A couple of days after she passed away I was listening to a local Detroit radio station talking about her life. They played one of her songs and my cat turned his head and just stared at the radio during the performance of the song. When even a cat can recognize the wonderful performance of the Queen of Soul. Highly recommended any of the documentaries about her.❤❤❤
I met her a few times. Very, very nice lady. She scared the hell out of me the first night we met. I worked at a big hotel in Detroit playing a small grand piano in an area where people sat in overstuffed couches and chairs as they waited to walk up a few steps and go into the dining area. The piano, a baby grand, sat in the middle of the room so people could walk up to me from any direction. I was playing old standards...and as I played a woman whispered in my ear, "Sir, do you play requests?" I turned around and I was nose to nose with Aretha Franklin. I actually stopped playing and had something of a mini anxiety attack! I was filled with fear that, since she was a music icon, she would ask me for some obscure jazz tune or something. She actually asked me for the Barbara Streisand hit, "The Way We Were" - which I could play in three or hour keys....lol. Whew. After that she would come in for dinner now and then and would always say hello. She was so very, very down to earth and kind....and an incredible talent. Her talent blew me away, but, so did her warmth as a person. She was one of those rare super stars who remained kind and approachable. Now, Anita Baker.....lol.....that's an entirely different story.😃
@@annabellelovely4967 That's cool....seriously. Man, she was sitting right next to my piano and wouldn't even look at me for an hour or so...lol. She just seemed very, very aloof.
@@guymerritt4860 Well, my husband was doing an entertainment segment on her for the local news. I was a fan so he brought me backstage. She didnt really have a choice.
I also agree. The joy of music is something which is very hard to capture. But your face is alight with it. I have to be honest and say, you are the first person I've ever seen the beauty and love of music really written on someone's face. But there it is! How lovely
Can you imagine being in a small church and hearing her as a young lady, belting out the gospel? That's where her piano playing and singing was germanated.
@@mousiebrown1747 People on youtube always say stuff like this, and I don't get it. We still have all that great music. I was alive back then, I listened to Aretha albums (Never Loved a Man ...) but I could never have seen this performance. But now thanks to the magic of youtube, I can watch it whenever I want. We're lucky to be living today.
I was just trying to explain your concept to a young tech oriented person the other day that people took things like good furniture, good music and cheap housing for granted.
fortunate that we can still see some of these old performances before they get tuned and re-uploaded.... unfortunate that mainstream music today has lost its way, with over produce and auto tuned drivel, and new performances from artists may never truly be live again.@@aquamarine99911
She was an accomplished piano player layer but later in her career, they just focused on her singing. The stuff she did early in her career at Muscle Schoals studio was amazing.
I heard Freddie say something like that about Aretha in an interview I saw here on RUclips. I remember thinking what are you talking about, Freddie, your voice is unique and perfect!
Watching a human being with that level of talent performing with such unbridled joy being expressed thru the voice and the piano being so effortlessly played as naturally as any normal mindless everyday activity we mere mortals can do without concentrating….like just walking. Actually she seems to be trying even less than most people try when casually strolling along. And the pure joy she’s undeniably feeling…. Her singing and playing a complicated piano piece with an undeniable joy with the natural ease and purity you only see in rare pure and magical occurrences we are blessed t sometimes witness, like a baby laughing uncontrollably from their belly without a single reservation or concern. She’s fully engrossed in entertaining her audience and so thoroughly enjoying doing so…. Amazing.
In 1970 when this came out I was a white 12 year old living in Roseville California I was about to turn 13 and this was my favorite Aretha Franklin song. I just happened to be gifted with the ability to sing great white soul even at that age and I would belt it out I love the rolling piano I didn't even have the money to buy the song so I taped it off the radio but when I had a chance I would go to my girlfriend's house she had the 45 and I would have her play it when I was there. Oh man was it was it ever my favorite song! I'm 66 now and I'm losing my voice. She sang this song well right up until the end I've seen several performances and she was just great and she played that rolling piano to wow I just love it. I'm glad somebody else likes it as much as I did.
PLEASE if you haven't talked to your doctor about speech therapy and have an ENT scope your throat, do it. I'm 65, have had polyps I eliminated by not singing or whispering for a month, going to a speech therapist to learn ways to initiate words, and eventually was diagnosed with essential tremor which effects my voice. BUT I'm learning techniques to help with my stamina and breathing to help the yodel type sounds I have holding tones. I know how devastating it feels to not sing so I hope, I pray, that you can have some reversal of your issues. I share my history in hopes that it helps others. It sounds like you had the voice I always wanted. ❤
@@olderendirt I don't know if you were speaking to me or not. Thank you for the advice, but I think I'm losing my voice due to a loss of estrogen in women estrogen really has a lot to do with your vocal cords after menopause you might have a lot of changes that are not good in the voice area, but I am going to start doing some exercises and stuff also you know I got congestive heart failure so I don't have the breath that I used to have, and those water pills do dry you out a bit. Anyways thank you.
@@kayhansen9229 Yes, I was. I've gone through menopause, too. I'm sorry to hear you have chf. My asthma has made it hard to breathe sometimes, too, and I'm dry partially from those meds. I still enjoy trying to sing, but I miss being able to sing with my guitar or soloing. I hope you can still get some enjoyment from it. Best wishes to you.
I was 11 years old in 1970, and Aretha's voice healed me permanently. The story is too long and difficult to tell in a comment. Sometimes music just touches a person's soul in a way that changes everything. I don't know how to stay logical enough to analyze it. I can say that her rhythm at the piano is so solid that no one can doubt that she is the master of the proceedings. From there, I just surrender to her power.
