WATTSTAX - 1972 - Rufus Thomas - Breakdown

El festival Wattstax, considerado el "Woodstock Afromericano" realizado en el año 1972, congregó a grandes artistas del Soul y el Funk, particularmente del sello Stax. Más de 100 mil personas se congregaron en este evento político-musical, que convocó artistas como Isaac Hayes, The Bar-Kays y Rufus Thomas. Aquí la presentación de este último, con un público enfervorizado... notables los bailes.
RUFUS THOMAS debió ser un tipo entrañable. Antes de sacar a su perro de paseo fue discjockey de radio y, según cuenta la leyenda, entre sus incondicionales oyentes de Memphis se encontraba el mismísimo Elvis Presley.
Su garganta rota, su estilo pegadizo, y esa chispa cargada de ingeniosa gracia, lo convertirían en un referente imprescindible en el rhythm&blues y en el soul, influyendo en algunos grandes del rock y de forma más precisa en el funk de los años setenta. Otra de sus virtudes también fue ser el padre de Carla Thomas, una de las grandes del género.
Ciñéndonos en primer lugar a su gran éxito "WALKING THE DOG" de 1963, es de destacar que se trata de una de las canciones más importantes del siglo XX. No en vano cuenta con excelentes versiones de grandes artistas que no quisieron dejar pasar la oportunidad de pasear al perro desde otra perspectiva, tales como las de Johnny Rivers, los Rolling Stones, los Sonics, Sandie Shaw, Aerosmith, Roger Daltrey, los Troggs, Rick Derringer, los Flamin' Groovies, Dr.Feelgood, los Lords of The New Church, etc. El resto del álbum resulta una agradable excursión de soul y rhythm&blues donde también destaca "THE DOG", versioneada por Otis Redding en 1964, y las adaptaciones que el señor Rufus realizó con indudable acierto de "BOOM BOOM" de John Lee Hooker, "LAND OF 1000 DANCES" de Chris Kenner", "OOH POO PAH DOO" de Jessie Hill y "YA YA" de LeeDorsey.
• Happy Music (by Harrik...

[@Odawg96]

For those who know their funk, you know that they guys playing behind Rufus were known as Project Soul. They're from Northern California and went to Memphis to backup the Soul Children and ended up with Rufus. After leaving Memphis they changed their name to CON FUNK SHUN!!!!!

[@CoconutDreams123]

Yo, that's some dope musical history you droppin' on us, homie! #dig

[@chuckd9606]

😊 Did not know that. Thank you so much for that history lesson. Just awesome information 👌🏿

[@ajack1312]

Con Funk Shun are a great group. Straight out of Vallejo California, there are so many good artists from the Bay Area. A long and storied tradition of amazing music from there.

[@songswithryan]

Very cool fact! For some reason I thought it was the Bar-Kays, which included some members of Otis Redding’s band who survived the plane crash.

[@Odawg96]

@@songswithryan Well, they were colleagues of the Bar-Kays (who also played this show) at Stax in Memphis AND a few years later when both groups were signed to Mercury Records. There’s definitely a connection.

[@RepentandBeSaved]

These were our parents, aunts and uncles who are seniors now. They were a stronger people than us today, got to get back to that beat, and that vibe.

[@zee_lolaj7382]

I only WISH we were still that STRONG and unified as a people

[@maineroad7429]

You ain’t wrong my friend. .

[@jimmybum3337]

wtf they was doing the same shit..He was on LSD on this performance...Google it 😂😂😂...

[@alanrogs3990]

@@jimmybum3337 I swear they messed with the tape speed when he did his thing because it looked so freaky.

[@dermar831]

facts

[@claude9777]

LAWD! The sister in the polka dots is gorgeous! Those legs!

[@gtpmmk]

Brothers & Sisters knew how to love each other in those days.

[@queenb9621]

I wish I could hop into a time capsule, and head to 1972. I would be enroute to WATTSTAX to join the fun. My Mom actually danced on stage with him in New York City. Way back when music and dance was fun and an true artform.

[@jojobrown5079]

The girl in the polkadot dress is someone's grandma today This joint slapping.

[@rodneylusk4325]

yep probably Grandma

[@justallah2785]

Great Grandmother

[@thevaillant1845]

@@rodneylusk4325 elle est belle cette fille et elle bouge bien bon groove !!

