Some may disagree, but what makes this song “what is is” is the band and that funky groove. You can listen to it and tell they are having a good time and just jammin’. Especially that horn line when they take over parts of the song. As a sax player myself, I can tell you that it is one of the coolest and funkiest horn lines ever in R&B.
Couldn't agree more lol ... seems like anything w/ Bernard Purdie is bound to land in the pocket sooner or later ... can't hardly help but wonder what King Curtis might have done with this ... decade or more ago my nephew was learning sax and I said "no kidding - King Cutis was the real deal" and he responded "my high school teacher said it's all about the King!" and about all I could say was "stick with THAT" Later I read Bobby Key's autobio: Every Night's A Saturday Night and remember him saying "Near everything I do was influenced by King Curtis" - nearly fell out of my chair. Jeez. ... really wouldn't know the Stones anything like they would [eventually] become without Jim Horn and most especially Bobby Keys. What a cry from Erskine Hawkins, Tuxedo Junction and Louis Jordan ... and makes me think of Early In The Morning w/ Wild Bill Davis on piano ... and w/o that would we have Ray Charles as-we-know-him? similar, Johnny Johnson piano influence w/ Chuck Berry? Man what a tangled history from Bop to Jump Blues & stomp blues and R&B ... surprising how few are really familiar w/ Duane Allman's take on Soul Serenade (King Curtis) yet do know Aretha's [I think she got a Grammy] or e.g., Lynyrd Skynyrd's turning "Alabama Bound" (Jordan's take) into "Mississippi Kid" ... itself goes back to Leadbelly I'm guessing and who knows where he got it (Traditional?) Bob Dylan must have known (or eventually learned) almost all of it.
WHEW 😅 that BERNARD " PRETTY" PURDIE,his (4)bar drum 🥁 break is so in the pocket , simply slick sly , wicked and to top it all off that signature choke on the hi hat ,this groove by Brother " B" was one that drummers half to nail,marvelous work!
Chuck & Bernie - GOAT rhythm section - this is how it's done - in the studio, no auto tune or quantizing - just rock solid pocket energy that can go forever . . .
This is the greatest song ever written recorded produced performed or sung by any artist in history of music❤❤❤❤❤❤💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ SALUTE TO THE QUEEN ❤
The epitome of an anointed strong black Queen who had the capacity to easily stir spirit. As a kid I didn't quite understand how she made me know my head.. uncontrollably
A masterpiece. A perfect thing. To me miracle of this song is that AF’s vocals and that of the background singers are so exquisitely and pardon the pun “rock steady” the listener upon re-hearing and re-hearing is allowed to hear and feel the subtleties of drum bass horn and guitar etc. AF has the voice and the power to overwhelm, to be the only thing you hear. But she doesn’t overwhelm. Not in the least little bit. She’s lead. But AF is a part of. Not apart from. She remains humble in the face of her tremendous gifts. Truly, Ms Franklin is a great artist.
The GREAT Donny Hathaway is credited with assisting Aretha on keyboards for this song. I know Aretha wrote this epic song, but Im not sure if she or the producer put in the outstanding break at the 2:28 in the song. That takes the cut over the top.
Not an ounce of criticism to be had! Simply one of the best pieces of modern music to be sure. In 400 years when they listen to classical music from the period this will top the list.
So true. I felt myself facing away one day and l felt like only hearing my mother could save me at the time. She didn't answer the phone my next call was going to be 911 for an EMT. I was in a restaurant about to go into full distress. When over the sound system came: What you want? Baby I got it! It pulled me through. I knew Auntie Ree was being an angel for ME! THX REE!!