You said so much without saying much.... I've been there and know what you mean.... We are made of music! And it can have a profound impact in our life when the notes needed come with power like hers... Wow! Right into us it go
Greatest vocalist in my lifetime. She will always be the Queen to me. Play her at my funeral: all the joy and beauty in life, the things I have seen, the gifts I have been given.
Be not dismayed whatever betide you, you need to know God will take care of you Beneath His wings of love abide you, you need to know God will take care of you Through days of toil when heart does fail When dangers fierce your path assail, you better remember [Chorus:] God will take care of you, Through every day through every day All of the way God will take care of you; He will take care of you All you may need He will provide, God will take care of you Nothing you ask, my friend, will be denied, God will take care of you No matter what May be the test (may be the test) Lean, weary one (lean, weary one) Safe in his rest (safe in his rest) And you just remember that you know...
What struck me was Aretha's emotional honesty in this performance. At one point, it seemed she was tearful, namely in the second verse. She really felt the song and it translated into her performance. And of course, her performance was peerless.
Wow… not only is this arguably one of the most impeccable performances on every level, but it’s arguably one of your most insightful analyses, Fil! Thank you so much for sharing this special gift with us. It was a delight to listen to both of you!
This may already have been reviewed,? A couple years before Aretha died, she was at the Kennedy Center Honors where she was invited to honor Carole King who was being honored that night. Aretha recorded King's song "Natural Woman" in 1968. Aretha came out to speak, then decided on the spot she was going to sing. She walked to the piano, took off her mink coat, flung her pocket book up on top of the piano and sang Natural Woman flawlessly, bringing King to tears and brought the house down. In addition to that voice, she was also a master pianist.
Wow! First time I ever seen Queen of Soul, play piano while singing! “Respect” to you Fil, for this spot on analysis of Aretha! The best artists always engage with their audience. Thanks for this one! 👍
Aretha had been performing, even as a pre-teen, for years as a pianist-singer in her father’s church, and there are recordings of her, say, at 11 or 13 years old. Even then, her ability to engage and captivate the audience (congregation) was evident.
True and she demands the respect of a true Queen. However the greatest instrumentalists always look at their hands. As always - just my opinion and I could be wrong.
Exactly! Aretha is living what she's singing and sharing it with us in a way that makes it believable and that moves us. Most of today's artists are thinking about their image and how they are singing the song.
@@pattijay718 I probably should have said "many" of today's artists.. and you are right.. there are some good artists around today. My main concern is that a lot are using software for pitch correction rather than recording their natural voices. The natural voice is where the emotion is.
@@emanuellandeholm5657 That's Miss Aretha to you!!!! The last X I was in a physical altercation was when a guest in my home failed to refer to her as MISS ARETHA. No, I'm not joking.
What always stands out for me with Aretha is her commitment to the lyrics and her intentionality in making the listener belive every word she sings. The emotion in her voice really hits you.
I own a copy of every song she ever released! My all time, I mean my absolutely all time favorite is “Ain’t No Way!” Hands down one of most iconic, though not her biggest hit! Vocals and lyrics will blow you away!
My favorite song by her I cant't tell you the number of times I have listened to Ain't No Way so smooth and soulful, Queen of Soul for sure! Loved the mini series that was about her younger life and just beginning her journey in life and music!
Continued-schooling-she was actually the beneficiary of a first rate system; it wasn’t a Conservatory but it not true that she wasn’t taught and taught by experts.
It is unquestionably a fantastic performance - very special indeed. Thank goodness it survived the culling of videotape recordings back in the 70s - it would have been a massive loss to the world. It’s even better than the studio recording in my view. I can’t stop playing it. As you say, playing the piano like that with so little effort whilst singing her heart out like that is pure magic. How is that possible? Fantastic!
Thanksfully Cliff Richard had her on the show, what a gift that we can all see this and she also sang 'live' I say a little prayer, equally as good and her backing singers are captivating as well. They seem to feature in the other song more with the camera, but Aretha is fantastic
Wow, I'd never seen this performance before! The Queen of Soul, putting all her heart and soul into it, so good! She was truly one of a kind. Loved the analysis, the discussion of tail offs was interesting.
Only RESPECT for Aretha Franklin. Powerful voice full of soul. A social justice advocate. Overcame the obstacles of this life with grace. Aretha Franklin not to be forgotten. She passed in 2018. May she rest in peace. ❤ Great analysis as always Fil! 💯🙂
Aretha was on a total other level. She wasn’t just an incredible singer, but an incredible pianist as well. She looked so calm and relaxed while sitting there performing. This isn’t one of her biggest songs, but it’s one of my personal favorites of her. She was amazing! Thank you for breaking down this performance, I enjoy your videos.
Fil, you might want to check out Aretha's performance on the Kennedy Center Honors show where she sings and performs a Carol King song - "You Make Me Feel"(Like a Natural Woman). This was shortly before she passed. Not only does she knock the vocals out of the park, she pulls a surprise out of the box and Gets a standing ovation. This performance is so good that it'll bring a tear to your eye. The video is available on You Tube. From 7 years ago, I believe.
Aretha belts our a perfect performance! She is the total package. I have never heard her sing this song before, but I really felt the story. She connects with her audience in every way. Loved this in every way. ❤️
And on top of all that has been said, AF also arranged her own songs and performances. Her performance in the film "Amazing Grace" was jaw-dropping! She literally touched people's souls.
I'm not a fan of organised religion, but first time I heard the album "Amazing Grace" I just knew God used Aretha to touch our hearts and souls. She'd already taught me "It ain't necessarily so" ...