[@MassiveReset]

I love how the women knew how to be sexy without being raunchy back then

[@smoothoperator7023]

She still dancing like that in 2020, just got a Depends on now!

[@ThePlayboyLen]

"Ain't I'm clean?" - 😀😃😄😅

[@njeri_seksi._697]

No you ain’t

[@amosoke2646]

Oh, yes he is 🤣

[@futuristicconcepts1257]

With all of the pain that my people have endured for over 400 years I couldn't even think of waking up not black. Our rhythm is natural, our laughter in a group sounds like music and we are born survivors. We are an example of God's best work. Keep your heads to the sky and keep on digging our blackness my my my.

[@andrewmorgan4650]

Please take this comment with peace and love. My father's people came from Wales, basically England's slave labor. What really burns my ass is that I hate how many Americans, of African descent get played by the poverty pimps. 400 years of slavery did not break your people. THIS IS A BADGE OF HONOR. And will never be broken. Merry Christmas FC :)

[@BlackGladiator]

Amen Amen Brotha!!

[@futuristicconcepts1257]

@@andrewmorgan4650 ..No offense taken. In fact I applaud your comment. The 400+ years did not break us it is true but the nightmares of being subservient still echoes within the mind. For you see, the white man took our ancestors who in fact were actually sold to them by African rulers and they brought us to a foreign land as slaves. That was bad enough. Then the Jews seized upon the opportunity to get rich by allowing black people to get credit be it for groceries, then clothing then furniture. A new set of masters so to say. But black people endured and gained strength from pain. Today the ones that used that pain to get wisdom that produced success are seen but sadly our numbers are not at all where they should be. But here's to Hope that eyes will open and that the truth of it all will be seen. A truth that proves that hard work, focus and sheer determination will break the stigma that black people are dull witted, slothful welfare kings and Queens. One of the biggest fallacies ever conceived. As for your people, the Welsh, from 1660 to 1850 they too endured slavery. From the government to the other idiots who felt that they were superior merely because of geographic location of birth. No one knows the horrors that your people went through and in true solidarity of being victims of suffering I call you "Brother". But look at how far both of our peoples have come so far. There is much work that must be done but we are survivors of the worse that life can throw at us. For us there is no Hell for we've lived in it since birth. There can only be smiles from Heaven and a nod of admiration from God himself. We experienced and we still are able to love and laugh. To you my friend I wish a very prosperous 2019 to you. I lift my glass to you. Slainte my brother. God bless.

[@jim526]

As a white guy that loves this music and the culture I think it’s one of the best videos I’ve watched. I hope for connection rather than a race having to come together.During a festival in Martinique a man demanded I buy him a drink because of the colour of my skin . I’m half Irish and many Irish were slaves as well . As much as I hate a big part of what’s gone on I don’t think I should have to apologise for the colour of my skin .

[@alanrogs3990]

There isn't a group anywhere that hasn't suffered.

[@immelvan6529]

The young lady at 2:25 is the reason I purchased the WattStax DVD. Now she's a DANCING MACHINE.

[@andutao2633]

That lady vibes the music!

[@lorenzolohman451]

Lady in Orange is dancing for us. She is a fantastic dancer and so pretty. I heard that she is named roberta

[@essiejames9492]

I was 19 years old when this came out but Mr. Rufus Thomas had a song and dance 💃 that came out called the funky chicken now at 71 still listening in 2024 who's here 😳

[@baritunde]

I'm here! I was 10 or 11. I still love the Funk!

[@40amule16]

Never seen so much beauty in my life..... really miss real black people 😢

[@humanforotherhumans]

I am thinking about the same thing. These people look more authentic as I.

[@Memhis10ToesDown]

Me2

[@rickeyharris178]

What the hell does that mean

[@lonblaze2120]

@@rickeyharris178 it means no weaves, no jheri curls, no sagging pants,no violence, etc.

[@misterhappy5462]

"really miss real black people..." wow, what a statement.

[@bobwatson1162]

Black unity and pride was much stronger then.. than it is now...

[@keeppressing1760]

When can go back to it but the mind set has to change 💯

[@freclyde]

The young woman with the polka dots was put’ n it together!

[@SelRastan]

Always lifts me up and reminds me of my parent's house parties. RIP MOMMY AND DADDY!

