Merry Clayton on Recording 'Gimme Shelter" with the Rolling Stones on The Queen Latifah Show

Merry Clayton shares about the night she recorded "Gimme Shelter" with the Rolling Stones.
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Merry Clayton on Recording 'Gimme Shelter" with the Rolling Stones on The Queen Latifah Show
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[@XapnoMapkc]

The greatest voice crack in the history of music.

[@s.b.4429]

XapnoMapkc I tear up every time I hear it.

[@valnaples]

But she suffered a miscarriage the next morning....you can look that up...PHENOMANOL performance for sure...but I feel so bad that she lost the child she was carrying...she does not mention that here...it's her personal choice and I get it. Just so sad...as a woman, just saying.

[@Hogprint25]

XapnoMapkc It TOTALLY made the song though! I love when little flaws happen in recorded music....

[@jv-lk7bc]

story was she quite bitter for a time, who wouldn't be? ... and it didn't help that she was paid a pittance while that recording made piles for the company and the band .. but it seems like, just as the meaning of the song grew on her in the studio, the place of it in history has perhaps helped her make peace with what it cost her.

[@dayra6425]

Could be

[@pierrepucheu]

This woman is responsible for one the greatest moments in rock history. A powerful interpretation coming from her soul crowned by a voice crack that make it the most beautiful climax in rock and roll. Thank you Merry Clayton.

[@doug3066]

Well said my friend.

[@keithsaulsbury4304]

she recorded the greatest female vocal of all time and didn't even realize it! what an amazing lady!

[@bskinny9009]

Great gig in the sky

[@mjp96]

@@bskinny9009 BOTH. Clare Torry. Both jaw-dropping moments in time.

[@Agislife1960]

When Claytons voice cracks as she's straining for the next octave singing those lyrics rape...murder... not only did she add power to the songs message, she catapulted that song into iconic status.

[@jenl3162]

She’s the best part of a brilliant song.

[@nitedreamer23]

Full stop.

[@chilecayenne]

As I understand it...the thing that saved it and made it so iconic, was that when her voice broke, she still stayed in tune/key..... What's even better if you listen close when her voice breaks...you can hear Mick Jagger in the far background go "Whoa...." To this day whenever I"m driving in my car and this part comes off...my foot gets heavy and I'm in danger of speeding tickets...

[@TheHerrUlf]

She sure did

[@bobblaszczak7972]

@@jenl3162idk if I would go that far.

[@chiliray4515]

For me, her backing vocal on Gimme Shelter MADE this song.

[@mjp96]

It was always a unreal song to me - but Merry's performance made it an all-time classic, long after I'm gone!!

[@theprousteffect9717]

The fact that the circumstances were all very impersonal just makes her performance all the more unbelievable. She's called up late at night in her curlers to come sing some provocative lyrics for a band she doesn't really know, gives one of the greatest rock vocals in history, and goes back to bed.

[@michaelulbricht9438]

Her vocals took Gimme Shelter to another level. Merry sang backup on many classic cuts such as Sweet Home Alabama. An incredible Woman!

[@unrecognizedtalent3432]

The crack is the best part of the song!

[@michaelregis3740]

The entire amount of pain and suffering that this incredible song describes so perfectly, is encapsulated by that moment where her voice cracks.

[@huascar66]

And she sang that bit with no studio tricks, straight from deep in her soul. And it endures unto today as one of the greatest vocal feats in music history.

[@stevenponte6655]

just 20+ years of singing in church!!

[@ronblessed7218]

She's a legend. She absolutely killed it!!!

[@mjp96]

Without trying. Soul!~

[@narvelancoleman3813]

Please pray for Merry Clayton! She was in a terrible car accident a couple of months ago; and was seriously, seriously injured. Please pray for her strength and courage to get through this extremely difficult time!

[@janemillerick9614]

remember hearing about that and posting the articles l'd found.. you've reminded me to check again to see if there is news.. she is a wonderful uber talented singer and wonderful lady! much love to her and her family!

[@narvelancoleman3813]

Jane Millerick Thank you for your nice comment about Merry Clayton. It was announced at my church this past Sunday, by my Pastor; that unfortunately, Merry has suffered a double-leg amputation as a result of that car accident. We are praying for her strength and courage as tries to adjust to this major life-changing tragedy. Prayerfully and hopefully she will recover....and still be able to use that powerful voice of hers.

