Ooh Baby Baby - Aretha Franklin ft. Smokey Robinson - Live

[@douglemay7989]

No one mentions how Smokey let her take the lead, providing flawless back up.

[@yelayu8457]

That moment when she sings “what a price…”. So perfect. The tone, the control, the emotion, the beauty, the phrasing. Aretha was simply beyond!

[@natureboy2818]

That’s exactly what I thought hearing her on that part. She was truly a master

[@KhayriJamil]

My favorite part

[@ASSman864]

Yep ive watched this video for years now, huge smokey fan, had never heard aretha but man the dictation and the crispness in which she delivered some of the words put me off at first compared to smokeys more floaty whispery style but eventually it hit me how she intended it to and ever since i felt she complimented smokey while also contrasting him perfectly

[@mfitzgerald2288]

So amazing

[@mfitzgerald2288]

One of the smartest singers to walk this earth.

[@cbanks1980]

This what happens when the sun and moon are in sync. ..simply beautiful

[@Its_Star_Brite]

Christian Banks ugh Facts 🥺💖🌞🌝🌗

[@onemillionpercent]

perfectly said.

[@camilleslim9736]

You said it right man

[@AudreyAdams2011]

I love that, " the sun and the moon."

[@MrJuot234]

The vulnerability in her voice when she sings, “I’m crying...” is so beautiful. 😪❤️

[@IamAvaMonroe]

💯

[@AudreyAdams2011]

Yes indeed...it's so beautiful! I have listened to this so many times and each time I try to absorb more and more. True vulnerability.

[@theerayakline5601]

Couldn't agree more.

[@spiritof6663]

Aretha was able to effortlessly transform this classic soul ballad into something resembling a cut off Joni Mitchell's "Blue"!! I'd love to see more of those 60s Motown classics treated in this manner...of course, we no longer have Aretha to do it :( RIP

[@spiritof6663]

Aretha was able to effortlessly transform this classic soul ballad into something resembling a cut off Joni Mitchell's "Blue"!! I'd love to see more of those 60s Motown classics treated in this singer-songwritery manner...of course, we no longer have Aretha to do it :( RIP

[@goldenera4ever]

This is what real talent sounds like. No special effects. No machines. No technology like today. Just a mic, a piano and two legends doing their thing. RIP Miss Franklin.

[@stephenbatchelor3101]

That is the plain and simple truth!

[@thatgirl2739]

Yes

[@rudyresendez6572]

GoldenEra 4ever AND..THAT..IS WHY..ARETHA IS ..STILL.. THE QUEEN

[@hellenvuong4191]

Now it’s just WAP WAP WAP

[@nbe4671]

Purest voice✅✅

[@prestonspiano]

“we shoulda been a duo” makes me smile everytime. They both heard that SEAMLESS BLEND and just had to smile🩷 what a remarkably gifted pair they make.

[@DeishaGuy]

Seamless. I come back to this just for the first 'La' 😂 Amazing.

[@matthubbard7859]

Aretha is a great pianist, the rhythm of the church flows out of her fingers as naturally as it flows out of her voice. We all were lucky to be on this planet at the same time as she was.

[@sweetazzpiew8490]

@Matt Hubbard she played the piano by ear..No lessons

[@ffaatai3792]

She literally took this song and made it her own! No offense, Smokey, but she did! The woman was a music genius.

[@M1000-y8b]

Once she sang a song it became hers

[@eytan3893]

Nah no one can sing it better than smokey

[@Michael-xg5bq]

​@@M1000-y8bhell no

[@Michael-xg5bq]

No she didn't

[@roscoebillings6696]

Nah, she can't sing it like smokey. I love aretha too but that's a stretch.

[@sinethembamaku6757]

😢😢😢💔💔💔 I wish this song was longer

[@serious7179]

Me too😢

[@fleeceshawl]

serious me three😂😂😂 but I love them so much

[@rondellregan]

Me 4 Wow this is beautiful

[@jamiylkirkland3947]

Yea me too...

[@ej1551]

Smokey wrote in his autobiography that this was when he hit rock bottom. Watching himself on this episode. He was at the height of his crack addiction, he looked horrible he said, lost crazy weight, didn't take care of his hygiene and said Aretha demanded that he come home with her to Detroit to detox from the drugs. He said she cooked him home meals and provided a healthy environment but he still wouldn't listen. It took Leon Kennedy to snap him out of it.

