since 1946...
, as their pennant-winning season was popularly dubbed "The Impossible Dream."
In 2005, a two-minute-long television advertisement
Impossible Dream (Honda advert)
Honda's Impossible Dream is a panoramic 2 minute long television commercial that was launched on December 2, 2005 in the United Kingdom. It anchored the "Power of Dreams" campaign which also included a website with extensive information about the series of vintage Honda vehicles that were chosen...
for Honda
Honda
is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
used the Andy Williams
Andy Williams
Howard Andrew "Andy" Williams is an American singer who has recorded 18 Gold- and three Platinum-certified albums. He hosted The Andy Williams Show, a TV variety show, from 1962 to 1971, as well as numerous television specials, and owns his own theater, the Moon River Theatre in Branson, Missouri,...
recording as a soundtrack. It was named "Television Advertisement of the Year" in the British Television Advertising Awards.
As a fitting tribute, the song was recently adopted as Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
official football anthem tune in their quest for the English Premier League which helped them reach promotion on 18 April 2009.
The song is also spoofed by British comedian John Cleese
John Cleese
John Marwood Cleese is an English actor, comedian, writer, and film producer. He achieved success at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and as a scriptwriter and performer on The Frost Report...
as part of his December 1977 appearance on The Muppet Show
The Muppet Show
The Muppet Show is a British television programme produced by American puppeteer Jim Henson and featuring Muppets. After two pilot episodes were produced in 1974 and 1975, the show premiered on 5 September 1976 and five series were produced until 15 March 1981, lasting 120 episodes...
. For the show's closing number, as the opening chords of The Impossible Dream play in the background, Kermit the Frog
Kermit the Frog
Kermit the Frog is puppeteer Jim Henson's most famous Muppet creation, first introduced in 1955. He is the protagonist of many Muppet projects, most notably as the host of The Muppet Show, and has appeared in various sketches on Sesame Street, in commercials and in public service announcements over...
introduces a rather bewildered Cleese - who immediately demands to speak with Kermit. Cleese then tells the frog that he refuses to sing old show tunes. Kermit apologizes and a few seconds later, the curtain reopens, this time with Cleese dressed as a Viking, as Sweetums attempts to duet with him in Wagnerian opera.
Cleese isn't thrilled with this either,so they try putting him in a Mexican maraca solo costume. When Cleese tells Kermit that "there's no way I'll do a song", the pigs and monsters he didn't want to work with are brought out on stage.
JOHN: You were supposed to be my host. How could you do this to me? Kermit - I am your guest!
CAST: (singing to "Impossible Dream") This is your guest - To follow that star...
The Pinky and the Brain
Pinky and the Brain
Pinky and the Brain is an American animated television series.The characters Pinky and the Brain first appeared in 1993 as a recurring segment on the show Animaniacs...
episode "Mouse of la Mancha" parodies the entire play affectionately, and Richard Stone
Richard Stone (composer)
Richard Stone was an American composer. He played an important part in the revival of Warner Bros. animation in the 1990s, composing music and songs for Tiny Toon Adventures, Taz-Mania, SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron, Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, Freakazoid!, The Sylvester and Tweety...
's re-working of the song features heavily, re-titled "(To Scheme) The Improbable Scheme".
During Robert Kennedy's long shot campaign for the presidency in 1968 George McGovern
George McGovern
George Stanley McGovern is an historian, author, and former U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator, and the Democratic Party nominee in the 1972 presidential election....
introduced him before a South Dakota stump speech
Stump speech
Stump speech may be:*Stump speech , a political speech*Stump speech , a part of the blackface minstrel show...
by quoting from The Impossible Dream. Afterwards Kennedy questioned whether McGovern thought it was impossible, McGovern said "No I don't think it's impossible. I just...wanted the audience to understand it's worth making the effort - whether you win or lose." Kennedy replied, "well, that's what I think." Andy Williams
Andy Williams
Howard Andrew "Andy" Williams is an American singer who has recorded 18 Gold- and three Platinum-certified albums. He hosted The Andy Williams Show, a TV variety show, from 1962 to 1971, as well as numerous television specials, and owns his own theater, the Moon River Theatre in Branson, Missouri,...
who covered the song was a close friend of Robert Kennedy. The song was a favourite of younger brother Ted Kennedy
Ted Kennedy
Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy was a United States Senator from Massachusetts and a member of the Democratic Party. Serving almost 47 years, he was the second most senior member of the Senate when he died and is the fourth-longest-serving senator in United States history...
and was performed by Brian Stokes Mitchell
Brian Stokes Mitchell
Brian Stokes Mitchell is an American stage, film and television actor. A powerful baritone, he has been one of the central leading men of the Broadway theatre since the early 1990s...
at his memorial service in 2009.
