Kennedy Center Honors - Bettye LaVette - Love Reign

[@dashriprock8596]

Stunning. What every singer aspires to be. Shout out to the pianist, arranger, and guitarist. An amazing tribute to The Who.

[@dannyraiden9722]

That wasn’t music. That was masterclass in storytelling and artistry. You slowly understood the emotions and meaning of every word and when it was over you longed for more.

[@MsShadyShade]

The New Yorker article about Bettye talked about how the applause was so light for her as she came to the stage they had to enhance it for TV. She'd gone too under-appreciated for years and few people knew who she was. THEY DAMN WELL KNEW HER NAME WHEN SHE LEFT THAT STAGE, though. She made DAMN sure of that. Go Bettye Go!

[@2legit64]

And she walked off like a BOSS! I saw this when it aired never having heard of Bettye LaVette, however, a couple of years later this exact performance was on Amazon and I snapped it up.

[@garysouza95]

What a magnificent gift. For Pete, for Roger, for everybody.

[@kathycianfarani234]

I never knew who Bettye was, until last year. She preformed at Farm Aid, in Hartford CT and I was so mesmerized by her soul and voice. I can't get enough of Bettye Lavette.

[@jackiem2357]

This was an unforgettable performance for me. I'd never heard of her and when she was done, all I kept saying was "OH MY GOD"! That performance was magnificent. Then I Googled her and became a huge fan.

[@SoulGuy25]

right on!! they knew her name as she left that stage Detroit's very own miss Bettye LaVette

[@Noodleydoo]

I am stunned by this performance

[@deborahlauren4811]

When you can mesmerize The Who with their own most popular songs, you know you're magical.

[@howardrobinson4938]

Those were not expressions of mesmerization... those were expressions of little bored kids trying their hardest to behave. I mean how stylized a performance can you deliver? The song can only be done by The Who or maybe another rock band.

[@FCLaney]

⁠​⁠@@howardrobinson4938 you obviously know nothing about rock music or musicians, she’s the exact kind of artist they idolize. Artist like her, B.B King and Muddy Waters are the foundations of rock. You see a soul singer maybe and let your mind stop there!

[@howardrobinson4938]

@@FCLaney Yes...many rock musicians idolized the blues greats, like the Stones. But The Who...less so. If you take a bit of a dive into these two bands' sound...maybe you'll understand.

[@FCLaney]

@ how about diving into the musicians themselves and finding out who influenced them!

[@FCLaney]

@ how about diving into the musicians themselves and finding out who influenced them!

[@HoustonKeith72]

Probably one of the best 5 or so music performances I've ever seen on television. And I ain't young.

[@jerryhello]

Absolutely breathtaking.

[@RandyInCT]

Can we even call it a "cover"? Damn, this woman makes this her own! Just flawless.

[@paullashley8681]

Randy InCanton she makes every cover she does her own. wonderful

[@GuadalupePicasso]

She’d insist on calling it an “interpretation” instead, I can assure you ;)

[@mikereiss4216]

@@GuadalupePicasso Apparently she wasn't familiar with the song and probably only heard it once before singing it.

[@GuadalupePicasso]

Mike Reiss that’s a lot of assumptions on your part. What do you think of her version here?

[@KickKings9]

That’s my grandma in law

[@gunnysgirl]

Not only did Pete say that Bettye's performance made the weekend for him, when he met Bettye after the show he encouraged her to record her version of his song and ALSO told her he wanted to write a couple of songs FOR HER to record. That doesn't sound like an unhappy man to me...I think her performance was fantastic!

[@Tassie85]

Roger and Pete's reactions are so moving. They know they've been serenaded by the very best. Ms. LaVette is a legend.

[@janeenhobbs6900]

They could have stood up for her in the beginning and the end

[@therealawakener7]

And that ladies & gentlemen is how you do it.

[@MelanieRidgell]

yes!!!

