I Had To Watch It! Marc Cohn - Walking in Memphis (Official Music Video) REACTION/REVIEW

I Had To Watch It! Marc Cohn - Walking in Memphis (Official Music Video) REACTION/REVIEW
BizMatik Reviews and Reacts to Marc Cohn - Walking in Memphis (Official Music Video)
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[@kestrelle5345]

Chills. This one gets me every time when Mary, (The pianist) asks if he's a Christian, and he sings "MA'AM I AM TONIGHT!!"

[@Robert-ty3qi]

Because he's Jewish

[@adderman1950]

And her name was Muriel!

[@user-si3jx9pz7l]

I agree.

[@davemcbroom695]

FYI Reverend Green is Al Green.

[@markbryant5965]

“Walking in Memphis” was a top 20 hit in 1991 for Marc Cohn, and the first song of his ever released as a single. It made the top 40 in eight countries - with its best performance being in Canada where it peaked at #3 in the summer of 1991. It received a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year, and it helped Cohn win the Grammy for Best New Artist. The tune was drawn from a real-life experience for Cohn - and all the characters he mentions were based on people he met in Memphis. Cohn has said the song is 100 percent autobiographical. He described it as being about "a Jewish gospel music lover.” Adding it was more about going to a place - but receiving a spiritual awakening. One of those trips where you know you are a different soul when you leave and go back home. Even during the return trip, you’re feeling like a new creation. You’ve gone somewhere just to get away for a while - maybe to get some inspiration and a fresher perspective - never knowing what is about to happen is going to change you as a human for the rest of your life. It’s the essence of existence, he said. . In 1985, Marc took a trip to Memphis. At the time, he was working as a session singer in New York City, pursuing a record contract. In a 2014 interview with Keyboard Magazine, he said “One night while listening to all my demos, I came to the realization I shouldn't be signed, because I didn't have any great songs yet. I was 28 years old and not in love with my songs. James Taylor had written 'Fire and Rain' when he was 18, and Jackson Browne wrote 'These Days' at age 17. I thought: 'I'm already 10 years older than these geniuses. It is never going to happen to me. It was a desperate time, and I went to Memphis with this struggle at the forefront of my mind.” After reading Taylor finally overcame writer's block by going to a place he had never been before, Cohn visited Memphis upon the recommendation of a friend. Who had told Marc there were two things he had to do there. Places to see and things to do to receive insight and inspiration. Marc continued in his interview, “The first thing was going to the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church on a Sunday morning to hear the Reverend Al Green preach. I did - and I had chills running up and down my spine from the beginning to the end of his message. The service was so moving I found myself with sweat running down my face and tears in my eyes, totally enveloped by everything I was seeing and hearing. There was something incredibly powerful about Green's voice in that context. Even after two hours of continuous speaking, his voice only got stronger and his band only got better. I sat there crying in the church, aware of the irony of how I used to cry in synagogue in Cleveland as a kid - but back then I had tears of impatience because I just wanted to get the heck out of there! Al Green's service was one of the great experiences of my life.” The second piece of advice was to visit the Hollywood Café in Robinsonville, Mississippi (35 miles south of Memphis), to see Muriel Davis Wilkins, a retired schoolteacher who performed at the cafe on Friday nights. Cohn recalled, “When I arrived, Muriel, who ... was in her 60s, was onstage playing a beat-up old upright piano and singing gospel standards. I felt an immediate connection to her voice, her spirit, her face, and her smile. I was totally transfixed by her music. While many of the patrons were busy eating and not paying close attention to Muriel, I