Nell Carter - "Back In The High Life"

When I was on national tour with A Chorus Line in Los Angeles, I was invited to the taping of this TV special, and I can only say I wish everyone could have witnessed the power and glory of this amazing performance live, in person.

This is really what being a diva is about: channelling, delivering, "being" at the top of your game.

I simply can't watch this just once. I just can't. From about 1:45 on, it's a visceral, gut-driven performance. Few performers get to a level where they can be so "on point" and access this deep an emotional life in a song.

This is art. This is power. This is reaching people.

Nell is missed. We need more like her. There will never be another like her.