My mother, God rest her soul, used to sing this song at the officers club. She was a vocal music major and raised me to love ALL types of music and singing. Every time I hear it I cry tears of joy. So glad you enjoyed it. 🥲
ETTA JAMES sings this song with every fiber of her being - and no one but her will ever do this track justice! Ms. Etta James was (and will forever be...) in a league all her own...💜
Back in the early 90s I had a 1953 ford with the original am radio and at night I could pick up oldies stations and songs like this just sounded great on that old speaker.
Another great song from the same era is Fever sung by Peggy Lee. My parents loved it, I love it, and my thirty something children love it. Not to miss!
Thank you for including At Last! It is just a little before my time, but it is perfection! If you are looking for 40's. Try anything Glenn Miller, maybe the Andrew Sisters! The 50's Rockabilly music is a sound you might really like. Keep the reviews coming. I really enjoy them.
Absolutely no one cal sing the song like she can.❤ I first heard this song in a movie. I went out the next day and bought the CD. She was not happy that Obama didn't ask her instead of Bianca (spelling) to sing this at his inauguration. She also thought B should have called her. It is a perfect song to listen to over and over. You guys had a good reaction to this song. Who wouldn't?? Thanks. 🙏🇺🇸😊
In the same vein, I'd suggest Patsy Cline's "Crazy" or "Leavin' On Your Mind". Then there's Sinatra: "Luck Be A Lady", "The Way You Look Tonight", "Witchcraft"...
Some other classic hits from yesteryear that you might enjoy are "Crazy" by Patsy Cline (a haunting 1961 ballad written by Willie Nelson, No. 9 pop and No. 2 country); "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" (a ballad co-written by Carol King) and "Respect" by Aretha Franklin, both from 1967; and "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole (a 1951 ballad) ... there's also a 1991 virtual duet of "Unforgettable" by his daughter Natalie Cole and the late Nat King Cole (it won the Grammy for song of the year at the 1992 Grammy Awards).
At last, you've played THE perfect song! Etta James is a class act and excellent singer. Forget all those who have to use autotune to sound just halfway decent. Let me offer a couple of suggestions for songs--Kelly Sweet did a version of "Dream On" (originally by Aerosmith) that is totally awesome. Also, The Moody Blues with their iconic "Nights in White Satin."
What a classic, guys. Strongly recommend diving into Sam Cooke's amazing catalogue and, of course, Bobby Caldwell's incredible "What You Won't Do For Love" along these same lines in the future.
@@Inked-Smash Thanks for the reply, Inked. Terrific call with "Sunday Kind of Love." How did I forget that one? 😂 Knowing how the guys love Steve Perry, it makes sense for the channel to visit Sam Cooke's work given his influence on Perry and so many others (like Rod Stewart). Thanks again for the reply and the great recommendations.
Etta James was a great singer who covered many different genres, including blues, R&B, soul, rock & roll, jazz & gospel in the 50's-80's. She had an amazing powerful voice. She released "At Last" in 1961 & it became her signature song. She had so many hits such as "The Wallflower", "Tell Mama", "Something's Got A Hold On Me", "If I Can't Have You", "Spoonful", "All I Could Do Was Cry", "My Dearest Darling", "I Just Want to Make Love to You", "A Sunday Kind of Love", "Fool That I Am", "Don't Cry Baby", "Losers Weepers", "I Found A Love" etc.
Great song! I have heard this mostly in TV and movies. I don't think I ever heard a cover version, it's usually this version. What a full voice! No one can match... Ryan's right that first line is iconic. Would love to dance to this, again! Just a classic!!! Good job!
When I listen to this music, I mentally return to the old America of the 50s, this is the old America in which we could not live, I wonder how people perceived this song then.
This song is absolute in the zone perfection.... First time I heard it, it took my breathe away..... I kept waiting for it to get less than perfect, but it only got even more perfect! One of the best pieces of music in recorded history....!...... Enjoy!
