First time hearing BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS - GOD BLESS THE CHILD REACTION

[@dbrinkm1]

I will soon be 77 and first heard this album while a senior at Illinois State university in 1968, Harry. I reacted the same way as you when I first heard this song. in 68. superb arrangement, so well tied together and so will done...the brass section was such a blessing to my ears being a horn player. I learned to read music. play coronet, trumpet and baritone at age 11. This song present's a superb arrangement and musical artistry skills while covering the musical forms of jazz, pop, rock and rhythm and blues, Vocals by David Clayton Thomas are superb and add a fine fabric of texture that holds it all together. This never grows old...as ordered sound enters the soul and elevates the consciousness of man. "God Bless the child that's got his own" ....db

[@harrietjohnson1930]

I love Harri’s reaction to & review of this amazing arrangement and performance. In 1973 in my freshman Music Appreciation class, my professor played this cut and I was blown away. I love EVERYTHING about it to this very moment. As Harri said, “Diamonds in my ears.”

[@jesseheiman1806]

I never understood why Blood, Sweat & Tears never got to be as big a band as Chicago (or as they were known on their debut album Chicago Transit Authority). Both were bands that featured great horn sections, but BS&T was so much more soulful. Their self-named debut album did not have a bad song on it, and they played everything from rock to jazz to gospel, to western on it. And while they had quit a few hit songs, like Spinning Wheel, their popularity never took off in the States like Chicago's. This was a great reaction video for a fantastic version of the Billie Holliday song.

[@77barrymac]

Their main problem was keeping the same personnel. They had this same lineup for their next album, BS&T 3, and then only one change for BS&T 4. After that album, they lost the lead singer and the two guys who doubled up on horns and keyboards (they were also the guys who arranged most of the songs). And the changes just kept coming after that.

[@georgemccormick4786]

BST was technically better than Chicago. More skilled players and arrangers, Also, BST had real jazz improv brass and Reed solos not scripted guitar solos.

[@stpnwlf9]

@@georgemccormick4786 I agree that BS&T had a better horn section, but Chicago's rhythm section was their strength. And in the music world of the 70s, one band was essentially a jazz band that dabbled in blues and rock while the other was a true rock band with horns. The power of Terry Kath's guitar made Chicago more appealing to rock fans while BS&T was on the edge of rock with their strength in jazz arrangements. Just how I saw it back then.

[@roymoore3156]

Blood Sweat & Tears has a permanent groove in the record of our life! Mine at least.

[@bluesmike100]

Originals

[@Lakeshore14]

Blood, Sweat and Tears were known for changing tempos like this. And they did it better than anyone. Love BS & T.

[@ChuckHackney]

This song so accurately portrays what you just penned...they are perhaps the most adept group in popular music to make so many style and tempo changes. And then there's that voice. Someone said DCT was only 27 when he sang this song. If so it sounds like the voice of a seasoned basin blues singer well into their 40s and 50s. Geeesssh. Did we really appreciate David's voice as much as we should have??? I wonder, because it is beyond great.

[@dagmar.6954]

Blood, Sweat & Tears is a jazz-rock music group founded in New York City in 1967. They are noted for their combination of brass & rock band instrumentation. Especially love their stuff when David Clayton-Thomas joined as their lead singer. They have had a lot of great songs such as "You've Made Me So Very Happy", "Spinning Wheel" "And When I Die", "Hi-De-Ho" "Lucretia MacEvil", "Go Down Gamblin'", "Lisa Listen To Me" etc.

[@tonyanderton3521]

I Love You More than You'll Ever Know.

[@edwardtmarsh884]

What about the founder, SOUL, & creative leader: AL KOOPER?!!!

[@flutesong5527]

Their brass section is second to none and comes through every time

[@misterdrummings]

What is amazing to me is that the singer, David Clayton-Thomas, was only about 27 years old when this was recorded. To have such a seasoned, warm, and soulful voice at that age is nothing short of incredible.

[@ChuckHackney]

Yes, it is amazing. Sounds like he has been singin' the basin street blues for 30 years. Wow.

