O Holy Night-Aretha Franklin & Billy Preston

[@piustwelfth]

This was Dec. 1986 during the time Billy Preston was musical director for David Brenner's late night talk show. Although she was just 44, the life-long smoking habit had already affected Aretha's voice. Her voice had became lower and more husky. She began having trouble hitting the top notes. She later admitted this when she said she gave up cigarettes because "smoking was messing with my voice".

[@Emeless]

Thanks for the historical facts. Yeah I wished she hadn’t smoked but she was able to wow us until the end.

[@j.d.whitfield7604]

I was looking up Billy Preston and stumbled on this. This is one of the best renditions of this song I've ever heard. By far, O holy night is my favorite Christmas song.

[@mimilini1]

I agree! I got goosebumps!

[@RobertMargouleff]

Together in heaven now. RIP Aretha and Billy. Angels both.

[@RandomNest]

Her voice really was, is and will always be a natural resource. Rest In Peace Madam Franklin.❤

[@funktron4]

Completely unenhanced. It's amazing.

[@jerroldcohen3988]

This is amazing! Thank you. Aretha's in church, and from Billy Preston, it's the best piano playing I've ever heard.

[@bartonone2005]

Beautiful! RIP Billy Preston for all the happiness you gave us with your music. Your star now shines brightly in heaven.

[@DaTruEbonyRayne]

I swear Aretha's lower register's are crazy sick!!! I love when she hit those high notes, but when she reaches those bottom/lower registers...that's where her power lies!

[@schari30]

The best compliment i ever heard about Aretha was from a mate of mine who heard her sing "Amazing Grace"...he said, "you know i don't believe in God, but the woman makes a man want to rethink his position on the matter."

[@annehamilton8190]

The reigning "Queen of Soul" still wears her crown, Ms. Aretha is always amazing, R.I.P.....The Legendary, Mr. Billy Preston.

[@tommiexander]

Aretha's attire that she is wearing is stunning. And her voice is like that of an angel. She really makes you want to bow to her and give her all of the glory of being the Queen that she is. And I have always admired Billy Preston ever since I bought his record "Nothing From Nothing" in 1975. Not only was he talented, but he was always energetic and vibrant and always smiling, and I miss him.... I salute them both.

[@Timthetangent]

Two of the greatest in complete harmony with keys and vocals. What a joy.

[@oneloveatatime]

who ever said an Aretha Christmas wouldn't sell. Look at the amount of views this video has......thank you my friend Emeless. I love this every time I hear it..........

[@carybhall]

I've listened to this countless times over the years, and chokes me up every time. Many thanks for keeping this UP! :)

[@deanmorrow4083]

Two legends. RIP Billy Preston.

[@annehamilton8190]

R.I.P...The Legendary "Queen Of Soul" Ms. Aretha Franklin. You'll be so truly missed!!!!

[@darkfeather6857]

This is my favorite era of Aretha's voice, husky, raspy, deep, uniquely beautiful. Especially when she sang with just a piano and no real belting.

[@mel0dyism]

Our prayers are with you Miss Aretha. You are very strong and have many angels with you. Highest respect, all our love, and thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@marcellanorfleet4438]

The late Aretha Franklin and the late Billy Preston were amazing with this rendition! Their beautiful talent will be forever remembered!

[@Tenebre]

Billy Preston is my HERO

[@kmfdm10392]

When Ree drops her voice down low in the "fall down on your knees" part, it sends chills down my spine.

[@regeneratedsun6105]

+kmfdm10392 Ikr I was FEELIN THAT.

[@kmfdm10392]

+Dshawn TheGr8 My greatest wish is to have these sorts of clips cleaned up, without the hiss of VHS, and collected onto a DVD . And I want the "Amazing Grace" movie released !!

[@mchan2141]

Yes

[@Bigeazy87]

God bless you, my man. And thank you for having a VCR and pressing that "record" button! Thanks David Brenner, Billy, and of course the Queen of Soul.

[@tarikzemmouri9670]

RIP Two soul music legends

[@walterkrueger9889]

Absolutely beautiful. 💙

[@fredlawson9394]

One of my favorite Christmas songs...🌲🎤🎶🎵🎼💖

[@USAlovesCanada]

Lets believe that Billy will be "celebrating" with the Man who this Season commerates. What a joy ... play a couple songs for my Dad and my Mom who left us last year! God Bless you this Christmas.