[@michaelkeller6613]

AMEN and HALLELUJAH! Mama take no shit! 😂😂

[@SoulGuy25]

right on!!

[@Rainmaker65]

Take me to church, Betty!

[@mountaingrove70]

Wow 🤤

[@Bimp_Lizkit]

Crushed it. Crushed it, crushed it, crushed it. I can hear this 50 times and it gives me goose bumps every time. I actually think that Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey were taken back and a little stunned at how good it was after hearing that song thousand of times.. Bravo Bettye.

[@karlclarke]

yeah they clearly are blown away, as so are we

[@arienfox]

Had them crying!!

[@danielmiron7031]

Absolutely. They were transfixed

[@sralyn]

Wanted to give' em a group hug

[@MelanieRidgell]

yes!

[@ohreally4065]

Arguably the greatest cover of all time.

[@terrenceragin5555]

This Woman's Voice is beyond Heartache, Pain and Desperation. Pure Raw Emotion. Beauty Thru and Thru.

[@howardrobinson4938]

Should have done it in church.

[@alanparsonsfan]

After my initial shock at how she crushed this, all I could notice was how intensely, completely Townshend and Daltrey were hanging on to every second of what she was doing. I think it would have been sacriledge to have broken the silence of the ending moment by applause. It was too perfect even to respond to. An audience in shock.

[@vladimirmarants999]

Noticed that, too. A rare one phenomena.

[@bigmamared1]

Streisand was blown away as well.

[@LightninRodsAttractMagic]

I have always said the only reason she didn't get a standing ovation is because they were in complete shock!

[@g.wagner8744]

this is the best...performance...I've ever seen at the Kennedy Honors...SHE DESERVED A STANDING OVATION!

[@beerbros100]

I can't believe this woman! I never heard of her until a few days ago and I'm completely blown away by the pure raw power and emotion of her voice!! I'd rather hear her sing more than almost any other rock singer around today!

[@EG4JC]

I watched this show when it was broadcast back in 2008 and even today I still remember my jaw being slightly slack from how stunned I was. She took one of the very best Who songs (my favorite in any case) and made it completely different yet just as great.

[@jackiem2357]

+WilburTheMojoFilter Me too Wilbur...well, my jaw actually hit the floor.

[@maryvernarelli3914]

WilburTheMojoFilter III

[@TheSocratease]

The voice hasn't lost a thing since the late 60s. Amazing. Love her. Too long unappreciated. Glad to see her finally get the recognition she deserves.💕💥💫

[@clashwho]

I've been a Who fan for decades, and this is the best cover of one of their songs I've ever heard.

[@clashwho]

TheArsenalgooner LOL

[@5d512]

Same! Roger and Pete would probably agree.

[@debbiepettit1346]

100% AGREE! Fell in love with this the minute I heard it! Spectacular!

[@Plumeria724]

As a matter of fact that's what Pete Townshend told Bettye backstage after her performance.

[@coloursprogram]

This is amazing..one reason why America is amazing..The Kennedy Center Honors...what an honor to even be able to attend the production.

[@CoffeeBeans72]

years later, I watch this and it still gives me goose bumps, spectacular

[@MrJayDC]

I've watched this at least 50 times! Can't get enough. She is AWESOME!! Love this performance.

[@DanMasterBlaster]

WOW! Amazingly emotive & soulful. Brings tears to my eyes everything time I hear it. You can see Roger & Pete were blown away & not expecting this & we're both trying to hold back the tears.

[@undersolo]

Can you be addicted to a performance? I can’t stop watching this...

[@Amourd08]

Such an AMAZING voice and presence! The crowd was not prepared for this powerful performance.

[@alanparsonsfan]

I dont think there's any way you could be prepared for this. it's just seismic.

[@warrenharrison5052]

How did that performace not get a standing O? Guess they were flat out stunned by her awesomeness

[@messrtwinky]

warren harrison It could be that any standing ovation was edited out due to time constraints of the version to be aired on TV. AND, they DID want to edit out the guitar solo, but Ms. Lavette emphatically requested something else in her performance take the cut! Words to the effect that his solo set her up for the rest of the piece. . . .

