@@bassnbrass9272 it said in the documentaries I saw that Ray new everybody's part also and when someone would not play the right note or something he'd be on them. You have got to be on your toes when you're in a band like his. I'm sorry as hell that I never saw him in concert. 🙋
@@chriskroll4166 you heard correctly. Ray was ever the Leader of the band - he was responsible for every note played or sung onstage, and he had the ability to hear them *all* at the same time. That's what Ray liked about working with Aretha - as he explains at 12:31 - he knew Aretha would sing each note "the way it ought to be sung" so he just had to worry about the other musicians!
@@chriskroll4166 With the endless stream of reissues, bootleg releases of live performances, etc. - where do you draw the line? Eventually you have a museum!
I remember this episode vividly! I was only 5 but my Dad let me stay up late to watch with him since Ray Charles was the host. My Dad passed away 20 years ago and watching this brings me back to that night watching it with him. I cannot express how much happiness and great memories you brought me uploading this episode!! Thank-you!!
This was one for the ages. Ray and Aretha together are transcendent. I also appreciate that you dispensed with the intrusive canned laugh track and applause. This episode felt so real, organic, soulful. ❤️ Thank you!
Thank you for uploading these. We Boomers and early Gen X remember fondly and appreciate this. I have subscribed and will pass the word to my record collecting/record show friends....a bunch of hippies and super cool✌️
Adorable story by Carol Burnett. I had wondered why she came on the show, but it makes complete sense now. I hope Carol & her daughter watch this video and it brings back some special memories. I dearly miss Ray.
Splendidly crisp & clean transfer of analogue 2 inch tape masters to digital of this Ray Charles hosted 1973 The Midnight Special. Show always had top-tier live audio & production values. Living in LA in early '80s I attended a 1981 taping @ NBC Burbank Studio 4. Musical acts might perform 2 takes of a song to achieve optimum rendition. A long taping but worth it since capturing a high quality performance was show's goal.
What an absolutely amazing series this was. I love the eclectic mix of styles and performers. It was fascinating to see how similar country and blues were at that time.
what a treat to see this after all these years gone by. ..i have to also say thanks so much to whoever helped these old shows see the light of day again.
i watched this with old folks, old tv wearing my old clothes and shoes, very nostalgic seeing old shows. It makes me feel young again like in my grade schools in the 70s.
Thank you Midnight Special! Saw Ray Charles and the Kingston Trio perform~separate shows at a fancy dinner theatre in Tulsa many many moons ago; fabulous memory with some fantastic musicians.
I took a heaping handful of mushrooms one night and asked my mom about her life and music and she showed me the midnight special and this was the first episode we found. This performance and episode has changed my life and if anyone were to say they love music they need to watch this and take in truly a masterpiece captured in time. Thank you for posting this.
Can’t wait to see the two Raspberries clips in pristine quality! Hoping there might be a third song. Thank you, Midnight Special! This channel has made my year. 😍
Dude I love the Raspberries and their awesome 70s power pop rock. I dig all 4 of their original albums with Fresh being my fave. We had The Raspberries here in USA and The UK had Badfinger. Both were incredibly melodic with their infectious Beatle-esque hooks. Looking forward to the clips. ✌️
Oh My Gaaaahhh I"m Lifted, My Spirit Rose Up, Like a Tent Revival, hand to heaven, I"m a New Man. I remember my mom coming home early from her 2nd job and sitting down to watch this, she didn't get mad that we were up so late already watching it.
Beautiful Episode from beginning to end, Thanks for posting and I'm so glad I subscribed Ray and Aretha, were in rare form and the moment with Carol brought tears to my eyes!
Thank you for all these great uploads, I'm enjoying sharing these episodes with my mum and dad, discovering interesting artists as well as finding great performances of musicians I know, and in excellent quality. My dad always remembers when he fell in love with Bachman Turner Overdrive, and it was watching your show, so he is eager for their episode to have its turn. Congratulations for this channel and show , cheers from Argentina!
