MOTHER'S FINEST - Baby Love - Live At Rockpalast (live video)

@MIG Shop: www.mig-music-shop.de
MOTHER'S FINEST - Live At Rockpalast
By the 1970s, taboos were beginning to fall from society, but many taboos were still firmly in place.
In 1977 Mother’s Finest released their now much-sought after album “Mother’s Finest” that included the song “Niggizz Can’t Sing Rock And Roll”. This title shocked and scandalized the church community: An influential and powerful preacher read the band he riot act and so they decided to remove the song from their live act. The song, however, exactly expressed what he group felt: The band founders wanted to create a mixture of black funk and white rock ‘n’ roll, so as to win over black and white audiences.
Sitting in Christian Wagner’s car (Christian Wagner was Rockpalast’s director from the very start) we heard their song “Fire” (1976) on the radio for the first time and we decided that this band has to perform at Rockpalast.
In the night between 15 and 16 February 1978 we received the written okay in a discotheque in Atlanta, Georgia.
The boxing match of the previous evening also involved the hopes of blacks and whites: Muhammad Ali had lost his world champion title to Leon Spinks. The spirit of the times can be best described by my experience in a bar in Atlanta where I was watching the
transmission: The white “redneck audience” was glad that the loudmouthed boxer they still enjoyed calling by his slave name Cassius Clay, was beaten.
Not really the best conditions for the success of a band made up of black and white musicians.
When Mother’s Finest opened the second Rockpalast Night on 4 March 1978 at the Grugahalle in Essen, they were completely unknown in Europe.
That evening, however, they achieved cult status - a status they have kept until today.
Mother’s Finest overwhelmed the unsuspecting audience with songs typical for their style: “Give You All The Love” (1977), “Baby Love” (1977) and “Mickey’s Monkey” (1978), the last a cover of the Holland/Dozier/Holland song which Smokey Robinson & The Miracles made popular in 1969.
It is played at every concert of Mother’s Finest and shows the band’s deep roots in that kind of black music, which was mainly released by Tamla-Motown at that time.
Years full of changes followed. In 1984 the band split up.
Joyce Kennedy went on to a successful solo career. 25 years after their legendary conquest of Europe, Mother’s Finest once again performed at Rockpalast - and almost with the same line up.
On July, 20th 2003 they played a concert at Satzvey Castle which included classics as well as exiting new numbers.
Both of these concerts are presented here in full!

[@shannoncofer8798]

The louder you play this song the better it gets. 2024

[@CDavis-jt5fh]

and it NEVER gets old

[@098Exile]

boomer´s song.. & we´re proud !

[@FreedomRing-uq1ml]

SAY IT AGAIN!!!!

[@downsouthn.o.1537]

2024🎯🎯🎯🎯👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@outlawofga]

This was a kickass group back in the day. Loving the 70s n 80s ... 💯

[@angiebethea2179]

This woman did not get the recognition she truly deserved, now this woman could sing !!!!

[@WilliamKing-hf8lc]

She still can! Saw her last Sat in Birmingham! The vibe was awesome!

[@goblinjames]

that's true!

[@rosemarydrennan9411]

I saw them live at Nightown Rotterdam and wauw 🤩 she is amazing what a voice

[@topixfromthetropix1674]

She still can!

[@flynnjones2008]

The whole band, for their music!

[@danmeeks3407]

We truly need to find a way to Re-introduce this band to our world today. They brought us together in the late 70’s early 80’s.

[@JeffreyDuncan-mq8pp]

They still play live shows and are extremely good! Seen em in 2019

[@mandysworkshop]

Indeed

[@TomKappeln]

And that even in Germany ! Saw them live in the early 80s in Frankfurt ...

[@TraceyArdis-Jameson]

THEY DID SOMETHING!

[@ruffcutz4112]

I just saw them February 4th in SC

[@randycolwell5575]

One of the most underrated bands her voice is perfect

[@karendoyal828]

Damn Skippy. I was in Gothenburg Sweden doing lighting for Van Morrison. Blew everyone's ( pardon me) shit away!

