This song was intended for release by Motown Records but when they fired their manager for stealing their advance money, the manager turned around and outed Rick James (born James Johnson) as AWOL from the Navy. He had 'deserted' when he was called up for active duty after joining the Naval Reserves as a 15 year old (he lied about his age). James was taken into custody and served a period of incarceration. Neil Young and Bruce Palmer purchased a hearse and drove to Los Angeles, shortly thereafter forming Buffalo Springfield. There's a cute story of how Levon Helm and Garth Hudson rescued Rick from a beating in a Yonge Street bar where The Band was playing, only a few days after showing up in Toronto. Thanks Lance and Harri.
Great Song. Superbly analyzed by you. I agree with all that you mentioned about influences and what not. You are still the best at picking things out audibly. You have a good talent. God Bless you and thanks again.
For anyone who wants a seriously entertaining read , the Rick James autobiography “glow” is the most entertaining book I’ve ever read. Many many stories including how he ended up at Yorkville in Toronto and forming this band.
How about that…Yes, I absolutely knew this! It’s because I’ve always been a huge fan of Rick James and Neil Young! But I think it’s so cool that you posted this! ❤
Great pick Lance, this is back when I knew them in Yorkville. They were Ricky James Matthews and the Mynah Birds at first and did a lot of Rolling Stones songs if memory serves. Thank you Lance and Harri.
What a groovy treat for a Saturday morning, shades of Toronto music history.🇨🇦🇨🇦 I'm sure Cynthia is with me in remembering the Mynah Birds as a staple in early Toronto entertainment. John has done a great history in his comments, so I'll just say I agree " Mick " vocals, definitely The Bird's sound Harri, and just so groovy and entertaining. My heart is so warmed by this memory I can't tell you. The story of Rick being rescued by Leon Helms is a well told story here. 🇨🇦❤️🇺🇸 Great reaction Handsome Harri. Not Motown. Canadian grooviness.meets US funk ❤❤ Great choice Lance.👏👏 Cheers from Canada ❤❤🇨🇦🇨🇦
You are such a groovy girl, Cynthia. I only knew them from 1050 CHUM. This is why I love Harri's channel, great memories of our great music history. ❤️❤️🎶🎶
They were called the Mynah Birds because they had a live Mynah Bird on stage. Also, Rick James was AWOL from the Navy. I know this because Neil's longtime personal manager/road manager, James Mazzeo, was one of my dearest friends and along with a few other friends of mine from Neil's orbit, gave me that info.
Actually, they were called The Mynah Birds because they were the house band at The Mynah Bird, in Yorkville Toronto. At Cumberland & Belair if I remember correctly. They played at my High School twice.
@@TBSincAll I know is my friend was Neil's best friend for fifty years and it's entirely possible he misrembered. He was by Neil's side practically the whole time and maybe because of so many events, they were hard to keep separate. I certainly don't want to argue with you. Mazzeo told me many great stories and one of my favorites was during their 1974 tour with The Band, et al. During time off before they went to England to play Wembley, Levon Helm stole Neil's bus and got Mazz to go with him to Texas. They stopped in New Orleans and got hotel rooms where Dave Mason paid for $1,000 a night hookers for both of them and had them sent to their rooms.
According to wiki, Neil and Bruce Palmer, who was also in this band, went on to form Buffalo Springfield. Apparently at one time, two future members of Steppenwolf were in the band too.
I knew Rick and Neil were in a band together at one point. I didn't know there was any recorded music and I sure didn't think it would be this good. This could had been a hit!
Crosby, Stills,Nash & Young asked Rick James to join as bassist. He declined and recommended Greg Reeves who plays on Deja Vu album and became the touring member. Hearing this song asking James makes sense to the story. Lot of soul but also pop style and rich harmonies, which is not the case with later "Superfreak". Yes there is this Motown overall icing on this, rather roomy sound with lot of echo and drums almost on the front.
I believe it's more suited for "Northern Soul".. Ironically Motown was rejected by the Northern Soul type of sound...I love a lot of the northern soul stuff...Something about it.
Great pick + reactions to an out of nowhere song w Rick James & Neil Young performing together. I liked it and it did have a Motown/Byrds vibe. As to ? of more on this unlikely collaboration I just saw a Documentary on Peacock called "Bitching: Rick James - The Sound and Fury". It describes how they met @ the Toronto folk scene. They dabbled w Motown, Rock ends up producing @ Motown in 70s, then headed to California together. Anyway it was an eye opener for me, not being a big Rick James fan. The man had his hand in lots of scenes. Very enjoyable check it out.