“Just call the song exactly what it is”, Aretha Franklin sings on “Rock Steady” (1972), a funky tune about grooving to the music. The singer penned it herself, but she had considerable help in the studio (Criteria in Miami), where the groove came together. There were great vibes, with famous people dropping by just to get in on the action. Donny Hathaway played organ and Dr. John added percussion. “It was a dream come true,” said producer Arif Martin. 💚🎼💜
Aretha really wasn't known as a funk artist but Rock Steady is a stone cold funk jam from 1st note to last. The James Brown influences are all over this song. Bootsy Collins and George Clinton popularized The Funk sound as pure funk music. But James Brown created the musicology of Funk and then taught it to a young Bootsy Collins who then taught it to George Clinton.
What! Only 20K worth of hits! I can’t believe it - People, this is the Queen of Soul! - listening & feeling this track should produce, at least, 1M hits, it’s Aretha doing one of her bests. Jane😢
Are there any musicians on this post? Good lord, yeah the band is fabulous but you're hearing the great master Purdie lay down the funkiest damn groove, he's stirring the whole damn drink, Got damn!!!
I read that this song is the first with the lyrics that influenced “ Throw your hands in the air like you just don’t care”. Figures- Aretha was and is a legend.
I grew up listen to Aretha Franklin, my parents had all of her records. Back then, Panama, my country plays all type of music. You name it, we got it.. One factor was the Panama Canal, and the United States influence. Aretha was and is Known as the Queen of Soul. I have not seen anyone like her, there are greater singers , yet No one like the Queen of Soul😍😍🤘🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤️🇵🇦
I worked with a gal from Panama, about 10-15 years younger than me. The screen saver on her computer was pics of ships going thru the canal. I was fascinated by the pics & had tons of questions. But, alas, I'd get interrupted by a call from someone who couldn't figure out why their stupid printer had 'blown up ' because they couldn't figure out how to restock the printer drawer or toner cartridge. Screw that! I wanna know about the canal from a cool & pretty Panama gal!
I just watched the movie "Respect " and I just had to keep the vibe going. Jennifer did an amazing job but no one can touch the queen of soul. This is one of my favorites.
This girl had it allright. What a talent. One of the ALL time great blues, soul funk artists. Their music is eternal; ALL the greats I mean. Even her duet with George Michael. A brilliant duet there. If anyone don't feel funky with this, then they ain't alive. Case closed. And Bernard Purdie's drumming is just sublime, especially at the 2:30 mark. He's dead on point there, man. And the girls on backup vocals. SUPERB. The whole production. Spot on. Methinks I'm done now with the plaudits. PS, she was cookin' with gas!!!
My momma had the best story about dancing to this song. She went to a house party, wearing her friend's romper, because her friend had no ass, so it looked better on her, and as she entered the party, Rock Steady came on, so she came in, 'Rockin' as she put it. Oh and she and the friend were friends for over 50 years....now they are Rockin' Steady in Heaven.
One of the best things I have heard today. Got to get right and now so I can ROCK STEADY LIKE Y'ALL . MAY ALLAH BE PLEASED WITH US ALL. THIS IS KEITH WEST COAST SIGNING OFF WITH PEACE AND LOVE.
This song ALWAYS makes me wanna dance!!!! 😁😄😁😄💜💜💜💜
Yes, me too....the best grabs you, and takes you for a ride
This song always makes me dance!
The Queen of Soul rocked this song!!!
Rock Steady Baby🎉🎉! Still rocking in March 2024🎉🎉! 🎶🎧🎵🎤🎼👍💪🙏
I know that's REAL.. sir, me 3 😃🤩
April 20, 2024!!🎉🎉🎉❤💃🏿💃🏿💃🏿🎷🎷🎺🎶🎵🎵🎧🥁🥁 What it is, what it is?!!
Rocking in April 28, 2024! 🎶
Rockin' all day - every day. They don't make em' like they used to.
🎉💃🏽🎉💃🏽🎉💃🏽💞💞
Y’all tellin me this isn’t top 10 most perfect songs of all time. This will make anyone get down to this.
Agreed. Even people who don't dance are probably rockin in their seat!
An immortal song by an immortal queen.
RIP queen of soul.
