RARE: Kool & The Gang - Who's Gonna Take The Weight (1972)

DISCLAIMER: This video was uploaded for educational and archival purposes. No money is being made from this video.

[@donpelon4568]

James Brown once said about Kool & The Gang- I can't quote his exact words- but that he first heard them on the radio while driving around in his car and nearly crashed. He said they were that BAD, and were the only band that could rival him and the JB's...

[@CrazyBxDon]

I heard that too!!!!

[@charlesbrazell2136]

Them and the Ohio Players were "it" man! 3-4-24.@@CrazyBxDon

[@ramsesstafford4640]

Right James used to hate on them too and paid certain radio stations not to play their stuff because he knew how good they were. I love James Brown by the way I'm just stating the truth.

[@vivianrossignon6620]

To me, this was Kool and The Gang at their best!!!!

[@glo1947777]

The trumpet player in the middle (red and black) became a good friend of mine while I lived in Harlem. Spike fell on hard times, but he was such a nice person: sitting in my apt and talking for hours.

[@dme1016]

Spike Mickens. Even though he was an original member, he didn't get writing credits, so he didn't get the big bucks.

[@dme1016]

Dennis, the alto sax player on the right, was the father'l of the young lady who played Theo's girlfriend on The Cosby Show, when they were late teens, who passed away young...in real life...not on TV.

[@williamparker3328]

Man, that is sad to hear! He could really blow that horn!

[@garynixon9035]

@@dme1016 Man you guys are dropping some knowledge on me THANKS !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@charlesbrazell2136]

It was during this same time period when I also met Spike Mickens-I lived on 139th street at the time, and we seem to hit it off immediately. I could tell though, that he had a "monkey on his back" at that time, but like you said, he seemed like an awful nice guy...he came to my place a couple of times and had dinner with me and we talked about music(I'm a musician, wouldn't you know?) Then he began to always come around, hitting me up for five dollars here, five dollars there-and I didn't want to, but it got to the point where I had to cut him loose, I'm sorry to say. In my opinion though if it wasn't for the "monkey" on his back he would've been one of the sweetest people you'd ever want to meet-genuinely. 3-4-24.

[@jamesdennis8290]

This is the original Kool and the Gang sound! We used to hear it all the time in the early 70s on Kinshasa radio back in the motherland. If you know Congolese music, you'll know why they recognized the hip new sound of Kool & the Gang.

[@mrstanbmw]

Hey Brah you are spot on this is the Sound of the Gang before they went Pop, all of the groups including EWF were down home Bands but they crossed over to make more bank I understand why they did it but those groups weren't the same I grew up on.

[@cellpat2686]

Wow this was a live performance and they sounded really tight here. Most of the guys in the band were barely 22 years old here. 50 years later only Kool & George Brown are still with us.

[@michelelaraia7358]

Played instrumental back then. Until 1978

[@thetzone6193]

(((TIIIIIGHT!!!)))

[@matsuihenriques2013]

The times when the music was a real art form.

[@MD-DLive]

This classic! Wow

[@MIKECNW]

Why do people like you mentioned these people's ages? Expect them to be over 30 or 40? The nerve of some people!

[@johnmcdougald1238]

That is amazing. I'm 52 years old, grew up in the 70's on Motown, Millenium, and K-Tel records, from back in the day. I never knew until now 1-21-2023, that Kool and the Gang were that instrumental with their front men.

[@brodocbetty4856]

This is the real Kool & The Gang, Ronald Bell is exceptional on sax.

[@deezerbee81]

Rip Khalis(Ronald) Spike,DT and Claydes

[@mrstanbmw]

yes this is the Kool i grew up on, they went POP i understand for the bank account but a lot was lost when they did.

[@charlesbrazell2136]

And I'll never understand why they made the decision to go from being the baddest funk-jazz group on the planet to being a disco group whose records I had not only stopped buying, but who I had lost respect for, as a group. 3-4-24.@@mrstanbmw

[@charlesbrazell2136]

And I've said it before and I'll say it again-Ronald Bell was the "John Coltrane" of all the leading R&B and Funk groups at that time; I mean "Satch" from the Ohio Players could play his tail off also, but he never "reached" me with his playing(nor any other sax player), the way Ronald Bell did back then; he was anointed and a genius. 3-4-24.

[@michelnormark8297]

Maceo Parker could also blow the sax.

[@Crudeoil794]

WHEN I WAS RAISING MY FOUR DAUGHTERS BACK IN THE DAY I WAS PLAYING "Who's gonna take the weight "no the radio 'and my 7 year old told me that you is.I feel out laughing and still taking the weight in 2023 with a lot of grand/great grandchildren. WHO ELSE GOING TO TAKE THE WEIGHT?

