I absolutely love Marc's voice, but I do recommend you check out an earlier version, because his voice was fuller and stronger, and the emotion is powerful 💗 Cher did a cover of this that was also successful
I love this song so much and I enjoy hearing all the covers. Cher did a good job, but why did she change Muriel to Gabriel? Did she go to The Hollywood and there was a guy named Gabriel. Other than that why would she disrespect the most important person in the song other than Marc, by cutting her out. Muriel was a real person.
I adore Marc!!!!! The story was fantastic, but I’d encourage you to listen to the original studio recording as his voice sounds weaker here 😢 And really the whole album is ah-maz-ing!!!!!!!
I'm Swedish and this song means so much to me. The line "Now Muriel plays piano. Every Friday at the Hollywood." hit hard after I heard the song. I was literally living right next to the Hollywood cafe in Tunica (Robinsonville), MS for many years when living in the US. The same place from the song. All the other lines like "Had my feet ten feet off of Beale" in Memphis... checking out the Jungle Room in Elvis' mansion. Such a rant but I'm nostalgic because this song has a whole different meaning for me because it was also the best years of my life. Love that you checked it out!
I have always loved this song, with the many Elvis references and bluesy feel. Like Leiber and Stoler, a Jewish boy who felt the blues and wrote some great songs. Time for another Elvis reaction. You would enjoy "Just Pretend" live 1970 LasVegas, "Twenty Days and Twenty Nights rehearsal/ performance LasVegas 1970, 68 Special opening "Trouble/Guitar Man", Don't rehearsal, TTWII,1970/Don't resync with Philharmonic Orchestra.
He has a whole verse about Elvis. Great song with a lot of Memphis references. This is one of those songs that you have to read the lyrics to fully understand what he’s talking about.
Its Memphis, If you visit Graceland the Jungle Room is a room in the basement that was Elvis's favorite room and it was painted like a jungle. 10ft off of Beal is Beale St. which is downtown Memphis where all the bars and blues places are. Like Bourbon St in New Orleans
That line the crowd shouted was …”Ma’am, I am tonight!” Great reaction, but, now that he told the story, go back and listen to the studio version. This was a smash in the day, and it flows better than here. Cheers!
I was a teenager living in Memphis when this hit...I always wondered if the sense of nostalgia made this song better for me than a lot of others. "You got a prayer in Memphis..." that line hits me every time. And I HIGHLY recommend the official video.
Never mind the studio version. React to the video for this song. There’s a HUGE difference between him live as an old man and the video when he’s 30 years younger.
One of the greatest written songs ever. You really should hear the song as WE ALL FIRST HEARD IT to truly give what reaction video watchers want to glean from watching you. To know why the song won the grammy and hearing (and feeling) what we all first heard (and felt) is the attraction to those who seek to relive these moments through another soul. Granted, you recognized the tune but this is exactly why "reaction videos" have garnered a following.
Yes, this version is paced too quickly and his voice isn't near the strength level he had when he recorded it. This version hardly sounds like his original.
Gotta watch the video very telling and emotional, and his voice is younger and out of this world! I didn't mind this version but you gotta hear the original!
Can you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE react to the video version ---- better vocal and you will appreciate how the video perfectly captures the essence of the song!
Mark mentioned WC Handy, who is the father of the blues. And what is so funny about this song is he is Jewish and he was talking to the lady and all the songs she sang were Christian songs. Then he finally knew one that she was singing, which was amazing grace. And then at the end of the song she asked him, Are you a Christian and he said I am tonight. Love this song!
Cher cut a cover of this tune. That may be why you know it. Hers is pretty good. WC Handy, Elvis, the Reverend Al Green, along with Muriel all came before him in Memphis. This is a tribute to the blues, them, and all that came before him.
I enjoy all your reactions and your great personality shines thru. As a lot of comments on here. Yes you should listen to the studio version. Great song !