[@kerrgal]

Narvelan Coleman Oh how, tragic!

[@gregorymcconnell4267]

Narvelan Coleman I am so sorry to hear that. She was always a great vocalist with so many other musicians, and on her own. I love you, Merry.

[@narvelancoleman3813]

Gregory McConnell Thanks so much for caring. She is convalescing, so keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

[@johngullo9420]

If her vocals don’t give you goosebumps you’re probably dead. What an amazing voice! Lisa Fischer does an incredible job on this song with Mick.

[@irenedemarco1354]

I love Lisa,s rendition as well, not only her voice, but she is so bloody sexy and im not gay...lol... Yet,i always swing back to Merrys original as that really brings "back up singers" into superstardom....! Merry and Lisa... both superstars..

[@richardwysocki8300]

Exactly my thoughts/feelings, as well, Irene!

[@puplover7991]

Holy crap...she STILL has the voice! I knew that story but wanted to hear it yet again. My fave Stones song EVER!!! And man o man, when her voice cracks in that song...if your spine doesn't tingle, you must be comatose. Thank you for uploading this!!

[@johnm6088]

3

[@rumbashane]

Agree!

[@adumb6674]

I couldn’t agree more. I’m not even a stones fan and that song gives me chills.

[@lavalady5571]

'Gimme Shelter'...and 'Wild Horses.' Both equally amazing songs IMO.

[@ZikoHendrix]

You are the most dedicated stones fans i came across in every video related to them. I hope you are doing good after all these years.

[@LANDSEAAIRCANADA]

Upon hearing her voice on that famous song, it moved us profoundly her vocals so powerful, few of todays singers deliver such sonic bliss, we thank Merry and you for sharing her story.

[@wthjrtx1]

She says something came over her. Bet she has not hit notes like before or since. The spirit got her. Pure Power!

[@shanematthew2341]

well... perhaps or demons... rape and murder... she had a miscarriage because of the vocals

[@su....]

agreed, wt. the evil in the world can be overcome by love. which by merry's account is what happened with her as well.

[@CuirPhotodotNet]

@@shanematthew2341 ....it really gives the song such....sadness...and subtext....she seems to have come to terms with her loss....i am glad she has....

[@Silveradoman61]

Thankyou Mary for getting out of bed that night how different it could have been if you were not there.

[@valnaples]

An ICONIC song was recorded for sure...she suffered a miscarriage afterwards, did you know that? Look it up...so very horrible BUT she'll always be remembered for this performance and I hope shes reaping the royalties from it.

[@fabrix7907]

@@valnaples I didn't know that. I like the Stones, but sometimes they had creepy ideas for a song. No wonder she was feeling uncomfortable singing those lines. She must have been there for the offer they made. Hope she is doing well. She was obviously the best around for the job at the time.

[@jetsamperes5762]

It's amazing that two vocals of two iconic songs were both taken over the top by two women session singers that were minimally paid and acknowledged for their contributions. Merry Clayton for Gimme Shelter and Clare Torry for Pink Floyd's Great Gig in the Sky. Without those guest vocals the songs don't exist as we know them and they still hold up 50 years later.

[@fiveowaf454]

I was thinking of that very song too as I watched this, a similar story too, where Clare Torry was pretty much wheeled in with the band not really knowing what they wanted her to do, but she completely nailed it any way.

[@scottythetrex5197]

With respect, there is a lot to Gimme Shelter besides her vocals. Keith's guitar part in the beginning is just as iconic as her her portion of the song.

[@MickLoud999]

They were similar in that they were paid a pittance for their contributions. They were able to benefit somewhat later on though. Merry was able to perform Gimme Shelter during her shows. Clare was actually given a songwriting credit as she basically wrote her part of the Great Gig...

[@TTM9691]

Merry Clayton was on the album cover, she has been known to me since I was a little kid, if anything put her name on the map, it's The Rolling Stones and singing this song.. She did backup for countless other people who never credited her; they did. And they did it during time where it was unusual to give credit to session musicians. It doesn't even say backup vocals. It lists her as vocals, right next to Mick and Keith.

[@TTM9691]

PS: Clare Torry is listed on Dark Side Of The Moon as well, prominently, on every copy that was sold, and everyone knows that album sold and sold and never stopped selling. So anyone who had the album could have looked at any time and easily found her name at the top of the inside cover, with all the other musician credits.