[@Lppolymath90]

The delightful irony is that 20 years later, most of their kids were dancing to this same song via sampling... just confirms that superb music traverses all age groups.

[@bee1054]

You mean 50 years later

[@Lppolymath90]

@@bee1054 True... but back in the early 90's, during my teenage years, sampling was becoming a very sophisticated artform- and this song, in particular, was sampled multiple times. And young folks were DEFINITELY dancing to it; don't take my word for it... Do your research.

[@oRuTRa45]

🎤 "Listen up, everybody, the bottom line/I'm a black intellect, but I'm refined..."

[@lindalocke3233]

The real deal BAND and all that happen in the 70,s these bands played their instruments Danced, sang,showed true professional style LIVE MUSIC. 👍No tracks no auto tune, I REPEAT LIVE PERFORMANCE. 🤯🙀🤯.

[@lindalocke3233]

The real talent of old school live musicians dancing, playing and singing no auto tune the real DEAL. 🤔🙀👍💞

[@Odawg96]

Also back when public school music programs were actually funded. People like to harp on the effects but never the causes(s).

[@jimferoce4862]

Would have loved to hear these guys talk about their musical influences, what was playing in their homes growing up, etc.

[@brianclarke270]

RIP Mr Brown. The original horn section is gone.

[@williamparker3328]

I remember seeing this on tv 📺 back when it happened. Man, this is a precious memory. All of them had big afro's which was a must have, back in the real days. Those brothers did this one live. These cats were dynamic. James Brown once said, next to his band, these guys were the BADDEST BAND out there!!! With James Brown saying that, what does that tell you?

[@vandasouzanogueira9395]

Era moda e não obrigatório

[@minorsnow5306]

....that james brown was a hater

[@williamparker3328]

@Minor snow What the devil are you talking about. You don't know jack squat. Kool and the Gang paid homage to James Brown on FUNKY STUFF! PLEASE STOP LISTEN AND LEARN BOZO!

[@lauraveney1412]

He helped name them and he was giving them props

[@williamparker3328]

@Laura Veney I didn't know that. Wow! I loved when they were straight up musicians. I'm not saying that I didn't dig them later in the disco era but they were much better when they were instrumentalists!

[@ezedikeohamadike9003]

Kool is from Youngstown. Lived in the same building in New Jersey as Monk.

[@itsmythang4177]

Instruments are needed back in our schools desperately.

[@Odawg96]

Exactly! People like to harp on how little talent today’s artist have, but never consider the systematic dissolution of public school music programs-that helped create groups like this and many more-especially in the “urban neighborhoods.”

[@itsmythang4177]

@@Odawg96 James brown & Rick James spoke on this in interviews I've seen.

[@marvinm.messier1120]

I don't know how many people out there realize how accomplished these guys were as musicians. They made a big dent in the pop world later on - but were also super respected by jazz cats because of this side of the band.

[@willf.5608]

Ronald Bell ( Khalis) killed that tenor sax solo...I loved these guys sound and vibe back then 🤘🏾🎼🤘🏾

[@deezerbee81]

RIP Ronald,Spike and DT..Claydes on guitar too

[@brodocbetty4856]

He's the closest person I've heard to Coltrane.

[@deezerbee81]

@@brodocbetty4856 There's a saxophonist named John Klemmer...you should check out.. His late 60s to mid 70s work...kinda flows in the Coltrane way....

[@creativesource3514]

When I listen to today's pop music.....so bland,so manufactured. We had the best music......and I still got it on vinyl!

[@terucks]

God this is beautiful! My ears 👂 the sound is so crisp!!!!

[@malekesoulfan]

Glad you like it!

[@standaman1963]

This channel is so needed in today's time. These videos bring back precious memories of my childhood.

[@kellyaustin7487]

Ya but there's no more true creative artists to put on the show. You'd see a bunch of non talented individuals and the occasional fantastic artist. Not enough good products. I miss those days. Soul train had all the best of the best back in the day. 🥺

[@nycgurl2u]

I totally agree. These bring back so many memories when I was kid while growing up in NYC in the 1970's. Truly the best times!

[@polly8844]

I can't stop watching these oldies!!!! Somebody please take back!!

[@ericbush6124]

This is when musicians played in school Band learned classical jazz Pop And R&B well rounded in their Craft 1000 hrs of practice Kool and the Gang was at tbe top

[@a.b.sproductionsllc]

Damn Black Is Truly Beautiful. Soul Train was so on point in it’s early years.

