I'd Rather Go Blind is an awesome one of her tracks. She also went down and recorded for Atlantic, Muscle Shoals where Aretha, Wilson Pickett, Duane Allman, Allman Bros., Ben E. King, Lynard Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones and many other greats recorded. She recorded a couple that Aretha made Famous, like Do Right Woman. Fun to compare them. Check the doc on Muscle Shoals. It's phenomenal!
What an incredible song and vocal performance! May I suggest Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, and Dinah Washington in no particular order…🖖🏼
All great singers. Ella Fitzgerald’s 1964 recording of “Midnight Sun,” arranged by Nelson Riddle, is another magical musical experience, as is her 1957 super intimate recording of Ellington’s “In A Sentimental Mood,” accompanied only by guitar. Sarah Vaughan’s 1962 recording of “Key Largo” with just guitar and bass is in a similar vein. Nina Simone’s version of “You Don’t Know What Love Is” is the definitive interpretation of that great standard. There are dozens of other recommendations for these wonderful singers but I’ll stop there 😀.
@@joelab9222 Agreed. There are two versions, both of which are good. But I much prefer the version WITHOUT the Jordanairres. I think it might be the original version.
This is "our song" for my husband and I. He asked me to marry him when we were 19 but I had too many adventures planned to settle down. 20 yrs passed and our paths finally crossed again. In May we will celebrate 15 yrs married.
@ytcarol thank you! We actually 'met' when we were 13 and have a pic of us posing next to each other gor a group pic. The next few years, our paths would occasionally cross, but he was a popular romeo/football player who I assumed didn't know my name... so of course I went for my smooth high school move: I ignored him. It actually worked!! LOL.. life can be really funny.
Settling down doesn't mean you can't have any adventures and shouldn't impede em. If anything you have em with the love of your life along side with you. well that's what I think!
This vocal performance is take 1…complete. Absolutely incredible. 😎 Actually…that entire album is phenomenal. Etta James is vastly underappreciated these days.
@@Magravated Yep, that is definitely a case of one powerhouse vocalist strongly influencing another one! Janis spoke often, publicly, of her love for Etta's work, and Janis even did a great cover version of one of Etta's most famous songs, "Tell Mama."
In June 2002 I'm standing waiting for my about-to-be wife to walk down the isle toward me, and suddenly this song (which was not the one "we" picked) started playing,. Then out stepped my to-be wife with a smirk on her face. She had played me, and had already chosen (probably long before i came along) this to be her wedding song. I couldn't have been happier to hear it play. In reality it was absolutely perfect, and now 20+ years later the song still wrecks me. As does she!!! Love you babe! Oh, and you too Etta!
Near the end of her life I saw Etta James perform at The Newport Jazz Festival and she of course used this song to finish her set. She had lost none of her power or passion and I feel privileged to see her perform it live.
The combination of Etta’s singing and the string arrangements are breathtaking. Really, one of the most iconic vocal performances I have ever heard. A perfect balance of mid-century pop and R n’ B.
Spot on guys! One of the truly magical recordings ever made. No autotune, no studio tricks or techniques. Great song, fantastic musicians, and a woman feeling every bit of that song and interpreting it like the incredible talent that she was. One of my all time favorites.
Old guy here... I cannot express how happy it makes me to see you "youngsters" discovering the wonderful music I grew up with. Music was special in the time before electronics and computers ruined it all. Between the 1930's and the early to mid-1960's you will find the greatest music and most-talented artists in the history of recorded music. I wish you a long and wonderful journey into the past!
Ella Fitzgerald’s 1957 version of Summertime is just stunning. With Louis Armstrong on trumpet and vocals also. When she comes in with the first line her voice is simply impossibly perfect. That song gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. (Edit: this is no knock on Etta,she is up there with the very best!)
No one can sing "At last" like Etta and the back up orchestra was haunting and both of your assessments were perfect, It is definitely her song..she owns it!!
Also, I've never heard Ella Fitzgerald's version of the song "Summertime," but I have heard Bobby Hatfield's solo (of the Righteous Brothers) version of "Summer time" and his range kills it. So maybe you two can compare the two versions and give your opinions of the two. That would be awesome! Waiting to see if you'd do it and let us hear your comparisons, that would be cool!! Thanks to both of you!! 😘🙋🌹
@@roseterry2744 I have that CD, it's the entire musical (Porgy and Bess) on Verve records. The remastered sound is incredible, both Ella and Louis were at their peaks.
You guys are a good reminder to me of how an open heart towards all kinds of music can bring untold rewards. "Tell Mama" and "I'd Rather Go Blind" from her Muscle Shoals sessions are worthy follow-ups.
Incredible song and incredible voice. I also recommend I'd Rather Go Blind and Something's Got a Hold on Me. Etta James has one hell of a voice and this song never fails to give me chills whenever I listen to it.
