Jay And The Americans.....Only In America

[ASocratesGoneMad4]

A song from a time when social mobility really existed in this country. Kinda makes you wonder what happened, you know?

[lllexoduslll]

Sounds like West Side Story.

[Capt1Amer]

silly rightees! Obama is the best proof as to the reality of the lyrics..America sheltering aqll regardless of race, religion or creed.

[illuminatiwatchin]

jay and his americans were so silly

[mojavewonder]

Just enjoy a great voice-thanks-no politics

[allenehrl]

How can you dislike this song? The melody is so catchy. It's great music. Too many people know nothing but to judge everything from a political bent, even music. This is a classic song. Take it for what is and don't make it nuclear war. The world is full of dangerously pious assholes.

[antpx42]

I understand.

Fmr. Tsgt. Randall D. Young, USAF 1970-1986

[classiclistener01]

@barrygioportmorien1 - I favorited this video long ago, and, still watch it! Thank you so much for making and posting this!

A great song along with a great video! :)

Take care! :)

[version261]

Hotel Company

Second Battalion

Seventh Marine Regiment

Operation Dodge City - Nong Son - Rocket Belt south of Danang.

September 1968

[angloamer123]

To all the men who served in all American wars like myself, I salute you, and to the ones who stayed behind, and insulted the ones who went, I hope you can live with the fact theres no lower form of life than a coward.

[hagsvet]

jane fonda sucks donkey cock

[cjvq0087]

This song was not written for J & T A, it was written for one of the negro groups. It was the producers decision that there was no way a negro group could make it work.

Skip all the race garbage and focus on the power of David's voice. He was one of the few front men at that time (Maybe Burtin Commings) that had the power to make it work

[rtpstephen]

@cjvq0087 Song was originally recorded but not released by the drifters I believe

[jonthesinger0052]

i LOVE THIS VID!!!!

[radicright]

This one of the greatest pop songs of all time. Rates with Chuck Berry's "back in the usa". love the patriotism, hate the protesting, whinny,malcontents that riddled the 60's

[MsJune54]

I've always LOVED this classic.....thanks for posting it

[petercrowley41]

Check out: veteransforpeace and vietnam veterans against war (vvaw). You'll need to Google 'cause YouTube censors links.

[JoeJasperLoca]

Joseph F. and other Vets, I opposed the War in Vietnam and the one in Iraq, though I supported the other ones. I feel my reasons were/are valid and I don't have time to go into that now. But my disagreement was with the politicians who sent you guys there, not with the soldiers themselves and I never expressed anything but gratitude to you guys for doing what you thought was right. In fact, part of our motivation was to save you guys from we thought was exploitation. Best of luck.

[pyannaguy]

@JoeJasperLoca Very well put, Joe! Being against a war doesn't have to make anyone anti-soldier or un-patriotic.

[TheZeke165]

in any other century, jane fonda would have publicly been hung for her treasonous crimes.

[Kerkren]

I learned about Vietnam from the group "Vietnam Veterans Against The War" and the point was to stop the war. Stop the killing of soldiers. We were never against the soldiers but we were against the draft. Against those who would profit from a war, while poor people were drafted to die. Dupont, for one--makers of Agent Orange.

[Thearl]

Thanks for the post.

[larrytheeight]

so glad that Jay And The Americans are playing two great shows in New Jersey. Nov 20 State Theatre New Brunswick NJ and Dec 18 Landis Theater Vineland NJ.

[tjay2323]

i REMEMBER THIS SONG SO WELL SUMMER OF 1966

[tjay2323]

WHAT A GREAT SONG  i REMEMBER THIS SONG WHILE VACATIONING IN FLORIDA IN 1966 WHAT A GRAET TIME IN MY LIFE!!!!!

[joechristopher2]

Jay,

Do the names Sally & Charlie Schneider mean anything to you? They were my aunt & uncle. She said you were a next door neighbor in Belle Harbor.

[tribalkidd]

I know how hard it was. I`m one. We got NO RESPECT!!!!!!!!

[B52sguy]

Do any of you have the slightest idea how hard it was to come back to the US from Vietnam and have supposedly Americans throw feces, vomit, and blood when you came home after serving in San Fran? Was not particularly home, as I knew it.

