The Lowrider Band: The World Is A Ghetto

The magnificent Lowrider Band consists of surviving members of War.
Howard Scott on guitar/vocals, Harold Brown on drums, BB Dickerson on bass/vocals, and Lee Oskar on Harmonica.
Lonnie Jordan, original keyboard player, currently tours using the War name, and hopefully we may be able to see them all play together again someday.
War is one of the greatest bands of all time. Hands down.
We did get some interviews together and shot this powerful performance here at Yoshi's in San Francisco.

[@davidchavers5881]

R.I.P. WAR bassist B.B. Dickerson, who is singing lead on this classic!

[@jesterstudiokj]

Probably one of the greatest songs ever composed. It's eternally relevant. The world is truly a ghetto. His voice brings me to tears. Amazing.

[@MrJahmark]

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY THE COLDEST VERSION OF THIS SONG I HAVE EVER HEARD............I KNEW LEE OSKAR IS ONE OF THE BEST HARMONICA PLAYERS ON EARTH BUT I DIDN'T KNOW HE COULD GET DOWN LIKE THIS...THIS IS REALLY WAR WITHOUT THE FOOL WHO SOLD OUT THE NAME... REST IN PEACE PAPPA DEE AND CHARLES...WE HEAR YOU THOUGH

[@stanleyturner6997]

It sounds like the original group, alright, but Lonnie was one of the great r&b singers of the 70's and one hell of an improvisor on them keyboards. No replacing him. I heard them do this in 71, shortly after the release of the album. Nothing by anybody compares to that.

[@walleybarnett7483]

Hi my bro in sister even do I'm just a fan of WAR just like your,,I won't to thank every won of you,,they was in still is my all time number one band peace out bro Wali Sharif Ali Gordy Burnett

[@waynemacomson6448]

Serious. Them bongos is magic too.

[@switz11]

This is as good as music gets.

[@roseannburwell]

You right!

[@waynemacomson6448]

I just want to be here 4 a sec...

[@fostermac7170]

Im listening to this and am reminded of all the great music from the 60's and 70's. What's ridiculous about this is that this was a big hit in 1972/73, but we had a TON of hits like this! Hell, WAR had a TON of hits like this! The whole idea is mind-boggling. No wonder it's difficult to warm up to rap and today's music. We've ALREADY heard the best there ever was!

[@myreeparker7461]

Aman

[@andremac4040]

Amen☆

[@raymondleyva7256]

Rest In Peace B B DICKERSON COMPTON PAYING RESPECT

[@EAMORALES1]

Yes RIP and Godspeed BB! COLTON the other Hub City paying respect as well!

[@Jaycee37]

@@EAMORALES1 Checcin in. Celestial Hug from Hub City, Watts and the LBC

[@user-qw5ni9ct4r]

I first met B. B. In college at Millersville State, 1973 while college. His smooth bass playing captured me. I played and still the bass now & then. WAR need to be friends, we only live once. R.I.P. B.B.

[@michaelross8575]

My god...what a version!! Always loved this song and the band since the 70's and saw them at Jazz Cafe where they performed this song. This performance however is one of the very best soul/funk/jazz performances I have been priveledged to see and Lee Oskar...WOW!

[@roseannburwell]

FIRE! Love WAR…the musicians

[@keithbannister9271]

It's the absolute best live version!!! FACT??? 💯

[@williamhunter5549]

Lonnie Jordan and Howard Scott need to fix what needs to be fixed,so we can really declare WAR again

[@seanlewis1148]

Amen

[@walleybarnett7483]

Yes my bro that will be so Wonderful,,,Wali Sharif Ali Gordy Burnett,,,Life lone Fan of WAR three finger in a Smila?

[@denisegaines2322]

Absolutely!

[@Geeedeee22]

Agreed 👍🏽

[@WallyGordy]

Ammin

[@ernperez1218]

Awesome Performance! RIP Morris “B.B.” Dickerson, Singing lead vocals & original Bassist was surviving founding members of the original legendary 70s funk rock band WAR passed April 2021 With great respect brother B.B. The Lowrider Band Lives on for the original WAR band Memories.

[@kwabenarasuli8108]

yeah is blowing on this classic! Love This!

