HOME FREE Feat. The Oak Ridge Boys and Jeffrey East Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem Reaction

[@debbiehall9091]

This is one of the most beautiful christmas song. Love The Oakridge Boys and Jeffery East. This is amazing💗💗💗

[@carty43]

The Oak Ridge Boys were amused by Austin's going "full-on gospel" for his verse. He sang it in church as a child and clearly was filled with the spirit as he sang this.

[@sheilaschnorr3087]

I picture how proud and humbled Austin must have been to be receiving those fatherly encouragements from the legendary Oak Ridge Boys. What a moment. It would be like me singing and having one of the Home Free guys pat me on the back and tell me I’m great. Lol. Wow.

[@lisamarshall1769]

Only the best can harmonize like that! Jeffrey East is a talented guy - I love his songs Roller Rink and Still Crazy. The Oaks Joe Bonsall has said that Home Free is them, only younger. They work well together. I’ve only followed two groups in my life, the Oak Ridge Boys (over 40 yrs now) and Home Free. They have a lot in common, all talented guys.

[@kristindunstan172]

I love how the Oak Ridge Boys give Austin props during the song. They look so proud of him!

[@sherrybaldwin2544]

Mr. Jeffery East has a beautiful voice, I sure want to hear more from him!

[@sharonmortimer3843]

Austin went full gospel on that song. His dad sang in a Traveling Southern Gospel Quartet and Austin traveled with him when he was little. I loved the look on Jeffrey East and the Oakridge Boys faces. Your reaction was great, thank you.

[@kimberlyeubanks995]

Whomever was in charge of the sound for each singer - and the guitar - NAILED IT! These guys are AMAZING!!! 💕💞🥰💞💕

[@caitlinseaton7546]

The best part of this performance is that they are all genuinely happy with each other’s performances. The Oaks are grinning when Jeffrey and Austin are singing, and vice versa, and Jeffry is grinning when Austin goes off too🥰

[@miamidolphinsfan]

Isn't that SPECIAL ? Those harmonies are incredible. Jeffrey East, was Home Free's opener at their concerts last year. He is a VERY talented young man....impressive writer & singer. Austin goes full Gospel here rivalling our friend David Phelps.

[@janethoffman4197]

Love this song! “Austin killed it, brought it back to life, and killed it again “LOL

[@MegaEaglelover]

I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THEM TEAM UP ON “AMAZING GRACE” 🤠🤘🏼🤠🤘🏼🤠🤘🏼🤠🤘🏼🤠🤘🏼🤠🤘🏼🤠🤘🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@ernaanspach473]

Here it is nearing Christmas season again. I don't know how I missed this one but thankyou Lyle for letting us hear the entire song. Your reactions are just the best! 👍❤️🎼❤️

[@quiltie1774]

The Oaks started out as gospel group. This , I am sure,touched their hearts! Your reaction is perfect!

[@denicesanders4586]

They still sing with the Gaithers.

[@m.harrison2151]

Jeffrey East co-wrote with Austin & Steven Martinez, one of your favorite Home Free songs, “Love Me Like That”! He toured with Home Free last year. Austin’s southern gospel kicked in, from when he was younger & sang in church!! Happy New Year, Pat!! Always look forward to your Home Free reactions!! 🤗

[@misty21411]

I’m from Georgia. This is a Southern Christmas Gospel Song if you will. My grandpa use to sing it to me. When Joe Bosnall jumps up he’s doing it in reference to Austin hitting the very high tenor notes that’s hard to hit with a Tenor. Plus keeping it Angelic and Perfect. I Love This Rendition of this song. Jeffery East Co-wrote Warmest Winter with Austin. Tim actually wrote 3 of the songs on the Album and Austin wrote 2 one of which is Warmest Winter. Jeffery East’s latest song is “People’. Check him out. He’s really Amazing in his own right. ♥️♥️♥️♥️ As a side note this was part of their Warmest Winter Special

[@misty21411]

Tim wrote What We Need Is Love, Snow Globe and Christmas Aint For The Lonely. Austin Co-Wrote Warmest Winter with Jeffery East. Austin’s other song is either Cold Hard Cash or Winter Song not sure which

[@hidebehind2604]

Sometimes the stars align perfectly and the light they put out outshines the rest. The old great group combining with the younger on their way into greatness Guitar soloist is a rising star coming over the horizon to join in a musical celebration. All love and appreciate music it has and is their lives, and as such they bring joy into this world

[@hammertime615]

This is a perfect example of good ole Southern Gospel music amazing

[@markcorley4117]

Goose bumps and tears every time I hear this.