But this was the soundtrack in SF while we came down the gate in 1970. Still hate hippies and their ilk to this day.

They are all asshole cowards and I defy anyone to defend their position.

BTW, I had a head bandage and right arm in a sling.

Joseph F

[barrygioportmorien1]

@B52sguy

Hey Joseph

I am a Canadian who has as much respect for American Soldiers as Canadian ones, hell my father was a World War I veteran. The soldier I have greatest reverence for is Audie Murphy, along with all the others who fought. I put this song on upload because it is one of my favourites , I am not sure if your comments mean you are mad at me for putting it up or not, however, I make no offence to Soldiers, quite the opposite. I am glad you made it back, you have my respect.

[B52sguy]

@barrygioportmorien1 Hi, Barry. No, I truly love this song. What I was trying to say was how ironic it was to come home, hear one of my all time favorites, and have these miserable war protesters act like that. I was not mad at you in the slightest. My comment was aimed at the A**holes of the hippie movement. Audie Murphy was quite the hero; my respect for him, and for you, was made for today.

Cheers and have one on me.

Joseph F

[barrygioportmorien1]

@B52sguy

I remember Jane fonda was demoralizing to you soldiers, at that time also, it turned me against her, and like I said, I am a Canadian, but she sure ticked me off with her comments. I had a beloved cousin from Boston, Mass., who died in the Korean war at the age of nineteen, my aunt and uncle still loved their country and remained patriotic.

Salute

Barry

[B52sguy]

@barrygioportmorien1 Hi, Barry; Sorry for the loss of your cousin. As a matter of fact, I am working on a book about the Korean war as written about in letters from my very best friends father. Those letters tell the true story of how brave and selfless so many people were during that terrible time.

And I literally hate Jane Fonda and all she stands for. Probably her birth was a pimple swueeze from her father, Henry, who was a real man.

Take care, buddy.

Salute back to you,

Joseph F

[cmulwee001]

@B52sguy

What has Jane Fonda got to do with this song? Please guys, stick to the topic.

It's just a song and nothing more

[vonniegirl11]

@barrygioportmorien1 I have hated Jane Fonda to this day because of what she did to our men! She is the worst kind of human there is!

THANK YOU for having the courage and honor to stand up for us and cover our 6s! God Bless you!

[Helivz]

@vonniegirl11 Has Jane Fonda ever apologized for her hypocrisy and the betrayal of our troops?

[vonniegirl11]

@Helivz Sorry for taking so long to answer. I'm still learning youtube!

To answer your question: No, the B**** sure as H*** has never apologized for her betrayal of our troops nor the damage she caused with her big mouth!

[Helivz]

@vonniegirl11 Hi. You know, it's the politicians who start these wars; now , they are the ones who deserved to be pelted with urine and other un-mentionables, not our troops!

[skudaarkaat1]

@barrygioportmorien1 God Bless Canadians! Great country and people!!!!

[illuminatiwatchin]

pffft gees only in america right baby

[calihartley2010]

@B52sguy yes and those very same hippies ruined America with their liberal views and misue of the freedoms in this country. They have no respect for good people like you who scrificed their lives for their freedom and they repaid you with feces. They do NOT deserve to be called Americans. They should be kicked out because they have been able to bring America from the greatest country on earth onto a path of self destruction. I am proud of your service.

[elamite66]

@B52sguy Can't understand how even someone against the war woudl treat our soldiers the way you were treated But I guess there have always been ignorant assholes

[B52sguy]

@elamite66 The very far left of those among us have nothing but words of insult, rather than courage and sense of liberty. Thank you for your kind words.

Joseph F

Portland, OR USA

[Helivz]

@elamite66 If ---holes could fly, the country of north korea would be an airport terminal. Reflecting the sentiments of the proud men of the U.S.S. Pueblo, who were illegally detained and tortured for eleven months.

January 23, 1968 - December 23, 1968.