This is one of the best vocal performances in human history. Not because she was pitch perfect, or she had incredible vocal runs, which she clearly did in this... Nope, it's because there isn't a single solitary second you can show someone where you aren't fully convinced she's absolutely lived out every word of that song in her life. It's expressing that feeling of joy that is so intense that it almost hurts. And you can hear those traces of pain interwoven into the pure joy of finding her happiness, at last. To put it as simply as possible, across all genres of music, in my opinion, this is in the top 3 greatest songs ever recorded.
Good to hear young guys who can appreciate songs that are so removed from today’s music and even music from the past 35-50 years that it might as well have come from another planet. Sublime.
and eeven before that as it written by GGlenn MMiller and was a wartime hit in 1942. James stole some of her legacy when she tried to claim that this was written for her.....youtube though tells the truth....I dare you to look it up.
@@miamidolphinsfan Yes, kind of like Otis Redding's "Respect". When he heard Aretha Franklin’s version of the song, he reportedly said, “Well, I guess it’s that girl’s song now.”
A contemporary of Etta James you should check is Sam Cooke. His masterpiece is A Change is Gonna Come, released just 11 days after he was shot to death. Along with James, Cooke was a pioneer of modern R&B.
When Alex said, "I got goosebumps", at the string intro I thought, "Hold on Son, it is going to get WAY stronger!" Literally a seminal moment in music. This happened, and everything changed that little bit. What is the Tier above "S" Tier? This is one of those songs that gets there.
She had a monster voice. Had a friend that saw her in a three thousand seat venue in the late 70's, sitting in the back, and he said she put down the mic, sang a couple songs without it, and hit the back of the house beautifully. Her voice was killer!
I saw her outdoors in New Orleans about 30 years ago. I was close to the stage, and she was astonishing. The single greatest vocalist I have ever seen in person. She was also extremely vulgar throughout the show. Talking about sex and making gestures in a way that I did not expect. I wasn’t offended at all. Just surprised. It was an incredible show.
It’s even more remarkable when you read her life story, it was very hard. Even with a heroin addiction that nearly killed her, and a cigarette habit, she never lost her voice.
i saw her at the 20,000 seat gorge, and she could have sung without a mic. i was in awe! she blew the crowd away! john hiatt opened for her, then she opened for stevie ray vaughan at a bluesfest there. amazing day!
I heard a vocal coach say that Etta would get punched in the stomach until she sang to the required standard! 'Not exactly what I'd call a great way to encourage the best from someone, it's sounds like pure abuse! People don't talk about the abuse that causes an Artist to "self-medicate". They have no one to talk to about all they're going through in life because people either don't care or just wouldn't understand. It must be a pretty lonely lifestyle. People like to mention one's amazing vocals & shows etc but not the mental & physical costs to the Artists mind, body & soul! Record labels don't care about the Artists' welfare otherwise they'd help them out rather than watch them drive themselves into the ground like they do time & time again!
*~ Etta James, "SOMETHINGS GOT A HOLD ON ME". Strong suggestion: SARAH VAUGHAN singing "MISTY" live in Sweden in 1964, whereby she sang with a cold. At the pinnacle of great singing in the 20th century; Sarah was unmatched and superlative ~*
I'm usually a rocker, but Etta James is Da Bomb!! Thanks guys! You willing to check-out great artists from all times and genres is a real credit to this channel
You're still a rocker. You're just informed, knowledgable, & well rounded my friend. And to be fair, Etta has a song called "Something's got a hold of me" which is really old school original Rock and Roll. Literally, Chuck Berry or Elvis or The Beatles or The Stones could sing it. And i wouldnt' be surprised if one has done it.
Etta was a native Californian born in Los Angeles, moved to San Francisco and started her career in the clubs there. Just an amazing presence and voice. She didn't have this long, lingering vibrato, but her voice was still powerful, unique and magical. I didn't discover her until hearing about her death 10 years ago. Wish I'd knew of her work sooner. "I'd Rather Go Blind" is another great song of hers.
About a year ago I was teaching a weekly online class called "The Roots Of Rock" to some Russian students. The webinar was held on Zoom, so I could see all the participants. For weeks I was looking forward to the class where I would play them this song. I got to watch about 20 Russians react simultaneously...the first time any of them had heard Etta James. I cried. They cried. That moment was one of the highlights of the entire year for me...because I got to be the one who introduced this song to them and I got to share that moment with them. I felt privileged. The best thing about this song is...what you're feeling now, you're gonna feel every time you listen to it.
You both have grown so much in the last couple years. Your appreciation for phenomenal music is proof of success of your journey into old music. Keep it up.
