Search - Howard Keel :: 36 Great Songs

An Older Howard Keel

Sonetto | NC | 02/25/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Don't get me wrong. I love Howard Keel. I think he had one of the magical, great voices of the 20th century. This album of 2 CD's must be of an older Howard Keel because he lacks the vibrancy of voice that he displayed in his movie roles. The sound is not outstanding either. It almost appears that perhaps the recording session was tossed off quickly because there are a couple of words that come off as mispronounced, yet are probably the result of Keel compensating for having a lesser command of his voice. I have also a feeling that preparation time for the recording sessions was less than it would have been for one of his movies.



I'm glad I have the album nonetheless. I once saw a Howard Keel concert on PBS a number of years ago that I thought was smashing. He must have been in his late 60s but he had retained his vocal capabilities and gave a mesmerizing performance. I have searched in vain for a tape or CD of this program but have found nothing. If anyone knows of such, please notify me at mom@acb.net.



We were so very lucky to have had this once-in-a-lifetime vocal artist. Not only was he a low bass-baritone with beautiful tone quality, but he was an actor who effectively conveyed the meanings of the songs he sang. I don't know of another voice at present except that of Hugh Jackman who incorporates all the qualities of the ideal singer/actor in his performances as did Keel. Too bad he didn't do the movies of Carousel and Oklahoma. It appears that more Howard Keel CD's are available from European sources than American. I have no idea whether this is because he is considered more salable or popular in Europe, or are merely suppliers for the world market. At any rate, we're fortunate to have some CD's that reflect the true glory of his voice."

SAtisfied customer

Vila E. Green | Pinetop, Az | 06/03/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bought Howard Keel on C D . Good packing, fast service, am happy with purchase and will buy again. If you have not heard Howard Keel sing you owe it to yourself to listen to him. A remarkable voice, a real gift. He would have been in opera had he been discovered younger and had time for all the training. I prefer the songs of this style myself but his deep voice could make any song pleasurable"

Still a beautiful voice

Sheila Kwartler | MA USA | 12/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With the exception of about 4 of the 36 songs, the recordings are wonderful. Yes, it is an older Howard Keel (I would say around 64-65), but the beautiful bass/baritone voice is mostly still there--I would say at least 90% of it. His choice of songs is wonderful. Some of them I have never heard before but the music is lovely and the words eloquent. The collection is well worth having."