[elamite66]

@Helivz yeah I was just a kid but I remember that It's too bad that Roosevelt or Truman (I'm not sure who's made the decision) ever allowed the USSR to occupy North Korea and set up the communist regime The Russians souldn't have been allowed to occupy anything south of the Yalu River, in fact there was no need for Roosevelt to ask the Russians to enter the war against Japan which they did a couple of days after Hiroshima

[Helivz]

@B52sguy Those "morons" who mistreated you like that should have their asses kicked, good and hard and proper. I had a father who served in WW2 and a first cousin in Vietnam. I was only an Elementary school kid while the war was in session. I am sorry for your experience. It would serve them hippies right if they were drafted, came home and dealt out the same medicine.

[B52sguy]

@Helivz Hi, Guy: I am sorry that your Dad and Cousin had to serve, but at the same time, that is what makes America the best of the rest.

Hippies are essentially people, humans, who have the backbone of a slug. Nothing more, nothing less.

Thanks, you are of a section that cannot be tamed.

Joseph F

Portland, OR USA

[Helivz]

@B52sguy You're welcome. This is perhaps the fastest, record reply to a post, that was written to me 34 seconds ago.

[B52sguy]

@Helivz Oh!, man: this is still making me laugh. Thanks again for all the nice comments. I check in usually at the nighttime, but today, listening to "It's my life" by Jon BonJovi, and watching the offical vid of the song, I felt I should check messages, and there you were.

Hope your day is great!

Joseph F

Portland, OR USA

[Caramia112]

@B52sguy Just want you to know that Jay Black (former lead singer of Jay & The Americans) did this song from his heart as he is a true American with the utmost respect for the people serving our country and for our country in general. He is a great person and truly cares. This song was a tribute to the insanity of the country at the time..

[B52sguy]

@Caramia112 Hi! I never said anything about JATA, whichever "Jay" was in the group at the time. My comment was just a response to the stifiling atmosphere that the uber left in SanFran had about soldiers at theat time. Geez, Beav, I was not saying anything bad about JATA at all.

If my comment upset you, I apologize.

Joseph F

Portland, OR

[Caramia112]

@B52sguy You didn't upset me at all. I understand where you were coming from and I wanted you to know that the song was really in support of all of you who did fight for our country. I was a little young, but I do remember the tension in the country and I felt and still feel for our soldiers. I think they don't get enough recognition. I have seen Jay in concert many times and he is always one to comment and offer support to those who serve our country. My comments were in support of yours.

[B52sguy]

@Caramia112 Hi, There; Sorry if I read that comment wrong. Even after 41 years it can be a sore point for me. Perhaps I take a little too much umbrage at some comments.

Thank you for being in the same corner I find myself. I know Jay Black, or David Blatt which is his real name, would never, ever do anything to besmirsh America despite his previous problems with money.

One of the best, strongest male singers of this or any other time.

Regards,

Joseph F

Portland, OR  USA

[Caramia112]

@B52sguy Joseph, I thank you and all of the other Americans who fight to give us our freedom.

[B52sguy]

@Caramia112 And believe me when I say thank you for your support. That is nice.

Best to come,

Joseph F

Portland, OR USA

[puseye]

@B52sguy

It is the Soldier who salutes the flag,

Who serves beneath the flag,

And whose coffin is draped by the flag,

Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

Thanks, man!

[B52sguy]

@puseye And I say thank you, man!  That is one stirring comment. I don't think I have ever read something so poignant and true. Such perfection.

Is that an original quotation by you? Please let me know!

Joseph F

Portland, OR USA

[puseye]

@B52sguy

Thanks for your kind words. I have no idea who wrote this. It was sent to me by an old girlfriend. I feel the same way you do about it. Glad you like it. There's more to it. I can post the rest if you'd like to read it.

Whitey, from Canada

[B52sguy]

@puseye Hi, Whitey from Canada! I would love it if you could muster up the time and effort to send the rest of this work to me. You can send it to my account if it is too long. Any time you feel like it. Thanks, Whitey!

Joseph F

[B52sguy]

@puseye Hi, Whitey, Joe here: I finally found it. The poem, "The Soldier" was written by Charles M Province in 1970. He is the founder of the George S Patton, JR. Historical Society. It only took 3 days of web crawling to find it based on the first 8 lines. But find it I did.

So now you have verifiable proof.

Again, I thank you my Canadian friend for the common sense to post this on your page.

