A Song For You - Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, Leon Russell
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- čas přidán 27. 10. 2011
- Leon Russell, Willie Nelson and Ray Charles performing Leon's hit - "A Song For You". Live at willie's 70th birthday concert in New York's Beacon Theatre 2003.
- Hudba
We’re a lucky generation to have had the privilege of such great music by such great men
Yes we were. I was 17 in 1971 and heard this song for the first time. This and many others. What a privelege to come of age with this magical music. I doubt that there will ever be another explosion of creativity like that, at least not in my lifetime.
@@daftbeeswax4439 Amen. The 60's and 70's. Never to be surpassed.
@@tobywinter1Leon's Jumpin Jack Flash/Youngblood medley was party heaven.
Willie knew Ray was dying and at 415....You can see what a Love and Friendship looks like.......They were friends for over 30 yrs...Ray was really speaking directly to Willie and Willie knows it and almost breaks down...What a grand moment...
Ray, AWSOME,,!!!
Frank K A Sloan ....😪👍🏾
Exactly. He was speaking to his friend. Im watching this in 2019 , crying like a baby
@Ryan A. Porter ❤❤❤❤❤ nuff said
Yeah.
After hundreds of hours listening to great music on CZcams, this is my favorite live performance. Ray Charles and Willie Nelson had an intimate friendship, and both knew this concert would be Ray’s last time to express their closeness publicly. (Ray died soon after.) So they chose Leon Russell’s classic “A Song for You.” Leon kicked it off, then Willie took a verse. And then Ray took over Leon’s lyric and with his voice recreated it as a testament to Willie. Ray’s vocal might have been directed to one person, but it broke every heart in that concert hall.
Being loved by Ray Charles is something every human with a heart would aspire to. The next best thing is to witness it, and here we are treated to this great artist’s most heartfelt declaration of affection for his friend. It’s a historic moment and the audience picks up on it, and so does the band. We lucky CZcams viewers are the recipients of a one-time declaration of his deepest feelings for a friend as expressed by a great artist.
That it is performed in real time in the company of Ray’s treasured friend provides all of us with the understanding that yes, we are here for something, and all we have is each other. There are no easy answers, but that doesn’t matter when with beloved friends we only need to let them know how much they mean to us.
Absolutely beautiful, thank you soooo much for sharing
Absolute fabulous
Amen
I agree. I’ll watch it over and over. Elton John is a great man for orchestrating this.
Absolutely True..
I'm crying watching Willie Watching Ray...... Oh my God... so much emotion in both their faces... knowing that this would probably be their last time together on stage... And Knowing too that even though Leon wrote this song, Ray Charles owned it... The respect that both Leon and Willie were paying to Ray Charles is evident in Willie's face, he's having a hard time holding it in...... Leon Russell, Ray Charles and Willie on the same stage.... It doesn't get any better than that! Now if you'll excuse me.. I need to finish crying ❤
Amen
thank you for finding and sharing the words i couldn't. simply amazing.
This is a real tear jerker…Willie’s face says it all
A FAN OF NELSON'S FOR 50 YEAR'S, I AGREE WITH YOU. A SPECIAL TIME. AND TO HAVE 3 LEGENDS LIKE THIS ON 1 STAGE IS HISTORY FOREVER ❤❤
well said
This song is a symbol of a generation that ain't coming back.
This song is eternal. I love you in a place where there's no space and time, I love you all my life you are a friend of mine...
Unfortunately I agree just glad I grew up with the BEST music
Ray takes over a song meant to be shared by all three, but it ends up being and emotional tribute to all three, Leon as the songs creator, Willie as everybody’s friend, and Ray himself, whose emotional rendition of any song fills it with soulful, loving energy. Who’s going to complain about that?
They all knew it was Ray’s last performance. That would be a hard few minutes to stand there and watch him sing this song. Mr. Charles was in fantastic form considering his health and age. A true legend. Rest In Peace sir! You brought joy and love to millions of people the world over.
