Gilbert Price

Here is a famous standard performed by the little known yet exceptional singer Gilbert Price.

Gilbert Price (1942 – 1991) was an American operatic baritone and actor.

Price was a protégé of novelist and social activist Langston Hughes. He was also a life member of New York's famed Actors Studio. Price first gained notice in 1964, for his performances in Hughes' Off-Broadway production of Jerico-Jim Crow. For his work, Price received a Theatre World Award.

Price was born in New York City of African-American heritage. In 1960, he graduated from Erasmus Hall High School, where he stood out for both his talent and gentle, easygoing manner.

Gifted with an exceptionally strong voice, Price made guest appearances on several television talk and variety shows including The Ed Sullivan Show, Red Skelton, and The Merv Griffin Show. Price also sang oratorios, including Leonard Bernstein's Mass, in 1971.

Anthony Newley said of him: "he’s got the best bloody voice I”ve ever heard!"

His voice was so powerful that in some rehearsals, he'd literally blown out the sound system for the entire theater! Mr. Price, not a very tall man, just had one of the most powerful voices that Broadway had ever heard!

He also starred in the musical Timbuktu!, in 1978, with Eartha Kitt and Melba Moore, and won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.

Unfortunately he didn’t make any LP.

Enjoy Gilbert Price’s unforgettable style!

I've gotta be me

Old Man River (Ed Sullivan Show, 1967)