All the best,

Joseph F

Portland, OR USA

[puseye]

@B52sguy

Greetings, Joe, I'm glad you found the writer of The Soldier. The poem always brings a lump to my throat. God bless America!

Best wishes always,

Whitey,

Vancouver, BC

[TheMsBornfree]

@B52sguy

Barry, Thank you for your service! Hippies then, Liberals of today....NO DIFFERENCE! Time everybody wokeup! god bless you!

[hayguylol]

@TheMsBornfree you are quite right

[Bzamm615]

@TheMsBornfree I hate the damn libs...

[TheMsBornfree]

@Bzamm615 ME TOO!  They will be the ruination of my beloved America!

[paulkersey1999]

@B52sguy a head bandage and a sling?? give me a break. you are a liar.

[bohdanuke1]

@B52sguy

I came back from Korea thru Sea-Tac Airport in '69 and had the same experience. But hey, take heart... every guy who serves today is called a hero. Believe it?

[B52sguy]

@bohdanuke1 Wasn't that just awful. Feel for you, Brother and I really feel for those mindless, spineless, spiritless and brainwashed idiots who did that stuff. We had the discipline not to react, but the monkees were a'twitter. Ha! Sounds like Frost! Thanks for youe service. My gal pal's Dad was a Marine pilot in WW II as well as Korea and he committed suicide when he was only back for 2 years because of the rabble.

Joseph F

Portland, OR USA

[limyrek]

@B52sguy Go fuck yourself! You were fighting for the Vietnamese not America. Go back over there and get a madal.

[mofoca22]

@B52sguy most people in san fran are immoral cocksuckers i mean shit look what they promote with their gay parades. everyday i wish that place would finally get the big one but i also keep in mind theres some good people that live there too. but anyways i salute you man for serving in viet nam i am proud of all the troops taht have served this nation and continue to do so.

[B52sguy]

@mofoca22 I wouldn't say most, but certainly a lot of them. I thank you for your letter. That means a lot along side of the mentally ill letters I get from liberal, left wing idiots. Oh well, people like me and you will continue to assure these wastes of food and water have the right to voice their opinion. It is a shame they know not what liberties they have because of warriors.

Thanks for your letter.

Joseph F

Portland, OR USA

[Delila310]

@B52sguy Ohh I am so sorry that happened to you. I have a very soft place in my heart for Viet Nam vets. I would like to take this oppertunity to say "Thank You and Welcome Home B52sguy." I am a Girl of the 60s. And I DO know what it was like for you. God Bless You Sir

[B52sguy]

@Delila310 Oh, don't feel sorry for me, but feel sorry for these flaming liberals who have no idea how to survive outside of a city. I have a strong suspicion that you, Della, would survive just fine. I don't really hate hippies; but then I was so disgusted that the media gave tose idiots more credit than they were, and continue, to be worth.

Thanks for your kind and gentle words.

Joseph

[Unklebillybob]

@B52sguy Yes, I do! After being in a body cast for almost a year, at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital, I had the opportunity to go into the city. Expecting to eat at Trader Vics, view the wharf and explore - I found that was a mistake. I ended-up being detained by two SF City Police for stirking a hippy with one of my crutches, who spat on me. But then, that was a million years ago in another lifetime. Hope all is well with you.

UBB

[B52sguy]

@Unklebillybob Thanks Uncle; You know what it is like, for sure. Hope the cops forgave you for being American. Of all the places to have to come home to, they picked the worst city in the U.S.. I remember one unwashed scumbag who got his/her ass so royaly kicked by a fellow who lost his sight in one eye. He beat that idiot to within an inch of his life. He was and still is my friend. We don't talk about that stuff much but still remember. Same assholes who are now driving Prius's.

[Unklebillybob]

@B52sguy Thanks for the response back. Enjoying the music, though.

[bjwitte]

Through my father, I know Marty (the one who plays guitar). Real interesting and nice guy to know. When they came to Pittsburgh playing at Melon Arena with other old time groups, he got me a perfect place to sit. They were great and met the rest of the band members that night. Nice guys.

[alancw3]

i remeber jay and the americans came to my college to perform and i was so excited as i love them.  imho the most underrated band from the 60's!