[@tonywilson2104]

What's even more amazing is that the essence of what the song / band was communicating is still relevant TO THIS DAY!

[@unique74muzik]

💯🙏

[@georgethomasmendivil7776]

@ernperez1218 Right On! Brother✊😎

[@keithbannister9271]

​@@tonywilson2104AGREED!! 💯 It always will...👌 That was such an underrated album, with such classic jams like Cisco Kid, Four Cornered Room, City, Country, City, and of course the title track, "The World Is A Ghetto....👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@kitty2pat]

I LOVE THEM...! Lee Oskar is sooo bad that he has his own harmonica company; but they are all multi-instrumentalists. RIP, Papa Dee whom I really miss.

[@louisebaxter3665]

I listen to this song every night, Love Lower rider Band and Lee Oskar is off the chain Beautiful Music

[@kenlong5033]

I'm with ya Louise. All the way. 😎👍

[@jeromewelch1780]

Absolutely

[@gittahfiend]

If Lonnie Jordan could get a clue, he would realize that he needs to be back with these cats.

[@lowriderbandfan]

I think he pretty much signed his soul away to the devil, and it's sad to say for us diehard WAR fans, but it probably won't happen.

[@MrKarma49]

lowriderbandfan Why is that? Just because he owns the name WAR? I would love to see them with Lonnie Jordan. They are some amazing musicians. Maybe when they get inducted in the Rock n' Roll Hall of fame they'll play together. :)

[@lowriderbandfan]

Lonnie Jordan doesn't own the WAR name. He is a puppet for the producer who owns the WAR name. Unfortunately, for us WAR fans, Lonnie chose the fame of the WAR name and this producer over his brothers who did not want to be owned by this greedy producer for the name they all made famous together. I too want Lonnie reunited with his WAR brothers of the LOWRIDER BAND, even if it meant Lonnie leaving that greedy producer with the WAR name. A big reason that the original artists of WAR don't get inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, after being nominated three times, is this division of the original artists and the legalities of using the WAR name, and the fact that the current band called "WAR" never really puts it out there to vote for WAR. Could it be they don't want to be found out that they have been perpetrating a lie to WAR fans for years, that they are WAR? My very educated guess is yes. Peace and WAR no more. :)

[@MrKarma49]

Wow, Thanks alot for the information.

[@RunawayTrane]

+lowriderbandfan this is such a sad state. I will plead too .... WAKE UP LJ!! Whatever you're doing now is NOT WORKING

[@roquey44]

Growing up in the late 60's to early 70's in a small texas town, it was this kind of music that got us through life and that's no joke. Poor as hell we knew that we could turn on "WAR" and . . .baby, it was alright. No one has duplicated this sound since the early 70's. When you hear "WAR" you know what it is. Timeless.

[@ronaldgrace8810]

It was an indication to me that we were not what we were being labelled to be in the 1960s, inferior beings. I feel you, it was not just music, but a message that spoke to the soul.

[@salaamali5890]

Lee Oscar is the shit

[@roseannburwell]

Me too! Helped me get through the 70’s. What a wonderful music world.

[@roseannburwell]

@@salaamali5890 truth

[@rodneyestrada8052]

Lee Oskar has transcended into space! holy shit !!

[@juanalba4698]

Lee Oskar is in another dimension.

[@awenindoe]

That is the best damn harmonica playing I've ever seen. Lee Oskar is mindblowing!

[@FrancoisGlobenskyDoc]

You should see Billy Craig... OOO

[@patrobles13]

#LeeOSKAR!! Thee BEST!!

[@alfatir14]

Just started watching... You gave me something to look forward to.

[@ronaldgrace8810]

Very Very Great, but certainly not the best, although among the best. The best is is a very difficult thing to determine. Music is an expression of the soul. A gift to the Isrealites from their God!

[@jsc1227]

just one damn excellent band from an era when great musicians played together

[@littlemisstoes]

my soul left my body for 13 and half minutes. This is out of this world.

[@waynemacomson6448]

dang

[@muxux4]

I have watched this video 5 times in the last 3 days. I could have watched more if I had the time. It's unbelievable, each one of these guys are playing their souls out. This is a musicians' show. Sorry young guys, no lights, dancers or explosions; just great music.