[@jacoriesmith2217]

And he’s Still here with us!!!

[@melaninenriched7844]

I think you mean coke since crack had been introduced to our communities yet. This was in the 70s not 80s.

[@ej1551]

@@melaninenriched7844 Aretha and Smokey appeared on Soul Train in 1979. He was already addicted and referred to it as "smoking rock". He said it HIMSELF in his autobiography. Just because crack became more prevalent in poverty stricken/urban areas during the early 80's, does not mean it didn't exist. Remember, he's wealthy. The wealthy are far more able to readily and easily access what the poor can't. I said what I said. Thank you & goodnight.

[@Visiblediety]

They casually made one the greatest moments in music history . Such class and supreme talent !

[@charliemoon6209]

This is Heaven.....and like Hot syrup on pancakes that never gets dry......

[@tgree18]

Milk chocolate (Aretha Franklin) with Almonds (Smokey)!

[@karengobert980]

Flows like a cold beer on a hot day....did they ever hook up ?

[@tgree18]

@@karengobert980 Not to my knowledge. By this time she was married to Glynn Thurman. He was married but I forgot who he was married to.

[@TemujinScott80]

I love this description

[@mahoganyjoy3502]

@@karengobert980 Sam Cooke, Glynn, Smokey, Sidney. A lot of the guys wanted her, but her father was the gatekeeper. Makes me sick knowing now why he had such a strong arm on her. She wanted to be with Sam, but they blocked ot every which way they could.

[@JewelsR4ever]

I don't care how many times I see this...........my GOD, I always shed a tear. It's just so painfully beautiful. Wow. Knocks me out everytime. Ya'll better SANG!!!!!

[@hardren101]

+JewelsR4ever i must agree....i am moved each n every time i watch this clip....there is a clip in youtube where luther v & aretha sing a house is not a home......their voices do not compliment each other at all.....but these two...their voices compliment each other perfectly....there is another clip on utube where they sing just to see her.....they have a great chemistry...i am surprised that they have never recorded an album together..

[@JewelsR4ever]

I was thinking the same time. I love when the Queen sang with Levi Stubbs. They had great chemistry as well. I'm not sure what the deal was with her and Luther. She and Smokey still have time, Chase!!! Lol

[@cbanks1980]

ikr

[@altheapatterson9765]

You’re spot on. Was getting a lil wet eyed !

[@premaramkalup8170]

So true So pure

[@_Shinique]

Their voices blended so perfectly.

[@alvenanance2814]

Whose still listening in 2023? A timeless duet!😊

[@valeriesoftnlow1705]

Just in Aretha's phrasing of a word she'd be singing would bring out more flavor and scrumptious morsels of the song. She was phenomenal! Also, she played the piano by ear - self taught - no classical training, whatsoever! She was so good at her craft that she should be studied in music courses all over the world. Just a natural God-given talent! Detroit will miss you...Our Dearest Sister!🩷🌷🩷

[@laurenstovall2867]

That “what a price” was sooooooooo on point!

[@shawnpreston1639]

Just think: they lived near each other as little kids, and he would visit her house and watch her play since she was 6yrs old. Plus, Diana Ross was also in the neighborhood! Come on, Something must had been in the water.

[@rscotty45]

That's Harmony....priceless

[@TanRicky321]

Renee' Scott two legends.

[@altheapatterson9765]

My god. Smokey just got out-sung on his own song. Aretha is so effortlessly soulful. So effortless it hurts

[@sionetaulanga8973]

I’m a big Smokey fan, but I also believed that MJ also out did him on Who’s Lovin You as well.

[@altheapatterson9765]

Sione Taulanga And MJ was, what, 12??

[@TalkingBook72]

Strong disagree. Smokey sounds absolutely incredible here

[@TalkingBook72]

@@sionetaulanga8973 Smokey himself has admitted this! Great guy

[@kw9568]

Anybody can cover a song. I'm biased though. Not a huge mj fan. He was okay. Smokey WROTE & SUNG THE SONG!!!!!

[@Vejur9000]

Make no mistake. Aretha Franklin was a genius.

