1972: LABI SIFFRE on Songwriting | Sounding Out | Classic BBC Music | BBC Archive

Labi Siffre - the singer-songwriter behind hits like It Must Be Love, Crying Laughing Loving Lying, I Got The... and Something Inside So Strong - discusses his earliest musical influences, how he doesn't fit the popular image of a black artist, why his religious upbringing turned him off didactic lyrics, and the dubious merits of cover versions.
This clip is from Sounding Out, originally broadcast 21 February, 1972.
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[@JonAlienAbides]

One of the most talented and underrated singer song writers most folks have never heard about. Labi is an absolute legend.

[@MichelleJBitunjac]

Up there with Terry Callier and Nina Simone. All beautiful songwriters with gorgeous touches of vibratto when they render their work. ❤

[@wangson]

100%!

[@Rubicon1985]

100% He's an incredible talent

[@J.I.64]

he wanted it that way, he clearly never wanted to be overly famous.

[@dia3488]

I could listen to this man talk for hours.

[@toddblanks]

He is educated and a lot of that is what is missing with modern day musicians. Musicians from the 60's 70's & 80's always give the better in sighted interviews!

[@musiclover2.06]

Me too👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@D4n1t0o]

What a gorgeous speaking voice.

[@willowwale2000]

I don't believe in giving the audience what it wants, but just my best.'You don't make hit records that way, but, you can sleep at night. What a guy, what a guy.

[@rictualfury965]

Didn't even know his accent was like that.

[@JackRascal]

Yeah, weird... he has a distinct accent when singing, and it's not this.

[@MrMargaretScratcher]

@@JackRascal I had this playing on another screen, and before I looked over, I assumed the opening lines were spoken by an interviewer...

[@toddblanks]

@@JackRascal He sounds quite upper class, a clear and clever minded man.

[@musiclover2.06]

And???

[@musiclover2.06]

Your comment, and the replies that followed to your “ignorance” are disgusting. Some of you gringos are so arrogant in your thinking and rationalizing when it comes to our people. We are NOT a monolith. Read a book🙄🙄🙄.

[@Eliezer__garcia]

“To make the audience evaluate the music solely by its merits” Genius…

[@petercockerill7366]

Wonderful man!! He may not admit to being a poet but, his whole language is poetry. He has been a part of my music life for 50 years and he still has a magic grip on me.😊

[@ysahehre4316]

"I'm not afraid of being ignorant. I am ignorant. I'm afraid of other people realizing I'm ignorant."

[@Hysteria98]

I was enraptured when I first heard this man's music. Only a few hits, among a lot of acapella work, but wonderful none-the-less. 'I Got The...' is one of the greatest songs ever produced, to this day. Just gets better every time you hear it. I can't believe Labi Siffre was not ever particularly popular.

[@seanriley9961]

that song is transcendent, an absolute all-timer

[@omazing6354]

My song is also a song i cant stop listening to

[@jdmc9538]

His albums: crying laughing loving lying And "remember my song" are amazing.

[@KoiAndDrug]

The guy was shy and he didn’t know how to promote himself.

[@elident7828]

Well unfortunately the hiphop community knows my song because of Kanye and I got the because of Jay Z and Eminem. And now they know Labi , I scoff at the notion that the sampling of 2 of his songs qualifies the hiphop community as knowing his music !

[@richalderson6069]

What a lovely charming thoughtful man and wonderful singer/songwriter and musician.

[@mountpom2000]

damn to have a conversation with him. so charming and insightful

[@MrFoogyfilm]

He was and still is a very intelligent and interesting guy to talk to , he still holds these views and the funny thing is he is now a poet and has released poetry books , Agree when he says listen to the music with out knowing anything about who wrote or sung it , as another great perform said .. listen without prejudice

[@toddblanks]

Bang on mark. This is what a real musician is made of.

[@RichardMichaelScott]

Labi Siffre and Tracy Chapman in the same concert. Would be bliss.

[@SMGAPR8]

Agree, Tracy Chapman has a unique voice, talking about a revolution in fast cars👌

[@defossard]

What an amazing man. Insightful, accomplished, humorous and modest. I love his music.

[@kathleenstanley6751]

Everything he said here is so relatable and right on and beautiful.

[@jonathanandvelvet]

I was introduced to Labi’s music by a friend today; and I’m totally in love. Thank you, friend. ❤️

[@crock3251]

Labi had such bangers like: “I got the…”, “My song”, “It must be love”, “Something Inside so strong”, “Crying,Laughing,Loving,Lying”, “Watch me” and “Listen to the voices”.