[@kingbee1500]

+Ras T YES, Ma'am...deal those Spades, flip the grill, fill that cooler! Here in Louisville, you can find plenty of parties with full cookouts in January! Oh, yes...the potato salad! (Sounds like "Make It Funky," doesn't it? Candied yams...)

[@inquizative44]

That is so sweet of you! You made me smile and took me back to those parties as a kid shuffling around everybody as the dance and I find me a little spot to do my thing and dance!

[@joelmaqueira4851]

GOD BLESS AND REST THEIR SOULS!

[@MamaRii73]

She was gettin it in....glad I'm a 70s baby!

[@nubiansista4life]

Shucks! I was born during the wrong time period. I wasn't born until 1970, but my soul has cried out for this era since a young child.

[@jazzman9908]

That young lady is rocking that Sizzler two cuts higher than a mini skirt

[@mrstevens70]

My people. Doing it big in the 70's. I love ya'll😍!

[@keeppressing1760]

Black power 💯💯 400years no more God brought this pandemic on America cause America is being punished for what they did to the original people...the real Jews 💯💯

[@donn372]

🙀 why can't life still be like this with good music everyone dancing having a good time huge afros

[@byronbenguche]

Sad that our brothers and sisters don't act like this today

[@ladyraven30]

Crack did a number on our folks....but best believe the love is still there and we will be triumphant.

[@vortex162]

"Crack did a number on our folks", and political correctness across the board! Check out Frankfurt School YT!

[@rahlohmcdonogh280]

Do we really act that bad?I've seen horrible behavior by others at soccer games and football games.And actually be honest, do we want to party with any other folks??? I love everyone but I'll stick with Black!!

[@joycesmith53]

This is what older generation can't understand. We didn't think about white people after school only the party

[@fernandovazquez4396]

Or the music! Now its all non sense and a music called Crap!

[@Aplustradomus]

Fell in love with POlka dots

[@bitppr6]

We are beautiful.

[@glittersparkle5148]

I love seeing the 70s clothing. The afros the style of dance. Bring it back i say. Lol Chicago love By the way I still wear these clothes and wear my hair in an Afro and dance like that LOL

[@denisemitchell8477]

Yep love this when we had Afros picks in the back black leather jackets platforms bell bottoms boy pants yes maam

[@FredVoomVoom]

Such a classic! But I never get tired to watch it again.

[@asiayoung7559]

omg all of the afros and clothing i love it. lol

[@ladygemini5967]

Yessssss!!!

[@GlobalAfrican]

We are some beautiful people.

[@khethelomangazi3482]

GlobalAfrican #BlackNeverBreaks Amen to that.

[@karameldreem]

My baby makes that statement true ,he has beautiful skin and he is a gorgeous dark skinned man.

[@bobdavis9239]

+GlobalAfrican People sure are beautiful

[@jereuter01]

Hey!!! We all beautiful. I get your meaning though especially for that time, and more particularly that year. Whew! We made it though.

[@williambethel3093]

mechapeset Emeta

[@ciaraf4158]

All that soul and melanin ❤❤❤❤

[@pharoah1200]

I'm still looking for her in 2018😎

[@rogerricafort2389]

That lady in orange polka dot can really move. What a gracefull dancer.

[@118Columbus]

Life was better before everyone just stared at their damn phone all day

[@elvecinodeltio5960]

I wish I could back to this funky era and dance with my black brothers and sister much love from a Peruvian dude peace and love y'all ✌✌✌

[@bluesandroots2008]

I gotta thank man kind for preserving this. This is such precious heritage.

[@TS.W]

Prince brought me here to see the lady in red n white. 💜

[@malvernchigure6812]

Real beauty with no chemicals. Gone are the best days.

[@eirahoj]

Looking out at all those beautiful afros in the crowd makes me proud to wear my crown..

[@zumaanandrade3961]

Keep your hair just as it is Sis. It's yours.

[@eirahoj]

@@zumaanandrade3961 Thank you very much :-)

[@unclebrizz1053]

I long for the day when people get down like this again!

[@ladyraven30]

We will and we still do. We're picking up the pieces after crack.

[@TT-bz1ne]

When our black brothers loved, respected & looked out for one another & the black woman too. Sisters treated each other better.