Recordings and live versions
- LiberaceLiberaceWladziu Valentino Liberace , best known simply as Liberace, was a famous American pianist and vocalist.In a career that spanned four decades of concerts, recordings, motion pictures, television and endorsements, Liberace became world-renowned...
- Ronan TynanRonan TynanRonan Tynan is a singer in the classical Irish style. He is most famous for his renditions of "God Bless America" at Yankee Stadium during important New York Yankees games, such as Opening Day, nationally-televised games, the last game at the old Yankee Stadium, and playoff games...
- Richard Kiley (on the original Broadway cast album of Man of La Mancha)
- Roy HamiltonRoy HamiltonRoy Hamilton was an American singer, who achieved major success in the US R&B and pop charts in the 1950s...
(1966) - Simon Gilbert (provided the singing voice for Peter O'ToolePeter O'ToolePeter Seamus Lorcan O'Toole is an Irish actor of stage and screen. O'Toole achieved stardom in 1962 playing T. E. Lawrence in Lawrence of Arabia, and then went on to become a highly-honoured film and stage actor. He has been nominated for eight Academy Awards, and holds the record for most...
in the 1972 filmMan of La Mancha (film)Man of La Mancha is a 1972 film adaptation of the Broadway musical Man of La Mancha by Dale Wasserman, with music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion...
adaptation of the play, and on the soundtrack albumSoundtrack albumA soundtrack album is any album that incorporates music directly recorded from the soundtrack of a particular feature film or television program. In some cases, not all the tracks from the movie are included in the album; however there are rare cases of songs in the trailers that do not appear in...
) - Diana Ross and the SupremesThe SupremesThe Supremes, an American female singing group, were the premier act of Motown Records during the 1960s.Originally founded as The Primettes in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959, The Supremes' repertoire included doo-wop, pop, soul, Broadway show tunes, psychedelic soul, and disco...
- Keith MichellKeith MichellKeith Michell is an Australian actor, particularly noted for his television and film performances as King Henry VIII of England.- Early life :He was born in Adelaide and brought up in Warnertown, near Port Pirie...
(on the 2-LP London cast album of the show) - Robert GouletRobert GouletRobert Gerard Goulet was a Canadian American entertainer as a singer and actor. He played the role of Lancelot in the Broadway musical Camelot of 1960.-Early life:...
(on the album collection Robert Goulet on Broadway) - CherCherCher is an American recording artist, television personality, actress, director, record producer and philanthropist. Referred to as the Goddess of Pop, she has won an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, three Golden Globes and a Cannes Film Festival Award among others for her work in...
(on the album BackstageBackstage (album)Backstage is the fifth album by American singer-actess Cher, released on July 1968 by Imperial Records. This album was her first commercial failure, failed to chart. The album is by-and-large a covers album.- Album information :...
) - Ed AmesEd AmesEd Ames is an American popular singer and actor. He is best known for his pop and adult contemporary hits of the 1960s like "When the Snow is on the Roses" and the perennial "My Cup Runneth Over." He was part of a popular 1950s singing group called The Ames Brothers.-Early life:Born in Malden,...
((on 2 known LPs "More I Cannot Wish You" 1966 RCA LSP-3636 (stereo)/LPM-3636 (mono) & "The Best of Ed Ames" 1969 RCA LSP-4184 (stereo)) - Glenn CampbellGlenn CampbellGlen Campbell may refer to:People:* Glen Campbell , American musician -- country, active in US* Glenn Ross Campbell , American musician -- rock, active in UK* Glenn Campbell , Scottish journalist...
(on a Capitol 45 RPM single, 20 Greatest Hits) - Tom JonesTom Jones (singer)Sir Thomas John Woodward, OBE , known by his stage name Tom Jones, is a Welsh singer.Since the mid 1960s, Jones has sung many styles of popular music – pop, rock, R&B, show tunes, country, dance, techno, soul and gospel – and sold over 100 million records...