This is a great interpretation and live version of this song. He takes it slower and jazzier in this one. Definitely check out a studio version! You'll be dancing 😄
Sooooo many references in this song. First you need to understand his heritage is Jewish, which adds to the phrase (that was hard to hear cause the audience sang it) "tell me are you a Christian child and I said mam I am tonight". Beal Street in Memphis is considered the home of the Blues! He talks about the ghost of Elvis and Graceland (Elvis's famous home in Memphis that thousands tour still each day). W.C. Handy is known as the father of the Blues - you should check him out! To this day they have National Blues Awards in Memphis every year - they trophy isn't a grammy or an emmy - it's a W.C. Handy Award!!!! This song was everywhere for a long time and still can be heard in a lot of public places - a true gem for those who are Christian or who love Elvis or who love the Blues. Or, if you're someone like me - a Christian that loves the Blues and Elvis, well, it's just an all time song. Go listen to the original release to hear the story better. Marc's voice does a lot to transfer you to Memphis in your mind as he sings........BTW, GREAT REACTION BRITT!!! Oh yeah, I had to come back cause I forgot another important reference in the song...."Reverend Green be glad to see you when you haven't got a prayer, boy you got a prayer in Memphis". He's talking about the great Al Green!!! He quit secular music at one time to open a church in Memphis and preach the gospel - RESPECT!
Great comment. I love this song so much. There`s also the reference to Elvis`s "Pretty Little Thing in The Jungle Room". :))) Greetings from another Christian, huge Blues, and Elvis fan from Slovenia
Britt, loved hearing his story and this heartfelt latter years rendition. It's special. BUT, you do need to treat yourself to the official video version of the song. It is really special too. His vocals in that original version are simply incredible. 🙂
When he says in this song "Reverend Green will be glad to see you, when you haven't got a prayer", he is referring to Al Green, the 11 time Grammy Award winning soul singer from the 70's . He is also an ordained minister with a church in Memphis. If you haven't reacted to him, you need to do "Let's Stay Together" by him. The one where he is live on The Late Night Show is fantastic. Or any of his top selling singles would be good to react to as well.
This is all about Memphis, hence the references to Elvis. blue suede shoes, WC Handy, Beale Street, Rev. Al Green, and Muriel Wilkins. In the lyrics he says "...and I sang with all my might." This song came out around 1990. I recommend watching/listening to the original version/music video for the full arrangement incl. a gospel choir near the end. Also listen to his songs "Silver Thunderbird" and "True Companion".
There is a release of that in 1991 that I think you would really love. It doesn't go into the background this does, but the music and vocals come through so much better. It is one of the greatest ever! You cannot listen without closing your eyes and walking with him. Taking a trip an d never leaving the Chair!! Great Music!
The "Hollywood" is in a very small community about 40 miles south of Memphis on US61. It is on the north end of Tunica. I lived there from 1969 to 1971. I remember it well, a very popular place!
Many people think it was a tribute to Elvis. Actually, Marc was experiencing writers block as well as other things going on in his life. So, he went down to Memphis and found inspiration through his experiences there and that included WC Handy (blues legend) as well as Elvis and others like Muriel who inspired him when he came in and played and sang many hymns with her. Lots of great inspiration for this song. It actually made him a big music star after writing this
I LOVE this song! I never new the larger story behind it. Just the story within the song itself about a spiritual experience within a land of music. These are the kind of songs that resonate with people of every faith (or no faith in my case). It's just beautiful. Thanks for sharing as always.
Many artist have covered this song. As good as this was, I suggest checking out the studio version or at least an older version when Marc was younger. Very powerful story and song.
"Blue Suede Shoes" was written and recorded, in 1955. By Carl Perkins, from Tiptonville, TN. (about 35 miles north of where I was born). Elvis recorded it, in 1956.
Yes, Please check out the Studio Version !!! The song is mostly about Elvis, in the beginning he says.....Put on my Blue Suede Shoes and boarded the Plane, touched down in Memphis in the middle of the pouring rain.... walking with my feet 10ft off of Beale (Street thats where Elvis used to jam with BB King, Big Mama Thornton, Little Richard and so many others, heart of the Delta Blues and the Memphis Sound)..... I saw the ghost of Elvis on Union Avenue, followed him up to the Gates of Graceland (Elvis's Home) and I watched him walk right through....passed by his Tomb ....there's a pretty little thing waiting for the King (Elvis) down in the Jungle Room ( Elvis's Man Cave Decorated like Hawaii and his sometime recording studio) etc....