Some may disagree, but what makes this song “what is is” is the band and that funky groove. You can listen to it and tell they are having a good time and just jammin’. Especially that horn line when they take over parts of the song. As a sax player myself, I can tell you that it is one of the coolest and funkiest horn lines ever in R&B.
Couldn't agree more lol ... seems like anything w/ Bernard Purdie is bound to land in the pocket sooner or later ... can't hardly help but wonder what King Curtis might have done with this ... decade or more ago my nephew was learning sax and I said "no kidding - King Cutis was the real deal" and he responded "my high school teacher said it's all about the King!" and about all I could say was "stick with THAT" Later I read Bobby Key's autobio: Every Night's A Saturday Night and remember him saying "Near everything I do was influenced by King Curtis" - nearly fell out of my chair. Jeez. ... really wouldn't know the Stones anything like they would [eventually] become without Jim Horn and most especially Bobby Keys. What a cry from Erskine Hawkins, Tuxedo Junction and Louis Jordan ... and makes me think of Early In The Morning w/ Wild Bill Davis on piano ... and w/o that would we have Ray Charles as-we-know-him? similar, Johnny Johnson piano influence w/ Chuck Berry? Man what a tangled history from Bop to Jump Blues & stomp blues and R&B ... surprising how few are really familiar w/ Duane Allman's take on Soul Serenade (King Curtis) yet do know Aretha's [I think she got a Grammy] or e.g., Lynyrd Skynyrd's turning "Alabama Bound" (Jordan's take) into "Mississippi Kid" ... itself goes back to Leadbelly I'm guessing and who knows where he got it (Traditional?) Bob Dylan must have known (or eventually learned) almost all of it.
the chemistry is the mix between an amazing singer and a groovy band. if the singer was bad, it would disturb the band's groove and vice versa
lk
@@susandavidson3344 This is just a bad jam!. The drum solo especially does it for me!
Tom Dowd mentions putting the horns on after the original recording session here at 11:10 .... ruclips.net/video/kxBjc6jCNc0/видео.html
And a legend on the drums: Bernard “pretty” Purdie! One of my 5 favorite drummers of all time. Still living too (81)
A long with Mr. Chuck Rainey on bass
That explains why this song movin! groovin!
For me it's Cornell Dupree on the guitar. I don't think even Nile Rodgers could do it better!
@@eklund86 100% correct
There will never be another. Ever.
Bernard Purdie is a beast on the groove of this song. His time, tasty fills and MASSIVE feel are phenomenal.
Holy Cow, I didn't know he was on drums. He was a favorite of Steely Dan, completely different genre of music.
PURDIE IM SPIDER SO MUCH JOY WITH TASTY RIFFS. HE WAS 2 COOL 4 SCHOOL. J.R.
Yes, and so is Chuck Rainey.
Was it a Tom dowd muscle shoals recording?
@@StevenCarinci in fact it was, as far as the Tom Dowd part goes. As for the muscle shoals part, I don't know about that.
Another Gem that this genius wrote and composed. She also played the piano during this session 👑
Now i understood this glissando at chorus, hahahaha.
⁰0⁰⁰⁰⁰
Donnie Hathaway played the organ
@@emanuelsterling3642 Sure did. He played on a few of Aretha’s stuff back in the day.
@@alessandrogouveia2268 a
The beginning of this song.......man they are jamming........my lord.
And this is why Aretha was, is and forever will be the Queen of Soul!!!
Fun dancing to this song, since I was a little boy.
WHEW 😅 that BERNARD " PRETTY" PURDIE,his (4)bar drum 🥁 break is so in the pocket , simply slick sly , wicked and to top it all off that signature choke on the hi hat ,this groove by Brother " B" was one that drummers half to nail,marvelous work!
The band has a rock steady groovy beat!
It doesn’t get much better than this, especially on ‘Soul Train’ 🤩
Chuck & Bernie - GOAT rhythm section - this is how it's done - in the studio, no auto tune or quantizing - just rock solid pocket energy that can go forever . . .
