Is THIS the most PERFECT performance ever?!

[@christinerobinson9372]

I guess David Gates was really serious about his lyrics, he married in 1958 and 65 years later is still married to the same woman.

[@zaldyzal8139]

He married 1 year before I was born, and here I am 64 yrs old and always listening to his songs, especially IF. What a great voice. I just listened to his greatest hits. Hail King David. I always love your songs, the lyrics with emotion. All the best, and enjoy life to its fullest. A fan from DownUnder.

[@lt7378]

Wish more men (and women) were faithful all their lives. How many less damaged children/screwed up families there’d be.

[@pretzeltime3900]

@@lt7378 that’s IF you married the right person in the first place.

[@ltd4991]

@@pretzeltime3900 Lots of truth in that statement, I suppose. We all just need to be careful who we marry in the first place. Often, we don't really know the person we marry.

[@mjl.9-19]

@@ltd4991 True which points to an upbringing with trad guidelines that accentuate responsibility and the meanings of love.

[@jeanniemainzer8551]

I think David Gates and Bread were sorely under-appreciated as artists. It is so nice to see someone truly appreciate the talent. Gates had a heart-breakingly beautiful voice.

[@tifiecampdirector742]

Not for me...they were a huge part of our musical lives

[@abelincoln3287]

Bread was definitely Not underrated. They were highly rated, played constantly on radio, sold millions of albums. David Gates was very acknowledged and rightfully so

[@ralex3697]

@@abelincoln3287 David Gates is the only one left, thank goodness he is still with us. So very sad that the other members have all passed 😢

[@gerardmcnally]

Don't think so ...

[@tjvanpopta]

@@ralex3697 Rob Royer, one of the original band members is still alive.

[@puddysue]

No light show... no dancers... no backup... just a man and his guitar being phenomenal together...

[@YouTubeallowedmynametobestolen]

He definitely had musical backup. But your point is well taken.

[@terri6854]

Exactly. Pure musicianship. No circus, no fashion show, no gymnastics, no lightshow, no video.

[@TahoeSnowbird]

That was true talent.

[@michaelwray6764]

No autotune or pitch correction.

[@Cre8tvMG]

When he retired he bought a cattle ranch in CA (or was it Oregon?) ) and raises beef with his wife. He got in, got rich, got out, and survived as a normal whole human. That's so rare in this day.

[@Au60schild]

Ain't that the truth?

[@jaycareaga9929]

He bought a ranch in Fall River California which he sold in 1999. He and his wife now live in Mt. Vernon Washington.

[@Amtcboy]

Raises cattle for beef. 😂😂

[@Amtcboy]

“IF” is the first BREAD song that I learned to sing.

[@BaconIsNotBiceps]

If you didn't own The Best of Bread in the 70s, why not??? One of the greatest, most beautiful albums ever made. David Gates is a gift to humanity.

[@Tagg2]

It was one of my very first albums as a preteen. I’ve always loved their and David’s music

[@banxious4nothing]

was always my favorite

[@edhastie6074]

Must have worn out a few 8tracks and cassettes

[@edhastie6074]

I still have Aubrey, guitar man, if and of course want to make it with you on my phone

[@judytaylor3099]

I still have my cassette. ❤️

[@cito4633]

Bread never received the credit that they were due. Gates, Griffin, Botts and Knechtel were brilliant musicians who should be in the Rock Hall of Fame…

[@WillChil466]

It's not rock. It's pio. Now 😅t's easy listening . That'd be like Dolly there- ridiculous. (And whe IS ).

[@randygerdes]

Knectel was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007 and won a Grammyfor his playing on Bridge over Troubled Waters. He was one of the most versatile session guys ever...bass on Mr Tabourine Man, and with Hal Blaine and Joe Osborn, was the most in demand players in the Wrecking Crew with hundreds of hits from Beach Boys Pet Sounds to Grass Roots, the Association, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, the Doors, The Mamas and the Papas, the Monkees, and on and on...

[@richardjosephus6802]

@@WillChil466 Its not rap, and they sold many records

[@ciarraibuzz]

Missy Elliot?

[@Glehost]

Knechtel was the shizzle, even played the lead guitar and solo on Bread’s Guitar Man.

[@jamesdenecochea5709]

David Gates is so under appreciated. He's a treasure. ...and a real gentleman. My dad and I delivered a load of hay to him back in the late 70's. He was an extremely nice man, when we unloaded the hay, he brought us tall glasses of ice tea on a tray! We were just a couple of "working guys", and he showed great interest in what we were doing...hard to explain, but, you had to be there to fully appreciate a very nice man.

[@Razamusiconline]

It shows in his lyrics, music and personality. It's hard not to see!

[@michaelnicola5210]

“If” is almost too intimate and emotional to listen to. When you’re older you will understand that our thoughts “go there”, thoughts of mortality and saying goodbye. Putting those feelings to music is heartbreakingly tender and profound. The technical elements almost happen like a soft fog engulfing you, taking your mind completely away from the mechanics, straight to the heart.