[@Emeless]

Yes I thought it was a special treat as well. That's why I posted it for all to see and hear. They worked so well together. Thanks for your comments!

[@funktron4]

Two National treasures, giving us chills on the eve of Jesus' birthday. Thank you for this gift you've posted.

[@williamwebber8618]

one of my most favorite Christmas songs

[@Timthetangent]

A timely reminder for me who the true Queen is. RIP Billy the main man. What a combination of true talent.

[@CGCCda]

That's why he was called "The Fifth Beatle" by fans and critics alike. He was an underrated talent who really deserved recognition.

[@lindawilliams429]

Two Legends. Doesn't Get Any Better.

[@LD_CONTENT]

Just great. Thank God for them both, and I really listen to Billy's music very often. He was amazing as is she.

[@taffyday123]

it warms the heart and soothes the soul

[@richardgamble4147]

I want to see you beside Mahalia Jackson singing in the presences of Jesus, Jesus is all love. Thank you Aretha and precious Billy

[@mr.campbell1584]

This is what a real singer does, sit down at the piano and in that moment somehow personalize and deliver a mind blowin version of any song. I doubt they spent a lot if any time on this. love the Queen

[@TheMariposaloca]

I remember seeing this when I was in middle school.

[@neededsaying]

runawayslave0000... Thanks for saying that. Aretha voice has done just that helped a lot of people get through hard times. Her voice has been there for me when in sorrow and joy..

[@54bubs]

This is for everyone with God in there hearts, Merry Christmas & Peace in 2014. Blessing

[@blambrax]

Merry CHRISTMAS TO YOU TOO RIGHT NOW IN 2016

[@silversmiles4137]

God Bless everyone this holiday season, let us pray for peace, love and unity as our Lord and Savior Jesus command us to do.PEACE

[@ladylydia762]

Bless His Holy Name.

[@lavendardust]

What a great rendition between the two of them.

[@Timthetangent]

Promptly added to my favourites as both of these icons are indeed two of my favourite soulful musicians. Thansk for posting

[@boomerang905]

Sterling presence and performance by two giants. Rest my Billy. God gifted and loved you and Ms. Franklin, you stay on top of your game. Peace.

[@pretorious700]

If that don't bring a tear, you have no human heart

[@csco72]

RIP Billy Preston - the 5th Beatle (and will always be) :)

[@DaOrigTruthSeeker]

Aretha is just pure soulful...she can't help it because it's in her blood.

[@mchan2141]

Amen

[@Moxx808]

Absolutely stunning version of the song. This song is so often sung with phony passion and overblown accompaniment -so much so that I don't think I can stand to listen to it. Aretha's changed that for me. Love it!

[@RobertMargouleff]

God Bless them both..Billy was a friend, and I do miss him...RIP Billy..

[@YellaBellydAlligator]

WOW, that's straight from heaven. Thanks for posting!!!

[@razorbackfilms]

Two real legends. I wish they would release the film of the concert where Amazing Grace was recorded.

[@ytsan]

great performance

[@TheKenny4444]

Nobody does it like Aretha!

[@LukeNyman]

mmmm. and wow. simple and marvelous.

[@DaTruEbonyRayne]

I swear Aretha's lower registers are sooooo freakin sickning till its not even funny. I love her upper registers, but her lower registers is what sets the bar above all singers...

[@iamDavidaRose]

Her lower gives me chills especially when I can't see it coming.

[@rodtrues1]

Her whole range with all that soulfulness gets me,, I shed a few tears during her wonderful transition, gifts the creator shares as all are. Thanks Detroit,,,oh I would be disrespectful to not mention Mr. Billy Preston,, much love,,

[@breadboy2712]

The camera glitches because she’s to much

[@breadboy2712]

Arethea s low end is beautiful

[@broncofangj]

beautiful her sangin and him playin praise him!!

[@54spiritedwill54]

She's amazing

[@ConnieIsMijnNaam]

Thank you for posting this amazing performance!

[@theoriginalbadbob]

There are a lot of songs that make me start to tear up, but this one is the first one to make me tear up at Aretha's first note. Amazing.

