The Beginning Of My End- The Unifics

a heartbreaking song circa 1969

[@joannewilliams5254]

Still listening in 2024 and it move’s me the same as it did back then 😢😢😢❤️

[@rebeccaalston7504]

Oh yes.

[@christinan6450]

Back in the day everybody who loved R&B Soul music knew this song. I don’t believe there has ever been a sadder song on the planet. The song ,is both sad & beautiful ; Mandates introspection & touches your very soul. The voices of all the vocalist harmonize beautifully. I label this song as 1 of the true greats of the era & beyond.

[@tyrearn9235]

And you would be right. Too bad that Berry Gordy never got his hand on these talented brothers.

[@shirleyseawood7384]

My brother sung this son at his high school talent show 🎤, he sounded just like this guy. People loved 🥰 to hear my brother sing 🎶. He had the king of voice that would make any body cry 😢. I sure miss my baby brother, he died from kidney cancer ♋️ 7 yrs ago, we will meet again & we all can sing 🎶 in the “HEAVENLY CHOIR”.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿💯💯💯

[@shahaadahabdul-jame8259]

You are absolutely right. 9/2022 and a tear dropped

[@christinan6450]

@@shirleyseawood7384 : So sorry for your loss. May your baby brother RIHP

[@dannycarter2713]

@@tyrearn9235 a hhjjjjjjjj up]

[@0369DevilDawg]

Back in 1973, I met the lead singer working a side hustle gig in a club in Southeast DC. Every time I go see him perform I would ask him to sing this song. He would smile and graciously sing his heart out. This is Howard University's own Unifics. RIP brother.

[@jewellfoster2974]

This sad song was the bomb back in the day. Tears for when life was simplistic and the front door was unlocked during daylight hours.

[@MrToclever4u]

My father is an original member Greg Cook. He is still with us but lately has been sick. I love seeing all the comments about the group and my father it makes me proud even though i was to young to see him perform.

[@rexxgarvin5313]

+Aaron Cook How old is your Dad?

[@MrToclever4u]

65

[@MrToclever4u]

rexx garvin​

[@rexxgarvin5313]

How old is your Dad?

[@MrToclever4u]

+rexx garvin 65

[@cullenharris3972]

Couldn't sleep this morning so I decided to listen to my old skool music. And I came across this song. It wasn't a car accident that took my beautiful wife Robbie. She passed away from cancer December 2nd, 2016!! I've been struggling since then. Not a day goes by that I don't miss her. During this difficult time in everyone's life. I find myself thinking of her, and all of the beautiful conversations we would be having. Her holding me, and reminding me to keep the faith and pray 🙏🏾🙏🏾. I know I'm not the only one wishing they had the love of their life with them now. I have 2 grown sons and a daughter at home from college. However it's not the same 😣😥. So please my KZbin family just asking you to keep me in your prayers. Rest in Heaven my love. Until we meet again. Continue to rest in God's loving arms. I know you are in Soul Heaven singing in the most amazing choir ever!! I love you 💘❤💓💕💖💗💙💚💛🧡💜🖤💝💞💟❣💌

[@Ehud-yk5oo]

Sending up Prayers 4 U from SC

[@demetricejohnson1183]

This song has opened up so many eyes. Please never go away or to bed angry 💔

[@jesusislord3321]

TRUE

[@vickifellows3011]

2023 Still Listening😔🥰

[@benetagillespie4388]

WHO'S STILL LISTENING TO THIS CLASSIC IN "2019"

[@shirleybutler2623]

OMG Please don't leave me out how about May 07 2019 This beautiful classic is in its own class of its own do you agree? A trip down memory lane 4SURE!!

[@benetagillespie4388]

@@shirleybutler2623 I AGREE 100% MS.SHIRLEY!!

[@bobbywalker7701]

I do

[@mdt33313]

I also learned of this song as a kid, and my mom (R.I.P), told me the song was based on a true story. It's a classic!!

