Lift Every Voice and Sing - Al Green & Deniece Williams
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In 1985 Miller Lite asked me to come up with a "meaningful" project for Black History Month. I decided to arrange and record a celebratory contemporary version of "Lift Every Voice and Sing". I called good friends Al Green and Deniece Williams who agreed to sing the duet, backed by Patti Austin, Roberta Flack, Melba Moore and myself.
The band consisted of the studio musicians who made up John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd's Blues Brothers Band, along with other notable musicians, including the late great Yogi Horton and jazz legend Jon Faddis. One of my favorite arrangers, Leon Pendarvis penned the charts and was Musical Director. Husband and wife actors Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee provided the voice-over narration for the commercials.
Recorded in New York at Clinton Studios, it started out as a jingle but ended up a full length recording.
This is the actual video from the recording session. Al was 8 hours late, which is why it's dark when he's arriving. It's a fun-filled sneak peek inside what goes on (or used to go on) in the recording studio. Enjoy!
WANT IT? Here is the link to order a digital mp3.
py.pl/80BMmouIumq
Пікірлер: 627
I was present for this and what an experience it was. Look at the collection of talent who were so willing to do this. I worked at Mingo-Jones for years and at a time when talented artists gladly supported one another as well as a project such as this. I still have my video cassette of this. Lol
@mic1240
4 жыл бұрын
Must be amazing memory. Deniece Williams voice is amazing
@xxcrump2640
2 жыл бұрын
🤔
@jenniferdelice4302
2 жыл бұрын
Beverley must have been an unforgettable experience. I can't seem to have enough of this song. I have listened to about 15 different singers to day. Great song.
@urithwalker7066
2 жыл бұрын
Soooo awesome.
@powerplay4real174
2 жыл бұрын
They sound awful,like they trying to sound too soulful and mis the mark. It's a such thing as over doing something and they over did it. 🤕
Melba Moore, Roberta Flack, Patti Austin, Denise Williams, Al Green, oh my!
@PepsiCola298
3 жыл бұрын
Yasssss!! You have named some legendary artists ✊🏿💞💯!
@wilbaseals5749
3 жыл бұрын
Some of the best in the business!!!Legends!!! Especially Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis
@hischosen1409
2 жыл бұрын
Awesome combination 🤣
@14reginagale
2 жыл бұрын
Legendary talent. What a wonderful gift to all of us!!!!
@robertpaciullo1540
Жыл бұрын
All time greats.
A different day and time when artists had class and could really sing.
@nightingalenurse5802
5 ай бұрын
Will we ever have this type of music. Everyone are natural and raw.
So far as I know, every singer in that room is still with us.😊
@jongathers2588
Жыл бұрын
@Gina Marie ALS, not Parkinson’s. Just as career-ending, though, you’re right.
Back when you had to have REAL talent to sing, I miss great music 🎶
The song itself makes me proud to be who I am but to here it arranged this elegantly and with the "A" listed talent makes me more unapologetically proud to be who I am....BLACK! !!
@Tiddbitga8
4 жыл бұрын
Terrance Hobbs I am unapologetically American and this anthem needs voice - the all inclusive voice of our nation. How great would that be.
@jiordynclements839
4 жыл бұрын
💖
@alvinphillips4546
3 жыл бұрын
@@Tiddbitga8 if only being American and unapologetically so was enough to make all other Americans give you the love they would give a stranger that has similar features, this song wouldn’t even exist. As is, we can allow those seen as the least among us to create something that makes them feel better that doesn’t include all of us. This song is from a time that we will hopefully never see repeated. Let it be a reminder of where we were, why many things are how they are, and what we need to continue to fight against.
@wonderwoman66dp
3 жыл бұрын
*hear
@wyndhleodumegwu253
3 жыл бұрын
@@alvinphillips4546 That is unapologetically as DEEP as truth itself! Is it that out of Racial Injustices come Creativity, Benevolence, Mercy, Spiritual Upliftment and Praises to God and all human kind?
Now that's singing, nothing on the radio is seeing this
The 80s. A time in which the mere atmosphere exuded happiness and no pressure. Great to witness this!
@freidamartin3281
2 жыл бұрын
Yes!!! I miss the 80s so much!!
@life007100
2 жыл бұрын
The 80s will always have remembrance. Great pieces were birthed
More talent in her pinky finger than all of today’s artists combined
@MorrisLess
3 жыл бұрын
Except that I saw her about a year and a half ago, and she's still got it. So she is one of today's artists.
High end singers singing a high end song arranged on a high level project. Glorious sound in heaven.
Al Green adds the seasoning to a song ! He sings with so much Love !