The freedom and joy one must feel inside to have found your voice and be able to express it in the loudest, most melodic, and unrestrained fashion imaginable must be indescribable...
Aretha's stage presence is so powerful. She makes it look easy and it is easy to take her performance for granted. And then she is playing the piano as well.
I'm not a musician, nor a singer, so I'm impressed when someone can do either. Watching her left foot keep the beat, her right foot mastering the pedal, then her playing the piano, and delivering the vocal performance is mind blowing. Obviously she rightly deserved all the accolades and success. Fil, I love watching you really enjoying a performance. Hugs from 🇨🇦
If you search a bit, you can find a recording of Aretha performing in a church at the age of 14. The quality of the recording sucks, but Arethas singing doesn't!!
Wow! What an awesome performance! What can i say? I have nothing but R-E-S-P-E-C-T for The Queen of Soul! Aretha Franklin is one of the most beautiful and talented legends of all time! She was and still is amazing! Thank you Fil, for the great analysis! 😉👍
Once again I find myself reaching for this pure, emotionally healing channel. Thanks again Fil, you are doing the works of a deity I never believed in. Edit: Aretha Franklin was a badass piano player. She was not remembered as such, but she really knew that instrument. Edit 2: Aretha absolutely nails the pitches. This is black and white evidence right here. Also, the social aspect, how she engages, that was totally lost of me. I have the autism, so I guess that's kind of expected. Aretha was 100% a performer.
I'm 69 and was lucky to grow up with the best music of the 60s, 70s and 80s....this is one of my top 3 Aretha's-the others are Rock Steady and Chain of Fools. And Ain't No Way. Oh and Until You Come back to Me. I saw her in NYC in '80, Avery Fisher Hall.
The soul and emotion just naturally pour out of her and into those of us ready to receive her in all her glory, no one can compare to Aretha, thanks for sharing this
And there we have it...... Love to see ReRe at the grand piano, she loved a Stienway, specially one with a sustain peddle. I was fortunate enough to see her live twice. Fab.
I love it when you smile Fil you obviously enjoying it, George Michael was asked who his favorite singer was and he said Aretha and then he got to sing with her , she is fantastic, i would love to watch the duet and you analyse them together together ,I new you were waiting, that would be so interesting
Oh, I have never heard this song! (And how did I not know she played piano?!) She was one of those, "once in a lifetime", performers. When you see/hear something like this, words really do fail!
This person was a truly awesome musician at every level. I know many artists hold her in high R.E.S.P.E.C.T. and it's easy to see why thank you for your analysis, absolutely brilliant !
You are so right! She is not simply a singer playing the piano. She is two separate things. She actually separates the two. She is the singer AND the pianist, not sacrificing one for the other!
I love these videos of an expert helping you with 'active enjoying' of the greats. Even when you knew someone was world class, actually analysing how good they are/were adds a new layer of enjoyment.
I just love the recordings Aretha did with just piano, her singing and with her background singers. A piano player, a singer, and pure soul - The Queen of Soul. When Aretha sings, it is so personal, she is there, not hiding anything, but letting you feel her feelings. That's Soul. Rest in Peaces Aretha, you will never be forgotten. Thanks Fil for another insightful video and reminder of how great Aretha was.
You can hear the conversation, can't you? God it's awesome. This is that conversation you have with your friends about that man. You can hear it and feel it.
I always love your deep appreciation of musical greatness. Aretha gave us abundant gifts of heart soul and legendary musical gifts. Our world was enriched by her. Beautiful analysis, thank you so much! ❤
Get it, girl! Singing like that and playing the piano at the same time…there’s a reason she’s inspired decades of women, musicians or not! ❤ I have just a few idols: Aretha is right up there with Janis.
I love Janis, but Aretha is clearly better. And then you factor in the musicianship. Different styles but the only comparable talent would be Joni Mitchell. Joni not only was a creative guitarist (Rolling Stone just listed her in their Top Ten all-time rock guitarists, which I think is a bit much), but is also a really underrated pianist, which of course she played while singing. And like Aretha, Joni's voice had many different tones.
Terrific vid, Fil, as usual. Thanks so much. I have a vivid memory from 1970: Home alone, wife at work, I put her first album on. I'd heard her on the radio and in the background (wife's record) but had never listened through the entire album while quiet, still and alone. At the closer, Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come," I was in tears, overwhelmed.
I love the answer/call between miss Ree and her back up singers. Her phrasing ability and timing to answer her singers' structured parts so perfectly while still sounding effortless is beyond human.
I always know it’s going to be a spectacular performance when I see your smile Fil. I love how much you enjoy! Thank you for another impeccable analysis! Always a pleasure!
A - R - E - T - H - A R -E - S - P - E - C - T Growing up in a large family, we younger brothers liked rock and roll and guitar. My older sister liked Motown, and had lots of Aretha records. And she'd gladly let me borrow them and listen, and what a voice. Even Jake and Elroy respected that voice.
Impeccable performance indeed!! Aretha Franklin was that one brilliant, bright star that shone through all the rest! Her pitch was faultless, her vibratos were perfection. Her vocals were powerful enough to make a door fly off its hinges! What an incredible lady! I love her. I wish she had 70 more years to spend here. I’d have loved my great grandchildren to watch and listen to this lady, who knew exactly how this is done! THIS is how a flawless vocalist sounds! SO beautiful, I about cried. Omg, Fil! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! ❤
Never heard the word "delicate" to describe Aretha's singing, even for a moment. Excellent analysis. Aretha Franklin was a musician's musician and could play those keys, period. And the video stopped abruptly because Aretha's voice possibly shattered the TV camera's lens.
