Our First Time Hearing | Dion “Abraham , Martin & John” Very Emotional

[@MIxxEDREACTIONS0520]

Subscribe! “It’s Free”

[@ordinary-not2525]

That’s what we say at work!😂

[@dougfowler4198]

Thanks, love you guys for posting this.

[@ProdigyBowlersTour]

This song was released just a few weeks after the assassination of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy in 1968, which of course happened just a few months after the assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King. When I think of the turbulent 1960s, I cannot help but gravitate to this song, which seemed to capture the sense of loss we felt in the bloodiest of years, 1968. Honestly, I still cry every time I hear this song, and to hear someone nearly 55 years later simply call it "a nice song" seems to totally emotionally detached from the events that prompted the song that I just can't relate to such a disconnect.

[@leebaker2588]

And all of this was against the backdrop of the Viet Nam war . . . death appeared everywhere . . . like it was yesterday . . . seems death still reigns in america

[@SweetThing]

Maybe they need to read their history about these 4 amazing men. It's so easy nowadays; they can do it online.

[@debbrarobinson4643]

JFK was murdered in 1963

[@scarletc.7055]

I remember loving this song as a kid. It was so beautiful about 4 wonderful people. This is the first channel I have heard it on so thanks.

[@papadopp3870]

Thank you for your comment!You brought a myriad of memories to me. I remember hearing this song for the first time in the summer of 1968. Before April, it was a good year. Doctor King was murdered in Memphis and God, it hurt so bad on the heart level. 5 years earlier President Kennedy was killed in Dallas three months after he had signed the Limited Test Band Treaty with the Soviet Union. It seemed the world was coming off the boiler. Then, that bolt took him. Dr King next, and that afternoon the country was poised to burn. Presidential candidate Robert Kennedy was scheduled to speak to a huge audience in Indianapolis . Somehow, everything he said made sense. I remember him in downtown. He said, please, I know how you feel- Dr. King was killed by a white man. That crowd started to sound a rumble. How could he know how black America feels? He said, “My brother was killed… by a white man.” He said some things and soon, instead of anger, everyone, from the Panthers to the Priests had tears streaming and their hearts were full of love and non-violence- the things Dr. King preached and prayed. Senator Bobby was shot to death three months later. He would have been elected that fall. A great president who really reached out to the poor, the disenfranchised- To all Americans he talked of peace rather than war and love rather than hate. The ballot was taken away by bullets. The song by Dion- it seems like it came in June- really soon after Bobby was taken. The first time I heard it , during its first play on my radio, I thought, I wish Bobby was in the song…. Then he was.

[@annlykins4792]

Thanks, young folks. I remember all of them😘

[@thomastimlin1724]

This whole damn song was my childhood.

[@FloridaMonty]

I never heard this version… They took you to church on this one. 👍❤️😊

[@MaryAnnKingsbury]

One of my favorite songs ...Dion your the best ever .. thanku 😢❤

[@combatveteranusnavy2012]

Four wonderful men, who did so much for America, and who all died way before their time.

[@r12rtpilot]

I'm 72 and grew up in the turbulent years Dion sung about. To this day, I cry when I hear it. "Didn't you love the things they stood for? Didn't they try to find some good in you and me?" Yeah, for me, it was more than a "nice song."

[@tinanickerson1006]

I just bout lost it...been a long time since ive heard that song.....man the 60's was a crazy chaotic time and America survived it. Not unlike the most recent chaotic times that we have survived. Great reaction :)

[@georgegoodyear9631]

As an English man, old enough to remember when this poignant lament against human cruelty was first released, the memories of Martin Luther King’s and Robert Kennedy’s idealism came flooding back to my mind, upon viewing your thoughtful video. Good fortune to the latter’s son and your country, later this year.

[@suzanneprock7286]

This is an excellent song and excellent choice for a reaction. It was a huge hit in the early 70's. You should check out the studio version, the quality is a little better, it's such a good song.

[@ProdigyBowlersTour]

The song was released in 1968 in the wake of Bobby Kennedy's assassination.

[@rsherman5993]

That was quite a time for us to live through. The song Still gives chills, touches my heart. TY for reacting . You are building much needed bridges.

[@cindycowan249]

It still chokes me up...

[@karenpowell6063]

Such a beautiful & meaningful song . I remember it well from back in the day ❤️❤️🥲🥲

[@DannyD714]

Jackie "Moms" Mabley did a cover version of this song that really tears your heart out. Well worth a listen.

