Try Glen Campbell's! Absolutely majestic! Then again, try ANYTHING by the late lamented Glen. A vocal giant - and a wizard on the guitar, electric or acoustic.
@@nickrich56 Nah, that was never better. Problem is, in the past, we didn't have the technology that we could hear everybody. We only ever listened to a select few people. Look at the talk shows of the 80s, 90s and so on. You will find the same problems we see today.
I was in the audience for this scene, done at the DAR Hall in Wash DC. We were 5-6 rows watching the singing of the main song. Jim and the band were pre-recorded, but Jim did sing live with the recording, you could easily hear him belting. Got Jim's autograph, and Frank Sutton (Sgt Carter) and Roland Winters (who introduced Gomer to the crowd). I remember Sheldon Leonard there too. A huge day in my life. Dad took us there w/out telling us (in case it was canceled). Then saw Jim decates later, and he remembered it all location and all. What a man, what a time. Why can't the earth have this kind of great time? All we did was take a bus downtown.ADDENDUM-,when we saw Jim in 2002, he told us that was Constitution Hall.
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful memory. Ir brought tears to my eyes to see and hear such a wonderful scene. Jim Nabors was definitely an incredibly gifted actor and singer. God blessed him with such an amazing talent that made us laugh and cry. We do not see this kind of entertainment today, nor receive this kind of inspiration from many entertainers today. Thank you again for sharing!🤗
I was a gardener for a place next to Jim Nabors Honolulu home. I would hear him singing sometimes. I could literally feel the rake handle I was holding resonate. He introduced himself to me once. A nicer guy I'll never meet.
I was seven years old when this originally aired on, Nov. 3, 1967, and still remember looking at my WWII Veteran father as tears welled up in his deep blue eyes while he watched 'Gomer', Jim Nabors belting out this beautiful and inspiring song. It was only one of two times I ever saw him cry. I miss you Pop.
I was born in 1964, the only daughter of a 41 yr old WWll Veteran who landed on Normandy beach and carried shrapnel in his neck and back and pain in his psyche that caused him to whimper in his sleep 40 yrs after the war ended. He loved this man's singing as well,but the only voice that ever made his blue eyes fill with tears was mine. He died 2 days before father's day in 1984, and I want for him for the last time at his memorial service; easily the hardest thing I have ever done.😥
@@nadinehaney6590 *I'm so very sorry that you have to live with that pain in your heart, Nadine. Please know that your father is no longer in pain, he no longer has the horror of those war memories causing him to whimper in the night, nor do his injuries hurt him any longer. Also know that he wants you to be at peace until you are together again. I lost a wife and three children, the last one died on April 16, 2016 and I buried her on her 21st birthday, the most difficult day of my life, it's all a blur to me now. Thankfully, through a friend that is a Medium, my little girl Jessica told me this: "It hurts me to see you in so much pain over my passing, Daddy... always know that I love you and I am happy now, I want and need for you to be happy too. Trust me Daddy, we will be together again, someday." So, I know the pain that you feel every day. God Bless you and your brave father for what he did for all Americans, take good care my friend.*
My mom would run into the TV room where dad was watching. “Oh, Gomer’s singing!” The greatest generation loved our country, our servicemen and women, and Gomer Pyle. God rest his (Jim’s) soul.
When this was aired on tv, my parents were blown away! They had no idea, as did many people, that Jim Nabors could sing like this! Gives me chills, what a talent!
Agreed the 20th century's best kept secret thank goodness for this clip and the indy 500 to show mr Gol-eeee was also one of the best singers of the 1900s
@@marcdewey1242 Yeah, didn’t they have Barney lip sync telling him to keep getting quieter and quieter until he disappeared, telling him the mike was very sensitive. Then Gomer’s voice came through. Hilarious!!!
I have always loved Jim Neighbors and I’m 65. I was told he was gay when I was younger but my mother said it’s not for us to judge any man only God can do this and still I love him to this day and hope to see him standing next to Jesus when I come home❤❤❤
This song is all about GOD, not the Marines, please see my post, just look for bobbycv64. We CANNOT judge, only God Judges. Trust me Jim is right there with JESUS right now. I am STRAIGHT, I wish I had 1% percent of the LOVE that Jim shared. GOD Bless you BECKY and GOD Bless us all. GOD IS PERFECT LOVE.