[@newgabe09]

What an extraordinary and beautiful man! And I truly didn't realise that he was so young in the 70's. The only song of his I knew was So Strong, and his voice was so huge I thought he was much older and BIGGER! with a more African accent, not so very British and generally with a light high singing voice! Nor did I realise he was such a good guitarist! Feel like I'm about to go into a great adventure discovering his music...

[@bonbonbonbons]

the afro accent in so strong is pretty much a put on. most of his songs don't have that accent.

[@thephoenix3155]

Labi had such a smooth and suave voice!

[@xl0tlll]

Has* he’s still alive 😂

[@martindennis1704]

Thank you so much for answering my request. Very kind of you. Delighted. I hope that you could show the complete programme on BBC4 in the near future. Thank you again.

[@samwell2498]

A real interview, something that we are missing. Today I can’t sit down and watch someone get interviewed, but I can watch this guy for hours no problem.

[@JabrinkTheStink]

What a genuine genius. I would love to spend a day in his brain.

[@user-dc7um4pr3f]

His comments on protest music are unique and interesting. I wonder if Marvin Gaye felt similarly when he did What's Going On? The gentle, guiding approach of "This is the right way. I'm not instructing you to do it, I'm showing you how to do it" does really seem to resonate with me and probably a lot of others. Sometimes not necessarily claiming to have the answers and instructions on how to go forth, but just knowing that something has to change and we all have to eventually arrive at that conclusion that things need to get better. If more people approach protest music and just equality of people in a less forceful, narcissistic way, I do think we'd be more connected. It's hard to have something like a civil rights leader sometimes because the concept of civil rights is essentially finding equality of humanity. But when you're creating a hierarchy in humanity by appointing a leader, that seems to be where we have failed as humans. Religious leaders, politicians, civil rights leaders, etc. People appointed to lead a charge on equality by being more than those they influence. It's a contradiction worth thinking about.

[@Maxdamageplus]

The game he’s playing at 6:30 is Helicopter, from 1968. Made by Sega, the same company behind Sonic the Hedgehog

[@jonh.4691]

He’s a very intelligent and gifted musician

[@090nj2]

He is an icon in music Point blank.

[@msmagenta7681]

The more i learn about him, the more of a delightful surprise it is

[@toddblanks]

This man is a flaming genius. I love labi, inspirational legend just like many of his contemporaries. Strong ambitious minded gifted young man here.

[@DirtyJamesUK]

This man unknowingly helped launch Eminem to the world.

[@thebeatnumber]

Flaming is the right word

[@javedriaz6862]

My mum bought one of his albums laughing, crying and loving. I used to hear mum play those songs and I love listening to his songs. And other artists like Johnny Nash

[@toddblanks]

Johnny nash had one of the very best power soul singing voices on the planet. Im a huge fan of mr nash!😎Nash was good friends with curtis mayfield & bob marley.

[@daddylonglegs3145]

So humble and honest ❤

[@stwads]

Labi is a class act!

[@Gexxon]

Labi is like the black version of, John Denver, James Taylor or even Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's vibe of the 70's. I can't believe I'm 60 years old and was a kid that had not heard of him back then. Well I've always said, "better late than never". His voice and music is FANTASTIC. I'm a fan now!

[@mebeasensei]

Interesting you should say , CSNY because this guys says he hates lyrics that tell you how to behave, and these guys were very much that. Love the one your with etc

[@loststylus7641]

I disagree! I think his music is in line with those acoustic singer-songwriters, but his lyricism and style of playing is wholly unique. To say he is the “black version” of another artist is to discredit his originality, when both him and the artists you compare him to are talented, and more importantly unique to one another. John Denver puts me in a different mood than Labi Siffre, despite any similarities in style. If we’re going with that logic any white man playing the blues is a copy of the original black blues artists from the early 20th century, when truthfully both could exist in the same genre and be unique.

[@FeeTheMelaninatedLioness]

Labi Siffre is the Black version of himself. Very ignorant and absent minded arrogance you typed. Wtf. Because before anyone thought of a song a Black person sung it. Sheesh

[@Alan-su5bg]

I dont know what was the point of saying "black version of" with these artists especially csny which i dont even get w that.

