For the "Show Boat" excerpts, the three soloists did not necessarily sing the roles that they would have in a stage version of the musical. Although Jerry Hadley sang only the role of Gaylord Ravenal, Frederica von Stade sang both Magnolia and Julie, and Samuel Ramey sang the role of the black stevedore Joe, as was done sometimes on "Show Boat" record albums pre-1962. The songs were performed in concert at Avery Fisher Hall.