BB King At Sing Sing Prison Sings Blues To The Inmates & They Respond. The Complete Film

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Here is BB King shot by another documentary filmmaker just a few years after I made my prison film with him. Wonderful insights and great music - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYfUlpljoKeliK8

[@youxkio]

Wow. I had a vinyl record from BB King from many years ago that I found in the trash back in the 80s. Now I understand its real value. This is awesome!!! I will share this video with my brother and ask him if he still has that vinyl.

[@CindyM372]

Thank you so much, have just subscribed now that I have found you, love it 👏👏😘

[@Realbenbudson]

Thank You! Amazing!

[@ChrisIrving-f7k]

Increadable footage

[@Realbenbudson]

@JhonnyCash-mo2wx I doubt very many, if any others.

[@Michael-v3z1s]

BB king.American ICON. It's great we have yt. To pass it on.

[@juliosoto5743]

This is not a concert. This is a testament of the power of music and how a single man can connect with thousands with a single note.

[@riffster4264]

Truth has been spoken man!! Agree!

[@veryljones3155]

The power of ENERGY, VIBRATION and FREQJENCY is on display and its life changing! When we unite we can accomplish the amazing, almost even what some say couldn’t be done!!!!😅😂😊

[@carolettajames5471]

amen ! @@riffster4264

[@virginia7890]

Se😅e those bar bells he was lifting I worked as a guard and the men were moving the bar bells downstairs from an upstairs closet. I was there to unlock the closet. In their haste to get the barbells two of the men lifted the bar bells over my head as I was in door way..One lost his grip on the bar bell The other man grabbed the entire barbell so it wouldn't hit my head. They were all praising God that I wasn't injured. So was I.!!!! God is always present. No matter where we are God is there. Thank you!

[@Freedom_Half_Off]

You are lucky to realize what is happening . . not because the barbell missed your head ... manybpeople blow stuff like that off . When it happens repeatedly is when you really know ...

[@Anavllama]

This needs to be added to the Library of Congress National Film archive as a cultural treasure.

[@NadaNada-dv8wx]

Agree with that 100%👍

[@howardalgar]

absolutely!!!

[@stevensrp2music985]

I couldn’t agree more

[@tdhawk167]

You mean it's not?!?! WTH? That needs to be rectified!

[@terrylucas630]

Let’s make it happen!!

[@danm.bagley5030]

I was a correctional officer at Soledad in California when King came and played in the yard on family day. I was positioned just off the stage when he came off the stage, he gave me a wink as he went by. Really cool.

[@FireSkyGamersXD]

As a 19 year old I am so grateful that things like this were recorded!

[@Swaptober314]

💯

[@TheGrimpreacher777]

your comment in and of itself, is a blessing ... thank you

[@leonardodalongisland]

Good to know there's at least one like you!

[@Gurl-5150]

As well you should be. I'm usually grateful for WWll era video and photography. I get it though.

[@nickkohlmann]

I'm around your age. Same here.

[@podunkcitizen2562]

Saw this man perform twice towards the end of his life. He was seated for most of the show. What a great performer.

[@LoveOneAnotherHeSaid]

Yep, seated because that Lucille the guitar weighs 9 pounds!

[@TheSpaLife69]

Only B.B. King can make a grown man cry.

[@kathleenanderson9319]

Bb turned all those hardened men into little boys in that concert. Amazing what the blues can do.

[@joaquinsantacruz4338]

2:10 "I'll do it, I'll come for free" - BB King. What a great and humble soul.

[@hildagilbert2941]

A THOUSAND AMENS 🙏 ✨ ♥.

[@KissMyAxxe123]

❤

[@Sivlelvis]

BB had so much passion and commitment to his craft. No matter what type of music you like if you dont appreciate what he poured out of his soul on stage you are lost.

[@Giselle-pw6cv]

You know it

[@ramblinelmo5763]

Maybe he could also cry thinking of you when listening "Guess who"

[@martinhill2583]

Isn't it wonderful to see the audience really paying attention and getting into every song with not a bloody cell phone in sight!