[@salaamali5890]

The shit Lee Oscar

[@ChunkyMonkaayyy]

You Gotta Pump Those Numbers Up, Those Are Rookie Numbers

[@waynemacomson6448]

@@ChunkyMonkaayyy lol

[@tonywilson2104]

More like playing from their souls.

[@princes7409]

This is the best live of this song I ever heard

[@waynemacomson6448]

this shit is gittin old

[@fenderstratguy]

♫♬ I love this music ♪ They let this song breathe.....all that talent and nobody rushing or overplaying their part. What a great drummer.

[@roseannburwell]

Truth!

[@anndavis2920]

The late great Morris "BB" Dickerson leading & playing bass on this classic. May God rest his soul. Beautiful song, voice & musicianship. Gone but not forgotten at all. He also sings on Lotus Blossom. I love it. Thank you guys. stay safe in covid20

[@lowriderbandfan]

Morris "BB" Dickerson is still thankfully alive.

[@louisebaxter3665]

He,s making that Harmonica Talk beautiful beautiful music

[@raithbheartaigh4946]

Man, they've still got it...and plenty of it, too. Superb.

[@larrykagler4452]

RIP B.B. WE GONE MISS YOU FOLK...WAR 4 EVER!

[@oftheknown]

Lee Oskar still kicks azz!

[@MusicGunn]

This grizzled old white guy gets tears running down my face when I hear this song. Every. Single. Time. Man, that mouth harp though...Whew!

[@muxux4]

There's no need to search anywhere, happiness is here, have your share.

[@robertclarkii4256]

I was honored to see WAR in Germany in 2005. I've always rode with them and I continue to this day in 2021!

[@kevinkollmann5404]

WAR and The Lowrider Band, doing all they could to show the world how to love, longer than I have walked the earth, for me, since 1977 :)

[@angeloprice7319]

War...The very first album I ever owned was “The World is a Ghetto”. I was 12 years old and craving for a drum set. I still have the album. I grew up and became a comedian , performing on HBO, BET and a couple of small parts in movies. Had the honor of opening for War in Atlanta in the mid 90s. Papa dee Allen has just died. I am a drummer and even now at 61, I know ever sound on that album. Proud to say I met Lonnie and Lee. I have no idea what happened but, I will always cherish my first Album and it’s players. Thanks for making me LOVE music and realizing that the World is a Ghetto.. PS where was u at😅 Comedian/author Angelo Dundee

[@advandedonk3880]

That is the best damn harmonica playing I've ever seen. I cannot breath. Beautiful!!

[@muxux4]

I think, I haven't heard a better version than this one. Can't stop watching

[@CopperAboriginies]

This is the first time hearing this version of the World of a Ghetto Live. I grow up in the 60's in New York but in 71 life took a drastic turn. Lost both Parents, ended up in Detroit with a Great Uncle and Great Aunt as an 11 year old I didn't understand what to expect. A Great Cousin, my mothers first cousin which in knew from birth I soon learned because he and his wife lived with us in new York but left for Detroit in 65 for Ford Motor company because of my Great Uncle got him job there. Well when I came to Detroit as an 11 year old he picked me and my 7 year old brother up with our Great Aunt at the Romlus Airport. This was playing on the 8 Track in car 🤣 I caught today at 61 now but thinking back then it was this music that helped to raise me because I loved the smooth sound and it's energy as a child. Now in someway it's sad for me to listen because those that helped to raise are gone and the pain still hurts because they were kind people back then fun of care and love till their passing. I say enjoy everyone that helped to raise you to the best that you are because it's the music that helps us to remember our good times and those not so good times. There's music that has you remember that first girl or boy that caught eye or attention, hold to them those memories their precious memories. Thank you for this upload, I will be letting my grand daughter hear this sound I don't play music that isn't soothing for our souls our children's minds are tender and beautiful we must not corrupt them with wickedness.

[@johngoogly]

That is some damn good harmonica playing!! Man this is my favorite War Record. I'm sitting here watching this with the biggest smile on my face. Thanks for posting!