[@d.j.starling3559]

The whole LP was incredible! Their debut album with David Clayton Thomas doing lead vocals, it also included the group's first big hit, You've Made Me So Very Happy, which, coincidentally, was a song from Motown/Tamla. Spinning Wheel (written by David Clayton Thomas) is another great one, as is And When I Die, which was written by Laura Nyro who, BTW, is another incredible voice you should hear. Laura Nyro wrote many great songs that have been covered by many BIG names, and she has a voice I know you would love. Eli's Coming, Stoned Soul Picnic, & Sweet Blindness are a few more of her great songs.

[@astroworfcraig9164]

The Fifth Dimension sure loved them some Laura Nyro.

[@davidward3122]

Blood sweat and tears first album was Child is father to the man. , Al Kooper as lead singer and musician. I can't quit her was one song,along with I love you more than you'll ever know. Give it a listen. Way before David Clayton Thomas. Melissa Ward here.

[@d.j.starling3559]

@@davidward3122 I agree. Great album! My original comment said "Their debut album with David Clayton Thomas doing lead vocals. . . ." And the first big hit for the group was with DCT. My dad was a jazz musician, & hated that I liked R-n-R, even though he instilled in me a deep & still prominent love of his kind of music, but BS&T was something we could enjoy together. He even knew a few of the guys in the band.

[@davidward3122]

@@d.j.starling3559 I enjoy all bsand t's music. But I have to admit I prefer Al Kooper s voice. . And yes it was a great album. Melissa Ward here. I still have that old lp.

[@carladewitt1947]

I wore this album out listening to it when I was in high school. They had it all and David Clayton Thomas never got the respect he deserved.

[@akita21154]

Billie Holiday & Mr. Herzog Jr. wrote this song in 1939. Has had many artists perform it. B B King is one that you're unable to forget. One of my favorites from the incredible Ms. Holiday.

[@ChuckHackney]

They are takin' us to church again with the combo of southern blues, jazz, soul, rock, and gospel. ALL IN ONE DAMN SONG. GEEESSH. WHAT A SOUND. Ya'll do realize the incredible contribution the American South has given to music. Jazz, blues, country, dixieland, and on and on. What a creative font of music from one small region.And yes, one could argue also the roots of rock n roll.

[@hwirtwirt4500]

The musicianship is next level across the board with BS&T, they sound like studio musicians that played together for a decade, timing and precision is flawless. David Clayton Thomas vocals are on point, the way the band combined Jazz, Latin and Rock influences together seamlessly is something to behold. The recording and production quality is also first rate and sounds fantastic even on a current state of the art stereo system. What more could I say?

[@stevenzack1497]

BS&T's recording of God Bless The Child is one of the all time great performances.

[@ChuckHackney]

Salsa. Blues. Jazz. Funk. Rock. Pop. All in the same damn song! The more i listen to BS&T now in my older years, the more in awe i am of their talent. Awe. I adore Chicago but there is just something about this group. And my sweet Lord, David Clayton Thomas.. that voice, that voice!

[@boosuedon]

The lead trumpet player was Lew Soloff who studied at Juilliard Conservatory of Music. They knew what they were doing! This was an EXCELLENT album!

[@melissabrooke1146]

We sure had great music back then, and it’s delightful watching you enjoy “my” music!

[@bobbrown5951]

Billie would love this version. Nobody sings it like David Clayton Thomas.

[@davidvornsand9551]

I witnessed this in a free concert in Boston and sounded exactly like this. One of the greatest privileges in my life!☮️❤️

[@cindipossidento5688]

Such a phenomenal band !!!!! I would play this entire album over and over …. This group takes u to many places, and all in the same song … just Phenomenal !!!! The time, the horns, drums, vocals, changing key …. How does anybody write music that way !!!!

[@gonchar2512]

David Clayton Thomas is my favorite singer. I had all his records. I attended his only concert in Moscow at the Orange club. Blood, Sweat & Tears and Chicago Favorite bands of my youth. I still listen to them with great pleasure.

[@Marco-AurelioHernandez]

One of the most unique voices in all of rock.

[@rogerkelly7988]

Blood Sweat And Tears is one of the great bands from the 60s and 70s that is probably not well known to a lot of people unless you were there in the 60s but they were huge along with Chicago they used a lot of horn's in their band

[@NathanVeenstra]

I get what you’re saying, but: I was born in 1973 and love me some Blood, Sweat & Tears 😊 Like many here, I think they’re hugely underrated.