It is why you keep doing it, and also why some of us keep coming back to see your reaction when exposed to true TRUE greatness. You didn't let us down boys! She is one of those voices behind the voices that everyone else is just trying to imitate. And as you said, she makes it feel almost effortless. Another example of a legendary almost omnipresent song that's been heard in commercials and movies and such forever is "Feeling Good" by Nina Simone. Classic one-of-a-kind stunning jazzy voice. And a song that must be heard in full to fully appreciate. 🙌
Etta James’ voice matches perfectly the smooth delivery of the violins that accompany her. This was used in the film “PLEASANTVILLE,” to absolute perfection. It’s such a great song in such a great film. Do check it out.
this is a song that you remember the 1st time you heard it.. i was very small.. my parents had this album.. i was standing on my fathers feet..holding on to his legs as he moved back and forth ..like we were dancing :)
I got to see Etta live at the House of Blues in Hollywood a little over 20 years ago and she was magical. When she played this song it was one of the religious moments that rarely happen at concert. One of the greats and one of the greatest songs of all time.
This song is THE definition of perfection. There is not a single thing you can change about this to make it better. Lyrics, vocals, composition, arrangement, mixing…all perfection.
This is one of a few songs that makes me cry every single time I hear it without me being able to control it. It’s so wonderful to see young people who get why this music is timeless and untouchable. Rock on!
This recording was released when I was eight years old. It got a lot of radio play. I loved at when I was a kid, and 62 years later it still bowls me over.
I have heard this song so many times for so many years and it still takes me back to an image of an old phonograph, a 78 record on the turntable, a few friends sitting around a dining room table, having a cocktail and simply enjoying each other's company. Nothing fancy just an intimate moment to recall for a lifetime. This song catches you, pulls you in and captivates your soul, an arrow straight to the heart. It is a timeless classic performed by an iconic singer. S-Tier is the only fair rating, period!
Welcome t the world baby Oliver! Blessings on your home :) Etta's dad was worl famous pool player, Minesota Fats, a white guy who never acknowledged her and she put that pain into every song she sang baby
This song is one of the rarified few that never.gets.old! To me, this is up there with masterpieces like “What a Wonderful World”, “What’s Going On” and “Sleepwalk” in that they just seem to become more impactful with each listen. Glad this finally made the rotation.
@@mrsrobinson2364 not that I can find but I can’t imagine that they haven’t heard it before. Then again, they made it this far without having heard At Last. Even still, Louis’ song is just iconic.
One of my favorite songs and I’m a 65 year old lifelong music lover. Etta James received her first professional vocal training at the age of five from James Earle Hines, musical director of the Echoes of Eden choir at the St. Paul Baptist Church in South-Central Los Angeles.
One of the greatest love songs ever written. Her vocal is perfect, cannot be improved upon. This song is the first dance at many weddings for a reason.
I think I first heard this song on a commercial. Your next Etta James song should be "I'd rather Go Blind". It's generally regarded as one of her most classic songs, and was later covered by Rod Stewart.
Wow, hitting an American Standard on the 1st reaction in Spring, following news of a new baby in the world!! I'm so happy this was such a life affirming moment for both of you!! Easy S!
Terrific reaction, as usual. It made me want to see you do more from that era. Ella Fitzgerald will give you measurable goosebumps. Nina Simone once made me cry with the first four words of I Love You Porgy. Go deeper into Billie Holiday for a woman who sang with her heart and soul every time. A&A people, who are some more artists of this era that they should try?
Cool choice. A complete classic and a great place to start. But make no mistake, this lady can also ROCK. Try Standin' On Shaky Ground or Cry Like A Rainy Day. She could do it all, and there's much to explore in her huge catalog. One of the small group that the word legend truly applies to.
Such a classic song and classy female artist. Love Etta - talk about feeling every note with her powerful voice! Thanks guys for posting and reacting to this beautiful song - your facial expressions said it all☺🦋
Etta is severely undervalued, even in the R&B universe. She could wail on very hot, up-tempo stuff, too. Check out "Tell Mama." And make sure to find the mono version because the remastered stereo versions of recent years take all the ballast out of the record.
I was a wedding DJ for over 20 years. Didn't matter the crowd, the age, their background, etc. This song always got every couple dancing. It's a perfect love song.
There is a live version of her doing 'I'd rather Go Blind' that will cement her into your brain forever. Even if not for the channel, watch it here on YT for yourselves. It's one that you need to SEE and not just hear. It's worth every moment.
One of my favorite artists here with, arguably, her greatest song. For whatever reason, when I hear this, I immediately think of Dinah Washington's What a Difference a Day Makes. Different flavor but equal impact, I promise. Check it out and you're captured for life.
Congrats with Oliver🎉 Etta James is my favorite female vocalist. Please also check out Etta James live performance of “Somethings Got a Hold on Me”. Minds are blown!!!
Guys I'm so impressed! U got it! "U smiled,u smiled.... This was truly my husband's and mines song and even though he passed 10 years ago it still moves me to tears.I think watching ur faces is what got me.If u 'f' up every other review I'll always love u for this one.