I know many others have already said you should hear the studio version and I'll concur just for emphasis. BUT... what you REALLY need to do is watch the official music video! I flat out GUARANTEE you'll be up and waving your church towel! Seriously, it's goosebumps city! Also, I gotta say, to really get the full impact of the lyrics you need to know about Beale street, it's connection to Elvis in his late teens/early-20s; know the significance of Sun Records recording studio when it pops up in the video; understand the historical cultural influence of W. C. Handy on American music; know that Marc Cohn is Jewish which is why his line "Ma'am, I am tonight" carries such an emotional charge. So much to unpack in this song to really grok how and why it grabs the hearts and souls of so many people when they hear it. Loved your reaction. You got the "feels", girl.
Unfortunately Marc’s voice doesn’t reach the heights that it used to. As many others have mentioned, the album version sounds much better. But I do love the story at the beginning, I never heard that before. The country band Lonestar released a remake of this song about 20 years ago. Not as popular or as good as the original, but still pretty good.
Agree with the above. That song from the album is powerful and no doubt carried forward over the past 50 plus years. I’m reminded how popular it was on the radio, yes I was a young adult 50 plus years ago now in an older adult. Cheers from Aus, 🦘🇦🇺
Love this react an I didn't know the backstory. Midwest born and raised, but there is just something so incredibly soulful about southern music (we know that's tied into hymnals and blues) when he let the crowd call back when he sings "tell me are you a Christian Child?" they respond "Ma'am I am tonight!" Forever a fav song of mine. Also, I used to sing to my baby boy "Baby King"... it is worth a listen even if you don't react... just pull it up on YT and go about other business. My boy would crazy giggle at the bass "ah oo hoo hoo hoos.. ba um ba um ba um ba". So glad you did this react... somehow I've let him slip away for a spell and you've brought him back. **** others, below, reminded me of Silver Thunderbird - a tribute to his father ****
His first album is so darn good. Other songs off this album are "True Companion" (a perfect wedding song. Maybe a bit overplayed for a while) and "Silver Thunderbird", an ode to his dad and his car.
Man... I remembered True Companion (was in HS) and it's gotten a little more sticky sweet to me over the years but loved it then... BUT you mentioning Silver Thunderbird!!! Thank you!... I need to rebuy that whole album. Lost in the weeds over the years... but I loved Silver Thunderbird and had COMPLETELY forgotten about it for decades until you mentioned!
I also recommend that you listen to True Companion, a really beautiful love song. And as others have said, please listen to the studio version of Walking in Memphis.
Unlike most in the comments I really enjoyed this. I've only heard the studio version. I loved getting the backstory and loved the emotion with which he performed this.
You really should listen to the original and see the original video of this. He was much younger then, with a much stronger voice. This is a great song. The album is even better.
There were hints of it from his story, but Marc Cohn is a Jewish kid from New York. So he took a trip to Memphis to inspire him where he saw Graceland, heard Reverend Al Green ( another amazing artist), and sang hymns with Muriel at the Hollywood Cafe. Hence the lyric, tell me, are you a Christian, child? Ma'am, I am tonight.
These live versions when a persons older really takes away from the song because they chop it up. It’s not the same especially if it’s missing the choir.
I wouldn't say the studio version is better. Obviously at the end of his career. Always loved the song. Nice to have context but listen to the studio version. It's very different.
Exactly what Susan said below: as a young man, his voice was killer, and he hit some dramatic notes in that original version...that dwarf this one. I guess after one gets shot it the head during a carjacking, and then ages a few decades, it'll change one.
I've eaten at the Hollywood Cafe .... I'm assuming he's talked of the one in Robinsonville, Mississippi. There are famous for their fried dill pickles and only about 15 miles from Memphis!!!!
Girl I know you love a live performance but I always prefer when you start with the official video or studio version and then branch into live performances.
This song inspired me when i decided to spend my birthday week last year in Memphis. Went to the Stax Museum, visited other sites, and walked up and down the famous Beale Street, considered the Home of the Blues. Ima go back soon to visit Graceland and other places, and i had a great experience. And all because of that song. That's just me.
![Marc Cohn - Walking in Memphis [REACTION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3fJaT3HvFrM/mqdefault.jpg)
![Marc Cohn - Walking in Memphis [REACTION]](/img/tr.png)
The studio version is much better
AGREE
I agree completely
Totally agree! The choir rounds out the mood and feel of the song.