@mothersbloomingladiesofthe4679
3 жыл бұрын
Al is so Fine and humble ! God smiled on him !
Al Green's voice...classic and nostalgic too. I remember my dad playing his music on 8 tracks.
@lynncurtis7642
7 ай бұрын
You, too, huh?
Love this song. Al Green and Deniece Williams singing together is awesome and amazing!!!They sing with the anointing and really touch you deep down in your soul!!!
Niece's innocence and Al's joy is a blessing to behold.
Wow this was awesome. This culture is so rich...I am sure that more of our histories and her-stories are yet to told. My prayers are for everyone. Keep God first. God Bless!!!!!!!!!
1984....OMG....1984...Lawd..this is so inspirational...i shed a few tears...i have been listening to this song...almost everyday ..look at all those legends...their humility....their teamwork .....young uns take note....this is how magic is made....Let us march on till victory is won...to GOD b the Glory Great things he has done.....!!!
The thumbs down just don’t know nor do they understand. That’s ok, praying for you 🙏🏾!
why do we not still know this song, it is a negro classic that needs to be passed on to the next generation, what a classic and what a video, these are legends OMG; Niecy Williams! Al Green, Ms. Patti Austin and ruby dee??? and of course the incomparable Roberta Flack!!! Cant say much more...
It's so darn good to come across these type videos years later. It's really like listening to new music! Loved it!! Good to see Mr. Ossie Davis as well.
@hischosen1409
2 жыл бұрын
Love it!!!!
@carlynholmes
2 жыл бұрын
Oh yes you are so right, like listening to new music. ❤️
I saw Deneice in concert promoting one of her gospel records. We all know what she sounds like, but she sure is cuuute too!
That's Deniece!!!! All the voices are beautiful! This was fantastic!
I smiled, I rocked in my seat, I smiled again, and I'm STILL SMILLING! This is musical excellence!
@chantelboone1982
6 жыл бұрын
Hi I am Mackenzie
@aRoguesTale
6 жыл бұрын
Epic..Beautiful..so much t gifts and talent in one room🌞
With these Kings and Queens LEGENDS, WHERE ARE SONGS LIKE THIS ONE. The music industry is so screwed up that noone is UNITED anymore.
Never forgot the lyrics to this most beautiful poem and anthem. We used to sing this every morning in Mrs Wilson’s 5th grade class at Cusseta Rd. Elementary at the beginning of each school day.
This is awesome. I remember singing this in almost every school assembly. I love it!
How come KZread ain't got a Love ❤ button I can hit repeatedly? ☺ Never knew this track with some of the most powerful voices in Black Music even existed. Did my spirit some kind of good. Must share with my kids.
@4everdez
2 жыл бұрын
💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
Denise Williams one of Gary, Indiana’s most amazing brilliant , and talented singers on planet earth. Truly a phenomenal woman. Special blessings now and always.
Man this about the best in the business, I have been listening to Al Green for most of my life and if you read this Deniece I am still in love with you. Can't get enough of this video.
We must continue to teach, rebuild and reclaim our legacy of greatness ... each one - teach one, and each one try to reach one ...
@SC-wk3qx
4 жыл бұрын
Agreed
@earleansmith8608
3 жыл бұрын
Amen
@falanajerido875
3 жыл бұрын
Amen
Deniece and Al should have recorded an album together in those days. I think one voice complements the other.🎶🎶 They all sound marvelous 👌❤️
If this doesn’t make us Lift Every Voice & Sing, I don’t know what else will!🗣🎶 ❤️🔥🎵❤️🔥🎵❤️🔥🎶Some of these voices have aged, and others have perished. But the message will Never die and it’s timeless!❤️🔥
@mercedessims934
2 жыл бұрын
Iam very pleased 2 hear these talented singers perform 2gather. Still I think abt Mary & Florence who were not treated like family, great voices tht weren't recorded 4 our joy & their brilliant talent. They deserved soo much more than they RECIEVED!!!
I have to commend everyone especially Al Green to have to sing with all those ladies high voices especially Denise Williams very angelic voice good work friends Al you're one of a kind as a man with a very identifiable fine voice.
Beautiful people uplifting hearts and souls with their God given talents.....!!!
WOWWWWW!!! Look at all of those GREATS in one room. Amazing. I have chills just watching this video. Singing this song for a BHM program today and was just listening to different versions of the song and came across this. Thank you for sharing this with us,
@psbaker1907
2 жыл бұрын
Wow. I am crying. This was such an effort of self love a collaboration. Simply beautiful.
