Bob Telson sings Calling You (from Bagdad Cafe)

I wrote this song in 1987 for the movie Bagdad Cafe. The original version was sung by Jevetta Steele. In February 2016 Charles Dennis filmed me performing Calling You at Bar Lunatico, Brooklyn.

[dantown]

One of the best songs of the last 50 years.

[TheUrszulat]

This song could only have been written by a great soul. Haunting, mesmerising, and uplifting and profoundly melancholic too.

[pittmanjt]

This song is a gift you have left for the ages.

[PattBen]

Siempre lloro al oír esta canción, es cómo si mi alma viviera en un segundo toda mi complicada vida

[johncalloway]

I have been mesmerized by this song for years. Stops me in my tracks...

[ssoupayan]

This song always feels like written by a siren. Hauntingly beautiful while melancholy.

[m.]

In all my years of life, no other song has ever touched my heart. Mourning my husband my heart.

[michaelperron]

One of the most beautiful song Ever in the Cinema Industry

[Jelam]

One of my favorite songs, haunting and bittersweet 😌

[DreadHorrorProductions]

Thank you Bob Telson for such a beautiful song. Since I discovered the movie at a library in 2015 I listen to it in my car. The movie and song gave me hope when I was with my son who was 4 yrs. old at a time that we were almost homeless, jobless and all alone. No real help from my close relatives. Practically a stranger helped us at the end gave us shelter until I was able to get back on my feet. We are good friends now. My son calls him Uncle John.

[jasonzions]

In 1991, Canadian singer Holly Cole released her version on her album Blame It on My Youth (Holly Cole Trio). I'd thought that version was definitively powerful and evocative. It's still pretty amazing, but this performance... wow.

[mariaroca]

One of the best songs ever written. This song has been with me always. What a gift. What a thing you did. You can leave this earth knowing that there are thousands of people out there with your song in their hearts and minds. When a song like this shows up it's a true miracle. Not to many of these...

[pueraeternus]

One of the greatest love songs ever written.

[fido]

Bob, this was your moment of genius ! The chorus comes out of nowhere, hovering on that strange sequence of diminished chords that catch at the heart. Now you belong to the ages...

[stacykozusyn]

Man oh man, that song makes me cry every time I hear it, it pierces my soul… I had forgotten all about it and then heard it on the radio for the first time in decades a few days ago. Thanks for this wonderful version.

[shubh]

I was listening to Jeff tonight, and then heard this song after many years. Then saw your name in the credits, searched for you, this video showed up. I'm thankful for that!
Amazing work Bob.
Amazing!

[curtistisdale]

This is such a joy to see and hear 'The Originator' of "This Gem"... The harmonica in the radio/movie gives it a bit of dust road vibe....Your tone, and voice is just Steele, took your words, feelings and really brought it to life....

[carlosdossantos]

It takes a very sensitive artist to do this song justice, not just a good singer. The lyrics, phrasing, and emotion are expertly written by this man. When done right, this song makes you think of deep, deep feelings and memories. Longing...

[francescoamadio]

One of the advantages of listening to the actual author singing: for the first time ever I heard the third verse of this song. And it was awesome!

[lindalewis]

My favorite song ever!! It was the perfect most haunting song from the equally beautiful film, Bagdad Café. Levetta Steel's voice was so haunting, it will always be a personal favorite. Thank you Mr. Telson, I love your version as well!