[@JohnnyP414]

While I don't think you mean any harm, your comment is kind of dehumanizing. How about "the British version of John Denver, etc"

[@chrishinnant3924]

My favorite song by Labi is" Something inside so strong". Super awesome track

[@Amahla]

An incredible man ❤️‍🔥

[@Dirt-McGerk]

Love him. Very authentic personality + the production quality on his albums is insanely good

[@ilovecarlwilson]

i never heard such a beautiful soft voice i think i’m in love

[@SatomiForward]

What a fantastic talent and legendary artist. The way he describes songwriting

[@PaulLea]

A fascinating little clip. "Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying" is my all time fav song of his.

[@jonh.4691]

This is my song ! Wow just incredible piano and beautiful voice …. Fab job … Thank you!

[@MrGazzaroo]

great voice as well as song writing simply one of the greats of british music.

[@juanitacarter8937]

Wowww. I'm blown away at him

[@NF-xy6br]

I love all of this.

[@grimbo930charlyboy4]

What an amazing man and artist.

[@DJ-uk5mm]

For many years I thought “it must be love “ was written by madness. Then I heard labis original… I then listened to this interview and his comments at the end … wow ..

[@xSnarfsx]

The bit at the end about how people should listen to music devoid of anything. It's really perfect, and also in today's world a lucky privilege. It's not so easy to encounter great music that also happens to be totally faceless. When I listen to music, I'm never thinking about the people who wrote or the people who perform it. All I'm doing is listening to the music and letting my mind wander and I find it so satisfying. It's the same with how he mentioned there shouldn't be instruction in songs. The thing that bothers me most when there's a very obvious message in a song is that it's just distracting. Whether I agree with the message or not, it reminds me of reality and takes me out of enjoying the song.

[@toddblanks]

Probably why like yourself i listen to a lot of albums that has long instumentation piece which are relaxing.

[@shelleyseidita9039]

I just found his music. He is fantastic. His voice. His writing. His music.

[@zionisgone]

such interesting views on music and life. going on a deep dive of Labi, and i’m already in love.

[@IThinkYouLookLarvely]

Very talented singer-songwriter and should be mentioned more alongside his contemporaries of the seventies - James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Carly Simon, Carole King etc. Also, a warning : flying a kite in high winds whilst wearing flared trousers is nearly as dangerous as flying one near electricity pylons. Unfortunately they didn't make a safety film about that :)

[@MichelleJBitunjac]

Yep, always saw Labi, Terry Callier and Nina in the same company. All superb songwriters, bar none. ❤

[@user-sf4se1oe5w]

Religion is something that should be left in the public lavatory. Times are showing that statement to be objectively true.

[@arassi2710]

He is ❤

[@blissfields8192]

So charming!

[@The_Oracle_of_time]

As a fingerpicking guitarist i know EXACTLY what he meant when he spoke about using a plectrum. I thought it was just me! 😮😮

[@lofiftyfifty9206]

He speaks as a true Artist, a modern day DaVinci if you will, remember the music not the creator, remember the sounds and not the performer…this man truly gets it. I love his art mantra❤

[@5oha]

he starts singing & i cry

[@howahya]

Absolute legend

[@yesno6817]

ahead of his time fr.

[@mrmccowin8368]

Much love and respect.

[@IamSinai]

Damn, he reminds me so much of Sam Cooke, in look and deportment.

[@KavonWilson-zj9wk]

Same thing I said he reminds me more sam Cooke than Denzel he have the looks the voice the hairline the smile the same facial expressions

[@JohnnyP414]

Pure class

[@rightweaponry908]

He is soo beautiful

[@boggsmcbiggins5272]

I would have loved to see John Martyn and Labi Siffre play together. Martyn I think would do a fantastic rendition of Siffre's Cannock chase, and Siffre's voice could easily handle Martyn's Spencer the rover. Not detracting from either individual artist's merits but as a duo they'd have been gold.

[@toddblanks]

Sadly this is the stuff what dreams are made of. Yes, they would of blended very well. Sadly we lost john a few years back.

[@boggsmcbiggins5272]

@@toddblanks it's such a shame about John passing on, but he did live a varied and interesting yet deeply troubled life. The same goes for Nick Drake but to a greater effect because of the tragedy surrounding his early death etc...

[@toddblanks]

@@boggsmcbiggins5272 Nick drake, another troubled soul. Ive got all 3 of his albums on record.

[@boggsmcbiggins5272]

@@toddblanks good stuff man, I've got an early pressing of five leaves left and a unopened pink moon still in the cellophane! I'm glad my mum bought me up on good music.

