"Memphis Soul Stew" (live) King Curtis & The Kingpins

[@annim6281]

I'm 41, thanks to my dad I grew up with great music. I made my husband promise to play that song on my funeral. Unusual for Bavaria😅

[@TimDecker989]

Anyone who came here in a bad mood and left that way needs to check themselves for a pulse. The bass groove, the fantastic drums by Perdie, and King Curtis's infectious smile. The whole band is amazing.

[@GREATTECH1]

I'm turning my 35 year old nephew to this jam today.. He was amazed. We need to teach our younger generation about where we came from.

[@lamontlewis]

It might interest you to know this was the original Rhythm & Blues "Sax" sound. If you listen to Old Coaster's (Charlie Brown and Yakety Yak, Don't talk Back) from 1957, you're listening to King Curtis. He was the original sound behind R&R, playing with people like Buddy Holly. Wiki does a good cover of him. Before guitars were loud enough to play in bands and be heard, it was the sax that performed the solos. King Curtis set the standard for Pop music Saxaphones.

[@mambojazz1]

I guess you never heard of illinois Jacquet who recorded the first Rhythm and Blues solo way back in 1941, Earl Bostic, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, or Louis Jordan the creator of Rhythm and Blues... The stew was boiling since the 30's in Kansas City.

[@diannedavis5443]

Thanks for the information. This is legend stuff.

[@TralfazConstruction]

Thanks for the thumbnail history lesson. Much appreciated.

[@lutheradkins3623]

@@diannedavis5443 m

[@harryheath4981]

King Curtis's tenor saxophone style is like Saturday night live show tonight phat sound

[@blowme23456]

That is some serious killer bass.

[@mikehuff9148]

David Richman yes no doubt

[@thingfish000]

You ain't kidding!

[@petercheney8316]

A groove so deep you could get a truck stuck in it.

[@readfamily9854]

Brilliant I agree

[@superblowy]

The bass man was busy all through, brilliant.

[@catboyzee]

Jemmott, Purdie, Dupree, legendary R&B/Soul musicians...c'mon son! I love the MGs, but they were never this funky.

[@dirtlevel]

Idk, Melting Pot is pretty damn funky. Al Jackson lays down a deadly beat on that one.

[@petergeorgemusic]

Don’t forget Truman Thomas on the Hammond C-3

[@SuperBeachbum74]

Cornel Dupree is the guitarist who created the licks on Brook Benton’s “ Rainy Night In Georgia “

[@nobbiclark]

All musicians should listen to this lesson on how to groove ! Genius !

[@panzermatt]

how cool is the bass palyer! super tnt cool thats what.

[@jrynds]

Jerry Jemmott is killing it on the bass. Forget his start, He is in the pocket with Bernard Purdy

[@aarongarceau4053]

He's so far in the pocket he's scratching his knees...

[@markjohnson9485]

I agree he wasn't nailing that Bass line at first but he got into the pocket later and grooved

[@dahamus]

That outro, just groovin'

[@piperjohn_3]

Bernard gave Jerry a little side-eye at the start.

[@jimcharles651]

@phillydisco Chuck Rainey doesn't rate???

[@davidsutherland4367]

Let's not forget King Curtis August 13th when he passed away the sad thing is if it wasn't for some prick out there he could have still been playing music tearing it up I love this man

[@MsRaeisMe]

I wish music like this could be popular nowadays...

[@dlreed70s1]

its hard to find anything more funky than this right here. damn. and i love how bernard purdie plays drums. damn.

[@harryheath4981]

King Curtis one of the greatest tenor saxophone players of all-time yo!

[@normanware6337]

​@@harryheath4981that. Movie.......Eddie & the cruisers......his name is mentioned n ....Eddie lives.......

[@mtrezise1]

Amazing band: Jerry Jemmott - bass Bernard Purdie - drums Cornell Dupree - guitar Truman Thomas - organ Warren Smith - tambourine King Curtis - saxophone

[@rvic11]

I was just about to say...a supergroup of soul!

[@WilliamBrownNYC]

Attended their rehearsal for the Aretha Live and Fillmore West. The band was amazing. Their creativeity was evident in spontaneously coming up with new arrangements and riffs on the spot ! :)

[@j.dragon651]

Did he play a Thomas organ?