THIS BAND HAD BRUCE PALMER WHO LATER WENT ON TO HELP FORM BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD WITH NEIL YOUNG AND IT ALSO HAD A COUPLE OF MEMBERS OF STEPPENWOLF BUT THEY WERE NOT ALL IN THE BAND AT THE SAME TIME. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER SONGS BY THEM ON RUclips BUT THIS IS THE BEST SONG OTHER SONGS I KNOW BY THEM IS "GO ON AND CRY" AND "I'LL WAIT FOREVER" BOTH WORTH LISTNING TO BUT NOT AS GOOD AS THIS ONE.
I'm not sure if you've done this one or not but please look up and do it if you haven't. Song: American Pie Singer Don McLean Regarded as the Greatest Rock sing of all time! Thanks and blessings! Darryl Danzinger
I read about this but never heard anything from them. Went into my barber last year and he had cut off his long ponytail that he had for some 40 years. Said it was just time and it looks better hanging by the bedroom mirror. I know you didn't just throw away the dreads. It looks like you have the kind of smooth, round head that looks good shaved. Not suggesting or nothing.
I would never have known that this existed if I hadn’t heard it here! Thanks for the request, and thanks to Harri for another fantabulous reaction 🎉
This song was intended for release by Motown Records but when they fired their manager for stealing their advance money, the manager turned around and outed Rick James (born James Johnson) as AWOL from the Navy. He had 'deserted' when he was called up for active duty after joining the Naval Reserves as a 15 year old (he lied about his age). James was taken into custody and served a period of incarceration. Neil Young and Bruce Palmer purchased a hearse and drove to Los Angeles, shortly thereafter forming Buffalo Springfield. There's a cute story of how Levon Helm and Garth Hudson rescued Rick from a beating in a Yonge Street bar where The Band was playing, only a few days after showing up in Toronto. Thanks Lance and Harri.
John, once again I thank you for sharing another fascinating nugget of music history. You’re the best!💐
So interesting ty
Lance - I never even knew that this performance existed until now. Very well done by both you and Harri.
Great Song. Superbly analyzed by you. I agree with all that you mentioned about influences and what not. You are still the best at picking things out audibly. You have a good talent. God Bless you and thanks again.
Said it before but need to say again. Love the new you. Looking good.
😊 thank you
I didn't know until I recently watched a doc on Rick. I couldn't believe it when I heard it.
For anyone who wants a seriously entertaining read , the Rick James autobiography “glow” is the most entertaining book I’ve ever read. Many many stories including how he ended up at Yorkville in Toronto and forming this band.
How about that…Yes, I absolutely knew this! It’s because I’ve always been a huge fan of Rick James and Neil Young! But I think it’s so cool that you posted this! ❤
Great pick Lance, this is back when I knew them in Yorkville. They were Ricky James Matthews and the Mynah Birds at first and did a lot of Rolling Stones songs if memory serves. Thank you Lance and Harri.
@@Cynthia... wow, you knew this band from back then?!? Most impressive 🎉🎈
@@iandowney4630 yes I knew them all before they were famous, Steppenwolf was another. Lighthouse and a few more.
@@Cynthia...you have redefined the word groovy 😄 Toronto is a very hip city 🌃🥳
@@iandowney4630😅
What a groovy treat for a Saturday morning, shades of Toronto music history.🇨🇦🇨🇦
I'm sure Cynthia is with me in remembering the
Mynah Birds as a staple in early Toronto entertainment.
John has done a great history in his comments, so I'll just say I agree " Mick " vocals, definitely The Bird's sound Harri, and just so groovy and entertaining. My heart is so warmed by this memory I can't tell you. The story of Rick being rescued by Leon Helms is a well told story here. 🇨🇦❤️🇺🇸 Great reaction Handsome Harri. Not Motown. Canadian grooviness.meets US funk ❤❤ Great choice Lance.👏👏 Cheers from Canada ❤❤🇨🇦🇨🇦
Got that right Mary. One of the first bands I saw in Yorkville at Chez Monique.
You are such a groovy girl, Cynthia. I only knew them from 1050 CHUM. This is why I love Harri's channel, great memories of our great music history. ❤️❤️🎶🎶
yeah, this was a revelation for me...had no idea!
Wow..who knew...thanks for sharing this
I find it a GREAT song !.....great vocals...great guitar.
Drove by Hitsville just this evening. What a coincidence hearing this!
Welcome to Toronto in the 60s. Way WAY ahead of the music curve back then.
They were called the Mynah Birds because they had a live Mynah Bird on stage. Also, Rick James was AWOL from the Navy. I know this because Neil's longtime personal manager/road manager, James Mazzeo, was one of my dearest friends and along with a few other friends of mine from Neil's orbit, gave me that info.