[@sherihackworth2731]

It was not until I heard Austin sing his verse, just how much his singing has been influenced by the church. There for a minute I thought he was going to starting to start jumping. He definitely was feeling it. Awesome job guys. Critique was spot on.

[@SusanLand-wm2bg]

I was unfamiliar with this song as well. They do such an amazing job! Fell in love with it as soon as I heard it! I think it'll be a Christmas song I listen to on a regular basis!!

[@nightthornkvala94132]

Not a word was said, but the reactions, the joy and the teasing, of the Oak on either side of Austin when he let loose was totally hilarious to me. It made this video even more enjoyable. I don't think I've ever heard this song before. Hearing it the first time from this group makes it a keeper.

[@maryhumphrey3002]

All I can say is "HOLY WOW". BEAUTIFUL.

[@maryannanderson2213]

Jeffrey East started this out low-key. His voice is soft and he played the guitar without a pick but used only his fingers which also softened the sound of the guitar. Because he did this, when the Oaks started singing full-force their sound just seemed to blast out and was given more emphasis. The Oaks have been around with their current lineup of singers since 1972. I think Home Free rightfully showed respect to a group that has been performing for 50 years by stepping back and allowing the Oaks to take the lead on this song, with the notable exception of Austin's beautiful solo! I loved when both Joe and Duane patted Austin as if to say, "We're proud of you, son. Good job!" Joe was so excited over Austin's voice that he literally bounced out of his seat a time or two! This song was written in 1938 by a farmer who lived in Rutherford County Tennessee, and it started appearing in church songbooks some time later and it was from our church's songbook that my dad learned the song and the first time I remember hearing it was when my dad sang it. That was about 70 years ago so it has been a staple in churches for a LONG time and I have heard it hundreds of times over the years but I must say that this performance was the most beautiful version of Beautiful Star of Bethlehem that I have ever heard! You mentioned that these singers seem to all move their hands as they sing. This is a gospel music thing. Gospel singers quite often use their hands to emphasize what they are saying or to say "I believe what I am singing" or to say to the audience, "Listen to what I'm saying" and many of the guys in both the Oaks and Home Free have a background in gospel music so I'm not surprised that they use their hands to emphasize what they are saying. Thank you for reacting to this because I want to just keep hearing it over and over because like I said before, this is the most beautiful version of this song I have ever heard.

[@jankreps5115]

It’s amazing that they released this on the 21st...same days the Christmas star was to shine brightest! Only occurs ever 800 years!! The respect & love they show for each other came through!! Austin went all out in his solo!! Jeff is a;amazing singer/songwriter!! Nice Reaction to this gospel song!!!

[@joanwharff6483]

Oh, this was written back in 1939, by a dairy farmer. It is an old one, but Beautiful ☦️💖‼️. Austin shows us his gospel upbringing in his killer solo ☦️💖‼️

[@quiltie1774]

Jeffery is smiling the whole time

[@lindanearing4710]

Legends and legends in the making. Fabulous!.. Loved everything about this. So cute, how Home Free and Oakridge Boys are such huge fans of each other. I liked Jeffery East's vocals, too.

[@louisetemples7011]

That hand movement is dominant in traditional gospel and country singing. It's from within! Helping to pace, harmonize, focus and maintain rhythm. Moving with the music is wonderfully freeing! Gospel choir's do it lots and if you've grown up in church especially it almost seems to help you open up your soul and allow the presence of the Lord to come into the hearts and soul of the singers. Did you notice how Austin was feeling and moving as he was starting his part? His soul had started feeling the Spirit of God and it was spontaneous and contagious. They were all being moved! I was being moved just watching. I was crying! It was evident to me that you as well was blessed and your inner spirit touched. When music moves and touches us this way it can help heal and restore much hurt and pain and take us to a higher level! Home Free is a wonderfully talented group of men! I love them in How Great Thou Art and Go Rest High On That Mountain too! They move me that way also! Love your reactions!

