The Unifics The Beginning Of My End (1969)

[@hardiemartellgarnett2911]

This song is so beautiful and painful. My mother married a man who had returned from 2 years in Vietnam. They were married several years and then separated but were still in touch. His sister called one day to tell my mother that he had been killed on his job in a freak, tragic accident. I just remember my mother playing this song over and over for a while. The song stayed on my mind for years. I found it about 20 years ago. At first I thought I would give it to my mother because I remembered. Then I thought no, I don't want her to go back all those decades again to a tragedy. Was that the right thing to do? Even though I was not his child, he loved me. He left my mother financially well off such that my childhood was good. Bless You Hezekiah Joel Russ. 17 March 1970.

[@godsroseinbloomh3246]

Hardie, my condolences...what u could do is gently ask your mom how she feels about it now and let her know u found it and if she would be interested in having it. You will never know..., it might hold fond and painful memories but you don't know. She might or might not mind at this point in her life. Ask her gently.

[@kathyjohson1273]

Rip and condolences to your family 🕊️

[@aragin66]

This was when songs actually told a story. You could close your eyes and actually visualize the events that were happening. You can feel the hurt and pain in his voice. Timeless classics.

[@ytkteek]

bitch shut up

[@karensmith7787]

This is what I needed to hear today,a song that would make me cry the pain out of myself if that makes sense

[@ronaldwynn8452]

Yes indeed

[@stevieplez2]

One of the top 5 greatest soul songs ever recorded!!

[@keithdavis9633]

And Toby

[@andrethompson2034]

Definitely one of my favorites

[@Jabian52]

We can’t get music like this anymore, this is REAL OLD SCHOOL FA SURE!

[@toddmitchell7701]

Has to be one of the saddest songs ever made, this is a classic

[@juliusstuckey3913]

A well-delivered song. A true classic. Why couldn't more of today's R&B songs be sung like this? That I may never know.

[@adedjd5349]

Julius Stuckey because you would actually know how to sing!

[@saburichards8209]

2:53 Peace & Blessing Yes a Great , Emotional song that was made just for The Unifics. A song that everyone of us sung everyday. I was a senior in HS and remember very well.. Peace * Love. ❤

[@jamesbryant1944]

I often think of this song when my wife passed. It happened on a Saturday night, she and I were married for almost 30 years, she is loved gone but not forgotten

[@deshaunpettis9078]

I used to listen to this song with my brother William, and then we started singing it together. He loved my voice, we song a lot of songs together, when we would have a talent show at school. My brother went home to be with the LORD in MAY of 2011!!!! He was my baby brother. I really miss him, I have lost so many of my family members. Sometimes I just sit back and think of all the good times we used to have together. It makes me sad, but then I start thinking!! One day I will see them all together again, and believe me, I can't wait. We were a singing family, and we all could really sing."" GOD, I MISS THEM SO MUCH"". Your lovin daughter, and sister SHIRLEY.

[@Methuselah2015]

My sister Janice. Died at 40. 1986. My sister was so abused back in the 60s and 70s. I remember. Inspired me to become a lawyer. Never will I ever forget her.

[@angeliacain3344]

I was 11 years old when this song or when I first heard this song I’ve been in love with this song but ever for some reason my brother and I went to Mississippi I played this song so much on a 45 record and he broke it and I never got it again but I always look for it Michael rest in peace my brother 11 months apart 1972

[@cordeliapatterson8448]

This song is the truth you never know what you have until it's gone 😂😂😂😂😂

[@helensugars2557]

I have never experienced a lost of that magnitude before, but I can identity with the lyrics, because the Unifics tell a story of love and lost. Every time I hear that song it brings tears to my eyes. Musicians today can learn a thing or two from artists who made real music during the 60's and 70's.

[@addiebrooks6169]

AMEN!!

[@karensmith7787]

I'm Sooo glad no one tried to remake it. It's perfect for all generations

[@acrucker]

Another Masterpiece for future generations to enjoy! Thank you Unifics!