- Jack JonesJack Jones (singer)John Allan "Jack" Jones is an American jazz and pop singer. He was one of the most popular vocalists of the 1960s.-Overview:...
(with altered lyrics); this version hit number thirty-five the U.S. Billboard Hot 100Billboard Hot 100The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
and went to number one on the U.S. adult contemporary chartHot Adult Contemporary TracksThe Adult Contemporary chart is a weekly chart published in Billboard magazine that lists the most popular songs on adult contemporary and "lite-pop" radio stations in the United States...
in 1966 . - The ImperialsThe ImperialsThe Imperials are an American Christian music group that has been around for over 45 years. Originating as a southern gospel quartet, the innovative group would become pioneers of contemporary Christian music in the 1960s. There have been many changes for the band in membership and musical styles...
(on the album New DimensionsNew DimensionsNew Dimensions is a studio album by vocal trio The Three Degrees released in late 1978. The album which was produced by Giorgio Moroder yielded three successful single releases, "Giving Up, Giving In", "The Runner" and "Woman In Love"...
(1968)) - Andy WilliamsAndy WilliamsHoward Andrew "Andy" Williams is an American singer who has recorded 18 Gold- and three Platinum-certified albums. He hosted The Andy Williams Show, a TV variety show, from 1962 to 1971, as well as numerous television specials, and owns his own theater, the Moon River Theatre in Branson, Missouri,...
(which was lip-synched by actor Simon Paisley DaySimon Paisley DaySimon Paisley Day also known as Simon Day is a British stage and screen actor. His most recent work includes Timon Of Athens , Entertaining Mr Sloane , Private Lives and Twelfth Night .-Film:-Theatre:His stage credits inclue;-TV:-External links:* on IMDB* - National Theatre...
on the Honda advert Impossible Dream) - Gordon MacRaeGordon MacRaeGordon MacRae was an American actor and singer, best known for his appearances in the film versions of two Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, Oklahoma! and Carousel and films with Doris Day like Starlift.-Early life:Born Albert Gordon MacRae in East Orange, New Jersey, MacRae graduated from...
- Elvis PresleyElvis PresleyElvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
(on his album Elvis as Recorded at Madison Square GardenElvis: As Recorded at Madison Square GardenElvis: As Recorded at Madison Square Garden is a live musical album recorded by Elvis Presley and released in June 1972 by RCA Records peaking on the charts in July 1972. Recorded at the Madison Square Garden arena in New York City on Saturday June 10, 1972, the concert, and the subsequent album,...
) (Recorded June 10. 1972) - Scott WalkerScott Walker (singer)Scott Walker, born Noel Scott Engel on January 9, 1943 is an American singer-songwriter, musician, record producer, and the former lead singer of The Walker Brothers. Despite being American born, Walker's chart success has largely come in the United Kingdom, where his first four solo albums...
(on his TV series in 1969 and on his album Scott: Scott Walker Sings Songs from his TV SeriesScott: Scott Walker Sings Songs from his TV Series-Release history:-Personnel:*Peter Knight - music director of accompaniment*Peter Olliff - engineer...
) - Johnny MathisJohnny MathisJohn Royce "Johnny" Mathis is an American singer of popular music. Starting his career with singles of standards, he became highly popular as an album artist, with several dozen of his albums achieving gold or platinum status, and 73 making the Billboard charts...
(1969) - Matt MonroMatt MonroMatt Monro was an English singer who became one of the most popular entertainers on the international music scene during the 1960s...
- The LettermenThe LettermenThe Lettermen are an American male pop music vocal trio. The Lettermen's trademark is close-harmony pop songs with light arrangements. The group started in 1959...
- Roger WhittakerRoger WhittakerRoger Whittaker is an Anglo-Kenyan singer-songwriter and musician with worldwide record sales of over 55 million. His music can be described as easy listening. He is best known for his baritone singing voice and trademark whistling ability...
- Eddie MurphyEddie MurphyEdward Regan "Eddie" Murphy is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, singer, director, and musician....