Jim Nabors was, by all accounts, a very kind and wonderful man. This song has such hope in it, and we need more of this today! Our young men need something to strive for.
I went with my mom and a group os seniors to see Jim Nabors somewhere in Illinois. I dont remember the name of the venue but I was lucky enough to be on stage with him along with 4 other ladies and let me say it was the biggest thrill of my life. Had a fantastic time. Great show. When he passed I was so heart broken. One of the best entertainers of all times
I was 15 when I heard this song. I love to hear Jim Nabors sang it. God bless all our soldiers alive and who gave their life for God and country.🇺🇸✝️🇺🇸✝️🇺🇸
From 1995 to 1999, Jim Nabors was my neighbor. He lived behind my address at 2 Kulamanu Pl in Kahala Hawaii. He knew everyone by first name, was always a pleasant person to see on the beach, which was about 30 ft from his house. Whenever the President of the US came to Hawaii, Jim vacated his house and it instantly became the Secret Service's electronic command post. He was not compensated for it and he never complained. This went for BOTH political parties.
Nabors was so very underrated musically. One of the very best baritone voices. This performance is one of the very best renditions of this song in history. Grips your emotions.
Rob Grune another person who does a great job singing The Impossible Dream is Rouvaun. From the 60’s and 70’s. His rendition of it had me in tears. This one not that bad with the tears.
I agree! I once found comfort in the voice of Jimmy one night a t the Roxbury. He approached me and i was a bit reluctant by the megastar. we soon bonded over a cup of Raspberry Wine. We became good friends and every once in awhile we would play what we called "block football." It involved him kicking a field goal and me attempting to snap it to him. As I was snapping the ball to him to kick he would yell block that kick! block that kick! .. approach my bent rear, while thrusting his hips into me. I found him to be very friendly and lovable. I tell my family about this and then laugh .. not sure why.
I got chills hearing this again. My father was a WWII vet and this was played at his funeral in 2009. Whenever I hear it I'm reminded what a remarkable man he was. He was a pilot in WWII. He became an air traffic controller and worked his entire life in service and protection of us. Thank you for posting this video.
This touched me so deeply. I'm battling MS, facing an Impossible dream every day by just getting out of bed without help. I have been in remission now for a few months. I can do this, no matter what, this is what my military service trained me to do.
Good luck. I took care of people suffering from MS and other diseases. I have seen what they have gone through. This song is my manra, and I always have a tear or two while listening. Keeping your spirit up is difficult, but it helps. Keep fighting it as long as you can.
Some very highly talented and loving people created the perfect setting and lead-in to allow him to give this fabulous performance. One time way back in the day I was at the San Francisco Opera, it was intermission and everyone was having drinks in the main lobby. I noticed Jim, Rock Hudson, and Carol Burnett clustered in a tight little group kind of fearing some negative response. I wanted to go over there and tell them how much I loved them but I was just a kid and was afraid of violating their privacy. Wonder if there are any gay dudes in the Marines these days with wonderful talents like that?
Am I weeping?, Oh yes, I love this country, our sweet freedom that we can taste, I am proud I served for 20 years, United States Navy, God Bless us all and God Bless America
So do I! I loved Jim Nabors! People were so mean to him in the '70's saying he and Rock Hudson got married. No one knew either of them were gay, and really, who cares? They brought a lot of entertainment pleasure to audiences for many years. RIP, Jim and Rock!
Even after 52 years, this performance makes me proud, of the rendition of that song, the USMC portrayed in the episode, and the love of country of those of us that actually served in uniform. 20+ years, Army here...
