Ray Charles - It's Not Easy Being Green (1991)

Ray Charles performs "It's Not Easy Being Green" Live at The McCallum Theatre (1991) in Palm Desert, CA.
HB Barnum - conductor.
David Rokeach - drums.
Kenny Carr - guitar.
Benoit Grey - bass.
The Tommy Shepard Orchestra.

[@ToshaWarrenTalks]

A blind man singing about a color and other things he can't even see. I'm in tears. The irony. Such a beautiful song.

[@cybern9ne]

Ray wasn't always blind. He had to learn.

[@joanofarc33]

Its from Sesame Street. Kermit the Frog song kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIO9Xnyuj5lppMk

[@TygerVinum]

If u listen close...he sniffles in the end because he started crying too. Truly a beautiful and moving song.

[@billyf7444]

Thank you for your beautiful observation of this video as you took the emotions I have always felt watching this and managed to word my personal feelings with 100% accuracy in just these few perfectly chosen words, which was something I have somehow NOT been able to do -- up until I read your comment tonight :) I have said for many years, that if there was ONE singer that I was told I could hear sing ONE last song before I went to meet my maker, my choice would be Ray Charles without ANY question, who, in my opinion, is the Greatest Of All Time and your comment on what makes his version of "this" particular song so ironic and moving is poetic in its emotion and EXACTLY what I have always wanted to claify within myself and I just wanted to thank you for doing that for me - God Bless and #ROCKON

[@mywordsmyhandle]

this should be pinned comment

[@kkiissssiikk]

My daughter loves this song. She is a non-verbal with autism and she only wants to wear green dress and green leggings. I had to get 6 pairs …

[@tabathabrabham6384]

Sending Love

[@kkiissssiikk]

@@tabathabrabham6384 Thank you

[@tabathabrabham6384]

@@kkiissssiikk You're Welcome 🙏 😘 💞

[@ThereAreThoseWhoCallMeTim]

What makes me really tear up when listening to this performance is that Jim Henson, who originally sang this song in 1969 on Sesame Street and alongside Ray Charles in 1975, had passed away about a year prior. So Ray here is partially doing a tribute to Jim and expressing how much that song meant to him as a blind black person growing up in the pre-Civil Rights era. I can’t help but cry my eyes out whenever hearing this with that in mind.

[@voidstarq]

Yeah. I recommend watching Kermit's original version of this song; then -- *just in case* the allegory was a bit too subtle -- watch Kermit and Ray Charles singing it together (and as always, wonder at how *expressive* Kermit's face can be); and then watch this one.

[@RootsInDMLeavesinNB]

Ray Charles could probably have sung the phone book and made you laugh or made you cry, as he wished.

[@lindamaynard9107]

Charlie Fogwhistle, Lord knows that's the truth!

[@ms.tchristian1609]

Exactly

[@collinnc2001]

🙃no doubt

[@unclemano]

Omg this made me LAUGH!!

[@ksjoyjespeace]

Richard Sinclair too !

[@digitalcasanova]

R.I.P. Ray Charles & Jim Henson.

[@brianjones1296]

❤

[@lordburgendy6108]

It's not easy being green. It's not easy being blind. It's not easy being black. It's not easy living the childhood Ray's lived. I can see why he loved this song so much. Because despite it all, every bit of Ray was great.

[@byron3718]

@Scott D You know he became blind when he was 7? You think that's easy?

[@williamharris9417]

@Scott D eat sh!+

[@leostolwijk2118]

I agree fully

[@joanofarc33]

The song was very popular. It became super famous when Kermit the Frog first sang it in the Sesame Street movie and the show and many big artists sang it kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ3choOupZmFaLM

[@voidstarq]

Just in case the metaphors in Kermit's original version were too subtle for some people in the back of the class to pick up on, here's Ray hammering it home.

[@rubyramabu8791]

If this song is not playing at my funeral, I ain't dying.

[@RedyPiper]

My favorite ever comment made on KZbin

[@bluespectralmonkey]

green is the color of spring , and green can be cool

[@earltennysonjr4896]

Hardest laugh I've had today. I gotta use that one. 😅

[@zach2401]

So strange…three-ish months ago I told my best friend that I wanted this to be one of the songs played at my funeral. So beautiful.