[@michaelstamper3096]

On Games People Play Duane Allman played sitar and slide guitar riffs

[@mtrezise1]

@@j.dragon651 it's a hammond b3 organ.

[@giraud74]

The quality might be a little less considered to today's standard. But I'm a old school cat, so I'm used to listening to poor quality tapes. What counts is the quality of the music itself and the vibe that comes off it. And that makes up a 1000% for the quality. The positive vibe of King Curtis in this recording. This is how music was back in the day. Real performers and musicians. It's pure nostalgia to me.

[@freakinfairlane]

Amen brotha

[@CardiganSnoopy]

What Cornell Dupree does on guitar is unbelievably amazing.

[@noostrings]

I'm a drummer, but if I was a guitarists, I would be trying to play like him. He never sounds bad

[@fintanoclery2698]

@@noostrings I'm a carpenter and can't play anything, but if I could I'd be grooving like Cornell. Cheers. Check out Cornell with his band Stuff:Signed,Sealed, Delivered live at Montreaux if you haven't heard it. Phenomenal

[@gordonmarsh7980]

You can tell where Nile Rodgers and those guys were coming from, musically

[@JoeandAngie]

I don buleev it

[@dwise3651]

@@fintanoclery2698thanks for mentioning this. It’s something to study for sure. Cheers!

[@MrKingGator]

Memphis Soul Sounds

[@67NewEngland]

Jerry Jemmott...amazing bass player...legend!

[@johnstuart6383]

What a true gent - He names every member of the band - A FANTASTIC soul classic.

[@Wally-H]

Purdie and the bass player work that groove to the max

[@lexo30]

Not only is this great, it was also sampled for one of the greatest gangsta rap tracks of all time: the Geto Boys' 'Trigga Happy Nigga'.

[@hux2000]

"The only band that could make Booker T & The MG's sweat." - You got that right! When I heard this song for the first time I thought it *was* the MG's backing him, because they were just so tight. Legends, every one of them!

[@cweigers]

Jerry Jemmott on bass and the great drummer/percussionist/marimba player Warren Smith on tambourine here. Thanks for this post!!!!!

[@justineotoole3685]

the most delicious Stew ever prepared, Bon Appétit

[@joey19930303]

Damn I was born 3 decades too late to enjoy this kind of music. Everyone is school is into rubbish rap, I'm the only guy who loves northern soul, motown etc (just like my dad)

[@gadgetts5342]

it's cool that you're into Jazz but dont be 'that guy'

[@bowbutter7608]

You can't beat Northern soul I still play vinyl today keep on keeping on 🎵👍

[@MrSmurfyDog]

Not only that, but Bernard Purdie worked as Aretha's musical director for several years. When King Curtis was opening for Aretha Franklin in 1970/71 (?) King Curtis and his band played their own set, then went on to play for Aretha. Damn straight the funk starts here! :D

[@apsdh340]

we could all use a pound of fatback drums

[@MrBillc1023]

King Curtis was a legend. an accomplished jazz musician. Inspired by the likes of Lester Yuung, Illinois Jacquet and Gene Ammons, he played with jazz greats Lionel Hampton, Wynton Kelly and Cannonball"s brother, Nat Adderly. He was an innovator in the school of rock and roll/funky sax playing and paved the way for cats like Junior Walker and Maceo Parker. In the late 50's, early 60's he made the move to rock and roll and the rest is history with classics like Memphis Soul Stew and Soul Serenade.

[@XX-qi5eu]

And K.C. was Aretha Franklin's tour band leader.

[@tbcass]

I love Jerry Jemmott's bass playing. I have the Jaco Pastorious Modern Electric Bass instructional video which he produced and conducted the interview. Jerry is so modest and seems in awe of Jaco despite the fact that Jaco sites him as a major influence. He is truly a great person as well as one of the greatest ever.

[@dahamus]

That's such a great video! Essential viewing for any rhythm section player.

[@shkyrbty]

This is an epic video!!!! Just wow!!!!

[@Mehefinheulog1]

the legendary Bernard Purdie on drums.....

[@stevenroberts8035]

how did 22 people not like this?

[@jamro217]

No pitch corrected vocals, distorted guitar solos or rapping. What a shame.