Honest Vaunerable and true pure magic RAY CHARLES
Such a precious moment.
Was this really his last live performance? Sounds at the top of his game.
@@josephwitkowski6665 yes it was his last performance. It was far from his best performance but it was adequate considering liver cancer is painful. I would suspect he was in pain here. His voice was not steady but it’s so incredible for him to even be performing. Probably one of the most instantly recognizable persons to ever live. Of course that is subjective to opinion but is there anyone more recognizable than him by sight or sound? Maybe Muhammad Ali and a few others. The movements, the teeth, the glasses, the voice. If you turned out the lights and could only see a silhouette of him, you couldn’t mistake him. To hear only his voice, is unmistakable.
He had a very hard start to life, and was blasted under pressure like a diamond to become a true gem.
@@reubination Amazing! Sounded great too me. Thanks for the info.
OMG! That is so emotionally draining. Why do we have to grow old? Why can't this last forever? Well their music will never die. That is for sure. Thank you Ray and Leon and Happy 91st Birthday Willie!
Halfway through this, Willie and Ray are completely alone together in that room full of people. And you can see it happen on Willie’s face. And in his eyes. As close as these two men were, I’m sure Willie was aware of Ray’s health and that time together was precious.
😢
😢😢
Yes
You are right. What a love.
A few days ago was Willie's 91st Birthday. CRAZY!! I am SO SURE Leon and Ray are watching over him, keeping him going and strong.
What a beautiful performance this was. Tears streaming down my face over here. What a special time we were able to witness huh?! God bless us all
Despite the audio/video quality, it will never be better than this. Not ever. Leon, Willie, Ray. Epic moment frozen in time.
Respect
Amen
Never, ever, ever.
I’m probably going to cry like a baby when we lose willie Nelson. Watching Willie get emotional puts a lump in my throat. Unbelievable how much talent is on this one stage.
Me too. Legends die fairly often. Like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Marty Robbins, Ray Charles and Merle Haggard, but Willie Nelson is unique. In my opinion, Willie has always been the greatest country singer, clearly in a category by himself. The first time I thought of him inevitably dying was many years ago and it affected me deeply. If it was up to me Willie would live forever. It's hard to imagine Country Music without Willie. It's easier to imagine heaven's music with Willie.
I just got tickets to see Willie in South Florida in October 2023 cannot wait❤
We just saw him yesterday in Maryland ❤❤
@@btu59Willie is coming to Cincinnati and I'm taking my kids with me. That's how much he means to me. It's important they get to go
@@timharper4246 it sure is, I’m a Brit 👍🇬🇧and my family love him..I’m so blessed to be able to see him as I’m sure how long he’s going to do concerts for hope you have a fab time, it’s going to be memorable ❤️
Leon Russell, a musical genius, shared his talent with the world. He, Ray, and Willie were great friends and some of the best the best this world has ever seen and heard.
This was for Willie's 70th birthday. 20 years ago, wow! I remember this performance like it was yesterday, and it will stay with me forever.
Willie is so moved by Ray's performance. I met Willie on the day he was flying out to go to Ray Charles's funeral. He was so kind and laughed and joked with me even though he was heartbroken. I'll never forget our conversation as long as I live.
Ray going down those octaves and it just not seeming to end is impressive. Willie learned classical Guitar and has been around a lot of good piano players. I've never seen willie look someone in awe like that in my 40 decades watching him.
❤❤❤
Lllllllll
Lucky lucky :)
I love Willie Nelson. He is such a beautiful man. Awesome you met him as you did.❤
This was one of Ray's last performances, Willie knew that. Willies admiration, and his facial expressions, for Ray always get me. This video brings a tear to my eye.
I felt the same. To see a grown man, and one hard as nails like Willie, cry is a powerful thing. There was such a humility to it. As if he didn't feel worthy to even share the stage with Ray. In that moment he was just another fan watching the performance of a lifetime.