[@ericfluellen8957]

Soul Train was such a massive part of life growing up that it was a privilege to witness performers like these two icons. We did not have cell phones and other gadgets, but we did have great music. Young people today are missing out on that, and when they watch these performers, they understand how good you really have to be to succeed.

[@crystalharris-thomas1939]

Amen. I was just thinking who remembered watching this performance on Soul Train? What a special Era we grew up in. That was the peace and love, Era. Today can't compare.

[@milkandhoney9849]

No auto tune!! No practice! Real talent! Y’all already know there’s no comparison

[@dulapeep8895]

As a longtime fan of both Aretha Franklin and Smokey Robinson, watching their collaboration on 'Oh Baby Baby' was an absolute dream come true. Aretha's unparalleled voice combined with Smokey's soulful charm creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that's impossible to forget. The way they seamlessly complement each other reminds me why their music has been a constant in my life. It's a beautiful reminder of the timeless impact these artists have had on shaping the soul and R&B genre. This performance will forever hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the incredible legacy they've left behind. 🎶💖 Rest well, Queen. We miss you so much! Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us.

[@joshualofton5793]

LAWD!!! Their blend on the second chorus is so perfect. I also like how Smokey held back the first chorus and was so soft. Then the second chorus they matched power and volume. So beautiful. ✊🏾✊🏾

[@HunterGibson6969]

Rick james did the same thing to smokey on ebony eyes, started out soft first verse to compliment smokeys tone then second verse belted us with that powerful rick voice

[@ericakennedy9801]

My thoughts exactly; Aretha owned the world in that first chorus, but smokey def came through Round 2 and reminded everybody that he, too, can definitely hold his own. Just flawless. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@alexwaller2237]

I do not believe he got out sung he recognized whom was sitting beside him and knew how great his voice would blend in with her taking the lead. Beautiful rendition and great collaboration!

[@demarcosfleming2215]

Right ! They grew up together in the same neighborhood, her brother Cecil and Smoky was best friends, that's how he becamed to know Aretha in her home during her younger years in Detroit.

[@rustymaldonado2009]

Dear Lord I just fell to the ground. Too beautiful for words

[@elyonwells9328]

Her voice just fits so naturally

[@sybylo]

Black people are truly special

[@lukamagicc]

It’s crazy how she’s playing the piano “imperfectly” but if you watch live performances like this(and there are many) they all share this common no matter what era

[@lukamagicc]

But the songs are still gorgeous

[@chrishansen8864]

As a 23 year old I'm so thankful my grandma raised me too this soulful era

[@michaeldeane9029]

I just wish they'd made a couple of albums just sitting and singing their favourite tunes, with Aretha's beautiful piano playing to guide and support them. This one is pure magic..

[@thesolitaryadventurer]

One of the greatest clips in all recorded music. Unrehearsed and pure. Just wonderful.

[@Jenjenilou]

There used to be a video of Jack Bruce from Cream and Rory Gallagher. They are just about to go out on stage and Rory asks “how does it go?” Jack Bruce then proceeds to hum a few bars of ‘Politician’ for Rory, who listens for a few seconds and then nods his head. They then proceed to go out and play it like they’ve been playing together for years, not a one time jam with a few hummed bars of music to go on. Different genre from Aretha and Smokey but that same level of talent. Jack was one of the greatest bass players and songwriters of his generation and Rory one of the greatest blues guitarists. I can no longer find the clip unfortunately but I hope someone reposts it some day.

[@rickyruiz43]

Aretha was fine as wine

[@nikkibankhead6759]

Effortless!!!!! Her voice is so beautiful 🤩 they sound so good together

[@christhomas5761]

I agree , Aretha`s voice is truly beautiful .

[@kking11211]

I can here the gospel influence in her piano playing

[@Chicanaloca]

Always...

[@TheJan68]

Loved it🎶🎵

[@robincole1013]

Smokey and Aretha are definitely a soulful duet, priceless, need more like it.

[@underratedbeauty8791]

They should've recorded this.

[@brownmut5518]

She's so shy. Two beautiful voices.

[@Go4Gusto]

Her voice makes you wanna cry whew 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@jeffiedaniels]

aretha was gorgeous!

