Al Green - "A Change Is Gonna Come" | Concert for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Al Green performs Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" at the Concert for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
Looking for more Rock Hall memories from Al Green and Sam Cooke? Visit their official Hall of Fame online bios here:
Al Green: rockhall.com/in...
Sam Cooke: rockhall.com/in...

[@renatinhomarcilia8]

If you don't get emotional you are empty inside.

[@Pneuma3339]

The most amazing thing about this performance is that you can tell he’s very much in the moment as if he’s all by himself. There’s an audience in front of him and a band behind him, but the way he’s digging deep inside his heart and soul it’s as if he’s alone, not caring about anyone or anything around him as he pours his heart out to God...

[@simonpure109]

Guy is so original, soul is deep!!! Everytime he performs that hit, brother Al green losses it in the air!!! I can feel how this song means to him personally, Sam must be so proud up there!!! What a hit

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I was there 🕊️ one of the highlights of my life as far as music goes !

[@Xochiyolotl]

I don’t know about that. He was interacting a lot with the audience. He wanted them to make some noise for him. He kept addressing them from time to time before the song started and during it. You can’t do that if you think you’re just by yourself. He was pouring his heart out but it was to those people watching him. I am absolutely sure his heart touched theirs while he was doing this song because I wasn’t even there and he touches mine all the time with it. I wish I had been there because I would never have forgotten it.

[@Xochiyolotl]

@@juniorjohnson5961 i’m so jealous. I bet it was wonderful too! I bet you will never forget it for the rest of your life too, won’t you?

[@juniorjohnson5961]

​@@Xochiyolotl I think of it often. I've got the ribbon that was cut to open the Hall Of Fame. Met Yoko Ono & Jann Wenner the two people who cut the ribbon & was with the first group to go through .

[@cindyking7229]

Love his voice.This song has never,ever been more relevant than now

[@rbeeydwan4479]

2020 here!! ThanQ Jesus aaamen!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@CarmensProjects]

I mean I'm sure it was more relevant in 1963 when it was written... but it's still relevant especially in our day and age

[@drymant]

What a stupid, ignorant thing to say.

[@BasedKenniff]

Facts we need a change, biden got the economy banged up smh

[@KimiKitsch]

@@BasedKenniff durp

[@amywood5555]

Woooo🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥straight fire. If that dont move you...check your soul

[@simonpure109]

Twice 🤭

[@Channel-bj1nz]

Considering he was almost 50 yrs old during this performance, his voice was still as immaculate as before. Needed this upload in these tough times. Thank you for posting and thank you to Al Green for sharing his amazing and powerful voice to the world!

[@johnjohnston4672]

Saw him the 1973, At blossom music center In Ohio. What a voice. That was shortly before he became reverend Al Green

[@bluejazz517]

@@johnjohnston4672 I saw Al twice in 1973 (March and November) in Nashville, Tennessee.

[@evelynwright4936]

I just know you made Sam Cook proud. Thank you Mr. Green💜💜💜‼️

[@davida1606]

OMG.. what a privilege to hear this sung by Al Green. Amazing.

[@maeagbeyegbe4629]

I absolutely love Sam Cooke and Al Green. They both have a way of making you feel the essence of any song they are performing.

[@veronicaross6601]

Yes indeed!!

[@yotony0]

2 total giants and GOATs

[@dominiquejones3805]

Otis tore it 2 shreds also

[@mariaescobar7489]

Beautiful 🙏🏻🌷

[@upclose22]

Wow, what amazing, spiritual & powerful performance 🥰👏🥰🥰🥰 Best rendition of this song I’ve EVER heard. Bravo Al Green!!👏👏👏👏

[@RandomNest]

2021 and Al Green's rendition is still PHENOMENAL!!!❤❤❤

[@gaylasmith5279]

Honestly, I don't think Al Green can make any song sound bad. Have you ever heard his cover of The Bee Gees "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart"? Blew me away. Peace.

[@richardjackson1078]

THIS SONG HAS HIT ME LIKE A TON OF BRICKS THIS MORNING . IT COME AT A MORE DESERVING TIME CAN'T DO NOTHING BUT SIT HERE LISTEN AND CRY!!!

[@carolcarney1022]

I was smiling throughout this video... Al leaves a piece of his body and soul on stage...❤❤

[@indiesongwriter5474]

"looky here!" "I wish I could come down there with you!" "One more thing" " good God almighty" Love the commentary between singing, liked he's speaking to the spirit of Sam Cook up in heaven while he's singing this

[@gaylasmith5279]

Reverend Green's cover of this powerful anthem does Sam Cooke justice. If this doesn't move you, you're just not right. Still waiting for that change to come, but this certainly gives me hope for us all. Oh, Al Green. That voice. That presence. That smile. I say "YEAH"!