couldn't take my eyes off her and her smiling face. During her breaks, the two of us would talk. Muriel asked me why I was there, and I told her I was a songwriter trying to find inspiration. I also told her a little bit about my childhood - how when I was two and a half years old, my mom passed away very unexpectedly, and about ten years later, my dad passed away and I'd been raised by a stepmother. My mother's death was a central event in my life, and I'd been writing a lot about it over the years, both in songs and in journals. I think a part of me felt stuck in time like I'd never quite been able to work through that loss and was desperate to move beyond it.” By midnight, the Hollywood was still packed, and Muriel asked me to join her onstage. We soon realized there wasn't a song in the universe that both of us knew in common. A quick thinker, Muriel started feeding me lyrics to gospel songs so I could catch up in time to sing somewhat in rhythm with her and make up my own version of the melody. Some songs I was vaguely familiar with, and some I didn't know at all. The very last song we sang together that night was 'Amazing Grace'. After we finished and people were applauding, Muriel leaned over and whispered in my ear: 'Child, you’re ready - you can let go now.' It was an incredibly maternal thing for her to say to me. As in Reverend Al Green's church, I'd again been transformed. It was almost as if my late mother was whispering in my ear “You’re free now Marc - go write from your heart. You can move on now. It’s okay.” From the time I left Memphis and went back home to New York City, I knew I had a song in me about my experience there.” Soon after returning, Cohn began constructing the melody for “Walking in Memphis.” About the composition, he said, “Except for the bridge, it is just the same thing over and over again. It's an attempt to keep things simple so that the narrative is what the listener focuses on. The story keeps changing; it goes from one scene to another, all following the thread of my elation, described in the lyric 'Walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale'. What's being expressed is my love of music and the spiritual transformation I've always felt through it.” I knew both Reverend Green and Muriel would be the two central figures and I then built the rest of the song about my time in Memphis around them.” Marc finished the song in late 1985, but it would be four years before he would get his first record contract. However, in early 1986, Cohn returned to the Hollywood Café to play "Walking in Memphis" and the other songs from an album he hoped some label would want Specifically for Muriel Wilkins. After he finished, she said to him, "'You know the one where you mention me at the end? That's the best one you got!' Sadly, Wilkins died before "Walking in Memphis" was released. The song is now considered a classic and the chart performance of it being performed by other artists should testify to its staying power over the years. In 1995, Cher released her rendition. Although not as successful as Cohn’s original, it reached the top 40 in seven countries, with the best performance being a #7 hit in Scotland. In 2003, the popular country group Lonestar release their rendition and it went all the way up to #8 on the Billboard Country Charts. The group’s lead vocalist Richie McDonald told NYS Music about the song’s impact on them: “During our two years of being a bar band, ‘Walking in Memphis’ was a staple of our set list from the beginning. After we got our record deal, we stopped doing cover songs. But a few years later we were in Memphis ready to do a benefit for St. Jude's Hospital down on Beale Street and we thought this would be a good time to play it because we were right there on Beale. One of our label guys was there and said, "Y'all should record that." We started doing it live a lot, and it became something we wanted to put out.” Sources: Wikipedia, Songfacts, Billboard, AZ Lyrics, WMCA Action News, Chicago Tribune, Denver Post, Keyboard Magazine, The Morning Call, Discogs, Los Angeles Times, All Music, Music and Media