[@suzie4417]

I keep coming back to your reaction to this fantastic group, I think this is one of the best reactions I have seen ! 😻💎💎

[@CarolInTheLou]

PERFECTION! This recording will just WEAR...YOU...OUT!! I used to love singing along with my college classmate playing it on the piano.

[@dalesouders4136]

Blood Sweat and Tears are in a league of their own

[@ericsinger2692]

Gives you whiplash in the best possible way, especially that harmonica at the end

[@lesliepartridge9895]

Oh yeah! And there was some cowbell in there too. Love this song!

[@scottwilson7835]

Hi Harry, Happy summertime! I was 6 in 68, my Mom's job at B.O.A. had a country club resort on a lake for employees. The annual summer festival there included music. Blood Sweat and Tears played for us on the balcony of the lodge beside the lake 🐸😃🎶👍 I was standing at thier feel as they played this and Spinning Wheel!! (which I already knew the words to from the radio). God Bless , friend!🎉

[@brianbox4652]

Great choice. You're so lucky that you have a lot more Blood, Sweat and Tears.to discover.

[@stevebox3103]

Are we related?

[@Kat-gx3se]

I still have my vinyl album of this .....almost wore it out. Haven't heard this in years..Thanks for this!!! Saw them at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach in the 60's. Also saw Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Mike Bloomfield and Electric Flag. What a fantastic place that was. How lucky were we who got to hang out there and witness so much amazing music. I need to dig out my old albums and buy a turntable.....LOVE THIS!!

[@avlisk]

"That should be illegal, I swear!" made me laugh out loud. Your reactions are entertaining, and priceless!

[@lindakoschwitz7370]

Without a doubt some of the best changes in any song!!

[@xiurong888]

Bobby Colomby is one of my favorite drummers of all time. I saw them live in the early 70's at Carnegie Hall in NYC. Lew Soloff on trumpet is excellent; he played in Maynard Fergusen's big band...the Maynard influence is obvious. I still have all of my old 33 LP's from back then.

[@jallen2305]

His drumming is amazing on everything I’ve heard.

[@taniadolphy5122]

Blood Sweat and Tears didn't receive the accolades it should have over the years. They were an "incredible" band. The lead singer is phenomenal ❤

[@roymoore3156]

The guy on the lead vocals…Mr. David Clayton Thomas. Just brilliant!!!

[@philipclifford2314]

It's been a long time since I last heard this song. I forgot how much I like this recording and how much I like these artists.

[@randywhite9810]

This is beyond pure gold!!!! Name one better!

[@mikeramseydotnet]

Thank you for reminding me why BST was my favorite band of my youth. My first concert was Blood Sweat and Tears in 1972. Incredible musicians.

[@bruceramsey6725]

God bless Billie Holliday for her strength, courage, and incredible talent! What a woman!

[@AssetInvesting]

David has just the right amount of scratch in that great voice of his.

[@AssetInvesting]

Your superb analysis and reaction covered it all. You didn't miss a thing.

[@carlaharrington5120]

Thank you, thank you to whomever suggested you do this tune. Despite knowing who Blood, Sweat, and Tears is I had never heard this cover. Blown away to say the least.

[@rodneyhearne3405]

I had a wonderful evening on March 9th 1970 listening to this great band in Sacramento, CA at the Memorial Auditorium. BS&T were perfection in concert and David Clayton Thomas delivered incredible vocals that night. What a great band! I was a sophomore in High School, with front row seats a date on my arm, yup this is one fine memory.

[@emiliahalstead49]

I had the SAME reaction to this song only first hearing it two months ago! Simply bliss to the ears.

[@boosuedon]

This album won the Grammy for Album Of The year in 1968.

[@trespatines8698]

What a fantastic reaction! You truly conveyed what the music was doing to you!

[@svo65]

i refuse to watch another one of your videos......until i share with you that i have a smile on my face watching your reactions and i pray you will continue to be blessed.... thank you for the good music.

[@rk41gator]

a GREAT soulful cover. They have that very illusive way of playing just behind the beat that is not easy....almost swingin'. BW&T and Chicago had a vibe, a lane down which no others have dared drive. Forgot how jazzy this was. What an insane combination of groovy musicians.

[@greybeard2280]

Harri my friend, I am so very happy that this made you happy. I knew this track would get ya because of your love of Billie Holiday. This is the absolute best cover of the wonderful Billie Holiday! Happy Holidays everyone!

[@lesliepartridge9895]

Happy holidays back at ya, sir! Thanks for getting this on the “to be played” list. I had forgotten just how great this version is, the horns still blow me away (old oboe player here, wanna be French horn player though). The drummer, organist, arrangement, production - the whole package. Thanks again!

[@greybeard2280]

@@lesliepartridge9895 Always a pleasure! Glad I could bring this back into your life. I not only love Harri's reactions, but knowing it makes others happy! Next month I'm taking Harri back to the 50's and early 60's. Be sure to look out for my requests, gonna love 'em! Sincerely Greybeard

[@lisarainbow9703]

I've been requesting this song on multiple reaction channels, I'm so thrilled to finally see it done, and Hari's reaction was a delight.

[@michelemichele3375]

👀😉 Funny - I requested the same tune on another channel. Harri’s great 👍 Nice request, MM. Great reaction. ✨🤪

[@michelemichele3375]

“And the drummer! The drummer should be tested.” 🤣😜😂

[@arthurking6846]

Nobody's mentioning that great harmonica comming in at the end. Makes a nice change of tone to finish off the last verse. 🔥

[@robertbruner6884]

Finally! Someone reacts to this GREAT song. Harri you really are the Best.

[@jamilodeh739]

My first time hearing this version (don't know how or why...). "Diamonds in my ears", you took the words outta my mouth.

[@sissybushnell7959]

I had forgotten how beautiful this piece of music is ❤

[@dasglasperlenspiel10]

I haven't listened to this recording in a long time. I loved them back when I was in high school, and this came out. I know a lot more about music, and this sounds even better, a lot better, because I hear much more. I saw them twice with this lineup. Fantastic shows, utterly great. Lew Soloff and Bobby Colomby, among the others. So great. So very great!!

[@vizzini589]

Love your reaction to this. IMO best jazz/rock song of all time.

[@martyemmons1859]

Oh definitely, Harri. You've acknowledged so many beautiful genres and orchestration. And quite deservedly so. This is a wonderful Blood Sweat and Tears version of "God Bless The Child".

[@davidbentley145]

I had the 33 1/3 Album of this and can attest to the quality of this recording(audiophile)...there is a shine n shimmer that clearly comes across...tonally right on...it sounds live on the right system...it's not overly polished and sounds plum real...Ty brother for this take

[@lese3173]

I totally agree. I have the half speed cut dbx encoded lp that was produced by Direct Disk Labs which truly is a treat to hear.

[@davidbentley145]

@@lese3173 You have to be old like me in order to be familiar with 'DBX"Ha,ha...like Quadraphonic/surround sound!Ha,ha...watch out...yer age is showing...

[@lese3173]

@@davidbentley145 LOL, yes, I'm rather ancient. I have a small collection of dbx encoded discs and they're all impressive but B, S, & T is one of my favorites. I even have that one transferred to reel-to-reel tape. How's that for showing my age! 😁

[@davidbentley145]

@@lese3173 I build tube electronics and some of my tubes are older than I am...Love music...nice sharing with lovely old souls like you brother

[@lisarainbow9703]

They did a half-speed master of this on CD? Good to know, I'm familiar with the quality of a half-speed master recording.. Such an amazing album this was. ( still is....)

[@quicktastic]

My first introduction to this song was this particular version when I was a kid and my brother bought the album. I was mesmerized by it and thought at the time that B,S & T wrote it. lol. As I got older I started taking more interest in reading the liner notes and finding out who wrote the songs that I liked. Then it's like hmmm.. I wonder who Billie Holiday is? Music is great like that.

[@aaronstandingbear]

First off, I was part of a show on TV in Toronto in the mid 60s. My first girlfreinds older sister was a Go Go dancer on a music dance show out of Toronto and she wanted us to come on the show as dancers so we did and it was David Clayton Thomas on the show. I even got some airtime as a dancer which watching the show as it appeared was a thrill. He was terrific doing Spinning Wheel and others but not this one. Awesome band and great singer. The other thing is today is my 74th birthday.

[@jamestaylor2920]

Happy Birthday, and here's to many more happy returns! Be well and be happy.

[@glsdaisy]

Happy Birthday to YOU!

[@robynmatheson7687]

I’m late, but Happy belated Birthday!!!

[@roymoore3156]

God Love you my friend. You sound the “child” in your spirit never left you! What a great role model! Merry Christmas!!!

[@tonythegoodman]

Happy Belated Birthday...

[@kevinhennessey3189]

The Arrangement and production of this album was the guy working the keyboards Al Kooper who is amazing he left the froup shortly after this record. HE went on to produce many records. You should check out Super Session with Kooper, Mike Blomfierld and Stephen Stills

[@77barrymac]

He actually left before this album, though he did set the template for it - they kept his choices of "You've Made Me So Very Happy", "More and More", "Smiling Phases", and "Blues, Part 2". And if you get a chance, I highly recommend Kooper's autobiography "Backstage Passes and Backstabbing Bastards".

[@tootsie5052]

David Clayton Thomas, amazing voice!!

[@richardreimer]

Awe HarriBest that Song makes Me Cry!😭 Dude, Thank You! Loved it!✌To You👍👍👍

[@michaelmolloy6697]

Harri Please play And When I Die!! It’s another Blood Sweat and Tears Gem!!!! This group is so talented it’s hard to compare them to anyone…..maybe Chicago for the breadth of instruments and sheer talent. They have it all!!!!

[@lauracorriss9538]

Yes! My favorite of all their songs.

[@petepower4217]

this band knows how to lay back, Basie would be proud!

[@ecarteringram]

Hari, you bring me back. Thanks for your joy.

[@paulweber686]

I love that you love this song nearly as much as I have loved it since 1969

[@freegracetruthembrace7188]

Vibe is undeniable 50 plus years later. More , please .

[@xJRx77]

One of your VERY BEST REACTIONS!!! BRAVO Harri!!!

[@2zxodcfm]

Outstanding rendition. I would expect nothing less from this ensemble. Having enjoyed them live in a relatively intimate venue I can report that they required no smoke and mirrors. With classically trained musicians and a born to sing vocalist they soared throughout. Certainly one of my favorite concerts ever of very many attended.

[@donhansen7601]

I saw them in concert in 1970. I still remember the diverse sounds filling the arena. Greatness, too bad they never stayed together after their Iron Current performances. You have to listen to "When I Die" written by Laura Nyro. When the song gets to the lyrics "here comes the devil", they bring out horse replica hoofs to sound like he is racing away on horseback. Listen for "Hee Hay". True genius and every musician was world class. Thanks for bringing the lastly memories back to me.

[@markdettra1794]

Wonderful to see the joy it gives you ! From an album i teasured as a 16 yr. old when it was a new release.

[@debbiechang5781]

This is another band that I had nearly forgotten about and you have brought it back. Thanks Harri and Mr Greybeard! This is wonderful 🎄🌺✌️

[@Neilsmu]

Thank you for your reaction… so lovely to be reminded of what a fabulous band BST were.

[@susanpeterson9947]

This album came out the year I graduated from high school, and this was my favorite song on it…and my introduction to jazz music, always my favorite. Thanks so much, Harri!

[@ltpls1]

I lost my brother yesterday. Tons of great memories listening to this album. Tears

[@brenda9140]

⚘Thank you, Harri

[@Prone2Thrill]

Amazing composition and they have MORE!

[@craigmccausland1183]

When this band was popular, there was a beauty salon named Blood Sweat and Shears! Cute!

[@mirandaanderson9160]

They were the first concert I went to. Check out "Spinning Wheel" and "And When I Die".

[@scottski51]

I saw them in the early 70s. Just as good live as the studio stuff. Love, love, love, LOVE their horn section !!!

[@handsomeclem208]

Harri, don't forget a little bit of an Gospel vibe to boot in the instrumentation of this aural gem!

