Leibele Waldman

Growing up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Leibele (Louis) Waldman was recognized as a "wunderkind", officiating at the pulpit with a choir by the age of nine. Befriended and influenced by the great Cantor Yossele Roseblatt, Waldman went on to develop his own distinctive style which is still influencing cantors today. A lyric baritone, Waldman's amazing vocal range, coloratura, flawless falsetto and sweet voice allowed him great flexibility interpreting prayers that have become "standards". His renditions of Ki Lekach Tov, Sarfe Maloh, Odom Y'sodo Meofer, L'fichoch Anachnu and Ribono Shel Olom (s'firah) are just a few of the many Waldman masterpieces. His skilled improvisations at the pulpit prompted one cantor to state, "When listening to Waldman, I felt as though I was being transported into another realm as Waldman pleaded for his congregation."

Waldman was a pioneer in phonograph recording, radio and Jewish Movies ("talkies") all of which showcased his cantorial talents to an appreciative audience. His extensive travels throughout the United States and Canada invariably drew large crowds to the synagogues and concert halls where he appeared.

Waldman's recordings of both liturgical and Yiddish folk songs earned him fame and recognition. He was heard live for twenty years, twice a week, on Radio Station WEVD. The warmth of his voice, his stage presence and personality made him a favorite among his listeners. His guest appearances at Madison Square Garden delighted the Jews and non-Jews who also attended in great numbers.

While still a young man, Waldman concertized with Zavel Kwartin (in his eighties at the time) and Yossele Rosenblatt. In fact, Rosenblatt shared the stage with Waldman during his final concert in the United States before his death in Palestine.

After the success of "The Jazz Singer" in 1929, motion pictures or "Talkies" as they were called, became quite popular. Waldman performed in twelve Jewish "short subjects" between 1931 and 1942. The Library of Jewish Film at Brandeis University has restored many of these Waldman films and offers them for sale.

During World War II, Waldman entertained Jewish troops stationed in the United States. He officiated at several thousand wedding ceremonies as he was greatly sought after because of his unique musical style. One cantor was quoted in the New York Times saying, "When you had Waldman you had the best"!

In the Fall 2004 edition of "Classic Record Collector" magazine, Waldman was listed as one of six legendary cantors in the article: Cantorial Roll Call: The BIG Six.
 

Music in this collection courtesy of Cantor Harvey Waldman.


Total: 57

Al Tiroh; A Yid Darf Gehen In Shul
Ashrei
Ashrie
Cantor Leibele Waldman - Traditional Chants
Cantorials by the World Famous Cantor Leibele Wald...
Cantorials by the world famous Leibele Waldman
Chassidic Melodies
Chassidic Melodies
Eichu
Golden Voices of Israel - Volume 2
Golden Voices of Israel - Volume 3
Golden Voices of the Synagogue
Havain Yakir Li
Hear O Israel, Volume I
Hear O Israel, Volume II
High Holidays Music Mix
High Holy Day Prayers - Live for the first time
Highlights of Chassidic Music
Jewish Nostalgy
Jewish Nostalgy
Ki Keshimcho
Ki Keshimcho
Kol Nidre
Kol Nidre
Kol Nidre
Kol Nidre
Kol Nidre
L'fichoch Anachnu Chayuvim
L'fichoch Anachnu Chayuvim
Liturgical Masterpieces / L'fichoch Anachnu Chayuv...
Living in America
Nishmas (Traditional)
Odom Yesodo Meofor
Onu B'choiach
Renew our days
Rom Venisu
Rom Venisu
Sarfe Maloh
Sarfe Maloh
Sh'ma Kolenu (Mincha)
Shuvi Nafshi
Shuvi Nafshi
Shuvi Nafshi (from Halel)
Song Divine
Songs of My People
Synagogue Chants
TAL (Dew); OVU LTZION GOEL
The Best Cantorial Works of Cantor Leibele Waldman
The Golden Years of Cantorial Music Vol. 1
Unzer Hailike Lond
V'Chol Hachayim
Venn Di Zihn Vellen Kommen Tzurick
Venn Di Zihn Vellen Kommen Tzurick
Voices of the Temple
Voices of the Temple
Voices of the Temple
Zochrenu Bezikoron