we were blessed and didn't realize it, thought it would always be the same. I loved Fame, and wanted to go to school there but I had to go to Norman Thomas HS in Manhattan
The emotion that is shown by Michael Thoma and the rest of the cast is clear that they all knew he was dying. The entire scene is so moving it is a credit to all of them that they managed to complete the song without bursting into tears.
I’m 52 and I agree these were great memories of my childhood stepping into my adolescence and early teens! Happy Birthday to Janet Jackson aka Cleo 5/16/2020
i used to sing this song with my sister at least once a day until the day she died..it was her favourite song....still brings me to tears every time i hear it 25 years later
Seriously.....this was one of the most perfectly wonderful TV shows!! Couldn't get enough if it! This song right here gets me in the gut! So lucky to have been young when this was on!
This gives me such a lump in my throat every time I listen. Not just because of the sentiment of the song but also because it reminds me of days gone by and a happy childhood with loved ones no longer here. Beautiful x
I think so too. So beautiful and so sad.I don't know how they got through it actually, knowing they were saying goodbye to a good friend. Dear Mr Shorofsky in the second row, with his baton.
I had to sing it with my classmates in year 6, 3 years ago, I still have a good singing voice even though I've been hitting puberty, now my voice is much deeper than I though it would be, and now I'm taller than my brother and my mom.
@@nyreerowland2199 I still watching this and I'm 55 , because bringing to us a lot of memories of our youth something that happening when you getting older
@@nyreerowland2199 I still sob too and I'm 48. Fave show of all time when I was a kid. I never understood the lyrics though: "Starmaker, dream-breaker, soul-taker, we're happy now." The lyrics are not happy at all. Pretty melody though and that's what I think makes people tear up.
Saddest episode I've ever seen in a series. A real tribute to a great actor. Sadly Michael Thoma's last ever tv appearance. Loved his character of Mr Crandall. Never fail to cry at this very emotional song where the actors feelings were so genuine. You were truly missed in series 2.
This is a beautifully poignant moment, made all the more so as most of the cast knew Michael Toma (whom played Mr. Crandall) had terminal cancer. He passed away a few weeks after this was filmed. The emotion on Valerie Landsburg face perhaps says more than a 100o words could. A touching gesture from all concerned to someone whom was obviously held in high regard.
This song always brings tears to my eyes and a football-sized lump to my throat. What a beautiful, tenderhearted tribute to both the character and the actor portraying him who was, in real life, dying of cancer when this scene was shot and everybody singing knew it. STARMAKER is my *favorite* song from this old tv series FAME!
Carla Maragno thats amazing that you feel that. I saw this growing up as a child ..it gave m3 a lump in throat..also i always cried like bawled..its so tender and real. And a huge powerful tribute ...the piano melody it hurts. I started to pursue singing...becos I remembered how I loved singing songs from fame..and only at age 30..When I went through the darkest time in my life ..I dreamed I could sing. So I started..now I need to dare to sing infront of people..Loved your comment
The emotion Debbie Allen and the cast put into this is Increadible, Beautiful song with a beautiful cast , possibly one of the nicest songs I've ever heard
80'sTV shows were generally awesome in my book, and this was one of the very best. I don't like getting old, but growing up through the 80's was priceless.
Totally agree. Takes me back to when life was simple. The only worries I had was music, football and the latest trainers (sneakers). Brings a tear every time. Bloody fantastic.
Quote newspaper 1982: Michael Thoma, who played a drama teacher on the television program ''Fame'' and a family friend on ''Eight Is Enough,'' died Friday after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 55 years old. Mr. Thoma, who died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, last season portrayed Greg Crandall, a kindly but demanding drama teacher, on the ''Fame'' series. Michael Thoma known as Greg Crandall in Fame, died on Friday 2nd September 1982.
this was real emotion (not acting)....they knew he was dying and went through all this effort to show him he was loved...(not only here but in real life)
The raw emotion in their eyes and his chokes me up and what makes this song is the true love and passion they put into it for their ailing friend and he passed 3 weeks after this was aired.
This had to be the hardest thing any of them did. To have to say goodbye for real to a colleague, without crying...but doing it in the best way. I love Mr Shorofsky with his baton, still conducting. He was my favorite character.