[@rSharpeMusic]

My Mother played this for her love of music, I played the song in awe of the lyrics and the way they made me view life and everything that comes along with it.

[@elwoodgibson6598]

I heard this song on a 45 on a cloudy day. My father reminded me to go downtown to meet my mother to get my tuxedo shirt. This song played in my head while I was riding the bus downtown and I cried the whole way.

[@nubianP43]

you have to be old enough to understand that pain. I remember this song as a child when my parents used to play it. Beautiful memories

[@andrethompson2034]

An all time classic 👌, I'm sixty years old this year 2022 and I first heard this song about 7 or 8 years old or so. Soul music from the 60s and 70s doesn't get any better.

[@vernonjohnson6627]

Indeed

[@paulboyd4079]

I agree almost 70 remember tht group but this song makes you cry, this is a true story. The Unifics were the Best, Great singers & Music🎶

[@andrethompson2034]

@paulboyd4079 a lot of people don't know Glen Leonard who sang tenor for Temptations came from this group. He sang the high part on the Christmas classic Silent Night

[@darleneware2039]

The sixty is my Era ❤❤❤❤❤I will be 65 in May April showers bring MAY FLOWERS 💐 💐💐💐💐💐

[@stephenbynum4793]

This song gives me goosebumps

[@justpepperangelique4002]

This was played every Monday night for Blue Mondays when the show was about to end and my mama would have tears running down her face every time she heard this song. Beautiful song❤😭

[@hakimabdulmuhammad5693]

This record is my life story and it made me famous in Jr high school I sang it in my talent show. And the girls went crazy 🤪 😜

[@Ehud-yk5oo]

lol

[@benjaminvilla5727]

What a great song. Never heard it before. Powerful, makes me cry 😢

[@ERNIEASTWOOD]

Takes me back to the 70's. It hits you in your heart.

[@christinan6450]

This is a beautiful song & the saddest song ever produced in R&B. To this day, I can’t help shedding tears when I hear it. The song is a cautionary tale that is just as pertinent today as it was in the past. Cherish the ones you love now; you may not have them later.

[@sistabrim471]

The Chilites Coldest Day of My Life is sad and great too.

[@stephaniecommodore745]

Every time I hear this song I cry. In 1973 I had a son by someone who I was truly in love with. When my son was six weeks old his father passed away. And this song always takes me back to that time in my life. My son is 44 now but I will never forget. This song is a masterpiece

[@MrSlimbro]

I'm battling stage 4 cancer but I'm trusting in God, Praying, & ready for whatever comes....

[@MrSlimbro]

Thank you for your encouraging comments & Prayer.

[@bismillahrabbani9006]

My husband is too D Coop. I will be adding you to our prayers for both of you to heal and put your best foward from now on.

[@MrSlimbro]

And I will be Praying for your husband and family as well. This is not easy but God is with us all. We must Pray & keep the Faith. God is with us .

[@bismillahrabbani9006]

Ameen, thank you.

[@carlstromberg4343]

D Coop yes!

[@larryjackson2641]

This is a very sad song for someone who lost there love ones in death. I remember when this song first came out in the mid 70ths. And may my mother and father rest in peace. Because when they die, it was the beginning of my end. May GOD Bless.

[@brookjersey]

SADDEST R&B BALLAD. Living back in 68 and hearing that heartbreaking song? Whoa!

[@shortyrok1]

I love the story songs. You can picture the song as he sings it. Brings me to tears every time...

[@ERNIEASTWOOD]

I first heard this song in the 70's. It was so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes.

[@wbmalcolmmyers5047]

we lost the lead singer brother Al Johnson today...this makes this song seem even mare sad..thank you to the group..thank you!R.I.P brother ..you now get sing with the heavenly choir.

[@justme-yu2pz]

RIP Al Johnson. Thank you for your talent.