[@yvettemoreno7946]

one of the best songs ever

[@gailrobinson1169]

Yvette Moreno

[@thomasfinklea8554]

Yvette Moreno Right

[@RC-pt5wd]

SAD SAD song.never knew A sad song could be so beautiful , so true. Beautiful song.

[@dinabond5683]

The first time I heard this so my older sister was playing it and every since then I have loved it!!

[@apachette07]

I'm only 36, but I heard it on satellite radio.

[@tonyas7169]

Everytime I heard this song ever since I was little I always break down and cry like I'm doing now 😭

[@shereeevans75]

DONNIE SELLERS SR NORWALK CONN SAW YOU GUYS AT THE APOLLO THEATER 125TH, NEW YORK CITY..OMG..WHEN THE SHOW ENDED I FOUND MY SELF LOOKING AT A NEW GROUP, NOT ONLY WITH HARMONY BUT THE ART OF COREOGRAPHY, "THOSE DUDES COULD STEP" I recently saw and interesting interview with Al Johnson lead singer (now decease), on KZbin (check it out)..gotta go now, and I going to play this song again and again,, god bless all you old school lovers of the best years of my life as well as the best times.

[@joejohnson6321]

I was 6 yrs-old when this came out and I didn't quite understand the words, I just remember my two older sisters and their friends crying when this song played on the radio. Brings back a lot of memories.

[@keithdavis9633]

When music had storytelling records it meant something

[@samthesham5294]

The Pain in his voice on that Last note Always tears my heart out and the tears fall like rain drops when l think of a friend that died in a auto accident while driving drunk.

[@blest2478910]

Back in the day on Saturday nites, all of a sudden my aunt would slowly recite these heartwrenching lyrics. I was 6 or 7 years of age, but I knew it was a song of mourning.

[@gingerdorleus4839]

Rip leon. This was the song we sung when we was drunk. Good music and love

[@karenlarkins5429]

Truly an overwhelming feeling of sorrow and heartbreak overcomes one when this song is played. Here we are in 2021, and I can still feel the deep emotion and sense of grief as I did when I first heard this recording over 50 years ago. I don’t even think I was 10 years old, at the time, so it may have been longer than that! Love the beautiful orchestral arrangement. Masterpiece. 💜💜🎤🎤🎶🎶

[@jayclinton1811]

Wow! This song left such an impression on me as a kid. I still get the same jolt when I hear it now. People toss around the term hidden jem and buried treasure but this truly is. I keep waiting for it to show up in a movie soundtrack, knowing it will be the best thing about it. I know these guys never got the fame or fortune they were hoping for but this one song was a MASTERWORK There is a reason that no one ever attempted to do a remake of this song, and that they NEVER should. I can only send my praises and thanks to them and their families for the circle they formed around them during this time in their lives. I hope your lives have been good.

[@James-p1s1e]

Jay, may peace be with you and your family. I read your reply. I agree with you it's a "MASTER PIECE." I would like for others to attempt to sing this "Master Piece." I believe that the attempt is a good thing. Again may peace be with you and your family. James Z Thomas

[@mizzy261]

This song did not get enough airplay credit. Loved it since I first heard it so many years ago on wbls nyc.

[@keithparks4347]

WNJR 1430 and WWRL 1600 am radio

[@carlton4129]

WLOK and WDIA...Memphis tn

[@sidneyhunt9976]

Wrap radio Norfolk va.

[@shaunwalker6651]

Qns NYC, I remember those days.

[@chickable26rollerchick37]

I Love This Song. This is a True Song It Brings Tears To My Eyes Thank You For Sharing This Song.

[@deloresmoses1528]

I remember this song is a true story. My hubby grew up with the lead singer in DC.

[@lindabrooks9296]

This song tells us that we have to be careful how we treat one another! And be careful what you say! Because tomorrow isnt promised to any of us, and you will never know how we have hurt the one that we say we love and then they are gone, and you cant say you are sorry because they cant hear you!

