When you can mesmerize The Who with their own most popular songs, you know you're magical.

Probably one of the best 5 or so music performances I've ever seen on television. And I ain't young.

@jerryhello

Ай бұрын

Absolutely breathtaking.

Roger and Pete's reactions are so moving. They know they've been serenaded by the very best. Ms. LaVette is a legend.

@janeenhobbs6900

Жыл бұрын

They could have stood up for her in the beginning and the end

And that ladies & gentlemen is how you do it.

@MelanieRidgell

5 жыл бұрын

yes!!!

@michaelkeller6613

4 жыл бұрын

AMEN and HALLELUJAH! Mama take no shit! 😂😂

@SoulGuy25

3 жыл бұрын

right on!!

@Rainmaker65

2 жыл бұрын

Take me to church, Betty!

@mountaingrove70

2 жыл бұрын

Wow 🤤

Not only did Pete say that Bettye's performance made the weekend for him, when he met Bettye after the show he encouraged her to record her version of his song and ALSO told her he wanted to write a couple of songs FOR HER to record. That doesn't sound like an unhappy man to me...I think her performance was fantastic!

The New Yorker article about Bettye talked about how the applause was so light for her as she came to the stage they had to enhance it for TV. She'd gone too under-appreciated for years and few people knew who she was. THEY DAMN WELL KNEW HER NAME WHEN SHE LEFT THAT STAGE, though. She made DAMN sure of that. Go Bettye Go!

@2legit64

2 жыл бұрын

And she walked off like a BOSS! I saw this when it aired never having heard of Bettye LaVette, however, a couple of years later this exact performance was on Amazon and I snapped it up.

@garysouza95

2 жыл бұрын

What a magnificent gift. For Pete, for Roger, for everybody.

@kathycianfarani234

Жыл бұрын

I never knew who Bettye was, until last year. She preformed at Farm Aid, in Hartford CT and I was so mesmerized by her soul and voice. I can't get enough of Bettye Lavette.

@jackiem2357

Жыл бұрын

This was an unforgettable performance for me. I'd never heard of her and when she was done, all I kept saying was "OH MY GOD"! That performance was magnificent. Then I Googled her and became a huge fan.

@SoulGuy25

Жыл бұрын

right on!! they knew her name as she left that stage Detroit's very own miss Bettye LaVette

After my initial shock at how she crushed this, all I could notice was how intensely, completely Townshend and Daltrey were hanging on to every second of what she was doing. I think it would have been sacriledge to have broken the silence of the ending moment by applause. It was too perfect even to respond to. An audience in shock.

@vladimirmarants999

2 жыл бұрын

Noticed that, too. A rare one phenomena.

@bigmamared1

Жыл бұрын

Streisand was blown away as well.

@LightninRodsAttractMagic

Жыл бұрын

I have always said the only reason she didn't get a standing ovation is because they were in complete shock!

That wasn’t music. That was masterclass in storytelling and artistry. You slowly understood the emotions and meaning of every word and when it was over you longed for more.

Can we even call it a "cover"? Damn, this woman makes this her own! Just flawless.

@paullashley8681

6 жыл бұрын

Randy InCanton she makes every cover she does her own. wonderful

@GuadalupePicasso

5 жыл бұрын

She’d insist on calling it an “interpretation” instead, I can assure you ;)

@mikereiss4216

3 жыл бұрын

@@GuadalupePicasso Apparently she wasn't familiar with the song and probably only heard it once before singing it.

@GuadalupePicasso

3 жыл бұрын

Mike Reiss that’s a lot of assumptions on your part. What do you think of her version here?

@KickKings9

3 жыл бұрын

That’s my grandma in law

This Woman's Voice is beyond Heartache, Pain and Desperation. Pure Raw Emotion. Beauty Thru and Thru.

I watched this show when it was broadcast back in 2008 and even today I still remember my jaw being slightly slack from how stunned I was. She took one of the very best Who songs (my favorite in any case) and made it completely different yet just as great.

@jackiem2357

8 жыл бұрын

+WilburTheMojoFilter Me too Wilbur...well, my jaw actually hit the floor.

@maryvernarelli3914

6 жыл бұрын

WilburTheMojoFilter III

Crushed it. Crushed it, crushed it, crushed it. I can hear this 50 times and it gives me goose bumps every time. I actually think that Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey were taken back and a little stunned at how good it was after hearing that song thousand of times.. Bravo Bettye.

@karlclarke

6 жыл бұрын

yeah they clearly are blown away, as so are we

@arienfox

6 жыл бұрын

Had them crying!!