[@waltergoraj5238]

Yes. " Everything I own" ...

[@danatowne5498]

Absolutely. I had forgotten about , "And when my love for life is running dry, You come and pour yourself on me." That went right over my head (and heart) in my teens but now in my 60s .... well, I burst into tears. WOW.

[@ggfelix9029]

❤Beautifully said. I have a completely different appreciation for those lyrics now that I am in my 60s, then when I preformed it at weddings, back in the late 70s - mid 80s. It's so much richer in meaning now.

[@michaelehrhart9670]

I think the same about 'Aubrey'...that song had me tearing up every time I heard it as a youngster, and even today, I stop what I am doing if I ever hear it anywhere I am...it deserves so much respect as does David Gates and the rest of the band.

[@larryb3946]

I miss this time in history. Music was a centerpiece of life, now cultures attention is so vastly different. He had such a beautiful and pure musical style.

[@ginnyvogel7754]

What a perfect description! Music was the centerpiece and we revolved around it always! Songs like this bring back memories so vivid and powerful.

[@tatersprout]

Every decade has had great music. Music will never stop being an integral part of many people's lives. Nostalgia has a lot to do with how we feel about it. If you look around, you can still find good music that isn't dependent on auto tune.

[@smbake]

@@tatersprout You can find it but I think the point is you shouldn't have to search to find good music that resonates with people. When this song came out the radio was filled with music like this and many other great styles. Now I doubt more than half of young people even listen to the radio.

[@jazzpunk]

Thank you...back then, Pop music of this caliber was omnipresent. One didn't need to search it out.

[@53lyric1]

🎼You bet it was! This is a part of the soundtrack of our lives!🎶

[@edamnaf9265]

"and when my love for life is running dry...you come and pour yourself on me"... I love this line...so much.

[@debishaw9355]

Me, too..

[@charliesaucier3352]

Bread had some of the best lyrics ever written. They really packed an emotional punch!

[@concettaworkman5895]

It is a perfect line, no?

[@53lyric1]

Such a lovely inspired lyric.🥰

[@maplebones]

Joni Mitchell wrote, ' I could drink a case of you '.

[@SMETSYSGNIMIT]

My dad was a writer, arranger and orchestrator who did a little work with Bread. I began my musical studies when I was 5 years old so dad allowed me to hang around David and the others in the band. Precious memories.

[@thequintonflynn]

Priceless. What a gift. I hope you write about it some day.

[@barbarapalmer8224]

You are so lucky.

[@AllThatIKnowNow]

👍🎶🎤🙌❤️

[@lr8607]

David Gates' brother Ronald was my eye doctor when I was young. The Tulsa connection was therefore always known to me, but this video gave me a deeper appreciation of the band's talent.

[@SMETSYSGNIMIT]

@@lr8607 They did well and scored some major hits, but I never thought they got enough attention for their talents. Today, most of the music on the charts isn't even close to what they delivered.

[@carlsalazar4490]

They just don’t write songs like this anymore. David has a voice that touches the heart strings. Thanks for giving the song the recognition it deserves.

[@catspajamas4350]

This was sung at our wedding 32 years ago. We’re still married. 😊 Such a beautiful song.

[@jazzpunk]

I had friends that also used "If" at their wedding...early '90s, IIRC. :-)

[@dunderfutz]

My wife is my very first girlfriend from 1968. We were in 6th grade. My dad was in the military and got transferred in 1971. When we we leaving town heading for our new destination, this song was on the radio, and I cried for four days getting there every time I heard it. David Gates and Bread sustained me every day through high school and beyond. We had reunited 40 years later and have been together for twelve years. My ringtone for her calling me is stil 'If'.

[@Ineden774]

@@dunderfutz Wonderful!

[@kellyc2425]

​@@dunderfutz WOW! Your story is almost identical to my wife and mine!! Very first loves from 9th grade 1974, both moved and lost contact for 32 years, reunited in 2007, been married ever since. 😁👍🏼

[@wisdomoftheearlychristians2037]

Aww. So happy to hear that.

[@gulfgypsy]

For me what made David Gates and Bread such a wonderful group was how effortlessly his singing was. Clear, clean, pitch perfect --- I could get lost in his voice.

[@imahvi]

A truly humble man from Oklahoma...a gentle cowboy with extraordinary talents in voice, musicianship and song writing.

[@savvycha]

I read on Wiki that he and Leon Russel headed out of OK to LA together. pretty cool tidbit

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

@@savvychahad a band together in high school.

[@Incomudro1963]

The amount of REAL talent that used to exist is amazing.

[@morbidmanmusic]

it still exists. It isn't showcase. Buyers drove the radio market. But people still have REAL talent. lets be real, and not exaggerate.