You can see he’s taking it all in. It can be hard to accept moments of love and kindness sometimes esp when you are vulnerable as he was with his illness and he made it a point to take it all in. Beautiful man.
I missed this episode when it first came out but the emotions it brings up knowing that Michael Thoma is leaving the show due to failing health is palpable. When I finally saw the episode it put a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. What a glorious way tp pay respect and say goodbye. No wonder this show was so popular around the world.
yes paul ah i love this dirty heard now sacramento socks it inmy breast eat or raw boys and her father didn't raw is umm squid or umm boys inside a rock salad now ummhug my skin love in d or in ld s shields turned bglue blue blood green spirit now cigerettes like fake bud quake earth umm Pamela died in water bud year one or 11 jew i love hti this girl first base you fucked her Paul YOung Burt ernie said JUne too JUly won me love sun day Pamela Sprian or spain umm yea run pay dirt umm Kappa yea me HOwe Family shower yea fun and up the road no i umm lvoe wine in a store like bar none poam pam spray yea and wild life love me hand to hand sean cassidy looked really bad in brown polyester yuck and did I orang a Tang no i hate mrs. Thompson and Cornealiuses son so Tuffy Robbinsdale I loved that dog! Pamela Howe Eleven ll Tufferware? Michael Boyer Fisher he's, - His Dad! His dad was adopted, so his last name is? Tufferware Fisher Price Lillidahl spell that Lilidahl Howe Pam my gift is my song and this one's for you..... Moulon Rougue say that and who is singing? Covers! Pamela HOwe Eleven YOutube.com MIka used to be Zoo feeder and studied nutrition at DeAnza College in Cupertino with Jenelle and Ed. CZcams.com Nutrution is important for you to know when to eat drink and how much everyday not just a carrot
I understand most of the cast broke down after this take because everyone knew Michael Thoma was dying and they all pretty much loved him because he mentored the young stars of the show, for many of whom this was their first professional experience,
After all this time, still an awesome and emotional song,. I think when you know this was a tribute and he died with weeks of this song make the impact all the more, and you can actually see raw emotion, not just acting
we didnt know it at the time but we grew in the best era great friends and great music and where your friends realy cared about you not like today its all social media
john harmon totally right think kids are abit ignorant nowadays and as for today’s music we 40 something’s are feeling rather bored thank god for CZcams so I can type any song to take me back,,
I just found out this was there true goodbye to him. He did not know and if you know his history he was a Starmaker, and yeah, a Dreamtaker, but they were happy for his soul. We are souls with bodies not just bodies here on earth. Well done!!
2020 In the middle of a worldwide pandemic Wishing life was like this still Stunning tune and holding hands WERE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER UNITEDCWE SHOULD STAND
2022 and the local dance class is back on after a two year break. Fingers crossed things stay that way. It was watching The Kids from Fame that first got me into dancing 38 years ago.
What an amazing and love-filled farewell not only to a character but the actor who played him. I know he felt the immense outpouring of emotion felt by everyone who watches this, and I can't help but think he's close by each time someone even now watches again. This song was such a beautiful gift.
Beautiful tribute to a wonderful man, Mr Michael Thoma, so obviously loved and respected by all who knew him. The hidden tribute behind this song gets me every time. Hard to believe it's nearly 35 years ago.
Saw them live at the Birmingham NEC UK in Jan1983. Christmas present from my parents. These guys were really talented, one of the best shows i've ever been to. We all cried when they sang this song. Pure magic
yea, i agree...we were all young, the 80 ies,life was easier, seeing all these talented youg people,and knowing that the actor died some weeks later.... it's a very touching song indeed
Tifosa1 I used yo hear this song on the radio back in the day and never really liked it until I saw this scene, if I was sitting in that chair I would've broke down. Seems like us oldies get emotional.
OMG! I FOUND IT. I FOUND IT😀😀😀😀😁😁❤❤. This song has been on my mind for many years. I had trouble remembering the name of song. THANKS to CZcams. I FOUND IT 😭😁
In 1985 we lost a very special friend who was not quite 16. Its 2024 and this song still brings back memories of when us kids were indeed 'happy'. Thank you to the cast of Fame❤. You go with us....with fondness and a smile ❤.
