I have been a somewhat fan of Cliff especially with his singing of "Lessons In Love" to which I was drawn after I heard its being smoothly sung by one of our campers in 1965. Now listening to Cliff Richard for the very first time with "Spanish Harlem", I have to admit that this for me is one of the best interpretations. The clarity and smoothness of his tonal quality have just "floored" me with its beauty. When I was in my younger youthfulness, I adored and listened exclusively to Ben E. King's version - a paragon of interpretive excellence. With senior youthfulness - slowing down, calming down - Cliff's version is now mine for the "imitating". His lyrical clarity enables me to phrase comfortably in time with the beat and within each bar measure - either as I sing or performer the song on saxophone, clarinet and/or on flute. See you; l'm having an encore of Cliff Richard's take on Spanish Harlem. Thank you RU-vid!
I return to this video often in my playlist. CR had one of the greatest voices in popular music -- the production of this recording at Abby Rd. Studios was superb as were the visuals in the video. Outstanding!
Sir Cliff Richard is a cultural icon worldwide ! I love all his songs so much that I wouldn't spend a day without listening to them especially in my afternoon nap. His beautiful songs impart sensuality and youth to my twilight years.
I remember this song in the summer of 1969 being played on the radio . I am not sure if Cliff Richard was the singer then , but this version is very good indeed .
I was going to leave and continue on a project I've been working on, which I will be sharing this in memory of my sister. We were born in Spanish Harlem 1937&1938 respectfully. Isabel was fair skin, dark hair and a true 'rose beauty. I scan many of the older established versions of SH and I do believe this version will build as time passes. I'll be back as I love to revisit great postings such as this one.
I've commented here maybe years ago, at age 83, again I share this: Isabel and I, Nicasio, were born in SH, 1937 & 1938. I love memories brought vividly to my mind to this very day Isabel was a true 🌹 in SH.
I have English as my third language "Danish, German, English" and can clearly hear Sir Cliff singing "Rear rose" not "Red rose". When I search the web, it says "Red rose" in the lyrics on ... well, almost all pages - not "Rear rose". When you hear what he sings after "Rear rose" it makes much more sense than a "Red rose" I'm sticking to Sir Cliff singing "Rear rose" ... like this ... "There is a rose in Spanish Harlem A rare rose up in Spanish Harlem It is a special one, that never sees the sun It only comes out when the moon is on the run And all the stars are gleaming I'm going to pick that rose And watch her as she grows in my garden " How do you hear it?
D, this version is so good. Though I loved the saxophone in the other one, the saxophone speaks of a big, expansive love. But this one is smooth and modern