During the seventies I can remember a gigantic wall poster of Aerosmith in our room. The big middle picture had huge lit-up red letters in the back stating: AEROSMITH. There was Steven in front w Joe to his left…Tom & Brad off right. I can remember my brother telling me that “that picture is from The Midnight Special show…” Then I started trying to stay up late to catch this incredible show but I was young then. Little did we know that we were living through the best possible time for popular music during that time.
Brother Ray! Gosh.. he's got me all choked up here in Canada! What a man! What legend! What a soul brother! What a genius! Wow! Thank you! (Sister Ree ain't too shabby herself!!) haha
Hey Midnight Special....grew up with this show out here in Hawaii and being a musician, appreciate every performance, no matter the genre! I understand that Tower of Power was on an episode and have never heard or even seen information on that. Would that, by chance, be something in the future on your great channel? BTW, bought most of the dvds out there in years prior and love the Soul compilations. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the episodes, I know The band FOGHAT played on a couple episodes of the Midnight special, but for some reason there is no videos of these episodes to be found, I am hoping you have them thanks
@@themidnightspecialtvshow Foghat was on episode 28 August 3 1973 Seasun 1 , Host was Al Green they played She's Gone and I just wanna make love to you .Cant find it anywhere also were on episode 25 Host Dr. Hook and the medicine show March 1 1974 Season 2 PLayed Home in my Hand and Honey Hush cant find it anywhere also
Saw him live once, mid-‘80’s…floor seats, his feet were constantly dancing under his seat. It’s interesting to hear early recordings before he found his voice, aping the great, Charles Brown.
Ray Charles was one of my heroes growing up alongside Phil Collins and to know that they both appeared on this show among so many others is remarkable! Also why does Ray Charles look more like Bill Cosby here than Bill Cosby 😂
Thank you for not going all woke and censoring Cosby. It's pure evil what Cosby was and did but it's rarely a good idea to erase or 'cancel' people from history. There was a time where he was great and a loved cultural figure with positive contributions like Fat Albert and the Cosby show which were legendary. It doesn't mean people can't remember and enjoy what once was before the curtain was pulled back.
Ray Charles was a true gift to humanity.
AMEN
I have every album Ray Charles ever made and believe me it took me forever to get them . The guy's got a lot of albums . 😳
@@bassnbrass9272 it said in the documentaries I saw that Ray new everybody's part also and when someone would not play the right note or something he'd be on them. You have got to be on your toes when you're in a band like his. I'm sorry as hell that I never saw him in concert. 🙋
@@chriskroll4166 you heard correctly. Ray was ever the Leader of the band - he was responsible for every note played or sung onstage, and he had the ability to hear them *all* at the same time. That's what Ray liked about working with Aretha - as he explains at 12:31 - he knew Aretha would sing each note "the way it ought to be sung" so he just had to worry about the other musicians!
@@chriskroll4166 With the endless stream of reissues, bootleg releases of live performances, etc. - where do you draw the line? Eventually you have a museum!
That solo Aretha performance had me SHOOK! Thank you so much for this. 🎉
Thanks so much for the support, it is greatly appreciated.
You might want to join the membership portal for advance releases of special episodes.
I remember this episode vividly! I was only 5 but my Dad let me stay up late to watch with him since Ray Charles was the host. My Dad passed away 20 years ago and watching this brings me back to that night watching it with him. I cannot express how much happiness and great memories you brought me uploading this episode!! Thank-you!!
Ted, please see my note, Burt
This was one for the ages. Ray and Aretha together are transcendent. I also appreciate that you dispensed with the intrusive canned laugh track and applause. This episode felt so real, organic, soulful. ❤️ Thank you!
Thank you for uploading these. We Boomers and early Gen X remember fondly and appreciate this. I have subscribed and will pass the word to my record collecting/record show friends....a bunch of hippies and super cool✌️
Thanks for the sub!