Etta has a wonderful catalog of impactful music. I had the pure joy of hearing her live in concert not too long before she passed. She was still belting the emotion. So good.
I was 17 years old in 1969, Etta had just released “Tell Mama” and she was playing at the Lighthouse Jazz club in Hermosa Beach CA. Me and my buddy got in using fake IDs and we sat two rows back from the stage. She was awesome! My buddy was a real handsome chick magnet kinda guy. And Etta began to flirt with him and she told him “I love me some whiteboy!” It was just an unbelievable experience. I saw her about 6-7 times after that, all the way to the year 2000, and EVERY TIME, she was fantastic. Definitely the best performer and one of the greatest voices that I have had the pleasure of seeing. If you haven’t yet, check out 🎶I’d Rather Be Blind🎶 She’s the best!
![Twenty One Pilots - “The Line” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E2Rj2gQAyPA/mqdefault.jpg)
LIVESTREAM this Sunday @ 2PM EST! Gonna be hitting a bunch of reactions and then doing the Mic giveaway!! 🔥
Research Chess Records and their affiliates. The amount of groundbreaking artists, especially in blues was staggering.
Ya'll gonna need a cigarette after this one!😅 i know you don't smoke!❤
I'd Rather Go Blind is an awesome one of her tracks.
She also went down and recorded for Atlantic, Muscle Shoals where Aretha, Wilson Pickett, Duane Allman, Allman Bros., Ben E. King, Lynard Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones and many other greats recorded. She recorded a couple that Aretha made Famous, like Do Right Woman. Fun to compare them. Check the doc on Muscle Shoals. It's phenomenal!
Is there a theme and will Adam be there?
A&A..please do Genesis turn it on.
I've been with you guys now for almost four years I really want you to do that
What an incredible song and vocal performance! May I suggest Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, and Dinah Washington in no particular order…🖖🏼
yes to all but Billy Holiday is in her own league. The boys would be mystified. .
And soon to be added Angelina Jordon.
All great singers. Ella Fitzgerald’s 1964 recording of “Midnight Sun,” arranged by Nelson Riddle, is another magical musical experience, as is her 1957 super intimate recording of Ellington’s “In A Sentimental Mood,” accompanied only by guitar. Sarah Vaughan’s 1962 recording of “Key Largo” with just guitar and bass is in a similar vein. Nina Simone’s version of “You Don’t Know What Love Is” is the definitive interpretation of that great standard. There are dozens of other recommendations for these wonderful singers but I’ll stop there 😀.
All are great but I'd start with Dinah.
I'd like to see them do a reaction for all of these artists.
One of the most covered songs. But nobody could do it like the original Etta James.
Agree with Patsy Cline. She was a country singer with incredible emotion in her voice. I would suggest "Crazy"
Yes, I agree wholeheartedly. “Crazy” by Patsy Cline would be an awesome follow up to this.
Written by the great Willie Nelson.
Walking After Midnight is another great Patsy track.
And also She’s Got You.
@@joelab9222 Agreed. There are two versions, both of which are good. But I much prefer the version WITHOUT the Jordanairres. I think it might be the original version.
This is "our song" for my husband and I. He asked me to marry him when we were 19 but I had too many adventures planned to settle down. 20 yrs passed and our paths finally crossed again. In May we will celebrate 15 yrs married.
Thix is our song at any wedding
You need to write your story! 🥰
I love comments and stories like yours! Blessings to both of you always. 😍
@ytcarol thank you! We actually 'met' when we were 13 and have a pic of us posing next to each other gor a group pic. The next few years, our paths would occasionally cross, but he was a popular romeo/football player who I assumed didn't know my name... so of course I went for my smooth high school move: I ignored him. It actually worked!! LOL.. life can be really funny.
Settling down doesn't mean you can't have any adventures and shouldn't impede em. If anything you have em with the love of your life along side with you. well that's what I think!
It's a standard for a reason. I'm so glad you guys are open to all eras and genres. Beauty is beauty no matter when it was released.
Ditto, fellas. Keep 'em coming. senior from Canada
I've heard it at so many weddings!
@@billide1463 ‘senior from Canada’… likewise! Lol!😠🫶😁👍
THE best slow-dancing song EVER. Can you imagine how many wedding receptions this was played at?
This vocal performance is take 1…complete. Absolutely incredible. 😎
Actually…that entire album is phenomenal. Etta James is vastly underappreciated these days.
I always felt like Janis got her flavor from Etta.
@@Magravated Yep, that is definitely a case of one powerhouse vocalist strongly influencing another one! Janis spoke often, publicly, of her love for Etta's work, and Janis even did a great cover version of one of Etta's most famous songs, "Tell Mama."