What an incredible performance. Fil, watching the smiles on your face helps with my Seasonal Affective Disorder. Thanks for your analysis and the pure joy you find in music and doing what you do.
She gives you chills because of the feeling she puts into her singing. Her piano playing is awesome too. Also love her doing "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" live at some James Brown show in Detroit. Really bad video but her singing and the whole vibe of the performance still gives me chills.
The "Cliff Richard Show" recording of this song is my favorite recording of my favorite song Aretha would sing. It gives me chills every time I see it.
THE Queen of Soul was (and will forever be - at least in my book...) in a league all Her own. Ms Aretha Franklin just oozed with natural talent, and Her vocal delivery was incredible - and unmatched! As always, thoroughly enjoyed Your analysis, FIL!💕
Thank you for talking about Aretha's piano playing. She is underrated as a piano player. Her singing was miraculous. I love all kinds of singing and Aretha has the number one spot in my heart.
Caught Miss Aretha at her hometown homecoming performance at Memphis in May back in 2008. She was absolutely electric! Her voice was perfection to me. Her charisma and stage presence made you fall in love with her. The enormous turquoise feather boa she wielded throughout the whole concert took a beating…feathers flew everywhere! Her first song was I Want to Take You Higher (Sly & the Family Stone) and she sure did. Everyone always expects Miss Aretha to pour her all into her legendary Respect and she really, really did that, but I found myself adoring her even more as she belted out Chain of Fools! Take my word for it…make it a true musical regret if you never saw Aretha Franklin perform live. Thank you for this review, Fil! Keep rockin’ heaven, Miss Aretha! ❤
Fabulous, absolutely fabulous! But we expect nothing less from Aretha. She is always a pleasure to listen to - no matter what she sings ... but this performance is exceptional! Thank you for your truly enthusiastic and informative analysis. God bless you.
Thanks for not interrupting her performance. She was really something.
He always provides an interruption-free link.
There are good musicians.
There are exceptional musicians.
There are great musicians.
Then there are transcendent musicians.
Aretha is there.
All aboard the Aretha train guys! :D
Then there is theChristOfRockNRoll. He warms up by being transcendent. The actual performance? A deeper transcendence. Zen!
@@WarrenWilson-jj1et Rubbish.
@WarrenWilson-jj1et I was just thinking as you!
@@MartineH1
So you're equally dumb.
A couple of days after she passed away I was listening to a local Detroit radio station talking about her life. They played one of her songs and my cat turned his head and just stared at the radio during the performance of the song. When even a cat can recognize the wonderful performance of the Queen of Soul. Highly recommended any of the documentaries about her.❤❤❤
Similar thing happened years ago with my dog, when I was listening to Bette Midler. A different type of singer, but one of amazing talent nonetheless.
Had a cat once, it placed itself on the amp, and watched the turntable every time Mozart was on.
Animals like (some) music!
Is an e5 the fifth note above the e, b in this case?
hahah don't underestimate cats 😻
Meeooww
She wasn't called the Queen of Soul for nothing
This is EXACTLY what I was going to say.
TRUTH
📻🙂
Me too! 😁
All hail Aretha!
'Retha. Hard to follow!
The nut that would auto tune this will go to he..... help demons
I met her a few times. Very, very nice lady. She scared the hell out of me the first night we met. I worked at a big hotel in Detroit playing a small grand piano in an area where people sat in overstuffed couches and chairs as they waited to walk up a few steps and go into the dining area. The piano, a baby grand, sat in the middle of the room so people could walk up to me from any direction. I was playing old standards...and as I played a woman whispered in my ear, "Sir, do you play requests?" I turned around and I was nose to nose with Aretha Franklin. I actually stopped playing and had something of a mini anxiety attack! I was filled with fear that, since she was a music icon, she would ask me for some obscure jazz tune or something. She actually asked me for the Barbara Streisand hit, "The Way We Were" - which I could play in three or hour keys....lol. Whew. After that she would come in for dinner now and then and would always say hello. She was so very, very down to earth and kind....and an incredible talent. Her talent blew me away, but, so did her warmth as a person. She was one of those rare super stars who remained kind and approachable. Now, Anita Baker.....lol.....that's an entirely different story.😃
What a lovely story! lucky you!
Ha, I met Anita Baker! She was nice to me! 😁
I love this story❤
@@annabellelovely4967 That's cool....seriously. Man, she was sitting right next to my piano and wouldn't even look at me for an hour or so...lol. She just seemed very, very aloof.
@@guymerritt4860 Well, my husband was doing an entertainment segment on her for the local news. I was a fan so he brought me backstage. She didnt really have a choice.
On a personal note, i love seeing your beautiful smile when you’re enjoying the videos.
I do as well. Such a nice guy.
I also agree. The joy of music is something which is very hard to capture. But your face is alight with it. I have to be honest and say, you are the first person I've ever seen the beauty and love of music really written on someone's face. But there it is! How lovely
Like his smile too when he likes the music.
you really enjoyed that performance, by your smiling.
This is not my type of music, being more of an Ella Fitzgerald fan .
Phil tender and natural smile from your face with Aretha singing 😊
Can you imagine being in a small church and hearing her as a young lady, belting out the gospel?
That's where her piano playing and singing was germanated.
Back then we thought that music would always be this good. God, I miss those days. Aretha, you are missed!
We were so fortunate!
@@mousiebrown1747 People on youtube always say stuff like this, and I don't get it. We still have all that great music. I was alive back then, I listened to Aretha albums (Never Loved a Man ...) but I could never have seen this performance. But now thanks to the magic of youtube, I can watch it whenever I want. We're lucky to be living today.