@ 3.15 when Mr Crandall starts to well up with tears I swear I have to try so hard not to well up myself......what a genuine lovely guy, I was so sad when I realised in real life when this was filmed, he knew he was dying :( Sadly these days not many songs would have the powerful effect on one's emotions as songs like this. Thx for posting x
This song gets to me everytime I hear it. Sadly I lost my mum 17 years ago from a brain tumour and unfortunately just recently my dad has been diagnosed with two inoperable brain tumours and stage 4 lung cancer. I know it's going to make me cry everytime I hear it but it's such a beautiful song and so close to my heart. You can see the emotion in Michael Thoma's and it makes me think about what my dad is going through.
The tragic beauty of this song is that "Mr. Crandall" (Michael Toma was, at this stage at the losing end of his battle with cancer and passed away 3 weeks later! The cast and crew knew that he was dying and this was their final tribute to Michael Toma as a friend and colleague. Get's me every time!!
So true. An add the personal side, I was 12 at the time this came out. Inocent like a baby. I am 48 now and my oldest is 12. I cry helplessly hearing this one, or any other Fame song. Can't even sing along without chocking.
Sadly on 3rd September 1982, aged 55, Michael died at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, after a two-year battle with cancer. A memorial service will was held at Pasadena's American Academy of Dramatic Arts. your spirit lives on RIP XXX
One of my 'Happy Place' songs, when no one was ill, no one had died and nothing too terrible had happened to me yet. Great childhood memories. I'm still swaying along to this in 2022! X
I'm from the UK, the series and its subsequent tracks....have impacted the lives of me and my closest friends in terms of warmth and nostalgia. Every time we're lucky enough to see or hear anything "Fame", its amazing.....This beautifully written track has particular poignancy and brings tears to my eyes. ........xx❤❤
What an amazing song given the real life story around it makes it even more emotional full marks to all singing the song and R.I.P the great actor playing Mr Crandall he speaks volumes with his reaction throughout the song...brilliant.
I’m 32 so don’t remember this airing!! I still will jot let my mother’s record go!! I always feel invincible when one hears this! I love this and wish I was born before 1988 xxxxxxx
I forgot what a fantastic singer Debbie Allen is, she holds this song together and carries it through and Valerie Landsburg had a beautiful voice too. Debbie Allen - what a talent, a fabulous dancer too with poise and grace that most young girls don’t seem to have anymore.
I was just a kid when I watched this episode. For years I had that song stuck in my head. Today I found it after over 30 years of not hearing this song. Still a beautiful and emotional song. I remember the tribute at the end of the show.
When the show toured the UK I went to see them at the 'Playhouse' in Edinburgh and they were brilliant but especially Debbie Allen - she sang 'Killing me softly with his song' with NO microphone or backing-music and we (sitting way up in the gods !) heard every single word as clear as day - what A voice !!
Still listening in 2024 This is my favorite Tv series. Beautiful songs, best actors and beautiful story. Love, admire and greetings from Aleksandra, Zagreb, Croatia 🇭🇷 ❤️😊
When I was in middle school, my choir teacher had us sing this as our final song every year at our big end of year concert. Tonight was my final concert of my senior year, and I've found myself coming back to this song. It's perfect in every way.
This song was my nans favourite song! She’s recently passed away and she has it playing at her funeral in a couple of weeks, listening to this properly chokes me up! Still can’t help myself listening to it though…..😢
Always a favorite, I watched this when it first premiered as a kid. I was obsessed with the show. Watched with my mom every week. Saw this and lost it. Knew he was dying, but what a beautiful tribute! One of the best songs in the 1st season and of the whole series!
thank you all for you thoughts. I'm so proud to have written this song with my bff carole bayer sager.
Thank you both
I wish we could have all sung for our Mr Cranston may he RIP he would have loved it
Is an amazing song
Thank you from my heart
Thank you
Very moving this video. Heartbreaking.
I saw heard it when I was a teenager. It was and has remained one of my ultimate favourite songs, simply beautiful.