[@skeebz77]

She made that song, and Gimme Shelter is one of Rolling stones best.

[@maryc6091]

I think it’s their best thanks to her.

[@joeb4142]

The song is epic, the Stones of course epic and Merry is LEGENDARY. 🙏🏻

[@jodeeb.6496]

💜🎵💜🎵💜🎵💜🎵 GIMME SHELTER was destined to be a great song. With Ms Merry Clayton's voice, her voice cracking and her ability to hit those extremely high notes made GIMME SHELTER ICONIC... 🎵💜🎵💜🎵💜🎵💜

[@tennesseeridgerunner5992]

Her vocal ALWAYS raises the hair on my arm and sends a chill down my spine when I listen to "Gimme Shelter".

[@Msteve-nt5bx]

Love the hootin and hollerin in the background when the voice cracks. You hear a big "woo" at the same time. The stones knew what they had.

[@moncorp1]

Went ahead and did it. Now she's on one of the most iconic rock songs ever made.

[@hockeylilly]

There are no words to describe how Merry contributed to Give Me Shelter. Beyond amazing. Beyond perfection.

[@mikeberg5003]

Gimme Shelter not Give Me Shelter

[@DavidfromBA]

It's crazy to me that she almost wasn't a part of this, that she was more or less coaxed into it and was dragging her feet the whole time. That backstory makes her vocals all the more impressive.

[@troycrez5022]

She probably had no idea that she would be getting up out of her bed that night to record the most iconic classic track in world history!

[@bills303]

No auto tune in that. Awesome.

[@rksando1]

I don't think I've heard anyone duplicate the voice break. In my opinion the Rolling Stones wrote and played a song called Gimme Shelter, but Merry Clayton made it perfection.

[@bobblaszczak7972]

I think you’re mistaken.

[@CARNELIANTURQUOISE]

She's the heart and soul of that song!

[@Jannbright24]

Beautiful! Lisa does a great job with it also.

[@willisryan4576]

LOVE HER. Best addition to any Stones song (apologies to Bobby Keys, Nicky Hopkins, etc.)

[@mjp96]

One of the things that set the Stones apart from all of the other best bands ever, were their ability to include so many incredible players outside of their lineup. You know who they are. The best.

[@dougyates7218]

Thank you, Merry! Your voice will be remembered and loved for decades to come!

[@brabham74]

Merry Clayton's performance on Gimme Shelter, is the greatest vocal performance of all time, period.

[@mjp96]

In about 10 seconds!!

[@ckom0007]

Hats off to Merry! That vocal performance is Is is...there are no words! Just brilliant!

[@cynthialangley7338]

Merry clayton and her back up band.

[@mjp96]

Seriously. The Stones were blown away. Who couldn't be on Earth!!??

[@jackflash5659]

Merry Clayton thank you for making a really good song epic.

[@lee-annhellner9622]

Made a great song possibly the greatest does it more justice.

[@girlwalkerII]

I was probably a babygirl went it came out...

[@mjp96]

Well said! To me, a great song, legendary.

[@emilygrace9518]

Love this woman! She did absolutely phenomenal! ❤❤❤ always loved this song and she truly made it

[@lilsusieq100]

Children takes lessons, her name is Merry Clayton and she IS A Master Class.

[@osmankovacevic6135]

This woman has charisma

[@discernment8963]

100%! An absolute stitch in RnR time, without a doubt!

[@galenstone9097]

Merry Clayton is the Singer's singer. There will likely never come another like her. Her vocal in Sweet Home Alabama is equally legendary.

[@jv-lk7bc]

no its not. Gimme Shelter is much bigger song about a much bigger subject.

[@jackflash5659]

galen stone, I had no idea Merry Clayton sang back up on "Sweet Home Alabama." Thanks for sharing I absolutely love that song! While I agree it is a legendary song with incredible backing vocals, I think her vocals on Gimme Shelter is superior.

[@liteprotoss]

If you haven't heard the song, by the good of the music gods do yourself a favor and give it a listen. Her vocals give me chills every time and sometimes even tears.

[@Nautilus1972]

Darlene Love and Merry Clayton. Legends.

[@katieedsallreamy4756]

The eeriness of her voice made this my favorite song by them.

[@mjp96]

It can't be duplicated!!! A moment in time. Thank God it was preserved.