The 40 and under crowds probably know Cher version better, I'm 67 and I like them both
So much better. I did not like this version at all
I absolutely love Marc's voice, but I do recommend you check out an earlier version, because his voice was fuller and stronger, and the emotion is powerful 💗
Cher did a cover of this that was also successful
I agree. The lyrics are much easier to understand in the official video, plus the images add a lot to understanding the song.
not sure how old it is now, but I remember Lonestar doing a cover of this - Walking in Memphis
He is rushing this song way too much. It was a much slower-paced song when he recorded it years ago. And yes, his voice sounded much better back then.
I love this song so much and I enjoy hearing all the covers. Cher did a good job, but why did she change Muriel to Gabriel? Did she go to The Hollywood and there was a guy named Gabriel. Other than that why would she disrespect the most important person in the song other than Marc, by cutting her out. Muriel was a real person.
I adore Marc!!!!! The story was fantastic, but I’d encourage you to listen to the original studio recording as his voice sounds weaker here 😢 And really the whole album is ah-maz-ing!!!!!!!
Marc's first, self titled, album was GREAT!!! Every song on it... front to back... put it on and just feel his music for 45 min.
I came here to make the same recommendation (about listening to the studio version).
I'm Swedish and this song means so much to me. The line "Now Muriel plays piano. Every Friday at the Hollywood." hit hard after I heard the song. I was literally living right next to the Hollywood cafe in Tunica (Robinsonville), MS for many years when living in the US. The same place from the song. All the other lines like "Had my feet ten feet off of Beale" in Memphis... checking out the Jungle Room in Elvis' mansion. Such a rant but I'm nostalgic because this song has a whole different meaning for me because it was also the best years of my life. Love that you checked it out!
Thanks for the background ,very interesting. You still in the states ?
I have always loved this song, with the many Elvis references and bluesy feel. Like Leiber and Stoler, a Jewish boy who felt the blues and wrote some great songs. Time for another Elvis reaction. You would enjoy "Just Pretend" live 1970 LasVegas, "Twenty Days and Twenty Nights rehearsal/ performance LasVegas 1970, 68 Special opening "Trouble/Guitar Man", Don't rehearsal, TTWII,1970/Don't resync with Philharmonic Orchestra.
What a great story! The original studio version with his band is with checking out.
He has a whole verse about Elvis. Great song with a lot of Memphis references.
This is one of those songs that you have to read the lyrics to fully understand what he’s talking about.
The studio version is a complete religious experience!❤
This song is very popular. Loved it from the first time I heard it. If you listen to the studio version you may realize that you have heard it before.
Its Memphis, If you visit Graceland the Jungle Room is a room in the basement that was Elvis's favorite room and it was painted like a jungle. 10ft off of Beal is Beale St. which is downtown Memphis where all the bars and blues places are. Like Bourbon St in New Orleans
That line the crowd shouted was …”Ma’am, I am tonight!” Great reaction, but, now that he told the story, go back and listen to the studio version. This was a smash in the day, and it flows better than here. Cheers!
I was a teenager living in Memphis when this hit...I always wondered if the sense of nostalgia made this song better for me than a lot of others. "You got a prayer in Memphis..." that line hits me every time.
And I HIGHLY recommend the official video.
Never mind the studio version. React to the video for this song. There’s a HUGE difference between him live as an old man and the video when he’s 30 years younger.
One of the greatest written songs ever.
You really should hear the song as WE ALL FIRST HEARD IT to truly give what reaction video watchers want to glean from watching you.
To know why the song won the grammy and hearing (and feeling) what we all first heard (and felt) is the attraction to those who seek to relive these moments through another soul.
Granted, you recognized the tune but this is exactly why "reaction videos" have garnered a following.
Yes, this version is paced too quickly and his voice isn't near the strength level he had when he recorded it. This version hardly sounds like his original.
Gotta watch the video very telling and emotional, and his voice is younger and out of this world! I didn't mind this version but you gotta hear the original!
Can you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE react to the video version ---- better vocal and you will appreciate how the video perfectly captures the essence of the song!
She doesn't do studio versions only live apparently. Thats all i have heard anyways.
Mark mentioned WC Handy, who is the father of the blues. And what is so funny about this song is he is Jewish and he was talking to the lady and all the songs she sang were Christian songs. Then he finally knew one that she was singing, which was amazing grace. And then at the end of the song she asked him, Are you a Christian and he said I am tonight. Love this song!