U could tell willie loved ray we should all b blessd to hav such a friend
This bring tears to my eyes also I love this song
He lived 7 more years....so doubtful on one of his last performances
@@oilyshoes9969 This was April 2003. Ray Charles died in June 2004 after canceling performances beginning in March 2004. He had closer to 7 months to perform, not 7 years.
Watching the look on Willie's face as Ray is singing, it definitely gets me choked up.
Love Leon and I'm one of Willie's biggest fans but Ray took this song over and made it his own! It's almost unbelievable the amount of talent those three possess. God speed Ray and Leon.
@ivery5000 👠👠 Willie looks like he wants to cry...So much RESPECT.
They understood what was going on. That's real honor and respect right there brother. When Ray took the fore even Nelson and Leon, legends in their own right, stepped back and let the legend speak.
Didn't really like Charles's contribution.
Three Gods on stage. The likes we will never see again.The emotions on that stage brings tears to my eyes.
DITTO! Willie's birthday was on April 29th. He turned 91 this year. Incredible huh!!
This song brings tears to my eyes. Could apply to anyone who has ever loved and been hurt. Or, just loved.
Played every relevant song when going through painful break up. Makes No Difference, The Band, This Old House by Nancy Griffith( or covered), You Are Not Alone by Mavis Staples and Jeff Tweety. Played them over and over because they explained what I was feeling. Thank you for all the great musicians!
We were indeed blessed to have lived in a time when music absolutely came alive and offered us the opportunity to choose the music that brought the best melodies to our ears and joy to our hearts as well as a bond with so many people of our great generation.
I have no problem listening to the music that I hear today, but I am very happy that technology has been able to continue to keep the music alive that I grew up with and shared with friends, whether it was at live concerts, at home or riding in my van, I enjoyed it all.
My family's name is Charles. And my Dad was a big music fan. When he would play Ray Charles music, he would tell us that was our Uncle Ray. Now we were just little and we thought it was pretty cool!! And he would laugh while we all sat there listening or dancing around a little to the music. We are a White family and it was a few years before I knew that Ray Charles was a Black man. When I asked my Dad about it he would just laugh and say it was a joke he just couldn't resist. (My Dad was an only child). And I have called the man Uncle Ray ever since.
God damn it! I hate that LEON RUSSELL takes a back stage to these guys, even though it is his fucking song they are performing!!!!. Here in the comments, no one acknowledges him as an awesome musician, equal too these guys and it pisses me off. His whole career was spent in someone else's shadow, even though he was often far more talented . RIP big man, my love flows eternal to you.
Dang, Songs that make grown men cry. Hang in there Willie. You will sing this again with Leon and Ray in a different hall.
My uncle Mike played music and him and willie could have been twins literally. Mike passed away back in 2012. But the love that Willie makes me think of the way I loved Mike and yes! This made me bawl like a baby. But also because I'm a huge fan of all three of those guys! Lol
I got to see Ray Charles before he died ..a blessing....Jesus loves in a place where there is no space or time and came into our space to die on that cross for our sins..We are in the final days!!!
It is heart-breaking that this was basically Ray's way of saying goodbye to Willie, like he knew his time was soon. Even Willie knew it, and even cried from how emotional he got from it.
@Willie Nelson 🔵 I grew up listening to your music since I was a child. My father would play your records frequently on our old record player, so your music was a part of our home always. My father and I love music dearly, and we often went out to venues across the state to see live shows together, even attending more than a few of your picnics.
We actually had the pleasure of meeting once, at a show you were playing at the Arena Theater in Houston. My whole family managed to get front row seats to the show, and had a wonderful time. My grandmother, who has since recently passed, met and talked a while with your sister Bobbie, Bee was egging me on to sing louder during "I'll Fly Away", and even getting to talk with you and Mickey before and after the show.
Your music has always been a part of my life, and I still love and listen to it often. I am no longer a young boy as I once was, but now I am a grown man with a wife of my own, and maybe one day I can pass on your music to my future children as well. I just want to say thank you for giving us all so many great memories, simply by doing what you love and sharing it with us all.