I was just trying to explain your concept to a young tech oriented person the other day that people took things like good furniture, good music and cheap housing for granted.
fortunate that we can still see some of these old performances before they get tuned and re-uploaded.... unfortunate that mainstream music today has lost its way, with over produce and auto tuned drivel, and new performances from artists may never truly be live again.@@aquamarine99911
@@aquamarine99911 That's Miss Aretha to you!!!!
Wow, there’s no one like Aretha - a heavenly voice and unbelievable talent.
She was an accomplished piano player layer but later in her career, they just focused on her singing. The stuff she did early in her career at Muscle Schoals studio was amazing.
I never noticed before but , now it's slowed down I see her smiling alot , to me she is reliving personal moments and it makes her smile. So genuine
All I can say is WOW!! No wonder Freddie Mercury loved her so much! Brian May once said he thought Freddie wished he could BE Aretha!!! 😇
I heard Freddie say something like that about Aretha in an interview I saw here on RUclips. I remember thinking what are you talking about, Freddie, your voice is unique and perfect!
Watching a human being with that level of talent performing with such unbridled joy being expressed thru the voice and the piano being so effortlessly played as naturally as any normal mindless everyday activity we mere mortals can do without concentrating….like just walking. Actually she seems to be trying even less than most people try when casually strolling along. And the pure joy she’s undeniably feeling…. Her singing and playing a complicated piano piece with an undeniable joy with the natural ease and purity you only see in rare pure and magical occurrences we are blessed t sometimes witness, like a baby laughing uncontrollably from their belly without a single reservation or concern. She’s fully engrossed in entertaining her audience and so thoroughly enjoying doing so…. Amazing.
In 1970 when this came out I was a white 12 year old living in Roseville California I was about to turn 13 and this was my favorite Aretha Franklin song. I just happened to be gifted with the ability to sing great white soul even at that age and I would belt it out I love the rolling piano I didn't even have the money to buy the song so I taped it off the radio but when I had a chance I would go to my girlfriend's house she had the 45 and I would have her play it when I was there. Oh man was it was it ever my favorite song! I'm 66 now and I'm losing my voice. She sang this song well right up until the end I've seen several performances and she was just great and she played that rolling piano to wow I just love it. I'm glad somebody else likes it as much as I did.
PLEASE if you haven't talked to your doctor about speech therapy and have an ENT scope your throat, do it. I'm 65, have had polyps I eliminated by not singing or whispering for a month, going to a speech therapist to learn ways to initiate words, and eventually was diagnosed with essential tremor which effects my voice. BUT I'm learning techniques to help with my stamina and breathing to help the yodel type sounds I have holding tones. I know how devastating it feels to not sing so I hope, I pray, that you can have some reversal of your issues. I share my history in hopes that it helps others. It sounds like you had the voice I always wanted. ❤
@@olderendirt I don't know if you were speaking to me or not. Thank you for the advice, but I think I'm losing my voice due to a loss of estrogen in women estrogen really has a lot to do with your vocal cords after menopause you might have a lot of changes that are not good in the voice area, but I am going to start doing some exercises and stuff also you know I got congestive heart failure so I don't have the breath that I used to have, and those water pills do dry you out a bit. Anyways thank you.
@@kayhansen9229 Yes, I was. I've gone through menopause, too. I'm sorry to hear you have chf. My asthma has made it hard to breathe sometimes, too, and I'm dry partially from those meds. I still enjoy trying to sing, but I miss being able to sing with my guitar or soloing. I hope you can still get some enjoyment from it. Best wishes to you.
Aretha was incredible. A brilliant musician and a vocal force of nature! Thanks for sharing your insights about what made her incredibly unique, Fil!
I was 11 years old in 1970, and Aretha's voice healed me permanently. The story is too long and difficult to tell in a comment. Sometimes music just touches a person's soul in a way that changes everything. I don't know how to stay logical enough to analyze it.
I can say that her rhythm at the piano is so solid that no one can doubt that she is the master of the proceedings. From there, I just surrender to her power.
Beautiful testimony!
You said so much without saying much.... I've been there and know what you mean.... We are made of music! And it can have a profound impact in our life when the notes needed come with power like hers... Wow! Right into us it go
I understand completely
I get it! Just hearing B.B. King speak drops my blood pressure 5 points. I listen to him sing when I''m depressed or anxious.
Greatest vocalist in my lifetime. She will always be the Queen to me. Play her at my funeral: all the joy and beauty in life, the things I have seen, the gifts I have been given.
Be not dismayed whatever betide you, you need to know
God will take care of you
Beneath His wings of love abide you, you need to know
God will take care of you
Through days of toil when heart does fail
When dangers fierce your path assail, you better remember
[Chorus:]
God will take care of you,
Through every day through every day
All of the way
God will take care of you;
He will take care of you
All you may need
He will provide,
God will take care of you
Nothing you ask, my friend, will be denied,
God will take care of you
No matter what
May be the test (may be the test)
Lean, weary one (lean, weary one)
Safe in his rest (safe in his rest)
And you just remember that you know...
What struck me was Aretha's emotional honesty in this performance. At one point, it seemed she was tearful, namely in the second verse. She really felt the song and it translated into her performance. And of course, her performance was peerless.
I have always said the same every time I see this performance...she just seemed very sad when you first see her start to play and sing.
Wow… not only is this arguably one of the most impeccable performances on every level, but it’s arguably one of your most insightful analyses, Fil! Thank you so much for sharing this special gift with us. It was a delight to listen to both of you!
Fil definitely nailed this one.
This may already have been reviewed,? A couple years before Aretha died, she was at the Kennedy Center Honors where she was invited to honor Carole King who was being honored that night.