[erecon67]

One of my many favorites by this Great Group.

[DooWoppOh]

Jay And The Americans & The Association are playing Veterans Day Nov 11 , 2010 at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium Columbus Ohio.

[rocmaven]

Jay And The Americans land in Florida next week. April 8 Naples Philaharmonic PAC Naples FL with Little Anthony And The Imperials. April 9 Mchaffey Theatre Saint Petersburg FL with The Coasters & The Crystals. April 10 Nova University Arena Davie FL with The Coasters, The Crystals & The Tymes. Clay Cole is the MC for these shows and there will be a tribute to Johnny Maestro.

[Hogan10298]

not anymore.. now it is the land of entitlement... so sad

[sixitiesking]

I am going this Friday March 5 to see Jay And The Americans at BB King's in Times square New York City.

[54nomore]

While growing up as a kid in The 50s & 60s and reaching adulthood in the 70s. This was the sentiment back then. That anything was possible here. What ever happen to that? What do you want to be when you grow-up? I still believe in this Republic of ours. America has been the hope of the world for generations. And I still believe in the people to make it great again....

[Khultan]

@54nomore JATA was supported financially by The Mafia and singer Jay Black was a compulsive gambler who also squandered the groups profits. Waking you all with the facts.

[54nomore]

@Khulta He did pay restitution...didn't he?

[Khultan]

@54nomore I don't have any information further on that, I mean, Jay Black was the out of control gambling freak who's back up musicians in the late 60s turns out to be the much struggling duo by the name of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. Jay Black must've got that behind, I suppose, I think I saw them on PBS for some kind of rock n roll special.

[kcboston]

This version by Jay and the Americans is great. Really summed up the '60's in a time of such turmoil in the USA.

[elamite66]

@kcboston I remember the time 1963 well and the tumult of the 60s had not yet really started it was only a few years away but it seemed like a different century especially to a kid In 1963 hippies, long hair, the anti-war movement and the drug explosion had not yet happened Kennedy was still president if only for a few more months I guess I was young and naive but I wasn't alone the social anarchy was just months away but at the time it seemed that America would go on as it was forever

[lindaveee]

Can't wait till Valentines Day Feb 14...Jay And The Americans & The Association are playing The Palace Theatre in Greensburg, PA.

[B52sguy]

Just perfect: The only song that really summed up the 60's.

God!, what a magical voice.

Joseph F

[sixitiesking]

I just got my tickets for Jay And The Americans March 5 at BB Kings New York City. Awesome.

[rocmaven]

I saw Jay And The Americans last night in Brooklyn. They sang their hits better than the original records. It was a wonderful show.

[nightwind928]

This song should be the Mexican national anythem

[pitonane]

only Someone who grew up in ANY OTHER COUNTRY ! would know the DIFFERENCE., of The U.S.A..and The Meaning of Freedom.,and any other Marvel of becoming AN AMERICAN .For they will never know otherwise.

[penrod59]

Right, pit. My father immigrated here after WWII from Norway. During the war he watched Nazis swarm his country; he noticed who saved Europe from fascism. Until the day he died, my politically conservative father admired FDR (personally, I think FDR was a commie but a decent guy otherwise)

and loved the USA.

[WCFL1000]

Obviously Jay hasn't checked his 401K lately. He should change that line to" Only in America can you go to bed a millionaire and wake up a pauper."

[dragonofblood]

Bahahaha.

[sixitiesking]

i am going to the Brooklyn show in November.

[12Fegens]

Always liked this song.

[tomkes100]

This 50s rock historian hits again. ONLY IN AMERICA, What va great song . solid gold 1963. i recall it well. Jay&Americans at their best. simple clean sexy sounding , upbeat refreshing. Jay Black at his best. Cara Mia move over. . Nest to this, Its LETS LOCK THE DOOR but this song speaks of men women youth and LOVE. Simple but so true. God Bless. TOMK

[bristolstomper]

Jay And The Americans did a great job at the CA State Fair. I am going again to see them Sept.19 at Tropicana Hotel in Laughlin NV.

[yellowjelloful]

YAy kennbix!!!!