@danielmiron7031

6 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. They were transfixed

@sralyn

5 жыл бұрын

Wanted to give' em a group hug

@MelanieRidgell

5 жыл бұрын

yes!

this is the best...performance...I've ever seen at the Kennedy Honors...SHE DESERVED A STANDING OVATION!

what I love about this and I've watched it hundreds of times. Is one, its a master class in reinvention of a classic. The who loved it, but its Barbra Streisand who i couldn't stop watching. Regardless of what you think of Barbra, the women understands music, the phrasing, the emotion, how to get the most out of every notes. Barbra knew exactly the magic that was happening in that moment

@DAS1962

Жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more! Like you I have been absorbed by this performance. Streisand appreciates story telling more than anything else, and that is what this delivers.

WOW! Amazingly emotive & soulful. Brings tears to my eyes everything time I hear it. You can see Roger & Pete were blown away & not expecting this & we're both trying to hold back the tears.

Soul Masterclass

I've been a Who fan for decades, and this is the best cover of one of their songs I've ever heard.

@clashwho

9 жыл бұрын

TheArsenalgooner LOL

@5d512

3 жыл бұрын

Same! Roger and Pete would probably agree.

@debbiepettit1346

2 жыл бұрын

100% AGREE! Fell in love with this the minute I heard it! Spectacular!

@Plumeria724

2 жыл бұрын

As a matter of fact that's what Pete Townshend told Bettye backstage after her performance.

Can you be addicted to a performance? I can’t stop watching this...

years later, I watch this and it still gives me goose bumps, spectacular

Such an AMAZING voice and presence! The crowd was not prepared for this powerful performance.

@alanparsonsfan

4 жыл бұрын

I dont think there's any way you could be prepared for this. it's just seismic.

That Who song was one of my old time faves. But Ms. Lavette almost blew my brains out with her version. WOW!

@Tadzio5050

10 жыл бұрын

Now, that is a tribute. Apparently, the fellas went crazy over this version.

I can't believe this woman! I never heard of her until a few days ago and I'm completely blown away by the pure raw power and emotion of her voice!! I'd rather hear her sing more than almost any other rock singer around today!

HOLY CRAP! She's killin' this song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO BETTYE

This clip cuts off just before Barbra turns to Pete and asks, "You wrote that?" According to Townsend, his favorite moment of the evening.

@jazzmanchgo

4 жыл бұрын

I'm guessing he told her the same thing Otis Redding said, the first time he heard Aretha's version of "Respect" -- "I just lost my song. That girl took it away from me."

its like she sings a cover but then it becomes hers because of the soul, grit and pain that she can pull from her soul is unreal.

I've watched this at least 50 times! Can't get enough. She is AWESOME!! Love this performance.

How did that performace not get a standing O? Guess they were flat out stunned by her awesomeness

@messrtwinky

7 жыл бұрын

warren harrison It could be that any standing ovation was edited out due to time constraints of the version to be aired on TV. AND, they DID want to edit out the guitar solo, but Ms. Lavette emphatically requested something else in her performance take the cut! Words to the effect that his solo set her up for the rest of the piece. . . .

@messrtwinky

7 жыл бұрын

warren harrison Me: blah blah blah . . . I should have said simply: You're absolutely right! The audience should have jumped to their feet upon her finish!

Oh my god. This might be the best piece of music I've ever heard in my life!!!!!!! Amazing arrangement, performance, and original writing. Pieces of art like this make me glad to be alive and be human!!!!!

Walked on with confidence. Kicked ass, walked off with confidence!

have you ever seen such brilliance!

Love reign over you, Mrs. LaVette! This is absolutely world class. I never realized that Mr. Townshend has written such a beautiful, sparkling diamond, before I heard this song from you. Peter Kroll, Singapore

@krollpeter

7 жыл бұрын

I keep on coming back. You blew them all away, Mrs. LaVette. Wish I could know what Mr. Townshend thought. When will it be finally recognised that he is one of the greatest composers, right up there with Mr. McCartney?

@alanparsonsfan

2 жыл бұрын

@@krollpeter Anyone who gives a thorough listen to Tommy and Quadrophenia should understand that he is.

@krollpeter

2 жыл бұрын

@@alanparsonsfan Tommy is more popular but Quadrophenia tops it.

@alanparsonsfan

2 жыл бұрын

@@krollpeter For a real treat, listen to the version of Tommy done with the London Symphony Orchestra (and a number of well known rock stars). You mention composition, those chords fleshed out by a full orchestra and choir are really something. There are still electric guitars and so on, it's a very good combination.

I saw her open for Robert Plant. She performed this song. I had never heard of her before that day. It had the most profound effect on me, getting to blind react to her live in person. It will always remain my most cherished music experience.

Still here in 2021. I like to return at least once a year as a reminder of how it's suppose to be done.