[@gingerdorleus4839]

My man loved this song. RIP Leon. I miss you so much

[@qrapye]

Gone are the days when songs with so much sole love and meaning where sung today it's lights have turned to darkness

[@kemriley4764]

A beautiful sad song.

[@ccuffey7663]

This song reminds me of my mom. She used to love it, and (randomly) sing it all the time. It's weird hearing it now that she's not here.

[@marilynmary97]

I love this song, I use to love singing the words and I use to play it over and over again

[@ivanbates6727]

Beautiful fulfilling music. Love the harmonies that goes with the song. Real soul searching songs.

[@mercedesking6458]

I also saw them in Philly at the Uptown Theater, Georgie Woods Presents Show . I cried when they sang this song ,beautiful, they don't make music like this anymore😪

[@marinawatson5836]

ME TOO!!!! WOW SMALL WORLD!!

[@blancheknight1127]

@@marinawatson5836 Yes... I used to go to the Uptown Theater as well. They had great shows & performances.. Mr Georgie Woods (the guy with the goods.)🎵

[@meganharris4998]

0000000000000000000000000000000000000000l000

[@stevieplez2]

Simply amazing vocals especially at the end !!

[@rollerchickable]

I Love This Song This Is A True Song , It Brings Tears To My Eyes Thank You For Sharing.

[@rodney1238]

that was when music was worth it weight in gold man that was a great song thank for the post wonderful Job all.

[@addiebrooks6169]

Pa-pa, Mo-Mo, Baby and Grandmafeet this song is for you! I miss you all soooooo much....oh, the pain of losing you all still lingers in my heart. Greatly, greatly missed.

[@camillebradshaw9285]

To Rory Bradshaw with love. RIP big Bro..

[@reinaldogreen2079]

A SAD BUT BEAUTIFUL SONG FROM 1969. THEY HAD THIS IS A GROOVY WORLD WE LIVE IN AND ANOTHER WITH A JAPANESE TITLE ABOUT IT MEANS I LOVE YOU BUT NO ONE HEARD FROM THEM AFTER THAT.

[@stevejeffery7983]

Just discovered this song, loved it first time I heard it.

[@MrToclever4u]

my father is one of the originals Greg Cook

[@PhyllisShepherd]

+Aaron Cook Which gentleman is he from the pic above?

[@MrToclever4u]

+Phyllis on left leaning forward Greg Cook

[@PhyllisShepherd]

Handsome gentleman!

[@lord777terror]

+Aaron Cook my cousin is one of the originals as well micheal ward

[@paulaalexander7521]

He story needs to be told.

[@consumerwarrior1267]

This song comes from a time era when musicians actually knew how to express their feelings and emotions through song lyrics. Nowadays you just simply don't get these kind of songs from today's musicians whenever you turn on the radio.

[@patrickwashington3868]

This song always bring me back to my little girl's demise. 😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@thevisionofobadiah1584]

my aunt loved this song my she rest in peace

[@jamelgardner2887]

A True Classic song & the group was truly a Class Act, but underrated & Unsung!!

[@gwendolynhudson845]

I love this song it means so much to me.

[@shakooramajid239]

Loved this song since I was a little girl

[@gwendolynthomas3500]

This is a very beautiful; and very emotional song. But I have loved it from that very first day that I heard it. I was in the 11th grade. I have been playing this song ever since. I never get tided of it.

[@hazelslaughter953]

I was sitting here thinking about this song sitting here singing it so I pulled it up on you Tube. Still sounds so good love this song Hazel Slaughter

[@kimberlymartin5218]

never thought I'd find this classic!! km dob 1965......but old enough to remember.

[@drummerc1795]

These guys sounded great but they were also known for their amazing moves that were unique and executed to perfection. Even though they were not so successful on the charts, groups that were did not want to go on after them at shows because they were so good live

[@reinaldogreen2079]

THEIR SECOND RELEASE AFTER "THE COURT OF LOVE,: FALL 1968. THIS WAS GREAT AND SAD SONG!!