1991 Grammy nominee for Song of the Year, I'm certain you would recognize it if you listened to the studio version
Cher cut a cover of this tune. That may be why you know it. Hers is pretty good. WC Handy, Elvis, the Reverend Al Green, along with Muriel all came before him in Memphis. This is a tribute to the blues, them, and all that came before him.
he is a fantastic song writer. now you need to see the official video!
I enjoy all your reactions and your great personality shines thru. As a lot of comments on here. Yes you should listen to the studio version. Great song !
This is a great interpretation and live version of this song. He takes it slower and jazzier in this one. Definitely check out a studio version! You'll be dancing 😄
Studio Version is a must listen. This live one is nice but the other is perfection
Sooooo many references in this song. First you need to understand his heritage is Jewish, which adds to the phrase (that was hard to hear cause the audience sang it) "tell me are you a Christian child and I said mam I am tonight". Beal Street in Memphis is considered the home of the Blues! He talks about the ghost of Elvis and Graceland (Elvis's famous home in Memphis that thousands tour still each day). W.C. Handy is known as the father of the Blues - you should check him out! To this day they have National Blues Awards in Memphis every year - they trophy isn't a grammy or an emmy - it's a W.C. Handy Award!!!! This song was everywhere for a long time and still can be heard in a lot of public places - a true gem for those who are Christian or who love Elvis or who love the Blues. Or, if you're someone like me - a Christian that loves the Blues and Elvis, well, it's just an all time song. Go listen to the original release to hear the story better. Marc's voice does a lot to transfer you to Memphis in your mind as he sings........BTW, GREAT REACTION BRITT!!!
Oh yeah, I had to come back cause I forgot another important reference in the song...."Reverend Green be glad to see you when you haven't got a prayer, boy you got a prayer in Memphis". He's talking about the great Al Green!!! He quit secular music at one time to open a church in Memphis and preach the gospel - RESPECT!
Great comment.
I love this song so much.
There`s also the reference to Elvis`s "Pretty Little Thing in The Jungle Room". :)))
Greetings from another Christian, huge Blues, and Elvis fan from Slovenia
Britt, loved hearing his story and this heartfelt latter years rendition. It's special. BUT, you do need to treat yourself to the official video version of the song. It is really special too. His vocals in that original version are simply incredible. 🙂
When he says in this song "Reverend Green will be glad to see you, when you haven't got a prayer", he is referring to Al Green, the 11 time Grammy Award winning soul singer from the 70's . He is also an ordained minister with a church in Memphis. If you haven't reacted to him, you need to do "Let's Stay Together" by him. The one where he is live on The Late Night Show is fantastic. Or any of his top selling singles would be good to react to as well.
OH! I didn't know Rev'd Green was Al!!! That is Fantastic!
Being from Memphis I always loved this song a lot of the lyrics hit home for me.
You really need to hear the original record. It is marvelous!
You are the only reactor on CZcams who seems to get it every time, love this song!!!!¡
This is all about Memphis, hence the references to Elvis. blue suede shoes, WC Handy, Beale Street, Rev. Al Green, and Muriel Wilkins. In the lyrics he says "...and I sang with all my might." This song came out around 1990. I recommend watching/listening to the original version/music video for the full arrangement incl. a gospel choir near the end. Also listen to his songs "Silver Thunderbird" and "True Companion".
This is about Elvis and Graceland, his home.
Check out the studio-version. Such a beautiful voice and song.
About Elvis, the jungle room in Graceland, blue swede shoes. The King.
So much more soul in the studio version. Of course it was about 30 years ago.
There is a release of that in 1991 that I think you would really love. It doesn't go into the background this does, but the music and vocals come through so much better. It is one of the greatest ever! You cannot listen without closing your eyes and walking with him. Taking a trip an d never leaving the Chair!! Great Music!
I love this song. The studio version played a lot and I never got tired of it,,!❤
Marc is fabulous in concert. His narrative about Walking in Memphis never gets old.
Can I just say that I enjoy each of your reactions? You have an easy grace at doing this. Well done.
I used to keep this as my ringtone… I absolutely love this song by him.