Subtitled: "How to Bring Down The House and Completely Own the Sh*t Out of a Song In Three Minutes Or Less."

I have watched this monthly since it aired. It completely blew me away when I watched it live! A pathetic smattering of polite applause by an unsuspecting, unfamiliar audience. Then afterward, stunned silence followed by genuine applause. This is a masterclass in interpretation and performance. Epic!!

@jennifersodaro7585

5 жыл бұрын

We just saw her sing tonight in Phoenix. See her if you can! The Best ever!

Arguably the greatest cover of all time.

I also remember watching this live and wondering how I could not have known about this amazing performer. This was one of those rare occurrences where time stops and there is only the moment of the performance.

Stunning. What every singer aspires to be. Shout out to the pianist, arranger, and guitarist. An amazing tribute to The Who.

I had never heard Bettye sing before and this performance held me spellbound. This is the definition of "singing from the soul"! Wow.

I was in tears as I listened to Miss LaVette's voice in song for the first time during the Kennedy Center Honors broadcast... I'm with khafre: where was this amazing singer's standing ovation???

She should have got a ten min standing ovation.She was wonderful.

Damn my eyes still well up listening to this

Why she didn't get a standing ovation is beyond me. She is a master of song interpretation.

This is heart-breaking genius!

Wow, that was fantastic - a great cover. I love Bettye Lavette. She has the best success story. Miss Lavette had just cut an album for Atlantic records in the year 1972, and thought herself to be on the cusp of success, when Atlantic decided not to release the record, and cancelled her tour. So, she moved on with her life. Then in the late 90's, a French producer heard a rumor that there was a record made by Lavette, and contacted Atlantic. The producer was informed the recordings were lost in a fire. Wanting to be sure, the producer gained access to Atlantic's archived recordings and found Lavette's long lost record, and then licensed it from Atlantic. The album, Souvenirs, was released in 2000 and rose to the top of the French charts, fueling her success nearly thirty years after she made the album.Bettye Lavette is an amazing talent with an amazing story.

@TheRaunak666

5 жыл бұрын

Joanna DaCosta Fuck you Atlantic records!

@GuadalupePicasso

5 жыл бұрын

I love how so many of these artists are virtually unknown in the States, yet have success abroad.

@nikolassodiant2595

5 жыл бұрын

I'm French and when I found the album Souvenirs in my home town Bourges in France , I bought the album because of the blue cover and the intuition this album would be a great one ! I loved the album , and a few years later while in Paris , I went to my first Bettye LaVette concert at the New Morning :-D It was brilliant and Bettye had just released I've Got My Own Hell To Raise ! Since the end of the 90' s until now I've been in love with her voice and sound ! See this woman live , you will cherish these moments for the rest of your life

@bdub1590

5 жыл бұрын

Nikolas SoDiant First, I must say your English is far better than most USA-born and raised citizens. Second, thank you for sharing this. I hope to see Bettye perform live one day. She is amazing!

I never get tired of watching this.

My husband and I just saw Bettye tonight at the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis. She puts her ALL into each song and must be exhausted by the end of the evening. She actually came out into the crowd, touched my hubbys shoulder and high-fived me...how often do artists take the time to do that??? It was one of the most incredible concerts I've been to and I can't wait to see her perform again. Thank you Bettye for an amazing evening.

Hell yeah watched this hundreds of times never loses its power and she does it better than them I'm so sorry but it's true

she sang it at gateshead sage and brought the house down, grown men in tears, including myself!

Even Barbra is into it. Stunning performance.

Me too! Can't stay away! Favorited it and I keep pulling it out.

I remember watching her perform this, gave me goose bumps. Never realized how awesome these lyrics were until I heard her do them.

Incredible, singing from the SOUL with such strength, conviction and passion. Thank you, Bettye.

That deserved a standing ovation.

This is amazing..one reason why America is amazing..The Kennedy Center Honors...what an honor to even be able to attend the production.

i justv keep coming back to hear it.. it makes me weep...

I agree. I watch the Kennedy Center Honors every year, and I think I've seen this guitarist more than once as part of the backing band. You can tell he's someone who really, really loves music, every time.

@ShaneFontayneCatalog

4 жыл бұрын

Shane was a member of the Kennedy Center House band for 7 years from 2008 to 2014. He was the lead guitarist on Heart's rendition of Zeppelin's 'Stairway To Heaven.' Thank you for your kind words :) kzread.info/dron/h3g5dPwqB1ycBuWrgtCpPA.html?view_as=subscriber

Now THAT'S how you make a song cry in spite of itself.

I have never heard of this woman until now. Why isn't she the queen of soul!?

