Josh Groban Sings One Of The Greatest Songs Of All Time And Brings Crowd To Tears With First Note

Mar 10, 2021

Simon & Garfunkel are one of the most recognized and celebrated duos in the history of music. Their 1970s hit "Bridge Over Troubled Water" has remained a favorite among fans for decades. 

The pop-gospel song has reached number one on numerous charts since its initial release, and countless artists spanning many different genres have covered this classic song in their own personal style.

Josh Groban brought his unique blend of opera and pop to the classic in this performance at Madison Square Garden back in 2018 as part of his “Bridges Tour.”

Groban has sung with the likes of Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli, and over the past few years, he has solidified himself as one of the most recognizable and talented voices of his generation. He has the ability to put a unique spin and sound on any song that he covers.

During this concert, Groban decided to treat the audience to one of the most memorable tunes of the 20th century. When the audience heard the song Groban was about to perform, they erupted with cheers and applause.

Although Groban is able to sing most songs with ease, there was something truly special about his unique rendition of this inspiring track. He gave the classic tune a contemporary spin with his powerful vocals.

For the first half of the song, Groban's voice was only accompanied by his impressive piano skills. His enthralling vocals captivated the audience. As the song went on, backup singers and instrumentalists joined in to create a special gospel-like feel.

The end result?

A perfect blend of instruments, backup vocals, harmonies and stunning vocals from Groban, whose magnificent voice was able to reach every corner of the crowded venue.

Classically trained and eminently experienced, the award-winning artist sang his heart out while playing the piano in his rendition of the classic 1970s protest-song. What separated Groban’s performance from the iconic and fairly stripped-down original was Groban’s maximalist interpretation. Whereas Simon and Garfunkel’s signature studio recording mostly highlights their vocals and the piano accompaniment, Groban was surrounded by other musicians,  including this enormous live orchestra and choir. The stage was so crowded with other musicians — not to mention the huge video screen in the background —  that it almost looked as if someone might fall off the edge of the stage into the packed audience. But Groban proves that however difficult it might be to coordinate so many musicians and perform on such a crowded stage, it’s worth it.

Groban’s performance is theatrical, grandiose — perfect for the concert’s Madison Square Garden venue. And since over 400 versions of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” have already been recorded over the song’s long five-decade history, according to Consequence of Sound, Groban does a good job of breathing new life into the oft reinterpreted track. And that’s high praise given that Groban has to compete with covers from music legends from across history like Nina Simone, Johnny Cash and Aretha Franklin. 

“The one voice my birds at our sanctuary recognise and respond to…” the Fallen Angels Bird Sanctuary wrote in response to the video. “We are totally in love with Josh, he inspires, he lifts me up, on some days he just keeps me going!”

“We love everything you do, Josh,” Douglas Beliakoff added in the comments. “Your music fills our house often and for many occasions.  Thank you for all you do.”

For those familiar with Groban’s work, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the 39-year-old musician was able to put his own inspirational spin on an already well-established hit, or that he has a talent for live performance. Early in his career, Groban made a name for himself with his cover of Secret Garden’s “You Raise Me Up,” which remained at the top of the adult contemporary charts for weeks in 2004, according to AllMusic. Following that success, Groban tried his hand at writing for film with his single “Believe” for “The Polar Express” soundtrack, which again spent weeks on the charts. But Groban’s talent is not limited to soundtrack writing and covering other musicians’ work — he also has a highly successful solo career of his own.

With his smooth, baritone voice and his ability to combine the classical with pop, Groban has made a name for himself as a leading vocalist both on and off the stage. According to AllMusic, his self-titled debut album, which came out in November 2001, went double platinum. Shortly thereafter, Groban also got his own PBS special and was invited to perform at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway. Suffice it to say that Groban has had an adventurous, successful career that has had him perform with greats from pop star Kelly Clarkson to jazz legend Herbie Hancock. 

“Harmony,” Josh Groban’s most recent album, came out in 2020, climbing the album charts in countries across Europe and hitting its peak position at 17 on the United States’ Billboard 200.

“Part of Josh Groban's charm is his ability to imbue cover songs with such warmth and technical sonority as to convince you in the moment that his is the best version. It's a skill he highlights with his ebullient 2020 covers album Harmony,” Matt Collar writes in his AllMusic review of the album.

“While Groban has already proven his knack for singing songs well outside the classical tradition, Harmony further underlines that surprising adaptability, as well as his virtuosic skill at making those songs his own,” Collar continues.

The album includes 12 tracks, featuring two originals and covers of hits like Frank Sinatra’s “The World We Knew,” Kenny Loggins’ “Celebrate Me Home” and Charles Aznavour’s  “She.” Groban also teamed up with music greats like Sara Bareilles and Leslie Odom Jr.

In a November 2020 interview with Music Talkers, Groban took a moment to thank his fans for listening to the new album and for their continued support.

“I just want to thank the fans for saving me in so many ways,” Groban told the publication. “I hear from so many of them how the music has meant so much to them and their lives, but it goes both ways. We need each other, and especially now. To have an outlet, a place to express and to have willing and patient listeners … it's everything and I’m grateful. My message is: thank you for following me down every road. Let's keep paving.” 

There are only a few artists who can play such a classic song in their own style without ruining the original writer's intentions. How do you think Groban’s version compares to the original? Let us know — and pass this on to fellow music lovers.