We who lived our youth in the 80s are the luckiest on this earth!!!
we were blessed and didn't realize it, thought it would always be the same. I loved Fame, and wanted to go to school there but I had to go to Norman Thomas HS in Manhattan
Absolutely ❤🙏❤@@dawnravenel2473
❤⭐❤@@dawnravenel2473
Yes we were thank goodness ❤⭐❤️
@@dawnravenel2473❤⭐😘⭐❤
The emotion that is shown by Michael Thoma and the rest of the cast is clear that they all knew he was dying. The entire scene is so moving it is a credit to all of them that they managed to complete the song without bursting into tears.
Oh god is that the theme of the song, i remember it from years gone by but never knew the story behind it how sad
@@karenaldred3645 Yes, that was the reason behind the song.
Was he really about to die?
@@rhodiusscrolls3080 Yes. He was suffering from cancer and died a few months after filming that episode.
@@GaryWright238 3 weeks later
At 50 I cant remember why I went to the kitchen by I remembet every lyric of this song. The 80's was amazing!
so true lol. I keep forgetting which song I'm gonna play next
Me too
Me too...great times
I’m 52 and I agree these were great memories of my childhood stepping into my adolescence and early teens! Happy Birthday to Janet Jackson aka Cleo 5/16/2020
Hahaha!! This is exactly what happened to me!! Amazing. X
i used to sing this song with my sister at least once a day until the day she died..it was her favourite song....still brings me to tears every time i hear it 25 years later
God bless you. What a song to sing 🎉x
Seriously.....this was one of the most perfectly wonderful TV shows!! Couldn't get enough if it! This song right here gets me in the gut! So lucky to have been young when this was on!
Indeed!
Same here!!!
Me too
True Story ❤
Still listening to this song in 2024 remembering the love of my life today would have been our 44th wedding anniversary
😢❤❤❤
This gives me such a lump in my throat every time I listen. Not just because of the sentiment of the song but also because it reminds me of days gone by and a happy childhood with loved ones no longer here. Beautiful x
True that ,a mirror of me
X
Amen and that this is a true goodbye he would pass away not long after
My fiancée and I love this song too much !!!
I feel the same. I lost my Mum two weeks ago and felt I had to watch this today
40 years later and still one of the most poignant scene ever in a tv show
Damn right. I never knew he had cancer at the time god rest his soul. I adored Fame. Still do.
Here here totally agree.Every time I listen tears well up.Beautiful and so powerful ❤😂
My sister and I still sing this 40+ years later!. Gets you every time! We are 61 and 59 years old. 😢♥
Over 40 years later and it's still as powerful as the day it first aired.
Watching in 2020. This may be the most beautiful song ever. ❤
Agree 100%
100% love it especially now while we've bin taking things for granted. X
So do I. Beautiful at all ever and ever.💛
I think so too. So beautiful and so sad.I don't know how they got through it actually, knowing they were saying goodbye to a good friend. Dear Mr Shorofsky in the second row, with his baton.
I had to sing it with my classmates in year 6, 3 years ago, I still have a good singing voice even though I've been hitting puberty, now my voice is much deeper than I though it would be, and now I'm taller than my brother and my mom.
50 year old man sobbing like an idiot here, This song gets me every time!
I still sob watching this and I'm 51. Loved Fame.
@@nyreerowland2199 I still watching this and I'm 55 , because bringing to us a lot of memories of our youth something that happening when you getting older
foxeteria with you, champ.
@@nyreerowland2199 I still sob too and I'm 48. Fave show of all time when I was a kid. I never understood the lyrics though: "Starmaker, dream-breaker, soul-taker, we're happy now." The lyrics are not happy at all. Pretty melody though and that's what I think makes people tear up.
me too my friend really pulls at the heart strings doesnt it.
Saddest episode I've ever seen in a series. A real tribute to a great actor. Sadly Michael Thoma's last ever tv appearance. Loved his character of Mr Crandall. Never fail to cry at this very emotional song where the actors feelings were so genuine. You were truly missed in series 2.
it was a live tribute
God bless him.
I never even knew this, makes it even more poignant, it was their tribute to him, beautiful 😥
How sad and meaningful
Yes. He already had terminal cancer at time and died the same year.