I had the opportunity to see Etta before she passed. Her voice was still that strong. My favorite song is “I’d rather go blind.” It’s so good!
Not by me!
In June 2002 I'm standing waiting for my about-to-be wife to walk down the isle toward me, and suddenly this song (which was not the one "we" picked) started playing,. Then out stepped my to-be wife with a smirk on her face. She had played me, and had already chosen (probably long before i came along) this to be her wedding song. I couldn't have been happier to hear it play. In reality it was absolutely perfect, and now 20+ years later the song still wrecks me. As does she!!! Love you babe! Oh, and you too Etta!
This song is almost spiritual. So pure, yet sultry….it IS magical! ✨💖
Every instrument swells up and gently brings you back down as her voice goes from sultry to sweet. It's a spell.
As much as I personally hate the term spiritual, I accept it with this song. It's just that damn good
Near the end of her life I saw Etta James perform at The Newport Jazz Festival and she of course used this song to finish her set. She had lost none of her power or passion and I feel privileged to see her perform it live.
Newport Jazz Festival! Very fond memories! I had a house in Jamestown. 😊
Lucky!! ❤❤
The combination of Etta’s singing and the string arrangements are breathtaking. Really, one of the most iconic vocal performances I have ever heard. A perfect balance of mid-century pop and R n’ B.
Anybody who loves music cannot deny the magic af Etta James, even us rockers love her!
Spot on guys! One of the truly magical recordings ever made. No autotune, no studio tricks or techniques. Great song, fantastic musicians, and a woman feeling every bit of that song and interpreting it like the incredible talent that she was. One of my all time favorites.
No autotune for sure. These chords are tuned to a 64th of a tone to make the chords sound rich and alive
Old guy here... I cannot express how happy it makes me to see you "youngsters" discovering the wonderful music I grew up with. Music was special in the time before electronics and computers ruined it all. Between the 1930's and the early to mid-1960's you will find the greatest music and most-talented artists in the history of recorded music. I wish you a long and wonderful journey into the past!
Ella Fitzgerald’s 1957 version of Summertime is just stunning. With Louis Armstrong on trumpet and vocals also. When she comes in with the first line her voice is simply impossibly perfect. That song gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.
(Edit: this is no knock on Etta,she is up there with the very best!)
George and Ira Gershwin knew how to compose both the music and the prose.
No one can sing "At last" like Etta and the back up orchestra was haunting and both of your assessments were perfect, It is definitely her song..she owns it!!
Also, I've never heard Ella Fitzgerald's version of the song "Summertime," but I have heard Bobby Hatfield's solo (of the Righteous Brothers) version of "Summer time" and his range kills it. So maybe you two can compare the two versions and give your opinions of the two. That would be awesome! Waiting to see if you'd do it and let us hear your comparisons, that would be cool!! Thanks to both of you!! 😘🙋🌹
@@roseterry2744 I have that CD, it's the entire musical (Porgy and Bess) on Verve records. The remastered sound is incredible, both Ella and Louis were at their peaks.
You guys are a good reminder to me of how an open heart towards all kinds of music can bring untold rewards. "Tell Mama" and "I'd Rather Go Blind" from her Muscle Shoals sessions are worthy follow-ups.
Ab-so-freakin'-loutely, came here to mention both of these songs.
Hi from The Shoals
Those two are my favorites!!!
November 1960...a CLASSIC!
Incredible song and incredible voice. I also recommend I'd Rather Go Blind and Something's Got a Hold on Me. Etta James has one hell of a voice and this song never fails to give me chills whenever I listen to it.
ID RATHER GO BLIND IS INCREDIBLE PERFORMED LIVE !
@@zenclover8468 was just about to say this. She looks three sheets to the wind and still knocks it out of every park
Great choices which are 2 more songs that make me think Janis got her style from Etta and then electrified it.
I would suggest " I'd Rather Go Blind" Live at Montreux 74
@@RDMCWILL Etta was a heroin addict unfortunately. She had a good set of pipes on her for sure.
This is one of the best vocal performances in human history. Not because she was pitch perfect, or she had incredible vocal runs, which she clearly did in this... Nope, it's because there isn't a single solitary second you can show someone where you aren't fully convinced she's absolutely lived out every word of that song in her life. It's expressing that feeling of joy that is so intense that it almost hurts. And you can hear those traces of pain interwoven into the pure joy of finding her happiness, at last. To put it as simply as possible, across all genres of music, in my opinion, this is in the top 3 greatest songs ever recorded.
Good to hear young guys who can appreciate songs that are so removed from today’s music and even music from the past 35-50 years that it might as well have come from another planet. Sublime.
I’m 20, and I can say there’s music that’s so timeless anyone can enjoy it
@@tylerhackner9731 Agree. But you’d be surprised how many can’t, won’t and don’t.
Couldn’t agree more.