- Sergio FranchiSergio FranchiSergio Franchi was an Italian tenor.Franchi was born in Cremona, Italy. His father wanted him to become an electrical engineer, so he studied both music and engineering simultaneously. The family moved to South Africa in 1952, where Sergio worked part-time as a draftsman, while continuing to study...
on his 1968 RCA Victor album Wine and Song. He also sang it on the September 24, 1966 broadcast of The Hollywood PalaceThe Hollywood PalaceThe Hollywood Palace is an hour-long American television variety show that was broadcast weekly on ABC from January 4, 1964 to February 7, 1970. It began as a mid-season replacement for the short-lived Jerry Lewis Show, another variety show which had lasted only three months...
. - Frank SinatraFrank SinatraFrancis Albert "Frank" Sinatra was an American singer and actor.Beginning his musical career in the swing era with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, Sinatra became an unprecedentedly successful solo artist in the early to mid-1940s, after being signed to Columbia Records in 1943. Being the idol of the...
(on his 1966 album That's LifeThat's Life (Frank Sinatra album)That's Life is a 1966 album by Frank Sinatra.Sinatra was supported by a studio orchestra arranged and conducted by Ernie Freeman....
) - Jacques BrelJacques BrelJacques Brel was a Belgian singer-songwriter who composed and performed literate, thoughtful, and theatrical songs that generated a large, devoted following in France initially, and later throughout the world. He was widely considered a master of the modern chanson...
(on the French cast album L'Homme de la ManchaL'Homme de la ManchaL'Homme de la Mancha is Jacques Brel's eleventh studio album. Released in 1968, it is the cast recording of the French adaptation of The Man of la Mancha by Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion. Brel adapted the book, translated the lyrics, directed the production, and played the role of Don Quixote...
) - Frida BoccaraFrida BoccaraFrida Boccara was a French singer.Frida Boccara was born in Casablanca, Morocco. She submitted the song "Autrefois" to the French Eurovision Song Contest selection panel in 1964 but she was unsuccessful...
(on her album Place des Arts `71 Live) - Maynard FergusonMaynard FergusonMaynard Ferguson was a Canadian jazz musician and bandleader. He came to prominence playing in Stan Kenton's orchestra, before forming his own band in 1957...
(instrumental version on his album The Ballad Style of Maynard Ferguson (1972)) - Alex HarveyAlex Harvey (musician)Alex Harvey was a Scottish rock musician. With The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, he built a reputation as an exciting live performer during the 1970s glam rock era.-Biography:...
(title track of the 1974 SAHB album The Impossible DreamThe Impossible Dream (The Sensational Alex Harvey Band album)The Impossible Dream was the third album by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. It was released in 1974. The album was released separately on CD, but can be hard to find, however, the CD is widely available on a 2 in 1 album, the other album being Tomorrow Belongs to Me.-Track listings:#"Hot City... - Carter USMCarter USMCarter the Unstoppable Sex Machine is a British indie rock band formed in 1988 by singer Jim "Jim Bob" Morrison and guitarist Les "Fruitbat" Carter. They made their name with a distinctive style of power pop, fusing samples, sequenced basses and drum machines with rock 'n' roll guitars and...
(on their 1992 album 1992 - The Love Album1992 - The Love Album1992 – The Love Album is an album by Carter USM. Released on Chrysalis Records, following the demise of Rough Trade Records, the album achieved commercial success and became the band's first and only number 1 album in the UK album charts...
) - Lena MartellLena MartellLena Martell is a Scottish singer, who had a number one UK single with "One Day at a Time" in 1979....
(on her album One Day at a Time - The Ultimate Collection) - Ron RainesRon RainesRon Raines is an American actor. He is known for the role of Alan Spaulding on the long-running television soap opera Guiding Light. Raines also performs in musical theatre and in concert with symphony orchestras....
(on the cast recording of the 2000 Covent Garden revival of Man of la Mancha) - Colm WilkinsonColm WilkinsonColm Wilkinson is an Irish tenor, best known for originating the role of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables and for playing the title role in The Phantom of the Opera .Due to his association with these musicals, he reprised the role of...
(on his album Stage Heroes) - Plácido DomingoPlácido DomingoPlácido Domingo KBE , born José Plácido Domingo Embil, is a Spanish tenor and conductor known for his versatile and strong voice, possessing a ringing and dramatic tone throughout its range...