[@Shirley-p4x]

Hadn't heard this in years this song came out the year I graduated high school 1969 love it then and still do look at the other with the black car being driven it will make you cry

[@warrensadler6857]

I also seen them at the Apollo...They did have some steps, I remember they did something with black lights and white gloves...oh man...and this song...and then Court of love...wow

[@nubian47]

Warren Sadler My cousin was at that show. The lights when out(black) and they had glow in dark white gloves.

[@MsJae-sf2hf]

Ohh my goodness this song reminds me of Washington DC CalvinCoolidge High School, thanks for bringing back great memories!!!

[@sharonhowell9107]

I remember this song from my childhood, I was maybe 9 or 10 years old and it touched me I felt what the singer was feeling. Fastforward 40 years, I just had a very special man in my life to pass suddenly and believe it or not this song came on sirius soultown, and the feelings of this song hit me hard. I know he's in a better place but he's gone to soon for me..

[@queenjazzemayo2507]

Jasmine Mayo HEARD THIS SONG WHILE VISITING MY COLLEGE FRIEND BETTY IN 1969 at Howard University , D.C......GOOD OLD DAYS...FEEL LIKE CRYING FOR REAL...

[@jesusislord3321]

One of the saddest, most depressing songs ever!! I know this is so many people's experience, but, I can't take it😢😭

[@sansil77]

I consider this song to be the saddest - if not one of the most - of soul😢😭😢😭

[@DeeDee3148]

Saw the @ the Apollo theater in NYC. Great song excellent dance moves.

[@dcstylesroadglide]

Classic Song!!! 😀

[@venidarutledge931]

A blast from the past

[@dcstylesroadglide]

yep, a real tear jerker!!

[@sheiladavis6523]

@@venidarutledge931 Hello 👋 yes it is a blast from the past and with tears 😭 rolling down my face .I remember that the automobile crash did really happened on Saturday Night October 23, 1971 which cause the death of 2 of my very close friends Wanda age 17 and Carmen 15 😢 June 27,2021

[@sheiladavis6523]

@@dcstylesroadglide Hello 👋 my exact thought June 27,2021

[@janetjohnson1489]

love this song, rarely played on radio . such a beautiful and sad song.

[@geewhiz1739]

Willie D remade the hell out this song about his Mom passing called Hearse Cadillac. Me and my mom don't have the greatest relationship. But his version makes me always remember you only get 1 mama. I keep my distance but I still call and bring my child to see her nana.

[@josietorres41]

this song brings back so many memories the knock on the door , my brother was gone , i miss him so much .

[@brianmontgomery9559]

I ALWAYS LOVED THESE GUYS. AND YES THE IS THE SADDEST SONG IN THE WORLD. WHERE ARE THE UNIFICS??????

[@yvonnehaggins4449]

Brian Montgomery right

[@joeleneatkinson3368]

I love this song my husband ask me to play this song when he was told by doctors he had a rare stomach cancer and had to be fed by a feeding tube it was my beginning of are end I miss thatan

[@joeleneatkinson3368]

I miss that man

[@loca123670]

This is my cousin’s group. My cousin was the lead singer Al Johnson who we called Junni.

[@kat8ave47]

Awesome. Luv ❤️ you

[@chrismallory8787]

🎉🎉🎉

[@carmen5249]

This is the most beautiful song I've ever heard and thought I could relate to this ju

[@moniquekyle8354]

I was 11 years old when this song came out. It 's such a sad sad song, but I like it.

[@LindaJackson-e3u]

GM Edagdwg God is sooooo real hearing this special sad song I lost my baby boy this song hurts a forever fan Linda j.peace He is at peace

[@yvonnehaggins4449]

Wow this song touches me i have never heard someone sang about this .....like this ...really

[@tyroneismael5037]

Im Telling you? these guys the Unifics ? were really really underrated? but you better believe whenever they were coming to town in concert? most of the people there? were coming to see the Mighty Unifics. ticket sales boosted when The Unifics name was on those tickets and Marque. .