[@stevensprunger3422]

Oh yeah that voice crack was amazing the whole thing she did was amazing Stunning for a teenager that hadn’t graduated from high school yet…

[@GunCollector007]

She gives me chills she is so awesome

[@kf9346]

One of the most moving vocals of any song still!

[@jimmyrodasmolestina979]

Thank you merry 💖 !!! They could not have done it without you !!!! You made history come alive !!!

[@bobpeterson1123]

Thank you Merry for the single best moment in the history of rock and roll with your part of Gimme Shelter!

[@saheliumd7182]

Greatest single vocal crack in all history.

[@mjp96]

The ONLY one I've ever heard. It cannot be reproduced. One of the greatest seconds in musical history!

[@romanmartinez6458]

She had no idea the history she was about to make. How many souls she reached.

[@MelodyMaker151]

The look wonderful. I hate that Merry was in that bad accident. But she is still kicking.

[@Tuftsedge1]

What a character .One of the most iconic back up singers in history.Lovely lady.🤘🏻

[@Bluzian74]

Greetings from Toronto. Thank you so much for the upload! A number of years ago I attended this "Classic Albums Live" concert up here, of "Let It Bleed" and Merry Clayton was the surprise encore guest to sing "Gimme Shelter". *GooseBumps* What a moment!! The song is creepy and haunting enough as it is, and then when she hits the "rape / murder" stuff, she just pushes you over the edge of eternity, you ain't ever coming back to the promised land. Man. What a voice!! Namaste.

[@SIR46661]

Some voices are outstanding and totally stand out such as hers , Anita Carter, & Umm Kulthum (from Egypt).

[@bretmavrick-ph2ip]

she nailed it❤❤❤

[@SoulDaddy33]

One of the most powerful rock songs ever recorded. Landmark. And her contribution was huge. And did you hear how grateful she was to "all the lips" for giving her that terrific opportunity which has no doubt had a large impact on her reputation and career? No, I didn't either. I wonder if when the Stones are interviewed in England about that song and who played a part in it if they make snide, demeaning, arrogant remarks about the black woman in her curlers. I very much doubt it.

[@mjp96]

What?

[@195511SM]

I'm in my early 60s, and have probably heard it over 1000 times by now, but only actually saw the lyrics for the first time, about a month ago. I could never quite make out the words.

[@argon6548]

Me too. Those of us who know the SOUND of that song like the back of our hand, did not necessarily understand the lyrics! You didn't need to. Especially Merry Clayton's voice said everything.

[@terrielgarza6714]

We adore you mary

[@wendymarie7698]

Best vocals on any song then and ever since! xoxo God bless her and thank her for sharing her beautiful talent!!! She needs Price, Hall of fame!!! Metal of excellence!

[@CARNELIANTURQUOISE]

I love this story and because of her vocals on that song I bought her music! She put power in that song!!!! Love you Merry Clayton!

[@philiplabossiere3421]

Merry also sang backup on Sweet Home Alabama. What a voice

[@OCRATHLETE]

Merry also sang on the Red Shoes Diaries the Movie soundtrack. 2 beautiful selections

[@zionwilson711]

I’m glad to see my grandmother on this show my sister father is his mother and I heard about my grandmother since I was 6 and I’m very happy and blessed that she was greatness and still is love u grandma

[@hadji828]

It's a great song, especially with her intense vocals. She has had a hell of a life; if you don't know about it, please look it up.

[@irenedemarco1354]

Merry,s Voice.... oh my, what a powerhouse... That song was hers...definitively.... When i need a shot of goosebumps and vocal purity...shes my go to...gets me every time...

[@ArmandoMPR]

That voice crack reminds us that the best music has that human element, that perfect imperfection. I was listening to an old record label exec talk about this the other day, more especifically about a drum part and how drum machines have taken that away from some music.

[@polyprinz]

One of the greatest, these ladies don't get enough credit!!!

[@echang603]

You made the song, thank you! You made history and, a treasure.

[@display_name2121]

Wonderful story about a great song! Love you Queen Latifah :)

[@videomillsy]

She gave the single best moment in the single best introduction to the single best rock n roll track ever.

[@RobHollanderMusic]

Arguably the greatest guest vocal performance ever!

[@stanleygohome4869]

Amazing! Thanks for your Rock and Roll Service!

