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Original poster

MacArthur Park, a song composed by Jimmy Webb

58 replies

WildRosie · 09/10/2019 18:09

For those of us who are at least familiar with this dramatic story-song, and those who even like it (I do), which other singers could also have delivered a respectable performance of it ?

The 1968 hit by Richard Harris is perhaps the best known, followed by Donna Summer's disco stab in 1978. I believe Andy Williams also recorded the song.

P.J. Proby perhaps would have gone way over the top.

Sammy Davis Junior - a likely contender.

Glenn Close - would be worth hearing.

Tom Jones - see P.J. Proby.

Shirley Bassey, assuming she hasn't already recorded it at her peak.

Can't think of any others just now.

OP posts:
thelikelylass · 09/10/2019 20:24

Dusty.

Soola · 09/10/2019 20:58

Jimmy Somerville has a great voice and would do it justice.

I would like to hear Morgan James do a postmodern version of it. Her cover of Dream on is fab.

TheMaestro · 09/10/2019 21:02

When I was a teenager, the Big Band I joined used to play an arrangement of it which I always enjoyed.

Thisismyusernamefornow · 09/10/2019 21:07

I love this song. Sounds better the louder I sing it and the more I throw my hands around.

SavetheMinden6 · 09/10/2019 23:29

Roberta Flack (she might have done a version).

Original poster
WildRosie · 10/10/2019 04:55

Some good choices there. Brook Benton, perhaps Michael Ball. I confess I have never heard of Morgan James.

OP posts:
Sron · 10/10/2019 05:20

Camille O’Sullivan.

Deathraystare · 10/10/2019 11:31

I can't stand it. I remember Donna Summer's version. Another woman did it but cannot remember who.

Original poster
WildRosie · 10/10/2019 20:31

Demis Roussos would have made a good fist of it. Nina Simone too.

I don't care for the Donna Summer version but, at the time, there was a lot of music in the UK charts I didn't care for either !

OP posts:
MaudAndOtherPoems · 10/10/2019 20:34

Don't forget the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain version

SolitudeAtAltitude · 10/10/2019 20:36

andrea Bocellii!

a bit of operatic drama

SolitudeAtAltitude · 10/10/2019 20:37

tom jones would indeed also be a good one

cornstarch · 10/10/2019 20:53

Didn't William Shatner record it?

Original poster
WildRosie · 10/10/2019 21:58

cornstarch, I don't know but I wouldn't put it past him. He would give his trademark Shakespearean, methody, hammy delivery; 'MacArthur Park is MELTING in the...dark!'

OP posts:
Vulgarlady · 10/10/2019 23:13

I’d love a Nick Cave version

PomBearWithAnOFRS · 10/10/2019 23:54

Marilyn Manson Grin

ShetlandWife · 10/10/2019 23:56

Does Glenn Close sing?

I think Freddie Mercury's version would be worth a listen.

100PercentThatBitch · 10/10/2019 23:59

I've never figured out why the cake was in the rain or why it was so important

longwayoff · 11/10/2019 07:22

The Three TenorsGrin

Judashascomeintosomemoney · 11/10/2019 07:27

Radiohead would do a brilliant version

TheRattleBag · 11/10/2019 07:29

Marc Almond. I'm not a fan but love his version of Scott Walker's 'Jackie'. I think he could have a good crack at 'MacArthur Park' too.

Pinkarsedfly · 11/10/2019 07:45

Paul Hollywood.

SmilingButClueless · 11/10/2019 07:48

Brian Blessed

Giggorata · 11/10/2019 07:49

I"d like to hear Tom Waits' version.

Original poster
WildRosie · 11/10/2019 08:20

Glenn Close does sing, shetland. She has performed in one of ALW's musicals - forget which one - and is quite a tour de force.

OP posts: