Melanie And The Edwin Hawkins Singers - Lay Down | REACTION

Took Me To Church

[@MelaniesafkaTheRealMelanie]

Thank you Jamel! I'm happy that you love my song ~ as happy as I was singing it with Edwin and the Singers. Love, Melanie ☮️💜

[@robertflowers6621]

Wow, came to KZbin for a few Jamel_AKA_Jamal reviews and found not only this gem of a song, but also a special bonus: Melanie herself! Jamal + Melanie = true inspiration at it's very best!

[@obladi2375]

💘 Melanie 😍😍😍

[@renernewton383]

Awesome doesn't begin to describe it

[@siddokis2945]

Such a powerful song, beautifully sung. Love you Melanie.

[@gemsun6512]

I wonder if Jamel even realized Melanie commented on this reaction? He gets so many comments. Maybe this one got lost in translation? I know , if he knew about this comment, he would’ve surely replied! ✌🏼❤️

[@batterdown]

RIP Melanie... January 23, 2024. May you "Lay Down" now in eternal rest and peace. Thank you for your contributions to the soundtrack of my life. May God bless us all to find the peace, happiness, and joy you sing!

[@TallBlondeSassy]

I just opened my news feed. My heart is breaking. RIP GODDESS! ❤😢❤😢❤😢

[@1234larry1]

Amen

[@l0r3zz]

As a young black kid growing up in Brooklyn when this song came out, It exposed me to Melanie and I followed her and her music for the rest of my life. May you rest in peace and may we remember the message that you championed, boy do we need it now.

[@sharoncrawford7192]

Didn't know she passed.

[@hwirtwirt4500]

Thankfully these recordings will keep her spirit of love and hope alive for all eternity. Sadly missed. :(

[@wesedwards1128]

Rest in peace Melanie. This was the peace song that took me to her in concert, Berkeley 1971. I handed her a rose and she was a wonderful woman, artist, devoted to peace in the world!

[@michaelnotigan7796]

In Memorian-Melanie Safka. In Memorian-Edwin Hawkins, playing that rousing piano on this great song. To those too young, the period of the mid to late 1960's and early 70's was a time when music like this was all over the radio. What a time it was. RIP, Melanie....and Edwin Hawkins.

[@sandburgmartin7947]

Totally agree. Melanie helped spread peace, hope, and love. Edwin Hawkins helped spread The Word and those values. It was a breakthrough moment when his interpretive work "Oh, Happy Day" literally hit the rock charts. People were shocked. It exposed many to gospel singing. AM radio was playing it regularly. It was reassuring during a time (1968)of great distress for many families of Nam bound soldiers and draftees from the working class. Check out that track too. Peace ✌️

[@annapavlakis7626]

This song always gives me chills and makes me cry with emotion. I feel like this song is needed today more than ever...it's the antidote to the darkness that seems to be over the world today. I'm still wiping away tears...

[@roynoble1363]

I totally agree

[@heatherbegs]

Anna Pavlakis same 😭

[@almondjones5267]

She started singing and instantly got the chills! Truly beautiful song, and the choir, so powerful

[@idaduncan6260]

Your words are powerful

[@annapavlakis7626]

@@idaduncan6260 thank you for that. ❤

[@iganatiousjr]

Apparently within weeks of this broadcast 50% of Dutch households had a Melanie record. One of the true voices of the sixties and one of its most genuine persons.

[@loj74fun]

As a thirteen-year-old dutch boy I was watching this on TV. This was awesome. Next day I ran to the recordshop and was just in time. They were almost sold out. This brings back happy memories.

[@bradroon5467]

I was on a video of this song and young conservatives were putting down the hippies as all dirty druggie hedonists and I pointed out that there was another side to that era. They stopped a WAR!!! Melanie responded and thanked me for knowing that she appreciated my pointing that out.

[@LeeStuart-ox2rk]

Melanie died today, and in the process of looking for a video of her sing, I found your tribute. Your comments and joy made a sad day much brighter. I was eleven when this song came out and it blew me away. This country was in the midst of a cultural revolution. Opposition to the Vietnam War was reaching a fever pitch, women were protesting for equal rights, the Civil rights movement was going strong, leaders were getting assassinated. This song just seemed to capture so much of that angst.

[@CG-ev5ro]

Agree

[@hhsauers]

Sounds exactly like what America is going through again. Everyone, please vote BLUE up and down the ballot to save democracy!!! This could be your last election!!!