(on the 1996 studio cast recording of Man of la Mancha; also with Anna NetrebkoAnna NetrebkoAnna Yuryevna Netrebko is an Russian operatic soprano. She now holds dual Russian and Austrian citizenship and currently resides in Vienna. She has been nicknamed "La Bellissima" by fans.-Biography:...
and Rolando VillazónRolando VillazónEmilio Rolando Villazón Mauleón is a Mexican tenor. He settled in France and in 2007 became a French citizen.-Early life and education:...
at the Berlin Concert: Live from the Waldbühne (2006), but not included on the DVD issued by Deutsche GrammophonDeutsche GrammophonDeutsche Grammophon is a German classical record label which was the foundation of the future corporation to be known as PolyGram. It is now part of Universal Music Group since its acquisition and absorption of PolyGram in 1999, and it is also UMG's oldest active label...
) - Jaime MoreyJaime MoreyJaime García Morey is a Spanish singer, best known for representing at the 1972 Eurovision Song Contest in Edinburgh with the song "Amanece". He finished 10th in a field of 18.-References:...
- The TemptationsThe TemptationsThe Temptations is an American vocal group having achieved fame as one of the most successful acts to record for Motown Records. The group's repertoire has included, at various times during its five-decade career, R&B, doo-wop, funk, disco, soul, and adult contemporary music.Formed in Detroit,...
(on their 1967 album The Temptations in a Mellow MoodThe Temptations in a Mellow MoodThe Temptations in a Mellow Mood is a 1967 album by The Temptations for the Motown label. Composed primarily of pop standards such as "Ol' Man River" and "For Once in My Life", and similar songs written by Holland-Dozier-Holland and other Motown staff songwriters, the Mellow Mood album was part of...
) - Anthony WarlowAnthony WarlowAnthony Warlow is an Australian opera and musical theatre performer, noted for his character acting and considerable vocal range ....
(on his 1990 album Centre StageCentre StageCentre Stage , also known as Actress and Yuen Ling-yuk, is a 1992 Hong Kong film, directed by Stanley Kwan.The film is based on a true story: the tragic life of China's first prima donna of the silver screen, Ruan Lingyu. This movie chronicles her rise to fame as a movie actress in Shanghai during...
) - Sarah Connor (on her 2007 album SouliciousSouliciousSoulicious is the fifth studio album by German singer–songwriter Sarah Connor, released in German-speaking Europe on 30 March 2007 by Epic. Entirely produced by Kay Denar and Rob Tyger, the album consists of a collection of cover versions of Motown music from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, apart from...
) - Rolando VillazónRolando VillazónEmilio Rolando Villazón Mauleón is a Mexican tenor. He settled in France and in 2007 became a French citizen.-Early life and education:...
- The VoguesThe VoguesThe Vogues are an American vocal group from Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh. The original group consisted of Bill Burkette , Don Miller , Hugh Geyer and Chuck Blasko .-Career:...
(on their album Turn Around, Look At MeTurn Around, Look at Me"Turn Around, Look at Me" is the name of a song written by Jerry Capehart.In 1961, Glen Campbell released his version as a single. This was his first song to chart in the United States, hitting #62 on the Billboard Hot 100.-The Lettermen's version:...
) - Jim NaborsJim NaborsJames Thurston "Jim" Nabors is an American actor and singer. Born and raised in Sylacauga, Alabama, Nabors moved to Southern California because of his asthma. While working at a Santa Monica nightclub, The Horn, he was discovered by Andy Griffith and later joined The Andy Griffith Show, playing...
(3 Times: 1) On an album entitled Love Me With All Your HeartLove Me with All Your Heart"Love Me with All Your Heart" is a popular song, based on the Spanish language song "Cuando calienta el sol". The music was written by Rafael Gaston Perez, a Nicaraguan songwriter and bandleader, and made famous first by the Rigual Brothers. The English lyrics are sometimes credited to Michael...
; 2) On a 1972 studio cast album of Man of La Mancha; & 3) On the Gomer Pyle TV show.) - Luther VandrossLuther VandrossLuther Ronzoni Vandross was an American singer-songwriter and record producer. During his career, Vandross sold over twenty-five million albums and won eight Grammy Awards including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance four times...
- Glen CampbellGlen CampbellGlen Travis Campbell is an American country music singer, guitarist, television host and occasional actor. He is best known for a series of hits in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as for hosting a variety show called The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour on CBS television.During his 50 years in show...
- Roberta FlackRoberta FlackRoberta Flack is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who is notable for jazz, soul, R&B, and folk music...