[@Ida-iu3uj]

What a voice!

[@bonitahobbs2097]

"HOMEBOY"..." HOME- MAN"!!! He lived in Lee County, AR. My Aunt stated that Mr. Green , Grammy- Winner, Kennedy Center Honoree once sang in a quartet in and around Marianna, AR with a family friend named J.P. Allegedly, he and J.P. used my Aunt and Uncles car to take some girls to the prom in Lee County ARKANSAS!!! HE HAS ONE OF THE BEST VOICES ever! I also, know that he donated a great deal of ; in the thousands to assist my mother and father, myself; and many other soldiers to benefit the Lee COOP Clinic, in Marianna, AR many years ago! Many of us are thankful that his Lee County stewardship lead him to become Minister . He is from the Jack Nash area of Lee County. I think they put it in the map in Arkansas when he won The Kennedy Center Honor! There were a lot of lil communities such as Black Swamps, Turkey Scratch, etc. All in the Delta of Arkansas. Many great singers came from the Delta! Bobbie McFerrin, SR. also a singer from Lee Co, SR. His son sang" Don't t worry, be Happy"! Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the founder of Rock n Roll was a short distant away in Cotton Plant , AR. As was singer Petie Wheatstraw. Mr. Johnny Taylor was from Crawfordsville , AR, which was just another hop skip n a jump away!!! THE DELTA DON'T PLAY!!!

[@odingakambui3825]

Petite Wheatstraw was actually a person?

[@bonitahobbs2097]

@@odingakambui3825 According to what I have read ; that he was a musician from Cotton Plant , AR. Perhaps Google has more. P.S. The Country music singer Conway Twitty also lived in Marianna , AR in the 1960's. He married a lady named MS. Jaco who was living in Marianna, AR.....which is in Lee County and of course, Johnny Cash was born and lived approx 40- 45 miles from points in Lee Co.

[@ermihabteshzeray5343]

I love to listen Al Green dog every day. It makes me die,,,,,,OMG

[@ellisisland1374]

Great performance!❤👏 Timeless soul song! Living legend Reverend Al Green sang with power and conviction!🙂 RIP iconic Sam Cooke!💐🫡

[@MySilken]

Such a beautiful song sung by an amazing human being.

[@sarajomendez7994]

The change that has been coming the last 10+ years aren't anything I expected when I was loving this music back then!!

[@mariocaffari5015]

Hi , wait and see, there will be much more changes NOW

[@sarajomendez7994]

@@mariocaffari5015 I hope the change you expect is the right one!!

[@mariocaffari5015]

@@sarajomendez7994 YES im shure, even if it's hurts first

[@sarajomendez7994]

Well, as the old saying goes...Be careful what you wish for, you may get it!

[@ernestbrooks8798]

After this great performance, he went and turned out the David Letterman Show!!

[@gaylasmith5279]

Lucky audience! Love Mr. Green.

[@kennyboy3057]

AMAZING!!!

[@randymenard8446]

He is right because a change gonna come.😢 This is so awesome to hear Al Greene. If only everybody would pay attention to this. A change came after the depression and their will be another.

[@terrianthony4050]

Sing 🎤 it legendary soul singer Al Green ❤️

[@edwardcooke9413]

More important in 2024 then ever before ☮️

[@franmichellecotter3649]

Fantastic performance, and he did it his way. ❤❤❤

[@marilynbarnes4144]

Amazing and Awesome Man...Great Performance Al Green...Love Your Music!!!

[@MrWalbudri]

Way to go Mr. Green

[@kevinmcleish6719]

He’s the man!!!

[@eightysixmajor]

my favorite version of this song by the goat

[@jackieborden5041]

I am an almost 76 year old and the song A change is Gonna Come is still one of my favorite R&B Songs. AL Green is the best.

[@isrberlinerin4063]

I agree !

[@lmpoole4934]

I’m the same age, and I’m right there with you. Love this! 😊

[@ldmax]

I didn't think anyone could ever equal Sam Cooke's original. Leave it to Al Green to come damn close.

[@gaylasmith5279]

No kidding. I usually avoid listening to covers of this powerful anthem, but it's Al Green. What a voice! I think Sam Cooke must have been smiling down!