Got here because of Rick Beato’s amazing interview of drummer Bernard Purdy…THIS is some seriously nasty funk!
Funk is what music is missing today!!!
@@CousinVinnyNYC A lil Funk in people's hearts & asses could save this country...or at least make it more fun!
Pretty Purdie!!
Aretha was and is an ICON
This groove cannot be matched. A masterpiece. Aretha’s on top of it. RIP Queen of Soul. You brought us so much joy!!
Her musical gifts are so evident here. Her singing and songwriting are superb.😊
R.I.P. Aretha Franklin. I'm still rocking this Song.. right now, Sunday 05/19/2024. We love You ❤️
9/12/2024
Queen of Rock Rock Steady
Her voice still stands my hair up on end!
yes but bit's not just the voice it's how she uses it
Her voice makes my old legs stand up and shake my *rear* end!
The queen of Rocking Steady baby 😂😂😂
The best hype song of all time
BERNARD PURDIE - the legend!
I love Aretha.
Okay, now I can start my day with a smile 😁
This is the greatest song ever written recorded produced performed or sung by any artist in history of music❤❤❤❤❤❤💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️
SALUTE TO THE QUEEN ❤
Real
Queen of soul. No need to say more.
This was my motivational song... as a child my Mom use to encourage me to dance and I knew I could party!!!
Thanks Mom
Black excellence 🖤
That bass though 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
KILLIN' IT !!!!!!!!!!!!
HAD TO PLAY IT AGAIN..... SMFH.
I didn't know she wrote this classic!!
This song was truly out of this world.
Bruh she kills those vocals love her so much
Jammin this song in 2024.❤❤❤
This song the beat her Lyrics the tone.........this my favorite baseline and lyrics RIP Aretha
i've eaten a lot of greasy food in my lifetime, But i've never encountered anything as greasy as these drums, bass and guitar... man o man.
I adore this groove , what a wonder Aretha was, so lucky to have her music to listen to
The epitome of an anointed strong black Queen who had the capacity to easily stir spirit. As a kid I didn't quite understand how she made me know my head.. uncontrollably
Her Voice 😊
Heyyyyyyyyyy 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽
A masterpiece. A perfect thing. To me miracle of this song is that AF’s vocals and that of the background singers are so exquisitely and pardon the pun “rock steady” the listener upon re-hearing and re-hearing is allowed to hear and feel the subtleties of drum bass horn and guitar etc. AF has the voice and the power to overwhelm, to be the only thing you hear. But she doesn’t overwhelm. Not in the least little bit. She’s lead. But AF is a part of. Not apart from. She remains humble in the face of her tremendous gifts. Truly, Ms Franklin is a great artist.
How can you not move to this classic song??? My God, listen to the bass - absolutely smashing. Can't sit still lol.
LOVE Never Stops Loving LOVE🌍
She was a gift to us!
A VERY BIG gift.
The GREAT Donny Hathaway is credited with assisting Aretha on keyboards for this song.
I know Aretha wrote this epic song, but Im not sure if she or the producer put in the outstanding break at the 2:28 in the song. That takes the cut over the top.
Do this all the 'time' - acute hearing. Those hidden sections 😘
I am Japanese.but I love her music.
This song is perfect.funky！
Who's still jammin' to this beat ?
The backing band is funky as all get out. What a bass line!
Chuck Rainey laying down the bass line with Bernard Purdie on drums. Grooves like mad.
Aretha Franklin is definitely the Queen of Soul with a gift of voice.
Genius. She has influenced my music a lot. Thank you Aretha.
Not an ounce of criticism to be had! Simply one of the best pieces of modern music to be sure. In 400 years when they listen to classical music from the period this will top the list.
I like this song my favorite of Aretha 😊
One of my favourite Aretha songs. Thank you, Queen.
Agreed...its my Favorite!!!