[@jleon1985]

In an interview with the LA times she said the strain from such emotional singing contributed to her miscarriage. That's so sad

[@adolpholiverbush2]

I had heard that as well. Wow.

[@kaloo3340]

Medically, it is hardly likely. If vocal straining could cause of miscarriage than pregnant women would be having a miscarriage every time they had a hard poop.

[@janemillerick9614]

Kaloo emotional stress and strain; not 'vocal chords' only..

[@MaxwellSmart0071]

Kaloo Her pregnancy was in the final stages and the recording session took place in the wee hours when every unborn child usually sleeps and therefore has a very very quite time ! The session was very demanding and strenuous in some way. She was forced to sing with her head voice climbing an additional octave (if you know what this means for her and the child?) nearly reaching the whistle register. And now think about the unnatural high tones, frequencies that she was not singing, but screaming. What is an unborn child supposed to do in such a moment Please do not comment if you do no have the knowledge.

[@MaxwellSmart0071]

she sang the way it was meant to be .... being a professional. Good for Jagger, but not so for the child, she should have had some second thoughts about the late nite Rendezvous

[@patriciaguarnieri461]

Glad I seen this GIRL THAT SONG IS YOURS AMAZING VOCALS STOPPED ME DEAD IN MY TRACKS

[@timburleson1078]

She made this song awesome! She told a funnier story on the radio show The Lost 45's. Awesome lady.

[@ESPSJ]

That whole 'rape, murder' section was heavenly how she pulled it off.

[@johnmunns5964]

Legendary 👍

[@synthetic_paul]

So happy this moment was captured. One of those odd, god-given moments in music.

[@Leo-dr4qm]

Brilliant

[@puddingpop3073]

I love Mrs.Merry Clayton voice and story telling.

[@JFK1180]

Oustanding vocal!

[@alexinness]

that was good. worth the watch

[@user-wf1cj4mg2q]

First I fell in love with her voice, now I fell in her. Beautiful!!!

[@vichy7661]

Ma'am, a once in lifetime event echoing in song throughout succeeding generations to hear your soulful message straight from the heavens above awakening human consciousness. 60s child forever encapsulated by 60s soul.

[@samlewis7878]

Boy I'm glad she made that date. That tune, that performance...I think will be with humanity for ever. It's that fieaking good.

[@alspencer3826]

What an amazing story, I bever really knew any details about that song, but I'm glad I listened to this video. Like many other people commented, she did an Incredible job in the studio without any tricks. Just pure raw power, just the way I like it. The only thing is that I prefer the Grand Funk Railroad version. I like the stones version, but like GFR version just a little bit more. I would have loved to hear her in the studio with Grand Funk, now that would be something!!

[@roseblake5803]

What a cool lady. Thanks Merry for making that song a lot better. I love the part where she says the lips were in her face. I use to say Jagger had child bearing lips.

[@frogwaffle7]

what a cool woman

[@davidt5200]

Every time I hear that part of the song Hair stands on the back of my neck

[@tammym.obrien.9228]

THANK YOU MARY CLAYTON!!! THE ORIGINAL VOICE OF THE SONG OF THE TIME YOU ARE THE BEST. LOVE YOU.

[@chestermicek]

I saw that bit on the original cut of "20 Feet from Fame", the movie about background singers from the '60's. Merry Clayton did, in fact, put whatever was stirring around in her soul into that song. Literally, she blew Mick Jagger off of the stage. Something did come over her. Black magic coalesced into the words, "Rape, Murder, Just a shot away." The Muse took over & the magic came out of Merry's mouth. She made Mick look like an amateur singing with a professional. Hearing that cut will blow your mind because you won't believe anybody could sing like that. By the way, that moment was removed from the cut that is found on KZbin. What a shame.

[@hadji828]

She "literally" blew Mick off of the stage? Lol. Don't worry; I (literally) know what you mean. 😁

[@vybz974]

She is the greatest story teller ever !

[@vanceoverstreet4182]

Oh Merry thank you

[@adamcotton2121]

So cool.

[@beveryveryquietiamhuntingr7009]

Wow what a core life long memory...............................

[@LaserRanger15]

Cool...one of the all time great back up performances in the history of rock. What a great interview too...she's the best.

[@k.derbigny6314]

She gives great interviews. And she’s funny! LOL!

[@nandokinks]

She's wonderful!!!!

[@aisle_of_view]

Cool story!

[@pledgestone]

What a voice!