[@RubyGB]

The last verse regarding Bobby Kennedy was added after his 1968 assassination while campaigning for President.

[@davidholler1]

Not true. The entire song was written a few days after Bobby was assassinated. It was falsely depicted in the movie about Phil Spector. Nothing you can do about creative license in motion pictures.

[@lindathompson7707]

Sobtrue and it means the start of the loss of innocence to me. We were so idealistic.

[@jamesdrynan]

Although recorded by Dion DiMucci in 1968, the song was written by Dick Holler as a tribute to Bobby Kennedy, who was assassinated in June of '68. The anthem became world-renowned and versions were done by Ray Charles, Whitney Huston, Marvin Gaye and others.

[@thomashunter5707]

Love Dion singing this song😢

[@northnsouth6813]

The song is a tribute to those involved in the battle for civil rights. The title refers to Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy. The last verse in the song refers to "Bobby" - JFK's brother, Robert Kennedy. Everyone mentioned in the song has died.

[@mtl6905]

All four were assassinated.

[@amb6899]

This great song was entirely different for Dion. He was with the Belmonts early 60s. Such good songs as the Wanderer, Runaround Sue. Actually this was a big hit in 68.

[@LClark-ry9to]

I remember this when it came out . Thanks you guys. Old in TEXAS

[@MIxxEDREACTIONS0520]

Your So Welcome!!

[@TravisCotter]

We need more good men, period. Xman

[@claudiarauch2041]

I saw Dion perfom this in Miami in 1969, it was so moving then and it still hits my heart every time I hear it! Thanks for your post!

[@robynconway1286]

3 Peace Makers with Powerful positions spreading the word of unconditional Love and Peace just shot dead in front of millions. Tragedy. I saw these 3 sad events and felt like they were my own family. I was a small child. The news stabbed me in the heart each time. The original radio recording we had playing in my country was What the World Needs Now which also had the news voiceovers of the 3 assassinations. It made me cry everytime. I think it was the late 1960s. Satellites going into space, moon landing, The Beatles, colour TV, KFC. I was about 12yrs. The Vietnam War was raging above us also. My brother was nearly conscripted but he had a crook knee. And the Middle East was festering as usual. Very raw and depressing for me as a child. Robyn .. Australia Thank you for your time.

[@karenstrong8887]

I grew up listening to this song. I never knew what it meant until I was a teen but I knew I loved it.

[@markpatient2766]

I cry every time I hear this song 😢

[@tonypassaretti]

Me too.

[@christineharrison1111]

For all the young people out there who may not understand the deep emotions us old folks feel when we hear this song, it tells the history of four American assassinations. Abraham Lincoln of course needs no explantion. The other three were all instrumetal in the stuggle for civil rights, most especially MLK. I was 16 years old when President John Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. Less than 5 years later Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4,1968. Just 2 months after that Senator Bobby Kennedy (John's younger brother) who was campaigning for the Democratic nomination for President was assassinated on June 6 1968. When I hear this song I always cry. I vivdly remember each time waiting and praying they would live and then getting the news each time that they had died. It was a terrible time which also led right into the Vietnam war. Thank you for posting the song.

[@harpergras]

One of the all time great songs.

[@Joe-ym6bw]

Dion was amazing on this song

[@CLIFFORED141722]

Make you feel so good and thankful for those great leaders❤

[@davidholler1]

Words and Music by Dick Holler

[@lindathompson7707]

All these years and I get the same feelings...

[@victorcowboywest]

Check out the very emotional rendition by Moms Mabley (3/19/1894-5/23/1975)

[@jessieball6195]

I have heard her version as well as others-none have come close to Dion's.

[@mikemiller3069]

All four of the people mentioned in the song fought for civil rights and all were assassinated. That, in itself, says a lot about society in general.

[@suzanneprock7286]

They were assassinated by government.

[@rigelmoon9030]

Yeah. America lost it's way back then; and, we never recovered. What we need is a resurgence or revival of folk songs. They helped during the Vietnam War. Perhaps, they'll work again, now. What do we have to lose?

[@idalucero1260]

This is such a beautiful tribute song. I remember it from the 70's. Steve Perry has a beautiful tribute song called "Captured by The Moment". One of many songs that should have been on high rotation on radio in those days to show the incredible talent of Steve Perry's vocals and Journey's musicians. Although Captured by the Moment was on Steve Perry's first solo album Street Talk. I highly recommend it!