[@anthonylennen4067]

There are not a lot of people who have watched more live music than me in the last 55 years, and I think this is the best live female vocal performance of all time.

[@rich56ca]

The Edwin Hawkins Singers actually had their own 'hit' back in the day. Check out Oh Happy Day Jamel. This was a time when you could turn on the radio and hear just about any genre of music in the space of an hour of listening. I guess that's why my listening habits have a wide range of styles to this day.

[@allanerickson5053]

I agree! added links to 2 versions above

[@highpath4776]

@@allanerickson5053 Was Oh Happy Day from Godspell or something like that ?

[@rich56ca]

@@highpath4776 Don't think so. You may be thinking of Day By Day, a song from Godspell that's a little similar.

[@debjorgo]

Oh Happy Day was a number 1 hit on the radio back then, and this hit number 6 shortly after. George Harrison said he thought he was ripping off Oh Happy Day when he wrote My Sweet Lord, not He's So Fine. If you listen to Oh Happy Day, that makes more sense.

[@CaroleMcDonnell]

Seconding

[@meyerweinstock9567]

Trust me: to see those staid Dutch clapping as they did, that would be the equivalent of American audiences getting up and dancing in the aisles. Those people survived the War.

[@becuzitsthere4484]

absolutely true! those Dutch were Gittin' it!

[@ontnurse2]

Right you are

[@barnowl5774]

The audiences on TV were not allowed to move around, but had to remain still in those days. At least they got to clap!

[@thewillowfaery]

exactly what i was going to say- they hadnt ‘learned’ how to do that yet!

[@vidiot9006]

Just shows that music can cross over nationalism and cultures to speak to the soul of any person, of any color!

[@Snurdgerbly]

Melanie doesn't just sing like an angel; she teaches angels how to sing.

[@larryc3860]

Jamel, it's 2023 and I still thank you for listening to a "folkie" from my youth....her message is still so important.....

[@allanerickson5053]

You got it Jamel, there was really only ONE Woodstock...

[@allanerickson5053]

@michael dowson - well maybe Jamel can discover Joni Mitchell, I don't believe he's reacted to her yet

[@malinhead322]

Woodstock took place in August 1969 in upstate NY. This song became sort of an anthem for a generation in the thick of the anti war movement. 👍

[@davidhattman7649]

Funny Thing about the Woodstock Festival. It was not held in Woodstock. It was held in Bethel, New York

[@malinhead322]

David Hattman ....I did say upstate NY which is of course where Bethel is. You read my comment incorrectly.

[@seagertblack]

Jamal, Do yourself a favor and watch the movie Woodstock. It will show how the peace movement had no walls. Everyone was involved. I wish I could give you a link but youtube keeps pulling it down. I'm sure it's on something like HULU.

[@pulsarlights2825]

And Altamont happened 6 months later as evidence that your anti war/peace and love movement was bullshit...:)

[@sexysadie2901]

@@pulsarlights2825 Nothing to do with that. The Hell's Angels were never pro-peace, so...

[@JimDorman]

Many years later I interviewed Melanie and then got to meet her after the show. When I mentioned I was a little disappointed she hadn't sang one of her new songs that I liked, she grabbed her guitar, and her son joined her, and they did it for me right there and then - a personal performance. Bless you Melanie! ♥️

[@vidiot9006]

Wow what a treat and lovely lady!

[@suetrunnell9524]

Awesome

[@powellpatterson4928]

What a blessing to have grown up in this era so look rich in music. It's worth being older now to have been young then.

[@wuzgoanon9373]

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting Melanie and her son Beau when I was working on their home. They are still the sweetest folks and they perform regularly around Nashville. I had her electricity turned off while I was working but she had not had her coffee yet. I drove to town and bought her a coffee. She gave me and my helper each a signed CD. Very nice folks.

[@Thomas-wj1or]

Melanie hold the prestigious title of "The First Lady Of Woodstock", and with good reason! Her peformance at Woodstock was right before the storms, rain and wind. Candles were lit, it had grown dark. Melanie truly is, and earned the title of "First Lady Of Woodstock", and I will never understand why her performance was completely left out of the Woodstock movie.

[@valvenator]

Has anyone come out with the full Woodstock experience totally un-cut?

[@ronc1772]

Melanie was literally the First Lady to step onto the Woodstock stage as a solo female performer.

[@MegaEaglelover]

Great to see this, the WHOLE COUNTRY NEEDS SEE THIS RIGHT NOW

[@avalondreaming1433]

Ikr. This song is 50 years old and were still in chaos. Heartbreaking.

[@denisearmbruster7478]

So true❤ I was 15 when she performed this! We needed it then WE NEED IT NOW!

[@ChoppersModelworks]

The whole country needs to have the facts first before being manipulated. The van Jacob Blake was trying to steal had children in them, and NOT his children. Notice this is coming out now when it was the reason the police were there.

[@cyndybensema7189]

Exactly! Those of us who grew up with this music are befuddled at our own peers who also grew up with this who have the opposite attitude! HOW DID THAT HAPPEN? This music still sings to my heart! Another song that goes with this is a song called White Bird...forgot who it was by, but I listen to it all the time on youtube...

[@750count]

National anthem?

[@Cheryworld]

Great choice. You should go on with the Edwin Hawkins Singers; "Oh happy Day" or more from Melanie: BRAND NEW KEY ---- great suff

[@CamiMack5616]

Brand New Key 🗝 is adorable; just heard it the other day. Reminded me of childhood. ☺

[@rainsong65]

Oh happy day please!

[@reepacheirpfirewalker8629]

And the Nickel song.

[@gregr.leslie7665]

YES !

[@reepacheirpfirewalker8629]

@@gregr.leslie7665 And Ruby Tuesday

[@colinpate3059]

This performance puts a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. The way she belts along with the power of this beautiful gospel choir.

[@eddie_alabama7997]

My Mom passed away 3 days before Melanie on January 20, 2024…..She was one of her favorite singers….this video version of her song gives me so much joy and peace every time I hear it!

[@CG-ev5ro]

I'm glad this song helps you through the loss of your beloved Mother. May you continue to have peace

[@BlackiePawless]

You have to understand that this is a European audience, most of which were born before the start of the 20th century. This style is totally foreign to them. I think its amazing they reacted this enthusiastically, taken in context.

[@anthonyshelton2312]

Born before 20th century? I don't think so! But yeah, they're an older european crowd.

[@gregh.g.83]

@@anthonyshelton2312 Well... it's 1970, so if there's anyone in the audience over 70, we can say: "*some* of which were born before the start of the 20th century."

[@pettee1979]

What I can tell you is that they are all survivors of the atrocities of the Second World War. Rest in peace 🙏.

[@vidiot9006]

Yes you have it exactly correct, it shows the power of this song and it's performance!

[@jordan390a]

This is one of those "goosebump" songs....!!! It gives me goosebumps every time..!

[@donpaladino]

AMEN

[@vonasavini8308]

My mom passed away in June. This was her favorite song and I was raised listening to Melanie. Today was a hard day for me because I miss my mom so much. I saw you were reacting to this song and my heart was filled with joy. Not only am I grateful for new generations hearing this amazing music, but it filled my heart like a hug from my mom. Huge thanks to whomever recommended you react.💕

[@tonyakeldsen1782]

Bless you sweetheart! I’m so sorry for your loss! This is my mom and my song ! I was a tiny thing and we used to dance around the room! It still keeps us connected and when one of us passes the other will play in her memory! It is a hopeful and spiritual song to be shared, blessings

[@chiralityraven337]

This was my mom’s favorite also but we don’t have a great relationship so it gets me in the feels also. I’m sorry for your loss

[@epiphanyinsight]

❤️❤️❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@Rippenhengst]

@@chiralityraven337 When your're aging, forgiveness will set in. It's not good to leave this world with bitterness in the heart ...

[@BadWolf1958]

Sorry to hear about your mom. This is also my favorite song

[@alanblack306]

"We were so close, there was no room. We bled inside each other's wounds." Such a haunting line, which I always imagined as referring to terrified soldiers huddled in a foxhole in Vietnam.

[@yolandajohnson8685]

yes yes yes.......

[@miketalley5476]

I had always imagined it meaning the civil rights marchers that had been beaten by police and crammed into jail cells so tight that no one could move.

[@debrabiderman4275]

I always thought she was saying we bled inside each others wombs.

[@vidiot9006]

Yes it has many levels to it

[@clashfan26]

I was in 5th grade and I didn't know what that verse was about. My mom would run out of the room during that part of the song because it bothered her so much. It must have conjured up images of people with horrible, open wounds.

[@TwistedSither]

I know I've heard this song dozens of times, but her voice gives me chills every single time.

[@lynnarthur1411]

There's a long version that didn't get airplay back in the day. Don't know if you've heard it. But it's available on KZbin 🤗

[@bob_._.]

She wrote this about her experience at Woodstock, and especially when the crowd held up lit candles during her set. (they were trying to keep dry in the rain - hey, it was the late '60s, what can I say?) Afterwards, when she'd sing it in concert people would raise lit candles. After a couple years people started doing it at other artists' performances, but this is where it started.

[@diannegaylord567]

Whoever requested this song Thanku.. I haven't heard this song since way back. Probably the 70s.i love this message of peace.history repeats

[@JStarStar00]

And today they hold up cell phones.

[@teresatorres8540]

@@JStarStar00 safer but not quite the same.

[@flapjackid]

@@JStarStar00 Ugh

[@eddiewillers1442]

"people would raise lit candles." Actually, Bic lighters, but I know what you meant.

[@Tm-wd4yk]

I was at Woodstock, I was 13 years old. This event proved that 500,000 people could gather in a muddy field in Bethel NY and all get along. I have carried this expereance with me all my years. I was fortunate to have participated in several Zoom video gathering with Melanie over the past few years. From our conversations she has not change her beliefs, peaceful nature or lost her beautiful smile. The night I saw her ar Woodstock I knew there was very special about this young lady. As life went on I became the Mayor of small town in Florida and would occasionally play her song "Peace Will Come" when the meetings got heated. The most amazing thing always happened, the room would go completly silent and the audience seemed to,understand we could really get aong if we wanted to. Evertime I would reopen the meeting everyone acted in a calm and in a civilized manner. All can I say is, there was a defined reason that in August of 1969 500,000 people gathered in the rain at a dairy farm in Bethel NY for 3 days. Melanie described it best in this song. I witnessed this first hand and have to honestly say it was the most remarkable exeperences in my lifetime. God Bless Melanie and what she given the world.

[@sandrazed6089]

I don't understand how Melanie is not a household name worldwide! They all sang their lungs out! Loved your reactions. It's a Dutch crowd clapping prim and proper!

[@zq9m3xh8]

An absolute CLASSIC with just a hint of GOSPEL! Those singers make the song! BEAUTIFUL!

[@musiclistsareus1029]

More than just a "hint" of gospel

[@Gbonejohn1974]

a hint ? its drenched in gospel

[@mickeybufont]

Her song Brand New Key was a number one hit

[@chipdamutt108]

I had the 45

[@debjorgo]

Brand New Key is a fun song.

[@ramonadavis3411]

I also liked look what they done to my song ma.

[@vandeolkon]

Great song!!

[@lreadlResurrected]

Great song. Too dirty to play here? ;-) Tee Hee.

[@Dianescheeler-rq3ol]

Could not have a better back up than the Edwin Hawkins singers who were awesome in their own right. Rest In Peace Melanie

[@danielrdrown1]

I was heartbroken to hear of Melanie's passing yesterday(Jan 24,2024). She should have been inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame decades ago. It's criminal she did not get her just due while she was living. Her songs will live forever. Perhaps that's the only thing that really matters.

[@vernhoke7730]

Melanie is a Jersey girl. Went to high school with a 2nd cousin of mine in the '60s. This song was played all the time on the radio back in the day.

[@highpath4776]

@@foxguy67 Jersey Channel Isles or New Jersey adjacent New York ?

[@kennethrussell1158]

@@foxguy67 it is bizarre.

[@lcozzarelli]

foxguy67 Apart from her pronouncing the T in ‘twenTy-three’, I don’t hear an English accent...

[@vernhoke7730]

@@highpath4776 New Jersey, USA, born in NY and later moved to NJ. My 2nd cousin lived in Long Branch and went to Long Branch high school with her. Melanie was born and raised in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, New York City. Her father, Frederick M. Safka (1924-2009), was of Ukrainian ethnic background, and her mother, jazz singer Pauline "Polly" Altomare (1926-2003), was of Italian heritage.[4][5] Melanie made her first public singing appearance at age four on the radio show Live Like A Millionaire, performing the song "Gimme a Little Kiss". She attended Red Bank High School in Red Bank, New Jersey, after transferring from Long Branch High School, graduating in 1964.[6] In the 1960s, when she began her career, Melanie performed at The Inkwell, a coffee house in the West End section of Long Branch, New Jersey.

[@CharlesDunkley]

Melanie Safka is my first crush. She remains to this day my favorite female performer. She has a fantastic catalog of songs. Great lyrics and a powerhouse of a voice.

[@paul4972]

Her words and music needs to be discovered by a new generation

[@brentlee1043]

RIP Melanie January 23rd, 2024 76 years of age. Her sweet soul can finally lay down in glory.

[@yolandajohnson8685]

Jamel, you chose a pure MASTERPIECE!!! Melanie also had another hit: Brand New Key. The Edwin Hawkins Singers were known for their SUPER MEGA hit: Oh Happh Day...1968/69.

[@reepacheirpfirewalker8629]

And the Nickel song

[@tonydagostino6158]

You dug deep for a gem there brother. It looks like they're on the Dutch equivalent of the Mike Douglas show of the same era. I think she's so happy because she got that super straight Dutch crowd clapping and singing along with a gospel group from America. It's hard to realize what "the straights" thought of the hippies and freaks back in the day but she was connecting

[@julietigermoon9572]

I have always loved watching the audience reaction 💜

[@MrOhmikey]

I noticed the Dutch have no rhythm but they were into the tune.

[@imnotabotrlyimnot]

The hippies and their drug culture was a product of the cia, then the backlash against them from the manistream was also orchestrated by the cia. It was all manipulated, next to nothing that goes on is'nt planned no matter how natural it seems. Depressing but true.

[@tonydagostino6158]

@@imnotabotrlyimnot Thanks for the info. I didn't know I was manipulated by the CIA. You're first sentence is only half correct

[@imnotabotrlyimnot]

@@tonydagostino6158 Of course you didn't, it wouldn't be manipulation if the subjects were aware of it.

[@mikeydeef]

Song actually made me tear up! I’m 68 and lived those times!! ☮️ peace

[@boosuedon]

The "White Bird" she refers to, I believe is from the Woodstock "Logo" which was that of a white dove sitting on a guitar neck. The symbol of peace and music.

[@NoExitLoveNow]

Always liked this song. Fun Fact: George Harrison was trying to write a song like this when he wrote My Sweet Lord.

[@ffjsb]

Uh, when he plagiarized My Sweet Lord...

[@mikek5958]

@@ffjsb [Snore]

[@bobthebear1246]

@@mikek5958 Well, he did. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@christelheadington1136]

@@bobthebear1246 -How ever unintentional yes. Once upon a time, the TV show, Name That Tune was on.They played some notes..."I said to my husband.He's So Fine"...the contestant said,"He's So Fine". The host said,"Sorry it was "My Sweet Lord." within a month, the person who wrote "He;s so Fine".had successfully sued Harrison for plagiarism. I always wondered if the writer was watching the show that night.

[@chaosandcreation4118]

@@christelheadington1136 wouldn' have had to as it was all over FM radio back then.

[@GratefulZen]

We came to your channel “to keep the dark away.” Keep on raising our spirits (and hopefully yours too), my brother!

[@donaldgrappo4526]

You feel it. It brings tears of love/joy. God bless her. 😊 Hawkins group made it over the top.

[@k.s.k.7721]

This was broadcast from the Netherlands in 1970. European audiences in general were very conservative, and the Dutch people were no exception. To even see them clapping in time was a big breach of social customs of the day, so they were undoubtedly extremely moved by this magnificent song and presentation. The Edwin Hawkins singers are beyond awesome, and it was a perfect blend with Melanie's voice and composition. Nobody makes music like this anymore.

[@barrycohen311]

I used to know Melanie back in the day. A very cool person indeed.

[@yolandajohnson8685]

Really!!!! I bet she was a sweetie pie

[@barrycohen311]

@@yolandajohnson8685 Yes, a great person with a great family. I was a doorman at their Manhattan apartment building and they always treated me really kind. She would put my name on the list if I wanted to see any of her shows so that I could get in for free.

[@yolandajohnson8685]

@@barrycohen311 very nice.

[@jackieblue787]

Her voice is stunning like Janis Joplin or Whitney Houston.. original af.

[@timtim2907]

Melanie Safka was big in the early 70's

[@tejayschwartz7681]

This is a whole lot better than Brand New Key 😂

[@highpath4776]

@@tejayschwartz7681 What Have They Done To My Song.

[@elaine8013]

I always cry when I hear this song. I was at Woodstock and it brings back memories of a generation who wanted to promote peace and ended up creating materialism and more war. if we had only known.

[@pegasus5287]

Her speaking voice is so soft amd sweet and then this amazing powerful singing voice starts! Still gives me chills all these years later

[@terri8988]

I remember singing this song so loud all I wanted was peace ☮️ in our world I still do..

[@lesleycooper8966]

I did too! I sang it to the top of my lungs. I was a 15-year old, anti-war protester. Good times.

[@lynng9618]

If anyone's interested, I found out that Melanie has her own channel on YT.

[@jimmyfortrue3741]

There's also a video of her at Woodstock. Not sure of the channel.

[@lynng9618]

It's on Melanie's channel.

[@YogZab]

She's still awesome live!

[@jgwiesen]

Melanie really brings it. Her performance is so memorable because she really does "lay it all down", holding nothing back, making a deep emotional connection with a song that clearly taps the depths of her being.

[@marlenedolfi4126]

I forgot how great this song is, so inspirational. Well done all!

[@tonydelapa1911]

I never suggested this because I thought “there is just no way.” Melanie has one of the biggest voices in popular music. Sadly, at the time, this performance may not have even been possible here in the USA. It was a terrific song to begin with but really soars in this rendition. Thank you for doing this one.

[@parisbrat]

Mike Douglas would have had them on his show - easily! A a matter of fact she was on his show in '77. For an afternoon talk show, Mike ruled.

[@stevendonnelly6132]

bullshit,

[@VinE83656]

I think the Smothers Brothers would have had her on. I seem to remember them having musical guests and they were quite edgy.

[@Historian212]

Untrue. Maybe it would have been a problem in some places in the South, but that's about it. By this time, there were mixed groups, and lots of black and white musicians performed together, too.

[@robertcatesby8420]

Melanie was very big here in the states (she is an American; despite that sort of faux English accent she used talking to the host). She was on numerous tv shows, all the radio stations and did lots of concert. Yours is an ignorant comment.

[@Nightcloudmama]

Goosebumps This song is about Woodstock. Check out Oh Happy Day if you like the Edwin Hawkins Singers. Great great song!

[@johnchavez5053]

Tears here. Love these songs.

[@terryjester1245]

she has the innocence of a child wanting peace for all- a feeling we should never out grow

[@Quasar222]

Hey Jamel. Just learned today that Melanie passed away on 1/23/24. I’ve always loved her as a singer and a beautiful person. R.I.P. beautiful lady.

[@truus5653]

OMG !!!!! all my childhood I was listening to The Edwin Hawkins Singers , thanks for this video :) :) Love from The Netherlands

[@kevinquinn3763]

And LOVE back at YOU.

[@51Lorie]

Jamel, THANK YOU for reacting to this! Wow, this brings back some "real" memories for me. My brothers "numbers" up for the draft to go to Nam at the time, but, thank God, they never got picked. It was a VERY trying time for my family and looking back on it now, I cannot imagine what my parents were feeling. I heard this song and many others like it growing up. Wow, I got so emotional listening to this. Awesome to hear it again!

[@karaminalee]

Lori, I’m going to always think about you when I hear this song from now on. ❤️

[@51Lorie]

@@karaminalee Thank you dear friend! It was one of those that I'd pretty much forgotten about, but now it's on my playlist along with a few others of hers.

[@nancy9478]

One brother was in Nam, I was so young I was told he was in Korea. I found out when he passed away in 2009. Another brother was drafted and served in the Navy towards the end of the war. I was old enough by then to be very scared he might not come home. My cousin served there in the Marines, came home and died in an accident while on leave. Those days were full of tears, fear. But yet, so full of carefree times and so much love. How was it possible we had both. God bless our troops that keep our great nation free.

[@51Lorie]

@@nancy9478 Amen to that, Nancy! How IS it possible we had both? I don't know either. We have lived thru some very difficult times in this nations history so I guess we know that things will always work out, right? Yes, indeed, God BLESS our troops!

[@BrooklynAvenue]

Your take on Melanie is so spot on.... she cited this performance as one of the highlights not of her career... but her life.

[@grizz7278]

Thanks Jamel for this. Melanie has always been before her time. She was on stage with a black folks in front front an all white audience in the early70s. Not only is she an awesome singer/songwriter but has inspired two generation of folks to love all are brothers and sisters. I'm 65, she inspired us all to be better people.

[@real_lostinthefogofwar]

I'd love to change the world, by Ten Years After

[@Tomlinsky]

Anything by TYA pretty much. One of the, for many, hidden gems of the 70's.

[@dashjeffreys6998]

I'd love to change the world too

[@meyerweinstock9567]

@@dashjeffreys6998 Mee too

[@CamiMack5616]

What an amazing request, and what an iconic song. That whole era is phenomenal, and can never be replicated.

[@greglegakis4177]

Done

[@danielmarshall3102]

Always loved loved this song!!! She has such power in her voice it cuts right through the choir.

[@sunshinenblues]

I found this song for the very first time in 2021. Christmastime. I sang in the car with Melanie and felt wonderful!!

[@michaelbruns449]

Everything fades away to be eventually forgotten...but...we must do everything and anything we can to never allow that to happen to all this great music from the 1950s thru the 1980s and beyond...

[@dwainshearer6674]

Other Melanie favorites include Brand New Key & Nicole Song.

[@dwainshearer6674]

darn spellcheck, Nickle Song...

[@nadinemarie3811]

And, my favorite, " What Have They Done to My Song Ma".

[@DIEmicrosoft]

RIP Melanie. A song you hear once and remember forever.

[@Hotbluesbabe]

My favorite vocalist in the whole world. Her words to her songs have guided me thru good times, bad times leaving me with a wonderful perception of Beautiful people, life, animals, peace and harmony throughout my world. Thank you Melanie !!

[@Hotbluesbabe]

p.s.... I have 17 of her albums

[@jeffreyg607]

There is no way that I would be sitting down, and I have sung my whole life! It's giving glory time :)

[@vinnygi]

About the audience reaction that people are commenting on… You have to take 2 things into consideration: 1. At that time, there was a HUGE generation gap between the parents and the kids. The older people would never admit to liking “long haired music” 2. Audiences were more reserved back then Put these two points together and realize that having those old people clapping along was amazing.

[@dos-fslady3140]

Props to you, Jamel, for reviewing the old anti-war anthems that we all need to hear again during these difficult times.

[@davidhackney6536]

The combination of Melanie and the Edwin Hawkins Singers reach up to heaven my friend.

[@user-ys9zm9ge4h]

As a kid I remember My older Brother used to love the Ed Hawkin singers " OH! Happy day"

[@rolieyo3209]

Whoa, this takes me back...

[@brucedillinger9448]

Melanie with The Edwin Hawkins Singers. It really doesn't get much better than this. I was only 12 years old when this came out but I was blown away by it. A pure emotional high every time I heard it. Same to this day! Thanks for such a great choice.

[@DeeVet1]

I got to meet Melanie a couple of years ago, here in New Jersey. My niece knows what an admirer of her I am and she gifted me with an evening performance in a small club that was overflowing with fans. She was and still is, a beautiful woman. Her voice is as dynamic as it ever was and she blew the room away! The sweetest thing was watching her son watching her as he accompanied her on guitar. The love in his eyes just filled my soul up. I got to speak with her and got an autograph and photograph with her that I’ll treasure forever. She was lovely to everyone. I also spoke with her handsome son who simply adores his mom. Thank you for this reaction to one of the icons of my youth.

[@whoneedssantawhenthereisgr1724]

Rip Melanie this brought back many good memories. Thank you Jamal

[@stuff3829]

Oh Melanie soooooo shamelessly underrated. This is one of my all time favorite songs.

[@joanncubberly6459]

loved Melanie and loved this song but THIS was one of those magical, transcending performances, IMO. I get chills everytime I watch it.

[@The1cdccop]

She was the same age as my mother. The Boomers had some great musicians. What a time to grow up in.

[@alt7244]

I heard this song as a young child of the 60's. I'd forgotten about it, but every once in a while, parts of it would haunt me because of her powerful voice. I would try and try to remember it all. It took me decades to rediscover this beautiful song of passion

[@arcum42]

I always enjoyed Melanie Safka. A song of hers I'd suggest listening to is "Beautiful People".

[@kc6610]

Yeah, that's one of my favourites, along with Johnny Boy.

[@Thomas-wj1or]

@@kc6610 💚"Johnny Boy..My friend, It is the end of the summertime, and the wine, in the tree you and me, you recall..all the tears, I had fears You could not stop them from fallin', but you did, Johnny Boy my friend...They're fallin' again! Johnny Boy, my friend stop them again for a lonely girl in the world , all the stone buildings that would turn brown if they were born in the town where the trees are grown, Johnny Boy I'm all alone...Please tke me home...