One of the finest vocals ever recorded. There is NO substitute for talent and soul.
A real singer. No computers. No multi tracks. 100% honest.
This song has been played at 3 or 4 million wedding receptions since it was released in 1960. Perfect expression of love in 3 minutes.
Not to mention Michelle and Barack Obama's inaugural dance at his inauguration ball.
and eeven before that as it written by GGlenn MMiller and was a wartime hit in 1942. James stole some of her legacy when she tried to claim that this was written for her.....youtube though tells the truth....I dare you to look it up.
@@miamidolphinsfan Yes, kind of like Otis Redding's "Respect". When he heard Aretha Franklin’s version of the song, he reportedly said, “Well, I guess it’s that girl’s song now.”
This song has been embedded in our souls my whole life and Etta put it there. Even though she was before my time.
A contemporary of Etta James you should check is Sam Cooke. His masterpiece is A Change is Gonna Come, released just 11 days after he was shot to death. Along with James, Cooke was a pioneer of modern R&B.
This song transcends space and time. Regardless of generational genres
I'm not gonna lie, seeing Alex get so emotional made me teary-eyed. Like I'm legitimately wiping my eyes.
Me too....sometimes I just love him!!
Even before you guys played the first note of the song, I was thinking to myself....."This is going to be the easiest S they've ever given!" 😂
Etta.. haunting beautiful deep hurt stunning voice
When Alex said, "I got goosebumps", at the string intro I thought, "Hold on Son, it is going to get WAY stronger!"
Literally a seminal moment in music.
This happened, and everything changed that little bit.
What is the Tier above "S" Tier?
This is one of those songs that gets there.
Yep!!
The incredible Ms Etta James. Love this. Thanks guys.
She had a monster voice. Had a friend that saw her in a three thousand seat venue in the late 70's, sitting in the back, and he said she put down the mic, sang a couple songs without it, and hit the back of the house beautifully. Her voice was killer!
I saw her outdoors in New Orleans about 30 years ago. I was close to the stage, and she was astonishing. The single greatest vocalist I have ever seen in person. She was also extremely vulgar throughout the show. Talking about sex and making gestures in a way that I did not expect. I wasn’t offended at all. Just surprised. It was an incredible show.
It’s even more remarkable when you read her life story, it was very hard. Even with a heroin addiction that nearly killed her, and a cigarette habit, she never lost her voice.
i saw her at the 20,000 seat gorge, and she could have sung without a mic. i was in awe! she blew the crowd away! john hiatt opened for her, then she opened for stevie ray vaughan at a bluesfest there. amazing day!
I heard a vocal coach say that Etta would get punched in the stomach until she sang to the required standard!
'Not exactly what I'd call a great way to encourage the best from someone, it's sounds like pure abuse! People don't talk about the abuse that causes an Artist to "self-medicate". They have no one to talk to about all they're going through in life because people either don't care or just wouldn't understand. It must be a pretty lonely lifestyle. People like to mention one's amazing vocals & shows etc but not the mental & physical costs to the Artists mind, body & soul!
Record labels don't care about the Artists' welfare otherwise they'd help them out rather than watch them drive themselves into the ground like they do time & time again!
John Lennon owned a jukebox where he kept his favorite singles. This song was one of them.
The dichotomy of being raw and controlled at the same time is so impressive. This song always hits me in the feels. Beautiful.
There are some songs and singers that are just perfect, and this is one of them. When the right singer sings the right song, there is magic.
This is a true gem. Even at age 11 when I first heard the song, it grabbed me, and I never tire of hearing it.
Some of the singers from the 40s - 50s era are amazing. Everyone should be required to listen to them more than once.
Yes!
*~ Etta James, "SOMETHINGS GOT A HOLD ON ME". Strong suggestion: SARAH VAUGHAN singing "MISTY" live in Sweden in 1964, whereby she sang with a cold. At the pinnacle of great singing in the 20th century; Sarah was unmatched and superlative ~*
What a great song to listen to right after hearing a new baby is born!
I grew up listening to Etta James. Always will be timeless.
I'm usually a rocker, but Etta James is Da Bomb!! Thanks guys! You willing to check-out great artists from all times and genres is a real credit to this channel
Etta will rock your socks off!
Gary ..cuz her voice is so strong...she could have done some Rock!!!
You're still a rocker. You're just informed, knowledgable, & well rounded my friend. And to be fair, Etta has a song called "Something's got a hold of me" which is really old school original Rock and Roll. Literally, Chuck Berry or Elvis or The Beatles or The Stones could sing it. And i wouldnt' be surprised if one has done it.
I saw Ette James live in a little club in San Francisco in 1978 that only held about 50 people. It was a life changing experience !
Hmmm might have been the yerba Buena club! I saw her there around 1969.
This is a very popular song, for the first dance, at a wedding. ❤
It was at my son's wedding.