God bless you Willie. This song sends chills. I’m so grateful. Thank you
This is one of the greatest live performances of a song I've ever seen or heard anywhere at any time. Ray Charles showed why people in the music business called him a genius. What a stunning performance. The look on Willie's face says it all.
We all knew the song was special thats how it became a classic but this performance makes it without place or time true to itself and these very special gentlemen are now immortals.
My god, Ray's voice on this tune is just fantastic. He might be the best English language singer who has ever lived. with Willie as a close second.
There's a video with Ray singing it solo. Awesome!
Willie is choking back tears, bless his sweet heart❤️💛💚
Hello beautiful
@@cormacdavid7355 ciao David! 🙋♀️😍😘💘🍀
Aren't we all .
I have seen Willie many times in concert. Never had the privilege to see Ray Charles or Leon Russell. We all know Ray was dying at the time. The song belongs to him. His emotional performance as he is obviously directly sing to Willie is both spellbinding and heartbreaking. I have to say, Willie held up like the trooper that he is. However, in all the times I have seen Willie, whether it be live or otherwise, I have never seen that kind of look on his face.
I used to watch Leon Russell Live in Miami all of the time!! I just Loved him!
I saw him several times in Tulsa Brady Theater he was always great and I loved the smaller venue. I saw Leon and wife Grace together at Brady they were great together! Love Leon!
Watched this 100 times and still shed a tear every time they let Ray take over.
That band never missed either. When it was Ray's time to take the lead melody and play, they all quieted down, provided texture, and kept whatever tempo ray was on. Even in his twilight years, master class musicians understood implicitly that they had a responsibility to step back and allow a legend to take the fore.
I agree,I can't stop playing this,Willie looking at ray........😢
This song moves me to tears, it touches too deeply.😢 love it.❤
This video should be preserved in a museum. Leon Russell is not idle; he is performing motionless, Willie Nelson facials tell a thousand stories watching this semi-god's flawless performance. Art & Art History at its highest moments ...including tears and goosebumps
He truly loved him.
Excelente Leon the best
All three are masters
Check out Rolling Stones , Copacabana...wild horses
Absolutely Right! What a masterpiece!
" A Song for You" is Leon Russell's masterpiece, but Ray Charles, oh my God.
I watched an interview with Ray and he said Leon's Song For You was one of his favorite songs. Willie said it too. They were all tight friends for decades. This was Ray's last performance and they all knew it. This recording is a national treasure. Pure soul between three genius musicians who were long time friends. It was personal and they shared it with us. A blessing.
Tears in my eyes and yet, joy in my heart...touching, lovely. Bless them and all of us!
Times that can never be replaced…. Great performers. Greater times for America….Appreciation…
@@Lee-ot5esWell said, Lee!! Thank you Ray, Leon and Willie for sharing your gift of music with us! We are better for it! This ole world is better for having known you!! Peace, joy and love!!
I worked for WN in West Palm Beach 30 yrs ago and he kissed my hand and was so gracious. He was there until everyone in line after the show got to go into his motor home and met him and got an autograph photo . I just know it is one of my very very best memories. ❤
I actually cry each time I watch this video. Alot of history on that stage !!!!!!!
Me too
I'm bawling my eyes out
yep...
@@cherylrondeau905 o
I do so also, cry, (but I have a couple of vodkas"!!)
I'm in tears. Seeing Willie looking at Ray that way and getting so emotional was so touching.
Leon❣️❣️ and the look on Willies face, his admiration for Ray is incomparable. Bravo gentleman
I’m so grateful to the camera person who captured WN emotion so we could all feel the love.
Ray was singing to his friend Willie and Willie could feel it.
One of my all time favorites. Love it.