[@pamelascott5702]

My great Uncle Hank was a minister. He had a little country church down a dirt road. It was the first church I remember attending. It was the church I sang in. I remember sitting with him on the bench in front of the piano as he played. First song I learned at 3 years old, “Jesus Loves Me.” I remember being one of the solo singers in the choir. At one of the Christmas plays, I was one of the soloist to sing a part of this song. I loved seeing my granny smile every time I sang. My Uncle Hank’s is the pastor of that church now. He also works on my car when it needs it. I carried it to him for an oil change & he said I left a Hymnal in your front seat. You have got to take a Sunday off and come sing with us..

[@kellywilliams364]

I love it!! Austin brought everything he had.

[@that1mamalady]

I live in Arizona. I listen to Christmas music all year. Yeah, it pisses some people off, but I don't care.

[@cindyb.9840]

I love this video. You can see and hear the fun and joy they have, and see the respect they have for each other 🧡🧡🧡 In september 2018 Jeffrey (singer/songwriter) opened for Home Free during their Euro Tour. They didn't know each other, but became close friends. Since he wrote for and with the guys, and has done a song with Tim's wife Jenika (Older Chests). Maybe you could react to his song "People"

[@pamscarr8696]

Now that is what you we call "American Gospel Music"! Mu grandparents loved it and sang it. I did no appreciate it when I was young, but I love it now. It is derived mostly from the Scottish and Scot Irish immigrants to this country. I am so proud of those fabulous roots I came from and the musical talents my family brought with them. I love your reactions.

[@chrisamato6501]

These men are absolutely amazing! They truly enjoy singing, singing together and actually enjoy and like each other. One fun point about our Homefree guys is that each of the guys can take the lead in a song and share in background singing parts. I always feel in all of their music that they truly operate as a team and when one of the guys voices sounds best for a song, that’s what the boys do. These guys always are crazy good!!

[@janedc5ch319]

I love this song so much . .. thay all are Amazing

[@charleneclaassen]

I am still chuckling. Knew we were going to watch it again. Just beautiful. The oaks are my favorite collabs with Home Free. Love how the boys give the men the spotlight.

[@2978Jennifer]

The hand movements are a way of counting the notes, so they can time when to sing, the way the song moves.

[@BSGNative]

Loved the expression on your face when all those voices came together after Jeffrey's intro. It really kinda punches you in the gut (in a good way), especially with the bass that Tim and Richard Sterban provide. I don't know how many times I've watched this & that moment still gets to me! Regarding the hand movements - if you notice, you get some of the hand gestures from the Oaks as well. This song has been around for a long time but I had never heard it till about 2 years ago. Now it's one of my favorite Christmas songs. So glad they released this as a video - it was one of my favorite parts of the Christmas special. Hope you had a Merry Christmas. Here's hoping for a Happy New Year of all of us!

[@chrismorin1318]

I knew you were going to play this twice before you even played it once! I love how Home Free let their guests shine by giving them the lead melodies except Austin's solo! Austin's Dad was part of a traveling gospel quartet and Austin grew up singing in front of congregations. So for the spirit to flow out of him just takes him back to his roots. And you could tell that the spirit affected those on stage with him. You'll very rarely find a collaboration with this much chemistry and talent on one stage, and this was live! I can't imagine it sounding any better if they'd been in a studio recording! This is definitely something special. ❤

[@magsb9458]

You should check out Jeffrey East, he toured with Home Free two years ago. He writes very beautiful songs and seems to be a very nice guy. He co-wrote “why not” from Dive bar saints

[@brendonisasinner]

(i think snow globe as well)

[@hopesnowden6700]

Love your astonishment. I had same reaction.

[@coletedeux]

Tent revival worthy. Beautiful.

[@terrispurling4036]

Love this song and this is now my favorite version. I loved your reaction. It mirrored my own. I love the way Joe Bonsall and Duane Allen react to Austin’s “full gospel” solo. Thanks for a wonderful reaction to an amazing song!