[@arizonastrummer]

@@morbidmanmusic People do have real talent today but what I think is missing is the grounding the 60's and 70's generation had from the classical, big band, movie musical, jazz music those musicians grew up listening to from the 40's and 50's, the stuff that was playing on their parent's radios and tv's. A modern musician has a childhood listening to the music that derived from those later eras that includes the parts that bastardized the music industries with the acceptance of computerized and easily produced tracks. All of it is great music but you don't have that classical training and exposure. When I think of the complexity I heard daily as a child in everything from movie sound tracks, commercial jingles, tv show theme songs, the musicians you'd see playing on hit variety tv shows, it's no wonder that young people from those generations were able to truly learn their instruments without shortcuts, understand complex chord structures, produce meaningful lyrics and melodies and really have an unmatched renaissance.

[@LenButcher]

Big time.!!l I agree

[@Incomudro1963]

@@morbidmanmusic I'm not saying real talent isn't out there. But back in the 60's, and 70's, even run of the mill songs made for and played on AM radio were performed by very talented artists. Now look at a top 10, 20, or 100 list... Not much talent in the mainstream market.

[@matthewmatt5285]

@@morbidmanmusic Not much,.The new generation hasn't the discipline~

[@dagmar.6954]

Love this song! I grew up listening to the soft rock music of Bread in the 70's & had their albums. Love David Gates voice. He has one of the most soothing & mellow voices. They had so many hits such as "Make It with You", "Baby I'm-a Want You", "Everything I Own", "Diary" "The Guitar Man", "Sweet Surrender", "Aubrey" etc. In 1978, Gates enjoyed success as a solo artist with the hit singles "Goodbye Girl" & "Took The Last Train".

[@samanthab1923]

Same. Remember my mom had an 8 track of Best of Bread in her Coupe DeVille. Still love Goodbye Girl ⭐️

[@bertoabarzua5372]

Is he the king of ballads?

[@MackAxyzz]

...he belongs in the songwriters hall of fame IMO

[@bigbusterjoe]

Still love all of Davids music, especially Took The Last Train. Glad to know someone else remembers that song.

[@pamegan8735]

Me too ! I was a teenager back in the 70's and this was one of my favorite songs. It's so beautiful!!

[@sprezzatura8755]

No profanity, no screaming vocal gymnastics, no Auto-Tune. Just a great song, a great voice and a guitar. Music like this used to be on the radio all the time. Check out the music of Laufey, she is astounding. A young lady seemingly from another era.

[@annettefordham]

so true. Our music was real. Real guitars, bass, drums, REAL VOICE. I say it often, these days all the technology could make my voice sound good- and my voice is NOT good!

[@annettefordham]

I love this comment. There were so many really really good groups. Like Yes, America, CCR, and so many more.

[@tjvanpopta]

My thoughts exactly. Why can,t music today be as poetic and thoughtful as this. I feel blessed to have lived during the 60,s & 70,s wich made the best music ever!

[@annettefordham]

@@tjvanpopta me too. I hear songs from late 60’s early 70’s and for a little time I feel like I’m right back there. Carefree and happy heart. Summer nights with the smell of honeysuckle in the air. I’m also blessed to grow up in that time.

[@workingman-xl6xh]

Just like Jim Croce did and so many others of that time. Pure talent.

[@unclerudy9797]

One of the most amazing vocal/acoustic guitar performances of all time ....Period....

[@BTom16]

I love seeing this song featured. I thought people had forgotten about David Gates. He was an epic talent. While he had modest commercial success, his albums were fantastic. So good.

[@sg1770]

He still sounds great today.

[@dadama925]

Modest commercial success?

[@gregorylouisa.chilcote3547]

I recall that Bread dominated AM radio in late 60’s to mid 70’s and even had at least one TV special. T David Gates and Bread had good success. They just aren’t in most the contemporary FM rock station’s corporate playlists today. They WERE a musical tour de force 50 years ago.

[@rdfab3]

Modest success??? Umm sorry but you are wrong

[@dirlogic]

@@dadama925 I would like to have that kind of 'modest' commercial success! :)

[@lisablacker3102]

The emotional tenderness in his voice is perfectly suited to the lyrics. I'm not usually the biggest fan of sappy, love songs, but when they're sung with such sincerity, I can't help but love it. Everything I Own always hits me hard too.

[@Mr_Fabulous9235]

I saw an interview where he said he wrote "Everything I Own" as a tribute for his dad.

[@lisablacker3102]

@@Mr_Fabulous9235 Yes, I recall hearing that. Since losing my own dad, this song and Poe's "If You Were Here" hit me hard.

[@tjvanpopta]

This was when music mattered to the human spirit. A great time to be young and this wonderful music was a massive part of it. Why can,t music today be as poetic and thoughtful as this? It,s all gone. 72 years old , still love this great music !

[@frederickd.provoncha8671]

I'd say I like Everything I Own even more than this song. Gives me chills every time.