[@markiakelson9173]

It wasn't long enough

[@pyannaguy4361]

Cornell: @ 2:06: Does it GET any more "Dial 911" than that FUNK-TURE wound of a chord he inflicts w/4 quick stabs? AFTER that sweet "bawlin'" Memphis guitar! Hail the immortal Monsieur Dupree!! What a badass BAND! At EVERY position! ...Thanks for your time! 👍🏻

[@joycewilliams2492]

Oooooooooooh...I remember this from back in the day!!! I hadn't heard this one for a LOOOONG time! I had just seen an Amazon commercial, and while I listened to the background music, I hollered, "MEMPHIS SOUL STEW!!!" It's nice to know that somebody recognizes those good old jams from yesterday. I hope you don't mind me giving myself a pat on the back because it's been 30+ years since I heard this one, and since I recognized it after not hearing it for so long, I guess I'm not growing senile (I'm 60+)...😜

[@mattberkeleymusic]

RIP Cornell!!!! One of the greatest ever!

[@Lucyintheskywithdiamonds140]

This is one of my all time favorite music numbers. When I share this with friends they instantly love it. How is it posible this was never never a wordwide hit!

[@Prof3ssrBrando]

I really enjoy that as the musicians were introduced they were GROOVY, not flashy. Such a massive difference and such a magnificently tasty difference!!

[@MN-dv8wc]

Didn't King C play on Buddy Holley's " Just You and I"

[@Harvey-ip6xx]

CAN'T STOP COMING BACK TO THIS TRACK , REVIVING MY MEMORIES .....KING CURTIS THE MAESTRO OF ARETHA'S BAND AND HERE SOME OF THE BEST MUSICIANS EVER TO GRACE THIS WORLD OF OURS ❤

[@ArkRed1]

King left us way too soon. Tragic.

[@slyny6052]

Straight fire 🔥. Love how he’s playing the guitar at 2:18. Also love to see so many white and black people together.

[@margaretricher4474]

Yeah, me too! And this was the 60s! Gotta love it!

[@hmackie6823]

woulda been an Honor to be in that audience

[@tbcass]

Amazing group of monster musicians.

[@scottwardbass]

Jerry Jemmot is a killer bassist. He and Tommy Cogbill were 2 of Jaco Pastorious' influences

[@sarahtonen4873]

this is pretty much my bestest favourite song ever. cannot get enough

[@KingfisherLtd]

These cats are the best.

[@jesusmcphuck6510]

Long live the king (of the sax) RIP Curtis Ousley.

[@ralfodrum]

Proud to call him a friend.....Great human being.Pretty Purdie

[@jandeboer426]

Great band, great sound, great song, great leader. Curtis was one of the best gunslingers on tenor. He's HOT.

[@santcho1313]

un grand bassiste

[@ralfodrum]

Just saw Bernard Purdie last saturday night....May 12th...Hung out and talked drums.....nice guy and funky as &^%$#!!!!!!!! This is the band that became Aretha Franklins back-up band-------Jerry Jermott,Cornell Dupree,and Bernard ''Pretty'' Purdie........The funk starts here!!!

[@eddiecrane5647]

Right around the :40 second mark you can hear the bassist invent "Walk this way"

[@bernardschmidt5192]

King Curtis. Perhaps the greatest sax man in all of rock and roll history!

[@bearandlou]

I love KZbin for stuff like this. Great posting, thank you!

[@margaretricher4474]

KZbin is the biggest juke box in the world! Gotta love it!

[@BFSilenceDogood]

If you listen to this and are still in a bad mood, you need to seek professional help. Jerry Jemmott just grooves!

[@zenvagabond]

word

[@2keen464]

🤣😆

[@aarfeld]

In recent years Jerry has been touring quite a bit with Gregg Allman & Friends as Gregg's regular bassist. They're old friends going back to the era of this video when brother Duane played on many sessions with Curtis.

[@leeboyall9009]

Jesus. The only way you could add to these stunning musicians is by having Jackie Wilson onstage with them - it doesn't get any better than these guys!

[@veebee7039]

So true

[@kingtutt888]

I've watched this vid so many times, and i never get tired of the drummer at 1:23. His face says it all: he is just sooo into it.

[@McGarVision]

Drummer Bernard Purdie is truly a legend and had a spectacular career supporting dozens of major stars. There is even some controversial debate that he may have assisted the Beatles

[@eugene2cmr]

+Cuthbert J. Twillie Yes Bernard Purdie is really fantastic playing drums. He's ease and fluidness reminds that of the legendary Al Jackson of the STAX Band Booker T & The MGs. Two legendary drums players

[@McGarVision]

+MrSleazymoney You woudl tend to believe Bernard. He's not a guy that needs to brag or make up stories--his amazing career at the top of the music world says it all.

[@eugene2cmr]

Yes the drummer is just fantastic. His brilliance recalls me that of Al Jackson of Booker T and the MG's. Also watch and listen King Curtis at 4'06, he is just the king of sax.

[@McGarVision]

+Eugène WOPE : Eugene-- great call-out! King Curtis shows he is king of the sax with the solo you mention....it's not fully understood, really, what his loss meant to music then --and now. Even John Lennon sought King Curtis out and used him on his "Imagine" album..

[@multiJessalynn]

I loved this back in the day. Gave "tighten Up" a run for it's money. So cool

[@ceronnevanheerden9952]

I do! I feel it in my fingers and my toes ... oh man!👌👍👊💞

[@placeboing]

thanks a ton for posting this, never actually got to see these guys!

[@omarkason9236]

I guess it's kind of off topic but does anybody know of a good place to stream newly released tv shows online?

[@ArkRed1]

Notice how the band is dressed. There's no t-shirts, torn jeans, sneakers, or run of the mill clothes. These guys are professional and they dress like it. Kudos to class acts.

[@NH2112]

Arkansas Red Warren Smith wants to do his own thing!

[@kengibbs9827]

Arkansas Red clothes do not make the sound.

[@edbur1]

>Ken Gibbs. No, but they do make the show : }

[@cedriclashar8905]

for that time period that was the dress code... miss king curtis so underrated

[@benkleschinsky]

Live music entertainment is so much more than sound. It's the connection from performer to audience. Everything from outfit to movement on stage makes the magic. Look at David Bowie.

[@bekkaanneee]

that sax literally drives me crazy!!! the tone he produces on those long high notes??? insane!!! thanks for sharing this great performance! :)

[@TheLawvan]

I bought this album in about 1966/67, when I was in high school. This was probably the best, most absolutely rocking song I'd ever heard when I heard this. I liked Junior Walker and the Allstars, and I won't take anything away from him, but this song and King Curtis' sax are as fabulous now as they were 45 years ago. This arrangement is ON FIRE and really KICKS IT UP!

[@jerryj920]

Feb.7th: Happy birthday Soul-R&B-Jazz-Funk Saxophonist Curtis Montgomery / King Curtis (1934-1971) Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Grammy Award: Best Instrumental Performance ("Games People Play" with Duane Allman) Thank you and God bless. RIP. Thanks for the upload, Cuthbert J. Twillie. Blessings

[@margaretricher4474]

That's right about Duane Allman. He played a lot of session music before the Allman Brothers became big. Duane also played session guitar with Wilson Picket on "Hey Jude." Also as a side, Greg Allman played some session music too. Can't remember off the top of my head now who he played with but I know it's documented somewhere. Damn! There were so many good musicians from back in the day who are gone but certainly not forgotten!

[@trueDQ]

I'm a good Canadian rock drummer,and I've had the extreme pleasure of jamming live,recording and hanging out with Jerry Jemmott. He's so funny and such a gentleman aside from his musical prowess. Yes,I'm bragging!

[@hilmarwensorra1215]

In very loving memory of Mr. Curtis Ousley (1934-1971 R.I.P. // gone but NOT forgotten).

[@MrMusicguyma]

Great band, the cream of soul players. I feel like I should be wearing my dashiki as I listen to this. :) The King was a pal of Buddy Holly and recorded on Waylon Jennings early demos. Look it up. Wide-ranging musician. As Linc from Mod Squad would say : "Solid!"

[@margaretricher4474]

Watched Mod Squad in the 60s too! And I'm a white girl from the South! Always loved the Black music then and still now!

[@oldschoolbbass]

true groove masters. love jerry's bass

[@0boy00]

that is one cool bass player

[@StooGP]

King Curtis was another genius struck down in his prime.

[@evantreacy466]

WalterJacksonFreeman he was murdered

[@06monarch]

Killed before he turned 40 years old.

[@DreamyBongos]

The Blonde guy with the pinkish shirt enthusiastically clapping. Center of the screen.

[@clawlesslawless]

that bass solo is somethin else

[@axs203]

When that sax breaks out and they all change key the whole thing soars into the skies ...it's too funky!

[@misscurator]

wicked bassline and tight drums and funky guitar,and god curtis!!

[@clarabell4724]

Lord have mercy!, where are these kind of talented musicians today! These guys spent hour in their garage or basement each day practicing their craft. The so called entertainers today just buy a mixer and talk a bunch of you no what!! No lyrics just talking shit!!! Come back talented musicians we need you!!

[@DanielleDWelch-yi3vv]

You're right this decade isn't what is used to be. :(

[@Winterfogel]

Wonderful bass playing

[@beachdog67]

"Almost forgot my horn." Love it.

[@OfficialMindiAbair]

Genius.

[@TheHorseguard1]

Hard to believe he backed Buddy Holly and Waylon Jennings in Sonny Curtis@s Recording Studio Clovis New mEXICO in Dec 1958 RIP King and Thanks

[@hmackie6823]

they r all top notch musicians playing with the greatest saxophone player in my lifetime

[@footstompinleroyscott6892]

Magnificent band. These guys are in at the birth of funk for sure. Awesome players all.

[@stage7]

Aw man, Thanks! Means the world to me to know that someone was affected in such way by my words. They were 'real'. Music is Real, I am a real musician/singer, and it's good to connect with a REAL' musician! It's all good man! God Bless bro. C.J.

[@dennisdoggy]

@littlejack2233 ......'cos they all knew that none could out cool this guy........ what a player , completely fantastic , plays like a genius yet never hogs limelight , I am so glad I found this clip !

[@georgewatson3167]

dem boys to cool, too cool damn

[@sandragriffiths9692]

I can't wait for the sax! .......it was worth the wait😉🎶🎵

[@SaphirSouenEstherG]

Thank you! *Curtis Ousley aka King Curtis - February 7, 1934 - August 13, 1971* - Shared Feb 7, 2019

[@pretorious700]

I've loved this version of this song for decades-but I never knew there was a vid. Just awesome.

[@dagostinoification]

PRETTY ! PURDIE ! the king of groove ! I LOVE !

[@4423Scott]

Thanks Bosch!

[@Bro-Star3000]

Dupree & Purdie, fabulous :) :) :)

[@loveyouall66]

+Justin Hooper YES INDEED. TWO OF THE GREATEST SESSION GUYS EVER.

[@jonathancohen2029]

This song is bananas. Love it, and great rendition.

[@ninjavigilante5311]

U have to turn it up max half way through.

[@johnhedges235]

BEST OF THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THE KING

[@G8GT364CI]

Mam, what a band!

[@JamesCannings]

Here is a dear friend of mine Jerry Jemmott on bass who in a magazine interview Jaco Pastorius stated influenced him on the bass. Jerry and Jaco later collaborated in NYC on a bass instruction DVD for Drummer's Collective. In memory of the passing Wally Gator Watson on Sept. 3, 2010. I had the pleasure of hiring and playing with both Jerry and Wally for a jam gig in 2000. That's the last time we saw each other. RIP Wally. Nov 9th 1951- Sept 3rd 2010.

[@elizabethsnyder_baldonado39]

Goodness-FREAKIN'!!!-Gracious...🤩.... We love you, maaaaaaaaan!!! Rock in peace.💙🤟🏻🙏🤗💚

[@McGarVision]

@Ariamaluum The drummer, Bernard Purdie is the most recorded drummer in music history and has also recorded with Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan, Jeff Beck and James Brown. There are frequent debates that Bernard secretly sat in on a Beatles recording sessions as well.

[@blossomgardner2297]

I think Hal Blaine may have his numbers and some. Regardless, great is great.

[@jody8526937]

That is always a debate BUT King Curtis was one of the opening acts for The Beatles at She stadium.

[@joshalsip8552]

His units of measurement should be the new global standard.

[@rogeralsop3479]

Terrific.

[@adriancalin8688]

I cry when i see humility

[@AndrewVOdom]

Ya Gotta Love it! King Curtis was sadly cut down pretty early in his career and to thi sday deserves more credit for his contributions to rock and soul with songs like this and "Soul Serenade." Many a a sax player later soundded so much like him or tried to!. RIP

[@DjangoThunders]

What an historic lineup! Thanks for posting this gem. ❤