[kennbix]

only in america can a veteran like myself fight for freedom and lose his friends and buddies in nam and be treated like dirt when they come home so people like you can write all this Bul S**t and call it freedom of speech. I just am ashamed of you and proud of them.

[GothicDancer45]

@kennbix Thank you, for fighting. I my book your a hero and those who treated you like dirt are wores then that.

[koniko]

O.o geez this discussion is heated, but hey, I love this song!!! ^_^

[obeselvl3]

only in america towers can get blown up and not catch the person who blew them up

[Bob10123456]

Only in America could an immigrant come, penniless, work hard and become financially independent. Only the Native American come the closest to not being immigrants.

Only in America could someone tell such big lies about others and not go to prison. Some of the things said here and now, you could wind up in jail in many other countries. In some countries it is illegal to be demagog.

[pitonane]

Hagsvet-------

YOU IGNORANT SLUT.!!

[hagsvet]

fuck the cubans and mexicans. this land is for english speaking americans

[bristolstomper]

only in america...jay and the americans at the california state fair sacramento ca on aug 26th. i will be there.

[jhem50]

With all the pro-american songs out now...why has this one been so overlooked??? It definitely has the feel of what it is to be AMerican!

[Olancho61]

Love this song, but with all these cubans coming and getting whatever is intended for Americans who worked hard, to get a good retirement, I truly doubt it. Many cubans came yesterday from Cuba and gues what? they're receiving retirement without lifting a broom in this country.

Best regards.

[blackgirlsrhot1]

and some how thats the white mans fault.? i would rather lift a broom here than in cuba. my grandfolk came here to escape the holocust in germany and even though i am nothing but a janitor here i am happy to be here. stop blaming whity for ur problems and stop hating urself for being white u confused liberals

[Beartaich]

Ahhhhh......... Memories........

[SecretAgentSlothman]

wow to think that was meant for the opening song for season 4 of Weeds, but Showtime wouldn't pay for the rights, so no song....

great song

[barrygioportmorien1]

That is a shame, a lot more people would have had a chance to hear it.

[mjp2501]

Only in America, Made in America, by Americans. BE PROUD !!

[sweetex17]

Please can you wait for my stop that bus i go with you to america to jay and the americans .

[jacquelynplack]

jay and the americans--one of the best groups ever

[spacepatrolman]

The sold out madison square garden for a week straight with the four seasons .

[jsbach15]

Awesome song. Jay Black's voice is one of the greatest in American pop music! 10+ stars!

[BCH19821091]

David Stern is a super scheeny

[NaomiWadsworth]

I first heard it in '63 on the car radio in Grand Junction, Colorado, after being on a trip to some great places in the Southwest and on the West Coast...Painted Desert, Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Highway 10l, Pismo Beach..back through Redwood Forest and Yosemite. Surely did conjure up some patriotism alright. And I like Canadians...go Hank Snow!

[fntime]

If you like Canadians, then you are not a very

good person. Canadians are the "anti-Americans", but if you are a loser, a gay,

an unwed mother, then I understand.

This song is for people who have pride, balls,

ambition, not Canadians who are basically

'serfs' to their masters. If you ever saw

the movie, "Island of Dr Moreau", the animal

men, are like Canadians.

And Hank Snow is a 'fag'!!!!

[ikeblike]

you're a fag

[NaomiWadsworth]

I just liked the song...the fantastic harmonies etc. Not much interested in the political viewpoint.

[barrygioportmorien1]

Hey, I'm a Canadian, I don't think any of us took it as political, and there is nothing wrong with a little lighthearted Patriotism, no matter who you are.

[liman42]

This song always reminds me of the song BamBam sang to Pebbles in "A Man Called Flintstone". Anyone else remember that?

[richrdroma]

Woaa..never heard this before... I like it a lot!!!

[sylviaroller]

Saw Jay And The Americans sing this song in Toledo. They were amazing. Jay III Renecke is an incredible singer. Howie Kane is a hottie.

[blackrock1969]

After the historic events of the past 24 hours, this song just seemed appropriate.

[CrossmanTelevision]

Ditto!....This song was playing in my mind this as a result of the Election of our first African American President.

