Though people tell me otherwise, my impression is that most singers today cannot sing. Or if they do, they have voices that are like a million other voices. Many of them give concerts. These concerts consist of a lot of production: fireworks, on-stage bands, exhibitionism, and lots of audience participation (translation: screaming). Why? Because their talent isn't enough.  Forgive me if I miss the days when a performer stood alone on a stage and commanded your admiration and respect for at least 90 minutes with a voice like no other. No fireworks, no audio-visual presentation, no gimmicks, just great songs and a great voice. Stars like Garland, Piaf, Torme, Sinatra, Martin, Horne, Laine,  and the incredible singer heard here: Charles Aznavour.

Note: I have chosen this song, "How Sad Venice Can Be" because it's my favorite. But if you are not familiar with Charles Aznavour, you owe it to yourself ot go to YouTube and see him perform some of his other famous songs, including "She" and "Yesterday When We Were Young." If you do, you'll see why audiences still flocked to hear this great singer even when he was well into sixties.