[@chanceblak8132]

If we gotta explain 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@BlueSkateMag]

Its a prison

[@Tov-h3v]

I used to listen to BB King as I was in my early 20's and was a bit into Blues,The Thrill Is Gone was my favourite song. JazzyT.

[@jasonzoellner7547]

I have a son in prison, wouldn't wish it on any single father ❤ but this is inspiring and I have loved B.B for a long time and respect him even more!!!!❤

[@LeenaStark]

May God bring him back to you, and may you be reunited in love + happiness SOON! ✊

[@CaspersGhost618]

I hope he makes it through safe and sound!

[@jasonzoellner7547]

@CaspersGhost618 ..yes, he's a civil man...But he knows to adapt and become an animal when needed. Thank you very much

[@markcassidy4232]

This documentary shows what an amazing musician BBKing was. How he was able to share his love with those less fortunate. RIP MR. KING!

[@bjdee1437]

I come back to this regularly to be reminded how important love and compassion are. At 24:55 you see, when BB's been singing a song that says "someone really loves you", you see a inmate wiping a tear away. Makes me cry every time. It's easy to forget the humanity and pain of these people...it's beautiful that they put this show on.

[@mahanehsani1246]

what's the name of song? 38:00 any links?

[@Monkforilla]

@@mahanehsani1246 it’s a song by Joan baez it’s called sing sing Ossining

[@Swaptober314]

Yesss

[@xAntoIRL]

[@springwell6146]

You bet, this is great piece. I do also watch this also atleast 3-4 times a year.

[@timwhetstone9285]

God bless B.B. King, greatest performer of all time!

[@jacobschulenburg2663]

This is absolutely incredible footage. My lord 😮

[@luciehanson6250]

Thanks! Independence is a strong thing! Be independent on this weekend! God bless, Mr. Hoffman! Bird by his side!

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Wow Lucie. What a celebratory fourth of july gift of support. I will use it wisely. Thank you from Heidi and me. David Hoffman Filmmaker

[@jiveturkey9993]

That's one hell of an achievement. To brainstorm the concert idea and then put it all together and make it happen. You should be a household name because of that.

[@Monkforilla]

I know I’ll neva forget the name behind the film and I’m only 16! My kids will know the name of David Hoffman and will get to see his great works someday!! 🤣👍👍✨✨❤️✌️

[@jeffreywebb7932]

Agreed👍

[@nwall989898]

They need to make a movie about this, it’d be great!

[@mhud95]

We all need to work together to help this man get more and more of the recognition he deserves for all the amazing work he's done.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Thank you. I am trying my best against an unfriendly algorithm where I am concerned. Clicking on the thanks button helps. Becoming a subscriber. Becoming a member. That all helps. Dave Hoffman filmmaker

[@kianabrown8550]

​@@DavidHoffmanFilmmakerThank you so much for sharing this because I grew up listening to b b king and met him twice in my life. I give you appreciation and props for the hard work you doing God bless you.

[@jackiemorris66]

Every blues man needs the recognition. I work with some pretty young people and they definitely know the name BB King, know his music some of his music probably not ever. They are so missing out. Is it enough they know his name and they've heard of him definitely not

[@jaminova_1969]

@@kianabrown8550 I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. King and he invited us to the show! It was like stepping into a 1950's club because BB was totally in his element! So happy I got to experience that!

[@AmericansForDemocracy]

You’re a national treasure Mr. Hoffman.

[@joshflores6320]

imagine someone who actual was at the prison and now watches this video today! CHILLS

[@Multiv3rs]

Wish I could've grown up in the world when music said something, 21 years young, but hey at least we have the internet so it's never gone. God bless America and God bless music.

[@jiveturkey9993]

I bet you there's more than a few of those inmates that still talk about that concert to this day. Cuz from their perspective I bet that performance had a whole different meaning.

[@propmaster101]

Bill Barry yea is pretty fun to think how these prisoners were given a free concert from a blues legend

[@neillbaxter9613]

Made me cry multiple times. I have no reason to but I can’t help it when he breaks into that someone really loves you

[@jiveturkey9993]

@@neillbaxter9613 music can be extremely powerful spiritually for both good and bad. Sounds to me like you just experienced the good spiritual power in music. Cleansing, comforting and regenerating your soul.