I lost respect for Ray Charles when I saw him speaking horribly about Elvis Presley. I know for a fact that Elvis would NEVER have said ugly things about Ray. I'm just glad Elvis never heard Ray's hateful words. Elvis was a kind, generous, loving, Gentlemen. Too bad Ray felt the need to speak so hatefully about Elvis. I was a huge fan of Ray Charles ...and I wish I had never seen the video from the 80's, but that's what you find on CZcams ...the Good, Bad ...and the Ugly.
@@jessiem276 2 SIDES TO EVERY STORY!...I too loved Elvis, but he too made derogatory comments also. Bottom line, both were young still growing, evolving, learning!...we All have said or done some things!...watch the interviews with Priscilla Presley...no one is perfect!....MUST show mercy, forgiveness, maturity!
Willie's about to cry at the end, damn thats sad to see
This makes me cry each time. The power of life inside Ray Charles voice is just so overwhelming. It cannot get more soulful than this. Its like a full life of memories and moments condensed into a few minutes of singing... and it keeps building on, as if Ray himself could see his own life review flashing before his mind right there as he was singing... all the beauty, friendships etc... he was leaving it all there through each notes, each words. All his love and joy. Sang purely from his heart...its just too beautiful and grand. I mean you can feel it in Willie's face. It transcends. Makes you wanna live
Beautifully said !
Can't express any better Nicolas, thank you, Ed.
Very good description!
Happens the same to me. I've seen this video at least a hundred times and each time I've cried. Nothing can compare with the feeling of that moment right there
Rejoice, don't cry.
Leons classic and who the hell can sing it like Ray. Bless Ray and Leon. This song is forever
I'VE BEEN A FAN OF ALL 3 FOR 25 YEARS, BUT AS SOON AS RAY STARTED SINGING, I GOT FULL BODY CHILLS AND STARTED CRYING. IT HIT ME REALLY HARD KNOWING THIS WAS ONE OF HIS LAST PERFORMANCES. THE WAY WILLIE LOOKS AT HIM KNOWING HIS FRIEND OF 30+ YEARS WAS DYING, CRUSHED ME.
Yes it's definitely crushing, emotional. But I 💜 it!!!
Both Willie and Ray knew. Ray was saying goodbye to his friend.
Yes indeed. Lets all never forget those dear life long friends we have. Keep in touch with each other everyone and don't get lazy.
@@scottrackley4457 the
Thank you Dr
watching Willie's emotional response to Ray was as good as it gets. THAT is why music is magic..it has the power to bring you to your knees. The best version of this remarkable song.
Mary London Szpara It’s obvious he’s realized he’s got no business in that stage!
You couldn't hold a light to Willie. Don't be an ass.
I've always thought he knew he was watching Ray for what could be the last time....
Kevin Finn You’re absolutely correct....
Point on - ❤
R.I.P. Mr. Leon Russell, and thank you for this beautiful song.
Yes. Thank you Leon, for an incredible lyric!
And incredible music
The whole world is cutting onions.
Yah red unions
What,would you expect three guenyous,
One of my all time favourite performances. Three absolute legends whose music made the world a better place. ❤
That it did, that it did friend
Two legends and Willie is more like it.
My thoughts exactly ♥️
Amen!!
Love Leon Russell.. sometimes when I hear songs like this that were a part of the fabric of my life back in 1973 - , I am amazed at how much we had...great songwriters, musicians, great lyrics,great voices. So lucky!
NO SO BLESSEDLY!
I agree, wonderful gifted musicians. Miss that time in my life. Remember seeing willie in Tahoe in the 80's. He shared his bottle of wisky with our table.
I am just so very sad....Leon is gone, Ray is gone...the music still is with us, though.
I was so lucky to have lived when these guys came about.
i hope someone comes in that can at least bring this type of feeling back to music
Didn't you hear? .. Willie is gone too - he was run over. :(
Silly man was playing on the road again!
@@40judi Willie Nelson summed it up. “I don't wanna be the last man standin'
Or, wait a minute, maybe I do”
Well said! I have been following since childhood. My father loved music as well.