[@marieneu264]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@kyleferguson7073]

This song builds so beautifully, taking you closer and closer before finally pulling you through and the payoff is spectacular

[@vizzini589]

Never has a song gotten to the essence of a place both lyrically and vocally than this. Still amazing after all these years.

[@SunShine-qk4rb]

I’ve loved this song for a long time. Cher also did a great version

[@davidpaslay9743]

When Marc sings about Muriel plays piano every Friday at the Hollywood he is talking about the Hollywood Cafe in Robinsonville Mississippi. Have been there 4 times as my wife and I have gone up and down the Blues Trail. It is a great little cafe with a piano and pictures of Marc and Muriel and other folks that have been there. I have seen Marc play here in Petaluma CA a number of years ago and he was absolutely great. If you can get to Memphis and then head south down the Blues Trail, there is a museum in Tunica that explains it all, you will not regret it! Oh, and the fried pickles and catfish at the Hollywood are just freakin fantastic!

[@tinagilbert8902]

😭 I love this song so much, for so many reasons but I'll keep this one short! lol!!🤞😅 Elvis was a huge part of my early childhood. He died on Aug 16th 1977... 2 days before my 7th birthday. I will NEVER forget the moment I heard the news. As a little girl I was crushed.😔 Deeper context to this comment: not only did Elvis die just before my 7th birthday (shocking for a young chlid!)... he was scheduled to be here in Maine the eve before my 7th birthday (just 25 mins from where I lived at the time). The entire state of Maine was so excited, the Sheraton Hotel in Portland Maine was decked out for the occasion. Such a life-altering moment for young and old alike. Just wanted to share that with y'all. Anyway, 30 yrs later this song still kills me in the best way. It brings me to tears every time I hear it. It fills me with such peace and reminds me there is hope for the human race. Y'all can think that's silly, but... that's how songs and videos like this inspire me. We are one. We are humans and all bleed, love and hurt the same. PERIOD... Anyway, sorry to be so deep on such a beautiful reaction, but the fact that you revisited it moved me and your second reaction was just as beautiful as the first. Thanks for sharing it with us! As always... you rock Biz!!😎❤

[@watchbizmatik]

I had to double back. But it’s dope that this song mean so much to you. 🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@tammyjackson3113]

All the Good things about Memphis, now it's the wild wild west 😢 my hometown.

[@3ScotsInk]

Memphis born, in a hospital on Union Avenue, and raised. Very lucky to have seen virtually everybody-- all the artists and bands wanted to play Memphis because of its rich history, and because so many were influenced by Elvis. I wasn't even quite a teenager yet but got to see Led Zeppelin there, in 1970, with my older brother and his best friend. Story goes Zep were asked on their way down why they were excited about Memphis, Robert Plant laughed and said, "We've been excited about going to Memphis since before we were born." I've heard you mention Memphis in other reactions a few times, thought you might be from there. I guess you're not, but consider yourself an honorary Memphian. And thanks for the great reaction to this sublime song.

[@itchyandred4131]

Takin us all to church ✌️

[@ronparsons8786]

I'm an atheist but every time he sings Ma'am I am tonight... So do I

[@rharvey2124]

Plan a trip to Memphis in the fall and make it the weekend of the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, Arkansas.

[@patticriss2238]

I raise my hand to the sky at the same time you did! Ha. Every time. Elvis LOVE!!!!

[@tonydelapa1911]

I was walking in Memphis all of last week! My daughter and her family have lived there about 10 years. It’s a great city. This is a terrific song and performance. Thank you, Biz.

[@annheckenbach9396]

Lived all over; Silicon Valley, Sedona. But I am a Southerner. I grew up there, and I see this video, and it's like, yep born and raised, no matter the many places I've lived, coming back to Tn.(3rd time), I realized where you might go doesn't change where you came from. Muggy heat. The smell of river mud, smells of fried fish. Almost any part of the remaining Old South.It's a vibe, too. You find it not even remotely echoed in the rest of America. I've only been a tourist in a way, in any other place.

[@timlenard1646]

if ya gonna go to Memphis then try to go in May when they do "Memphis in May" down on Beale St. for a Blues Festival also where Sun Studio is and many cool bars and Restaurants....

[@chris...9497]

I'll repeat and further explain: This song is like a 'Road to Damascus' moment, a journey that started as a visit and became a pilgrimage. He flies into Memphis with knowledge but no experience of the place, but soon the feeling of the blues rises up in him like the holy spirit. The Archangel W.C. Handy looks down on him, the Prophet-King Elvis passes him as a ghost, he's welcomed in by the spirit of Rev Al Green. There is such a feeling in the air that he questions TWICE if he's really feeling this, because he wasn't expecting this when he decided to travel to this place. He finds himself, unexpectedly, on sacred ground as he walks along Beale St and up Union Ave. This song is Marc testifying. He can feel the history and can't help but react reverently. This song is written with the musical equivalence of sparkling magic, of miracle. It's almost a spiritual.

[@natashamontgomery1018]

I love this video and know exactly where the scenes are. It is amazing! So glad that you love it.

[@dianesaienni5466]

Biz you are hitting them out of the park these days! Yea loved that one but don't know anything else from him. glad you did this video. Thanks

[@neillenet291]

I went to Navy Aircraft School in Memphis. Very cool place. HUMID in the Summer!

[@marysmith-oz3ei]

I think there is even a bigger statue of Elvis located outside of Jerusalem if I'm remembering right.