[@JMWexperience]

Fabulous song - musically and vocally brilliant!

[@jamesgabbert9375]

The highlight of a great album!

[@TheNineup]

Great review! Blood, Sweat & Tears are very, very good, jazzy group!

[@ripmcmanus]

Great reaction to a truly superb interpretation of this Billie Holiday classic.

[@stevecappello9620]

Absolutely great pull, Harri! This band is just simply amazing! Thank you very much, please stay with these guys for a few more songs. You just brought the heat to a very cold Rochester, BY evening! Thanks again!

[@captchrispike]

"diamonds in ears" - a great phrase that i'm going to use!

[@sirslice]

Fantastic group and David could belt it out. I remember when my brother brought this album home The year was 1969.

[@angier5775]

I was in band in HS, 72-75. We had a Jazz Band that played this. I think it was a staple in the SF Bay Area. Lots of bands played it! I played this 5x, I love it so much!!

[@stevebox3103]

I was looking around the other day for covers of god bless the child, and ran across this. I forgot that bs&t covered it, it was like opening up a 50+year old gift! I’m with you this is so good it ought to be illegal! I don’t know how old you are, but I got to grow up with this music, anybody jealous, probably not then you’d be as old as me.😩

[@SuperSkolGUY]

Lucretia Mac Evil is an absolute must listen

[@troilusand]

A GREAT SONG! And a GREAT reaction by you, Harri. You are very cute, dancing along in your chair!! It is easy to see that you completely enjoy and appreciate this song. Love it.

[@bjspeck4337]

I heard them in person back in late 60s or early 70s at UFlorida. The brass was rarely heard in bands in those days. Bill Withers was the lead in for the band. What a great night.

[@rainbowkeys711]

One of my favorite bands, ever---- I'm delighted to see your reaction to this. Other Blood Sweat and Tears hits: Go Down Gambling Lucretia MacEvil Spinning Wheel Hi-Dee Ho You've Made Me So Very Happy

[@letno3662]

While I appreciate the hits that Blood Sweat and Tears made with David Clayton Thomas, my real appreciation goes to the first album Child is Father To The Man, which featured the founder, Al Kooper. His vision was what kicked this band off.

[@77barrymac]

And even though they kept most of Kooper's choices for the second album - though "God Bless the Child" wasn't one of them - Kooper has said that as proud as he was of what they accomplished after his departure, he would NOT have done the album that way.

[@taragreenetarotastro]

yes I love Al Kopper even though David Clayton Thomas has the bigger barrel chested voice

[@markdettra1794]

A fresh album from 53 years ago . So glad you experienced some of my teen memories.

[@georgeerhard1949]

I literally grew up on this album - it came out in '69 when I was two. Over the years, I played it so much I wore out the vinyl. So I got my mother a replacement copy when I was 16. This was the first CD I ever purchased, even before I had a CD player!! I recorded it to cassette on a reference deck at the St. John's College Music Library.

[@johnwagner4776]

I saw these guys in early-1974. One of the most incredible shows I ever saw! (Return To Forever was the opening band, and they were colossal) BS&T was at the height of their powers. David Clayton Thomas: one of the great voices of his generation

[@kathleenwalsh3713]

So glad you chose this to react to - it's just a classic version of this classic tune. If you like this song, do check out the whole album. BS&T were truly a nobody-else-like-them group and this album is a true classic. Thanks !

[@annieh5479]

Written by Billie Holiday - GREAT song

[@joe47771]

so true, every soul should have their home

[@barrycohen311]

Go down the rabbit hole with this band- "And When I Die" and "Spinning Wheels"

[@LoisChisholm]

This is the first version of this song I ever heard. A couple years later I was introduced to Billie Holiday and her version of this song. I've heard many others since then, but this one by Blood, Sweat and Tears is my favorite, hands down. David Clayton Thomas is an amazing vocalist. And the album this comes from is fabulous. Definitely not your run-of-the-mill rock album that year.

[@dsusan17]

Fantastic song, done beautifully. That musical change up was fantastic. Great reaction Harri.

[@PAn-su3wy]

A delight for the music lovers ears. Such a tight band.