Many years ago. Now I'm 51. Such precious memories of magical times. Wish I could go back in time.
I hear you x
Me too Claudia ❤⭐❤
I was 14 years old when this episode aired I never missed an episode every Thursday after TOTP
This song still breaks my heart after all these years...knowing that it was truly felt.
orlos menoni particularly the line in the song i can't keep calling it my home. I've got no home and I belong to you that is sad
This is a beautifully poignant moment, made all the more so as most of the cast knew Michael Toma (whom played Mr. Crandall) had terminal cancer. He passed away a few weeks after this was filmed. The emotion on Valerie Landsburg face perhaps says more than a 100o words could. A touching gesture from all concerned to someone whom was obviously held in high regard.
This song always brings tears to my eyes and a football-sized lump to my throat. What a beautiful, tenderhearted tribute to both the character and the actor portraying him who was, in real life, dying of cancer when this scene was shot and everybody singing knew it. STARMAKER is my *favorite* song from this old tv series FAME!
the same happens to me. And I didn't even watch it.. I was a baby
Carla Maragno thats amazing that you feel that. I saw this growing up as a child ..it gave m3 a lump in throat..also i always cried like bawled..its so tender and real. And a huge powerful tribute ...the piano melody it hurts. I started to pursue singing...becos I remembered how I loved singing songs from fame..and only at age 30..When I went through the darkest time in my life ..I dreamed I could sing. So I started..now I need to dare to sing infront of people..Loved your comment
me too
man l was about 7 years old when this song was on fame dint know he was dieing in real life nice song but makes you emotional man
Mine too,,,it was beautiful x
The emotion Debbie Allen and the cast put into this is Increadible, Beautiful song with a beautiful cast , possibly one of the nicest songs I've ever heard
This holds up so well after all these years. Goose bumps❤️
Wow! Debbie Allen's voice is just phenomenal!
monalisasmile Agreed. She should have had a solo career, she was good enough.
80'sTV shows were generally awesome in my book, and this was one of the very best. I don't like getting old, but growing up through the 80's was priceless.
agree mate. in tears at this song
We all get old but It's how!😀
Totally agree. Takes me back to when life was simple. The only worries I had was music, football and the latest trainers (sneakers). Brings a tear every time. Bloody fantastic.
Oh well said Smarty 5 !! I couldn’t agree more! X
Smarty 5 Tell me about it😢😢😢
Still can’t get past the opening bars without crying 😢
Debbie Allen is seriously talented. Unbelievable dancer and an absolutely beautiful voice.
joe bloggs parent she knows how to hit those octaves notes with superb pitch in her head voice she is a class singer
Amazing. Just watched her dance with Coco (Erica Gimbell) I Still Believe in Me.
Quote newspaper 1982:
Michael Thoma, who played a drama teacher on the television program ''Fame'' and a family friend on ''Eight Is Enough,'' died Friday after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 55 years old.
Mr. Thoma, who died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, last season portrayed Greg Crandall, a kindly but demanding drama teacher, on the ''Fame'' series.
Michael Thoma known as Greg Crandall in Fame, died on Friday 2nd September 1982.
this was real emotion (not acting)....they knew he was dying and went through all this effort to show him he was loved...(not only here but in real life)
Watched this as an 8 year old and cried...on Sunday night I watched the cast sing this, live in Liverpool , aged 45...and bawled like a baby ❤
You went to the royal albert hall concert? Jealous!!!
@@carolmowat699 no it was Liverpool xx
Bawling
Missed that ffs didn't see that in the echo fukin punks !
Ahhh wish I saw that in The Empire! Still LOVE Fame xxx
The raw emotion in their eyes and his chokes me up and what makes this song is the true love and passion they put into it for their ailing friend and he passed 3 weeks after this was aired.
2019 and this still brings tears to my eyes.. Rest in paradise Michael Toma, Your a starmaker above the heaven's .
Boricua Baby 😭👍
Yep in tears listening to this right now 😭😭
@@marc-austintampharne4511 Pipe down grammar gremlin!
So sad. R.I.P. Michael Thoma.
If you don't cry at this wonderful song, then there is something wrong. I cry every time at this song.