[@susangooch7087]

Karen Doyal Oh Hell Yes !!!! 👍🏻🎶🎶🎶🎶💖

[@Drvanosdrand]

absolutely !!

[@kenh9681]

Saw them several times in the 70s and 80s. One of the greatest live band performances I've ever seen and I've seen em all.

[@stephencooke6813]

I never underrated them. Best live band ever.

[@thescarletandgrey2505]

If you were fortunate enough to grow up in Atlanta back when there was a radio station called 96 Rock, you know this band well.

[@randybounds2244]

Didn`t grow up in Atlanta but I remember 96 Rock. Listened to it every nite while trucking to Albany . Good times.

[@davidkorteling263]

I grew up with 96 Rock. My first concert was Mother’s Finest opening for Rossington Collins at the Omni New Year’s Eve 1980. Still have the MF tshirt. :)

[@1eyedjacksRwild]

We got to listen to them in South Carolina. They could rock!

[@alanduke9391]

I was there. And there was no one to compete with the MOTHERS!!

[@funecheeseofficial3576]

Ay up here WIMZ Knoxville’s Classic Rock plays this a bunch when they play southern rock so it ain’t gone!

[@Teleman76]

Joyce Kennedy absolutely kills it on the vocals.

[@hitmanphotoz57]

One of the most underrated bands ever.

[@kikimusha777]

Agreed ❤

[@roland8578]

Wie so viele Bands....👍 Weil die "Masse" eben einen Scheiß Musikgeschmack hat.... Ganz einfach...

[@DeedeeWheet]

Wondering why this band never truly made it. They are LEGEND and one of the best rockers in entertainment. And Joyce never disappoints!!!

[@caseylight4245]

Mother’s Finest is the true definition of rock and roll music! Cultures blending together is what it all about. Love you Joyce Kennedy❤❤❤❤❤

[@ronnielumm4733]

I have loved this band for more than 30 years. They need to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland!!!!!

[@rickjohnson8707]

I got to see them twice once at the Capital Center in MD and Fox Theater in Atlanta Ga. Both New Year Eve shows ! One year 1978 i believe Atlanta was 1982 or 1983 But don't "don't hold to the on those dates outrageous! This is 2022 and I'm 66yo now 😆😅🤣

[@3daysrisenstotts585]

agree

[@martyhuie8538]

Amen brother! Wizard is a mighty bass player BB Queen’ is a rock/ funk drummer under rated, Mo is a underrated guitar player. And Baby Jean what a voice.. this may the underrated band of all time

[@wontfindmehere]

They should be inducted, I agree!

[@TrishaXuk]

I can't believe I've never been initiated. They are all so talented, wild artists. That keyboard intro just blew me away. He was flexing at the edges of what the technology was giving him back then....I gotta follow these guys yup and at where they are now.... This live show has just woke me from slumber in 2023!

[@curtissande1778]

Ladies and gentlemen from funk rock Georgia. I’m a 51 year old white dude you guys touched me

[@DewelHelton-ld6ki]

96 rock. I still have a car tag..😊😊

[@OrlandoRehabber]

Long before there was Living Color, there was Mother's Finest who proved that they can sing rock n roll

[@YaoEspirito]

Huh? I thought "Niggaz can't sing rock n' roll"!

[@YaoEspirito]

@@OrlandoRehabber kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5W1eKiXh5d5Z8Usi=2bbefv2-sYurUPec

[@alenemarie]

@@OrlandoRehabber …& coming out of Detroit, MI there was a band called Death. Fantastic punk/funk band. They started in 1971. Great documentary about them out there.

[@sharonmccomas4173]

I could listen to Mother's Finest all day. The singer is phenomenal.

[@claudeeaton2561]

CHA

[@davidfloyd6962]

Baby Jean Kennedy one of the greatest voices ever.

[@timniesz7798]

Yesss !! She and Nina Hagen, the Voices...

[@alanduke9391]

Oh yes indeed. Best rocker female voice ever. Truth DAT!!

[@scootpittmantv]

100 100 100 100%

[@lesgray1511]

What an awesome sound. Best concert I ever attended..... Nantucket, Mothers Finest & Molly Hatchet in Greensboro, NC. I can still hear Baby Jean's powerful voice in my head.