[@hindemorelli2274]

This version is so emotional, it’s just as good, maybe better

[@damiendaly983]

Wow

[@kevinmcleish6719]

Yes sir!!!!

[@pokemonkidtv9833]

Soooo much passion ……beautiful,masterful performance .if you don’t feel this something wrong with you

[@beverlyf5289]

AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL AL🏆⭐👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾☺👌🏾✌🏾

[@youresowitty8973]

2020 and beyond drop the mic performance.

[@angelalewis6750]

SAM COOKE AND AL KILL THIS SONG. NO ONE CAN DO IT BETTER.

[@debbiemartin6661]

Bobby Womack also done and amazing job!!

[@willeneajohnson]

What an amazing voice. This song is the hope for the nation. It was song yesterday at the Fountain of Praise for the home going for George Floyd, His brother testified before Congress this morning. It was moving, however, Congressperson Jordan is perversely leading the Republican Party, unfortunately, this is that cry that has not been heard by some evil people in America.

[@Rajbharath10]

Omg what a emotional song i feel like im able

[@sorahbrowne1534]

A change has come Al. God has taken back the World.

[@jackieborden5041]

U know I think this song was song as an R&B song but could just as well be a gospel song because truly we know very well that a change is truly gonna come before it is all over and it is already happening.

[@gardenerkatecarter5911]

Amen brother the time is now

[@siaswatt]

Good voice vocals

[@rodharris1997]

2:52-5:21 😟😰😫 Is why Rev Al Green is and will always be LEGENDARY Period

[@claudiosouza4578]

Amo demais Al Green

[@JorgeSilva-mw2bp]

Al gree nós encher de orgulho por ser negros.

[@TheDarkKnight73]

church !!!!!!!!

[@manueldiegoutrillaquintana1500]

The reverant was iluminated in this concert

[@oland637]

AL Green and Denzel Washington can pass for brothers.

[@kre-8-tivediting906]

Love his serious singing / Not so much the joking with the audience // Very serious song Al

[@FothermuckerJonesJr]

I could listen to this on repeat five times in a row. It’s like meditation so powerful

[@stacyharris9008]

Sam would definitely approve of Al singing in this and pay him appropriately...

[@marianopenalver2291]

Tremenda versión 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@CarrieBarner]

I😂remember the dream ✨️ 🎶 I had. I pray for Jehovah's foundation and help 🙏 😢 😪 holy spirit and the power beyond what is normal and his 👋 🙏 or my guardian angels to help me. I am not afraid anymore. Jehovah can't lie want lie. So everything is going to be alright. Sign Ms Carrie

[@Xochiyolotl]

Brings a tear to my eye even today. Sam Cook would’ve been proud. He did his song justice. Just knocked that song out of the park! Beautiful rendition. So emotional. Sung so beautifully and didn’t miss a single beat. Al is one of the best.

[@isrberlinerin4063]

Yes indeed !

[@lizoliver914]

150% agree with you!

[@sinecam3606]

AI GREEN HAS ALWAYS SANG FROM THE DEPTHS OF HIS SOUL , I THANK GOD FOR SHARING HIS GIFT WITH US !!!!!!!!!!!

[@dominiquejones3805]

I think he was sharper here than the other live performance

[@debbieedwards711]

Ain't nothing better than this performance. I could just cry. So great!

[@mariocaffari5015]

Hi , please try also * The Neville Bros. * doing this song, ENJOY

[@jennyt894]

Wow! I am with you on that one! Have tears in my eyes. ♥️

[@pamelahumphries644]

Seal

[@rosalindchase7974]

Seriously great Al!

[@rosalindchase7974]

Wowee this is soooo beautiful!

[@TheCray817]

Yes lord just sing!!!One day a change is going to come!❤❤❤✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@mariocaffari5015]

Hi, the BIG change does already happen..........

[@jackvolta3489]

This version is one of the best renditions of Sam Cooke's original. I bet Sam Cooke himself is smiling ear to ear when he hears this! Al Green surely put a whole load of respect into this versíon. This has become one of my favorite songs and there's no better way to listen to it except the louder the volume, the better it sounds. Simply awesome!

[@stephaniedejesus2109]

Have you heard Otis Redding and Aretha sing it? Simply beautiful 😃

[@beverlykristy7513]

Thanks Rock Hall for posting this great video! I was there that night and this was the point that the audience gelled together due to the mastery of Al's performance of this song.. Al just placed us all in the palm of his hand. I'll never forget it. So timely right now. Everyone, please share.

[@devilcity5827]

Al Green is one of the greatest, amazing song.