Powerful. The depth, intensity, soulfulness and nakedness of her perfect voice paired with the musicians takes the listener to a whole other place. Loved this reaction.
Lifetime fave❤❤❤ Another female vocalist with a low voice is Nina Simone, but hers is raspier and more raw. I recommend her version of Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne”
The perfect marriage of song, arrangement and singer. Exquisite. ❤ (P.S. I’d love to see you guys hit some of these older artists again, from time to time.)
A lot of the success of this record should go to Riley Hampton who arranged the orchestra part for this song. He transformed it from an obscure upbeat big band piece to an R & B classic.
You know how couples often have "their song"? When my wife and I married nearly fifteen years ago, we wanted to pick the perfect song to be OURS. After considering a few, we landed on this one, and it just seemed a perfect homage to our search for one another finally being successful. Another song that I like a lot from my own perspective is "Angel Eyes," by Jeff Healey.
For another classic, pull Brook Benton, "Rainy Night in Georgia." One of my all-time favorites.....you'll appreciate not only his lovely smooth baritone voice, but the mood it puts you in on a rainy nigh in Georgia !
Absolutely sublime. Arguably, the definitive version of this song. (Jeez, if only we'd all be lucky enough to find our "at last", eh?) Often the orchestrations from this era are too syrupy, but this arrangement sounds perfect, and lends a great counter-balance to her soulfulness. Despite her awards, Etta was/is a criminally underrated singer, and had a difficult life, (which included heroin addiction), but her contralto vocals helped put "the blues" in rhythm and blues. Her version of "I'd Rather Go Blind" is amazing, too, and Rod Stewart does a wonderful cover of that song, as well. (I once read that he was inspired by her version.) Thanks so much for reacting to this beauty of a song.
In rhythm and blues, a guitarist will often go back and forth with his instrument, like BB King and Lucille. The same thing happens here with Etta and the strings. They sing to each other. Ray Charles knew how to use those strings as well.
I don't know if the Strawberry Music (Bluegrass/Zydeco) Festival is still a thing - it was a 4-day event held twice a year (Spring and Autumn [Autumn was a better time, spring was cold and wet]), always held at Yosemite National Park (Camp Mathers). I went twice (once each season back in the late 90s), I just don't recall if it was my first or second time going that I had the privilege of seeing Etta James preform live - the only song I remember her singing was a cover of Janis Joplin's Piece of my Heart and it was good. I don't remember much else of her set because some BS drunk a-holes were causing havoc. I'm not into Zydeco music at all, can tolerate some Bluegrass, but man the festival was a lot of fun.
You would love Billie Holiday. A great blues/jazz singer and contemporary of Louis Armstrong. Strange Fruit was a social commentary unique for its time.
Nick, really enjoy your pre - song information, as well as your delivery. Great voice imo, and entertaining. Your facial expressions while listening are spot on. Enjoy the channel👍🏻
The more you dig into the old stuff, the more you learn about your idols' idols.
❤NO other version comes close. This is Etta's song. Everything she sings is🔥🔥🔥
This song sung by Etta James is perfection! It gives me goose bumps every time. She was truly amazing.
My mother, God rest her soul, used to sing this song at the officers club. She was a vocal music major and raised me to love ALL types of music and singing. Every time I hear it I cry tears of joy. So glad you enjoyed it. 🥲
ETTA JAMES sings this song with every fiber of her being - and no one but her will ever do this track justice!
Ms. Etta James was (and will forever be...) in a league all her own...💜
My husband and I had Etta's version played at our wedding reception. This song is timeless.
Beautiful, pure perfection.
Back in the early 90s I had a 1953 ford with the original am radio and at night I could pick up oldies stations and songs like this just sounded great on that old speaker.
Etta James, Nina Simone, Billie Holliday and Aretha Franklin just make everything right with the world. Great song choice!!!