Me too 😢
made me cry then, and still does
Still listening in 2023 😍
Me too. I love song's Fame ❤
2024 ❤❤❤❤
@@LittleBird777 ❤️
May 2024❤
This had to be the hardest thing any of them did. To have to say goodbye for real to a colleague, without crying...but doing it in the best way. I love Mr Shorofsky with his baton, still conducting. He was my favorite character.
After all these years, it still makes me cry 😢
Me too. It's a beautiful song❤
You can see he’s taking it all in. It can be hard to accept moments of love and kindness sometimes esp when you are vulnerable as he was with his illness and he made it a point to take it all in. Beautiful man.
Debbie Allen killlls this!!
Definitely one of the most intensely emotional moments of television! I loved it 30 years ago and I love it just as much today.
One of the best TV scenes ever--memorable, poignant and heartfelt. (And after 30-some years since the broadcast, I have never forgotten this song!)
Beth Searfoss yes it is!
Agree totally - tears to my eyes every time
has he gone thank god
Me too
I missed this episode when it first came out but the emotions it brings up knowing that Michael Thoma is leaving the show due to failing health is palpable. When I finally saw the episode it put a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. What a glorious way tp pay respect and say goodbye. No wonder this show was so popular around the world.
Omg after all these years I still cry at that song...so emotional
Brought tears to my eyes, very very fond memories ❤
what a beautiful living memorial RIP Michael Thoma; I'm in tears
yes paul ah i love this dirty heard now sacramento socks it inmy breast eat or raw boys and her father didn't raw is umm squid or umm boys inside a rock salad now ummhug my skin love in d or in ld s shields turned bglue blue blood green spirit now cigerettes like fake bud quake earth umm Pamela died in water bud year one or 11 jew i love hti this girl first base you fucked her Paul YOung Burt ernie said JUne too JUly won me love sun day Pamela Sprian or spain umm yea run pay dirt umm Kappa yea me HOwe Family shower yea fun and up the road no i umm lvoe wine in a store like bar none poam pam spray yea and wild life love me hand to hand sean cassidy looked really bad in brown polyester yuck and did I orang a Tang no i hate mrs. Thompson and Cornealiuses son so Tuffy Robbinsdale I loved that dog! Pamela Howe Eleven ll Tufferware? Michael Boyer Fisher he's, - His Dad! His dad was adopted, so his last name is? Tufferware Fisher Price Lillidahl spell that Lilidahl Howe Pam my gift is my song and this one's for you..... Moulon Rougue say that and who is singing? Covers! Pamela HOwe Eleven YOutube.com MIka used to be Zoo feeder and studied nutrition at DeAnza College in Cupertino with Jenelle and Ed. CZcams.com Nutrution is important for you to know when to eat drink and how much everyday not just a carrot
Me too😢👍
I understand most of the cast broke down after this take because everyone knew Michael Thoma was dying and they all pretty much loved him because he mentored the young stars of the show, for many of whom this was their first professional experience,
After all this time, still an awesome and emotional song,. I think when you know this was a tribute and he died with weeks of this song make the impact all the more, and you can actually see raw emotion, not just acting
Si...emozioni crude.vere
Watched this series from the beginning. So sad this episode as we all knew he was leaving because dying. Was a big part of my childhood!!
Still tearjerking after all these years. Great musical series with some serious talent.
Brings back some good memories from my youth wish I could go back
One of the most beautiful sings from this show.
never watched it cos it was shite
Such a powerful song sung with such emotion and love ❤️
😢😢😢 I wish I was back in the 80's I miss this programme soooo much. The 80'was the best decade ever 😊
Keep coming back to this beautiful clip ❤ such a moving song ❤
So sad that he was really saying goodbye to his coworkers , his role and his life at the end.He was really moved. Rest in power!
Still crying in 2022...
we didnt know it at the time but we grew in the best era great friends and great music and where your friends realy cared about you not like today its all social media
u are right!i have the same feeling (from Belgium)
john harmon totally right think kids are abit ignorant nowadays and as for today’s music we 40 something’s are feeling rather bored thank god for CZcams so I can type any song to take me back,,
I just found out this was there true goodbye to him. He did not know and if you know his history he was a Starmaker, and yeah, a Dreamtaker, but they were happy for his soul. We are souls with bodies not just bodies here on earth. Well done!!