[@hartsfelder182]

Labor Day weekend 1995 - 25 years later and still feels like yesterday. So thankful to have been there in person.

[@t.c.3027]

June 9th 1995 to be precise & Albert song his butt off too! I was 40yrs. old & jammed MY butt off!

[@MrIstillremember]

I used to stock shelves at Meijers in Holland MI. Whenever this Al Green cover played over the Musac machine shoppers would just stop dead in the isles and listen. Suddenly you could hear a pin drop. This would last for the entire song. The Truth lands in all cultures. One day we will become the Beloved Community.

[@simonpure109]

Brighter days!!!

[@gaylasmith5279]

Al Green has the ability with his grace and talent to pretty much stop anyone in their tracks. I mean that voice, that presence. The man has the gift! Peace.

[@katrinamiskiewicz]

Goosebumps and tears at the same time so heartrending MD powerful

[@vinylgirlflplasmatics9572]

He’s my absolute favorite. This is a gorgeous performance.

[@melindabarber2126]

When Al Green sang this song at this ceremony, as a white person it was the first time I ever heard this song. I burst out in tears and then I looked up Sam Cooke (one of the most beautiful voices ever). Still brings me to tears for hope.

[@mariocaffari5015]

This is a * MILESTONE * in Black - Music - Culture - History ! Many others did this great tune also. They all brought the seeds of this < Mantra > to this world. By the time these seeds have grown, and NOW there will be BIG Changes on this planet, especially to ALL Human Beings ! It's also possible to remove these bad feelings of staying apart or against yours Brothers & Sisters ! May this plant grow now to a strong three, which will survive all the storms of this time. The great band on stage: Booker T. and his Mc's and the one and only ° Memphis - Horns °

[@angieoverstreet3466]

There are no words to describe this!

[@wolke1955]

💞💞💞

[@cathydavis772]

He is amazing GOD knew what he was doing. Thank you Jesus for making such a great performer

[@joankearns4490]

Too beautiful to express in words?

[@sheilahollingsworth1316]

The most Spiritual, like James Brown, Michael Jackson, and groups like the Temptations! They poured a righteous Soul, out, to us, all!

[@johnnycrawlersr.1402]

MR. REV AL GREEN TRULY IS ONE OF THE BEST RHYTHM AND BLUES, SOUL, AND GOSPEL ARTIST OF THIS GENERATION. HIS VOICE WILL LAST FOREVER. THIS SONG IS TRULY DEDICATED TO MR GEORGE FLOYD R. I. P. A CHANGE HAS COME!!!

[@lindaroane3344]

Here it is many years later, and that change is coming.

[@chuckcarpenter5742]

Damn….that’s what’s missing from music today. There’s some good music out there, but none of it has soul anymore…

[@Sentimentalgal05]

I hope and pray our brothers and sisters will see change that's going to come! Across this world we have seen so many people Unite for justice and everyone knows the name of George Floyd. George's funeral was one of the most beautiful service I witnessed today. I hate being handicapped after these 3 back surgeries because I can no longer walk in protest or marches. But my heart and soul is with everyone. I will stand up & stand with brothers & sisters Against Racism every single time!!

[@gaylasmith5279]

So sorry you're no longer able to walk, but your heart is in the right place. I am a white woman, aged 63. I was/am deeply appalled and saddened that what happened to George Floyd could have happened at all. The act brought shame upon our nation yet again and it just keeps happening. Just know that I wish we could all live united in Christian fellowship. I wasn't brought up in a racist background and I thank God for my parents. I grew up in the deep South during the Civil Rights Era. From the age of four on up, I witnessed such indignities and some brutalities brought upon some people it was and still is very disturbing. I would often speak out for my friends, but I was a child and was mostly ignored. Sometimes threatened myself. I was never so happy when those nasty "colored only" signs came down. I've never understood racism and I never shall. It's base, ugly and ignorant. I wish you well. Peace. Stay safe and healthy. And keep marching!

[@donna1960]

Nobody can sing this Better than Al Green❤love it...2020

[@angieoverstreet3466]

Amen!!

[@mariocaffari5015]

Hi, maybe Aaron Naville does........

[@charlesurdy-barnes413]

I know 5 great reeditions and I would not say any of them "beats' the other 6.

[@jonathanmalenfant2159]

I mean... Sam cooke? 🤨🤔

[@meschellesahlidolak9958]

@@jonathanmalenfant2159 seriously. Except Sam Cooke...the man that WROTE IT 🤦‍♀️

[@manoelassis6941]

Sam Cooke, baita compositor. Essa canção é muito forte, revolucionária (a tristeza presente e a confiança em dias melhores ). Deve ser interpretada com respeito e com todo o coração.