I close my eyes and see my parents gliding across the dance floor.
Thanks for the memories ❤
Etta was a native Californian born in Los Angeles, moved to San Francisco and started her career in the clubs there. Just an amazing presence and voice. She didn't have this long, lingering vibrato, but her voice was still powerful, unique and magical. I didn't discover her until hearing about her death 10 years ago. Wish I'd knew of her work sooner. "I'd Rather Go Blind" is another great song of hers.
About a year ago I was teaching a weekly online class called "The Roots Of Rock" to some Russian students. The webinar was held on Zoom, so I could see all the participants. For weeks I was looking forward to the class where I would play them this song. I got to watch about 20 Russians react simultaneously...the first time any of them had heard Etta James. I cried. They cried. That moment was one of the highlights of the entire year for me...because I got to be the one who introduced this song to them and I got to share that moment with them. I felt privileged. The best thing about this song is...what you're feeling now, you're gonna feel every time you listen to it.
I rate this reaction an S! The emotion you have was phenomenal!
All the stars aligned for this performance from arrangement to Etta’s unforgettable vocal.
Goosebumps are the correct reaction.
You both have grown so much in the last couple years. Your appreciation for phenomenal music is proof of success of your journey into old music. Keep it up.
The power. The emotions. That is Etta James. Pure classic!
It is why you keep doing it, and also why some of us keep coming back to see your reaction when exposed to true TRUE greatness. You didn't let us down boys!
She is one of those voices behind the voices that everyone else is just trying to imitate. And as you said, she makes it feel almost effortless.
Another example of a legendary almost omnipresent song that's been heard in commercials and movies and such forever is "Feeling Good" by Nina Simone. Classic one-of-a-kind stunning jazzy voice. And a song that must be heard in full to fully appreciate. 🙌
Etta James’ voice matches perfectly the smooth delivery of the violins that accompany her. This was used in the film “PLEASANTVILLE,” to absolute perfection. It’s such a great song in such a great film. Do check it out.
Ah yes! I live that movie. Hint hint guys!
this is a song that you remember the 1st time you heard it.. i was very small.. my parents had this album.. i was standing on my fathers feet..holding on to his legs as he moved back and forth ..like we were dancing :)
I got to see Etta live at the House of Blues in Hollywood a little over 20 years ago and she was magical. When she played this song it was one of the religious moments that rarely happen at concert. One of the greats and one of the greatest songs of all time.
Her voice deepened and improved with age. Her live version of "I'd Rather Go Blind" from the 1980's is amazing.
I am so happy this song HIT you like it did! It doesn't matter your race, religion or social class, THIS song is one of the FINEST!!!
This song is THE definition of perfection. There is not a single thing you can change about this to make it better. Lyrics, vocals, composition, arrangement, mixing…all perfection.
Her life is as hard but her voice was electric and magic. ❤
Yes...this song and Etta's delivery of it is nothing short of captivating. I first heard this song as a kid and the magic never gets old!
Congratulations to you and your cousins, Alex! Baby Oliver is adorable. I LOVE how Etta James sings, "At Last!" Such a stunning voice. ❤
Morning Cat!
@@Shadowrider1872 Hey John! Hope you're well!
This is one of a few songs that makes me cry every single time I hear it without me being able to control it. It’s so wonderful to see young people who get why this music is timeless and untouchable. Rock on!
Tears in my eyes listening to this & watching the reaction. Epic. Timeless.
I love that it starts with at last and ends with at last and of course everything in between
I get goosebumps every time I hear her sing this song! She was amazing!
"That's that timeless shit right there, dude." The perfect reaction.
This recording was released when I was eight years old. It got a lot of radio play. I loved at when I was a kid, and 62 years later it still bowls me over.
Greatness transcends time! Etta!
I have heard this song so many times for so many years and it still takes me back to an image of an old phonograph, a 78 record on the turntable, a few friends sitting around a dining room table, having a cocktail and simply enjoying each other's company. Nothing fancy just an intimate moment to recall for a lifetime. This song catches you, pulls you in and captivates your soul, an arrow straight to the heart. It is a timeless classic performed by an iconic singer. S-Tier is the only fair rating, period!
Welcome t the world baby Oliver! Blessings on your home :) Etta's dad was worl famous pool player, Minesota Fats, a white guy who never acknowledged her and she put that pain into every song she sang baby
This song is one of the rarified few that never.gets.old! To me, this is up there with masterpieces like “What a Wonderful World”, “What’s Going On” and “Sleepwalk” in that they just seem to become more impactful with each listen. Glad this finally made the rotation.
Do you know if they have ever reacted to "What a Wonderful World"?
@@mrsrobinson2364 not that I can find but I can’t imagine that they haven’t heard it before. Then again, they made it this far without having heard At Last. Even still, Louis’ song is just iconic.
