Jesus Christ Superstar Soundtrack CD - Import

Music composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Lyrics written by Tim Rice.

Recorded in New York, New York on October 20, 1971. Originally released on Decca (DL7-1503). Includes liner notes by Peter Filichia.

Writers Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice set several precedents with this album. First, it is a pre-stage studio version, and it topped the US charts upon release. Second, it is the first show to successfully put rock music in a theatrical context (Hair is really a pop/show-music pastiche, not rock). Third, it is a "sung-through" musical without spoken dialog, technically an operetta. Fourth, though musicals had turned more serious at this point, writing a show about Jesus Christ from the point of view of Judas was about as daring as you could get. It succeeds in all ways. In addition to the title song (a #14 hit sung by Murray Head), it includes "I Don't Know How to Love Him" by Yvonne Elliman. ~ William Ruhlmann

Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice. Feat.Ben Vereen,Yvonne Elliman

Principal Cast: Ben Vereen (Judas Iscariot); Jeff Fenholt (Jesus Christ); Yvonne Elliman (Mary Magdelene); Bob Bingham (Caiaphas, High Priest); Phil Jethro (Annas); Barry Dennen (Pointus Pilate); Paul Ainsley (King Herold); Alan Braunstein (Priest #1); Michael Meadows (Priest #2); Steven Bell (Priest #3); Michael Jason (Peter); Samuel Wright (Simon Zealotes).

Audio Remixer: Elvin Campbell.

Liner Note Author: Peter Filichia.

Recording information: New York, NY (10/20/1971).

Photographer: Jay Thompson.