[@DwightDowson]

A Wonderful Set of Artists here making a Sound Truly Remarkable for ALL!

[@shopboy76]

Such a beautiful rendition. just a piano and a God-given voice! thank you for the upload.

[@oneloveatatime]

This is one of my favorite youtube Aretha Christmas performance. Thanks again EMELESS for posting! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@uprightboy]

what you looking at billy lol! i love yall. merry Christmas.

[@HEADSUPBERKELEY]

Love these two..so good and sensitive

[@bennyjazzful]

WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! From a mad keen 74yo Aussie fan.

[@mayydogg]

queen of soul. you go girl!

[@oneloveatatime]

Hey EM, I really love this, thanks for posting. I listen and watch this video quite oftem.......

[@oneloveatatime]

Emeless you out did yourself on this one....I love this raw vintage performance of Queen Aretha and the late great Sir Billy......... OneLove

[@guips01]

merry christmas everybody ! god bless u all

[@breadboy2712]

A treasure that should be kept!

[@rodsmithk]

Good God she just knows how to get it done in every song she sings. I love you Aretha...

[@WillieHockey10]

Terrific job on this...love Aretha and this is my fav Christmas song

[@funktron4]

Chills.

[@avivandoelfuego]

omgggg...God bless this mans hands (RIP)..truly talented..one of my favorite christmas songs everrrrr...Aretha smashed it way betr than any other cover including Mariah Carey n Celine Dion even tho i love their versions as well...this version is crazy soul!

[@RobinTimmers]

Thanx for sharing, MERRY CHRISTMAS y'all!

[@kehindeoyesiku1732]

Lovely. Both continue to rest in perfect peace

[@chipdamutt108]

Great version of my favorite Christmas song!

[@Birdshavewings]

What a treasure! Thanks so much.

[@taddyd1]

I love all three of the pop singers too and have almost all of their recordings. Saw Aretha and Joan this year. I love the Billy Preston (my former neighbor) and Re duet on Old Lang Syne! Thanks for sharing TheRealAngelHeart.

[@SoSoBradley23]

Aretha knows how to usher in the Holy Spirit

[@oneloveatatime]

This is my Christmas cheer this year.................thanks again for posting Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2007

[@MJSJenkins]

It truly is!

[@moniquekyle8354]

Two Greats singing a a Christmas song. Beautiful.

[@djlgv]

Thx so much for sharing this !!!!!!

[@mchan2141]

I love billys voice and laugh

[@alyceclover]

this made me sad missing my mom and a simplier place and time~thanks for sharing

[@Emeless]

I taped it the night it aired. I was working 3-11p and got home in just enough time to adjust the rabbit ears-due to the outage of my cable box, and pop a tape in the VCR. So glad you were able to see it again. One of my favorite TV interviews and performances of Aretha. Thanks for your comments!

[@danyspecial3302]

This is REAL MUSIC. Simply legendary.

[@DollyzDaggerz]

It's been a couple of weeks since a song brought tears to my eyes, but this just did. Thanks so much!

[@lilredroostie]

this makes the hair on my neck stand on end my fav Christmas song of all time thank you

[@kevinwaters5872]

Two legends , one great performance. RIP.

[@KMMJKR]

Thanks for posting...WONDERFUL

[@roysnabilie8345]

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE AND A PEACEFULL 2014

[@taddyd1]

Thanks for posting ! They make a perfect pair. We should've had lotsa REE and Stevie, Marvin & Billy. This really helps complete in my wish. I never knew about the broadcast. You're an angel!

[@SajoniaEsther]

Yes,the Quuen of Soul, unique. Thanks for posting this masterpiece and Happy Holidays.

[@MsMaryee]

Very Good Aretha! The greatest!!!! Billy Preston is the bomb as well!! Many blessings!

[@Lokh66]

Billy rules

[@juiceman1965]

billy preston could play chopsticks and move my world

[@jollysincere]

Billy Preston was so very talented....yet so very troubled.

[@sgtpepper122]

2 OF THE BEST!!!!!!

[@tempo3rd]

I'll look into it, thanks!

[@fan8504]

precious video

[@naturalsystah]

Great stuff! Thanks for uploading this.