[@muzikman183]

Smokey is just the coolest... Aretha is the queen

[@1suspect241]

I remember how much you loved Aretha Franklin and Smokey Robinson. It's been 45 years to the day that you disappeared. I've missed you so much that the tears I've cried could turn a desert into an ocean. I hope you are resting in peace mom. Until I see you in heaven I'll keep listening to Aretha and Smokey and remember how much you loved them.

[@dirtyjswiss]

Aretha is the bomb as always and smokey was way too smooth on this one

[@Lakeda-bu1mi]

Just being self-taught piano player showcase the brilliance of Aretha to play this classic.

[@seanscommentary]

they would've been a dope duo, as Aretha said.

[@kevinmoore5424]

They killed this, her voice was amazing 👏

[@samalahenry]

This is called "talent." It can't be taught or auto-tuned. You're either born with it or you live without it.

[@imanialexander2469]

Actually it’s mainly taught. Many legends worked THEIR ASSES OFF. It’s a disrespectful to them to not acknowledge the hard work they put in.

[@samalahenry]

@@imanialexander2469 You can't teach talent. You can help someone hone their craft, but you can't teach someone what they don't have. What is disrespectful is the fact that many naturally talented singers ar ed pushed aside for studio and auto-tuned cookie-cutter performers. There are line items in each current "singers'" recording budgets for auto-tuning. If they can't sing, get out of the way for those who can.

[@stonesdude154]

What a price to pay, indeed. Lyric seems more powerful when it's slowed down.

[@lewiscameronp]

Totally agree!

[@SavageVR]

Let me tell y'all something, when you can sing you can sing. No autotune, no bullshit, ALL VOICE. No one today can match her. No one! Anyone who thinks differently is flat out wrong. No if's, and's or but's. I miss real talent. and YES SMOKEY!! KILL EM WIT IT!!!

[@imanialexander2469]

Beyoncé doesn’t need autotune. Patti doesn’t need autotune. Plenty of mamas in the church don’t need autotune. Stop being delusional.

[@SavageVR]

@@imanialexander2469 Did I mention ANY of these people you are talking about? I am not being delusional, you are being in your feelings by choice. Talking about shit ain't no one talking about. I am not going to call out specific stars to appease those who cannot extrapolate from incomplete data. We all know damn well that there are "stars" that are all studio, I shouldn't need to be specific. Go somewhere...

[@dayram6217]

@@imanialexander2469 no way. Aretha is the Top. You can't get over that limit. If yoy think that; you know nothing about Real Soul, Old Soul

[@sandpointcinema7557]

Don't you love having your socks blown off by a live cut you've never heard before. God damn is this pretty. Thank you High Desert Soul for posting this treasure.

[@annadmakeeva]

Jesus, this performance drove me to tears, just magical.

[@roblee3456]

DAMN, Aretha is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL

[@ex4life96]

The 33 people that didn't like this, were forced to listen to Polka songs, all of their miserable lives: and the can't recognize real music.

[@Chris-tt5bb]

Ain't no sound like the sound of Detroit

[@largebranch]

If you truly love music and have an ear and an eye for greatness, this simply will bring you to tears. Soft, sweet tears.

[@veronicacrockett6164]

He said she was his oldest friend...... They were really good friends that grew up together.....

[@Geordan419]

i was today years old when i found out this version exists and i’m so grateful for the gift of music. it never fails to turn a bad day good.

[@Payne_Inc.]

Aretha was so damn *FINE!*

[@InSearchof8]

She looks fantastic with that hair!!!

[@josephjohnson3641]

There voices unmatched no audio sound or nothing just plain raw vocals

[@crystalharris-thomas1939]

Beautiful performance.

[@DavidRoss-lo7kz]

Memories of '79

[@inesspanni]

It was MAGICAL!!!❤❤❤❤

[@JackieLarose]

Aretha Franklin voice can not die

[@curtismichael4703]

Didn't want that to end it was sounding soo good!

[@netw52]

I love how Mr. Cornelius just backed it up. He knew that magic was happening and he didn’t want to get in the way. Swoon-worthy.

[@kking11211]

I love her voice in this key. What other songs did she sing in this key?

[@brentduanefoster]

kamau thompson This was in the of F. I'm trying to think of what Aretha songs are in that key.

[@troyvahn2461]

@@brentduanefoster I never lived a man

[@brentduanefoster]

@@troyvahn2461 There it is!!!