- Linda EderLinda EderLinda Eder is an American singer and actress. She made her Broadway debut in the musical Jekyll & Hyde, for which she received 1997 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Nominations, as well as the Theatre World Award for Best Actress in a Musical...
(from Broadway, My Way (2003)) - Brian Stokes MitchellBrian Stokes MitchellBrian Stokes Mitchell is an American stage, film and television actor. A powerful baritone, he has been one of the central leading men of the Broadway theatre since the early 1990s...
(on the cast album of the 2002 revival of Man of La Mancha) - Shirley BasseyShirley BasseyDame Shirley Bassey, DBE , is a Welsh singer. She found fame in the late 1950s and was "one of the most popular female vocalists in Britain during the last half of the 20th century"...
- Gé KorstenGé KorstenGérard Korsten was a South African opera tenor and actor who had a great influence on Afrikaans culture....
(on his 2004 CD The Heart & Soul) - The Smothers Brothers (on their 1968 album Smothers Brothers Comedy HourSmothers Brothers Comedy Hour (Album)Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour is a 1968 comedy album released on Mercury Records by the Smothers Brothers consisting of bits from their CBS television series, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour...
) - Shani WallisShani WallisShani Wallis is an English actress and singer.Wallis was born in Tottenham, London. Making her first stage appearance at the age of four, she later studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art on a scholarship...
(on her album As Long As He Needs MeAs Long as He Needs MeAs Long as He Needs Me is a torch song sung by the character of Nancy in the musical film Oliver!, introduced in the 1960 musical. It is a love ballad about her criminal boyfriend Bill Sikes...
Kapp KS-3573) - Christopher LeeChristopher LeeSir Christopher Frank Carandini Lee, CBE, CStJ is an English actor and musician. Lee initially portrayed villains and became famous for his role as Count Dracula in a string of Hammer Horror films...
(on his album RevelationRevelation (Christopher Lee album)- Track listing :#"The Impossible Dream - The Quest" #"I, Don Quixote - Man of la Mancha" #"Carmencita - Quiero y no quiero querer" #"The Toreador March - Flamenco Mix" #"O Sole Mio - It's Now or Never"#"High Noon"...
) - The Mighty Mighty BosstonesThe Mighty Mighty BosstonesThe Mighty Mighty Bosstones are an American ska punk band from Boston, Massachusetts, formed in 1983. Since the band's inception, lead vocalist Dicky Barrett, bassist Joe Gittleman, tenor saxophonist Tim "Johnny Vegas" Burton and dancer Ben Carr have remained constant members...
(recorded for the 2009 7" Impossible DreamImpossible DreamImpossible Dream is Patty Griffin's fifth commercially released album, and fourth studio album. It was released on April 20, 2004. The album features an unlisted song - Griffin's mother and father singing "The Impossible Dream" - at the end of "Top of the World."Impossible Dream reached a peak of...
) - Tevin CampbellTevin CampbellTevin Jermod Campbell is an American R&B singer-songwriter and actor. He scored a string of R&B chart hits as a teenager in the early to mid-1990s.-Music career:...
(On Rhythm Of The Games 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games Album by LaFace RecordsLaFace RecordsLaFace Records is an American record label, owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment.-Company history:LaFace was formed in 1989 as a joint venture between the producing duo Antonio "L.A." Reid & Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, and Arista Records. The combined nicknames of the duo's successful...
) - The Mormon Tabernacle Choir (with the line "To be willing to march into Hell for a Heavenly cause" replaced with "To be willing to march and beware for a Heavenly cause")
- Rhydian RobertsRhydian RobertsRhydian James Roberts , popularly known as Rhydian, is a classically trained Welsh baritone and crossover artist. He rose to fame on The X Factor in 2007...
- The CarpentersThe CarpentersCarpenters were an American vocal and instrumental duo, consisting of sister Karen and brother Richard Carpenter. The Carpenters were the #1 selling American music act of the 1970s. Though often referred to by the public as "The Carpenters", the duo's official name on authorized recordings and...
(on the album CarpentersCarpenters (album)Carpenters is the third studio album by the Carpenters. Released on May 14, 1971, the album was successful, reaching #2 on the Billboard 200 chart and #12 in the UK...