[@messrtwinky]

warren harrison Me: blah blah blah . . . I should have said simply: You're absolutely right! The audience should have jumped to their feet upon her finish!

[@DreamerM]

The woman has a bonfire in her throat. She's astounding. That she's languished in obscurity so long is a crime. Barbara and Pete look like they're about to cry. Roger's mouth is hanging open, and you can tell that he badly wanted to stand up as he clapped for her. What a talent.

[@Mrlinroy62]

That deserved a standing ovation.

[@JoannaDaCosta70]

Wow, that was fantastic - a great cover. I love Bettye Lavette. She has the best success story. Miss Lavette had just cut an album for Atlantic records in the year 1972, and thought herself to be on the cusp of success, when Atlantic decided not to release the record, and cancelled her tour. So, she moved on with her life. Then in the late 90's, a French producer heard a rumor that there was a record made by Lavette, and contacted Atlantic. The producer was informed the recordings were lost in a fire. Wanting to be sure, the producer gained access to Atlantic's archived recordings and found Lavette's long lost record, and then licensed it from Atlantic. The album, Souvenirs, was released in 2000 and rose to the top of the French charts, fueling her success nearly thirty years after she made the album.Bettye Lavette is an amazing talent with an amazing story.

[@TheRaunak666]

Joanna DaCosta Fuck you Atlantic records!

[@GuadalupePicasso]

I love how so many of these artists are virtually unknown in the States, yet have success abroad.

[@nikolassodiant2595]

I'm French and when I found the album Souvenirs in my home town Bourges in France , I bought the album because of the blue cover and the intuition this album would be a great one ! I loved the album , and a few years later while in Paris , I went to my first Bettye LaVette concert at the New Morning :-D It was brilliant and Bettye had just released I've Got My Own Hell To Raise ! Since the end of the 90' s until now I've been in love with her voice and sound ! See this woman live , you will cherish these moments for the rest of your life

[@bdub1590]

Nikolas SoDiant First, I must say your English is far better than most USA-born and raised citizens. Second, thank you for sharing this. I hope to see Bettye perform live one day. She is amazing!

[@danielmartine1157]

That Who song was one of my old time faves. But Ms. Lavette almost blew my brains out with her version. WOW!

[@Tadzio5050]

Now, that is a tribute. Apparently, the fellas went crazy over this version.

[@krollpeter]

Love reign over you, Mrs. LaVette! This is absolutely world class. I never realized that Mr. Townshend has written such a beautiful, sparkling diamond, before I heard this song from you. Peter Kroll, Singapore

[@krollpeter]

I keep on coming back. You blew them all away, Mrs. LaVette. Wish I could know what Mr. Townshend thought. When will it be finally recognised that he is one of the greatest composers, right up there with Mr. McCartney?

[@alanparsonsfan]

@@krollpeter Anyone who gives a thorough listen to Tommy and Quadrophenia should understand that he is.

[@krollpeter]

@@alanparsonsfan Tommy is more popular but Quadrophenia tops it.

[@alanparsonsfan]

@@krollpeter For a real treat, listen to the version of Tommy done with the London Symphony Orchestra (and a number of well known rock stars). You mention composition, those chords fleshed out by a full orchestra and choir are really something. There are still electric guitars and so on, it's a very good combination.

[@xedra]

I had never heard Bettye sing before and this performance held me spellbound. This is the definition of "singing from the soul"! Wow.

[@rogerdou7226]

HOLY CRAP! She's killin' this song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO BETTYE

[@alfcab]

This clip cuts off just before Barbra turns to Pete and asks, "You wrote that?" According to Townsend, his favorite moment of the evening.

[@jazzmanchgo]

I'm guessing he told her the same thing Otis Redding said, the first time he heard Aretha's version of "Respect" -- "I just lost my song. That girl took it away from me."