[@katmack85km]

@@brentduanefoster ⁰

[@Popincourt]

Who can top that ?

[@tgree18]

Nobody!

[@crystalharris-thomas1939]

No doggone body!

[@christopherdavis3674]

There's No sound like the sound of Detroit. Whenever you listen to Smokey or Aretha, you're listening to that sound of Detroit. So Sweet.

[@escapingmotherhood]

Rest in peace, Beautiful Queen ❤

[@multipleman78]

I love it when Smokey gets excited and says it’s not too late to be a duo but she starts singing. He instantly stops and appreciates with a simple, “yeah.” This is beautiful art, as beautiful as any masterpiece painted and hung up in a museum.

[@bobby12348]

Aretha Franklin shuffle play that piano and can sing so effortless..RIP Queen❤️🙏🏿

[@roscoebillings6696]

Back then, most artists could play an instrument and sing... this was common.

[@ranran1300]

In Aretha prime couldn't be touched vocaly and the power with beautiful tones 😊

[@muskegontribune]

Detroit, Michigan!

[@ranran1300]

God gave Aretha something different then everyone else 😊

[@sniffableandirresistble]

2023 in the house ❤

[@juliefreeman7676]

Ooooooooo, baby, that is soulful nirvana.

[@charlescoleman2140]

Wow, this was so amazing. They blend so well together similar to Marvin and Tammy. 2 Legends in their prime

[@squamishfish]

they have known each other since she was 5 .,, Smoky and Aretha were neighbors in Detroit Aretha said they were Sand Box Friends as kids,, And treat each other as family the rest of their lives

[@drewmilton8154]

That audience will never , ever forget this moment

[@wazi13]

why doesn't this video have 100M views? people are missing out lol

[@darlynebratton]

Aretha looks so beautiful and sounds sooo good💗💞 Smokey is smooth as carmel🧡

[@UncleBubba13]

I saw this when it was first broadcast. It did then and does now lift my soul with its beauty.

[@Mambisa1632-j5o]

We don't call her the queen of soul for nothing 😢😢😢😢❤❤❤❤❤

[@boulevardblueband]

Nice take on one of the great songs. Came across very special. Aretha stepped right into his song and he welcomed her and replied. That gentle side from her was great

[@idmafromtrent4903]

Really wish they made a full version together

[@christopherchristopher2795]

Her hair 😍😍😍😍

[@Godzgirl23]

Only 32 musically uneducated so far. Who in their right mind would give this gentle sweet and innocent and oh so needed now a day tune a thumbs down??? SMH

[@diane5836]

I watch this over and over and over and over again. Great is great for all time. Brilliance is brilliant forever. Heaven comes down. Thank you Aretha and Smokey.

[@RoderickYoungearle]

That was just perfect..Aretha's playing..wow

[@naomiholland1751]

Ladies and gentlemen… now that’s what you call singing!

[@joeyfitz9]

I'm watching this and I am just covered with goose bumps with my jaw on the floor. That was so flicking amazing. They should have been a duo. That was gold. That was absolute tricking gold.

[@theanonymousone9668]

About 20 magical moments in just this 2 minute song lol, but wirhout a doubt the way Aretha broke down "What a price to pay..." did it for me...instant tears lol!!!!

[@ajsway7134]

They could've just sat there and recorded an entire album ❤️

[@NBA75th]

Greatest of All-time includes one female: The Beatles, Elvis, Michael Jackson, and the Queen her self, Aretha Franklin!

[@chris2302]

Aretha is such a beautiful woman and a musical genius. I had no idea that she could play the piano like that nor sing that song and blend so perfectly with Smokey like she did. Aretha and Smokey are legends.

[@gone-by-the-light]

this is a song sent from heaven

[@sonyahanan]

cheers what a fantastic voice and singer internationally a STAR 2023 STILL THE BEST SOULFEMALE SINGER EVERHello from London

[@ExiledStardust]

Aretha was the greatest female singer who ever lived.

[@jduwayne1]

I GOT TEARS IN MY EYES! TWO VERY TALENTED PEOPLE!

[@tuhikusolomon647]

mistakes I know I made a few, but I'm only huuumaaan ❤ they way he sung that sentence gets me especially how he sung the word human daaang . thank you all the way from Aotearoa 'the land of the long white cloud ' Aka New Zealand ❤