[@CoCotheTurtle]

Can you imagine being the keyboard player in Kool & the Gang? Telling family and friends that you are going to be on Soul Train, and they all tune in, only to find that the director didn't think you needed to be shown on TV!

[@leonguisburg413]

The keyboardist was Rick Westfield. He was the vocalist on "Hollywood Swingin".. This was a couple of years before "Hollywood", "Funky Stuff" and "Jungle Boogie". Mr Westfield passed away sometime in the 1980s

[@cheesesteak59]

That was awesome! I'm so happy I lived through that 1970s music era. Today's generation would run away from home if you made them listen to an (almost) all instrumental song but we sure grooved to them and dug the musicianship.

[@Kuwandi]

Reminds me of Saturday cartoons Fat Alberts ….loved it …those days were great

[@rodeofab182]

That’s where fat Albert singin style came from if u ask me

[@rodeofab182]

No disrespect to Herbie but me n my bro always said they should have been the music for that show They were the Gang

[@hassenmobarek5129]

Part of History. So Powerful Funk! ❤️❤️❤️❤️💥🔥💥🔥💥❤️💥🔥💥❤️💥🔥💥❤️💥🔥💥❤️❤️❤️🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎵♥️♥️♥️👍👌

[@jimferoce4862]

Holy crap. I watch this video about once a year and it’s more stunning every time. This music is just phenomenal as these dudes are in the zone!.

[@penwahpenwah]

NOW THIS IS KOOL AND THE GANG THE RELEAL KOOL AND THE GANG TRUTH THE WHOLE TRUTH NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH REAL RAW LIVE LIVING MUSIC

[@williamjackson4343]

I remember when Kool and the Gang would come through Richmond VA and play at the Jamaica Country Club near Ashland VA. Great times!

[@andrenaetrammell2711]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dig this gem here! Great find!

[@u-isabeats3346]

I need more shots like this

[@gregbowman4485]

Saw them live Hampton Roads COLISEUM 1974 with Tower of Power what memory

[@martinvera5962]

Wow hat horn 📯 section 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. WOW what a complete band!!! That's musicians and great singers.

[@beautifulportland9592]

This Never gets old . . . . Everyone person on that dance floor can DANCE! Unlike in 2023!

[@troysvisualarts]

Another excellent Soul Train performance from Kool & The Gang I've been wanting to see for years, fantastic song, thank you for sharing it!

[@blammm100]

Say it LOUD if you're BLACK and you're PROUD !!!! 👇

[@snausage22]

these dudes are tearing it up !!!!! wish i was there!!!

[@djl906]

This is so nice! thank you for posting and it's really good to see them performing their track live and not just moving along to the recorded/lip synced version which became the norm in the later years.

[@mr.jetlife2940]

Their drummers always goes crazy with it

[@erichanhauser3190]

To quote James Brown, "They're the 2nd baddest band out there".

[@basilshahid2905]

Priceless!! RIP Ronald Bell🌷 Don Cornelius was a genius! 👑

[@d3mist0clesgee12]

Wow, thanks so much, what a gem

[@robinharrington8073]

Those horns! Those horns!

[@gritzgravy1760]

Rest in peace Funky George Brown

[@lindalocke3233]

2023 The really ready fo sure BAND of the 70,s just one of MANY MANY BAD ASSS SHO NUFF FUNKY STUFF. 🙀👍👀

[@MrKingGator]

Awesome

[@rodeofab182]

YES YES N MORE YES THIS IS THE WEIGHT I W8D FOR NOW ALL CAN SEE WAT WAS NEDDED TO BE SEEN BY THE GANG!!! FUNK AT THE TOP LIKE NONE OTHER!

[@jedi7160]

Thank you

[@TheStarother]

My Day Every Day...

[@g.b.174]

Whenever I hear the studio cut I always think of "Louder than a bomb" by P.E. K&TG were top performers, Respect.

[@darrylgates8218]

The first time I ever seen the Hustle the corner gang who's gonna take the weight was Thanksgiving 1972

[@TheShabazzProduction]

Badd ass band!!!

[@kmttaseti]

Wonderful

[@reneejohnson9857]

WOW!!!!!!!What a PHENOMENAL line up of GREAT ENTERTAINERS !

[@Nanbebe7]

❤

[@bebopmom]

Sends chills!❤

[@roja9058]

Someone make the SSP release the Time travel tech, although this isn't the first place I would go, it's definitely on the list :-)

[@queensnewyawka]

Word up!! Need that time travel tech ASAP!!