From the vocalists to the house band (Most of todays top "artist" arent fit to carry any of these peoples garbage!)
I love, love, love this!! This has to be one of the best versions, if not THE best version, of this song ever to be recorded. I am a singer myself, and I would give anything to be in a professional studio.....I can't stop singing this. Simply awesome!
CHILLS, CHILLS, CHILLS, such lovely voices and the pure joy in their eyes. i loved seeing this thank you. The talent is so much more back then OMG. You really had to have it back then to make it. So beautiful
@richardclarke7819
2 жыл бұрын
These voices are so understaffed in there talent and harmony !!! I am not sure why , but back in the 70's and 80's music was so much more soulfully ! Anyway we see the turmoil in the world today , and it is obvious that something massive is about to happen ! Covid-19 , the war in Ukraine fits into Mathew 24:7-30 , and Daniel 12:1 ! So that you are not caught off guard , Please see Utube video From Babylon to America by Attila Kakarott !!! It is an EYE OPENER ! Your soul depends on it , if you are not already aware of the video's contents ! Richard
The togetherness is so beautiful 😓
I like this song. it makes me feel good when I am sad
PBS just had Vanessa Williams sing this song .I love this. Strong with soul
I would love, love, love to purchase this cd just for this one song. The arrangement is fantastic!!!❤️🙌🏾💪🏿
All these hard working, talented legends in one room!!!!
ABSOLUTELY EPITOME OF BLACK EXCELLENCE!
I'm so proud of my people with the gifts that we have from God.. We are a rich culture of people.. In spite of what others may say and think. We got it goin on..my brothers and sisters. Let's Stay Together. (Stick).
This lifted me today.
Wow! The joy on the performers' faces and in their voices is overpowering. This is great.
Even though I didn’t grow up in a Black household my dad introduced me to Lift Every Voice through this rendition. Such a beautiful song of triumph.
OMG, so much greatness in one small space, wonderful!
I Love It!!! I Should Had Been There With Al Green...My Sweetie Pie -Forevermore!!! Thanks For This Song Togetherness...We Need To Hear And Feel It More Than Ever Now...And Teach The Youngins (Country Talk) How To Sing And Remember The Words To Our Black National Anthem -Too...AMEN!!! Lift Every Voice And Sing...Thank You JESUS. I LOVE YOU!!!
Our people are so talented. I love it.
I remember hearing this song and getting emotional as a little kid. Luv!
WOW...This was AWESOME...AMAZING 💕💞💕👍💕💞💕
LEGENDARY!!!!!! Thank you sooo much for sharing this!!!
@aprilcleveland2425
2 жыл бұрын
This is just Awesome 😎💞💞💞💪💪🙏🙏
Deniece's Voice is SOOO Angelic!!! And I LOVE LOVE Patti Austin!! Wonderful Song!! xoxoxoxo
Shout out my Big Cousin Rev.Al Green 👍🏽👍🏽🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎹🎶🎵😁🙆🏾♂️📿 73 now still Vocally Dope And all the rest of the Actors,Stars God bless U🎶🎵🎶🎵🎵👍🏽🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾
@supadave3210
4 жыл бұрын
Umari Bleu tell your cousin Denzel Washington should play him in a biopic they look alike
The last 3 minutes is just joy & smiling music making! 👌🙏👏👏
What an inspired and great pairing. It's such a pity they never recorded an album together back in the day.
An abundance of GOD given talent gathered like this is so amazing!! Thank you ❤
This just made my insides smile👏🏽🥰🤸🏽♂️. Love It and Proud to Be BLACK ✊🏽
One of the GREATEST SOUL SINGERS OF ALL TIMES Al Green. This was a beautiful arrangement
They added a new meaning to the song. Never before. Never since then. History was made. Hallelujah!
legends and icons all over this video wow...amazing
Wonderful, beautiful, even today 2021 it rings supreme, thank you!
voice i can hear.. makes me believe every tone, deniece and marvin make🎶my soul music❤️
I felt so many things watching this I almost combusted...God bless all African Americans for giving us this and more.
This is AMAZING Mother!! Still feels like an honor that you were my teacher! Love and miss you!!
The wonderful, beautiful, amazing and talented Debbie McDuffie. I love this video. To see the making of this song is a treat. Such a great song and arrangement and the talent is unbelievable. I'm glad to have had the chance to work with this beautiful lady. I learned so much from the few sessions we worked together. Much love and respect.
🗣This arrangement is Awesome! Each artist and musician brought their own ingredient to make a perfect recipe! Seeing them reminded me again how much I love the 1970s and 1980s! Real voices, real music, Real TALENT! 💕
Beautiful simply beautiful ❤️❤️ AMEN SISTERS AND BROTHERS IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST AMEN 🙏🏾🙏🏾😊
Could Deniece be any more amazing?!!
