Big Bill Broonzy - When Did You Leave Heaven

[@ojaibill2]

It was Big Bill Broonzy that introduced me to this great song, I’m forever grateful, one of the most beautiful, heartfelt songs I’ve ever heard!

[@bobbydylanio]

This performance was on The Beatles Anthology, they didn't say what song it was so I've been hunting it down, being 19 I've only listened to the obvious blues artists i.e. Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, but I found this incredible, just had to find it

[@RandomTemple]

12 years later and deep into jazz and rnb as a musician, I found that beatles anthology on vhs at the thrift and was stunned by the 15 or 20 seconds of this performance they show, funny how we find things.

[@bobbydylanio]

@@RandomTemple Well I just found evidence that I've been listening to the blues for that long

[@burrencrawler]

It's unreal singing and the guitar is so gentle and full of balls at the same time, a rare thing to witness

[@1964GuitarCovers]

Yes learned this song from the anthology

[@kevinsbestsubscribe7599]

This has always been one of the coolest pieces of film that I've ever seen. From the beautiful song to the noir-ish smoke filled club to Big Bill's smooth player style lighting of the cigarette with the candle while staring at the girl at the end, this whole thing makes me wish that there was a lot more film on ol' Big Bill and that I WAS THERE.

[@perko]

+Kevins Best: Subscribe I feel the EXACT same way about this video.

[@stephen25uk]

+Kevins Best: Subscribe. Me too, exactly the same feelings about this. I keep coming back to it.

[@kevinsbestsubscribe7599]

Stephen Powell & Perko, I'm glad that you two like it as much as I always have. It's a work of art on several levels.

[@catmugs7293]

Agreed. Makes me wanna smoke

[@TobyMottershead_]

I second that emotion!

[@drralph100]

I remember reading a Kieth Richards interview 20 or 30 years ago, hell it might have been 40 years ago and he said this guy Big Bill Broonzy was really the old blues guy that lit his fire. Today is the first time I've ever heard a song by him. The wonders of the internet never cease to amaze me.

[@berlin1925]

Thanks everyone for the comments! I saw a short clip of this years ago on some documentary (either on Clapton, or the blues) and was blown away by it. I tracked down somewhere online the complete film, and cut it down to this song because I thought others would enjoy it as well. Cheers!

[@elscampbadurka1569]

Thanks so much for posting this , I had that doco as a teen on VCR video tape , It was a documentary on Eric Clapton done in the early 80s , interviewing him , and his peers about him Pete Townsend , Phill Collins , and a backyard jam with Jack Bruce , even his grandma ( " I love it when he plays the blues ") used to watch this snippet a few times over ( rewind , play lol ) Could you tell me what film it's from please ?

[@berlin1925]

@@elscampbadurka1569 I'm glad you enjoyed it. The Clapton doc was an episode of South Bank Show from 1987 (it's on youtube in parts I think). The original Broonzy clip is from a short film of Broonzy called "Low Light, Blue Smoke" from 1956, which you can find online as well.

[@nearly.]

It really is wonderful

[@andreaporciello677]

​@@elscampbadurka1569the documentary was Eric Clapton, the man and his music.

[@SlickNickVids]

It was on The Beatles Anthology

[@alejandroperalta8961]

George Harrison, big fan of Big Bill, brought me here!

[@marioski54]

Times when we danced cheek to cheek, with closed eyes...

[@perkdawg_]

There's not enough film of ol' big bill

[@tanuj679]

This beautiful piece of art never fails to bring up my emotions..

[@TurnItBlueToYou1]

My favorite version of this song ,hands down. His voice is raw and just sounds so damn good !

[@nurimajeed8595]

Listen to nancy wilson n little Jimmy Scott versions....the song is crazy good

[@Alxyzz]

@@nurimajeed8595 I listened to their version, but personally I prefer Jim Reeves his take on this song

[@BernardSavonet-pu4vk]

Un homme un vrai bill je t'aime ❤

[@klmullins65]

Even though this was originally a pop song, Broonzy's version gives it so much more heart and soul. The pop version sounds more like a novelty, and the words seem "cute", but this version sounds like it's from deep down in the soul.

[@pauldavis645]

Been after this for ages saw it on an Eric Clapton southbank show loved it

[@SRT_WRLD]

I was a day old when my grandpa sang this to me for the first time, 43 years ago Sunday. He continued all his life. He wrote the lyrics in a letter that day, I have it still with my birth picture he kept till his death. I love this Artist. I've known him always. Just a treasure.

[@bobu5213]

Wow that's a heavy story for this beautiful song..

[@johnsmith-kx5my]

A truly wonderful memory lass. My dad played jazz and blues by ear on piano and guitar! Was weaned on delta blues and New Orleans jazz

[@jimhood1202]

Bought a "learn to play blues guitar" book back in the 70s when I started to play as a young man. Some of Bills songs were included. Of course Bill was no longer in the limelight by then and I has no idea who he was. I didn't get to hear his music til much later but glad I did. His music is often overlooked but is quite sublime. Thank you for posting.