Aretha Franklin the Queen Of Soul, just the sound of her voice can make a person move, dance, and feel so much better. RIP Super Star !!!
So true. I felt myself facing away one day and l felt like only hearing my mother could save me at the time. She didn't answer the phone my next call was going to be 911 for an EMT. I was in a restaurant about to go into full distress. When over the sound system came: What you want? Baby I got it! It pulled me through. I knew Auntie Ree was being an angel for ME! THX REE!!
S
Mootj
Yes! 💖💖💖💖💖👈🏾
@@DrDeADETV I wish this music was still around
You couldn't say it better
❤ QUEEN 2024.
REAL BAND SOUNDS MAKES THE SONG MASSIVE
Aretha Franklin sang the devil outta this jam
You are you so right!
I sing it with my band and it is the bass and the funk that makes this song. No disrespect to Ms. Aretha ❤
One of my favorite songs by Aretha Franklin. Happy heavenly 81st Birthday to the Queen of Soul ! ❤🥳🎉🕊️ 03/25/2023
Her Birthday count will go on forever - she will never die - after leaving the world this legacy. Wow.
Rest in peace, Queen. 🙏
Whoooooo, amazing, the band sounds as if they were all having a great time playing this funky groove. And that voice the Queen of Soul!!!
I'm still rocking to this song!!! I listen to it when I want to dance/ exercise
Don’t worry - wherever Miss Queen is right now, she is rockin’ steady fo sho! What it is. Word. 👍🏽❤
“Just call the song exactly what it is”, Aretha Franklin sings on “Rock Steady” (1972), a funky tune about grooving to the music.
The singer penned it herself, but she had considerable help in the studio (Criteria in Miami), where the groove came together. There were great vibes, with famous people dropping by just to get in on the action. Donny Hathaway played organ and Dr. John added percussion.
“It was a dream come true,” said producer Arif Martin. 💚🎼💜
Quand je parle de « Groove » c’est le morceau que je fais écouter. Après le premier «break » tu es pris dedans, possédé 😂 juste merveilleux
ha ha Y E S S s s!
Best Aretha song everrrr
His bless her soul. ARETHA gave US NOTHING BUT Legendary great music 🎉🎉🎉🎉👑👑👑👑✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾💐💐💐💐
Hearing this for the first time. Go Aretha!
❤ repeat 🔁 Around the play list. One of the best funky jam songs eva
Aretha really wasn't known as a funk artist but Rock Steady is a stone cold funk jam from 1st note to last. The James Brown influences are all over this song. Bootsy Collins and George Clinton popularized The Funk sound as pure funk music. But James Brown created the musicology of Funk and then taught it to a young Bootsy Collins who then taught it to George Clinton.
Absolutely. Just noted in my comment my friend and I were James Brown Slidin' to this in late 80's 😉.
@@joannalouise2077 Alright now 👍🏾🤩. I still got some James Brown Slide and Glide. 🕺🏾 🤣🤣🤣. Only in my dreams 😂.
@@altowatts1325😅 of course! You never lose it. You 'Rock Steady.' 😉
@@joannalouise2077🕺🏾🏆👍🏾😁
With my suspect knees I think my "Rock Steady 🕺🏾" has been downgraded to "Sway Carefully". 👷🏾♂️🚷🛑🖐🏾🚧🚨
And yes there was a specific dance move to this song... And I used to dance it... Lord I used to dance it!!!
Timeless like Detroit
You just can't stay still when you hear this classic.
Phonky!
Yass!
@@EarthsAngels😮uu😢 yes t😅😅 my
Let's call this song exactly what it is 💖
What! Only 20K worth of hits! I can’t believe it - People, this is the Queen of Soul! - listening & feeling this track should produce, at least, 1M hits, it’s Aretha doing one of her bests.
Jane😢
Takes me back to my high school days. You never hear this gem on radio these days.
Jerry Wexler was a genius! She was Incredible.