Aretha recorded King's song "Natural Woman" in 1968. Aretha came out to speak, then decided on the spot she was going to sing. She walked to the piano, took off her mink coat, flung her pocket book up on top of the piano and sang Natural Woman flawlessly, bringing King to tears and brought the house down. In addition to that voice, she was also a master pianist.
There’s those that cannot do, those that can learn to do, and then there’s the people like Aretha that just can’t help but do. Amazing gift
No autotune. No lip sync.
The First Queen the best Queen ever
I loved Aretha, but I never recognized what she was doing in a technical sense. Thanks, Fil---now I appreciate her even more.
Wow! First time I ever seen Queen of Soul, play piano while singing! “Respect” to you Fil, for this spot on analysis of Aretha! The best artists always engage with their audience. Thanks for this one! 👍
I didn’t even know she played piano. What a star. I know that’s an understatement but what can you say.
@@Michael-mm3fm Not much more. It’s Aretha. That says it all!
Aretha is also a good reason to go to Church with your Mama! Aretha sang in her father’s church…..
Aretha had been performing, even as a pre-teen, for years as a pianist-singer in her father’s church, and there are recordings of her, say, at 11 or 13 years old. Even then, her ability to engage and captivate the audience (congregation) was evident.
@@Michael-mm3fmShe's self-taught.
She wasnt even looking at her hands,and singing with her head twisted,and still sounds perfect.
True and she demands the respect of a true Queen. However the greatest instrumentalists always look at their hands. As always - just my opinion and I could be wrong.
And you feel like she's taking you to church, it's obvious her roots there show. So much talent.
She's taking you straight to God..
This is what's missing from today's artists.. real singing ability and a passion for the story the song is telling.. wonderful ❤
Exactly! Aretha is living what she's singing and sharing it with us in a way that makes it believable and that moves us. Most of today's artists are thinking about their image and how they are singing the song.
It's not really missing, it depends on the artist. Good music did not disappear 50 years ago. Yes she was amazing.
@@pattijay718 I probably should have said "many" of today's artists.. and you are right.. there are some good artists around today. My main concern is that a lot are using software for pitch correction rather than recording their natural voices. The natural voice is where the emotion is.
@@NigelHolme That's Miss Aretha to you!!!!
Aretha definitely had a one of a kind voice, and was a great performer. I'm enjoying all these performances from female singers in the 1970s!
Her voice is straight up magical, and I don't even believe in magic.
R E S P E C T
@@emanuellandeholm5657 That's Miss Aretha to you!!!! The last X I was in a physical altercation was when a guest in my home failed to refer to her as MISS ARETHA. No, I'm not joking.
What always stands out for me with Aretha is her commitment to the lyrics and her intentionality in making the listener belive every word she sings. The emotion in her voice really hits you.
I own a copy of every song she ever released! My all time, I mean my absolutely all time favorite is “Ain’t No Way!” Hands down one of most iconic, though not her biggest hit! Vocals and lyrics will blow you away!
My favorite song by her I cant't tell you the number of times I have listened to Ain't No Way so smooth and soulful, Queen of Soul for sure! Loved the mini series that was about her younger life and just beginning her journey in life and music!
You can always tell when someone wasn’t ‘taught’ music… they just ‘are’ music!! Great breakdown, as always - thank-you Fil!!
Her musical education was superb; her genius was nurtured by great sv
Continued-schooling-she was actually the beneficiary of a first rate system; it wasn’t a Conservatory but it not true that she wasn’t taught and taught by experts.
Stevie Ray Vaughn strikes me that way.
It is unquestionably a fantastic performance - very special indeed. Thank goodness it survived the culling of videotape recordings back in the 70s - it would have been a massive loss to the world. It’s even better than the studio recording in my view. I can’t stop playing it. As you say, playing the piano like that with so little effort whilst singing her heart out like that is pure magic. How is that possible? Fantastic!
Thanksfully Cliff Richard had her on the show, what a gift that we can all see this and she also sang 'live' I say a little prayer, equally as good and her backing singers are captivating as well. They seem to feature in the other song more with the camera, but Aretha is fantastic
Wow, I'd never seen this performance before! The Queen of Soul, putting all her heart and soul into it, so good! She was truly one of a kind. Loved the analysis, the discussion of tail offs was interesting.
“Melt your face” love that Fil
Only RESPECT for Aretha Franklin. Powerful voice full of soul. A social justice advocate. Overcame the obstacles of this life with grace. Aretha Franklin not to be forgotten. She passed in 2018. May she rest in peace. ❤ Great analysis as always Fil! 💯🙂
Aretha’s backup singers are fantastic, too. Everything about this performance is stellar! Thanks, as always!
Aretha was on a total other level. She wasn’t just an incredible singer, but an incredible pianist as well. She looked so calm and relaxed while sitting there performing. This isn’t one of her biggest songs, but it’s one of my personal favorites of her. She was amazing! Thank you for breaking down this performance, I enjoy your videos.
Always have loved this AF song. Another one of hers, very underrated, is "Another Night", from the 80s.
Fil, you might want to check out Aretha's performance on the Kennedy Center Honors show where she sings and performs a Carol King song - "You Make Me Feel"(Like a Natural Woman). This was shortly before she passed. Not only does she knock the vocals out of the park, she pulls a surprise out of the box and Gets a standing ovation. This performance is so good that it'll bring a tear to your eye. The video is available on You Tube. From 7 years ago, I believe.
Yes. A great performance. Wearing a heavy mink coat and clutching a handbag full of cash.
Aretha belts our a perfect performance! She is the total package. I have never heard her sing this song before, but I really felt the story. She connects with her audience in every way. Loved this in every way. ❤️
And on top of all that has been said, AF also arranged her own songs and performances. Her performance in the film "Amazing Grace" was jaw-dropping! She literally touched people's souls.