The "Hollywood" is in a very small community about 40 miles south of Memphis on US61. It is on the north end of Tunica. I lived there from 1969 to 1971. I remember it well, a very popular place!
great context. thank you!
As others have said, the studio version is sublime. It weaves in gospel-style organ and background choir at just the right places.
Many people think it was a tribute to Elvis. Actually, Marc was experiencing writers block as well as other things going on in his life. So, he went down to Memphis and found inspiration through his experiences there and that included WC Handy (blues legend) as well as Elvis and others like Muriel who inspired him when he came in and played and sang many hymns with her. Lots of great inspiration for this song. It actually made him a big music star after writing this
This is a great performance, bit i agree with others, you need to hear the original recording of his, its so powerful!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Child, you have so much on-camera charisma … all of your videos are entertaining! Plus, you are a Babe!
I LOVE this song! I never new the larger story behind it. Just the story within the song itself about a spiritual experience within a land of music. These are the kind of songs that resonate with people of every faith (or no faith in my case). It's just beautiful. Thanks for sharing as always.
He is much older during this live performance. It is obvious he didn't have the strength to sing it the way he did back in the day.
Studio version is when he was much younger. He still sounds good.
Many artist have covered this song. As good as this was, I suggest checking out the studio version or at least an older version when Marc was younger. Very powerful story and song.
"Blue Suede Shoes" was written and recorded, in 1955. By Carl Perkins, from Tiptonville, TN. (about 35 miles north of where I was born).
Elvis recorded it, in 1956.
I know this song well and love it, but I have never seen this video before... his story brought me to tears
This is one of my favorite songs in the world to sing. The studio version is super good.
Yes, Please check out the Studio Version !!! The song is mostly about Elvis, in the beginning he says.....Put on my Blue Suede Shoes and boarded the Plane, touched down in Memphis in the middle of the pouring rain.... walking with my feet 10ft off of Beale (Street thats where Elvis used to jam with BB King, Big Mama Thornton, Little Richard and so many others, heart of the Delta Blues and the Memphis Sound)..... I saw the ghost of Elvis on Union Avenue, followed him up to the Gates of Graceland (Elvis's Home) and I watched him walk right through....passed by his Tomb ....there's a pretty little thing waiting for the King (Elvis) down in the Jungle Room ( Elvis's Man Cave Decorated like Hawaii and his sometime recording studio) etc....
Love, love, love this song!
The Hollywood café is in Robbisonville Mississippi . It's about 40 miles from Memphis.
I know many others have already said you should hear the studio version and I'll concur just for emphasis. BUT... what you REALLY need to do is watch the official music video! I flat out GUARANTEE you'll be up and waving your church towel! Seriously, it's goosebumps city! Also, I gotta say, to really get the full impact of the lyrics you need to know about Beale street, it's connection to Elvis in his late teens/early-20s; know the significance of Sun Records recording studio when it pops up in the video; understand the historical cultural influence of W. C. Handy on American music; know that Marc Cohn is Jewish which is why his line "Ma'am, I am tonight" carries such an emotional charge. So much to unpack in this song to really grok how and why it grabs the hearts and souls of so many people when they hear it. Loved your reaction. You got the "feels", girl.
When this song was released in 1991 was the first time I ever had been to Graceland. It was magical.
Much of Walking in Memphis is about Elvis and the aura that still inhabits Memphis.
I love this song by him.
Unfortunately Marc’s voice doesn’t reach the heights that it used to. As many others have mentioned, the album version sounds much better. But I do love the story at the beginning, I never heard that before.
The country band Lonestar released a remake of this song about 20 years ago. Not as popular or as good as the original, but still pretty good.
I always suggest the studio version before diving in to live versions. Both this and Sinead need a re-do.
Agree with the above. That song from the album is powerful and no doubt carried forward over the past 50 plus years. I’m reminded how popular it was on the radio, yes I was a young adult 50 plus years ago now in an older adult. Cheers from Aus, 🦘🇦🇺
"that felt like church" love you, love your show, much success!
I love this girl. 😊
Awesome! Beautiful!! I agree Britt! Me too! 😅
Great song. He wrote another one that was really touching on that album about his dad that always hits me. In my opinion, well worth the listen!
The best song ever. His redemption was found in Memphis.
Cher does a version of this too. Her voice on this is so rich.