Are there any musicians on this post? Good lord, yeah the band is fabulous but you're hearing the great master Purdie lay down the funkiest damn groove, he's stirring the whole damn drink, Got damn!!!
That being said...check out this alt mix...no horns and just under a minute longer...
ruclips.net/video/RjRGI_FdWnk/видео.html
Yeah, that band is jammin’. It almost sounds like they are having fun in the studio laying this track down like a live performance.
😄👏
August 16,2024 LISTENING TO QUEEN OF SOUL Aretha Franklin ❤❤
One of the best good nasty funky songs ever done
I read that this song is the first with the lyrics that influenced “ Throw your hands in the air like you just don’t care”. Figures- Aretha was and is a legend.
Rock Steady What it is. MUSIC 🎶 you know you going to jam❤This makes you wanna Dance. RIP ARETHA FRANKLIN
I grew up listen to Aretha Franklin, my parents had all of her records. Back then, Panama, my country plays all type of music.
You name it, we got it.. One factor was the Panama Canal, and the United States influence. Aretha was and is Known as the
Queen of Soul. I have not seen anyone like her, there are greater singers , yet No one like the Queen of Soul😍😍🤘🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤️🇵🇦
I worked with a gal from Panama, about 10-15 years younger than me. The screen saver on her computer was pics of ships going thru the canal. I was fascinated by the pics & had tons of questions. But, alas, I'd get interrupted by a call from someone who couldn't figure out why their stupid printer had 'blown up ' because they couldn't figure out how to restock the printer drawer or toner cartridge. Screw that! I wanna know about the canal from a cool & pretty Panama gal!
Amazing song! It still holds up today, ill be buying this on itunes. What a jam, and I never heard her sing this type of music, great song!
One of her best. Very danceable. Great
Good music ❤
She's so beautiful ❤️😊
One of my main favorite songs of all time
Aretha what a wonderful human being!!!!!! ❤ What talent!!!
I just watched the movie "Respect " and I just had to keep the vibe going. Jennifer did an amazing job but no one can touch the queen of soul. This is one of my favorites.
❤SOUL❤
Cette chanson c'est du blues ! C'est une des meilleures chansons d'Aretha Franklin et de tous les temps !!!!!!!
Ms Aretha Franklin was a gospel singer and she sing a how I got over
Will be in my head all day.
Now this is what should be booming out of your car.
ha ha Y E S s s !
All day?
You're welcome.
Odell payne I love this music ❤
Still have the 45. One groovy tune! You can not stand still listening to this.
This girl had it allright. What a talent. One of the ALL time great blues, soul funk artists. Their music is eternal; ALL the greats I mean. Even her duet with George Michael. A brilliant duet there. If anyone don't feel funky with this, then they ain't alive. Case closed. And Bernard Purdie's drumming is just sublime, especially at the 2:30 mark. He's dead on point there, man. And the girls on backup vocals. SUPERB. The whole production. Spot on. Methinks I'm done now with the plaudits. PS, she was cookin' with gas!!!
OUEEN OF SOUL
ROCK STEADY💃
BABY!!!
SEPTEMBER 24,2024
Woke up to this. Magic!!!
This how I feel this morning cruising down I95 moving side to side, what it is, what it is, what it is. 😎
Be safe out there. Godspeed
My momma had the best story about dancing to this song. She went to a house party, wearing her friend's romper, because her friend had no ass, so it looked better on her, and as she entered the party, Rock Steady came on, so she came in, 'Rockin' as she put it. Oh and she and the friend were friends for over 50 years....now they are Rockin' Steady in Heaven.
That's so Awesome
Awesome friendship and music story
god bless yo mama
One of the best things I have heard today. Got to get right and now so I can ROCK STEADY LIKE Y'ALL . MAY ALLAH BE PLEASED WITH US ALL. THIS IS KEITH WEST COAST SIGNING OFF WITH PEACE AND LOVE.