[@douglaspalmer9678]

Watching Austin makes me sure he has spent time in a Holy Ghost church in his youth.

[@sallyread7032]

I remember singing that at Church. It's a very old song. What a beautiful song sung with such heart, harmony & respect for each other.

[@sallymaria]

I hadn't heard this Christmas hymn before either, but it's such a beautiful performance, I'm very glad I got to hear it. It would be great if you could check out more Jeffrey East, he's such a nice guy and so talented. People is a great one, or there is a live recording from London of Messes.

[@lifeinsideandoutwithcarina1346]

Amazing reaction! Let's talk Jeffrey East because he deserves all the attention he can get and far more. Jeffrey is a singer-songwriter that so far has had songs cut by artists like Rascal Flatts and Dierks Bentley to name a couple. He also co-wrote a couple of the songs on Home Free's Dive Bar Saints album. Jeffrey first met the guys in Oslo after they all arrived there to kick off their 2018 DBS Euro Tour and Jeffrey has been chosen as their opening act for all the shows. I saw him/them 6 times in 5 different countries and he won the hearts of the audience at every single show. He's not only the most talented lyricist, and songwriter, I've ever come across, he's also humble, sweet, funny and so incredibly nice and kind. And he's got the best smile! Please react to him! His song People is a great song that you should check out and react to, but one of my favourites is the live video of his song Messes, from Union Chapel in London, UK, the last show of that tour. It's just him, his guitar and an audience so quiet and in awe that we could have heard a needle drop. You won't regret reacting to it. Thanks, Pat and Happy New Year!

[@bethcoussou]

So glad you decided to react to this one even though it’s after Christmas!! These two groups, with Jeffrey, sound so amazing!! Jeffrey co-wrote two or three songs on their Dive Bar Saints album, and also toured with them in the UK a couple of years ago. The formed a kinship/friendship together, as they did with the Oaks! This just makes me happy to hear all of those great vocals together, and see the respect and appreciation among them all!! I wasn’t familiar with the song prior to the first time I saw their special, but I sure do love hearing them sing it!! I could see how much you enjoyed the video and appreciated the playback! I always enjoy your reactions! I agree what you said about Home Free and how they continue to excel with their music content, especially considering we’ve been living through this darned pandemic! I know I don’t understand how they could possibly get any better, but they do! I am excited to see what they do this year!! They sure do deserve more recognition from the Country Music world (radio play and invitations to perform on live TV!! They have the “It” factor, in my opinion! Ok, I’ll step down from my virtual podium now. ☺️ Sorry!

[@maximas57x85]

It just doesn't get much better than this!

[@dianneostell7014]

Hello i i go to your room for nearly months as I di not realize I'm shite at all this and Twitter ...your reviews are epic. thank you, Love your homefree Patreon as am I Litt;e Dianne from the UK you are one pure Gentleman which they are mostly extinct lol XXX

[@amyparker5686]

I grew up with this song. It was a Christmas song that my family would sing at my great grandparent's house. The hand gesture reminds me of going to church as a little kid and watching the choir director. Also harp singing.

[@shortybarnesyanik]

I have been waiting and waiting for you to react to this one! Austin killed it on his solo! Bringing out his southern gospel roots and accent! I grew up with this song in church it’s always been one of my favorites! Now this version is my favorite!

[@belinda9696]

Jeffrey has opened for Home Free concerts in the past, he had a very long red beard back then he has shaved off now. You should look at some of his songs, he's a writer and has written many of his own songs. Very talented.

[@CindyNavarro]

The way they are moving their hands is very common in country churches in the Southern United States. Tim, Austin, & Chance (& the Oak Ridge Boys) are all Southern and this song is Southern Gospel. Growing up, I always noticed most of the congregation would keep time with their hands to the music... not just the song leader.

[@ColinGames974]

Beautiful song

[@smallblockchevyman]

need to check out oak ridge boys doing "true to you"

[@joycemcfee1829]

This is so wonderful. How could it not be? Both of these groups are so good, and then to combine them so perfectly is just great. Home Free has also done a song with Alabama this year, Christmas in Dixie, and it is another good one.