I would put Janis in that group. Peace out.
Don't sleep on Sarah & Ella, no last names needed. If you know, you know!!🎤🎼🎤🌹🌹👌
In 1961, I was in high school, in love, and given to shutting myself in my room to listen to this. The love didn't last, but the song sure did!
Another great song from the same era is Fever sung by Peggy Lee. My parents loved it, I love it, and my thirty something children love it. Not to miss!
You should check out Etta Kames "I'd Rather Go Blind" Live at Montreux 1975 for a truly epic performance.
One of the ten songs you could be stuck on an island with forever.... None better.🎉
This song will always be Etta's. Gives me the chills.
Thank you for including At Last! It is just a little before my time, but it is perfection! If you are looking for 40's. Try anything Glenn Miller, maybe the Andrew Sisters! The 50's Rockabilly music is a sound you might really like. Keep the reviews coming. I really enjoy them.
Absolutely no one cal sing the song like she can.❤ I first heard this song in a movie. I went out the next day and bought the CD. She was not happy that Obama didn't ask her instead of Bianca (spelling) to sing this at his inauguration. She also thought B should have called her. It is a perfect song to listen to over and over. You guys had a good reaction to this song. Who wouldn't?? Thanks. 🙏🇺🇸😊
The perfect first dance at a wedding. My friend used it. WONDERFUL. :)
Stormy Weather! Great Etta James song!
Lena Horne's 1941 version of the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2000'
My favorite Etta song is "I'd Rather Go Blind"
Thanks for not pausing this one.
In the same vein, I'd suggest Patsy Cline's "Crazy" or "Leavin' On Your Mind". Then there's Sinatra: "Luck Be A Lady", "The Way You Look Tonight", "Witchcraft"...
So glad you got to experience this song....a legend by a female icon !
This Lady can sing the Blues.... !!!
PATSY CLINE!! "Crazy," "Walking After Midnight"....
DINAH WASHINGTON!! "What a Difference a Day Makes"
Aaahhhh Dinah! That was one of my fave songs in 1962
Some other classic hits from yesteryear that you might enjoy are "Crazy" by Patsy Cline (a haunting 1961 ballad written by Willie Nelson, No. 9 pop and No. 2 country); "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" (a ballad co-written by Carol King) and "Respect" by Aretha Franklin, both from 1967; and "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole (a 1951 ballad) ... there's also a 1991 virtual duet of "Unforgettable" by his daughter Natalie Cole and the late Nat King Cole (it won the Grammy for song of the year at the 1992 Grammy Awards).
I’d rather go blind by Etta James
Definitely I'd Rather Go Blind
That’s my favorite Etta song.
Rod Stewart's cover is awesome.
In the late '60s Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac also did a better great cover version of "I'd Rather Go Blind" with the band Chicken Shack.
Angelina Jordan's rendition is unreal!
'S tier. Top shelf by anyone's standards. Nuff said
If you like Etta James then listen to Dinah Washington! My two favorite vocalists ever.
So many great female Vocal Artists from the 50s & 40s are passed over , that genre will thrill you for months
Try "Hurt" by Timi Yuro from 1961. Clean powerful voice, sung with feeling.
Guys Etta James - I’d Rather Go Blind (Live At Montreux) 1975… you’re get to see how sassy and amazing she was.
At last, you've played THE perfect song! Etta James is a class act and excellent singer. Forget all those who have to use autotune to sound just halfway decent. Let me offer a couple of suggestions for songs--Kelly Sweet did a version of "Dream On" (originally by Aerosmith) that is totally awesome. Also, The Moody Blues with their iconic "Nights in White Satin."
8:14 Ryan 💥💥💥 excellent points!
Don't forget the Glenn Miller Band and sung by Ray Eberle in the 1940s. Suggestions: Anything by Sarah Vaughn.
The quintessential wedding song.