[@toddblanks]

@@boggsmcbiggins5272Very well done. My parents brought me up on good music as well. This isn't the music era of my generation but it has always spoken much louder to me. The artists & their music from this era is immensely good. (Understatement) Ive been collecting vinyl for more than 25yrs. im amazed to say i am still discovering many of the 20th century greats. Vinyl collection is getting stupidly heavey though. In my long time experience, you very rarely become disapointed with this genre of music. Its always been, if the artwork of the record sleeve takes you and it was recorded say 1972/75 Buy it, its likely to be good. Of course you can easily cheat with the internet today. But ive been collecting in bulk since 1994 😄

[@sodayumsouthern]

👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 An amazing brotha

[@Biboche23]

A stellar musician/ songwriter Mr Labi Siffre i encourage you all to listen to his stuff if you’re into 70s folk pop Rock infused with some funk and r&b here and there❤

[@FrancoGorgenzi]

Labi would love some of the modern post punk which defies vocal traditionalism. Pure convos over music. What a total legend this beautiful man is.

[@Nicefoolkilla]

6:25 best part of the interview

[@martindennis1704]

Thank you again for this superb clip. Is there any chance that you could reshow this programme or Labi Siffre "In Concert" BBC Tv show from June 1971....... on BBC Four? Thank you again.

[@CoolHandLukeDuke]

His free thinking was dangerous, which is probably why he isn't a household name....

[@SweetJennyFan]

Make my day. Love it.

[@chayes2144]

Great interview

[@bonytenn2908]

Genius

[@jackgrant9301]

I looked this up because I wanted to know how his speaking voice sounds and he actually sounds EXACTLY how I expected him to sound.

[@bonbonbonbons]

Sad that he didn't release more folk. At least he had fun.

[@stevesvanderpool8653]

Powerful

[@dannydorko7075]

His speaking voice reminds me of James Blunt.

[@pamelamcghee5360]

Lovely soul

[@tonylindsey8290]

Talent manm

[@t3mLik3sTriangl3s]

THE GOAT!

[@theviper1999uk]

Legend

[@xenu-dark-tony]

How horrifying that Labi thought he wasn't as English as any other English/British person. That makes me very sad. I so hope he wouldn't feel the same way nowadays. Such a wonderful person.

[@derricklester9210]

Ive got his 1975 album called Remember my song that has the song I Got The (Blues) that the rapper Marshall Mathews sample for his 1999 Slim shady

[@Nicefoolkilla]

I just found that out recently! That's pretty interesting, indeed!

[@ludwigtayona]

"There's a lot of mathematics in writing songs. You get a word at the end of the line and there are only so many words that will fit...And you just hope that one of those words will lead you on to something that means what you want to say" Bro just described ChatGPT 😆

[@USS-SNAKE-ISLAND]

Wow wow wow. Wow.

[@wangson]

Genius.

[@endlessandy325]

Eminem, Kanye.....Thanks for bringing Afolabi's work to the world ❤

[@francistaylor1218]

Fab 👌

[@CraigMac18]

Anyone know the name of the first song he was singing that went, "And now you're looking for me here."

[@urban4151]

i've been looking for this song as well, but for the life of me i cant find a single thing about it anywhere

[@CraigMac18]

@@urban4151 it really is the darndest thing. Its relieving that I'm not the only one that can't seem to find anything on it... But at the same time it's also disappointing 😔.

[@user-vz2im5hl6b]

wow bbc used to do good interbiew's ?

[@benwilliams2135]

Rumour has it that Chaz and Dave were the session musicians on 'I got the....'

[@punyamubesarsekali]

anybody know what song called in 0:30 ?

[@carmonaangel84]

I need to know too

[@JonAlienAbides]

Labis music is so very unique and elegant. His vocal range and chops are second to none. Dre did not sample his music he and Em straight up highjacked it.

[@MusicRCBicyclesCoffee]

I would love to see and hear Labi and Jacob Collier play and talk about music.

[@khadijahsimon7998]

Yes!

[@leabourdais]

Is there somewhere a live video version of bless the telephone ? I am very interested

[@thetribeofdjembe]

Smart guy.

[@za3eemkh142]

Whats the name of the 1st song ? And now your looking for me here 0:28

[@Ma_rkw589]

mans articulate vibrate

[@RemiOlutimayin]

@6:39 he's playing a Sega analog game. That's a Sega Helicopter game. Legacy tends to look funny backwards

[@dirtylaundrythemusic]

Understood

[@mradamp125]

Interesting fellow

[@myself3209]

That might be the most british sounding person I ever heared

[@katoness]

I wonder what he thought of Madness doing his song "It Must Be Love"?