[@adublbeatz8656]

@@neillbaxter9613 Yes Sir!!

[@adublbeatz8656]

@@jiveturkey9993 Exactly!! Music connects so many bridges, in so many shapes and forms!

[@susanaskins6462]

Wow what a privilege to have such a treat on Thanksgiving day

[@johnpelhamingram2228]

His prelude improvising on How Blue Can You Get is a masterclass. BB is another one of Mississippi’s contributions to Western Civilization.

[@diane9247]

There's every human emotion in this film, at full-throttle. What a joy to see the men's reactions to B.B.'s lyrics and very funny presentations, as if he's telling them, "I know what you're feeling." I can't get over their faces...the richness of spirit... Thank you, David.

[@susanmercurio1060]

Whaaaat? You're the producer of BB King in Sing Sing? I wish all the young people who think that "old folks" are dull and boring would actually talk to old folks like us

[@franfine2861]

Susan Mercurio. IKR. Was so excited to watch this. I to did not realize David did this until today. I am 66 and I also wish those younger would actually desire to talk to the older generation more. So much could share with them. Saddens me how the older or elderly are treated today as if we have little to no real value to them. And Oh the stories of our youth we could share. And Respect has certainly gotten lost. Anyway this video was awesome!! Right! I certainly enjoyed it vbb

[@taylorcarpenter3850]

Hello Susan, I'm 26 & currently on my way to becoming a PSW so I can take care of the "old folks" in my town. Just wanted to let you know I don't think any of you are dull or boring, in fact quite the opposite. :) Hopefully this gives you a little hope in regards to my generation... Although I know a lot of them don't think like me. Thank you for the video David!

[@502C.r.H]

I was born in 93 and I abosolutly love sitting down with my grandpops and listening to his stories from his time but seeing a video of it is SO MUCH BETTER to see the energy everyone has in that moment

[@susanmercurio1060]

@@502C.r.H : You're the same age as my grandchildren

[@rloc99]

❣️🙂

[@RRDukes]

I heard Lucille and had to blow my speakers out!...

[@tahoeturk]

I got to meet, photograph and talk with BB a few times over the years and there was no greater gentleman. What a kind giving soul

[@tahoeturk]

and what a gift this film is! Thank you.

[@stevechase2232]

This is absolute gold!! Not just the King but the entire experience!!

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Thank you for your comment. Please consider joining the David Hoffman KZbin Community to receive daily photo posts and monthly entertaining and provocative Livestreams. Click the join button on my channel homepage - upper right corner. David Hoffman Filmmaker

[@susanmercurio1060]

His impersonation of the woman in that conversation is hilarious! (The first song)

[@nathanmcgrady]

The song is called "How Blue Can You Get" if you or anyone else was wondering.

[@yashukey3401]

@@nathanmcgrady can you please tell name of all the songs ? Thank you

[@Kunibert_Knatter]

This is nothing less but an iconic concert movie! Thank you for making it! Thank you for sharing it!

[@santiagovictor2004]

BB will always be one of my favorites, his music is so full of soul and passion… pay attention kids, that’s what REAL music is

[@bintangdomena]

This is a wonderful documentary! Thank you!! BB was the greatest- he always had super tight players back him up and he just loved to play- he just got better with age! Thankfully he did sell a decent amount of records for many, many years, not all blues musicians can, or could say that. Thanks again David

[@Fugettaboutit]

As I've said numerous times, it is impossible not to feel better after hearing or watching BB King than you did before. BB made you feel like he was giving you a gift when he performed. Look across that crowd and at all those genuine smiles....and those tears...that's that gift.

[@hebertdominguez5894]

Thanks , grate this. 41 years prisoner.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Where are you or were you imprisoned? David Hoffman filmmaker

[@TwasNeverThus2]

David Hoffman, you are a true mensch. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing multi-generations to experience one of the most humble and brilliant musicians this world has ever known. What an experience it must have been to film this...I'm getting chills watching BB sweat on my screen.