Ephesians 2:8-9 8 For by God's grace are we saved through faith; not by works, (or being a firefighter or law enforcement or a hero or a veteran or a marine or actor or puppeteer or News reporter/anchor or a soul singer or killed by a terrorist or a sports hero or a fashion designer or a rock star or bodybuilder or a writer or cooking show host or walk into a room and lite up a room with their smile or a pioneer or a super pop star or bounty hunter or race car driver or country music singer or basketball star or being modest or a Disney star actor or making people laugh or making people happy or a war hero or dying for your country or never killing anyone) 9 it is the free gift of God, not that anyone can boast of their salvation." Eternity will not be about any of us or what we have done. It will all be about Jesus Christ who died on a cross to save us from our sins. We all deserve hell and then the Lake of Fire that burns with sulphur and fire on Judgement day.
@Margaret McEvoy Jeremiah 17:5 New Living Translation 5 This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord. Americans are also human and will die like everyone else. We are no one special when it comes to God. We all deserve hell no matter what country you come from. Sin is sin all over the world.
I quite agree. Everyone...including Frank Sinatra-Elvis-Perry Como---and many other "famous" singers...tried to do something with this song. Most if not all of these people sounded purely awful as they attempted it. No performance/recording that I have heard of this song matches the phrasing and the dynamics of the Jim Nabor's performances. I don't know about any other songs that he performed. This Impossible Dream performance is practically perfect.
I totally agree, it leaves you in tears, what would have been really fulfilling is if they had the audience give him a standing ovation for atleast 5 minutes and filmed it, that would have been a real tribute to this incredible man !!!!!
I remember watching this as an 8 year old girl. My whole family was sitting around the T.V. and not a dry eye to be found! What a voice! I clearly remember saying, " Watch! He'll probably have a beautiful voice!" Then my dad saying, "I hope so!" Then all of us being blown away!
I remember seeing this episode when it first came out . Up until this point Jim Nabors playing Gomer was this happy go lucky awkward Marine that acted like a misfit and his Seargent treated him like a misfit , until he performed this song and he shocked everyone how good he did. Nobody laughed at him after that
You mean edifying us witth stuff like the Beverly Hillbillies? Give me a break. I remember those days. TV is about 20 times better today than it was then.
@@marcschneider4845 that’s your opinion and everyone’s entitled to one, but there’ll never be great TV again like Gomer or The Beverly Hillbillies or Andy or Gilligans Island or Hogans Heroes
@@marcschneider4845 Thanks for the cynical view. As a kid, I learned a great deal about how the rich think they are better than the common man from Hillbillies. I learned that Bankers are crooks if you do not watch them. I learned the rich are not as grateful for their bounty as they should be. I learned that 3 generations living in one house can be a really good thing. Shall I go on Mr. Shallow view? Yes TV is slicker and some show amazing but too many are just bullshit cop show and crap to depress folks. Empty shows with no real story to tell or lessons to impart. Reality tv is junk. Keep your deep opinions and I will stand by mine but I say you look like the asshat here because when you look (just like tv now) you do not look deep enough to really see. Hope you get your eyes fixed soon and your soul.
@@marcschneider4845 You actually think TV with all the cursing, sex, and violence is better than TV shows that taught morals and did so with humor? I will take the TV shows like the Beverly Hillbillies any day over the horrible stuff they show today.
Was fortunate enough to find one of Jim’s first albums at our local thrift store a couple of weeks back. I was born in ‘63 but remember his singing from my childhood.
The voice of Jim Neighbors is as rare as a blue diamond. Sometimes it’s corny to watch old videos and to listen to old songs but true talent is never too corny to listen to. A talent is a talent
The world knew that Jim Neighbors was gay, yet we loved and respected him. He did not push his sexuality on anyone, and his fans saw the man and not his choices.
@@Bobo-uh1bx I realize he meant to be nice, but I couldn't let his characterizing being gay as a choice stand. Do you think he considers his being straight (presumably) a 'choice'?
@@DavidLS1 I’m sure it wasn’t meant as disrespect. Just written words my friend or a misrepresentation of what they were trying to say. As a community we need to be less critical of others. We misrepresent other communities just as often. No one is holy and perfect. Though we may dress a bit better.