[@marceltiel7919]

Awesome

[@scootpittmantv]

Yessir!

[@angelbulldog4934]

I saw MF in Elon in the 70s and she wasn't with them that night. No hate to the band but it just wasn't the same.

[@JasonJohnson67-0]

I was at that show in Greensboro! Damn that was great music! Late 70’s early 80’s!

[@whitex4652]

45 years ago I sat in front of a TV in Germany watching a Rockpalast Nacht and had no clue what force of nature was coming down on Europe ... Mother's Finest changed everything that night ... ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@worthlessman6860]

What a wonderful place in time those days were...forever grateful!

[@TokyHameln]

Rockpalast nights with good friends in front of the TV. What a good time it was. Bring me back the good times!

[@ecsdscott]

Saturday June 28th 1980 Gadsden, Alabama, Mothers Finest, Blackfoot, and Nantucket my first concert setting up sound and lights with 2 high school friends, and on crazy ass roadie named Eagle. 15 years old and got paid 500 bucks, and 6 back stage passes. We were 15 year old GODS! Those were the times!

[@SewNSew2012]

At the beginning of the song Michael Keck is the pianist and we were in high school together. I knew he would make it because music was his favorite. I love all their songs.

[@nicholasjackson382]

Joyce "Baby Love" Kennedy and her crew lit this up! Joyce has the purest vocals ever! The musicianship is outstanding! Mother's Finest forever!!!

[@efrax.gravityblaster.666]

Baby Jean

[@topixfromthetropix1674]

I was proud to be part of the sound crew. Amazing music and great humans.

[@boblozaintherealworld3577]

AS I said before, I'm amazed and happy this band is still remembered.

[@Joel-fp5et]

Simply amazing. Rock funk!!!!

[@hogweed1960]

Rockgeschichte pur! Und immer noch auf Tour!!!! Großartiger Live-Act!

[@linamarston3027]

Saw them open for ZZ Top at Clemson University in the mid 70s. She did Proud Mary like a Boss.

[@silviosantapaola2825]

Damn that sounds like a dream come true amazing pairing these two bands

[@M1000-y8b]

Awesome

[@bradoutboard8885]

One of the most BA songs ever written. As one poster wrote...the louder it is the better it gets.

[@greuvekamp]

I saw them first in the 70's at a festival, thats over 45 yrs now. Pure energy.

[@williamglass7806]

a performance possibly unmatched in rock/roll history, yet it goes almost completely unnoticed.

[@wickeddrill19]

Legendary concert, changed the lives of many!

[@carstenscheel5459]

joyce kennedy the uncrowned queen of funk music1! wow!1 still a pleasure after 30 Years until now!1💘

[@robertcantrell9256]

Love this band.Did not get the recognition they deserved.Atlanta best

[@sherribrooks8539]

So true, the most underrated band of all time. I live in North Carolina and have seen them several times!!

[@richardthurmond7103]

Truly unsung

[@tommykristiansen7169]

Joyce Kennedy!!! -What a voice!!!

[@Jpeg13759]

Saw them Live in a small club in Germany..standing 2 meters away from the boxes... HELL of a blast....Just BLEW my mind...

[@TomKappeln]

Dorian Gray Frankfurt ... ? Da hab ich sie gesehen in den 80ern ...

[@Jpeg13759]

@@TomKappeln Ich meine, das war ein kleiner Club in Darmstadt...😁🤗🤟

[@TomKappeln]

@@Jpeg13759: Rock on bro !

[@jaymevogl4338]

Just saw them in ATL Mar 26, 2022..yesterday….and been following since the 70s…some of the same musicians as 1977….and she’s 74 now and she and Doc still kick ass

[@frankherpertz6846]

Mehr Musik kann man nicht im Blut haben ❤

[@danielvetter9757]

They should have been a supergroup ! They were so good live

[@debisealey1615]

Finally going to see them this Saturday in North Carolina. She's phenomenal!!!

[@carstenscheel5459]

burning for yr touch! oh baby love! there is no other! oh it happened in 1977!best of mother finest!wow!