[@chairlesnicol672]

What's a mensch?

[@dizzyvison]

@@chairlesnicol672 a man of integrity; a righteous man

[@A_Pa-Plainjane]

​@@chairlesnicol672it's a Yiddish word used by the Jewish people of Europe. Yiddish was a combination of Hebrew, German, Polish- all the places Jews lived in the diaspora.

[@avidodd26]

@@chairlesnicol672a particularly delicious pastrami sandwich.

[@chairlesnicol672]

well if I got a choice between a man of integrity and a delicious sandwich, I'm taking the latter! Lol!!!​@@avidodd26

[@FedeG99]

Thanks for this amazing video, greatings from Argentina

[@jean-marcknight8816]

16:45 goosebumps, not only the music but the reaction of the inmates audience. This performance sure has something special and it is so wonderful to have its context as well in the documentary Thanks for all your invaluable testimonies about people's life of these times when no cell phones video could capture it.

[@800_k_7]

SING SING SURE BRING ME LOTS OF MEMORIES. THOSE WERE TIME OF NOSTALGIA, WHEN THE USA WAS GREAT. LONG LIVE THE GOOD OLD DAYS.

[@jeffscott3073]

The jail broke spirits ,but activities like these gave it back.

[@mahanehsani1246]

what's the name of song? 38:00 any links?

[@jean-marcknight8816]

@@mahanehsani1246 Joan Baez "Sing Sing"

[@mahanehsani1246]

@@jean-marcknight8816 links?

[@elesegreene3003]

King BB is of course superb in this, but those Voices of East Harlem....omg!!!

[@harpothehealer]

You can understand why the wonderful BB King said this was his best performance. When you play night after night no breaks apart from traveling no matter how much emotion you give to each performance to survive your going to have to pace it a little. Here you see the great BB King giving everything of a normal show plus some extra. It's fantastic footage David many thanks really enjoyed it much respect and best regards.

[@bessieclark7711]

Well, he came to Seattle a lot. I thought he was a Seattle man.

[@PatrickCampbell-y4v]

I enjoyed the performance a lot...! Absolutely awesome...!

[@henryguitarhero]

This is insane man. Like a scene from a movie.

[@podunkcitizen2562]

When the warden comes out to calm down the crowd, it's like the final scene of The Blues Brothers where their performance in the prison causes s riot.

[@mjrotondi5086]

Except THIS is real, real LIFE. Movies are fake .

[@walter_5010]

This just blows me away. When he has so many people in tears is just powerful.

[@faerefolke]

BB is a true stand-up guy. Out of the kindness of his heart.

[@bobwagemakers5055]

Many layers of stories here. Deep sadness and extreme beauty packed in one. I did not realize that BB had such a powerfull voice and as last thank you David Hoffman for shooting and uploading almost 50 years later... you seem like a gentle and generous man.

[@johnbuhrman9799]

thanks dave, what a wonderful gift

[@MikeMcConnell3]

I was 15 years old when I saw BB King in Peoria Illinois the day after he recorded live at the Cook County Jail and the empathy he showed for those prisoners was very much the same as he showed for the people at sing sing. He was and still is a National Treasure.

[@iglaze]

Fantastic, thank you for sharing!

[@JJ-ym8bu]

Man BB King was at the top of his game here. Amazing stuff.

[@fivehead6675]

David, THANK YOU!!!

[@e.longchaleo1030]

I would pay anything to see those expression on BB Kings face. He is a Legend.

[@marcofearg9956]

Yes but rappers, pedos, and murderers could. I know that is important to take care and give hope to this people, but is kind of disrespectful if you lose a son or someone rape your children and they prepare for them a BB king show

[@AmyBrown-dt6qt]

Thank You for sharing this wonderful film with all of us. I found watching it powerfully moving emotional experience.

[@nathanielvargas3863]

This is such a phenomenal performance. It’s so cool to see The Voices of East Harlem enjoying the King

[@jitkasuarez]

They were wonderful !!!

[@paulgibby6932]

Beautifully made film. Thankyou so much!