Best Beatles cover I've ever heard!!!!
Wilson Pickett that's a killer version of Hey Jude with Duane Allman on guitar. 🙋
i thought it was the worst
Adorable story by Carol Burnett. I had wondered why she came on the show, but it makes complete sense now. I hope Carol & her daughter watch this video and it brings back some special memories. I dearly miss Ray.
So great to see Ray Charles on the Midnight Special. ☮️💟💟💟
He does waffle on.
Thank you for all these episodes. They are very enjoyable to watch. I look forward to watching this one.
Glad you enjoy it!
R.I.P to Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles two awesome artists
Splendidly crisp & clean transfer of analogue 2 inch tape masters to digital of this Ray Charles hosted 1973 The Midnight Special. Show always had top-tier live audio & production values. Living in LA in early '80s I attended a 1981 taping @ NBC Burbank Studio 4. Musical acts might perform 2 takes of a song to achieve optimum rendition. A long taping but worth it since capturing a high quality performance was show's goal.
You did good!
Thank you!
Loving these full episodes with real live performances of such great artists, keep em coming!
Btw, Aretha was fantastic and Ray is a true treasure
They were wonderful
Great show! I really enjoyed seeing Ray sing live and Aretha, too! Thanks again!😄✌️
Glad you enjoyed it
Greetings from Brazil! Amazing videos! Historic!
Glad you like them!
Earl Scruggs & Co. layin it down! 🎉
Loved them best on this episode. Almost reminded me of The Stones Beggars Banquet era.
Once again, Thank You Bert Sugarman!!
What an absolutely amazing series this was. I love the eclectic mix of styles and performers. It was fascinating to see how similar country and blues were at that time.
what a treat to see this after all these years gone by. ..i have to also say thanks so much to whoever helped these old shows see the light of day again.
i watched this with old folks, old tv wearing my old clothes and shoes, very nostalgic seeing old shows. It makes me feel young again like in my grade schools in the 70s.
Don't forget the Queen of Soul...Re Re...🎶😎😍
Thanks so much for another great epsiode. Love the duet by Aretha and Ray, especially...
They were awesome!
Thank you Midnight Special! Saw Ray Charles and the Kingston Trio perform~separate shows at a fancy dinner theatre in Tulsa many many moons ago; fabulous memory with some fantastic musicians.
I took a heaping handful of mushrooms one night and asked my mom about her life and music and she showed me the midnight special and this was the first episode we found. This performance and episode has changed my life and if anyone were to say they love music they need to watch this and take in truly a masterpiece captured in time. Thank you for posting this.
Can’t wait to see the two Raspberries clips in pristine quality! Hoping there might be a third song. Thank you, Midnight Special! This channel has made my year. 😍
Working on it!
Dude I love the Raspberries and their awesome 70s power pop rock. I dig all 4 of their original albums with Fresh being my fave. We had The Raspberries here in USA and The UK had Badfinger. Both were incredibly melodic with their infectious Beatle-esque hooks. Looking forward to the clips. ✌️
@@bryanrussell9906 hey did you ever see the raspberries on Don kirshner's Rock concert. It's online. I think they played for about 20 min. It's gold 🪙
It's coming up in Episode 14 with Johnny Nash as host. Boy, it's nice to have something to look forward to in life, isn't it?
I saw the Raspberries on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert. It was swell.
Wow! Ray, Aretha, and Earl Scruggs. Legends!!!!
What a great host. What a great show.
Such wonderful memories y'all bring back! Keep them coming! 🤠
This wasn't one of my favorite episodes, but Ray Charles has to be one of the nicest and most genuine people ever.
Oh My Gaaaahhh I"m Lifted, My Spirit Rose Up, Like a Tent Revival, hand to heaven, I"m a New Man. I remember my mom coming home early from her 2nd job and sitting down to watch this, she didn't get mad that we were up so late already watching it.