I’ll have to check that one out.
📻🙂
Amazing film!
I'm not a fan of organised religion, but first time I heard the album "Amazing Grace" I just knew God used Aretha to touch our hearts and souls.
She'd already taught me "It ain't necessarily so" ...
Love her playing as well as her singing. Queen Aretha!
The freedom and joy one must feel inside to have found your voice and be able to express it in the loudest, most melodic, and unrestrained fashion imaginable must be indescribable...
Aretha's stage presence is so powerful. She makes it look easy and it is easy to take her performance for granted. And then she is playing the piano as well.
I'm not a musician, nor a singer, so I'm impressed when someone can do either. Watching her left foot keep the beat, her right foot mastering the pedal, then her playing the piano, and delivering the vocal performance is mind blowing. Obviously she rightly deserved all the accolades and success.
Fil, I love watching you really enjoying a performance.
Hugs from 🇨🇦
Omigosh! Aretha! I'm so excited. I couldn't have been the only one who requested her? 😊
That was the year I was born!😁👍
Some seem to be born with it. When they discover their talent, the world is blessed!
If you search a bit, you can find a recording of Aretha performing in a church at the age of 14. The quality of the recording sucks, but Arethas singing doesn't!!
Revealing look at A.Franklin's vocal artistry/technique beyond the powerful upper range vocals and dynamics in this performance.
Wow! What an awesome performance! What can i say? I have nothing but R-E-S-P-E-C-T for The Queen of Soul! Aretha Franklin is one of the most beautiful and talented legends of all time! She was and still is amazing! Thank you Fil, for the great analysis! 😉👍
Once again I find myself reaching for this pure, emotionally healing channel. Thanks again Fil, you are doing the works of a deity I never believed in.
Edit: Aretha Franklin was a badass piano player. She was not remembered as such, but she really knew that instrument.
Edit 2: Aretha absolutely nails the pitches. This is black and white evidence right here. Also, the social aspect, how she engages, that was totally lost of me. I have the autism, so I guess that's kind of expected. Aretha was 100% a performer.
I'm 69 and was lucky to grow up with the best music of the 60s, 70s and 80s....this is one of my top 3 Aretha's-the others are Rock Steady and Chain of Fools. And Ain't No Way. Oh and Until You Come back to Me. I saw her in NYC in '80, Avery Fisher Hall.
I’d add “I never loved a Man” and “Say a little Prayer”
The soul and emotion just naturally pour out of her and into those of us ready to receive her in all her glory, no one can compare to Aretha, thanks for sharing this
Oh, her voice...sweet and soft and sharp and strong! Always gives me the chills!
And there we have it...... Love to see ReRe at the grand piano, she loved a Stienway, specially one with a sustain peddle. I was fortunate enough to see her live twice. Fab.
I think I held my breath in awe the entire performance. I’m 69 and she’s been my idol since childhood. Chills. Tears.
One of my all time faves. Still gives me goosebumps at 68.
and at 76
I love it when you smile Fil you obviously enjoying it, George Michael was asked who his favorite singer was and he said Aretha and then he got to sing with her , she is fantastic, i would love to watch the duet and you analyse them together together ,I new you were waiting, that would be so interesting
Oh, I have never heard this song! (And how did I not know she played piano?!) She was one of those, "once in a lifetime", performers. When you see/hear something like this, words really do fail!
Aretha never fails to bring me to an emotional brink.
I just love her❤
This person was a truly awesome musician at every level. I know many artists hold her in high R.E.S.P.E.C.T. and it's easy to see why thank you for your analysis, absolutely brilliant !
She does a great cover on Bridge Over Troubled Water and Say a Little Prayer and Feel Like a Natural Woman. Also a great duet with Ray Charles mid 70s
A beautiful and magnificent performance from the Queen, the lyrics having huge weight at the same time as the precision
You are so right! She is not simply a singer playing the piano. She is two separate things. She actually separates the two. She is the singer AND the pianist, not sacrificing one for the other!
I love these videos of an expert helping you with 'active enjoying' of the greats. Even when you knew someone was world class, actually analysing how good they are/were adds a new layer of enjoyment.
I just love the recordings Aretha did with just piano, her singing and with her background singers. A piano player, a singer, and pure soul - The Queen of Soul. When Aretha sings, it is so personal, she is there, not hiding anything, but letting you feel her feelings. That's Soul. Rest in Peaces Aretha, you will never be forgotten. Thanks Fil for another insightful video and reminder of how great Aretha was.
No one can touch Aretha. Bona fide treasured talented woman. Thank you Lady Soul for all you gave us❤
Fil, you are the best at helping us “listen” and learn.
I don’t know why I never knew she played the piano as well. This was amazing.
You can hear the conversation, can't you? God it's awesome. This is that conversation you have with your friends about that man. You can hear it and feel it.
I always love your deep appreciation of musical greatness. Aretha gave us abundant gifts of heart soul and legendary musical gifts. Our world was enriched by her. Beautiful analysis, thank you so much! ❤
legend is a word often over used but with this lady its probably not enough. rest in eternal peace Queen 🙏
Get it, girl! Singing like that and playing the piano at the same time…there’s a reason she’s inspired decades of women, musicians or not! ❤ I have just a few idols: Aretha is right up there with Janis.
I love Janis, but Aretha is clearly better. And then you factor in the musicianship. Different styles but the only comparable talent would be Joni Mitchell. Joni not only was a creative guitarist (Rolling Stone just listed her in their Top Ten all-time rock guitarists, which I think is a bit much), but is also a really underrated pianist, which of course she played while singing. And like Aretha, Joni's voice had many different tones.