This song goes out to my best friend who lost her mom yesterday of failure to thrive. 80+ she held upright FANTASTICALLY 2023😭😭😭😭❣️
The last we heard of Ray and that's the last of him but there wasn't much left for Leon too. And he wrote this master piece.
This always makes me cry. Ray Charles was dying of liver cancer at the time and Willie knew this was gonna be the last time he'd play with Ray. Leon and Willie both sang a verse but they let Ray have the floor. You can see Willie getting choked up but smiling at the same time. Powerful stuff.
Truly beautiful
They were and still are kindred spirits.
@ivery5000 👠👠 Willie looks like he wants to cry...So much RESPECT.
Every once in a great while, it all comes to gether perfectly. This was one of those very rare moments.
This was Willie’s favorite song in the world, and Ray just blew his mind performing it
Listening to songs you like is important. Songs calm you down when you are upset!
This may be the most touching live performance I’ve ever seen
Emotionally devastating. Ray bringing the pain like only Ray can. Amazing. A man who got down until the day he died. Never another like him.
Amen.😔
Amen!
The piano run at 2:36 is bound to break everybody's heart.
Omg yes
Watched so many times & always tears my heart to pieces. No egos -- all hearts.
Willie breaks my heart & Leon steps back, never touching the keyboards,
THIS IS LOVE !
it was respect. and knowing when theyre outclassed. the look on willie's face
said it all. it was reverence. all the sudden leon and willie were in church.
That was my true Thoughs on this ,I'm not a musician but I thought Ray took Leon and Willie's part and they were both happy he did
I made sure I watched this on cable back in the day. Every performance was fantastic.
As great as Willie & Leon are, even they stood in awe once Ray Charles started singing.
People think that a gifted person just stands up and writes a song like this like this, because he is gifted. That's not how it happens. Leon russell was an extremely talented, thoroughly musically educated person who could have played sonatas for high-brow audiences but he became the man behind the Mad Dogs and Englishmen. A golden talent with megatons of hard work.
Thank you. Leon!
Ray Charles is proof that miracles do happen. I smiled and cried my way through this beautiful performance.
This is my aunts fav song. She cried so much when she was here. I hated to see her go, I had to move her with her daughter. At 102yrs she said she was needing a playlist. I love her where no Space In Time. Songs filled with love👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💅💅💖💖💖missing you aunt vi💞💞💞💞
Leon sang it like a Leon song,Ray sang it like a Ray song and Willie did it like a Willie song. And it came out great.
Oh my goodness I'm just seeing this now.
I loved Leon Russel may he RIP .
Of course I love Willie Nelson and Ray Charles .
I cried thru the entire song along with Willie.
What a blessing to see all 3 together.
Awesome 👏
They have a soulful voice!
This is my favorite song 🎶 so tell me are you a fan of Leon, Ray & Willie…?
Tears in my eyes. I'm speechless with admiration. What a treasure this is. Thanks.
Awesome 👏 you’re welcome…
They have a soulful voice!
This is my favorite song 🎶 so tell me are you a fan of Leon, Ray & Willie…?
Exactly 💯
@@rossscott1922I get shivers and my heart stops when Ray does the piano part.
I've loved Leon and I've loved Willie but, Ray Charles is one of the all- time greats. Thanks for this. 👍
Agreed. I think a measure of greatness is longevity. I began listening to the great Bishop Ray Charles (as he was often called in the early days) in the 1950s. He remained popular and relevant decade after decade. No small accomplishment.
Dying with liver disease and he still put on an un4gettable performance...
I'm a grown man in tears after watching this video...enough said!
Me Too!
Jeff Blythe Me three!
I am woman and yes i cried.
Rays singing and the look on tbe face of Willie is almost too much to behold.
Music can do that to us men
...
This is so moving ,all I feel is that I'm watching living legends spreading pure love together. ♡♡♡
Willie’s face is what a breaking heart looks like
They're all three like demi-gods to me but Ray is just the best I've ever heard. I love how Leon and Willie kind of bow out and give it over to him... the Grandmaster. the looks on Willie's face are so respectful. Great video!