[@robertcoleman7556]

As soon as she sings there is no other i cant stop the tears

[@ogam5]

.....there just AREN'T words - as MINDBLOWING as music GETS.....

[@michaelparrish46]

THE GREATEST FUNK/ROCK BAND,PERIOD.

[@tompetry8589]

You know this group is one of the best from the heart soul and the south!

[@topixfromthetropix1674]

It is weird, since I worked over 80+ shows with them, they are from Chicago although they live in Marietta, GA these days.

[@danieldvorak4071]

Couldnt even count how many times i saw MF back in the day. Then while working in a concert venue in NC i got the pleasure of working several shows. It was a joy having them in our house! One night i was pulled on stage and sang with Baby J! It was the thrill of my life! Im a fan FOREVER. ✌❤

[@formereverything4268]

Ha! I was a lackey at a M-Finest St. Patricks show in Buckhead in Atlanta Anyway, I got some free beer and good food and was paid 75 bucks for being a bouncer. I didn't have to bounce anyone. The crowd was so happy to see them. Great bargain. "There is no other to compare you". The actual people from the band were so nice to me and actually thanked me, and I am a nobody, just a big male looking for a cheeseburger

[@michaelparrish46]

I saw them in MB,SC in 80/81??blew the crowd away...

[@DannyLupton]

Our band Tenth Avenue Band opened the show for Mother's Finest in Roanoke Va, at the "Kings Inn", The day Elvis died. The entire band --every member is so full of God's gift of music. Being the drummer I was very impressed With BB's style and grooves. Funk Rock and the gospel voice of Joyce, and guitar talent of Moses Mo...Joyce-BB, myself(Danny Lupton) and our singer/song writer/Keyboard player Johnny Cutrell made another all nighter, absorbing all we could of each others background, styles, grooves. A memory and exprience never to be forgotten. The night was enjoyed by all.............They just Kick all flavors of Ass... May thier hard driving music continue to "Move the asses of the Masses" , for many years to come ~ !

[@masonchappell7936]

I met Joyce last year and she is the nicest person ever. Forever a favorite

[@Krazede]

The soundtrack of my youth!

[@justarepublicandog2505]

Wow! I mean just WOW! One of the most amazing voices of all time! Damn!

[@WilliamTerry-w2n]

I WATCHED THEM PLAY IN MYRTLE BEACH DURING THE SUMMER OF 1977. I STILL REMEMBER THE "BABY LOVE" SONG AND PERFORMANCE.

[@adriansanders1026]

Bringing back a lot of memories watching this video! Peace to all still listening! Adrian from the great state of North Carolina!

[@Barbara-bg7me]

Go in tar hill state

[@johnnyeason9723]

I've seen them live in Greensboro. In the early 80s, as an opener for Molly Hatchett. Truly a great band loved them always since. If anyone else seen them in greensboro and the early eighties give a shout out

[@LynyrdSkynyrdFan]

Probably that next year they were in gboro and they opened up for Blackfoot and acdc. One great show

[@josephtillman6264]

Another superb band out of Georgia. Groundbreaking and all, don't u know❤

[@tonymc3817]

Update on them. They still rockn down the house. Best band ever ❤️

[@heatherperry699]

OMG! They came to Clinton, S.C. last month and they were one of the best live shows I've Ever seen!! They were my mother's favor band, she passed July 1st 2018 so my dad, husband and myself went to the show I got the Chills with every song!! I know my mama was there with us!! 😢 you all are Amazing and hope to see you again! Love you mama! 🌻🐞🌼⚘🌷🌺🌹🌌

[@davidfloyd6962]

Great story. I grew up on Mother's Finest. I saw them live 3 times in the 70s God bless your family.

[@topixfromthetropix1674]

I graduated from PC and worked for Mother's Finest for 80+ shows as a sound tech. What a waste to be educated at PC.

[@wdwerker]

Instantly took me back to the late 70’s when I saw them live at Underground Atlanta!

[@personalprofiledorispietre5352]

Phenomenal - best of black American funk ever!!!