Beautiful Episode from beginning to end, Thanks for posting and I'm so glad I subscribed Ray and Aretha, were in rare form and the moment with Carol brought tears to my eyes!
The segment with this Carol Burnett actor/singer(?) was lovely. She should have her own show.
That Cosby guy though...
She did for many years. Google it
She did.... for a long time
Thank you for all these great uploads, I'm enjoying sharing these episodes with my mum and dad, discovering interesting artists as well as finding great performances of musicians I know, and in excellent quality.
My dad always remembers when he fell in love with Bachman Turner Overdrive, and it was watching your show, so he is eager for their episode to have its turn. Congratulations for this channel and show , cheers from Argentina!
Another Gem, Thanks!
1st Lady my a$$ Aretha was the QUEEN of soul! This is awesome. Only thing wrong with this video is that you can only give 1 thumbs up. Thank you
During the seventies I can remember a gigantic wall poster of Aerosmith in our room. The big middle picture had huge lit-up red letters in the back stating: AEROSMITH. There was Steven in front w Joe to his left…Tom & Brad off right. I can remember my brother telling me that “that picture is from The Midnight Special show…” Then I started trying to stay up late to catch this incredible show but I was young then. Little did we know that we were living through the best possible time for popular music during that time.
Simply outstanding. Nothing more to add.
Brother Ray! Gosh.. he's got me all choked up here in Canada! What a man! What legend! What a soul brother! What a genius! Wow! Thank you! (Sister Ree ain't too shabby herself!!) haha
Ray Charles was truly a musical gift.
13:32
Ladies and Gentlemen, singing “A Brand New Me”, the most talented queen in this earth, Miss Aretha Franklin!
I grew up in Montreal and every Friday night at midnight, I would watch the Midnight Special. Brings back a lot of memories.
Midnight Special, kudos for having the most iconic artist on ever🎉🎉
love this more than air. i just wish you would release more than 1 episode a week. 2032 is a long time away.
Even Ray Charles could see that The Midnight Special was special.
This was a great episode! Thank you so much!
Love!
Amazing!! And to think…the bluesiest performance on a show featuring Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin ends up being by….Earl Scruggs 😅
That was some of the greatest musicians ever assembled... then to add Ray and Aretha - wow.
Great show! Cheers Midnight Special!!
Looking forward to seeing Vicki Lawrence sing "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" in the April 20, 1973 episode.
Damn I never saw that. That would be very interesting to see. 😳
Used to have a cassette of the Scruggs Family Review that I wore out.
What a treat to see Freeman and Murray!!!
Thank you so much. We just love this!!!!!
Damn. Ray Charles' backup singers are better than 99% of the bands today!
If I could pick one album to listen to for the rest of my life, it would easily be the True Genius compliation.
outstanding
Aretha a once in a lifetime voice no one has the soul this women possess
Queen and the Genius! My soul is satisfied.
This episode was Awesome... I would love to see the episode Jimmy Walker (JJ) hostedin August 76.
Hey Midnight Special....grew up with this show out here in Hawaii and being a musician, appreciate every performance, no matter the genre! I understand that Tower of Power was on an episode and have never heard or even seen information on that. Would that, by chance, be something in the future on your great channel? BTW, bought most of the dvds out there in years prior and love the Soul compilations. Keep up the good work!
they will be on the July 6, 1973 episode hosted by Jose Feliciano
@@themidnightspecialtvshow Thank you!!!!
Fabulous!!!
Two thumbs up 😂!!
The Bee Gees on next episode, i'll be waiting for this!
I was 10 years old when this happened i am very happy to have seen it
The Carol Burnett story is so adorable LOL
Aretha! Queen!! 👑
September 2018, says hello and see you soon Mr Cosby... ❤❤❤❤
Great stuff!!! Remember The Special ...
Loved the Raylets
Two legends on one soundstage
When Ray started to tap that one note out on the piano I thought he was going to play ONE by Harry Nilsson. 😁
Me too!