[@goldrusher7554]

What an absolute treasure! Those men never forgot that day, I can assure you.

[@oldbluesstudio]

May the Lord bless you with prosperity and success, rewarding your hard work and dedication with abundant blessings and opportunities.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Thank you. David Hoffman filmmaker

[@maxpayne2574]

The POWER of great music. Smiles on the prisoners and the guards! For that short time every race together. WOW he made some of them cry man.

[@angelprezcarametro7253]

Yes, crime, animosities, hatred, etc. were all left behind and forgotten in that short period of time. Everyone was a single loving person during that performance. That's music.

[@BenEthridge]

Music soothes the beast inside us all

[@brianmcdermott281]

Man this is cool !! Love your channel Mr Hoffman

[@bashirijones7008]

The Blues...is medicine. I would love to hear the stories from the prisoners who got to experience the legend and perhaps how it affected their lives. The King lives forever!👑💖

[@aaronjennings8385]

This is possibly the best music documentary I've seen.

[@tdhawk167]

What a great concert! So many of those inmates... must've meant so much to them. Wonder how they are doing today...

[@nicholascoyle9524]

probably dead this was 50 years ago

[@BethPhillips-xn5eq]

A few of them might still be there 😪

[@AB-fw6qp]

23:00 was deep, bb really did a great thing, nothing but respect for him

[@AB-fw6qp]

Thank you for the upload David, really made my weekend finding this clip

[@marlg7969]

My Mum is Jamaican and was a huge fan of BB, God bless her and the King RIP, and all the humans who can express emotion to be real and speak out. Power to the poor and righteous.

[@Trevorpn]

Why have I had not seen this before now, brilliant.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

I posted it years ago and the algorithm doesn't pay much attention to it anymore. Sadly. David Hoffman filmmaker

[@mrcreeper3175]

It's rare to find an artist who puts his heart and soul in every performance. Thank you BB king, for being an inspiration to all people who wants and loves to play and listened to the blues and thank you mr. David Hoffman for this masterpiece! May God bless your souls.

[@moralesnery]

Thanks for the context before the video

[@mikeyb4610]

Watched with tears in my eyes.... tears of joy for BB King & the other artists giving amazing performances & their time to make Thanksgiving special to the inmates of Sing Sing back in 1973 ... & tears of sadness at the inequality that hasn’t changed since this was filmed .... heartbreakingly beautiful... #OneLove 🕊

[@mikkih5809]

This hit me the same way. Familiar with Joan Baez & BB King - now I know what a selfless and kind person BB King was. Thank you for this💕

[@2Hearts3]

10 years later, i shared an elevator ride in St Louis with B.B. King and Lucille. Great video, thanks 🏆👏

[@johanakermyr1437]

I never heard of this gig before. Absolutely brilliant. Complete with funky 70's hairstyles.

[@executivewoman678]

Awesomeness, just freaking awesome 😢😊

[@Jason-ke4jf]

Thank you for sharing this. I love BB King, this means a lot to me.

[@Jason-ke4jf]

Thank you for hearting the comment! I enjoy all your videos. As a teenager, your content allows me to peer into a time I will never remember.

[@jfkspillow9527]

As someone from Mississippi currently at school in the Delta, this man is nothing less than a role model here and him being kind is truly an understatement. This place breeds soul.

[@ericgordon8794]

Thank you Mr Hoffman. Much appreciated,from a 50-year-old farm boy in Ohio. Good old BB is transcended, no race,no gender, no color.Just good music for the soul.

[@juangaribello5701]

Thank you David, this is a beautiful gift for all human race. Thank you

[@justasidecharacter5961]

24:18 damn the emotion, the soul, the bluess was really getting into those people's hearts that's how powerful music is. This film is beautiful

[@gwag8410]

I’ve been in many prisons, and some of the finest people in the world are incarcerated....believe it or not.

[@susanmercurio1060]

You are so right!

[@diri.solidariti]

Maureen Desmond “civic-19” must be one of those Freudian slips that slips by sometimes

[@chuckyoneill9289]

Were you an inmate? Not trying to be funny just curious i was an inmate.