I saw Etta and BB King in concert. One of the best ever…
What a classic, guys. Strongly recommend diving into Sam Cooke's amazing catalogue and, of course, Bobby Caldwell's incredible "What You Won't Do For Love" along these same lines in the future.
Sam Cooke yeeesssss!!
@@Inked-Smash Thanks for the reply, Inked. Terrific call with "Sunday Kind of Love." How did I forget that one? 😂 Knowing how the guys love Steve Perry, it makes sense for the channel to visit Sam Cooke's work given his influence on Perry and so many others (like Rod Stewart). Thanks again for the reply and the great recommendations.
I think this is one of the finest songs ever recorded
ooo the stankface was wonderful
My husband was a college DJ and when he planned the music for our wedding (20+ years), this was included.
MS Etta James...The OG!
Etta James was a great singer who covered many different genres, including blues, R&B, soul, rock & roll, jazz & gospel in the 50's-80's. She had an amazing powerful voice. She released "At Last" in 1961 & it became her signature song. She had so many hits such as "The Wallflower", "Tell Mama", "Something's Got A Hold On Me", "If I Can't Have You", "Spoonful", "All I Could Do Was Cry", "My Dearest Darling", "I Just Want to Make Love to You", "A Sunday Kind of Love", "Fool That I Am", "Don't Cry Baby", "Losers Weepers", "I Found A Love" etc.
Perfect.❤
Great song! I have heard this mostly in TV and movies. I don't think I ever heard a cover version, it's usually this version. What a full voice! No one can match... Ryan's right that first line is iconic. Would love to dance to this, again! Just a classic!!! Good job!
Nat King Cole "Almost like Being in Love", Frank Sinatra "Can't Take That Away From Me" , Bing Crosby "Always"
Lovely song. Was on Father of the bride with Steve Martin. Etta James Stormy Weather and try Ella Fitzgerald, she a lot of good songs
Her voice, fabulous, but let us not forget to appreciate the orchestration xnd arrangement.
There’s her live version from Montreux of her I Rather Go Blind that’s astonishing and deserves every one of its 61 million views
A classic.
She also has I rather go blind !❤❤❤❤❤
Etta James is a legend. I appreciate her more today than ever. Perfect arrangement for this by the way! Impeccable.
When I listen to this music, I mentally return to the old America of the 50s, this is the old America in which we could not live, I wonder how people perceived this song then.
Ahhhh....good stuff......
I love this sultry sound. Ella Fitzgerald's "Summertime" evokes that same feeling for me.
A friend of mine was so taken by this song, he named his whole business after this song
This song is absolute in the zone perfection.... First time I heard it, it took my breathe away..... I kept waiting for it to get less than perfect, but it only got even more perfect! One of the best pieces of music in recorded history....!...... Enjoy!
Love Love ❤ Love! This song is EXQUISITE!
This song is perfection 🔥🔥
Goose Bumps. And guys, thanks for the great Sound system!! This should be the national Wedding song!!
My wedding song.
Music by humans with no trickery whatsoever. Concept!! ❤
Sunday Kind Of Love and I’d Rather Go Blind!!
Her 'Sunday Morning Kind of Love' is also so yummy,
At Last was her signature song, but I think "Sunday Kind of Love" from the same album is even better.
Still the #1 most requested 1st dance song at weddings.
Lush strings and sultry voice. Slow dance in the moonlight dreaming. Very nice choice.
Nice one. Sometimes you have to go way back and find the gems and this is a beauty. Midnight playlist 😊
All I could do was cry by Etta James
❤classic iconic song, thank you for covering it. This is before my time but I appreciate it very much. ❤
Amen to that!!!
You just about cannot get ANY BETTER than THAT, GUYS!! SO: FIRE!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
You guys have excellent taste .
Best wedding first dance song ever.
Timeless…belongs on every “playlist”…Respect..
Appreciate you guys for not interrupting her, good reaction for sure! 😊
8 year old Angelina Jordan's rendition is a must hear!