[@DagneZand]

This is the best version of this song.

[@1hopefulman240]

I just discovered Big Bill. Wow!

[@LeeMitchellAcoustic]

Oh Lord. Big Bill...Breaks ya heart

[@spangle69]

Like other people here, I also saw a tiny clip of this on a tv documentary 20+ years ago and it has stuck in my mind ever since. I thought I'd never track it down but here it is! Fantastic stuff.

[@noelleschibetta5673]

I watched this and I am proud of it.

[@JosephCaravellaJr]

Guys like Big Bill inspired all the bands that inspired me to be a musician great stuff

[@billholb1974]

love big bill....notice no negative comments or trolls on really good music...makes me happy.

[@MsRationalbeing]

I can't watch this without breaking down in tears, it is just so beautiful.

[@xyzllii]

Apart from the music...his face is wondrous ...like a fine West African carving.

[@Ganzie2000]

He was African to the bone roaming in strange lands. 👍

[@oldun18]

High Road j

[@MH-jn8hj]

Gérard, si tu vois ce message, donne nous un signe de vie (surtout pour la mamie)

[@MassiveTrackHunter]

Thank you KZbin for the ability to find songs like this.....

[@bluesborn]

This is healing water from deep down in the well.

[@Metakism]

Somehow this song flow to all hearts!

[@Brizzonator]

Wow!!! I thought the song was a Bob Dylan original and was looking for the lyrics when I stumbled across this video. I had never heard of Big Bill Broonzy, but after this I sought out the wikipedia and am starting to explore some of his music. What a talent! The funny thing is before I read the wiki I thought his guitar style sounded very similar to Eric Clapton's, and then I read that Clapton cites him as a major influence. Thanks for posting!

[@Broonzied]

Well done for posting Berlin. The performances from this gig in Belgium are repeatedly removed form youtube which is a great shame. It was watching this in the 80s which inspired me to take up guitar. In my view, no one, no matter how talented, ever comes close to Bill when trying to perform music he has already touched with his gift.

[@jackitachica]

i would die a happy woman if a man i loved sang this to me while im on my deathbed.

[@Ganzie2000]

jacky kim I can sing for u right now👌 only kidding I cant sing to save my life. It is a beautiful song.

[@walrus6348]

Played this for my wife last night. Best croon ever

[@dunninator22]

I must say, the way he sings and plays this song just gives me goosebumps.

[@homesickclifford1966]

What beautiful lyrics...timeless Big Bill you one of the greats.

[@Johntheresonator]

Always loved this song. A real departure from Big Bill's usual style but he nailed it. Brilliant!

[@empathic11]

Love this song. I heard a Broonzy version with a bit of amplified guitar distortion in the first few notes. Sent shivers.

[@iagmule]

from the film low lights and blue smoke...wish i could find it

[@joelbyrne]

My Farther told me about this when I was really young and listening now I understand why his words were so passionate and strong when he said "what a beautiful, beautiful song" x

[@TheJohnBullock]

Music is by Richard Whiting, lyrics by Walter Bullock. It was nominated for an academy award in 1936.

[@elisabethaxelsson4736]

This is so good

[@zzausel]

A singular event, and so moving.

[@krzysztofjaworski2311]

Fantastic, professorial performance, and what a guitar playing. Applause from me, as long as Mississippi.🙂❤️🎸🎤🎵👍

[@chronosynclastic8]

Damn, bluesy and soulful. Good tune.

[@petergarcia589]

Absolutely incredible.

[@murph5438]

Great Music is forever --- this is for always ---- rip big fellow

[@pauldiffin4726]

Blows me away every time.

[@hswatnik]

great contribution- great song- great artist-

[@bryanhimes8397]

Best Thang I have ever heard or seen. Beautiful

[@empathic11]

@aaarrrggghhhh "the Broonzy version is truly magical." True.

[@willyrobson]

Always a clump in my throat and a tear my eye listening and looking at this mans face

[@jeppenizer]

Yeah, very gratefull. Thanks.

[@starrchild99]

He's the best!

[@avefiggy2128]

so beautiful

[@lesterwyoung]

Of course, in spite of various comments posted on this site, this song is not a blues but a popular song written in 1936 by Walter Bullock & Richard Whiting. It was introduced in the movie musical Sing, Baby, Sing by Tony Martin and later recorded by him.

[@patriciakimbrell3734]

Love this - Great Blues 🙏😇💙🎸💙🎸💙🎸💙🎸💙🎸

[@tombasson7547]

Beautiful song ❤

[@sandramera168]

Wow! Thank you for sharing such a gem! 😍The perfectly fitting song for my angel... I love you mon cœur ❤

[@robertchesnosky75]

AN AMAZING TALENT!!!

[@watcher4234]

Would have LOVED to hear this man live. Thanks for putting this up. Only his fans know he was the inventor of Glory of Love....so sad....he was born at the wrong time.

[@audas]

Keepin it alive.

[@electrifyingstormy4261]

Love this!! It is SO awesome that he can still touch so my lives with his talents!!