[@pinkarate1]

Amen! Please come to my funeral and I'll be at yours! Let's make sure this song is played!

[@stephenperry779]

Absolutely one of the most brilliant covers ever recorded.

[@TygerVinum]

Facts!

[@burningwolf_9679]

100% true!

[@DystopianSideCharacter]

I mean he wrote it.

[@vince7735]

I prefer Mark Murphy's version.

[@TheCassidyCain]

I had no idea this existed. A beautiful voice can take a children's song sang by Kermit the Frog and turn it into such a powerful ballad

[@Corkczar]

Not ashamed to say it. The first time I heard Ray sing this silly little children's song, first recorded by a frog, I started crying. I realized what Ray had done was take it and make it about a six year old blind child in the poor south hated by too many for the color of the skin he could not see on his own body. With his incomparable soul and inimitable voice, plus an amazing arrangement added to it, it is now an anthem about survival, acceptance, understanding and love.

[@DragonCarbomb]

Preach.

[@jeffreywetterman6967]

I don't agree that this was ever a "silly little children's song". It has always been about isolation, self-doubt, and ultimately personal acceptance. The fact that it is about a frog and his greenness allows all of us to apply it to our own circumstances. This version by Ray Charles is brilliant and beautiful, but he doesn't reinvent the intent of the original. .

[@lauraelizabeth1789]

Beautiful, thank you 💚💚💚

[@rah62]

Jeffrey Wetterman You don't know "the intent of the original". You weren't there when it was written.

[@jeffreywetterman6967]

No, but the history of the song is well documented, I do read....I wasn't there when the Declaration of Independence was written either, but I can comment on it's original meaning. What is your point?

[@rexliraii3962]

i'm glad to hear im not the only one who cries

[@brucewickham8630]

Me too. Ray can do that to you

[@garybutler1551]

OMG Yes! Everytime I hear him sing this I either tear up if I don't outright cry.

[@kristinlford8098]

EVERYTIME!!! My mom passed 2018...i used to watch her and dad dance...they have passed...my heart aches everyday...SHE. was my BEST friend...so yes sweet person...everytime. MY💓2U&2URS.

[@emceereach]

As I'm watching the Jim Henson "Idea Man" documentary, I went searching for renditions of "Bein' Green" and found this. Be still, my heart. The late, great Ray Charles. AMAZING.

[@stedebassett1523]

It is said that Ray liked this song because he related it to his blindness. Perhaps he meant its not being different, not easy being blind.

[@frozenlake1215]

His pitch control is absolutely perfect. For all the expressive glides and bends and gospel soulfulness and emotive painting, he always returns to perfectly clear notes. Unbelievable. Truly one of the greatest of all time.

[@toughlikerocks]

That's what made him The Genius! Set everything else aside, and there was so much -the creativity, the soul, his outrageous personality and stage presence- on a musical level his execution was always perfect.Truly one of the greats. There was Ray, and then there's everyone else

[@claudevi1]

This has always been the song that comforted me, when i was in my lowest lows, being recent diagnosed with autism, it reminded me that I'm okay.

[@kkiissssiikk]

My daughter love this song. She is a non-verbal with autism and she only wants to wear green dress and green leggings. I had to get 6 pairs …

[@dwhite8997]

I had this on a 45 when I was a kid... This song had the words to describe the feeling trapped inside my heart... It was not easy... young, black, and a little girl living in the south.

[@ginadow3375]

I'm not ashamed to say i weep with joy and understanding and sadness and resolve every time I hear this. beautiful doesn't Begin to describe it.

[@marcelladetreville5364]

listen to this and hug yourself; then hug someone else, it is absolutely beautiful being

[@richardcondon3797]

+Marcella Detreville thank you you dear person.

[@summyb]

+Marcella Detreville Thank you. So beautifully expressed.

[@infinitelymusical]

Hit the nail squarely. This song is about accepting & loving oneself, one's individuality, one's uniqueness, sometimes despite all obstacles & appearances to the contrary. A valuable lesson not only for muppets & children.