[@brentlund2272]

A BEAUTIFUL TUNE !

[@jamesframpton8120]

Also shows what a great guitar player Dion is, that finger is not easy, this in Sept. 1968 was just several months after Dion freed himself from years heroin addiction.

[@dougjohnson4066]

You two are fast becoming my favorite reactions couple. I think you guys are great. Thanks for being who you are. We need more folks like you in this troublesome time. 😊✌

[@oldfogey4679]

My favorite version of this song was done by Andy Williams! Having lived through these assassinations this song takes me back to what we lost!

[@herbiesnerd]

Not in a million years would I have known this song by the title. As soon as I heard the melody, I remember this from when I was a kid. The part, “…..my old friend John” I remember that phrase. The Bobby of course, not in the title, was Robert F Kennedy. All 4 of these men were assassinated.

[@joelanderos23]

Sad song. It makes me tear up every time I hear it. I saw Bobby in my hometown of San Jose a week before he was killed in LA.

[@annaparga2400]

I just loved this song back in ‘68, I was just a kid, it’s applicable for today.

[@jamesmlowe]

Abraham, Martin, John, Bobbys and Donald To Live

[@TSC-hr7ir]

I was 21 when this song was released by Dion in 1968 sixties icon bring back memories LOVE THIS SON AND DION

[@danielmesery2904]

Dion has a new CD out and he sounds as good as in the 60s... 🎸🙏

[@ericlewis217]

Yes the last of the 1950s rockers still alive and STILL recording and active. Legend

[@rosemarywatson1231]

Dion was an artist from the fifties and early sixties. Run Around Sue was one main hit. You should listen to Smokey Robinson and The Miracles version of this song.

[@michaellazzeri2069]

THIS IS FROM '68, SOON AFTER THE MURDER OF ROBERT KENNEDY. 1ST TIME I HEARD IT, I WAS CRYING LIKE A BABY. IT STILL GETS TO ME, ALL THESE YEARS LATER. DION DA MUCCI. ----------------------MJL, 77 Y/O

[@brokervc1]

Dion was always a great preformer, but this song after Bobby Kennedy was assassinated really hit home on just how the nation felt and still rings true today great men killed by the dark that wants to keep us under control.

[@CLIFFORED141722]

Love this original ❤

[@musicairplanes4884]

Very sorry to say that the hate that killed those great men is alive and well in America today. That hate changed the course of history in this country.

[@brucelachniet8698]

Anybody hear from my old friend John

[@danastearns7939]

Initially started out as "Dion and The Belmonts", in which the music incorporated doo-wop with pop, rock, R & B and folk. In early his success was with the 2 big top 10 hits: "Runaround Sue" and "The Wanderer". He started a solo career in 66 or 67, and released this song as a single in 1968, in response to the assassinations of JFK, MLK and RFK, and also including a reference to Abrham Lincoln (as he too was assassinated and had made stands for improving civil rights). I was 15 yrs old when this was released and it is a very emotional song reminding those of my era of the hope that was lost with the loss of each of these great Americans.

[@angelomaurizio1668]

Dion Dimucci was part of the Doo-Wop craze back in the late 50s making hits as Dion and The Belmonts. His group was part of the 1959 Winter Dance Tour that included Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper who were all killed in a plane crash traveling to their next destination in the tour. After going solo in the early 60s, In 1968, after the assassination of John's younger brother Bobby Kennedy, 'Abraham, Martin and John' was released to pay tribute to Bobby (whose name is mentioned toward the end of the song) along with Lincoln, King and John Kennedy. You should check out the recorded version of the song. It is more moving. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKPcdqumeJKZiZY

[@LanaWarzynski]

This song made me sad too when I heard it

[@NoOne-kr4jc]

Lovely you guys enjoyed it. Dion did not write it, but I think he met John and Bobby Kennedy, and admired them very much. Personally I do not approve of them, but this is an absolutely gorgeous song. Someone wrote it and said I can hear Dion singing this, so Dion had a comeback hit with this.