[@lisablacker3102]

@@frederickd.provoncha8671 That's my favorite David Gates song too. Since my dad has been gone, it's hard to listen to Everything I Own without getting weepy.

[@nonosays]

The clear, idealistic, romantic voice of my youth!

[@StevieG777]

Perfect falsetto. His seamless transition in and out of it is amazing. This live performance of this tune is nearly indistinguishable from the recorded version. Love it.

[@WillChil466]

He really could sing .

[@joemcdonald7798]

Almost wish it was falsetto..it would explain that angelic voice

[@md21656]

What a gift he was to us. Such a good guy.

[@jobo1053]

Your face is a picture as you listen to this. How absolutely delightful to see your joy. Thank you.

[@siobhanmacandrew7068]

Weirdly I was about to make that exact comment - you beat me to it! But yes, it is Fil’s deep love of the subject that brings the joy to this vid…

[@sharynmain2432]

Yes! It’s lovely to watch and take part in giving appreciation to those very gifted souls who share their pure joy with others … with no wanting of ego. Such fond memories as I have listen to many of these artist since I was 7-8 yrs old, now 51.

[@johnatyoutube]

David Gates was one of our most special songwriters and singers and poets. This song is absolute perfection in every way. It's a perfect gentle expression of love at its purest. I've never seen it expressed this beautifully in such a place of contentment in any other song. And the final line is absolutely divine leaving us knowing that love is eternal. You can't help but be carried away into another place when you listen to this song. I hope it's the one the angels sing when my time comes.

[@cindylavina8270]

Beautifully said!

[@lynncannon7484]

Also consider the David Gates song, "Find Me"...same message 'of eternal love.

[@rickjohnson831]

Can you imagine David Gates and Karen Carpenter doing a duet? The 2 had perfect voices.

[@joedecker3900]

Ann Murray

[@786itube]

And add Annie Haslam (Renaissance), with her beautiful 5-octave range, to the mix, and there will be the most perfect voices ever

[@donkey3187]

It might have actually been too much purity, the two of them together. Our heads might have exploded. lol

[@donkey3187]

​@@joedecker3900 Her voice is not as pure as Karen Carpenter.

[@joedecker3900]

@@donkey3187 Not pure? They all sound pure to me.

[@mdj-ie7rj]

YEEESSS I REMEMBER THIS, who wouldn’t? I absolutely LOVED IT (still do) and couldn’t hear it OFTEN enough. For those who requested this, THANK YOU ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@user-st6sx6sf9u]

Seriously a grossly underestimated writer poet with a silky smooth voice unique rare human being

[@DaleC1980]

I have never even heard of him. So I have to agree that he is underrated. This was before I was born but I still know a ton of artists from that era

[@Glehost]

@@DaleC1980 you must not get out much if you haven’t heard of Bread, or maybe too young.

[@claudianash9811]

I have long felt that David Gates has been underated. Thanks for pointing out his excellent skills, Fil!

[@tnmoppylaura5476]

Such a beautiful song. The words combined with David’s airy performance really are perfect. This was sung at our wedding way back in 1976. I loved it then and I still do. Thank you so very much Fil.

[@lynndow3185]

Omigosh, Laura! How lovely it must have been! It's a perfect wedding song. ♥

[@tnmoppylaura5476]

@@lynndow3185 yes such a surprise. I requested this song and sent this video to Fil so long ago that I’d forgotten about sending it.

[@lynndow3185]

@@tnmoppylaura5476 That makes it even a more special treat

[@jeffreyfeinstein5525]

@@tnmoppylaura5476 ThanK yoU!❀☆♡

[@jeffreyfeinstein5525]

'76...Ya saw, heard and felt it happen! The Mall and almost all stores were CLOSED on Sunday. "The Best of Bread"

[@laurentsoucie6764]

David Gates is to flawless falsetto as John Denver is to perfect vocal vibrato. Whether or not their genres are your bag, both artists delivered them perfectly.

[@connieatkinson418]

I wonder why his voice is so evocative? You can’t be indifferent when you hear David Gates sing. Miss him and his beautiful songs.

[@kylecreel921]

David Gates was a member of the famous Wrecking Crew; along with fellow Bread members Mike Botts and Larry Knechtel. Jimmy Griffin also wrote and did session work in LA at that time. THAT'S why the playing is so SPOT ON, and the vocal is perfect. I was a junior (11th grade) in high school when this song hit the charts in March 1971. I was 17 and eagerly awaited each new song released by Bread, because they were such great writers and performers. There was no shortage of competition on the charts back then, 3 Dog Night, CSNY, The Stones, The individual Beatles, The Jackson 5, Janis, the Doors, The Carpenters, Chicago, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Grand Funk Railroad, Free, Black Sabbath, Badfinger, Nilsson, The Grass Roots and so many more, not mention the 'one hit wonders'. So you HAD TO BE GREAT to survive. Thanx for the offering. Kyle Creel Arlington, Texas

[@mediamannaman]

Amen! Yes, that list could go on. And I feel the need to do that - Rod Stewart, Carole King, The Osmonds, The Bee Gees, Paul Revere and the Raiders, John Denver, The Temptations, Tony Orlando and Dawn, Al Green, James Taylor, The Who, Neil Diamond, Gladys Knight & the Pips, The 5th Dimension. They ALL wrote classics that are still enjoyed today.