[@mikalodean]

I love this song, I used to play it over and over and cry. My mother used to ask why , because it's a beautiful song and I just found it again. Saved it, LOL

[@MiMi1528]

Love it! This was a great song!❤️

[@KMHNIKI]

Love this song,very sad,the story in the song is what happens in life.👍

[@Deikoka]

This song always made me sad. Takes me back to childhood when Mom Dukes use to play this. Now that she's gone, it can really move me to tears

[@drumrolle]

I was fortunate enough to see The Unifics perform at The Apollo when I was a kid. They were amazing. I truly had never seen a group with moves like there's before or since. I had the pleasure of meeting Red while performing in D.C. What a nice guy an still as amazing now as he was 300 years ago. I am glad they're back together again.

[@jeffreystephens4997]

this is a great song i listen to if often brings tears to my eyes. I remember my younger years pretending to be one of the great singers of those days. They sang back then and their moves to the music was just as great.

[@shelialavender8627]

One of my favorite songs of all time.

[@blessed9224]

I love this song!! Man that's when they were making MUSIC 💙💙💙

[@tinarhodes957]

I first heard this song when I was about 11 and I still listen to it from time to time, it makes me tear up Everytime!

[@melodysanger103]

This is one of the saddest songs ever yet it's beautiful because of the music, the melody, the vocals and the message is timeless. Rest in Peace Al Johnson....add another to the heavenly choir!

[@lindaharris8470]

Its 2021, and am still loving this one 🥰

[@brownsuga6654]

Such a powerful song. Even when I used to hear it as a young child I would become sad and quiet. You know a song is powerful when it can move a child to tears.

[@bobbywalker7701]

Im with u

[@constancebell454]

This song happens to me, my best friend when we were young was killed in a car accident after arguing with her boyfriend and drove off and hit a guardrail. Everytime I hear this song I choke back tears. This was back in 1982.

[@jesusislord3321]

😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@krikon575]

As others has said, this could be one of the saddest songs in the history of music but also one of the best. This hits hard every time i hear it.

[@ministeralawsonsr637]

I grew up listening to this Song, and sometimes find my self singing it Today (2020/5)

[@brendafreeman3284]

This song really gets you, time is not promised

[@deedee-pt5ky]

Wow,wow,wow speech less What avoice

[@gloriacoffman4089]

Yes Lord, so sad...it's affecting my family now!

[@brianpearis1478]

Amen, RIP KOBE BRYANT

[@patrickwashington3868]

Continuous Blessings to your father my brother. The Unifics were superb dancers & singers. The choreography on Court Of Love is still a favorite of mine to this day upon watching their videos. God Bless Mr. Cook. Holla! Delfonics Forever!

[@coolyg8620]

I was six years old when this song came out. I remember hearing this song for the first time. I felted in love with the message that this song said. When you love someone don't let a fight be the last thing you have to remember because you never know if you will see that person again.

[@janetsylve9959]

OMG!! I finally found you. I love this song so much knowing my parents are both rejoicing back together again. R.I.P. 🌹

[@joepolk5197]

this is one of the saddest yet the most beautiful songs I remember. I waited thirty plus years for props be paid to this group. after waiting to long I took it on my own a wrote a play titled "The Beginning Of My End" and performed for the Inmates at The Ramsey II Unit Of The Texas Department Of Criminal Justice. My reward Was a standing Ovation and teary eyes from the packed chapel. Props X100 to "The Unifics".

[@petew8279]

This was one of My top 5 of emotional records that just makes You vision happening; Man I don’t care how many times I hear this record it just takes Me there. TY Unifics ❤️💯

[@sheiladavis6523]

Pete W ... what were the other 4 ? Thank 🦋 You for your reply May 10,2023

[@jamesgreen5353]

I played Bass fo e

[@dwjoseph59]

This song hits you directly in your heart, so beautiful & so sad at the same time. If you can't feel this, you might hate music or may not have a soul!! A POWERFUL SONG!!