Powerful. The depth, intensity, soulfulness and nakedness of her perfect voice paired with the musicians takes the listener to a whole other place. Loved this reaction.
Lifetime fave❤❤❤ Another female vocalist with a low voice is Nina Simone, but hers is raspier and more raw. I recommend her version of Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne”
The perfect marriage of song, arrangement and singer. Exquisite. ❤ (P.S. I’d love to see you guys hit some of these older artists again, from time to time.)
A lot of the success of this record should go to Riley Hampton who arranged the orchestra part for this song. He transformed it from an obscure upbeat big band piece to an R & B classic.
One word. FANTASTIC !
She was amazing talent
Wow! You didn't pause it!! Excellent!! Isn't it just lovely!!?
You don't find class like that in music anymore. ❤
You know how couples often have "their song"? When my wife and I married nearly fifteen years ago, we wanted to pick the perfect song to be OURS. After considering a few, we landed on this one, and it just seemed a perfect homage to our search for one another finally being successful. Another song that I like a lot from my own perspective is "Angel Eyes," by Jeff Healey.
At Last at last! Amazing
For another classic, pull Brook Benton, "Rainy Night in Georgia." One of my all-time favorites.....you'll appreciate not only his lovely smooth baritone voice, but the mood it puts you in on a rainy nigh in Georgia !
No church here, this is a bad girl. Song is still pure. She washes herself of sin, ready for the next round.
I had a grandmother named Ethel and a great aunt named Beulah. Ethel was born in 1899.
My grandmother was named Verda, born in 1887, died in 1975.
NICE!!!!❤❤❤❤❤😂 ETTA WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST!!!!!❤❤
If you're looking for similar types of music, I would suggest Lou Rawls, George Benson, but they are more 70s.
My momma played this a lot. ❤
What a voice!! 😊
Absolutely sublime. Arguably, the definitive version of this song. (Jeez, if only we'd all be lucky enough to find our "at last", eh?) Often the orchestrations from this era are too syrupy, but this arrangement sounds perfect, and lends a great counter-balance to her soulfulness. Despite her awards, Etta was/is a criminally underrated singer, and had a difficult life, (which included heroin addiction), but her contralto vocals helped put "the blues" in rhythm and blues. Her version of "I'd Rather Go Blind" is amazing, too, and Rod Stewart does a wonderful cover of that song, as well. (I once read that he was inspired by her version.) Thanks so much for reacting to this beauty of a song.
In rhythm and blues, a guitarist will often go back and forth with his instrument, like BB King and Lucille. The same thing happens here with Etta and the strings. They sing to each other. Ray Charles knew how to use those strings as well.
❤ this song.
I don't know if the Strawberry Music (Bluegrass/Zydeco) Festival is still a thing - it was a 4-day event held twice a year (Spring and Autumn [Autumn was a better time, spring was cold and wet]), always held at Yosemite National Park (Camp Mathers). I went twice (once each season back in the late 90s), I just don't recall if it was my first or second time going that I had the privilege of seeing Etta James preform live - the only song I remember her singing was a cover of Janis Joplin's Piece of my Heart and it was good. I don't remember much else of her set because some BS drunk a-holes were causing havoc. I'm not into Zydeco music at all, can tolerate some Bluegrass, but man the festival was a lot of fun.
Beautiful!!🤘🔥
You would love Billie Holiday. A great blues/jazz singer and contemporary of Louis Armstrong. Strange Fruit was a social commentary unique for its time.
Beyonce sang this at Obamas inauguration and Etta James was throwing a fit how she should have been asked
You'll find other good even great stuff I this era, but nothing.... Better..... Than this. This is history.
Brilliant
Nick, really enjoy your pre - song information, as well as your delivery. Great voice imo, and entertaining. Your facial expressions while listening are spot on. Enjoy the channel👍🏻