[@Meshagurl28]

Girl in the polka dot dress killed it lol

[@fringestream990]

Just dancing and fun, no fights or shootings the way it should be.

[@Bassmaster_Ice318]

AMEN, BRO! Peace, Love, and Hair Grease! :)

[@lucykirk9998]

Smitty Knickerbocker p

[@biramafall1366]

+Bassmaster Ice hh

[@princeofnilevalley6578]

It was that way until the enemy put crack in the peaceful inner cities & broke up the family unity!!

[@rollsroyce7385]

Smitty Knickerbocker yes👍👍

[@greghillblowyourmind]

THIS IS WHAT REAL SOUL IS ALL ABOUT!

[@folsom1167]

All those brothers and sisters all that love not like today all this killing

[@kaharold]

+marvin sims AMEN

[@mcdonoghrahloh459]

That should tell u something! Who's killing whom?

[@gweedodarezzo8271]

It always had killing what u talking about it we didn't had media to show everything like today it had killing back then now n when we gone it still gon b going on its life until we all come as one and unify (All of us not some of us) Unity is Freedom no disrespect to your comment to I'm just saying ❤️✊🏽

[@taniyagreen5380]

marvin sims nobody don't have a mean look on their face at all no one and I guarantee you if someone was to step on someone's foot they will say I'm sorry excuse me and everybody keep on having fun what nobody pull out no gun and start shooting because of something senseless like that they didn't do that back then it was nothing but pure fun love peace and happiness where did that go where did it go cuz if I knew I would go get it and bring it back evil has taken over the world evil people you can't even go nowhere no more and even have fun like this at all because somebody's going to step on somebody shoe a Lego pull out a gun and it's all over with I know that you are a Godly person so stay close to God because he's always going to stay close to you Emma spray for Nipsey Hussle and his family he didn't deserve that nobody do

[@princeofnilevalley6578]

The society you now know is conditioned that way by a man. Society back then was natural made by nature...

[@leulkm]

love this song, classic looking at the fashion statement afro and 70's clothes the dance style makes you happy to see people enjoying the fest!!!

[@Chasencharlie13]

What a great time in music and the world. Over 100,000 thousand fans in LA and no problems at The Watts Festival. My Black brothers and sisters knew how to party back in the day. No way we could do this again, too many knucklehead idiots out to destroy a good time by all. That was some show with all the great stars from Staxx Records...You name it and they were there...Great Going Staxx...

[@barbaralane9146]

Blast from the past!! Love it!!!!!👍👍👍💓💓👌👌👌

[@mahoganycolour]

This is amazing! They are truly grooving and I so wish there were festivals like that now! And we should start having the afro again! :)

[@innerthought4012]

All that beautiful melanin

[@rodypollock8935]

as someone from this generation, these days are gone

[@corrynthiaiam9205]

Why can't we LIVE and ACT like this TODAY.

[@TT-bz1ne]

Those polka dot dresses were called sizzlers, they were cute & had panty shorts to match, I had one😂😁😀😆. We didn't think nasty sexy like today, It was cute, funky fashion & fad.

[@MisterDeSoto]

I think she forgot the matching panty shorts.

[@covertLLC]

The camera man couldn't stay from under her dress.... basically upskirted her in the middle of the concert. LOL he was thinking sexy.

[@TheGeekboy92]

This is from the free love decade lol cmon.

[@Jack21Spades]

Learned somethin' new... Sizzler!

[@kidkully]

I wonder if she’s still alive

[@ramiel6229]

My beautiful people. The Children of Israel...God's chosen people. Often imitated never duplicated. I love my people...

[@vatricegeorge]

My mom was at this concert. It was like $1 or $2 for admission.

[@jasonforrester6522]

Brothers and Sisters United !

[@MrAllie-bf6zt]

I wasn't born until 71' but I love this! The dances and music was the best!

[@peanutavalon]

Black music from the 60s and 70s is the best music ever made.

[@lisaknox4257]

Looks like there was NOTHING BUT LOVE that day! I was too young, or I would have loved that. I wish my people could still be like this- that many, all together. Just love.

[@marcelomassinha]

Primeira vez que assisto, Pouco que vi , já sei que a energia era Total ! Queria ter estado lá também !!!