[@danamathews5712]

Have loved this band since 1977 when I saw them in concert, we just saw them at the HickoryNewton NC speedway for Rockfest 2 and after all these years still AWESOME, still one if my favorite rock/funk bands. True legends of talent . I’ve seen them in several cities and always attend when they’re within 3 hours .

So good! I saw them several times late seventies graduated high school in Georgia in 80.. they were very heavy in our rotation!

[@edgarbyrd7911]

Love Changes when she sings. The heavens opened up

[@photonrayswaves]

Hands down the best live band I ever saw! Saw them in a bar called the Switch in the 70's and they burned the place down!

[@SuperRowdyone]

Better than Thin Lizzy??

[@keithjames7843]

This band is from Macon Georgia and they are so good They used to play in a club in Macon called Flaming Sallies and I have seen this band so many times in my life They had a unique sound Somewhere between disco and Rockin roll They have so many great songs This woman that sings most of the lead vocals an sing so good Sounds a little like Tina Turner I used to go watch them all the time I can’t believe that people don’t know this band better than people do They would have you on the dance floor and man I am so glad I still have some of their albums Great band

[@juliamoore5008]

I was singing this the other day. Just popped in my head

[@flynnjones2008]

Back when, they played CADILLACS, in Hickory, NC -- , standing room only.......Fantastic, electric vibe.........My one and only time to see them live, DAMN, LARGE TIME! BLEW UP THE ROOF!

[@locobelievingson3758]

Tears of joy watching this movie! Me and my best friend always locked ourself in his room every year, geared to the teeth with chips and coke, and listened to all the amazing artists at Marathonrock @ Rockpalast, all the 5 or 6 hours it was live sent here in Sweden. Since that day I first heard Mothers Finest, 40 years ago, they have been among my top 5 favorite rock bands from that era. And I am so happy Baby Jean is still rocking in 2018, 70 years old. God bless her and the rest of her mind blowing and musically visionary band.

[@michaelollendorff519]

Loco Believingson meetoo 🤘

[@lindaambrose1334]

Loco Believingson I saw them live around 1979 in a muddy field somewhere in Montgomery County, Alabama. Just before I started my senior in high school. It was hot in either July or August in South Alabama. Rainey and muddy .....one of the best times I ever had! Then, saw them again a couple of years later when I was a college student at Auburn University. They were still awesome! But we were inside and had air conditioning... so better! Loved this group!

[@richardthurmond7103]

They're truly unsung

[@rinsketjeerdsma7835]

Was a while in the airplay, then it went to background... Glad i re discovered it

[@adriansanders1026]

Grew up with mothers finest brings back a lot of memories! Will never be duplicated! Peace my friends! Adrian from the great state of North Carolina!

[@justarepublicandog2505]

Can’t get enough!! Baddest soul searching, pain delivery ever! We love forever Joyce!

[@kathychapman2599]

This band kicked ass Love this song OLD SCHOOL

[@marycooper6188]

Pure power....hit notes straight...none of the over stylising and runnings.

[@marieasurvivor6104]

I grew up in Atlanta. So fortunate to see them live . Amazing vocals...so so underated... They are in my top ten concerts EVER!! The Wizard used to show up at Magruder's on occasion....the music scene ain't what it used to be.

[@richardthurmond7103]

Baby Jean Kennedy, and Mother's Finest. They just have to be seen live. Awesome Show

[@rula42]

True. Besides Manfred Mann's Earth Band the only band I prefer live.

[@AndrewC-xf1nc]

I was blown away by this band as a kid and I'm still blown away in my 50's. I've seen them countless times and will continue to do so. Joyce Kennedy sounds just as amazing today as she did then.

[@karengray1605]

Love, Love, Love Mother's Finest!!! Been a fan forever!!!

[@kennethmadry7110]

Best voice in the business ; Joyce "Babyjean" Kennedy

[@velmaking6216]

When it came to music back in the day, you were not Kool if you didn't know how to enjoy Rock and Soul. We rocked MF and smoked good pot.lol the 70s 80s .

[@blessedone726]

I met them when I went to college in SC in 1974 or 1975. They were so awesome!!!!