[@voxac30withstrat]

@@mediamannaman Don't forget Dan Fogelberg.

[@mediamannaman]

@@voxac30withstrat Oh, man, I love his songs! I dated my wife for 6 years, starting I high school and we have been married now 43 years. Almost every morning now, at breakfast, we say, “Alexa, play Longer by Dan Fogelberg.” But he did not come to mind because I was thinking of early 70’s artists, and I think of him as hitting his stride more in the late 70’s to early 80’s.

[@studixon3384]

You forgot another wrecking grew member on your list. Glen Campbell.

[@dariapoklemba2150]

Glenn Campbell was part of the wrecking crew as well

[@dannypgrizzle]

Bread was my wife’s favorite band. She graduated high school in 1974, and we saw Bread live in 1977 or 1978 at the Marriott Center of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. During the concert, David told a story about his breakthrough hit “Make It With You” a song about fidelity, building a life together, and growing old with one true love. It was a number one hit, and David soon found himself back in his hometown in the heartland of America, Kansas or somewhere, and he’s #1 on the radio and a local hero. Of course his mom was proud and her main social circle, the local ladies garden club, all the prim and proper women of the community, caught wind of his visit and had his mother ask him to be the guest of honor at their monthly meeting. This is not the crowd to listen to pop or rock stations or to be familiar with his music in any way. That’s how the president of the ladies garden club came to introduce him with words like this: “Mrs. Gates has her son David with her today. He is the number one artist on the radio in America today for his hit song, “Naked With You.”

[@katedeneiffe-cerny2351]

His beautifully tender voice and gentle guitar work are the perfect blend. I love this. Kate Australia

[@JessicaTPeterson]

Thank you for sharing this story.

[@Gratefulman1965]

David’s a great singer songwriter. I love his “Guitar man” track but all the songs he did with Bread are excellent. Thanks for covering this. David is an old man now but is so worthy of his place in pop/country music history.

[@JPageRocks]

I was 18-19 when Bread was all over the radio. Never heard a bad song from DG. A very underplayed song which is one of my favorites is "Aubrey". It was a masterclass example of lyric composition that gave that song such life, I never get tired hearing that one.

[@brianallthetime]

In a interview with David Gates, he was asked with all the success, is there anything he would have done different. He laughed and said " Yes. I shouldn't have wrote those songs in such a high key!" Lol

[@javascript6948]

Yes i heard that too !!! But i believe he said that because as he aged they are harder to hit

[@javascript6948]

He transitions between his head tone to his falsetto seamlessly

[@RosiG73]

So beautiful and so effortless! David Gates’ music always gets to me, especially this song and “Everything I Own” which he wrote about his Dad after he passed away. Further proof that you don’t have to screech and torture notes to sound fantastic. Edit: Doesn’t mean I don’t love singers who can belt it out but rather I think they tend to overshadow very talented singers like Gates.

[@EmmaGS]

Everything I Own brings me to tears every time

[@fatbottombiker3038]

That is one of my top favorites ever created. I was born in 70 and parents loved Bread. I still listen to their Greatest Hits. I also love Seals and Crofts OMG!!! It just don’t get any better-Roberta Flack, Master Marvin, Al Green and Donny Hathaway absolute perfection.

[@theodorabruin4601]

Their songs still make me weepy. One of the most beautiful songs ever!!!❤

[@rachelhopson133]

"Aubrey" always makes me cry

[@gwiyomikim5988]

David Gates (Aubrey & If) and Don Maclean (Vincent & And I Love You So). Did the 70’s have a lot of tear jerkers? I love them all😢

[@pl443]

@@rachelhopson133 "Aubrey" always makes me cry as well, and "Diary" has a similar theme. That makes me cry too. Interestingly, "Diary" has elements of "Aubrey" and "If".

[@tiffsaver]

I am 75-years old. Of all their great hits, "If" was my all-time favorite. Every time I hear it, it never fails to move me. I remember like it was only yesterday when I first heard their debut album, "Bread," on a eight track tape. I was instantly smitten with their music then, and forever. What great memories.

[@Joshualbm]

I forgot how great this man's contribution to music was. I'm checking through some of his later performances in 1994 and he kept an amazing level of quality in that beautiful, honey-hued tenor. Dreamy.

[@MrRdh567]

My mom played Breads greatest hits album over and over when I was a kid. Beautiful singer.