[Soapking1965]

The song was originally recorded by the Drifters in 1962.

[cmulwee001]

You're right. I have the original by the Drifters. It's on one of the Before They Were Hits volumes, I think volumes 1 or 4

[barrygioportmorien1]

Yeah, I agree, and I'm a Canadian.

[tallin2000]

How pathetic. Jay Renecke family tagging commercials on the Real Jay songs.

[nysixitiesrocker]

????? Who is Tallin?? No videos. Not from anywhere??? Invisible.

[sixitiesking]

Jay And The Americans & Johnny Maestro And The

Brooklyn Bridge together on Nov 15 at The Strand Theatre In Lakewood, NJ. Thats one hell

of a show.

[Jibjub80]

Did you guys know that this song was originally written by the Drifters as a protest song? The original lyrics were very different from those sung by Jay and the Americans. It was supposed to be a social commentary on racial segregation in America in the 1950's and 60's, but nobody would release it. So they changed it to a patriotic song, and Jay and the Americans recorded it. I still like the song, but it would have been interesting to hear the original.

[barrygioportmorien1]

Never knew that, It would be interesting to hear.

[spacepatrolman]

"only in america, do they save a seat in the back of the bus for me"

[VenusBlue4u]

HA that was funny!

[spacepatrolman]

that was really the original  lyric

[Howieshet]

The Drifters version that was released was exactly the same words, lyrics and tempo. It was very good.

[cmulwee001]

I have the Drifters original, and I love it just as much, if not a little better than the famous JATA cover, although both are great songs worth listening.

And, Howieshet, your right, despite what some people have either sais or written, the lyrics are exactly the same as in Jay's version. In fact both versions use the same backing track.

[barrygioportmorien1]

@cmulwee001

I have never heard the Drifters version, didn't even know the recorded it, could you post it.

[cmulwee001]

@barrygioportmorien1 I wish I knew how to do it. How DOES one post music on You Tube? If you want to hear it, you may want to order "Before They Were Hits" Vol 1.

[cmulwee001]

@barrygioportmorien1

I can't post it myself, but someone has already posted it.

Just type in Drifters Only In America. Stories of the Drifters original having more protest lyrics are untrue. The lyrics are EXACTLY as in Jay's famous cover.

The Backing track is even the same! Even thought they're both great, I actually prefer the Drifters' original due to the softer vocals check it out.

[wmbrown6]

@cmulwee001 - In addition, the original lacquers of the 45 of JATA's version were mastered at Atlantic Studios in New York - and Atlantic was The Drifters' label. (The spacing of the lead-in and lead-out, I noticed, matched what was Atlantic's mastering M.O. and S.O.P. at the time.)

[myGUYfawkes]

Apparently, Jeremiah Wright was here giving everybody a thumbs down - so I gave everybody a thumbs up. You're welcome.

[hockrockperry]

Jay And The Americans (Marty Sanders, Howie Kane, Sandy Deanne & Jay Renecke) are playing in Western Canada on Oct 23 at McPhillips St. Station Casino Winnipeg, MB; Oct 24 at Dakota Dunes Casino Saskatoon, SK; Oct 25 at Deerfoot Inn & Casino Calgary, AB; Oct 26 at Century Casino in Edmonton, AB. I will be at the Calgary show.

[barrygioportmorien1]

I wish they would come to Casino Rama, here in Orillia Ontario.

[nysixitiesrocker]

Jay & The Americans AND Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge are playing Nov 15 at The Strand Theatre in Lakewood, NJ.

[sylviaroller]

going to see Jay And The Americans, on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Queens College Flushing, NY.

[barrygioportmorien1]

Hey, lucky you, I hope they sing this song for you.

[sylviaroller]

I am so happy that I went to see Jay And The Americans. I loved the show. After the show, they signed autographs in the lobby. I meet everyone. Howie is a doll.

[sylviaroller]

They opened the show with Only In America.

[BigIronOnHipMan]

Til the day I die this song will alaways remind me of the 1963 Boonton NJ Fireman's Fair on Labour Day and meeting the Town Beauty ~~~ Helen Narcise...

[Zadolar]

Thank you - I've been waiting for someone to repost this wonderful song