One of my favorite songs and I’m a 65 year old lifelong music lover.
Etta James received her first professional vocal training at the age of five from James Earle Hines, musical director of the Echoes of Eden choir at the St. Paul Baptist Church in South-Central Los Angeles.
One of the greatest love songs ever written. Her vocal is perfect, cannot be improved upon. This song is the first dance at many weddings for a reason.
Etta, Etta, Etta…… what a special lady she was….. simply beautiful. From her heart and soul ❤
I think I first heard this song on a commercial. Your next Etta James song should be "I'd rather Go Blind". It's generally regarded as one of her most classic songs, and was later covered by Rod Stewart.
Covered better by Christine McVie.
....and also covered by the great blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa and the iconic voice of Beth Hart......and absolute must see video!
Lots of versions, and "best" is a matter of opinion, but to me the only version of "I'd Rather Go Blind" that rivals Etta's is Clarence Carter's.
Still get goosebumps every time i hear this. The only flaw is its too short!
This song was our Wedding first dance, so will always be a very special song to us her voice is just something else, just brilliant ❤
It is the control...she does not yell the song. Wonderful.
Doesn’t get much better than this, guys. This song reminds me of my late mom and dad who were together for 70 years. ❤
Thank you for making my day. 😍
The absolute joy on Andy's face.
Wow, hitting an American Standard on the 1st reaction in Spring, following news of a new baby in the world!! I'm so happy this was such a life affirming moment for both of you!! Easy S!
My wife's favorite song. Played at our wedding. Their's a rabbit hole to go down.
Terrific reaction, as usual. It made me want to see you do more from that era. Ella Fitzgerald will give you measurable goosebumps. Nina Simone once made me cry with the first four words of I Love You Porgy. Go deeper into Billie Holiday for a woman who sang with her heart and soul every time. A&A people, who are some more artists of this era that they should try?
Dinah Washington, Mahalia Jackson
It's wonderful to see young men react so emotionally to an older song. 🙏
Cool choice. A complete classic and a great place to start. But make no mistake, this lady can also ROCK. Try Standin' On Shaky Ground or Cry Like A Rainy Day. She could do it all, and there's much to explore in her huge catalog. One of the small group that the word legend truly applies to.
Magnificent is a great adjective to describe Ms James.
Such a classic song and classy female artist. Love Etta - talk about feeling every note with her powerful voice! Thanks guys for posting and reacting to this beautiful song - your facial expressions said it all☺🦋
Etta is severely undervalued, even in the R&B universe. She could wail on very hot, up-tempo stuff, too. Check out "Tell Mama." And make sure to find the mono version because the remastered stereo versions of recent years take all the ballast out of the record.
So much feeling in her voice. ❤❤
I was a wedding DJ for over 20 years. Didn't matter the crowd, the age, their background, etc. This song always got every couple dancing.
It's a perfect love song.
This tune gives meaning to the term "heartstrings".
Really good choice, guys.
I'd Rather Go Blind is a must listen. You can hear the pain in her voice.
There is a live version of her doing 'I'd rather Go Blind' that will cement her into your brain forever. Even if not for the channel, watch it here on YT for yourselves. It's one that you need to SEE and not just hear. It's worth every moment.
Have you heard Beth Hart's (with Joe Bonamassa) version. Incredible!
@@kjkernSerendipity That one’s great too!
One of my favorite artists here with, arguably, her greatest song. For whatever reason, when I hear this, I immediately think of Dinah Washington's What a Difference a Day Makes. Different flavor but equal impact, I promise. Check it out and you're captured for life.
Congrats with Oliver🎉
Etta James is my favorite female vocalist. Please also check out Etta James live performance of “Somethings Got a Hold on Me”. Minds are blown!!!
Guys I'm so impressed! U got it! "U smiled,u smiled.... This was truly my husband's and mines song and even though he passed 10 years ago it still moves me to tears.I think watching ur faces is what got me.If u 'f' up every other review I'll always love u for this one.
Etta has a wonderful catalog of impactful music. I had the pure joy of hearing her live in concert not too long before she passed. She was still belting the emotion. So good.
I was 17 years old in 1969, Etta had just released “Tell Mama” and she was playing at the Lighthouse Jazz club in Hermosa Beach CA.
Me and my buddy got in using fake IDs and we sat two rows back from the stage.
She was awesome!
My buddy was a real handsome chick magnet kinda guy.
And Etta began to flirt with him and she told him “I love me some whiteboy!”
It was just an unbelievable experience.
I saw her about 6-7 times after that, all the way to the year 2000, and EVERY TIME, she was fantastic.
Definitely the best performer and one of the greatest voices that I have had the pleasure of seeing.
If you haven’t yet, check out 🎶I’d Rather Be Blind🎶
She’s the best!
This song is so perfect and Etta James sings it so perfectly that it literally makes you tear up