@BRKS627
5 ай бұрын
Yes😊
Simply beautiful!!!!!! *****
Chills. Seeing the joy in their smiles as these artists collaborate and shine makes my heart glow.
I love this song which embellishes Black strength and fortitude. I have taught all to sing this song with reverence and love. To embrace every lyric, every word in honor of our triumphs as well as our despair as a kidnapped and culturally raped people who have endured & accomplished a spiritual rebirth in this "Promised Land". In remembrance of our valiant fore-parents, shed a tear of hope and gratitude & "let us march on till victory is won".
Inspirational, really cooked a wicked groove. So much talent in that room.
How lucky we were, back in the day to have this kind of talent to entertain. Most of us probably took for granted things would always be that way. You have to look high and low these days to find superior talent, live instruments, good music and great lyrics ...
HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Deniece Williams and my favorite of all time....the Reverend Al Green!!! wow. What must it be like to have Melba Moore, Roberta Flack, Patti Austin singing BACKUP for you. Huh???? Holy cow! Beautiful Absolutely beautiful!
Now I like this arrangement!!!
Full version needs to be taught to children. As a teacher, it connects content to faith and history in a comprehensive and logical manner.
@girlmusician24
4 жыл бұрын
Walkyria Franklin-Vinson there are children’s books you can get that teach the whole song’s history.
@lauramontoya6693
4 жыл бұрын
Walkyria Franklin-Vinson amen indeed it does Didn’t learn this until I was 14 it has stuck with me since
@romeliarivers7886
4 жыл бұрын
They use to I was taught this song in kindergarten but that was in the 80's
@Smokestacklightin
4 жыл бұрын
Most blacks were taught it in early grade school during segregation. It being sung every morning. We got away from it being taught in schools there afterwards however it's still sung at every special program in most black communities down south and sung daily in private schools owned by blacks. We had to learn it as children!
@Smokestacklightin
4 жыл бұрын
The full version!!
I was in 7th or 8th grade in '84 now in 2022, I am overjoyed to see the people I heard sing growing up, continues to be committed to their craft uplifting us all. 🌿🌿💞💞💞💞🌿🌿Rest in Peace to those who have passed on to The Lord's Glory.
This is amazing, thank you Ms. McDuffie.
They pucked the right one in. Deniece Williams for she carried that song all the way thru!! I do love that rendition
Al knew he had to bring his A++ game to that session... Roberta exuded the most ease throughout but Niecy is in a class by herself. Excellent...kudos to all.
@user-mz2wg9yi5s
7 ай бұрын
Excellent job artist all of them.. love 💜💜 always
38 years ago- magnificent voices singing our national anthem with uplifting joy! Phenomenally awesome! I love every artist❤
Wow!....An example of fine Art!...Sooooo beautiful....thank you Miss McDuffie!!!
THIS PHENOMENAL....BEAUTIFUL, LOVELY, A GREAT PEOPLE DOING GREAT RECORDING..." LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING....WOW!!!
How inspiring is that,just so uplifting,and a true blessing ...Thanks so much!
Deniece Williams and Al Green were a great pairing for this. I love it! Powerful stuff!
@stitchy_linn
3 жыл бұрын
Amen, Brother!
Remember singing this is chorus brings back some good memories
I got chills when they said the great MELBA MOORE, phenomenal ROBERTA FLACK and incomparable PATTI AUSTIN!
Why am I getting Denzel Washington vibes when observing Al Green when he first entered the room. Lol.
feels like I'm in church 😇
Masterpiece! Why have I not heard this song sung by great and legendary talent until now. We are the world has nothing on this!
What a GEM piece of art! Glad the algorithm sent this to my feed. LOL
Deep in my heart it goes. Beautiful.
RAW TALENTS IN ABUNDANCE. Denice still lives in my heart.
So much joy!
The talent, the love, the music wow!!! ❤
Haven't heard or seen Deneice Williams nor Melba Moore in years. So glad to have come across this video. Deneice voice was angelic ❤️, thanks to all who participated 👏
@charlesdotson4766
Жыл бұрын
Deniece keeps a fairly busy concert schedule here in the US and abroad. I saw her live in Atlanta a few years ago and she was fantastic!
@love100057
Жыл бұрын
@@charlesdotson4766 Thank you, glad to hear that she is still Active.
Singers! 👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿 The band's off the chain too! Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿🖤
Its the fun they were having, for me. This was the first time I have heard this rendition and I loved it.