Brian MacDonald Willie LOVED Ray....
Absolutely. I don't care who you are, when Ray Charles is on the stage, you just be quiet, step aside and let the G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time) do his thing.
💯👏🏼☝🏼✊🏼😥✌🏼
I agree, but I also feel a bit bad for Leon. After all, he actually wrote the song, but was never able to convey it the way Ray was able to. Had to sting a bit...
Idk if he's stoned to the bone or in awe... jk much respect clearly.
Scarlet B.
The sheer look on Willie's face and fighting back tears should tell you why Ray Charles sang the major part of the song. This was shortly before he died. Respect !
Can we all just take just 3 simple seconds and callobrate that Ray Charles is hitting Melodies on the piano and singing like that at 72 years old, RIP legend one of a kind man♥
That's why they called Ray Charles "The Genius"
There was a distinct moment in this version where it was painfully obvious that it must end - but some irrational part of me wishes it could just continue on forever...
You know Ray, Leon and a host of others are jamming in heaven for God and showing the choirs of angels how to rock! God bless them all!
Has there ever been a singer like Ray Charles? Will there ever be another one? I think so much emotion came from him into every line he sang, that it would be impossible for another to recreate that. As a naive little boy, I heard Ray on the radio and knew he was special. Over the years, I have come to understand he was more special than I realized. Rest in Peace Ray Charles. You brought peace and beauty into my life.
Every single time I've cried watching this (at least a hundred times). Nothing in life can give a feeling so overwhelming as this song and this particular moment
Same! I’ve even tested it, came back and watched when I wasn’t in a sentimental mood, cry every time.
I myself came to watch again because I just listened to the carpenters version and it kills me when she sings "and when mylife is over" ugh tears and now hearing Ray sing that part more tears , and the way Willie is holding back tears oh man.... a great rendition especially since it is Leon song
I so much love these guys. A tear comes to my eye as Willie is touring his 89th birthday. I miss Ray and I miss Leon.
Willie looks at Ray like he'd never actually see a piano truly played. Manm this is hard to watch, but it is sheer beauty and emotion. And LOVE.
@Willie Nelson 🎵 Willie, to me. Ray, Leon and you are kindred spirits.
Willie had tears in his eyes too !
❤️ for Ray Charles....we loved you in a space in time, Ray💜
You can say that again
They have a soulful voice!
This is my favorite song 🎶 so tell me are you a fan of Leon, Ray & Willie…?
…I’ve loved you on a place where there’s no space and time. .
You definitely find the best Howard thank you for sharing all those different memories and my favorite opera music I hope one day we can go to the offer together Howard thank you
Hello Nanette 👋
It takes a lot of guts to continue playing after Ray Charles starts singing. That band is really something. To be honest after Ray starts singing it gets hard to look at something else besides Ray. For sure one of the best moments in music history I've seen.
Three giants. "The Genius"...Ray Charles. The great Leon Russell. And the legend, Willie Nelson. Giants among pygmies.
Men, among men. They maintained their Grace and Dignity. Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye.
Three very talented men singing for a very special audience. An audience that cared for their fellow man, they knew that, that was why they were there 💝
Richard Marshall Bowman Leon aka "The Master of Space and Time "
I won't lie Willie is talented as hell, but I'll never forget my dad saying he went to his concert the backup band played 45-60 minutes then Willie came on drunk and played for bout three to five minutes and sucked.
@@samjohnson3899 that must have been many years ago. I have been to a couple of his famous picnics and the man was awesome.
As I watch the video again, It will always be a treasured classic, a keepsake, and fond memories of great American singers and musicians, RIP Leon and Ray,
Can’t wait to hear him play in heaven!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
You can say that again
They have a soulful voice!