[@SolarRadioFM]

Absolutely true, 100% agreed !

[@cathleanjohnson675]

A kid when this dropped, always reminded me of one of my first cousins who lost her fiance in Vietnam 1967, melancholy but still beautiful at the same time, they performed here in Newport News, Virginia awhile back, still got it, unfortunately we will never experience this era in music again, blessed to be a witness even as a child..

[@chickable26rollerchick37]

I Love This Song It Brings Tears To My Eyes Thank you for sharing..

[@samthesham5294]

I was 15 when this came out however l lost a good friend at 21 while serving in the Army. He died in a car accident going to fast on a curb. I had just saw him the week before..l cried so hard at hearing this song end as the Pain in his voice doing that Last Note is almost to hard to hear. It fits how l felt when l heard the news about my friend.

[@jesusislord3321]

😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@1beautifulwaterdance]

There are so many memories attached to this song for everyone who remembers it.The name of the song says it all.I heard this song when i was young.I loved it then and i still love it now.This song is beautiful.

[@doedavis3419]

This song took me back to the 70's when I was a kid and my mom use to play it on the record player over & over. I miss those days.😪

[@kmttaseti]

One of the greatest and saddest love songs ever!

[@kathyjohson1273]

One of the most hauntingly, beautiful songs of all time!!!

[@addiebrooks6169]

Speak the truth, brothers. Life is only a puff of smoke. Here one minute and gone the next minute!! Still can't understand why my Aunt, maternal grandparents and maternal great grandmother had to leave this earth, oh, much too soon.

[@kathyjohson1273]

Oh wow!!! One of the most saddest and most beautiful songs, ever!!! Still brings tears to my eyes smh

[@micksutube]

I had the pleasure of hearing Al Johnson of the Unifics sing this beautiful ballad two nights ago at the Howard Theater, where he opened for Millie Jackson. He can still bring the magic!

[@bedfordguy8897]

This is one sad song........but a great one.......Love it! My oldest brother loved this song!

[@katherinewilliams7051]

I love this song it's powerful

[@gwendolynthomas3500]

I love this song to my bones. Listen to that music and the flute! This is really a beautiful song. I remember seeing them for the very first time singing this song on Soul Train. I cried like a baby...........

[@DouglasBrown-wb5bb]

❤❤❤

[@rford1543]

This is a great song! I still remember EVERY word!...It touches my heart to this day!

[@jennytalia226]

You can't fail to be moved by this beautiful song.

[@ChevyHawk]

Thank you Al for that beautiful voice. You were one of the few singers who had what they call a "perfect pitch" voice. This is a classic song that can bring grown men to tears....

[@winfredfallen4305]

The orchestration in the song is absolutely phenomenal and timeless...the vocals are flawless..the way that lead singer handles the lyrics stops me in my tracks. Everything about this song says "soul classic". I don't believe anyone else could sing it as these guys did!!!

[@jamesthomas3471]

My heart felt the beautiful sadness of the music and the song. It will always remind me of the chocolate memories of days gone by. I am a survivor of those days. Are you?

[@vernonjohnson6627]

Indeed

[@markporter8196]

Classic sound, nothing like it in the world. This is when lyrics realy meant something.

[@thomaswashington5888]

Such a powerful song! WOW!!!!!

[@rosebullock9157]

There will never be another talent like you Al Johnson! Thanks for giving all of yourself! I hope to see you on the other side!

[@williammason475]

dedicated to my dad, whom I lost last November and my mother 15 years ago, they are now living in God's glory, I will see you again. Love, your son Billy

[@msleneware5472]

William Mason yesssssss u will Amen sorry for your lost God Bless u Mr Mason!!!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@jamesslocumb2408]

ITS OUR JOYS IN KNOWING THAT GOD GOT EM...NO WORRIES. BLESS YOU BRO.