@rjmoney1770

8 жыл бұрын

+Hailey LWWY I see someone else took the ACT

@airyair9889

6 жыл бұрын

RJ Money Because Aretha Franklin is?

@jennifersodaro7585

5 жыл бұрын

You can now download this song from I tunes. We just came home only just a half hour ago from seeing her sing in Phoenix tonight and she is a stunning performer!

@nikolassodiant2595

5 жыл бұрын

Well , she is for lots of us !!! :-D I've seen her live in Paris , France & in London :-D It's always a fantastic moment

@dmc2311

5 жыл бұрын

Record deals kept falling apart, one from Atlantic nearly broke her heart ....

I still remember when I saw this live, everyone was just looking at the TV, our conversations had stopped mid-sentence, all eyes were on her. Shes a beautiful soul.

I am stunned by this performance

The way Daltrey sings this, screaming his guts out, showing no restraint, with pure emotion is beautiful. It's one of my favourite Who songs, and favourite songs in general. But this. Wow. What an interesting take on the song. She shows such restraint and then pure, unfettered emotion with her voice. She sings it differently than the Who, but both versions are equally emotionally riveting. What a beautiful performance Mrs. LaVette

I loved this the moment I watched it on TV for the first time. I keeo watching it over and over again.

Fabulous! Wow, I'm speechless.

Deeply touched was Daltry and Townshend during this rendition in their honor. In particular the award choked up Daltry. Complete full circle for him as a person, America honoring him, when American Music inspired him as a pre teen to lead a fantastic career and life. Picturebook

This Kennedy Center Honors Performance by Bettye LaVette is brilliant in every way possible. She simply made that song her own. Loved every moment of her presence on that stage. Great job!

That is one of the best covers ever .

the Human electric guitar !!!!!! awesome

DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT GAVE ME GOOSEBUMPS!

I will never forget when I happened to catch this as it aired live, I was happening to visit my parents house and I never would have watched this show otherwise. I still remember before it all the other acts that were more recognizable names, and then she came out and did this and I was just blown away. So random that I caught it, needles to say I've been a huge fan of hers ever since. And you can tell the Who and particularly Robert Townsend were equally blown away

Can’t wait to see her tonight!!!!!!!!

BLOWN AWAY!! Everytime I watch this woman!! Man!! Truly Awesome!!

I watch this at least once a month. Thanks for posting this gem!

I just got to see her sing this tonight in here in Detroit which is my hometown as well as hers. It was absolutely AMAZING. AMAZING. No words. I watched it back when I got home and cried. Somehow I am still online looking for more. Thank you Bettye.

One of my favourite Who songs just got even better. What a performance

100% STUNNING!

I saw this on TV in high school, lucky my parents put it on. She had a strange string of career bad luck until this night, should have been a household name.

Look at Pete's face as she sings. He knows that she has hit the right spot with his song.

@jazzmanchgo

6 ай бұрын

Roger looks utterly stunned.

This video is in need of about 5 million more views.

OMG! That broke my heart. AMAZING!

Beautiful and with Heart. Such a classic Voice

Thank you, Michael Stevens, for inviting Bettye to be a part of this.

That's just what I thought when it was first aired! Damn!

I remember my mouth dropping when I heard this...

I had no idea who Bettye LaVette was before a few weeks ago when I first saw this video. Now, I've listened to this clip about 30 times and I am still amazed. At first, I couldn't even recognize that this was a Who song because it was not one of my favorites. With Bettye signing it, it is now. It is a great confirmation to see Barbara Steisand appreciate it because she knows a lot more about singers than me; and, it looked like Barbara was blown away. And, to see Pete Townsend so engaged and moved. Wow. I've searched the internet for more of Bettye's performances but I always come back to this one. "All the stars lined up" for this one.

It's Daltrey's song and just look at him. "I never DID this song the slightest bit of justice," he says. He'd be wrong of course. But this? This is the "next level." And there is no "next" after this.

beautiful!

Wow! She took a signature song from one of the greatest bands ever and owned it in a reinterpreted way. Pete and Rogers faces say it all. Well done!

I loved those jazzy chords in the chorus, fit surprisingly well! Great version.

This gives me the chills! Took my breath away!

Wow. That was amazing. Pete and Roger are so very special to me

She set a whole fire to it👑❤️👍🏿🔥

Just wish she made more albums, always loved her voice and oh yeah those famous mini-skirts.

damn im crying! and Kenny on drums!!!!! woooot

I fall in love with Bettye Lavette all over again each time I listen to this!!

She took my favorite song, and gave me new chills!

Amazing arrangement and performance. Brilliant from beginning to end.

I get chills every single time I watch this.

Simply superb

i love watching pete and rogers reactions