[@genarodeleon8144]

Useless human

[@chuckyoneill9289]

@@genarodeleon8144 You wouldn't last in there a day ,especially with that gay name,but you know already.

[@cardinalstar2048]

All inmates together just letting it all hang out ❤ enjoying the show 🐝

[@robertanderson350]

This is incredible. The closeups of BBs face while performing are so artful and add another dimension to his wonderful talent. Not to mention all the great faces in the crowd and in the montage.

[@pkbrown58]

A bold statement of brotherhood!

[@matmudge59]

I keep coming back to this performance it's amazing

[@bombasticbushkin4985]

Some real BB King humor at 16:45 brings the house down. Priceless.

[@23Josilee]

Seeing all these faces, sure makes a difference, all with hopes and dreams...for someday something better...and BB King was the best ever, pure soul. Thanks Mr. Hoffman, for sharing this great experience.

[@kelvinbrian4422]

You can feel his passion in how he's performing

[@Nebula37]

Damn. That was compelling. What a great performance. And the faces of the prisoners tell their own story.

[@leaderoftheitu]

This performance is absolutely electrifying thank you for capturing this masterpiece! I genuinely believe this might be one of the most important performances in music history!

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

thank you so much. I see it that way. David Hoffman-filmmaker

[@Monkforilla]

David Hoffman this really makes me emotional watching the whole documentary🤧 I’ve watched this about Twice now and when B.B starts playing a faster song they start getting up and dancing and the warden has to come in. The music was just too good!! You just can’t blame them !!😂!! Great work as always David, this is genuine piece of history you have made and it will never be forgotten. Not now not ever✌️✌️❤️❤️👍✨

[@voxpopuli735]

@@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker People like you make humans lives much more bearable and liveable. Thank you!!! You are an amazing piece of human being!

[@kellyschultz485]

This is truly priceless ❤️

[@seanpotter5414]

Brilliantly filmed. Great editing. Historically important, and significant recording.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Thank you Sean. David Hoffman filmmaker

[@mario7frankielee]

no words can thank you enough🙏

[@jodyross6185]

I saw B.B. King In Vancouver Canada, at the Orpheum, Best concert I saw in my life!!..I felt privileged to be in his presence, what an amazing artist BB was..oh my god..thanks for this Gem!!

[@kaliopeajones6412]

BB King's regular voice is awesome. This is amazing

[@aaronlehman9549]

49 years later and I’m still enjoying this song so much. Thank you bb, David, and all the prisoners that made this possible. Your efforts did not go unrecognized

[@dennispearson9287]

GREAT Job David !!!....Your Efforts Are, Legendary And Immortal !!!.....

[@ajisstillright]

Just when I was looking for more B.B. King LIVE performances... David Hoffman uploads one?!?! This keeps getting groovier and groovier, man. -a grateful 18 year old🌻☮

[@sisterelizee2722]

❤She sings, if not, all her sensations would be pain. She sings, if not, all her days would be the same. She sings because tears can't fall all day. She sings to take her pain away.❤️

[@pabloparamo4482]

Thank you so much. A greeting from Spain

[@SilverBull30]

I got to see BB King at one of his last shows!! Thanks so much!! I caught his "BB" pin, he took it off his coat and threw it, I was lucky enough to catch it!

[@grantrogers1858]

Priceless.

[@SilverBull30]

@@grantrogers1858 thank you~! its treasured!

[@georgewashington2444]

Not everyone thats in prison is a bad man...most of us are simple men that paid their debt to society and just want to go home to their families😔some people have no family so the penitentiary is all they know sadly...the arent bad people, in fact some of them are the nicest, toughest, most educated men you will meet👌

[@louispalmerjr5920]

I was in the grey bar hotel and a brother told me "Do your time and don't let your time do you. It worked.😇🤗🙏

[@briankierans2926]

Correct. You will find that most of these men either have intellectual disabilities or could not afford a defense.

[@donnananar1556]

Imagine the energy!!! No one thing about nothing bad!! Just AMAZINGLY GOOD!! Made my so happy!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️