Actually, they were called The Mynah Birds because they were the house band at The Mynah Bird, in Yorkville Toronto. At Cumberland & Belair if I remember correctly. They played at my High School twice.
@@TBSincAll I know is my friend was Neil's best friend for fifty years and it's entirely possible he misrembered. He was by Neil's side practically the whole time and maybe because of so many events, they were hard to keep separate. I certainly don't want to argue with you. Mazzeo told me many great stories and one of my favorites was during their 1974 tour with The Band, et al. During time off before they went to England to play Wembley, Levon Helm stole Neil's bus and got Mazz to go with him to Texas. They stopped in New Orleans and got hotel rooms where Dave Mason paid for $1,000 a night hookers for both of them and had them sent to their rooms.
What? Lol
This was a double whammy on me!
Never heard this and I thought I had the wrong channel until I heard you speak Harri!
Sorry Scott..Thats not me..its my son! 😀😅
@@HarriBestReactions 😍🥰😇🤗
@@HarriBestReactions
Ahhh now I understand. Lol
This is so cool. Never heard it or even of any of the back story. Great submission and commentary! Thanks Harri and Lance 🌸💐✌️
That’s right, Neil was a signed artist among Motown’s “Stable Of Stars”…… The Motown Documentary is a must for all music fans…
Neil Young and Stephen Stills, among others, formed Buffalo Springfield after this.
According to wiki, Neil and Bruce Palmer, who was also in this band, went on to form Buffalo Springfield. Apparently at one time, two future members of Steppenwolf were in the band too.
I knew Rick and Neil were in a band together at one point. I didn't know there was any recorded music and I sure didn't think it would be this good. This could had been a hit!
The street shot was young street in the 60s.. very cool man..
❤❤i love your hair cut nice song 💞💞
Thank you Ms Bee
@@HarriBestReactions your welcome 🤗🤗
@@HarriBestReactionsYou look 25 years younger! Just gorgeous! Big fan! Thanks for all the joy you bring us!
Crosby, Stills,Nash & Young asked Rick James to join as bassist. He declined and recommended Greg Reeves who plays on Deja Vu album and became the touring member. Hearing this song asking James makes sense to the story. Lot of soul but also pop style and rich harmonies, which is not the case with later "Superfreak". Yes there is this Motown overall icing on this, rather roomy sound with lot of echo and drums almost on the front.
Great song, to bad it wasn't released in "65", I would have bought it. LOL
I believe it's more suited for "Northern Soul".. Ironically Motown was rejected by the Northern Soul type of sound...I love a lot of the northern soul stuff...Something about it.
Great pick + reactions to an out of nowhere song w Rick James & Neil Young performing together. I liked it and it did have a Motown/Byrds vibe.
As to ? of more on this unlikely collaboration I just saw a Documentary
on Peacock called "Bitching: Rick James - The Sound and Fury". It describes how they met @ the Toronto folk scene. They dabbled w Motown, Rock ends up producing @
Motown in 70s, then headed to California together. Anyway it was an eye opener for me, not being a big Rick James fan. The man had his hand in lots of scenes. Very enjoyable check it out.
Wow - not bad!
Rick James was also VP of the united States for 8 years.
THIS BAND HAD BRUCE PALMER WHO LATER WENT ON TO HELP FORM BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD WITH NEIL YOUNG AND IT ALSO HAD A COUPLE OF MEMBERS OF STEPPENWOLF BUT THEY WERE NOT ALL IN THE BAND AT THE SAME TIME. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER SONGS BY THEM ON RUclips BUT THIS IS THE BEST SONG OTHER SONGS I KNOW BY THEM IS "GO ON AND CRY" AND "I'LL WAIT FOREVER" BOTH WORTH LISTNING TO BUT NOT AS GOOD AS THIS ONE.
Yeah, im from Rick James home town so yeah we know this.
Actually, yes I did know this! Have had a hard time getting folks to believe this!
I'm not sure if you've done this one or not but please look up and do it if you haven't.
Song: American Pie
Singer Don McLean
Regarded as the Greatest Rock sing of all time!
Thanks and blessings!
Darryl Danzinger
Done 😀
@@HarriBestReactions you mean you made a recording of this a while back?
Yes i knew this..but what a strange pairing...😂
Wonder if the Cure were inspired by this for Boys Don’t Cry
I read about this but never heard anything from them. Went into my barber last year and he had cut off his long ponytail that he had for some 40 years. Said it was just time and it looks better hanging by the bedroom mirror. I know you didn't just throw away the dreads. It looks like you have the kind of smooth, round head that looks good shaved. Not suggesting or nothing.
I knew they were in the same bandf, but this is the first I've ever heard this. They were smart enough to not let Neil sing 😁 Yes they were on Motown