[@babyfry4775]

This is a good one. I’m not familiar with this song but they killed it. Jeffrey East has a good voice. I think he’s written some songs for Home Free. The Oaks sounded great and it was cute to see the older guys pat Austin on the back. Tim and Richard Sterban really went low. Great reaction. I subscribed! Keep em coming!

[@chrissalsberry8371]

I absolutely love your reactions to Home Free

[@terrichristenson432]

I can always count on you for the best reactions out there !!!!!! You are now officially number one, you seem to mirror my thoughts exactly. I am a huge Home Free fan and they are almost all I listen to now, and like you I have seen them live and will never forget those concerts. They did an Amazing job with this song, which was part of the live streamed Christmas special. It is now one of my favorites, so good. I fell in love with Austins solo immediately of course, he is my favorite. Such an emotion filled performance that I have heard suprised everyone. He had held back during rehersal and let loose when they went live. Watch it again and this time watch Jeffry East during Austins solo, he is grinning from ear to ear. Thanks so much.

[@kenafren]

This brought tears to my eyes. I really appreciated your reaction. My wife insisted I watch your face.

[@MichaelSimmons.]

No need for me to comment. You said everything I was going to say, my friend. Great reaction. Austin was amazing!

[@donnaellis2424]

No words needed!!

[@conniestone2806]

I truly love your reactions! You are so openly and honestly emotional and let the music move and touch you. It was awesome wasn't it? I loved seeing how much they love and respect each other. Austin, what can you say? I love him so very much! About their hands, I heard them say something recently that using your hands when you sing, especially if you're really getting into a song and putting out, that you can get more out of yourself using your hands. ?? Made some sense to me. Anyway, this was wonderful. I've watched it so many, many times and will keep watching! Loved how the Oaks patted Austin and jumped up showing their great respect for his voice! Take care, blessings to you and yours this coming year.

[@reneebush5292]

It brought back so many memories for me. I cried the first time I heard this version. It was Mom’s favorite Christmas song.

[@lcn325]

Thank you for playing this twice!!!! 🎇

[@yolandaclaassen4492]

I love that even though there are a lot of voices, you can hear Adam in there as well. This year is my first with Home Free, I have been putting a list of songs to listen to in December, and this one is definitely going on. Thank you for being my go to person when it comes to reacting Home Free, also enjoying other musicians.

[@marksmith9566]

I saw the Oak Ridge Boys at Dollywood back in the 90s.

[@Cindyannef]

Home Free's live stream concert they did at the beginning of this month, was amazing. This is just a clip of that night, as was the collaboration with Alabama singing Christmas In Dixie. Best money I ever spent for a concert, and I didn't even have to leave home to watch it. This is an old gospel hymn from way back, but one you don't hear much anymore unless you live in the deep south. Jeffery East toured with them all through Europe, and I thought he was with them in Australia, too, but I might be wrong. Thank you, for another amazing reaction! Hoping this New Year is much better than 2020 was for everyone.

[@verlysgaminglife]

I live in Ohio, and so I don't know about it not being heard anywhere but the south. lol. I think it just depends on what church you go to. :) but yeah, our Wesleyan church sings it all the time.

[@sophienovillars8261]

Really beautiful ! I love it ! It's one of my favorites ! 😍

[@travisrussell9166]

One of my favorites, i keep going back to listen again. Good reaction Pat

[@karenthompson4151]

If you ever need an example of southern gospel and old time country this is it! If you did not know the Oakridge Boys started out as a gospel group.

[@vinnieblair8576]

You definitely left the best for last. So glad you reacted to it and I do think HF did us proud this entire Christmas holiday with thealbum and the streamed concert. Don't forget to react to Auld Lang Syne, if you haven't already done it. It's another masterful HF version with the harmonies.

[@annehffry3284]

Reaction request: Jeffrey East, Messes, live in London. He was opening for Home Free. He is a prolific songwriter, all kinds of songs, and his lyrics just draw you in.

[@kristindunstan172]

The hand motions might be a way to make the bass or other parts visual for the a capella audience. I've noticed that sometimes Tim's hand is the only way we know he's holding out those crazy low notes.