[@patsie75]

Sorry for your loss William--I lost my parents too--They are in Heaven waiting for me. Big hug for you my friend

[@lawettalanier6018]

My song

[@walterrichards106]

God bless you William I was like 11 or 12 when I saw them at the Apollo 70 71 with the glowing gloves

[@endless441]

Powerful lyrics that touches people in every way. If u can feel this song u know life is precious. Great song

[@kevinpowell1791]

A great group my wife and I have had the distinct pleasure to see perform in person two years ago in Camden New Jersey. Their performance brought back so many great memories of our youth and we are ever so grateful. Thank you Unifics for the memories.

[@tommiexander]

Lord Have Mercy! This brings back soo many memories. I used to play this record a lot when I was a teenager. Just listening to this man sing about his pain and misery of losing the love of his life in a car accident after they had a silly fight, just makes me cry every time I hear this song. And I have heard this song many times and cried many times. It has that kind of affect on me, even when I was a adolescent. It touches your heart to the core. Soo beautiful.....

[@paulaswinson4052]

When I first heard this song as a child. I cried for hrs. And it still has the same feeling over me. Beautiful song.

[@dirkiepofadder9223]

This song tells a story!Life is short,live it to the fullest, ask the ones you have wronged for forgiveness, move on!Wonderful guys!

[@NJNupe1911]

A beautiful but sad song!! I love it! Thank you for posting!

[@realrosesforever3847]

We have to put pride, selfishness and vanity aside and just love those in our lives because one day we’ll have to say goodbye until all Gods children meet again. Let’s pray for one another instead of hurting each other. Today is a gift of Gods love. Share the love ❤️ . God bless and help us all.

[@UNbowed62]

Owh Lord! This is one of my all-time faves! Al Johnson's voice was, and still is, so rich & beautiful. My, my ~this song is still so powerful. Real fkn singing with majestic enunciating of the words, as in, you can hear & understand them. No video needed, just fkn powerful!

[@valendanewell5901]

A BEAUTIFUL song telling a sad story...FANTASTIC vocals bringing the words to life and flowing straight to our HEARTS....ALL TIME FAVORITE!!💯

[@princessthomas106]

this song is amazing I love I'm only 20 and I been listening to this song since I was little but it reminds me of the day I lost my father three years ago 😢😥😩

[@joycegresham3669]

Stay strong baby I know I hit you in the gut but God got you and me too I know the feeling my parents are no longer here stay strong 💖

[@joepolk5197]

A sad song yet one of the most beautiful songs I have ever embraced, From time to time I listen and the results are the same,,, tears in my eyes, Beautiful without a doubt!

[@jamesthreatt5018]

One of my favorites back in the day. I have this on 45. Think I paid about .50.

[@StrawberryQwik]

I've been telling my now adult kids about this song for 20+ years, and finally they can hear it. This song is a sobering reminder that 99.999% of the things we fuss 'n fight about really don't matter. If this doesn't put it all in perspective nothing will. THANKS for uploading this sad-but-inspiring song.

[@clive6641]

R Kelly is the only current singer/song writer capable of capturing this kind of emotion. I stumbled on this gem a few years ago and I play it every chance I get. Today with covid19......Lord have mercy!

[@belindawalls3261]

I LOST THE ONE I TRULY EVER LOVED! MY TEARS ARE STILL FALLING!!!!!!

[@nesoldier74]

I close my eyes and remember my moms 45 playing...I miss her soooo much

[@williamgriffin3878]

saw this great group at the uptown in Philly on stage had a great time

[@nathanielbyrd4110]

Is this Will from 17th and Norris?

[@davidmorris5]

nesoldier74 , Treasure those memories.

[@joebaugh1025]

nesoldier74 .

[@wesleystudemire3459]

I agree, as a youth, I was in-charge of playing the records when company came. This is one of those songs, that you can't forget.

[@novellarobinson9807]

I love this song never depart mad at each other

[@looksrdeceivn]

yes ... that is a great lesson learned...