[@dallasrealestateagent09]

I felt like I was at a concert. I'm still sitting here in amazement. Absolutely spellbound! "Wow."

[@valdatriegaardt6310]

you were,...

[@bricio4688]

so it was for the doer as it is for the viewer

[@jkmsaturn]

This is where the real fans of WAR go!

[@biffjohnson7891]

Praise the lord. It’s then. I’m listening to the Video now. Lee Oscar so heavenly. . Our hollow body funk guitar master. That bass vocal superstar. I’m either dreaming. Or I have a chance to see them. And thank them for making my life and the world a better place. Thank god fir these masters of brass metal skins and funk majestic

[@cynthiaobryant2088]

One of the very best Harmonica players I have ever heard! his intro and solo on this album is hard to top! Excellent Job!

[@nancylloyd-archer1967]

I loved War back in my hey-day, wow! I am impressed! Lee Oskar is "damn! damn good"! ; ) The lyrics sure apply today over 30 years later...

[@jeffreyhurst7231]

Still one of the greatest songs ever produce. OGs are forever.

[@g.g.6362]

Unbelievable version... Pure class musicianship.

[@davidlittle4696]

Lee Oskar plays the harmonica like a man possessed (goodness intended). I have been listening to WAR over forty years and it's a doggone lowdown dirty shame WAR is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

[@kroadrun]

WAR NOT INTO THE HALL OF FAME. THAT'S SHOCKING..WHOEVER SHOULD OF DID THEM HONOR AINT RIGHT. AFTR LISTENIN 2 THIS GROUP ABOVE, DYAMITE ESPECIALLY...HATS OFF TO LEE OSKAR...LUV IT 🤣😁😁😍💖🤓 I GO BCK TO 75ISH - EARLY 90'S

[@Dr.Pepperdave]

They have my Vote!

[@icecoldlow652]

The rock n roll hall of fame is white boys award who needs it.

[@rodwilliams7036]

@@icecoldlow652 even though Blacks created the genre, a GREAT example of cultural appropriation...

[@4GotSumthing]

Kiss is in the R&R HoF. (They really belong in the Music Marketing HoF. ) Any real Music HoF includes these guys and many other overlooked great bands.

[@richardjoecruz1]

And they're playing feeling, you can feel it

[@Clanmemberkalvin]

insaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaane harmonica playing. I never really took the instrument seriously till just now. OMFG

[@Clanmemberkalvin]

Blew the shit out of that harmonica and my fucking mind

[@humankindmedia9741]

I play harmonica, and I'm pretty good - studio level. But Lee, he's on another planet. I've stolen, um, borrowed so much from him. He's a genius. He took the instrument to a new place.

[@jeromewelch1780]

Yes

[@johnmejia8836]

They say you can never go back home again, Not true! This takes me back home without a doubt, Home Again !!! I'm 18 again !!!

[@vitorodriguez256]

Now this is the real WAR. 💯 Not the fake people pleasing band.

[@thequietrevolution3404]

Just watched the other "WAR" perform this song live vs. the original members here. There is a distinct difference between true professionals and a bunch of guys who sound like they met on Saturday at "Guitar Center" 🎸

[@1katsan2]

Rest in Paradise BB 🙏 💔

[@muxux4]

Some performance!!! A million thumbs up! Gives me goosepumps

[@vincentbessix9890]

My favorite band ever, saw them in philly at the spectrum in the 70's. Bes-6

[@johnmejia8836]

Lee Oskar is Bad Ass !!! always was one kool ass white boy !! Mixin with the brothers !!!!! Harps n Fro hair with tie dyed shirts and a belt full of harmonicas !! Can't touch this !!!

[@kierancurtis1]

Unmistakable! Nothing like the REAL War, now called the Lowrider Band.

[@warrennichols9745]

Yeah I listen to this every night to beautiful music smooth Jazzy Rock funky soulful War at the best at their best the greatest band alive still

[@lowriderbandfan]

Six dislikes for these WAR music legends?!! Must be those other guys called, "WAR".