[@davidjoe3368]

I really think David Gates voice was the the male version of Anne Murray's voice! The almost angelic fluidity and restraint of his voice is it's perfection! When listening to David's music, you literally end up willingly paralyzed by the beauty of his voice and guitar harmony! Literally as close to human perfection as can be achieved! Amazing!

[@fatbottombiker3038]

Anne Murray is amazing!

[@MeadeSkeltonMusic]

Or... she was the female version of him.

[@JohnBoulding]

Some of the most beautiful songs ever written and sung like no one else. I am fortunate to be old enough to have lived through the 70s and it's music being a part of my youth

[@tjvanpopta]

I am 72 years old and agree. It was a great time to be young and this wonderful music was a massive part of it. We really were fortunated.

[@glenjones6980]

To me this is the male version of Karen Carpenter's voice in many respects.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

I was thinking Ann Murray 😊

[@tomschecker]

Thought the same thing. Can't find purer voices. Thanks Glen.

[@andrea585ny]

Yes! I've always had that same thought

[@twerkinthecityhuh6340]

Exactly.......but Karen's vocal quality is unparalled!!!!!! His vocals are effortless

[@arizonastrummer]

That is a wonderfully ironic comment to me because the first concert I attended was Bread. The second……The Carpenters. Was a tremendously high bar from then on

[@bryanssongalone8483]

Thank you for doing this one.The song gave me chills and made me tear up. I was a teenager and my aunt worked as Jimmy Griffin and Breads personal secretary for years.Davids voice is ethereal ❤.

[@MoonShadow74]

I used to live alone in a canvas wall tent in Interior Alaska. During the long winter nights, I would fill my woodstove up and sing to the flames IF and AUBREY. Two of the most beautiful songs ever written and vocalized by mankind. David Gates is a human wonder.

[@davidbrownell698]

I appreciate how you "appreciate" all these different music genre.

[@lynndow3185]

When this comes on the car radio, traffic seems to get kinder. Wonderful analysis of a wonderful song and performance!

[@drewpall2598]

@Lynn Dow... I like your thoughts. 😊

[@MG-rg3jo]

Michael Jackson said "Bread is my jam". Coming from a perfectionist like him that tells you everything you need to know about Bread.

[@grandadneal8114]

Or he just liked bread and jam. I'm partial to it myself....apricot or 3 berry

[@creativesource3514]

I was just thinking MJ could have done this song back in the day when he was in the Jacksons.

[@RB-bd5tz]

Michael Jackson had a fundamental misunderstanding about food.

[@b.ruthdeerfield9856]

@@RB-bd5tz at its best regardless how simple he makes it sound💕

[@moparman1962]

David Gates was a singer's SINGER in the late 60's through the late 70's, period. The guy could do it all and he did do it all from writing songs to arranging them to singing lead vocal to playing lead guitar...and his singing and guitar playing were both phenomenal.

[@sandramccall9765]

I love David Gates (and Bread) ever since I was 8 years old! I'm 59 years old now. I wish he never stopped recording. We need more musicians like him today!

[@grumpyolddude439]

The 1st time I heard you sing Fil, I was immediately reminded of David Gates.

[@Drengl1]

Man. I’m gonna dive down a Bread rabbit hole because of this video. Fabulous songs. I love the ironic, conditional lyrics that open the song and express the ineffable. Funny that words fail us whenever we want them the most. Thank you, Fil. Now off I go into that rabbit hole of discovery…Rockin’ the 70s!

[@richardpatrick2852]

Check out a great song by David called "Clouds". Very underrated.

[@HoratioFitzbastard]

Their first album is a hidden gem.

[@reneestes6254]

There is an elegance and an eloquence to everything about this song. It’s lovely.

[@CF55443]

Played this song at my wife’s funeral. I felt every word was from me to her.

[@alexcerdan4500]

So sweet. This song and his voice are so perfect.

[@aaronstonebeat]

David Gates is great. Lost Without Your Love (with Bread) was a hit in my country, a lot of nostalgia there for me. This song I remember especially as a hit by Telly 'Kojak' Savalas.

[@britishcrimewriter-LeeWood]

Just simply one of the greatest songwriters of all time. His songs are beautiful.

[@thebarbecutioner6977]

I love you Fil, a man after my own heart. A great song, is a great song regardless of genre. Nobody does this work better than you... period.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@ThePersistentRumor]

This is one of those songs I've been hearing my whole life. It's always been a lovely song sonically, but as I've aged, I've come to appreciate the poetry of the lyrics as well. :-D

[@safromnc8616]

Bread was one of the very first groups I followed in my youth...always loved their music...

[@usmapiper88]

One of my first purchases when I joined the Army was an old 8-track tape player. I bought the Best of Bread, and it is still one of my favorite albums. I bought it on vinyl, cassette, and CD. It is the only album that I had on all formats. His voice is so pure, and the song itself is simple and pure too. One of the best ever!