[@cyanmonky]

green

[@arthistorynut]

I'm having a terrible night of depression and seeing your comment was wonderful

[@Drellistenstomusic]

That made me tear up a little and I ain't even sure why.

[@shedricksmith2964]

The first time I heard this recording I cried also

[@ccirish4519]

Cause you wanna be green bro.

[@sogladtobefree]

You are just too precious that's why! Happy New Year, my friend.

[@araynahamilton1085]

Drellistenstomusic yep Ray did Kermit proud with this cover😏

[@Boy_legend9k]

Drellistenstomusic me to

[@Overseerweqq]

Perfect song, green is a metaphor for being human

[@juliannedodson970]

I had that Muppets album when I was a child and that song always made me cry when Kermit sang it, but this is on a whole nother level. The tears are rolling!

[@hankigoe829]

I first head kermit sing this on sesame street when i was a kid, never would have predicted I'd hear this haunting version as an adult

[@MickeySightings]

To think as a young boy he had vision and could see the colors around him...makes this song even more poignant.

[@cameronfix2363]

What a beautiful human being. Sometimes people forget that. A beautiful HUMAN BEING.

[@mochalattemiss]

So love this rendition! Rest in peace, Brother Ray!

[@abigailwatson1619]

Sheila Coleman-Castells I agree. Ray may be gone physically, but he will always be here in his music, as well as the legacy he left behind, too. :)

[@sheaclarkson73]

Man....I first heard this on the Cosby Show... In my childhood.... This song, that show, this artist... RAY CHARLES... Touches my soul.... My heart... Reminds me of a time, when life could be defined in a "Simple Song"....

[@SafaAlkan]

You should listen from Sinatra also

[@courtneywilliams5565]

Me too I loved that episode ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@susantomasetti1642]

Not silly.

[@jonleonoudakis9623]

An underappreciated song sung by one an absolute master and genius, who feels every note, every chord, every nuance of the song.

[@TheIgnatzz]

Jim Henson was a genius, and this song is part of the evidence. Thanks, Ray.

[@davidrosswandzilak9951]

Joe Raposo wrote it

[@davidrosswandzilak9951]

he wrote many of the songs for Sesame Street

[@coachoster]

32 people are monsters for down voting this beauty.

[@lauraelizabeth1789]

Tears falling for Ferguson. Beautiful tribute to those suffering racism.

[@brandilucas9703]

The Cosby Show bought me here ... The one where Rudy wanted to wear her pretty purple summer dress to a birthday party but it was autumn and Claire wasn't here for Rudy's shenanigans and made her take that dress off and put on some fall clothes. That was one of my favorite Cosby Show scenes because of this song.

[@scheherazadenoir5950]

I can't stop clutching my heart when I listen to him hit notes from another realm. Ray Charles was listening to music from another universe.

[@jeannineasselin2804]

So beautiful said. I feel the same way.

[@OperaGhost-5]

My mom toured Europe and sang under the direction of Ray Charles.

[@Lillaridge]

What’s your moms name I’d love to hear her music

[@danielm4114]

Great song, great suit, great man. Ray was unparalleled in his revision of other people's music. Another musician once said of him "When Ray gets ahold of it, it ain't no more their song."

[@richardcondon3797]

this should be our national anthem. It unites.

[@parsnipmcgee329]

A very good idea.

[@funny.gon-12]

especially when your Irish .

[@SabakaJunglay]

@@funny.gon-12 😅🍀

[@blotzphoto]

Seconded

[@kkiissssiikk]

Especially during Bidanomics. Just kidding.

[@MrDeadstu]

Wow, just wow, I had no idea this existed, amazing performance Mr Charles.

[@jurgenolivieira1878]

This song always breaks me... we often use "it's not easy being green" among friends after something happened l, which was clearly caused by being perceived as different or worse. I actually found this cover after a friend posted me that sentence. I send him the kermit and this version... it never fails to lift you up.

[@tbear2581]

Could listen to him all day and night. We were blessed to have his voice.

[@tobinhays652]

One of my favorite childhood songs, by one of my favorite singers, Rest in peace for both Ray Charles and Jim Henson, which they both deserve. Thank you for posting this.