A great, underrated song and singer
Silver Thunderbird is another classic by Marc..
YES!!!!!!!
His voice is far better in the official video, when he was younger, you need to check that out.
The Hollywood Cafe is about 40 Miles from Memphis. Reverend Green is singer Al Green.
Thanks
Love you’re smile
The Hollywood Cafe he sings about is in Tunica, MS about 40 miles away from Memphis. Really good food 😊
Love this react an I didn't know the backstory. Midwest born and raised, but there is just something so incredibly soulful about southern music (we know that's tied into hymnals and blues) when he let the crowd call back when he sings "tell me are you a Christian Child?" they respond "Ma'am I am tonight!" Forever a fav song of mine. Also, I used to sing to my baby boy "Baby King"... it is worth a listen even if you don't react... just pull it up on YT and go about other business. My boy would crazy giggle at the bass "ah oo hoo hoo hoos.. ba um ba um ba um ba". So glad you did this react... somehow I've let him slip away for a spell and you've brought him back. **** others, below, reminded me of Silver Thunderbird - a tribute to his father ****
makes me cry
His first album is so darn good. Other songs off this album are "True Companion" (a perfect wedding song. Maybe a bit overplayed for a while) and "Silver Thunderbird", an ode to his dad and his car.
Man... I remembered True Companion (was in HS) and it's gotten a little more sticky sweet to me over the years but loved it then... BUT you mentioning Silver Thunderbird!!! Thank you!... I need to rebuy that whole album. Lost in the weeds over the years... but I loved Silver Thunderbird and had COMPLETELY forgotten about it for decades until you mentioned!
Thanks for reacting to this one honey!
Darealdeal
I also recommend that you listen to True Companion, a really beautiful love song. And as others have said, please listen to the studio version of Walking in Memphis.
❤it’s beyond church it’s Graceland!!!❤
Unlike most in the comments I really enjoyed this. I've only heard the studio version. I loved getting the backstory and loved the emotion with which he performed this.
You really should listen to the original and see the original video of this. He was much younger then, with a much stronger voice. This is a great song. The album is even better.
Yes yes definitely check out the original audio, he was much younger and it's just way better, great story though
Love the original song and video by him
Beautiful story and beyond beautiful song 🙏🌻🙏
There were hints of it from his story, but Marc Cohn is a Jewish kid from New York. So he took a trip to Memphis to inspire him where he saw Graceland, heard Reverend Al Green ( another amazing artist), and sang hymns with Muriel at the Hollywood Cafe. Hence the lyric, tell me, are you a Christian, child? Ma'am, I am tonight.
These live versions when a persons older really takes away from the song because they chop it up. It’s not the same especially if it’s missing the choir.
Watch the official video when he was much younger. He's singing about my hometown of Memphis
you might want to check out his song My True Companion.......beautifully written
I wouldn't say the studio version is better. Obviously at the end of his career. Always loved the song. Nice to have context but listen to the studio version. It's very different.
Exactly what Susan said below: as a young man, his voice was killer, and he hit some dramatic notes in that original version...that dwarf this one. I guess after one gets shot it the head during a carjacking, and then ages a few decades, it'll change one.
Reminds me of being in the clubs in memphis, hearing live music. Gotta go back again.
This was great but the studio version is awesome.
Now that you know the story you need to listen to the studio/radio version
I've eaten at the Hollywood Cafe .... I'm assuming he's talked of the one in Robinsonville, Mississippi. There are famous for their fried dill pickles and only about 15 miles from Memphis!!!!
You are correct it is in Robinsonville. Ms. I eat there a lot when we road trip. God bless you Miss Anna from the one and only Memphis Tn.
Girl I know you love a live performance but I always prefer when you start with the official video or studio version and then branch into live performances.
This song inspired me when i decided to spend my birthday week last year in Memphis. Went to the Stax Museum, visited other sites, and walked up and down the famous Beale Street, considered the Home of the Blues. Ima go back soon to visit Graceland and other places, and i had a great experience. And all because of that song. That's just me.
This songs been around since the 80s.
This was a huge hit for Marc, but Cher also did a cover of it, and it was a big hit for her as well. The original studio version will rock your core.
Lonestar covered it too.
Was definitely a cool take on the song by Marc love the original better but this was fun
Please please please please please check out the studio version