[@BRich-jf1yr]

lowriderbandfan this is kook and gAng for real

[@salaamali5890]

Lee Oscar is the man

[@LetsGoLetsGo-xu3ql]

LOL

[@msp3112]

You mean Jordan And The Replacements? This is the one and only WAR. Still gettin dissed in the R&R hall of shame.

[@waynemacomson6448]

thay musk halv thay resolution set poopie

[@76shortbed]

I wonder How Lonnie Sleeps at night knowing that People he made such Beautiful Music with to get where he is today is Not with him. I know he would much rather play with the Original Band if he could. It is Sad that Courts had to rule in a way that it broke up the Original Band. May God Bless them All in Getting Back together one day to Play the way He Meant it To Be. God Bless "THE ORIGINAL WAR BAND "( HAROLD BROWN / HOWARD SCOTT / BB DICKERSON / LEE OSKAR & LONNIE JORDAN ( That is If He Would Love to See this Reunion Happen Before GOD Calls His Name ) Rest In Peace PAPPA DEE ALLEN / CHARLES MILLER. YOU ARE TRULY MISSED. GOD BLESS YOU ALL "ORIGINAL WAR" .

[@jeffhunter284]

Michael Bradley my man mr. Bradley you said it all I love to see them get back together as well

[@leereal7482]

Michael Bradley I think the Low rider Band sound way better than the group calling themselves WAR

[@paulcarver5732]

Michael Bradley they are always my favorite band.

[@mandinorock9495]

Michael Bradley: What Lonnie Jordan did is similar to treason. WAR under his leadership is alright. Lowrider Band, in my opinion, sounds better because they are the former original band members of WAR. CHECK. DIG. RIGHT ON.

[@markhummel7656]

A real travesty

[@sync1216]

Beautiful sound. I love it. 👍 Lee Oskar on the harmonica is a legend and this version has the best solo. IMHO

[@Chris26260]

This song is in my top ten best songs ever. This is music. Just can not say enough about how great this band is.

[@fisterklister]

That Lee Oscar dude is way too unknown in Denmark. Unbelievable since War is one of the greates bands ever.

[@johnmejia8836]

Lee Oskar making that harp Scream and Cry !!!! Un fu**ing Real !!!!

[@sdennis2232]

No matter what year it is this will always be the coolest shit.

[@muxux4]

From 5:20 it's mind blowing, it starts reaching climax proportions around 8:45 and ending ever so smoothly around 10"55. Then it's catch some air baby.

[@georgevega4019]

WAR has convinced me the world is ghetto. Awesome live performance

[@ralphdenofio2240]

Fucking fantastic. Saw War in the 90's and one of the best concerts I have ever seen.

[@geraldjohnson7937]

Met the great Harold Brown (drummer) at one their Long Beach concerts a few years ago. One of the nicest, most humble, gracious cats i've ever met!! RIP BB Dickerson, fantastic bassist, vocalist...gone too soon! We remember you!!!

[@nickpoolsaad6395]

THIS IS BEST FOR SOUL MUSIC IN 1970'S ,MUSIC ARRANGEMENT IN THEIR BODY OF THE ORIGINAL SONG COULDN'T BEAT ITS!!!

[@lex.cordis]

so much soul. one of my favorite performances of one of my all time favorite songs. sent chills all over my body.

[@lewmark6112]

A long time ago at Chicago's Ampitheater (?) on south Halsted, Howard Scott, Lonnie Jordan, Papa Dee, Charles Miller, Lee Oscar, and the legendary drums/bass of Harold Brown and BB Dickerson jammed ALL of WAR's songs up to that point in time. Two and a half hours of the best show I've ever heard.

[@thomas4315]

Real rhythm and blues. Just float you away......

[@WolffBachner]

some of the greatest players in music. so glad they are still around and playing great music.

[@Ralf09]

Best song I’ve heard all day..

[@DancinChuck]

Trying to find the words to describe this , that was a powerful performance !

[@rhondathelioness2188]

I could get in my car and ride from one side of the country to the other floating on this harmonica. Love it!! Never gets old!

[@shemar4002]

Dang, I really love this updated Funky version of The World Is A Ghetto, with the surviving members of War. Getting ready to turn 61 and I still enjoy this type of music. There will be nothing like it, ever.