[@saigonexile531]

I saw them for the first time sometime around '78 or so in NC. I forget who they opened for but they blew them off the stage! We were gobsmacked, so to speak, and became fans from there on out. Saw them many times after that.

[@pamsweatman9564]

I saw them at the Champagne Jam…crazy good,now I’m 68 and I still listen to them 🎶❣️🎶

[@jylclayton6403]

Dang… Love love the vocals! Fabulous musicianship

[@cindymartin8923]

Greatest performance I ever saw live,and I've been to 100s of shows,phenomenal experience. Joyce Kennedy ,holy mother of God!! What a legendary rock group!!!

[@olecram35]

Das war ein super geiles Konzert. Hab es damals in der Rockpalst Nacht gesehen. Danach die Band 3x live gesehen.

[@sgtmac62]

Seen them in '78 Charlotte NC. Totally upstaged the main act. Song still gives me chills and rocks me to the roots.

[@kobartlett]

Had the pleasure of seeing them in Savannah in 82. Amazing

[@rickwilliamson9248]

Saw them in the late 80s in a college gym. MAN this band could jam!

[@eddielane9569]

I still have a cassette tape of them from the early seventies. Amazing music and vocals.

[@rhondabland923]

I was in college in Atlanta in the 70s. My introduction to MF!! Still love them!

[@Berley_1234]

the beat of this song ROCKS. one of the best ever in my opinion

[@brotherscoobs]

Holy crap...why have i not heard this before...out effing standing

[@RMGCBG]

Wish more people knew how freaking killer this is

[@dwayneaguiar1148]

They where amazing.🥁😎🥁

[@robertavery7891]

No auto tune, no interpolation 😃 just funky rock n roll

[@jlewis4812179]

She was a Rock Goddess!!!! ❤❤❤

[@TraceyArdis-Jameson]

❤THEY ARE...THE FINEST!

[@iroh1048]

I saw them live in Savannah Ga in 79. They were terrific.

[@jamesburroughs4709]

Damn that girl can sing 👌

[@juliarudolph363]

What a unique timeless song - a real ever green - back then, today + always!!

[@ursulazillner7874]

I´ve seen them before 5 months ago....in Laufen, Germany. It was fantastic ! One of the best concerts in my life !!! :-)

[@mitchelperkins6723]

Mother's Finest was one of the best live shows I've had the pleasure of seeing. sad they aren't around. Badass Rockers for sure

[@richsellers8144]

Don't know where you live, but I live in Atlanta, and I saw them last weekend ...and a month ago before that...twice in one month...making # 19 and # 20 times I've seen them since 1978... 😀😍

[@redereifm]

they are still around!!! still smashing!

[@topixfromthetropix1674]

Dude, they still are doing dates.

[@f.herumusu8341]

www.mothersfinest.com/ look for "Tour Info"

[@samlott99]

@@richsellers8144 Last time I saw them I was living up at Lake Lanier. I drove down to the Lakewood Amphitheater in '86, to see Mother's Finest open up for the Georgia Satellites. Some of the younger generation at that concert didn't know about Mother's Finest, and when Joyce "Baby Jean" Kennedy kicked off "Baby Love" they were mind blown!!!

[@ronwhalen8753]

Saw them with Chaka singing!! Always thought the Isley Brothers were the best in concert until I saw Mothers' Finest.. OMG 😱😳 TRULY AWESOME!!!!! WORDS CAN'T DESCRIBE HOW GOOD THEY REALLY ARE

[@MissMelanieMoss]

loved this song for soooo long and never watched a live performance before. That was stellarrrr

[@lowellmcintosh3202]

Damn good seen em in Nashville Tn

[@IbeliveIcan7ly]

❤ Many many thanks 🙏

[@karlannherndon1137]

MOTHER'$ FINEST was the greatest rock r&b band ft. Joyce Babyjean Kennedy...talk about unsung. Mother'$ Finest should have been as lg. As the $tones. 🎼🎶🎤💕🎤🎤🎶🎹🎵

[@gailyassine4824]

Oh my God.. Back in the Electric Ballroom Day,, Atlanta soared. ..

[@gailyassine4824]

I love this Band. 😂