[@kc6610]

@@Thomas-wj1or Ah yes. You remember it well.

[@michelleortega1514]

Brand new key by Melanie is another good one

[@VIDSTORAGE]

One of the best songs of that folky humor genera of the early 70s

[@YogZab]

Also Alexander Beatle!

[@rhondaflanders4386]

Aww man! What a SONG! My inner flower child is coming ALIVE! I don't understand why the crowd isn't on their feet!❤❤❤❤

[@irishgrl]

I was bordering on teen years when this came out, even at that age, I felt it’s power! We were so close, there was no room....we all bled inside each others’ wounds We all caught the same disease, we all sang the songs of peace... PS Ive loved Gospel music all my life 👍

[@valvenator]

"We all caught the same disease" has to be one of the strangest yet most powerful lines of all time especially in the context of a tune like this.

[@Appliance-Advice]

Brings back so many memories. When different cultures get together only greatness can come. Put a big smile on my face ☺

[@wesedwards8925]

I’m shocked you played this. A favorite for the era. Woodstock. Folk singer activist. This was a hit. Having the EH singers was key. Vietnam war was the backdrop. Peace!

[@CodenameDad]

R.I.P. Melanie!! I just saw this video of yours Jamel and saw her comment, (so cool she watched you). And decided to see how old she was now and saw she just died a few weeks ago. She was amazing! I’m 58 now, and when I was like 6 or 7 I used to listen to my moms records and absolutely LOVED this song. I’m subscribed now . Thank you

[@PaulBrannan-mb8wv]

Thank you Melanie for all your uplifting experiences and vibes of my youth! Fond memories of a troubled times. Blessings to you and yours

[@alhartkorn7379]

I couldn't of said it better myself Jamel. After 50 years I still get chills to this version of this song. The joy on her face says it all and that sweet booming voice wipes me out.

[@kevind4850]

Melanie used to say that she was the only person she knew who attended Woodstock with her mother. This song wouldn't have had 1/3 the impact were it not for the Hawkins Singers, and the joint effort nearly didn't happen. You are correct - about love and peace. You might also try Melanie's "Leftover Wine" (the extended version is on Melanie's channel here, which is also worth a listen). The Edwin Hawkins Singers' "Oh Happy Day" was a big hit, and an antidote to the blues (the mental condition, not the musical genre).

[@WendyBirdism]

The 70s were all about love for our "brothers" - black AND white. I wish we could go back to that time (after the war, of course). I love your videos, your reactions, and your beautiful, positive attitude about love and peace (back to the 70s again). I have so enjoyed watching your reactions to the 70s music, AND listing to music I haven't listened to in years. Love you, dude. (Commenting from the great state of Wyoming, pop. (barely) 500,000 ppl. LOL)

[@frankresendez1928]

I was remembering this song, a day later I heard she just made her way to heaven,

[@Karen-nn6kg]

"We were so close, there was no room. We bled inside each other's wounds..." Amazing lyric: WOW!

[@StephenMarkTurner]

Where are my roller skates? Summer of 71. Still an all time fave song of mine, Melanie smokes it.

[@babel232]

Melanie is not only A Fantastic Singer Song Writer but a Genius Arraigner, Coming up with the Idea To collaborate with the Edwin Hawkins Singers on this Turned what would have been a Good Song into Pure inspired Magic.

[@TheHandymanQld]

Her smile makes me smile, every time. Such a brilliant composition. It's not a gospel/ religious song, it's a song of reflection on what Melanie saw on the day she played at Woodstock.

[@timconnelly9054]

Jamel; I just wanted to let you know that in the troubled times we are in, your channel is a beacon of Peace and Tranquility!!! Thank You

[@jotacalvo]

Always loved this song. Absolutely amazing. I’ve been listening to it for nearly 50 years, and I still get the chills. On the studio version, in the 3rd verse when the Singers keep building and building with her, shivers....

[@Hope-qi4bf]

But A moment in Time. A Different Place. Melanie Blessed US. Thank You Dear One!! Rest Easy in The Arms of God..Jan 23 2024

[@xJRx77]

It doesn't get any better then the Edwin Hawkins singers. They were phenomenal, and shine on this Melanie classic.