Ditto !
That would’ve been awesome. I bet Ray would’ve done a great version.
Best ever television music program.
Thanks for the episodes, I know The band FOGHAT played on a couple episodes of the Midnight special, but for some reason there is no videos of these episodes to be found, I am hoping you have them thanks
She's Gone, I just want to make love to you, honey hush, home in my hand. Which one is your favorite?
I assume the Midnight Special is intact. There's no lost episodes that I'm aware of.
Wow, no Slow Ride or Drivin' Wheel.
@@themidnightspecialtvshow Foghat was on episode 28 August 3 1973 Seasun 1 , Host was Al Green they played She's Gone and I just wanna make love to you .Cant find it anywhere also were on episode 25 Host Dr. Hook and the medicine show March 1 1974 Season 2 PLayed Home in my Hand and Honey Hush cant find it anywhere also
@@themidnightspecialtvshow that would be cool if you can find the Savoy Brown performance on The midnight special. I heard it was lost forever. 🤷
❤A great show, especially the first song of the Beatles cover version
Murray went on to become The Unknown Comic.
Aretha 😎
Ray is brilliant1
Of course when Ray starts to talk about women Bill comes out of the shadows dressed as the Spanish Fly! 😅
Cover your drinks ladies! 😂😂
Aretha and Ray elevate!
Ted, you touched Me with your beautiful note about your Father, Burt
Hi Burt!
Saw him live once, mid-‘80’s…floor seats, his feet were constantly dancing under his seat.
It’s interesting to hear early recordings before he found his voice, aping the great, Charles Brown.
Even Ray's back up singers are good 😂
The Raylettes?
A beautiful message to all women from Ray… 😎
Then along came Cosby! 🙄.
How could someone imagine then… ?
OMG, I'm old!
EARL SCRUGGS!
❤
I bet Ray had a bump 😂 hitting on all the Raelettes 😂
And the world was a better place back then for me
Ray Charles was one of my heroes growing up alongside Phil Collins and to know that they both appeared on this show among so many others is remarkable!
Also why does Ray Charles look more like Bill Cosby here than Bill Cosby 😂
Murray aka the unknown comic
Freeman King & Murray Langston... one half of the "Unknown Comic"
Bill Cosby talking about women has a WHOLE NEW MEANING TODAY! 6:00
🔥
I can't believe Ray Charles played "One eye snake"
Fun show. Loved the duet and conversations of Ray Charles with Aretha Franklin and Carol Burnett.
Shouldn't it be Earl Scruggs, not "Early"?
Amazing! Loved the Earl scruggs revue. Is that Merry Clayton in the Raelettes (2nd from left)?
Could it be? Or was she living in London then?
I think it is
Minute 30. Ray becomes a Taoist monk. Yes is supported by no. Up needs down and then they tango🕺
All good except for the Cosby presence.
Skipped over that mess.
@@jenbloom6848 He got a few tips from the great Ray Charles which were only supposed to be in jest!
How the mighty have fallen. So ironic given his "Pound Cake" speech and all of his criticisms. Nothing I'm celebrating, though.
Thank you for not going all woke and censoring Cosby. It's pure evil what Cosby was and did but it's rarely a good idea to erase or 'cancel' people from history. There was a time where he was great and a loved cultural figure with positive contributions like Fat Albert and the Cosby show which were legendary. It doesn't mean people can't remember and enjoy what once was before the curtain was pulled back.
@@Care960 Because it's relevant in this toxic cancel culture that's why.
Another WOKE repetitive voice. Can't leave well enough alone.
@@Care960 Dude you are dense. I am speaking against those who would get touchy about this. I am not one of them. Read my comment if you can read.
@@jenniferflamion7810 Wait what?! I am speaking out against the woketards who want this cancelled. I am not one of them.
Hmm. The Ray and Bill banter didn’t age too well. 😂
Murray the (unknown comic ) on the Gong Show