@@Bobo-uh1bx Still, a little education never hurt anyone. Had he referred to little people as 'midgets' or black people as 'colored', I'd have corrected him. That's just how I'm wired. And we _do_ dress better, don't we? 🏳🌈
I never heard ANYONE sing this song with more emotion than Jim Nabors did . I cann oil t hear him singing it without being stirred. And what a wonderful tribute to Abraham Lincoln.
@@monorailBrown I can sympathize with the feeling you have all these decades. This episode had more than a touch of propaganda given the year it was produced. But to F. Jim Neighbors is too easy. He didn't sent your cousin anywhere. And I don't think he hurt the image of the corps (quite the opposite, especially back then when we were all much more naive) If you really want to know who to dis... look no further than the spineless politicians of the day.
My father was a marine sergeant in the time of the Korean War. This was his favorite song, and he had a beautiful voice like this. He started smoking in the marines, and emphysema took his voice away, and eventually it took his whole life away. On May 31, it was 22 years since he passed. I miss him.
You never get over the loss of a Parent ,I know because I lost my Mother a couple of years ago but I also know that they are always close to me in my Heart and Memory.... God Bless you .
I can only imagine that for those watching the first airing of this episode and didn't know Jim Nabors could sing so well, that their jaws hit the floor after he started singing.
He sang a bit on the Andy Griffith show, before his own show, so it wasn't a surprise to everyone - Of course you'd have to have been watching both shows...
I was convinced he could not talk normally, but oh could he sing!!! Don't know if the first is true - but the second is absolutely a fact as you can hear for yourself!
We had not seen the show ("Gomer Pyle") for a couple of weeks when my mother spoke with my grandfather on the phone and found out that Gomer had been singing! What a thrill! Jim Nabors soon began making albums and we bought them all. No idea what happened to those LP's, but I now have them on DVD and listen to them in the car. I cried the day Jim died!
It wasn't until that later part of the 20th century that people thought they had to give a standing ovation for everything. You can tell the audience really liked it, anyway.
oddly, he broke through to fame based on his singing (and yeah, his baritone ... yowza). (fwiw, "The impossible Dream" is from don quixote, i.e., uselessly fighting against symbols.) he sang "bank home in indiana" at indy 500 every year. (what a shame most folks think he's a doofus from a sitcom. that show pigeonholed him.) ^ saying all that just as truth. I'm not a fan, I just don't like when people (nabors included) get minimized.
I remember as a kid watching this show. I almost fell out of my seat when I heard this beautiful voice. I think my mother’s mouth just hung open.Then we saw him on other shows. I’m glad he shared his beautiful voice finally with us. All these yrs later I’m still in awe of his voice. Just gorgeous. RIP
It was always the indy 500 for me he'd bring that racetrack down every year...the winner could only hope he was good enough to get an ovation as good as jim would get pre-race for almost 50 years 72-14
This is the absolute best version I’ve ever heard. Jim Nabors had an amazing voice. I’ve watched this so many times, and each time it’s like hearing him sing for the first time.
There is not a Marine on the face of this earth that would not be PROUD to have Mr. Nabors belting out that song wearing that MARINE Uniform. Such a gifted talent. Thank you Mr. Nabors for making us all proud to be American. May GOD Bless your soul! RIP Sir.
Has nothing to do with salvation. Jeremiah 17:5 New Living Translation 5 This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord. Ephesians 2:8-9 8 For by Gods grace are we saved through faith; not by works, ( or being a fire fighter or law enforcement or a hero or a veteran or actor or a soul singer or a sports hero or a fashion designer or a super pop star or bounty hunter or country music singer or a Disney star actor or making people laugh, or making people happy or dying for your country or never killing anyone) 9 it is the free gift of God, not that anyone can boast of their salvation." Eternity will not be about any of us or what we have done. It will all be about Jesus Christ who died on a cross to save us from our sins. We all deserve hell.
@@JohnSmith-uy7sv ah, ok? What does this have to do with anything? Are you somehow angry people are commenting on Mr. Nabors God-given talents? Seen this same reply in other comments as well, just curious why you'd have an issue.