[@wdbreezy]

My husband and I just saw Bettye tonight at the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis. She puts her ALL into each song and must be exhausted by the end of the evening. She actually came out into the crowd, touched my hubbys shoulder and high-fived me...how often do artists take the time to do that??? It was one of the most incredible concerts I've been to and I can't wait to see her perform again. Thank you Bettye for an amazing evening.

[@samclemens8157]

Oh my god. This might be the best piece of music I've ever heard in my life!!!!!!! Amazing arrangement, performance, and original writing. Pieces of art like this make me glad to be alive and be human!!!!!

[@verargert3848]

I saw her open for Robert Plant. She performed this song. I had never heard of her before that day. It had the most profound effect on me, getting to blind react to her live in person. It will always remain my most cherished music experience.

[@writingfool7734]

I was in tears as I listened to Miss LaVette's voice in song for the first time during the Kennedy Center Honors broadcast... I'm with khafre: where was this amazing singer's standing ovation???

[@melissafreeman9685]

I have watched this monthly since it aired. It completely blew me away when I watched it live! A pathetic smattering of polite applause by an unsuspecting, unfamiliar audience. Then afterward, stunned silence followed by genuine applause. This is a masterclass in interpretation and performance. Epic!!

[@jennifersodaro7585]

We just saw her sing tonight in Phoenix. See her if you can! The Best ever!

[@rondy702]

have you ever seen such brilliance!

[@ericdavis4824]

its like she sings a cover but then it becomes hers because of the soul, grit and pain that she can pull from her soul is unreal.

[@iampoopman]

The way Daltrey sings this, screaming his guts out, showing no restraint, with pure emotion is beautiful. It's one of my favourite Who songs, and favourite songs in general. But this. Wow. What an interesting take on the song. She shows such restraint and then pure, unfettered emotion with her voice. She sings it differently than the Who, but both versions are equally emotionally riveting. What a beautiful performance Mrs. LaVette

[@joeconti4392]

This is heart-breaking genius!

[@mrhuss24]

I loved this the moment I watched it on TV for the first time. I keeo watching it over and over again.

[@darkflower2]

I agree. I watch the Kennedy Center Honors every year, and I think I've seen this guitarist more than once as part of the backing band. You can tell he's someone who really, really loves music, every time.

[@ShaneFontayneCatalog]

Shane was a member of the Kennedy Center House band for 7 years from 2008 to 2014. He was the lead guitarist on Heart's rendition of Zeppelin's 'Stairway To Heaven.' Thank you for your kind words :) kzbin.info/door/h3g5dPwqB1ycBuWrgtCpPA?view_as=subscriber

[@terrancesings]

Soul Masterclass

[@jackiem2357]

I never get tired of watching this.

[@rileystewart3170]

I saw this on TV in high school, lucky my parents put it on. She had a strange string of career bad luck until this night, should have been a household name.

[@MrUndersolo]

Look at Pete's face as she sings. He knows that she has hit the right spot with his song.

[@jazzmanchgo]

Roger looks utterly stunned.

[@michaelboyd4233]

I also remember watching this live and wondering how I could not have known about this amazing performer. This was one of those rare occurrences where time stops and there is only the moment of the performance.

[@MisterSix7]

BLOWN AWAY!! Everytime I watch this woman!! Man!! Truly Awesome!!

[@luciusjohnson384]

She should have got a ten min standing ovation.She was wonderful.

[@5d512]

I watch this at least once a month. Thanks for posting this gem!

[@rakanbinmohamed403]

Incredible, singing from the SOUL with such strength, conviction and passion. Thank you, Bettye.

[@islezeus]

Damn my eyes still well up listening to this

[@DulcineaLady]

I remember watching her perform this, gave me goose bumps. Never realized how awesome these lyrics were until I heard her do them.

[@tracym8762]

Fabulous! Wow, I'm speechless.