[@franklinhill3903]

Classic i was 11yrs old my uncle's use to play this song

[@melodysanger103]

REMEMBERING ALFRED "AL" JOHNSON (FEBRUARY 11, 1948 - OCTOBER 26, 2013) [02/11/2019]

[@warrensadler6857]

and Court of love was on the flip side....c'mon man...class act

[@HaroldMortonmusicharlem]

Al Johnson is the Greatest!

[@SewNSew2012]

My husband grew up with him in Washington, DC. He always wondered what happened to him when. He was always singing and when the song "The Beginning of the End" was released they were all surprised. He said he was going to make it one day and he did.

[@earlgoodlett7593]

great song and very true song and it still stands out to this day

[@abrahamvalenzuela1149]

This is music to feel happy to be blue. The best...

[@thomasfinklea8554]

i always has Love this song

[@shirleybutler2623]

Thomas Finklea OMG This beautiful classic is in its own class of its own do you agree Thomas? MEMORIES WOW! !

[@thomasfinklea8554]

Yezzzzz

[@shirleybutler2623]

Thomas Finklea OMG This beautiful classic just moves your soul in the right direction AMEN! !

[@shirleybutler2623]

Thomas Finklea I'm a ode skool junkie can't have it no other WAY! I How about you Thomas?

[@thomasfinklea8554]

Shirley Butler Yezzzzz i am too love ol soulful music just make my Day

[@charlesstevens6705]

THIS IS SO SLICK !! TO SIT DOWN AND WRITE SOMETHING SO TOUCHING YET USE JUST THE RIGHT WORDS TO DEFINE A COMPLICATED ISSUE .MAN IM BLOWN AWAY EVERYTIME I HEAR THIS!!!!!!

[@sheilayoung8698]

What a performance at the uptown. You actually thought there was a coffin, dark lightening and glow in the dark white gloves. Miss those days Georgie woods, wow. It was powerful

[@wendylock3094]

This song was sooo sad.

[@queenjazzemayo2507]

I HEARD THIS SONG WHILE VISITING MY COLLEGE FRIEND BETTY IN D.C......GOOD OLD DAYS

[@easymoneynch]

This was always the last song played on Blue Mondays on WVKO in Columbus, Ohio.

[@ladyschatze9159]

No lie , this is played at the funeral home where I use to live when they have services .

[@reinaldogreen2079]

this and Court of Love were two great songs by this group.

[@jay35814]

Classic Soul !!!!!!

[@alexyssjourney]

Why aren't The Court Of Love and The Beginning Of My End on I Tune Store?

[@weasthesoulrevival9725]

PURE SOUL !

[@DVWMT96]

I LOVE THIS SONG 😢❤❤❤❤

[@gailrandle691]

This is the saddest song 🎵 I have ever heard the emotions in their voices or unbelievable (That's What Real Talent Sounds Like) What's happened to the music industry it didn't get better with this generation am sorry it didn't.

[@MrErnest268]

old school at its best

[@Pops5033]

the first time i heard this song it was by first class i don't know which version i like better they both just reach in and touch something

[@margaretswanagan8237]

SAD BUT BEAUTIFUL CUT

[@patrickwashington3868]

Jasmine Sean Washington Sunrise 9/3/1993 -Sunset 3/20/1993 It Was The Beginning of my end. 😭😭😭😭😭 Rest In Power! My Little Girl ( She's In Heaven)🙏💙😇💯💙🙏😇

[@blossomhicks292]

This is the business. Beginning of my end.

[@dcstylesroadglide]

A Real Tear jerker

[@johnqpublic5945]

My moms favorite song

[@ELAW67]

...saddest song I ever heard...for real