) - Corey Benjamin Moss (Junior Players - Great Neck North)
- Georg OtsGeorg OtsGeorg Ots, People's Artist of the USSR was an Estonian opera singer...
(Estonia TheatreEstonia TheatreThe Estonia Theater is an opera house and concert hall in Tallinn, Estonia.The Jugendstil building was designed by Finnish architects Armas Lindgren and Wivi Lönn. It was built as a national effort with the leadership of Estonia society in 1913 and was opened to the public on August 24th...
production in Estonian languageEstonian languageEstonian is the official language of Estonia, spoken by about 1.1 million people in Estonia and tens of thousands in various émigré communities...
) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C3GL8UsDv8 - Maria BethâniaMaria BethâniaMaria Bethânia Vianna Telles Veloso , better known as Maria Bethânia , is a singer and sister of Caetano Veloso. She started her career in Rio de Janeiro in 1964 with the show "Opinião"...
(Brazilian version) - Susan BoyleSusan BoyleSusan Magdalane Boyle is a Scottish singer who came to international public attention when she appeared as a contestant on the TV programme Britain's Got Talent on 11 April 2009, singing "I Dreamed a Dream" from ...
- Scott BakulaScott BakulaScott Stewart Bakula is an American actor, known for his role as Sam Beckett in the television series Quantum Leap, for which he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama in 1991 and was nominated for four Emmy Awards. He also had a prominent role as Captain Jonathan...
(On Quantum Leap (season 2 episode "Catch A Falling Star") & in 1993 on the TV Series soundtrack). - Donna SummerDonna SummerLaDonna Adrian Gaines , known by her stage name, Donna Summer, is an American singer/songwriter who gained prominence during the disco era of the 1970s. She has a mezzo-soprano vocal range. Summer is a five-time Grammy winner and was the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach...
Sang this as the encore during her tours from 1987 to 1990. Several clips are on "YouTubeYouTubeYouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
". - AlfioAlfioAlfio is an Italian-Australian singer-songwriter, musician, and composer. He began singing at a very early age and started singing professionally at the age of 17, concentrating on recorded music and concerts so far...
(on his album Classic Rewinds) - Florence BallardFlorence BallardFlorence Glenda Ballard Chapman was an American singer and a founding member of the Motown group The Supremes. From 1963 until 1967, Ballard sang on 16 Top 40 hit Supremes' singles, ten of which hit number-one on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1967, Motown CEO Berry Gordy decided to remove Ballard from...
(On her Album The Supreme Florence Ballard) - Roy Tugbang
- Il DivoIl DivoIl Divo is a multinational operatic pop vocal group created by music manager, executive, and reality TV star Simon Cowell. Formed in the United Kingdom, they are also signed to Cowell's record label, Syco Music...
Sang this as their encore number during their 2009 World Tour. - The Republic TigersThe Republic TigersThe Republic Tigers is an American rock band formed in Kansas City, Missouri by Kenn Jankowski and Adam McGill...
on the iTunes tribute album, His Way, Our WayHis Way, Our WayHis Way, Our Way is a Frank Sinatra tribute album project released exclusively through iTunes on July 7, 2009. It contains 13 new tracks by contemporary performers covering songs originally recorded by Sinatra.- Reception :... - Jennifer HudsonJennifer HudsonJennifer Kate Hudson is an American recording artist, actress and spokesperson. She came to prominence in 2004 as one of the finalists on the third season of American Idol coming in seventh place...
at the NAACP Image Awards - Brian Stokes MitchellBrian Stokes MitchellBrian Stokes Mitchell is an American stage, film and television actor. A powerful baritone, he has been one of the central leading men of the Broadway theatre since the early 1990s...
sang this at the memorial service of Senator Edward M. Kennedy - Bryn TerfelBryn TerfelBryn Terfel Jones CBE is a Welsh bass-baritone opera and concert singer. Terfel was initially associated with the roles of Mozart, particularly Figaro and Leporello, but has subsequently shifted his attention to heavier roles, especially those by Wagner....
- The Republic TigersThe Republic TigersThe Republic Tigers is an American rock band formed in Kansas City, Missouri by Kenn Jankowski and Adam McGill...
- Joe LongthorneJoe LongthorneJoe Longthorne is an English singer of Romani ethnicity, who has performed in several Royal Variety Performances.-Biography:...