[@bryanmannoia8410]

first time I've seen this. thank you for sharing.

[@geldofpunk32]

beautiful

[@rfw45]

Great stuff.

[@nurimajeed8595]

Bill can get some!

[@Liana5943]

Amazing!!!

[@grahamstone5064]

My oldest friend yused to play that, I'm 81

[@paulcooper-n2v]

Awesome.

[@SaphirSouenEstherG]

Shared on G+ June 12, 2016.

[@aaarrrggghhhh]

@berlin1925 I saw the same documentary, I'm sure. ( I actually had it on video until recently..long story) It was just a short clip of Big Bill Broonzy after the interviewer asked Eric Clapton about his influences. It stuck in my mind for many years and I have searched for it often. I know this song has been covered by many artists, including Bob Dylan, but this, the Broonzy version is truly magical. Wonderful upload. Thanks many times over.

[@nurimajeed8595]

OMG!....this the shit!!....I love this music....I cut my eye teeth on this music....this my parents music but I love it so

[@joniachenbach410]

Love this

[@nitramyrtep]

enfin ! j'en rèvais, KZbin le contenait. Vive Big Bill ! merci Berlin1925. martin

[@tattogirl89hc]

Love

[@DagneZand]

That part where he sings "your little halo" is one of the most bluesy things i've ever heard.

[@bubsd487]

I used to dream about angels But then I never knew That I'd ever meet one And such a sweet one Till I met you When did you leave heaven? How could they let you go? How's ev'ry thing in Heaven? I'd like to know Why did you trade Heaven for all these earthly things Where di you hide your Halo? Where did you lose your wings? Have they missed you? Can you get back in? If Ikissed you would it be a sin? I amonly human but you are so divine When did you leave Heave, angel mine? When did you leave heaven? How could they let you go? How's ev'ry thing in Heaven? I'd like to know Why did you trade Heaven for all these earthly things Where di you hide your Halo? Where did you lose your wings? Have they missed you? Can you get back in? If Ikissed you would it be a sin? I amonly human but you are so divine When did you leave Heave, angel mine?

[@stringplayer99]

This is a great song that was written in 1936 by Richard A. Whiting and W. Bullock. It has been recorded hundreds of times. If you like the song you should go to the new Richard A. Whiting Facebook page and give him a like. Videos are posted daily of different versions of his classic songs.

[@laminage]

George Harrison said he was a big Fan of his Music in The Beatles Anthology.

[@kentlewis987]

Paul McCartney also mentioned him in an interview discussing his diverse influences.

[@MangasMusic]

that is what brought me to this song!

[@SunsetScotty]

Thanks to the uploader! I know exactly the documentary you're talking about; it was on Clapton. I remember seeing this clip from it years ago and it blew me away, too. And like you, I had been looking for it for ages. Thanks for making it available!

[@carlosalbertomantillagarci9836]

Esto es BLUES. Saludos desde Perú...

[@davidhull6578]

Wow! Thanks for posting this. I too saw this years ago on a Clapton documentary and was completely blown away by Big Bill Broonzy on this song. It is AMAZING. Haven't been able to find it anywhere, so thank you again!

[@Muminblues]

Lindo demais...

[@ckelegancja]

to byli muzycy prawdziwi...

[@nurimajeed8595]

Back again....

[@reneesblues1167]

I know it ws on a biography of Eric Clapton on the Southbank Show years ago. I have a similar version of it that I found years ago on Napster, back when you could still d/l without fear. Anyways, it's an awesome video clip and that you for sharing it.

[@dannyboybabb3875]

Just found this thanks to Keith Richards!

[@corndawgz88]

Thank you for posting this!

[@empathic11]

@Johntheresonator On one album, perhaps recorded in Paris in the 1950s, his guitar intro hits some feedback, creating some early fuzz notes. Spine chilling.

[@廖偉帆-v1o]

wish i can play this

[@Ganzie2000]

廖偉帆 there is a tutorial on you tube. If you can't find I can post it.

[@arikc10]

its one of the blues songs that the 60's artists like to mention as influence and sometime cover it themselves . like sweet home Chicago by Robert Johnson and (call it) stormy monday by T bone Walker

[@luthier23]

@berlin1925 Thanks posting these videos! I think I know the clip you had seen....I believe it's at the very end of the SRV Live from Austin Texas VHS/DVD and at the end of the Little Wing Video. The one with the fender guitar factory footage too. At least that's where I first saw it and was taken by it. Cheers!

[@miguelleiton3645]

Belleza ...aun con cancer......😢

[@SUPERSWIFTEH]

Keith Richards brought me here.

[@huzone600]

precious

[@TheJaynethepayne]

This is beaut and so sad

[@dirtyrockeu]

My man!!

[@GodInTheMachine]

wow thanks

[@GianniPireddu]

bellissima..

[@brendanyoung1111]

nice tunes

[@michaelsheridan2748]

Muddy Waters was a pallbearer at his funeral!

[@bobu5213]

Never knew that!

[@pantease69]

Me too!

[@lindapaintergirl1]

Ear candy!