[@Homer23D]

I have to see Al Green in concert he feels the music express the music that’s what I love ☝🏽❤️🙏🏽

[@IrnBruNYC]

There is apparently no surviving film or video of Sam Cooke performing this song, but we are blessed to have Rev. Green's performance.

[@jamesutley1352]

Tragically Sam Cooke was murdered just a week or two before the song was officially released

[@SweetColo]

Al always is so interactive with his audiences. He just loves his fans !!!! And we Love him more❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@dominiquejones3805]

The facial expression he did when he took his shades off is priceless. Al is the ultimate performer

[@josesolis7061]

Al green touches my soul especially im tired of being alone

[@debrajacobsparkerson599]

It has been along time coming... A change is gonna come..... Much love an respect... Macon, GA.. ♥

[@Bryan8329]

This was used in the movie Ali, when he finds out Malcolm X was killed

[@bonitahobbs2097]

Bryan8329 I think that was THE GREAT SAM COOKES VERSION! Godspeed

[@Bryan8329]

@@bonitahobbs2097 That was in Spike Lee's movie about Malcolm X. Same to you :)

[@jeremyraglin8170]

Wonderful song, I remember first hearing his music in Pulp Fiction, been a fan ever since.

[@lindalee6279]

Al Green did a awesome job singing this great song by Legend Sam Cooke, love this song & boy do we need a change in our Country today....11-03-21

[@hindemorelli2274]

This performance makes me cry, so beautiful

[@EssexKing]

All my life I thought this was Al Green’s song Shows how great he is

[@stevea.3050]

Excellent 👍👍🙏🏼

[@stephendverner]

Sooooo much soul! We need more songs of hope like this!

[@prosay]

So unfortunate, that most of the people waving will never understand the true meaning of this song. " Hey boy, don't you hang around."

[@gaylasmith5279]

Sad, though true. I was four when my family moved to the deep South in 1961. I didn't begin to understand why the children I played with couldn't drink from the same water fountain. Our parents didn't teach me or my sister to be racists. We were so confused about all the "colored only"/"white only" signs that seemed to be everywhere. I was appalled that grown-ups from the church we attended used the "n-word" on a regular basis. I remember taking my box of crayons out and taking the white one to prove I wasn't white. I was peach. And my friends weren't black, they were brown. Out of the mouths of babies, I suppose. I remember seeing all the injustices done to people of color and seeing the indignities they suffered at the hands of law enforcement. I was never so thrilled to see those nasty signs come down. I never understood racism and I never shall. I have had friends tell me horror stories about the awful things done to them just because of the color of their skin. It's unfathomable. I realize that racism is a learned behavior, so why don't people stop teaching it to their children? Ignorance? Meaness? I have always loved Al Green. His cover of this gave me chills. What a powerful voice and presence the man has. I think Sam Cooke must have been smiling down. Now, I'm waiting still for the change to come. Peace. Take care. Let's continue to try to make our world a better place.

[@Annie10k]

✨😌🙏🏽💖🌹✨

[@SSJTrunks45]

My most favorite performance of this beautiful song. Al Green tugs at the heartstrings with this mesmerizing performance

[@danishhald]

Beautiful

[@velvedermskin2371]

Exceptional!!!!....I don't understand the 31 thumbs down

[@gaylasmith5279]

Those thumbs down got no soul.

[@isrberlinerin4063]

I always loved Al Green's voice and so many of his songs, this rendition of A Change is Gonna Come touches my heart every time i hear it and Al sings with so much passion . No matter what race almost everybody is looking for a positive change .

[@dominiquejones3805]

Al is such a Showman.The facial expression he gave when he took his shades off is priceless.He always had fun performing

[@simondavenport744]

I literally didn't realise how good this great man was live, what a passionate guy. I can see how he ended up a pastor. I feel like going to a gospel church and singing after that. Amazing

[@ErikBlankenship]

Reverend Al got church goin on!

[@roolian5294]

when music made sense....not the current manufactured singers.... talent at its best....natural born talent

[@gaylasmith5279]

No need for autotune. These singers had/have natural, powerful voices.

[@gloristeinbullock2780]

Al Green is a great Gospel Singer. When he sing, makes me feel so good 🙂😁😊. Enjoying, myself. A change, truly came, we are. so, so, blessed. Beautiful 🥰 song.