2020 In the middle of a worldwide pandemic
Wishing life was like this still
Stunning tune and holding hands
WERE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
UNITEDCWE SHOULD STAND
2022 and the local dance class is back on after a two year break. Fingers crossed things stay that way. It was watching The Kids from Fame that first got me into dancing 38 years ago.
Not many songs touch the soul. This one does. Simply fantastic!
Beautiful song, they just don't make them like this any more.
This was our high school graduation song. Still gets to me 30+ years later.
What an amazing and love-filled farewell not only to a character but the actor who played him. I know he felt the immense outpouring of emotion felt by everyone who watches this, and I can't help but think he's close by each time someone even now watches again. This song was such a beautiful gift.
Beautiful tribute to a wonderful man, Mr Michael Thoma, so obviously loved and respected by all who knew him. The hidden tribute behind this song gets me every time. Hard to believe it's nearly 35 years ago.
Wow this brings back memories when times where good wish i could go back
Saw them live at the Birmingham NEC UK in Jan1983. Christmas present from my parents. These guys were really talented, one of the best shows i've ever been to. We all cried when they sang this song. Pure magic
Over 30 years and this song can still make me cry because of the story behind it.
yea, i agree...we were all young, the 80 ies,life was easier, seeing all these talented youg people,and knowing that the actor died some weeks later.... it's a very touching song indeed
Tifosa1 I used yo hear this song on the radio back in the day and never really liked it until I saw this scene, if I was sitting in that chair I would've broke down. Seems like us oldies get emotional.
OMG! I FOUND IT. I FOUND IT😀😀😀😀😁😁❤❤. This song has been on my mind for many years. I had trouble remembering the name of song. THANKS to CZcams. I FOUND IT 😭😁
:-)
I know how you feel 💖
In 1985 we lost a very special friend who was not quite 16. Its 2024 and this song still brings back memories of when us kids were indeed 'happy'. Thank you to the cast of Fame❤. You go with us....with fondness and a smile ❤.
i remember watching this episode,and sobbing like a baby.
Tammy Bailey Anyone who doesn't get emotional watching this can't be human.
Stee Bing 1972. i agree.
I still sob watching this
Mika o n a nother advertising spring season or my favorite catholic church david church hyatt hi att at
why
I'd completely forgotten about this song, until I re-discovered it recently. Beautifully sung and written and a fitting tribute to Michael Toma.
40 something years on and I remember this episode like it was yesterday. Great series, this was so emotional even as a 12yo
Debbie Allen looked gorgeous here. Fantastic voice too!
And she is still amazing now in Grey's Anatomy
YES I WAS AT SCHOOL AND FELT SOMETHING EMERGING THANKS DONNA ILL NEVER FORGET YOU
Matthew. To be. Continued
Still can sing this song word for word and cry every time.
"here as I watch the time go by, how I like to sail away, leaving all my past behind but I know I'd only last for a couple of days" 😢😢😢
It made my cry when I watched it as a kid. 30 years on and it still does.... Great song tribute from a great cast and series....
@ 3.15 when Mr Crandall starts to well up with tears I swear I have to try so hard not to well up myself......what a genuine lovely guy, I was so sad when I realised in real life when this was filmed, he knew he was dying :(
Sadly these days not many songs would have the powerful effect on one's emotions as songs like this. Thx for posting x
This masterpiece still brings a lump to my throat even after so many years have passed by. Fame made us all wish for better brighter things.
They came up with this song because the actor playing mr crandle was dying. Still makes me cry now...and im 35
I'm 45 and still turn into water works when I see and hear this.
I'm 40 and still cry
48 and nothing's changed
For me neither...
Lea Michelle Cash why can't people cry without fuss here is a tissue 😣
I cried so much as a kid when I watched this episode
I'm honoured to have lived and loved all of this ❤️
This song gets to me everytime I hear it. Sadly I lost my mum 17 years ago from a brain tumour and unfortunately just recently my dad has been diagnosed with two inoperable brain tumours and stage 4 lung cancer. I know it's going to make me cry everytime I hear it but it's such a beautiful song and so close to my heart. You can see the emotion in Michael Thoma's and it makes me think about what my dad is going through.