[@royveteto4134]

i went to memphis recently and saw graceland, belz museum [great aisan art] and the memphis museum of science and history [where there is an exhibit on the history of piggly wiggly]

[@EveryDayMan808]

Love love this song!

[@SK-lk3iu]

Such a beautiful and soulful song!

[@helmutkurtneumnn2026]

I might know about 5 to 6 versions.and none of it sucks Can't destroy that one

[@mariannegoldweber1577]

The R&B singer Al Green is a minister and has a church in Memphis. So when he says Reverend green will be glad to see you when you haven't got a prayer. My son's a musician we go to Memphis a lot I've been to all these places and I love this song it captures what a special place it is.

[@jannaversheck7121]

So glad to see this.. love it!! ❤

[@stephenpemberton85]

BEAUTIFUL ✌️💛🤘

[@micheled6111]

Cher does a version of this song that is awesome!

[@sandyshoenberger2697]

Beautiful song and video. His voice is so powerful, great for this song. Love how he takes us to Memphis.

[@nickbelezbubjones6528]

Love this song 👌

[@decadesbandtucson4880]

Beautiful

[@bwilliams463]

Some fan made one of these concentrating on famous wrestler Jerry Lawler and is also pretty good.

[@kennethbrown5164]

Very haunting tune about Memphis... Elvis, Beale Street, and all the culture that makes the city great.

[@LesSmith45]

Biz! Cher does a cover of this and it is OUTSTANDING!!!!

[@GinMae]

Thanks, Biz... I love the video... so glad you got to it - it's the song that is stunning and evocative!

[@mrnobody9104]

Great tune...

[@cindyfalstrom7231]

Beautiful song and a very enjoyable video. Never been to Memphis. But love the blues & culture.

[@terrieb13]

Beautiful song and video! ☮️❤️😎

[@zzz7zzz9]

will always be one of my favs.

[@wild62meg47]

Thanks. Great job.

[@watchbizmatik]

Thanks for watching!

[@tcfolstrom599]

Ok you the studio version Now the video When you gonna study up ? A man who loves music like you do Needs to know this stuff !

[@fridaylong2812]

His voice...........

[@marksimpson1991]

The best singer/songwriter alive, in my opinion anyway. His song "Ellis Island" is one of the best songs ever written.

[@CHICHI-hi2pn]

I was born just south of Memphis and lived in Memphis most of my life. There are so many many artists from there and started their career there especially in Sun Studios, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Charlie Rich, Carl Perkins, and so many many others. I don't think anyone knows how many recording artists are from the Memphis and surrounding areas. Also Al Green, Isaac Hayes, Tina Turner ( who was born about 25 miles north of Memphis). I think the Memphis Area and the Muscle Shoals AL area turned out so many great artists.

[@traceycater]

Oh my! I never liked this song until now! I’m glad I really listened and how long I’ve missed enjoying it!!

[@peepla7]

Subbed

[@watchbizmatik]

Thanks for the sub

[@LoriWilliamson-ch5fk]

You need to review the duet with dave Matthew's and kenny Chesney. Unlikely masterpiece

[@Robert-ty3qi]

Silver Thunderbird should be next

[@dannford-premiersothebysin9057]

Please, please listen to his song "True Companion."

[@jpatherton2415]

piano notes are raindrops

[@dondaly9517]

In case you don't know Mark was Jewish but that night he was a Christian

[@peepla7]

One of my favorite songs and your accent is interesting, where are you from?

[@watchbizmatik]

The islands

[@peepla7]

@@watchbizmatik which Islands...that covers a lot of places. You have a lyrical way of speaking. You say aboot instead of about ...like a Canadian...there's some islands up there too. Hahaha anyway...hey from Ohio!

[@watchbizmatik]

Born in Haiti grew up in Providence Rhode Island

[@peepla7]

@@watchbizmatik see...I was gonna guess a different island. I love your accent.

[@jillk368]

@@watchbizmatik Thus, 'the islands' ;)

[@memorast]

Should have been a 60s tune

[@stephenhuber1219]

Here's the story kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqS6iJ5pa86cZpI