[@jeffreygadson]

Never go to bed angry...

[@Catscantrhymenomo]

Hands down, the saddest song ever made...I still tear up when i hear this song...

[@heatherferreira4225]

Second saddest. Try "I'm Living In Shame" by Diana Ross & The Supremes. This one hits you in the stomach but THAT'S the saddest one. :'(

[@Methuselah2015]

My nephew has been gone for almost 4 years. He was 17. He'll be home soon I pray

[@John-ip3xm]

Me too...second would be, "I wish it Would Rain", by the Temptations. I hurt so so much losing my parents!😥😥😥❤❤ From, "Whitey John!"

[@deedee-pt5ky]

Amen Billy mom passed away five years ago, she is with Jesus Christ

[@joycekearsley4862]

I lost my daughter two years ago and this song bring back so many memories!! Rest in peace my loving daughter.

[@joycekearsley4862]

I lost my daughter 3 years ago

[@1hunny51]

Joyce Kearsley, so very sorry for your loss...no parent should ever have to bury a child. I pray that your ❤ is healing, & that you have peace within. 🙏

[@gloriapeebles8484]

condolences

[@deborahporter2850]

This is my song I played over and over again when I lost my mother, she had a massive heart attack and a bleeding on the brain, when I left for work we were laughing and talking when I got off she was in a coma and never came out love forever mama

[@boniswaayan8362]

Back in the 50's and 60's artists sang about losing a loved one through death as a matter of [ an extremely painful part of life]. It's not dark, it is a part of the cycle of the spirit. I had a terrible loss in 1971 ,the teenage love of my life was killed and these songs helped me to grieve. It's apparent that in this current culture... we as a society have a hard time facing hard realities. This is one of my favorites sad and beautiful.....and tears still come to my eyes because I'm still human.

[@kennethjjohnson7233]

Bad is me n my n

[@charlesrandolph8441]

IF THIS SONG DOES NOT HIT YOU IN THE HEART,THE GUT,THE SOUL....YOU ARE DEAD!

[@larrylong8460]

okay

[@larrylong8460]

+Larry Long if you need a song to slow dance song the beginning of the end is the s*** it's nothing like in it makes you make all the right moves and so

[@ThaBrooklynHurricane2]

+charles randolph Agreed. Most of their material was like this. And the choreography was the absolute tightest!

[@anitac.satterwhite2030]

yes

[@bettyetorkpo3400]

charles randolph so true

[@MusicDude86]

Such a heartfelt song. To write a song with such a powerful message is something that is lost in today's popular music. Songs like this capture the listener's attention. Thank you for posting this sunmanpatoo. :)

[@peggystoutemorin4529]

First time hearing this song. So very sad!

[@carlperry5227]

This song still brings tears to my eyes.

[@gladysrodgers7169]

This song will do that sadest song I've ever heard it grabs you with sadness hop all stays well with you

[@sansil77]

@@gladysrodgers7169, me too. I consider this song to be the saddest - if not one of the most - of soul😢😭😢😭😢😭😢😭

[@kareng1522]

Art at its best, True Story Telling! Sheer Brilliance!!!

[@francesjones1677]

This song remind of July 29, 2010 my son was killed by some evil people, I miss him so much the smile, concerns, love he had for me and others RIP love you always Cedric Demorias Callaway.

[@ALKING3434]

Sorry for ur lose

[@queenjazzemayo2914]

Frances Jones I am so sorry to hear about your son. May he Rest In Peace.

[@sherondagross409]

Frances Jones I am sorry for your loss.

[@queenjazzemayo2914]

I am so sorry about your son. so sad.

[@bernettabell8331]

Frances Jones , feeling ur pain , enjoy the memories love and will keep u in my prayers.

[@JoseDelgado-zj1ky]

this song reminds me of my wife I wish she was here watching our kids grow up with me