[@erandisampaio1438]

Isso sim é música 💃💃💃

[@JERZEEHOTBOY]

This was so cool. Look at my people having a good ol time ✊🏿

[@keeppressing1760]

Let the church say amen 💯

[@glenmcclure9883]

I love us!

[@cooper482011]

Amen!

[@barryblu_space-bar3x]

What a time....i was born 20 years too late. Shouldve been born in 63 instead of 83. Couldve been here having a good time.

[@twain103]

Rufus Thomas & Pops Staples,were THE COOLEST older guys!!!

[@kingbee1500]

+twain103 Damn skippy (you're so very right/agree 100%-translation for you non-1970's heads like me...LOL)!

[@kaharold]

+twain103 YEP AMEN

[@travislumpkin9857]

twain103 THAT,S THE TRUTH ,BACK THEN!, THAT The WRAP!,,.

[@claudioacosta9980]

(victoria- entre rios-argentina) es la primera vez que lo escucho, por Dios, increíble, fantástico

[@marcstar4327]

Genius singer!!! Rufus Thomas❤

[@larbiteffahi1350]

yeah!rufus i know your music ,home in (oran-algerie) i was 18 years old(72) rip on you remenber me very "good times"...........

[@cooper482011]

My twin sister and I were in our beautiful mother's womb in the summer of 1972. But we were there in spirit. The spirit is before, now and after. Ase Ase!!! I love it!! Black people doin' what they do - JAM!!!!! I'm proud to be an L.A. native - much love to the beautiful L.A. district of Watts (my cousins' dwelling). WATTS UP!!!!!!!!!!

[@misst.e.a.187]

What you've written is so very beautiful.

[@cooper482011]

@@misst.e.a.187 Thank you

[@SunnyIlha]

Red polkadot dress She wuz cookin!!

[@Jabulani926]

I was born in 73, so mom and dad made me while listening to this genre of music. I can see how much fun that time was. Although I'm not a fan of funk. Funk is like playing one note for 15 minutes with no chord changes. But it still looks fun.

[@prestonbriggs441]

She's An Amazing Dancer ❤👍

[@gweedodarezzo8271]

Bobby Brown playing him tonight in American Soul on BET I can't wait to see it 💯💯💯

[@coldharvest]

I have been in love with the girl in the polka-dot dress since I first saw her.

[@SarahRachel59]

She's about 60 now......

[@heinrichdorfmann4349]

TruthIsAllThatMatters ... that's not necessarily a problem .. some like older women

[@tinysosweet16]

Ruffles Jones doing the bull dog song

[@matthewnorman2547]

Roberta Green from Inglewood California.

[@blkmamba40]

I hear you. I hope she had babies cause I know theirs some beautiful in the world because of her.

[@delfonteknight3859]

Them days people were strongers& knew how to relax,have fun.

[@danielvieira3471]

So much music from that decade i keep finding, it never ends

[@Mr.MuriBlack]

Que essa cultura Negra Americana viva eternamente! ! ! Ps: não falo somente sobre a musica e sim de toda ela que pode ser vista nesse vídeo.

[@theMuritz]

god bless our black brothers n' sisters. I am white ...

[@paisleyprincess7996]

theMuritz soul is a colorless thing!

[@showme443]

black beautiful and strong!!! How we used to be!!

[@sven7037]

What Happen to us!!!!!!!!!!!! Wish we can go back to these times

[@djtobal8937]

que buen aporte y mas que es de un latino conocedor de esta musica ,saludos desde sonora mexico....

[@inquizative44]

Notice how slim everyone is because they DANCE!!

[@tudevoid]

Beautiful people having fun!

[@smoothoperator7023]

May the 70's fashions NEVER come back in style!

[@browneyesblackdragon7999]

I'm so having that dress made!

[@kingbee1500]

+Chel Sea May I come to the first fitting? LOL!

[@byronbenguche]

+King Bee Perv lol.I'm kidding bruh lol.

[@TT-bz1ne]

Naruhoe baby they was called sizzlers & you see why. don't forget the red polkadot panties too

[@magicallyme96]

Same! I want it in different colors too! 🤣

[@mvdnbos]

Love miss polka dot :)

[@ITSFULLOFSTARS1]

Los Angeles Coliseum...Love it...the 70's were jamming!