[@pinkyndebrain4578]

Ladies and gentlemen, *NO* auto tune!

[@michaelehrhart9670]

No filth, no hate, no anger, no dirty words...just some of the BEST SONG WRITING and SINGING the world has ever had the pleasure of hearing. God Bless David Gates!

[@gibbopg]

Nowhere to hide in that performance. had to be able to do it live back then!

[@ginnyb7655]

This is the song I always sang to my sweet golden retriever, Ginny B. It was "our song". Thanks Fill. Well done.

[@ainihulugalle1195]

How I love singing love songs to my 🐶 s. I'm glad I'm not the only one

[@sassyherbgardener7154]

David Gates is from my hometown, and he came back here and gave a concert in the 70's. I was fortunate enough to go, and he was so great! Thank you for taking me down memory lane.

[@emersonlangstaff1527]

Brings me back to my early teen years. I was into LZ, Foghat, ZZ Top, etc., but this song was HUGE- always on the radio. Belongs on any soundtrack of the era.

[@arizonastrummer]

Loved David Gates and the amazing group Bread. There is one song that Bread did that was written by Jimmy Griffin called "Look What You've Done" that was one of my favorites. The harmonies of Griffin and Gates on that song and the driving rhythm and amazing lyrics and melody are just perfect. We lost Griffin way too early unfortunately. The talent of all the musicians in Bread was far more than just Gates. It was the first concert I ever attended and one of the best. An interesting note - their backup band was Steeley Dan.

[@arizonastrummer]

Another amazing artist in Bread was keyboardist Larry Knechtel who was one of the members of the famous studio musician group The Wrecking Crew. Knechtel is the person playing the piano on the Simon & Garfunkel hit "Bridge Over Troubled Water" for which he won a Grammy. He played a number of instruments and was the lead guitarist for the Bread hit "Guitar Man". The talent was so deep in that band but it was overlooked by many because of the star power of Gates and his amazing ballads which dominated the charts. That band could rock with the best of them though. Thanks again Fil for bringing back incredible memories.

[@voulafisentzidis8830]

Still love this sound. The singer/songwriters of that time played the soundtrack to our lives and reflected a glorious period in history. As an oldie I definitely prefer that music. Thanks again Fil, for your wonderful analysis.

[@stephenswanson7908]

What a great blessing God gave all of us with the talent of David Gates , my father passed away 3 years ago and he was my hero and when I hear this song it brings me back to his ending , I had a chance to say goodbye to my Dad , his name was David as well , thank u David Gates for such a beautiful song 👍

[@coolwater55]

That summer left my boyfriend because my family moved away.... it was a year of all those songs like "If" burned into my memory. And transports me back to that love and loss almost instantly. Of course one moves on, but there can still be a pang here and there, even 50 years later.

[@kcvinwehoLA]

This is one of my favourite songs ever. Pure perfection in emotion, composition and performance. Thanks for featuring it!

[@bobturnley2787]

Bread was one of the biggest bands of the early 70s. And some may not know that he and Bread could really Rock on songs like Freedom and Let Your Love Go.

[@charliesaucier3352]

Don't forget The Guitar Man

[@HoratioFitzbastard]

Their first album is a cracker.

[@user-gz9yj2se9t]

David Gates... Wow!, I absolutely love his music. Even his early session work that started back in 1957 I believe. He never disappoints. Extremely talented and gifted musician.

[@garthreynolds1437]

One of the most impactful songs my life has ever tried to live

[@michele21auntiem]

His technique compliments the tone and the guitar blends perfectly to create a mood.

[@mimi-3212]

David never seems to have a place where his voice "breaks". He makes it sound effortless, then I sing along and ruin the vibe, ha! Now I need to go find my stash of cassette tapes and look for The Best of Bread. Thank you, Fil.

[@txtopaz7997]

One of my Fave albums💕

[@tennislover5763]

Thank you for "spot lighting" David Gates. Gates is the son of a band leader from Tulsa, OK. Gates quit college to pursue h bis passion of music and headed to California near the end of the 50s to work as a copywriter for a music publisher. He had the opportunity to work with Glen Campbell and many other artists of that day. He wrote songs for The Monkees "Saturday's Child", the girl group The Mermaids "Popsicles and Icicles", Gary Lewis and the Playboys "Face In The Crowd", and many others. Gates is very good at writing love songs that attract the listener instantly. A song he wrote titled "Everything I Own" was the hardest song for him to write because he wrote it to remember his late father. Again, another slow, melodic composition that was in the top ten charts in 1972. Listening to his voice brings the listener into a calming mood I find. His music influenced me to learn to play the guitar though I've switched to the violin and cello. Another song Gates wrote while in his group Bread was "The Guitar Man" that begins with a cool guitar riff played by keyboardist Larry Knechtel. Knechtel learned the bass guitar since there was a demand for it. Knechtel is known for being part of the "Wrecking Crew".