This is my favorite song 🎶 so tell me are you a fan of Leon, Ray & Willie…?
there are singers and there are musicians and Then there’s RAY CHARLES 🤷🏼♂️💯❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
My favorite of All Time❤️❤️❤️🙌thank You God for RAY CHARLES 🙏
As Reba once said you can not only hear Brother Ray when he sings but you can feel his emotion.
I love how Ray gets so excited that he claps at 4:28. You know his words are from his heart.
I'm a long time music fan (66yo) and i don't think I've ever seen a better performance than this one. We love you, Ray . Thanks
Yes, you can see the love and sadness on Willie's face as he watches hs friend sing and play..Thank you for sharing this.
@Willie Nelson 🎵 For me it was watching you work... working at the music. I was a big rock-n-roll fan, living in Vegas, went to concerts just about every week, from the Ice Palace then the casino's Concert stages.. one day I had to see what this 'cowboy music' was all about and went to a show.. was impressed. You set the Cowgirls up and I would knock-em over... first time I wore a Kaboy hat.
Seriously, you were a fav of us in Vegas.. Up there with Frank with style, through the rough times you had... Vegas people were behind you 100% of the time.
You worked at the music, not just played.
@ivery5000 👠👠 Willie looks like he wants to cry...So much RESPECT.
Knowing that he was dying
He was crying. Wiping tears even.
Three of the greatest musicians of all time...what else can one say?
Can you imagine any of these guys making it on American Idol. No cookie cutter talent here. All individual singers. The greats.
Awesome 👏
They have a soulful voice!
This is my favorite song 🎶 so tell me are you a fan of Leon, Ray & Willie…?
Exactly why I pay no attention to those "talent" shows. Give me a gritty and soulful voice any day over Taylor Swift.
Thank you, Henny. We lost 2 out of 3 but Willy's still kicking ass!
All these comments are so amazing and heartfelt, and really made me take a good look at the whole picture going on in this video. May I tell you what I see? I see Willie watching his old friend doing what they've all done for years (and I kinda think they are privy to something about Ray's health that we are not), then I see him going through the whole gamut of emotion, summing up in a little under 5 minutes, that we all go through when we lose someone we love. He looks at him like he's seeing him and appreciating him for the first time; then he allows the sadness in, but I think he's appreciating the fact that Ray is still here with him for a little while; then the tears come, anticipating the great loss of this fine man (almost cringing at the intrusion of the applause of the audience at one point (at 4:14), then, in the end, Willie pulls his head up, smiles, and goes on (again, like we all do, when we have a great loss). Thank you for letting me share this thought, it must have struck a deeper chord with me than I thought.....
Beautifully said, Dear One. God Bless You
There's love in that song. It just took over as it should when sung in love.
Beautiful.
A friend of mine. ❤
Beautiful. Thank you.
Thank you for pointing that out. I really think you’re observation is spot on.
So very beautiful and heart breaking at the same time .
I lived 5 blocks from Leon's house in Tulsa when I was a small kid, early 70's, and my best friend and I use to ride our bikes to his house, ring his gate bell and have conversations with his staff and band members. To this day, 40+ years later, I still remember how kind they were. Though I live 6,000 miles from there I still have a place in my heart for Leon. RIP and thank you for contributing your art to this world.
He was a real person, good human being, but I was so shocked by how small he was, very small hands. My first husband toured with Leon in the mid 70s and he was a very interesting guy
wow! thank you for sharing this. I loved leon. he radiated goodness
What was in the water in Tulsa. I can't believe how nobody connects the dots and gives credit or recognition to the AMAZING group of musicians that came up at the same time. Some get credit some don't but none get their just desserts
@@bigblueslover Part of it has to do with the fact that Tulsa is insignificant. They had a long history of music and let it slide away as they embraced Tele Evangelists and to become one of the centers of that movement and the oppression that comes with it. Now? It continues to be one of many has been cities in the US.
This literally brought tears to my eyes. What a treasure with 3 great artists. Going to listen to it again.
It’s a trip to see/hear Ray play this song. What a wonderful performance we all get to experience.