[@bigjake55555]

It helps them stay in tight a cappella harmonies! Almost like conducting one another to stay together! Why all are so tight with the harmonies and awesome together

[@patriciawoyczik1657]

Great..I've been waiting for you to do this one! It's now one of my favorites!

[@debbiecrawford7925]

Great reaction. That one touches the soul. I've always loved that song but wow they made it special

[@ilove2laugh250]

You can see the love all over that stage!

[@teresacartwright5406]

I loved this song & I loved Austin going full gospel on it. I think they use their hands to help themselves stay in their part as well as cue the other singers. I've also noticed that the members of Home Free make frequent eye contact for the same reason. When you watch Austin, Rob and Chance at the far right, when they come to a part where they harmonize they all turn to each other.

[@bettyjackson5944]

Truly beautiful.

[@sghsrox09]

I would love Home Free to do a southern gospel album!! This is mine and was my mamaws favorite Christmas song! They killed it best version I've ever heard!

[@lynnquinn7244]

I enjoyed that! Thanks, Patrol! Really like William Lee Golden's beard... maybe you can aspire to that by the time you're 81, what do you think?

[@joanwharff6483]

Jeff was on tour with them when the pandemic hit...they were in Munich, Germany .... 🙁...he’s great friends with them , as well as the Oaks ...they love Au 🙃‼️🙃

[@joanwharff6483]

Oops...AUSTIN

[@donnamhall8491]

Pretty sure Jeffrey toured with them overseas last year or the year before. Cash Campbell was with them this year when the pandemic forced them to come home.

[@tarjaikola]

Jeffrey was in Europe in 2018!

[@marlahudgins7038]

This was a great performance

[@glennspreeman1634]

Jeff kinda sings in your ear but the full chords are heavenly!! The bearded guy is an awesome baritone, you can hear him filling out. Richard Steirban is singing bass notes, Tim is bass guitar! all compliment the rest!

[@carinalundstrom7566]

Love it, a really heartwarming song

[@MascottDeepfriar]

As people get farther apart and still need to stay together on beat and in tune the hand gestures can help everyone visually keep in touch with each other. Also with all the voices it can get complicated to make sure you are perfectly in time with everyone by sound alone. These are some explanations for why they may have all been doing the gestures as a desire to stay together.

[@tarjaikola]

Loved your heartfelt reaction! Please do react to Jeffrey East. He is an amazingly talented singer-songwriter and I love all his songs. My favourites are Brightest Stars, Love Again and Because of Yours. Also Still Crazy, People and Messes are great. There are a few more upbeat songs as well.

[@karenbaker5468]

I’m an a cappella singer. I use my hands as expression as well as reminders (self directing)

[@nancyholter5646]

I don't know if any one has answered your question about the hand motions or not. You can see the Oak Ridge Boys do it, too. It is common, especially among a capella groups, since there is no instrument to keep time, for hands to indicate time, tempo changes, rising/falling cadences, etc. As bass, Tim is usually the time keeper, but when individuals take a lead, they will indicate so the background singers know what/when do come in, etc. Even Adam does it, if you watch Auld Lang Syne, for example.

[@harveyjones1955]

The hand movement is part and parcel to a cappella singers in my experience.

[@sammieturner338]

It’s not just a cappella but also this style of southern gospel. It is a way for the vocalist to physically visualize how the notes are supposed to sound.

[@lrfcowper]

It's also a way an a capella group can keep together without a director. You can see where your fellow musicians are by what their hands are doing.

[@KeatingChick]

Great reaction!

[@sandyblack2687]

Happy New Year from a Home Fry!!❤

[@PatrolNation]

Happy New Year Sandy.

[@stephallan2543]

Great 👍🏽 Content to React to. This Song and harmony definitely brought back memories growing up in Church. Thanks for posting this and sharing your comments. Merry Christmas 🎄 2020

[@GaiaOne]

They gotcha again.

[@quiltie1774]

Jeffrey has a vlog he does. It’s pretty good. Check it out!

[@kelleyclay4967]

I see that a lot with Pentatonix, also!

[@joanwharff6483]

Hey Pat, I don’t know if you’ve caught the new solo Austin has just released a few days ago.......”UNCHAINED MELODY “. It’s really Wonderful !!! 🙃‼️🙃