[@monsterrasta]

Just The Good Vibes Flowing

[@bluzcompany2293]

Don,t let the haters divide us ,it,s justus.

[@videoletta89]

Ol boy gettin at it @2:00, he should've had more camera time!

[@antonioInMi]

Top

[@sheldontaylor2002]

The guy in the denim jacket dancing at 3:56 is Fred Re Run Berry from What’s Happening

[@meika2020]

wow I am a 80's baby I love this!!!!

[@rolandhawkins4780]

Great showmanship, met him at the Plantation Club in The Messe' in Frankfurt in 1973. Absolutely a star!

[@Queenin06]

I was born in the wrong time man lol

[@khethelomangazi3482]

BritBrat011 Say that again. We sure missed out.

[@dontae1971]

I can truly dig that bruh

[@dontae1971]

right on

[@danozmanforbes7308]

No doubt about that BRO

[@naztodd7187]

+Danozman Forbes Tyrone Davis Powerball Tyrone Davis Davis

[@levis6945]

Those were the days you didn't have to worry about much we had fun we loved one another what happened to our people..

[@darnellwebb1671]

Had the privilege of being at the watch that concert in 1972 at the coliseum in Los Angeles California one of the greatest times I ever had mr. Rufus andlook

[@Noodles8ify]

This is just full of good feelings here- classic

[@melodysanger103]

REMEMBERING RUFUS THOMAS, JR. (MARCH 26, 1917 - DECEMBER 15, 2001) [03/26/2019]

[@cantgetrightlife3707]

Red dress was getting it in Soul Train dancing Lets Make America Great Again

[@cooper482011]

CantGetRight Life Let’s make Black America Great Again❤️🖤💚

[@MissSLF2U]

I was at home :(...... My big Sis was there! She said that was not the place for a 4yr old!!! Lmbo!!! My sis said she had so much FUN!!

[@annieharris261]

+Old Skool Music Lover Wow!! Your sister was really there? Lucky lucky! I am Annie Harris. I am a high-school student from the Los Angeles area. I am doing a project on the Wattstax concert! You/your sister would be the perfect person I could interview for the project. The project is being put together to remember the whole event and day.You will not be payed to be interviewed. Also, it will be questions sent through email. Please email me! my email: [e-mail]

[@MissSLF2U]

Yeah.. I don't think she was interested in "Babysitting"!!! Lol!!!

[@delmondstrong5671]

I wonder who was the girl in the polka dot dress she is fine

[@MissSLF2U]

Delmond Strong Not sure of her name.. And "Yes"... She is Beautiful 😉

[@ajayisimon7756]

Delmond Strong I was just reading through the comment few minutes ago when someone just gave me her name that she was chaka khan before she gets famous have Google search this fact and it was so even I saw her youthful picture which I compared with this video images and it was the same please do check it out too....i just fall in love with her immediately but I was born in 81 and she should be 60 plus now just love her😁😁😁😁had it been that I was born then I may do anything to look for her and get her for myself...what a wonderful😅😅😅😅 world....

[@hicks727]

it's like a black grateful dead concert....but waaaay more funky

[@michellemason8498]

I was there with my uncle, i was 11 years old.

[@lorenzolohman451]

Then who is the girl who is dancing in the polka dot dress?

[@cooper482011]

This video is what makes black so beautiful. I'm so amazed at the dance moves of the 1970s. The brothas and sistas could really "get down!" And, yes, toward the end of the video i see Mr. Rerun (from the 70s What's Happening!! sitcom) with his dance partner (i believe 1st wife too) doing their famous "slo-mo" lockin' moves. I wish i was there (in fact, me and my twin sister were in mom's womb 1972). Great video of a great era -black 70s!

[@K50ATTACK]

Man oh man, what sheer joy. Makes a swedes frosty soul soar with the best of them!

[@shisley4]

That chick in that polka-dot dress rock it out and then broke it all the way down!! I remember those little dresses, some had a matching underwear cover to wear underneath, because they was short.

[@CapAnson12345]

I was wondering what might be hidden under there...

[@amck72]

She had matching underwear. I peeked it lol

[@TT-bz1ne]

Honey Isweet I had one😂😁😀😊

[@lizpedano1542]

Honey Isweet yeah were they called sizzlers with matching panties lol omg