Paul Shaffer, Jimmy Webb And Will Lee Perform 'MacArthur Park' | Letterman

Paul Shaffer, Jimmy Webb, Will Lee and the CBS Orchestra blow the roof off with a performance of "MacArthur Park."

(From "Late Show," air date: 7/21/14)

#macarthurpark #paulshaffer #letterman

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[ramerling]

Absolutely epic and historic performance, Will. Bravo!!!

[randyweisz]

When the song came out in 67 or 68, I bought the 45 and played it 80 times a day for months. I was in love for the first time and it was our song. The passion I felt then and can still feel now in this song is unmatched for me anyway.

[jamestaratunio]

I am a semi-professional Tenor (not my profession, unfortunately), classically trained.  This is one of my favorite songs of all time.  I performed it in college with an orchestra in 1973 and have always enjoyed the Richard Harris original version. Though Donna Summer's version was enjoyable, it wasn't my favorite.  I'm a purist, that way.  
I saw this performance last evening, ala the original arrangement, slightly abridged. I was overcome with emotion at the purity of the performance.  The orchestral arrangement was obviously the original by Jim Webb, the direction by Paul was super and the vocals by Will Lee were spot on.  I do not give accolades easily, but I am giving sincerest compliments to Will Lee, Paul Shaffer and Jim Webb for an excellent performance of that most difficult and beautiful masterpiece of Jim Webb...Richard would have been proud. I was.

[patchmanmusic]

Astounding performance by all! I've been watching Letterman for decades and this was the best musical segment I've ever seen on the show. Such a pleasure to see maestro Webb on the keys! He's the Beethoven of our times. Big thanks to Dave and CBS for putting this on! More! More!!

[scenic]

The best ever rendition of "MacArthur Park" - EVER!  Loved every second of it.  Unforgettable! 

[MajorJeffJ]

WOW! And to think that I met Paul Shaffer, briefly, back in 1965 at a teen-age nightclub behind the Prince Edward Hotel in Thunder Bay. We were both High school kids. We (by invitation) crashed a party at someone's parent's house and had a grand time. He excelled far beyond any of us; and, just watching his success and contributions to music has brought me such great joy. I was just an American kid up on a ski trip; but his musical ability was amazing back then. Look where he is now!

[jamescrow]

How did you hit that high note at the end Will ? Incredible, Great job every one involved ! An Dave was so funny at the end, saying come on let's do it again. Miss you Dave,

[RandNoel]

Musically speaking - this is one of the hardest songs to sing solo, anyone who does it properly has my congrats

[ellieavenelle]

MacArthur Park is the only song that has ever melted my soul, and this performance was right there!  One can't help but feel the passion and heartbreak in Jimmy Webb's spirit.

[slandshark]

This performance by far the is the best of any and all covers, , such a magnificent song!

[jiphoto]

I Saw this on the show Monday night. Terrific performance!

[leaniemendelsohn]

listening for 7 days now!! I am hooked.

[Saltygal]

That was fabulous! That song was one of a kind when it came out and remains in a class of its own to this day . So glad to be able to hear this performance, and be able to come back to it again and again.

[BLCdale]

Fabulous performance, I have watched it several times.  Thanks for doing this historic and wonderful arrangement of one of the best songs ever written. 

[SAJV]

3rd time watched. Fortunately I had switched the TV that day in the moment they were starting to play, and thought lets see whats going on. Will Lee and all the set coloured this song with enthusiasm and reverence as ever. Epic. 

[refillu]

I have loved this song for 45 yrs. Thank you paul, jimmy and dave. Great!

[prestonsmith]

Webb is amazing. If you can, find a modern interview with him. It will make your day. So glad this has been posted.

[RjBenjamin]

AMAZING!!  gotta be the best thing Letterman has done on the show.

[BelindaKyle]

Wow! What a chart! Amazing performance.

[raulcarmona]

This has and always will be one of my favorite songs, , , and this is definitely one of my favorite interpretations, KUDDOS Paul and of course, David, he was behind the whole thing... Thanks