[@claudiusreed9691]

This Kennedy Center Honors Performance by Bettye LaVette is brilliant in every way possible. She simply made that song her own. Loved every moment of her presence on that stage. Great job!

[@jaketarry3534]

The Most Under Rated, under appreciated, singer ever. From her beginnings in Motown in the 1960's she NEVER got her due. I just love her for her grasp of soul and the blues. Simply the best!

[@trinitypropertiesllc]

I had no idea who Bettye LaVette was before a few weeks ago when I first saw this video. Now, I've listened to this clip about 30 times and I am still amazed. At first, I couldn't even recognize that this was a Who song because it was not one of my favorites. With Bettye signing it, it is now. It is a great confirmation to see Barbara Steisand appreciate it because she knows a lot more about singers than me; and, it looked like Barbara was blown away. And, to see Pete Townsend so engaged and moved. Wow. I've searched the internet for more of Bettye's performances but I always come back to this one. "All the stars lined up" for this one.

[@minniesutton577]

Absolutely Beautiful

[@Bestyboy246]

I still remember when I saw this live, everyone was just looking at the TV, our conversations had stopped mid-sentence, all eyes were on her. Shes a beautiful soul.

[@petersutherland7779]

That is one of the best covers ever .

[@damamae950]

Wow. That was amazing. Pete and Roger are so very special to me

[@itchycoopark2]

i justv keep coming back to hear it.. it makes me weep...

[@dingbat]

Amazing arrangement and performance. Brilliant from beginning to end.

[@angelesprit5428]

I have never heard of this woman until now. Why isn't she the queen of soul!?

[@rjmoney1770]

+Hailey LWWY I see someone else took the ACT

[@airyair9889]

RJ Money Because Aretha Franklin is?

[@jennifersodaro7585]

You can now download this song from I tunes. We just came home only just a half hour ago from seeing her sing in Phoenix tonight and she is a stunning performer!

[@nikolassodiant2595]

Well , she is for lots of us !!! :-D I've seen her live in Paris , France & in London :-D It's always a fantastic moment

[@dmc2311]

Record deals kept falling apart, one from Atlantic nearly broke her heart ....

[@LightninRodsAttractMagic]

I just got to see her sing this tonight in here in Detroit which is my hometown as well as hers. It was absolutely AMAZING. AMAZING. No words. I watched it back when I got home and cried. Somehow I am still online looking for more. Thank you Bettye.

[@motheryuba57]

Why she didn't get a standing ovation is beyond me. She is a master of song interpretation.

[@fisherlove11320q]

DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT GAVE ME GOOSEBUMPS!

[@tudie5480]

I, too just found out about this wonderful singer when she performed at the Kennedy Center Honors. Went to see her last night in Ann Arbor - awe-inspiring! Keep the money rollin, Bettye!!!!

[@SteamerMI]

Fabulous. I've listened to this many times since. It lingers beautifully.

[@seanmittelstaedt2586]

what I love about this and I've watched it hundreds of times. Is one, its a master class in reinvention of a classic. The who loved it, but its Barbra Streisand who i couldn't stop watching. Regardless of what you think of Barbra, the women understands music, the phrasing, the emotion, how to get the most out of every notes. Barbra knew exactly the magic that was happening in that moment

[@DAS1962]

Couldn't agree more! Like you I have been absorbed by this performance. Streisand appreciates story telling more than anything else, and that is what this delivers.

[@bhumimanusha]

You can see when the video fades in the transition from 1:13−1:15, her facial expression, watery eyes and her subtle smile. I have never seen that kind of thing in my life before, I do not even have a word to describe it. All I know is that comes from something very deep. What a joy to be able to watch this video. Thank you for sharing!

[@jaws1246]

Still here in 2021. I like to return at least once a year as a reminder of how it's suppose to be done.

[@MisterSix7]

I fall in love with Bettye Lavette all over again each time I listen to this!!

[@mildrill]

she sang it at gateshead sage and brought the house down, grown men in tears, including myself!