[@ianmiddleton9143]

...and for Joe Raposo who wrote the song.

[@MrKeithy22]

It's not easy being human.

[@ujiria]

Here we go

[@cornstorm666]

What a tribute to Kermit by such a legend 💚💚💚🐸

[@candycrushes2460]

I’m in the hospital with Covid and I have pneumonia but this song makes me cry and smile at the same time 🙂..please pray for me I have no one with me now and I’m scared to die alone here

[@inomrasmith]

Are you okay?

[@zackattack32]

I hope all is well with you friend

[@LauraAbshire]

@@zackattack32 Me too ♥

[@haroldneuman5837]

I hope u came through it ok?

[@kkiissssiikk]

Her channel posted 2 weeks ago. I think she is all right now.

[@banessa22]

We need this message now more than ever

[@barbaralecam9085]

still makes me cry!!!😢😢😢😢 one of the most important and beautiful songs ever written!

[@peterdeeclark]

Mr Charles ..makes me cry with this every time!

[@shedricksmith2964]

+peter clark Me too

[@the4rtistandtheproduc3r]

That deserved a standing ovation.

[@dwea1981]

I heard this on The Cosby Show and fell in love! The chord changes are AMAZING!

[@euracoleman4212]

i love this song and certainly love Ray's rendition.... It's ok to be just who you are

[@DMVAUDITS]

My favorite version. Soulful and heartfelt! 💜😌

[@lanicalipari-jones6551]

I always cry.....

[@elcamino-go3pb]

The composer of this beautiful piece of music is the legendary "Joe Raposa" read his autobiography to see how he arrived at composing this fabulous piece.

[@richardcondon3797]

listen to the voice. a trumpet playing at its best. this guy loved the song and lyrics. again...this is a symphony.

[@abigailwatson1619]

Wow. :) Very awesome, as well as very inspiring... :) I can imagine Kermit singing the song The Rainbow Connection with Ray, as well as Ray nodding in approval and telling Kermit that he agrees with Kermit about a rainbow being beautiful, too. :)

[@0321mytube]

absolutely a great rendition of the song. Makes me feel sad and happy at the same time. Just like the original with Kermit. I love it.

[@urbanpoodle]

Makes me cry every single time. The Kermit original of my childhood does, too.

[@natenelson2180]

First time I heard Ray Charles. I was 10 years old. I’m 25 now and I’ve never heard this song from him. He’s been my number 1 favorite musician ever.

[@intsccents]

could not have been said any better, let us embrace all of the colors out there ...

[@davidslindsayjr.9243]

The first time I heard this it was on the Cosby show when Rudy couldn't ware her summer dress in the fall and she tried to trick her dad into to let her do it any way and her mom caught them

[@infinitelymusical]

As important a composition as "Over the Rainbow." All-time Classic. Thank you, Joe Raposo...and Ray Charles, of course.

[@mikebasil4832]

Thank you so much, Ray, for so beautifully honouring one of the most special songs from my childhood. R.I.P. 💚

[@richardcondon3797]

No one ever dared to mess with the music here. Nor with the lyrics. This is about you, me, us.Waht came first...music or words. This is poetry.

[@luigi5834]

This man is amazing! I’m in tears right now.

[@solly2kings]

When Ray Charles sings this song, there is a magic that is felt on your heart and a stirring in your soul. Thanks for sharing.

[@saveferris6864]

tears flowing

[@kimr.5149]

Well isn’t this a hidden gem. Beautiful 🎶 song. Rest Peacefully Mr.Charles❤️🙏🕊️

[@guitartrainbillkalkman77]

Hearing Mr. Charles sing this brings tears to my eyes. A great vocalist/musician and a wonderful song.

[@natalielball]

you know i’m crying bc ray is amazing. and i love him dearly because he’s making a kids song a reality and it’s heart aching almost ❤️

[@ag4389]

This song always makes me cry. It’s so beautiful and we can call relate. Ray just puts so much into this ❤❤

[@gloriabebop5313]

Believe it or not i had never heard this song! I heard it for the first time on The Cosby Show & my daughter explained to me the real meaning of the song, just heard the whole song for the first time today when i bought it up on You Tube, beautiful song & beautiful meaning, this song is timeless!❤🌹

[@seahorseceremonies4146]

Thinking of my Sister-in-Law Robyn who died last week. It’s not easy being green love.