Terrific vid, Fil, as usual. Thanks so much. I have a vivid memory from 1970: Home alone, wife at work, I put her first album on. I'd heard her on the radio and in the background (wife's record) but had never listened through the entire album while quiet, still and alone. At the closer, Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come," I was in tears, overwhelmed.
I love the answer/call between miss Ree and her back up singers. Her phrasing ability and timing to answer her singers' structured parts so perfectly while still sounding effortless is beyond human.
She arranged the backup vocals, as well. Beyond amazing.
I always know it’s going to be a spectacular performance when I see your smile Fil. I love how much you enjoy! Thank you for another impeccable analysis! Always a pleasure!
A - R - E - T - H - A
R -E - S - P - E - C - T
Growing up in a large family, we younger brothers liked rock and roll and guitar.
My older sister liked Motown, and had lots of Aretha records. And she'd gladly let me borrow them and listen, and what a voice. Even Jake and Elroy respected that voice.
Impeccable performance indeed!! Aretha Franklin was that one brilliant, bright star that shone through all the rest! Her pitch was faultless, her vibratos were perfection. Her vocals were powerful enough to make a door fly off its hinges! What an incredible lady!
I love her. I wish she had 70 more years to spend here. I’d have loved my great grandchildren to watch and listen to this lady, who knew exactly how this is done!
THIS is how a flawless vocalist sounds! SO beautiful, I about cried.
Omg, Fil! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! ❤
Never heard the word "delicate" to describe Aretha's singing, even for a moment. Excellent analysis. Aretha Franklin was a musician's musician and could play those keys, period. And the video stopped abruptly because Aretha's voice possibly shattered the TV camera's lens.
I would rather see this type of examination of her artistry rather than any biopic. Thank you for this.😊
Aretha, Etta and Nina a class above and beyond mere mortals.
Yes!! Absolutely true!! 😌💜
Somewhat different genres.
@@lisacolbert5987 but still unexcelled, all 3 of them.
Don't forget Ella!
Might want to add Lady Day, even if she was a bit earlier.
What an incredible performance. Fil, watching the smiles on your face helps with my Seasonal Affective Disorder. Thanks for your analysis and the pure joy you find in music and doing what you do.
I’ve adored Aretha from my youth. What a voice😀❤
U were so complimentary to her performance that's one of the things that makes your videos ahead of all others
Playing and singing is "multitasking".
Aretha had So Much ability that it cannot be measured.
Watching you watch the incredible Aretha is just awesome!! ♥️
A perfect vocal. No gimmicks, no auto tune or pitch correction....just one of the greatest vocalists of all time cutting loose. A joy to listen to.
She gives you chills because of the feeling she puts into her singing. Her piano playing is awesome too. Also love her doing "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" live at some James Brown show in Detroit. Really bad video but her singing and the whole vibe of the performance still gives me chills.
Pure gold.....No gimmicks, no gadgets ..just 100% perfection and talent....
The "Cliff Richard Show" recording of this song is my favorite recording of my favorite song Aretha would sing. It gives me chills every time I see it.
This is the song that introduced me to Aretha Franklin at the age of 12. Love the video, thanks.
THE Queen of Soul was (and will forever be - at least in my book...) in a league all Her own.
Ms Aretha Franklin just oozed with natural talent, and Her vocal delivery was incredible - and unmatched!
As always, thoroughly enjoyed Your analysis, FIL!💕
This demands more than R-E-S-P-E-C-T, it's love.
I could feel the joy in your critique of this amazing performance Fil. Goosebumps were present for me throughout the entire song. Just wow
Such a hard working lady! Deserving of every accolade. That is a 'tough girl' song and I'd never heard it before. Thanks for the wonderful analysis.
Thank you for talking about Aretha's piano playing. She is underrated as a piano player. Her singing was miraculous. I love all kinds of singing and Aretha has the number one spot in my heart.
😂😂 melt your face .. what a phrase fil! Luv it! She melts the heart, face, everything!! 😁
Caught Miss Aretha at her hometown homecoming performance at Memphis in May back in 2008. She was absolutely electric! Her voice was perfection to me. Her charisma and stage presence made you fall in love with her. The enormous turquoise feather boa she wielded throughout the whole concert took a beating…feathers flew everywhere!
Her first song was I Want to Take You Higher (Sly & the Family Stone) and she sure did. Everyone always expects Miss Aretha to pour her all into her legendary Respect and she really, really did that, but I found myself adoring her even more as she belted out Chain of Fools!
Take my word for it…make it a true musical regret if you never saw Aretha Franklin perform live.
Thank you for this review, Fil!
Keep rockin’ heaven, Miss Aretha! ❤
She blows my mind, she is beyond incredible!
I wonder if one of those backup singers is Cissy Houston, Whitney's mother. She was one of Aretha's backups for years.
I still can’t believe that she’s gone, what an amazing woman and talent, a natural woman indeed.
The undisputed Queen of Soul...and Opera. Check out her performing Nessun Dorma at the 1998 Grammy's. Thanks again Fil, you never disappoint.
Yeah no offence but that was awful 😂 A love Aretha as a gospel soul singer but the less said about her Nessun Dorma the better.
Fabulous, absolutely fabulous! But we expect nothing less from Aretha. She is always a pleasure to listen to - no matter what she sings ... but this performance is exceptional! Thank you for your truly enthusiastic and informative analysis. God bless you.
Aretha Franklin is my favorite female singer. What a voice! Thanks for sharing this great analysis video. Cheers, Fil! ✌️