[@moussetache1815]

It's getting too hot in here, lord

[@funknflow]

RIP FUNKY GEORGE one of the best to ever do it

[@a.b.s_productions]

Soul Train had a full show that week! Kool and the Gang, The Four Tops and Jackie Wilson!?!? Could it get any better then that?

[@malekesoulfan]

I restored the episode and uploaded it to the Internet Archive. It's episode #22 by the way. Questlove posted this episode along with episodes #86 & #103 (both featuring Kool and the Gang).

[@DJkansasCity1]

Love this soulful FUNK jam so much .... however it's speeded up way toooooo much, loses its groove feel. And I miss the narration intro by D.T. I presume... and of course (Ronald Bell) was exceptional on Sax ❤

[@gmendes1831]

Great Up!

[@guitarplayernoteworthy2857]

This music was before record companies got greedy, and involved…..

[@charliereese1002]

Unbelievable 😮

[@edwinkirkland8856]

THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH BLESSINGS ALWAYS LORD HAVE MERCY

[@MD-DLive]

Would love to see this whole show!

[@davidlynn3631]

They were the band of the neighborhood back in the if anyone ever listened to the Live at PJ,s album you know what i mean.

[@markballard4688]

I was 12 when this aired.

[@ronaldwilson1431]

Kool and the gang made the key of E funky!

[@glo1947777]

This is so cool

[@iamTW64]

That horn section is TIGHT! Ronald Bell's solo! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@robloxmaniacdanceandshake7871]

This version from soul train, was the one the used to play on the radio on the east coast for years..... Cuz, it was so dayum badass... And, pretty sure it was this version of "The Weight", which was sampled so much.... Most of K&TG were mostly barely 20..... And, to play that well?!!!..... Not too much can stand up to K&TG.

[@AnyRight-jm4rd]

2024 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@ronaldwilson1431]

It was definitely live cuz it was fast as hell!!

[@blacksantaria3642]

REAL BLACK MUSIC. I PLAYED ON THE SAME STAGE AS COOL AND THE GANG. THEY WERE TIGHT ALL THE TIME.SAD WHAT THE HOMICIDE RAP BS HAS DONE TO OUR GREAT MUSIC.

[@YosefEl75]

Chi town baby 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@marshalltravis3217]

Wow,, a true moment in time

[@Cosmic_Messenger]

MASSIVE!

[@erichanhauser3190]

God Damn Right.

[@xeropunt5749]

Pure gold 🔥🔥🔥 James Brown said “they’re so funky they run you off the road when you but the tape [8track] in the car!”

[@unique74muzik]

🙏 ✊

[@patmackie3499]

Quality... 1luv 😎..

[@mrstanbmw]

I'm here to tell you Kool and the Gang one of the baddest bands of all time they had to go POP to make real money however before that they were funk and a Jazz band, the Wild and PeaceFul album put the funk and jazz on full display

[@imbees2]

I never heard this one before.

[@guitarplayernoteworthy2857]

That was the real deal there, folks!

[@antenoralandir]

Os caras tem estrada!

[@spoonful1018]

Nice band - heard "of" em plenty, but never really "heard" em cause they didn't get the airtime

[@kennycrockett8202]

Funk Legends

[@alondakennedy1725]

Somebody name the Tribe Called Quest song that used this as a sample

[@Knick_Fury]

OH MY GOD

[@carouselred8994]

Sheer Black Excellence.

[@imbees2]

git it now on that horn!

[@aliyourbrother1]

I miss the Afro days

[@SpockMonroe]

I love them. Micheal Ray on the trumpet. A real dude.

[@oRuTRa45]

That's Spike Mickens. This is well before Michael Ray joined.

[@SpockMonroe]

Oh, okay. Thank I did not know that. I recall Micheal Ray coming into our coffeeshop in New Orleans with his trumpet in a brown paper bag sometimes and the Kosmic Krew and thought it was him. @@oRuTRa45

[@LoganCharlesII]

When musicians also knew how to play instruments!

[@Knick_Fury]

🫡🫡🫡

[@TheMolacho1]

SO FUNKY YOU CAN SMELL IT!🤜🤛

[@jeremymcguire8385]

making money

[@fabiangroom3228]

Not really, only when JT came along...

[@unc1589]

Ok so for the sake of posterity… All black people didn’t dance like this! I’m from New York! We were more refined. Way more cool. We didn’t “let it all hang out.” These are country folk. We used to watch soul train just to laugh at them. Just saying. Even Don Cornelius said the same thing. “We were cool. Suave.” He actually didn’t like how they danced on soul train.

[@MusicLoverPearson]

There's nothing rare about this song this was another hit song by them also as far as this vidieo we all saw this on Soul Train when it came on?