[@cindydavis3676]

Davis Gates is one of the few all time greats! He was my favorite artist from my early childhood, and still I’m totally hooked on him. I love you, your music and lyrics Mr Gates, thank you from the bottom of my heart!! 💙💙

[@morbidmanmusic]

that is scary how beautiful and in tune that is. wow.

[@FlashSilverEagle]

I remember as a little kid "the guitar man" as well. great singer song writer for sure.

[@dimsylsodium1]

Me too. What I learned subsequently to my surprise was that Larry Knechtel played the lead guitar. And yes, that's the same person who played the piano on Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water"!

[@FlashSilverEagle]

@@dimsylsodium1 .. I didn't know that.

[@paulnerval7632]

David was also an arranger for not only Bread, but for other artists. I may be wrong but I believe he wrote the string arrangement for If as well. What a great tune, a perfect tune, musically and lyrically. You don't hear songs like this anymore.

[@dianarockwell6256]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written song by a perfect voice. David gates and Karen Carpenter were my two favorites growing up and everyone laughed at me because they wanted Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin etc. etc. I wanted to hear more of David Gates and Karen Carpenter. It’s a very difficult song to sing but you don’t even realize how difficult it is when he sings it.

[@liveyouryoga]

I was able to sing it in karaoke and with my speaker on and the song playing in the background.

[@nervo6321]

Beautiful song and vastly underrated songwriter…

[@drewpall2598]

David Gates and his fellow band mates were talented musician, Bread recorded so many songs I love. I can't help but think of you Fil each time I hear the Bread song The Guitar Man now a days. a great analysis to a great performance.

[@susanmurray7654]

David Gates could make you cry at the beauty of his voice.

[@cherylb2008]

I loved this group. David Gates also performed “ the Good bye girl” They had the best vocals and lyrics, and they came to success when hard rock was so popular. I know David Gates later became a cattle rancher. Guitar man was one of my favorites So was Diary.

[@paulajanson8053]

Bread has always been one of my favorite soft rock bands of all time! So many songs that pull at the heartstrings. And Gates’ voice is impeccable. ❤

[@arizonastrummer]

Their soft rock songs stayed atop the charts but if you saw them live and listened fully to their albums they were legitimate rockers. Mother Freedom was an amazing song and made it to the top 40 I believe

[@stevensmith8454]

I was priviledged to see Bread live at Nottingham in the Mid Nineties . David Gates performance was mercurial ,an outstanding band live ,they were & still are as good as I've seen & Ive seen an awful lot including many of the big boys.

[@puddysue]

Yes, this performance is perfect. Such a simple but powerful song performed by a man with a simple but beautiful voice. Gets to me every time, it is so beautiful.

[@Lockemeister]

I had one of Bread's albums and wore it out. David Gates was a massive talent even back then when they were so many talented artists. He's a true artist. Love this song, it's so melodic and pure. A beautiful love song gracefully sung.

[@jesalbrtarteaga64]

Thank you Fil! Awesome! David Gates velvet vocalist & legendary songwriter

[@lillianlee4610]

This song takes me back. I love this song. The lyrics are so meaningful I was tearing up halfway through. I truly appreciate your analyses because you talk about musicality and how important it is to a performance, especially live. Thanks, Fil. Looking forward to the next one.

[@janeteckhart4886]

Had me tearing up also.

[@nh5083]

Pure, unfiltered, beautiful tenor voice.

[@sharonburnett3560]

Amazing vocals on a gorgeous song! Sad we lost Gordon Lightfoot today. Need to remember him.

[@Radiatoron88]

"If You Could Read My Mind." Another unforgettable song!

[@robert7984]

Just WOW....I hate the saying "They don't make em like this anymore" but in this case...yes.

[@morbidmanmusic]

you've become the cliche. sad. sorry to see ya go.

[@HearturMind]

Yes, David decided to leave that business when he could not live up to his own high standards. He put his passion into ranching.

[@hnc52]

Whenever I think you have outdone yurself, Fil...you do it again. Gorgeous song , performance by David Gates...and gorgeous analysis from Fil.

[@dirlogic]

Very nice analysis. You reminded me of why I love David Gates' music so much. The wonder of this song and David's performance lie in its authenticity. The human-ness of David's voice is 'flawed' perfection flowing effortlessly, just beneath the surface, in the sweet spot of the tune. Musical, beautiful and vulnerable in a way that resonates true. This is what music is about and David Gate's 'If' is one of the greatest love songs ever written or recorded. Thank you for posting this. :)

[@alexandrawalters8953]

I want to thank you for these videos. I LOVE how deeply you explore each song, the vocals, the instruments, the compositions, nuances in performances, and the ways all these aspects are exquisitely woven together. It just makes me enjoy this music all the more. Your voice and playing are lovely to listen to, thank you for sharing your artistry as well 😊