[@dieselfeesul4928]

I will never forget when I happened to catch this as it aired live, I was happening to visit my parents house and I never would have watched this show otherwise. I still remember before it all the other acts that were more recognizable names, and then she came out and did this and I was just blown away. So random that I caught it, needles to say I've been a huge fan of hers ever since. And you can tell the Who and particularly Robert Townsend were equally blown away

[@lauriroset]

Update.. Marc Cohn told me on his Facebook page that Ms. LaVette will be a special guest at his shows near Philly and in Chicago this Fall 2010.. Check out his site for more info.. I would do almost anything to see Bettye sit in with Marc, with Shane Fontayne accompanying them both on guitar.. Whew! If you're in those areas, run don't walk to those shows of Marc's! Off to see Bettye shortly.. Will be making audio recordings- If anyone's interested, contact me & i'll send you audio files.

[@vibrani]

Amazing depth of interpretation and performance - what emotion. Fantastic.

[@michaeloreilly2533]

Wow! She took a signature song from one of the greatest bands ever and owned it in a reinterpreted way. Pete and Rogers faces say it all. Well done!

[@bogartleeblues]

OMG! That broke my heart. AMAZING!

[@MisterSix7]

I just can't get enuff Bettye LaVette!! Man!! Blown away again for the first time!!!

[@fightingthefear]

It takes years,so many more than anyone would care to count,YEARS to create a diamond-years of pressure,stress,of being left there in the dark & yet all the while time is working its spell.Oh but when that diamond is finally in the light it is a sight & thing of beauty to behold and enjoy forever-Bettye,I'm ashamed I only heard you for the first time 2day having read about you-how you SHINE Bettye,your soul is in every immaculate note & phrase-Your voice is your truth.THANK YOU SO SO MUCH

[@gunnysgirl]

Me too! Can't stay away! Favorited it and I keep pulling it out.

[@ThaKunzlermichael]

Deeply touched was Daltry and Townshend during this rendition in their honor. In particular the award choked up Daltry. Complete full circle for him as a person, America honoring him, when American Music inspired him as a pre teen to lead a fantastic career and life. Picturebook

[@mrshuxley1024]

This gives me the chills! Took my breath away!

[@hearmas]

I loved those jazzy chords in the chorus, fit surprisingly well! Great version.

[@dvddmc]

Beautiful and with Heart. Such a classic Voice

[@sparkt5]

One of my favourite Who songs just got even better. What a performance

[@NothingMaster]

There are no words that can adequately encapsulate the magic and the majesty of a performance of this caliber!

[@GuadalupePicasso]

Can’t wait to see her tonight!!!!!!!!

[@Shooby52]

Just saw her this past Friday. I was so impressed. You could see and hear her feel every single note from her band, then translate thru her voice...never heard her before this, but became a fan after. She has a cd with the Drive-By Truckers, that is also fantastic.

[@bikerclimber148]

Unbelievable and moving. One of the best covers of a Who song ever done - Ms LaVette's ability to make the song her own and interpret new emotion to an already beautiful piece of Pete's writing is a gift to us mortals.

[@elizabethschimanski4238]

The best version of the song yet...I just loved Betty Lavette singing this song..love it love it

[@dmc2311]

This video is in need of about 5 million more views.

[@g.g.rebimik6209]

100% STUNNING!

[@Backatwon]

she cut up on this song ...proving again the universality of "good music "..........thanks for posting this great performance !!

[@imnokid1]

Thank you, Michael Stevens, for inviting Bettye to be a part of this.

[@joelweisberg]

I feel at home right here Shady. I just had the extreme good fortune of seeing this force of nature perform live in Chicago on Tues.night. I sat second row and I'm still in a daze by her riveting performance. I still can't believe what I saw and heard. Any normal adjectives are impotent to express my wonderment that anyone can have such talent. She sang, cried, and shouted right into my heart and soul. I love her to absolute pieces. Never heard her before. A friend took me. She changed my life.