Barbra's New Release of Previously Unreleased Recordings

[LindyG]

I do wonder why, if the tracks were recorded in a singer's prime (same with a new release of a Johnny Mathis album from the 60s), WHY they have never been released before.

Hi Jon,
It's a good question you ask. It may be that in each song's case, the performer decided that there was already a "better" version released by someone else. Isn't that what we've heard about Matt's "Walk Away"....didn't a certain famous someone allegedly record it, and then decide not to release his because he thought Matt's was better? (Then again, in Matt's case, I think many of his recordings that weren't released as singles are far better than singles released by others!)

In this case, Barbra's list, consider "Home" from the Wiz. Stephani Mills released a breathtaking spinetingling recording of that song...perhaps Barbra bowed to it? Just speculation....I'm sure Barbra's will be beautiful as well.

[Eman]

Home is a beautiful song no matter who sings it! I

[mariana44]

I do believe there may be several songs called "Home"--I am not sure if I know ths one--the only one I can remember just now, is the song by Michael Buble, covered by Westlife, and I am pretty sure it is not that.

[karl]

There is Marian and there is also one called Feels Like Home.

Marian I just heard another 'Home' track on the rado from his latest cd which I don't have yet, I stopped what I was doing to listen never realising it was Tom Jones.

[jon]

As you say, Karl, thank goodness for all those who've helped to unearth and release rare recordings/gems by artists. Even though it is nice to hear every recording of a performer, in some ways I feel it's good that some remain obscure, not for ever necessarily but just so that one can look forward to hearing something one has not heard before.

[mariana44]

I do not know if you know this Jon, or if I mentioned it before, but some years ago, Johnny Mathis recored a whole cd of Brazilian music, which was never released--not really sure why not.

[Eman]

Mariana, the song Lindy and I are refering to is from the musical called "The Wiz". Stephanie Mills had originated the song back in 1975 when the play opened. Then in 1978 they made a movie of it starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. It's a really nice song. Here's the link, I hope it works for you

http://youtu.be/GXUigiTOVQM

[mariana44]

Thanks Eman for the link---I cannot say bthat I have ever heard that song before-but looking forward to hearing Barbra sing it.

[LindyG]

Eman and Mariana and All,

Actually....

The recording of "Home" to which I referred is only on Youtube in 3 separate parts, and it isn't even complete at the end of the 3rd video! (I guess in order to get this clarity, they had to upload BIG files.)
However, this original recording of Home by Stephanie Mills is SO BEAUTIFUL, and the lyrics so fine, it's worth hearing even in this inconvenient manner, if only so you can hear how lovely, before you purchase a copy....and hear the ENDING!.

Like listening to Matt, the louder you turn it up, the more beautiful it is!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53I2UjwZwHs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g7q3fj1-Mw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUDxenuiPcs

[Eman]

You're welcome Mariana, The song has special meaning for me as I used to listen to it all the time when we moved and I got stuck in that school (which you know I had problems with even now in adulthood but it's been solved) and I wanted just to go back to my life and friends that I knew before moving.
Lindy, did you know Stephaine Mills was set to reprise her role for the movie, but Diana Ross strongholded Berry Gordy and Universal to give her the project? Uh hello, ,she look too old to be playing a kid in that movie.. Diana was great in other things, but not in The Wiz. BIG MISTAKE. I don't even like her version of Home. Big Michael J fan that I am, that's the only lp that I didn't buy of his. No way!! Loyal to the original Wiz.

[LindyG]

Yes, I remember a lot written about that, Eman. I think Ms. Ross may have regretted that she got the movie role, because even to this day, such as on Youtube, people express quite vociferously that Stephanie should have been in the movie, she deserved it, she was young enough, and Diana was too old. MOST IMPORTANTLY, Diana couldn't sing it like Stephanie could/did!

That seems to have happened again and again and again in America....someone other than the best getting all the breaks.
And somebody PHENOMENAL not getting breaks at all.

You know, Eman, I guess I don't think that play The Wiz was ever a wise idea. I mean, how do you follow The Wizard of Oz?! You don't. You just don't.

But I sure am glad that the composer, Charles EMANUEL Smalls, wrote "Home" and that Stephanie recorded it.

[Eman]

I agree with you Lindy, you just can't top The Wizard of Oz. However for 1975 The Wiz was ground breaking. Though honestly I didn't like it, but love the music which is what I mean by being "loyal to". The beautiful "Home" is just such a moving piece of music and the lyrics, I'm sure everyone can relate to in one way or another.

[mariana44]

I will listen again as soon as I get a chance. I do not recognise the name of Stephanie Mills.

Have you [Eman or Lindy] heard any of the music from "Wicked", which is the Prequel to "Wizard of OZ" My favourites are "Popular" and "Defying gravity"--but again do not really compare to the original film---but this show is very popular in Uk right now.

[mariana44]

I heard Paul O' Grady play "Home" from Barbra's new cd today--this is the first time I heard that song, and cannot say that I liked it very much--maybe it will grow on me--but she sounded great.

Due out on 24th September-tomorrow week.

[karl]

Paul O'Grady played Home from the new cd, it sounded good.