Ephesians 2:8-9 8 For by God's grace are we saved through faith; not by works, (or being a firefighter or law enforcement or a hero or a marine or a veteran or actor or puppeteer or News reporter/anchor or a soul singer or killed by a terrorist or a sports hero or our heritage or ethnic background or a fashion designer or a rock star or body builder or a writer or cooking show host or walk into a room and lite up a room with their smile or a pioneer or a super pop star or bounty hunter or race car driver or football coach or country music singer or basketball star or being modest or being humble or a Disney star actor or game show host or making people laugh or making people happy or a war hero or dying for your country or never killing anyone) 9 it is the free gift of God, not that anyone can boast of their salvation." Eternity will not be about any of us or what we have done. It will all be about Jesus Christ who died on a cross to save us from our sins. We all deserve hell and then the Lake of Fire that burns with sulphur and fire on Judgement day.
Met him in his later years at Indy. He walked into the media center, and within minutes had captivated the entire place. I then left for my "real" duties, and he jumped into the elevator with me.... and started to practice "Back Home in Indiana". "Well" he said in his Gomer voice... "I hope I remember the words!" I was star-struck... and managed to get out, "You'll do just fine Jim!"
I met Dolly Parton in Pidgeon Forge. I care little about status, rank or even if they were Jesus. I can talk to a small child as easy as talking to the President, King or Queen. Their power and fame is given to them by the people.
This is the BEST version of the song I have EVER heard ...ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY AWESOME ...I ENJOYED EVERY moment of it ...PRAISE BE TO GOD ...I LOVE IT !!!!!!
TWO WORDS: AMERICAN and PATRIOT - this was the America I Remember. Erica, who is the unreachable star? CHRIST. Jesus, is not unreachable, we as humans do not want to reach out to our BROTHER and FATHER.. GOD LOVES YOU MORE THAN EVERYTHING HE CREATED.
Saw Richard Harrison with my dad in Boston. Unfortunately, the Windmill was not working that night. Dad asked me if I wanted to leave, as were most. We stayed and he gave me the the love of theater and I gave him the best performance of Richard Harris he had ever seen. Wonderful!
It was December 1970, Danang Viet Nam. "The Bob Hope Christmas Show." I will never forget Bob Hopes openning line. He said " Viet Nam has the best transportation in the world. You can catch a rocket , going anywhere " As he swung a golf club. Jim Neighbors was introduced By Mr. Hope and he walked on stage. He spoke to all of us in that voice all Marines Knew "Gomer Pyle. "Shazaam" he said. The applause, bought the house down. When he offered to sing for us. Everyone present cringed and begged Noooooooo. Then he started singing. When we heard his voice. Complete silence. We were all SHOCKED and in complete disbelief. Thank you USO a great organization and Thank you to probably one of the greatest Americans ever. Mr. Bob Hope. "Thanks For The Memories". Mr. Hope. Semper Fi.
OMG Bob Hope's Christmas shows were the best. To go to areas in conflict and still perform even when to there were issues at time trying to get there❤️
@@gerard1657 2 Timothy 4:2&5 New Living Translation 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. This is youtube... It is called .. "FREE Speech" even you can say what you just said. It is your right as is mine. "RU-vid is a free to use service and a can be a great space for teens to discover things they like. For many young people, RU-vid is used to watch music videos, comedy shows, how to guides, recipes, hacks and more. "
I remember the TV program Gilber Pyle USMC and I loved watching him! Remember the first time I ever heard him sing and was so shocked by how beautifully he sang! I also remember my husband and I on our anniversary going to Nevada to see Jim neighbors perform. After the performance I realized that I had left my earrings on the table and I went back to see if they were still where I left them and they were gone. So I went into the kitchen to see if maybe they had been turned in when the tables were cleaned, and there was Jim Nabors, having a cup of coffee with the staff! I never found the earrings but I enjoyed chatting with him and getting a hug! My husband made several rounds around the hotel before I finally came out and was not too happy I kept him waiting, but it was good! Ah the memories....
