Today was the funeral for a man who brought tremendous joy to audiences over several decades. One of the most memorable roles played by this legend was as Sir Lancelot in “Camelot.” Do you have a favorite performance? Did you ever hear him sing live? If you wish to share your condolences, your thoughts, please feel free to do so here.
I loved him in every musical and concert he did. His voice always strong, his performances and his acting superb. I was fortunate to see him many times. Camelot was my favorite, Kiss Me Kate another and his Billy Bigelow in Carousel singing the Soliloquy was so beautiful. Bob was a true gentleman, a most wonderful and kind fun and loving person. He was an entertainer extraordinaire. My heart goes out to his family and to the love of his life Vera. My prayers are with them. Bob will be missed, he is a legend and thank God we will always have his music to play on forever.
Comment by Cathy Doherty — November 9, 2007 @ 7:58 pm
I was (I think) 20 years old, in college in Ohio. I loved “My Love Forgive Me,” and bought the album (about 1968).
I had one of those old ’tilt-down’ stereos that didn’t have much sound quality, at least by today’s standards. My Mom put the album on the stereo in the bedroom, and left the door open to hear it. She told me later that she couldn’t believe how RG’s voice filled up the whole house. She was right.
Incidentally, my divorced Dad later raided my album collection, and RG’s album was one of the ones that he took. (Since I was in college, it was his nickel anyway).
This is one of my last memories of my mother and father.
Comment by Doug — November 9, 2007 @ 11:23 pm
I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Goulet perform twice. Once in concert at the Dunes and later in “South Pacific” at UNLV. Backstage at the Dunes he gave my date a hug that thrilled her no end. When I ran into him in a store, he laughed when I reminded him of his power over the fair sex. Great guy. Great performer. May the Lord smile upon him.
Comment by Garry — November 9, 2007 @ 11:39 pm
I thank my mom and dad for introducing me to the voice of Robert Goulet. For some 45 or more years our family has grown up listening to him. How odd that the Frontier Hotel was taken down the same week as the great Mr. G was laid to rest. My first memories are listening to the Camelot soundtrack with Richard Burton and Julie Andrews. His gifted voice is part of my life really. Mom took us backstage many times to meet and say a quick hello…he invited me and 3 of my high school girlfriends backstage on my 18th birthday!!! I think his Christmas music will be very bitter sweet this season. +Memory Eternal Robert Goulet+
June Boettner Easbey
Santa Barbara, CA
Comment by June Boettner Easbey — November 13, 2007 @ 7:14 pm
“no bell will jingle when its tossed…”
Comment by MA — November 14, 2007 @ 10:49 am
I can recall once seeing Sinatra in Caesars Place in the 70’s, at the same time Robert Goulet was in town as well.
During Frank’s mid-show monologue, when he would be sitting on a stool telling some jokes, just talking and sipping a drink, he would talk to the crowd about who’s in the audience, or in town. I remember him saying; “Now if you wana see a real singer while your in town, I’d suggest you catch the Bob Goulet show; and tell Mister “8 X 10 Glossy” I sent ya over.”
I genuinely think Frank was sincere about his endorsement!
Frank Ivacic
Comment by Frank Ivacic, San Clemente, CA — November 15, 2007 @ 10:34 am
Dear Goulet Family,
I am writing to extend our sincere condolences on the passing of your wonderful father and husband, Robert Goulet. We, his fans, will miss him too.
Since 1960, Robert Goulet has been a shining example of a great voice and a great performer. He “owned” so many beautiful songs (On A Clear Day, I Wish You Love, If Ever I Would Leave You, an many more ) that bring back such wonderful memories!
In this age — when what is called “music” is no longer “lyrical” — Mr. Goulet continued to delight us with his superb renditions of show-stopping standards. A couple of years ago, my husband and I were so fortunate to see him on stage in San Diego. It seemed that the scheduled “rock star” headliner could not perform, so Mr. Goulet stepped in to do the show at El Cajon Performing Arts Center.
This center is not at all up to glamorous Las Vegas venues. But the audience was so excited at the chance to hear Bob Goulet. Mr. Goulet was a delight on stage – such a gentleman, articulate, friendly, immaculately attired in a tuxedo, handsome, and in absolutely fabulous voice. At that performance, he also sang a couple of numbers with his son, and seemed to be so very proud of the young man. We will never forget that evening!
The memory trail continues…. Just yesterday, my husband rented an old TV show from 1962 – a Judy Garland special, with guests Robert Goulet and Phil Silvers. Once again, we were able to see just how talented and handsome. But I was struck especially by his gentleness and sincerity – when he was singing a series of love duets with Judy. Mrs. Goulet was a lucky lady to such a great comanion!
Thank heaven for technology that will allow us to continue enjoying the great talent of Robert Goulet — he will live on in his music.
God bless you,
Comment by Lisa warrillow — November 15, 2007 @ 12:06 pm
I was stunned and so saddened to have heard about Robert Goulet’s passing last month. I had the pleasure of seeing him on Broadway , not in Camelot but in a subsequent show the name of which I can’t recall unfortunately. However, more than raving about his exceptional talent, I want to rave about his very down to earth personality and friendliness.
I attended that show with two friends, one of whom I believe was visiting New York City for the first time. Imagine her surprise and mine as well when it was announced after the show ended that if any member of the audience wanted Mr. Goulet’s autograph to line up outside the theater and Mr. Goulet would allow everyone on line to come backstage and meet him and get his autograph!! This is unheard of as far as I know! However, that is exactly what happened!What a lovely man and how exciting it was to be able to walk right up to him outside his dressing room, say hello, hand him the playbill and have him personally address his autograph to us! The line, of course, was very long but he turned no one down!
As if that meeting wasn’t enough, a few years later while employed at a showroom in the design are of New York (Manhattan), I was sitting at my typewriter looking out to the lobby and elevators of our building, with a glass showroom “wall” between us and I look up and who is peeking into our showroom while waiting for the elevator but Robert Goulet and Carole Lawrence!! I motioned to him to come inside and he flashed me the biggest smile in the world…I probably shouldn’t say this…but Mrs. Goulet was not herself friendly and basically did not acknowledge me at all although we were facing each other directly through this glass….I haven’t forgotten that either! I can almost see why they got divorced!
In any event he was talented, charming, oh so handsome and will be missed by many generations of fans. I am in my early fifties..but my mother has loved him as well…we need that kind of music and voices so much nowadays….when you see who is winning the grammys these days…even being nominated..it makes me sick for the most part…that is not music or talent….and I hope his musical legacy will remain alive forever!!
Comment by Sherry — December 8, 2007 @ 7:17 pm