The tragic beauty of this song is that "Mr. Crandall" (Michael Toma was, at this stage at the losing end of his battle with cancer and passed away 3 weeks later!
The cast and crew knew that he was dying and this was their final tribute to Michael Toma as a friend and colleague.
Get's me every time!!
Probably why it was so real and heartfelt!
+Emily Ringström It mustve been so hard to perform it xxx
So true. An add the personal side, I was 12 at the time this came out. Inocent like a baby. I am 48 now and my oldest is 12. I cry helplessly hearing this one, or any other Fame song. Can't even sing along without chocking.
Aww bless u xx
Robi6942 I know 🐳😭😭😭😭😭I'm in tears 😭
Sadly on 3rd September 1982, aged 55, Michael died at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, after a two-year battle with cancer. A memorial service will was held at Pasadena's American Academy of Dramatic Arts. your spirit lives on RIP XXX
Jeez. Watching this makes me feel old..!!
It's an amazing song written at a an amazing time. Fame was such a game changer as a tv series. Thank you and Carole Bayer Sager bless her
One of my 'Happy Place' songs, when no one was ill, no one had died and nothing too terrible had happened to me yet. Great childhood memories. I'm still swaying along to this in 2022! X
I'm from the UK, the series and its subsequent tracks....have impacted the lives of me and my closest friends in terms of warmth and nostalgia. Every time we're lucky enough to see or hear anything "Fame", its amazing.....This beautifully written track has particular poignancy and brings tears to my eyes. ........xx❤❤
What an amazing song given the real life story around it makes it even more emotional full marks to all singing the song and R.I.P the great actor playing Mr Crandall he speaks volumes with his reaction throughout the song...brilliant.
I’m 32 so don’t remember this airing!! I still will jot let my mother’s record go!! I always feel invincible when one hears this! I love this and wish I was born before 1988 xxxxxxx
The 80s were like no other.
I forgot what a fantastic singer Debbie Allen is, she holds this song together and carries it through and Valerie Landsburg had a beautiful voice too. Debbie Allen - what a talent, a fabulous dancer too with poise and grace that most young girls don’t seem to have anymore.
Beautiful heartfelt talent! All of them!! The honest sincerity is spellbinding...
Totally gets me crying Everytime. The memories. I wish I could go back just for a few days
I was just a kid when I watched this episode. For years I had that song stuck in my head. Today I found it after over 30 years of not hearing this song. Still a beautiful and emotional song. I remember the tribute at the end of the show.
When the show toured the UK I went to see them at the 'Playhouse' in Edinburgh and they were brilliant but especially Debbie Allen - she sang 'Killing me softly with his song' with NO microphone or backing-music and we (sitting way up in the gods !) heard every single word as clear as day - what A voice !!
Wow. Great story.
Still listening in 2024
This is my favorite Tv series. Beautiful songs, best actors and beautiful story. Love, admire and greetings from Aleksandra, Zagreb, Croatia 🇭🇷 ❤️😊
You could see by his expressions that he was waiting for this song to be sung before he passes away in real life
Great times , great era , what has happened to the world we live in , how it's changed and not for the better.
Paul Bermingham I was thinking the same thing myself. What has happened? The one thing we must never lose is our humanity
Paul Bermingham yes, such a happy time, with only three TV chanels, they made some real gems and this was definately one of them
Brings me right back to being 7 years of age again. Never knew it was a poignant farewell song to a dying cast member of Fame.
When I was in middle school, my choir teacher had us sing this as our final song every year at our big end of year concert. Tonight was my final concert of my senior year, and I've found myself coming back to this song. It's perfect in every way.
This song was my nans favourite song! She’s recently passed away and she has it playing at her funeral in a couple of weeks, listening to this properly chokes me up!
Still can’t help myself listening to it though…..😢
This song has special youth memories and when you get older and loose someone it comes to life I love you fame thank you eighties x
Always a favorite, I watched this when it first premiered as a kid. I was obsessed with the show. Watched with my mom every week. Saw this and lost it. Knew he was dying, but what a beautiful tribute! One of the best songs in the 1st season and of the whole series!