- Lesley GarrettLesley GarrettLesley Garrett CBE is an English musician, broadcaster and media personality.- Early life :Garrett was born in the town of Thorne near Doncaster in South Yorkshire, into a musical family. She attended Thorne Grammar School, where she performed in school plays and musicals. As she grew up she...
(On her album Lesley GarrettLesley GarrettLesley Garrett CBE is an English musician, broadcaster and media personality.- Early life :Garrett was born in the town of Thorne near Doncaster in South Yorkshire, into a musical family. She attended Thorne Grammar School, where she performed in school plays and musicals. As she grew up she...
1998) - Donald Braswell IIDonald Braswell IIDonald Braswell II is an American actor, classical crossover tenor and composer. Braswell was on a fast track to become an internationally acclaimed opera singer when he suffered a car accident in 1995 that made him unable to speak for almost two years...
in the 2008 season of America's Got TalentAmerica's Got TalentAmerica's Got Talent is an American reality television series on the NBC television network, and part of the global British Got Talent franchise. It is a talent show that features singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, and other performers of all ages competing for the advertised top prize of... - Darius Dane. sh and Rolando in the 2010 final of ITV's Popstar to OperastarPopstar to OperastarPopstar to Operastar is a British television programme singing competition based around the training of pop stars of current to be able to sing opera. The show began airing on ITV on 15 January 2010 at 9pm. The show is repeated on TV3 Ireland on Saturday evening. The programme is produced by...
- Jane McDonaldJane McDonaldJane McDonald is a British singer, actress and media personality and broadcaster, who first became famous following her appearance on the BBC docusoap The Cruise...
(On her album Inspiration 2000) - Mario FrangoulisMario FrangoulisMario Frangoulis is a Greek tenor and is best known for his song, "Vincerò, Perderò". He sings in Italian, Spanish, English, French, and Greek; he is fluent in all 5 languages.-Early life:...
in 2009 at the Vancouver Peace Summit, Canada - Mark VincentMark VincentMark Vincent is an Australian pop opera singer. Vincent won Australia's Got Talent on 22 April 2009. His main inspiration is his late grandfather, Bruno, who raised him and taught him how to sing. Vincent has said that he would like to follow in the footsteps of his idol Anthony Warlow...
(On his album My Dream, Mio Visione 2009) - Alfie BoeAlfie BoeAlfred Giovanni Roncalli Boe, known professionally initially as Alf or Alfred Boe and now as Alfie Boe, , is an English tenor.-Background:...
and Matt LucasMatt LucasMatthew Richard "Matt" Lucas is an English comedian, screenwriter and actor best known for his acclaimed work with David Walliams in the television show Little Britain; as well as for his portrayals of the scorekeeping baby George Dawes in the comedy panel game Shooting Stars, Tweedledee and...
as a duet on Boe's album Bring Him HomeBring Him Home (Alfie Boe album)Bring Him Home is a studio album by Alfie Boe released on 27 December 2010 by Decca Records.- Track listing :-Chart Performance:The album peaked at number 9 on the UK Albums Chart. This is Boe's most successful album so far, and is his first top ten hit.... - George ForemanGeorge ForemanGeorge Edward Foreman is an American two-time former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Olympic gold medalist, ordained Baptist minister, author and successful entrepreneur...
Teaser on TV prior to him regaining the heavy-weight boxing title 20 years after he lost it to Muhammad Ali (NBC 1994) - Jon CypherJon Cypher-Biography:Born in New York City, Cypher graduated from Erasmus Hall High School in 1949 and Brooklyn College in 1953. He made his television debut as the Prince in the original 1957 production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella opposite Julie Andrews in the title role...
on the TV show Major DadMajor DadMajor Dad is an American sitcom created by Richard C. Okie and John G. Stephens that originally ran from 1989 to 1993 on CBS, starring Gerald McRaney as Major John D. MacGillis and Shanna Reed as his wife Polly...
, season 2 episode 19 (February 1991) - The 465 CT Transit driver on the album, Rain.
- The Molineux Faithful - When Wolverhampton WanderersWolverhampton Wanderers F.C.Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
were promoted to the Premier League in the 2008/2009 season. - Jackie Evancho (11 years old)
- Merrill OsmondMerrill OsmondMerrill Davis Osmond is the lead singer and bassist of the 1970s music group The Osmonds. He continues to perform with his brothers and also without them as a solo act...