[@StevesFunhouse]

I just watched a reaction to a version of this yesterday. I hadn't heard this in years, but now, I can't get the song out of my head ... again !!! You should really here the studio version (kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKjRaZt_rs57rKs ). It's a lot easier to understand ... and sing along with 😊👍😎. You may notice that it really should have been named, Abraham, Martin, John and Bobby because the very last verse is about John's brother, Bobby. This song was also covered by Smoky Robinson & The Miracles, Marvin Gaye (hit in the U.K.), Moms Mabley, Ray Charles, Wilson Pickett and even Whitney Houston, amongst others.

[@Barb5001]

BTW for those not aware... This is the sane Dion that was the lead singer of the 1950s doo- wop group , "Dion And The Belmonts" He was born "Dion Francis DiMucci"

[@JimDorman]

Growing up during those times I couldn't figure out why people wanted to kill our leaders for trying to make things better. I still don't know.

[@andrewcox2810]

Brilliant song,I always thought that song belong to Marvin Gaye.Solidarity from Southampton England

[@heyhuey4429]

At the end is "Bobby" who is Bobby Kennedy who was assassinated in June of 1968.

[@RobertAdams-h2e]

Let the Love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Chist prevail

[@stephenhuber1219]

Dion was offered a seat on Buddy Holly's plane for $26. Dion was a star and the money was no problem but he thought, wow that's my parent's rent in Brooklyn so he took the bus Waylon Jennings also gave his seat up.

[@timmistorey5989]

Beautiful song , you may have heard Marvin Gaye's Verizon, that's the one I remember. This one was very raw and beautiful

[@joelanderos23]

Gaye's version leaves out a part of the song though.

[@cocoaorange1]

Harry Belafonte did a version, put could tell he almost broke down mentioning Martin, who was a dear friend. The background chorus is beautiful

[@stevechrist8622]

Just subscribed this was a great song Dion used to be part of a group back in the 50's and 60's called Dion and the Belmonts a lot of old rock and roll hits. If you have time you need to check out Elvis Presley tribute to MLK after his assination (1968 comeback special live in the White suit called IF I CAN DREAM) OUTSTANDING AND POWERFUL PERFORMACE it's is a different Elvis you will see here very serious

[@mangrove]

You should listen to the live version from the Smothers Brothers' show, especially the Smothers' intro for it. Took the audience completely by surprise.

[@jessieball6195]

the studio version is much better.

[@rigelmoon9030]

Where'd you find this? Never heard this version by Dion. My family never missed an episode of "The Smothers Brothers". So, somewhere mixed up with all the cobwebs of my memories, you'll find this performance.

[@BarbaraWilson-q2d]

If you think this version is beautiful listen to the Moms Mabley version. Her emotions will make you ball.

[@laurenwlowe]

This song breaks my heart, i have lived through JFK's death MLk's death and several wars and am greaving to this day.

[@Vikinggirl1679]

Oh you should have done the official video

[@tonycg9952]

there is a song u should check out called the last kiss from J.Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers

[@stevenmorris3181]

If you liked this, the original is even better

[@ianwatkins6202]

Not bad!😊 But this song belongs to the fabulous Marvin Gaye! No one can sing it like Marvin!😊

[@ernieeusebio5204]

"Reacting" to the studio version of this song would have been better. 🙂

[@damonhines8187]

Please do yourselves a favour and check out Moms Mabley's version too. Both versions rip my guts out without fail every time.

[@robynconway1286]

Please listen to Desiderata by Kamahl. It is beautiful. If you have time. And What the World Needs Now by Tom Clay. JFK, Bobby K, and Martin LK 🌏🩷🌎

[@RLU-wt8vi]

I know this comment comes late. The Smother Brothers were getting a hard time from the producers of the show because they were sliding in political entertainment against the war in Viet Nam. This episode nearly cancelled the show because here, Dion is singing about four political figures who tried to fight for the end of slavery, end of the cold war and the freedom for all citizens of the US regardless of race or religion. I'm old enough, I remember.

[@davidjones6389]

Then he would add the verse Bobby.....

[@johnmontgomery2784]

Studio version is better to me...thanks

[@jessieball6195]

yes, WAY better.

[@timcarr6401]

They died young because all four were assassinated.

[@brianbyczek3042]

original i like more.....

[@shihyuchu6753]

The most dishonest guy I've ever met is a guy named WARREN COMMISSION

[@linkjones4535]

I wonder if anyone will write a song like this about Donald Trump?

[@lmr1300]

Wrong version

[@robfarris4849]

They all were gunned down.