[@bluejazz517]

RIP B.B. Dickerson August 3, 1949, April 2, 2021

[@ericplummer4089]

Some of the sound of my youth! I didn't know the bass man from harbor city, California sang lead too! War was soooo hip! And soooo different! While Spill the Wine wasn't played on our record player but the first time l heard slippin' into darkness l was done!. Then my uncle hit me cisco kid, the world is a ghetto and our favorite was Where was you at. I could go on but lets just say my song list must include War. Any song from my and baby brother to out a sight! Thanks for this great video.

[@jluds64]

Wow these guys are the soul of war first time seeing this video

[@selectorken]

What an incredible bunch of musicians. Love WAR. Probably the best funk/jazz funk band ever! Come on Lonnie, get back in there!

[@southsiderization]

Wow this gave me the chills very well Done guys thumbs up all the way !

[@4GotSumthing]

The Consummate Funk Band. Great groove players and chops by Lee OOOOO.

[@salaamali5890]

LOVE THIS SET AWESOME

[@yvettegibson8889]

OMGI have tears in my eyes this takes you way way back when summer's were fun , people were real and life was simply COOL 😎

[@sdfjgksgf]

"The sound of the seventies" means many different things for many different people. This is as good a definition as any.

[@valdatriegaardt6310]

Im Totally BLown AWAY by this rendition....!!.

[@michaelmorse493]

I grew up listening to these guys. The first concert I ever saw was War as the headliner! @ 50 years listening to War!

[@stevenmckiddy4650]

This performance is a masterpiece

[@patrickleclaire6404]

I've seen a lot of bands over the years but not seeing War is a big disappointment. Thanks for this vid.

[@andremac4040]

Cobra kai ☆ air,Shh☆

[@adiefenbach1]

Never too late to come across great musicians and great music. I found this video last year and haven't stopped listening to it. Lee Oskar and the whole band are in that special zone. Bless them all.

[@michaeldonahoe2918]

Can't get any better than this. Great musitions.!

[@sarahc.toadvine9931]

Are these guys in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? If not, somebody kick the damn door down and let's party!! Lee Oskar playing the harp like he hammered out the tin and invented the damn thing!

[@lowriderbandfan]

Unfortunately, after three R&RHoF nominations, these original music legends of WAR are still not in the R&RHoF, while they instead induct those who sample WAR's originality; The Beastie Boys, NWA, 2PAC, Janet Jackson. You're absolutely right, more WAR fans need to "kick the damn door down" at facebook.com/rockandrollhalloffame and DEMAND that WAR be inducted! Time is 'Slippin' Into Darkness' for the original five alive to receive their propers in person. Peace.

[@lukefender2394]

This is the real War band.

[@4GotSumthing]

You know you're hearing a great band playing a great song when 13 minutes goes by and it feels like 3.

[@craigmack-cv3cp]

Lee Oskar one of best harmonica players to grace planet 🌎 he’s a 💯beast💜

[@Mr.ZeeFunk]

Best harp solo I've ever heard....sheesh...the king...

[@muxux4]

I am still here, watching....

[@bohenryhillcrest2114]

This has to be one of the great music performances of all time. Did Lee Oskar's soul leave his body and suspend us all for a few minutes? I very much think so.

[@ronaldgrace8810]

Lee Oskar is awesome, but don't forget Papa Dee Allen, who wrote the song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@joyvallegross8748]

I LOVE THIS SONG MAN THESE GUYS ARE GREAT I LISTEN TO THIS SONG 6 TIMES TODAY WHAT A GROUPPLAY ON L.R.B. WAR MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY MISS YOU PAPA DEE

[@markhummel7656]

The baddest band. The faux WAR must shrivel when he knows this is out there

[@bernicemoore5182]

RIP BB DICKERSON!!

[@warriormcdaniel7251]

Rest in peace D.D. Dickerson

[@MrOlmeda13]

The Real “ War” Band !

[@louisebaxter3665]

He be working with that Harmonica ,serious so beautiful loft the chain Lee Oskar.

[@dennismccormick7322]

Now this is the band I remember ..

[@donaldclifford5763]

This sound takes me, somewhere.

[@Narikeljinjira]

thank you for the music, good times and memories.