I believe Jim Nabors was the greatest vocalist of all time. His voice had volume, depth, range and an undefined beauty. He was just incredible. RIP Jim we miss you and we are still listening and captivated by your songs.
Jim nabors was very much blessed with a beautiful voice. I have many recordings over the years either gospel or any other genre of music. He will be dearly missed.
The interesting thing is. Abe Lincoln Lincoln probably sounded like homer pyles speaking voice. And this song is one of my songs. The ones that blow me away. And he nails it. HARD.
Awesome, I never get tired of this song and Jim Nabors singing it . He was the real deal . I met him a couple of times and he was very nice and wasn't in any hurry to get away especially when he heard I was from Chattanooga, Tennessee . I listen to all his songs frequently. R.I.P. Jim Nabors , your forever in our hearts .
After all these years, this still gives me chills. Jim Nabors' voice was so warm, clear, and powerful, and his character, Gomer Pyle, showed a purity of spirit. I firmly believe that, along with men such as my father, characters such as Gomer Pyle had a profound effect on me and helped me to become a better man.
I'm in tears. I love Jim's voice. My favorite song is when he sings 'Go Tell It On The Mountain'; you have to listen to it. I cry with joy every time I hear it.
I am watching this on the night of November 4, 2020. I realize that my nation, the United States, may tomorrow lurch, unrecoverably, into the beginning of the end of its 244 year experiment in democracy. I am truly fearful. This song gives me hope and my nation hope. I am grateful for the comfort, hope, and strength it provides. Thank you for this song at this crucial moment for democracy.
@@dmnemaine And even worse tyrants will enact their hostile takeover, come January. And I don't wanna hear you bawling when the time soon comes that we will no longer be living in a free democratic republic.
Who else is tearing up listening to this amazing man with his voice that gives me goosebumps. Thank you to the Marines for your sacrifice and service to this country!
Jeremiah 17:5 New Living Translation 5 This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord.
The 1st time I saw him sing on The Andy Griffith Show I thought it was fake. It was hard to believe his character had such a beautiful voice. Of course, it was him and his voice has never ceased to amaze me.
Ephesians 2:8-9 8 For by Gods grace are we saved through faith; not by works, ( or being a fire fighter or law enforcement or a hero or a veteran or actor or a soul singer or a sports hero or a fashion designer or a super pop star or bounty hunter or country music singer or a Disney star actor or making people laugh, or making people happy or dying for your country or never killing anyone) 9 it is the free gift of God, not that anyone can boast of their salvation." Eternity will not be about any of us or what we have done. It will all be about Jesus Christ who died on a cross to save us from our sins. We all deserve hell. Jeremiah 17:5 New Living Translation 5 This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord.
Friday, June 12, 2020--1:10 pm CST This was my very favorite "Gomer Pyle, USMC" . Today, would've been Jim Nabors's 90th birthday if he had lived. He is very much missed. I'm also glad that he's not here to deal with the corona virus outbreak. Jim Nabors turned 37 on June 12, 1967 when they did this episode. Terry Marvin (Dallas, Texas)
When I was a kid and watched him as Gomer Pyle - I was completely confused when he started singing- now I know he was using a fake squeaky tone as Gomer....What a voice!
I remember as a kid watching this with my parents. This was the first time they'd heard Jim Nabors sing. My father , a veteran, I'll never forget seeing tears in my father's eyes as he watched this.
This has got to be in the top ten most dramatic endings to any sitcom episode ever. I love the shots of Sergeant Carter looking so proud. It's a wonder Carter ever had the nerve to yell at Pyle again after this episode.
Look up Major Dad Impossible Dream-you’ll love it! Not comparing g the singers, but the premise of having a comedic character who suddenly surprises….!
@@maryzorn3365 Thanks for that suggestion. I looked up a clip of it and now it makes me want to watch the whole episode so that I get the whole context of what brought it about. And yes, no comparison to Jim's version but the guy in MD did do extremely well.
I am glad I found this video. I had the privilege to perform on stage with this guy near the end of his career. He had an unbelievable voice even then!