[@ericwillis7480]

First time I heard this was watching a Cosby Show episode. Great song

[@mmoses298]

beautiful,absolutely beautiful song. Although you have to be at a certain maturity level and have had gone through some shit to understand it,to really feel it. -RIP Bro. Charles.

[@xaviermagnate]

OMG!!! FINALLY SOMEONE UNDERSTAND!!!!! Tears!

[@Tipsy_Turby]

I’m about to cry, this is amazing. The meaning of this song I beautiful. Also blind man singing about a color he may’ve never seen before makes me so sad :(

[@Mr.Northman]

This is the most beautiful song I've ever heard.

[@sadiekay6397]

how has this only had 40,000 views?!?!? it's soooo good!

[@MickeySightings]

Loved this song on The Cosby Show. I think we can all relate to it.

[@richardcondon3797]

if one of the great classical composers had heard this tune it would have led to, at least, another movement in one of their symphonies. it has the making of being an entire 4 movement symphony as does wave by jobim. that's what is pulling you in. that, and ray's love of fine melody and mood creating music.

[@cindiballer2939]

More Beautiful than anyone could have done or even imagined with this Not Easy Being Green song. Good all the Time ! Party On !

[@Blitzuro]

This made me feel emotional

[@henryhehman8015]

i love ray charles love the muppets and love this song

[@juicyboo7675]

Here in 2020 so much is going on pandemic racism i really enjoyed this song as a kid and still now thanks Ray

[@justah2668]

Ray Charles love that dude

[@hallehconger823]

My bird's song! This is for u Hulk. I love u.

[@nicholasgoodrum1713]

Such an amazing performance 💚

[@DuelKingYami]

The first time I heard of this song was at the beginning of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles episode - episode 3, Attack of the Mousers. It opens with Mikey narrating - “A very wise frog once said, ‘It’s not easy bein’ green’, but trust me, he didn’t know the half of it.” Took me a few years too long to figure out he was alluding to Kermit. Awesome song❤

[@bobarmstrong3218]

Magical singer/musician, pure heart & soul. What a great song!

[@kristinlford8098]

...you not the one sweetheart. Life is about how well WE face the challenges. Love you.

[@brandondaauthordomineck3721]

Deep song

[@dawnsloane6751]

This song gets me every time...every version. But this one is quite beautiful 💚

[@helensmith8166]

I miss the genius of Ray Charles and you can add me alongside those who cried when they first heard him sing this beautiful. It's not that easy growing up black in pre civil rights America!

[@LounoirRecords]

this song just gives me peace of mind somehow, neaver ceases to fail whenever i'm feeling down

[@kristinlford8098]

MY BEST friend who was my mom...this was one of her favorites....she could play that organ like there's no tomorrow....

[@charlottenoel8745]

I just heard this song on The Cosby Show. And then I needed to see Ray sing it live. This song truly evokes a lot of emotions. Thank u Ray,for only you could.

[@justincoleman2740]

This really touches me. Thank you so much Ray.

[@ricoanderson9323]

I cry every time I hear this song

[@jonas2431]

Makes me cry everytime

[@ringmaster2500]

Thank You, Ray. Hope you and Jim are resting green and easy laid back above

[@user-ji2kr1zy9s]

спасибо тебе Рей за твой вклад в нашу жизнь за бесценные песни за все спасибо ты лучший музыкант 20 века

[@jessicad8254]

Growing up as a Hispanic woman who had olive 🫒 skin in the south !?!? This always stuck with me “ 🐸it’s not easy being green 🦖🦎🐍🐢”

[@kellydimon15]

Why can’t we love one another.. please help us and thank you God for these greats.. 🍀💚

[@taylornicole5106]

Omg this was so freakin BEAUTIFUL!!💚😭😭

[@kevinmcclaran8142]

Better then the Leana Horne version

[@NaOmi-cw3ng]

Keep Coming back for this Cover ❤