O Holy Night-Aretha Franklin & Billy Preston

[vonshorter]

Subscribe; VonShorter. HoT R&B Vocalist

[azargal2]

how old is this?

[starmantough]

Wonderfull. Thanks for this. I saved it!

[quixotism222]

Have to say - she really does not hit those high notes at the end.

[csco72]

RIP Billy Preston - the 5th Beatle (and will always be) :)

[dwhitejazz]

This is a beautiful rendition. I wish someone would find a better copy of this performance in the vaults and post it.

[theeReddVision]

im not nearly as good as that but pls listen to my verson!!!

i hav a dream too!!

/watch?v=JIDYBasar8U

[bartonone2005]

Beautiful! RIP Billy Preston for all the happiness you gave us with your music. Your star now shines brightly in heaven.

[ngliza]

Amazing... RIP Billy!

[seavoyagerful]

Hoje é aniversário de Aretha Franklin. Vendo este vídeo, tendo a achar a música feita hoje muito certinha, bem acabadinha, inha, inha. Aretha canta com a Bocetha, mesmo cantando um gospel!

[tommiexander]

Aretha's attire that she is wearing is stunning. And her voice is like that of an angel. She really makes you want to bow to her and give her all of the glory of being the Queen that she is. And I have always admired Billy Preston ever since I bought his record "Nothing From Nothing" in 1975. Not only was he talented, but he was always energetic and vibrant and always smiling, and I miss him.... I salute them both.

[pretorious700]

If that don't bring a tear, you have no human heart

[DJaBookByItsCover]

I Love & Respect These Two Gurus Of Musicianship But It Seems That They Have Opposing Tempos They Want To Portray.

[ChiqueRecords]

Amazing !!

Still there seem to be 15 people that should not be allowed to breath.

[pretorious700]

@ChiqueRecords We must not hate, keep love in your heart. Our poor misguided brothers and sisters will be forgiven.

[ChiqueRecords]

@pretorious700 Fair enough - No harm intended whatsoever, just not understanding how people can not love this :-)

Love will conquer all !

[deafpeax]

I think that was 1987 . . .

[mel0dyism]

Our prayers are with you Miss Aretha. You are very strong and have many angels with you. Highest respect, all our love, and thank you, thank you, thank you.

[kempedkemp]

Absolutely beautiful! However could she do it sitting down. There was just such a strong urge to stand up and rock back and forth while I was listening to it!

[reneeheerkens]

Thank you they are wonderful !!!

Merci ils sont magnifique !!!

[ILoveLugoff]

What great music from Areatha and Billy. I did not know these great songs existed with the beautiful Areatha, with a voice to match, and Billy. Seem as though they were meant to sing together. Love this.

[Barneyjake]

Wow!

[TheMariposaloca]

I remember seeing this when I was in middle school.

[nightgrooveruk]

NAMASTE 

[oneloveatatime]

who ever said an Aretha Christmas wouldn't sell. Look at the amount of views this video has......thank you my friend Emeless. I love this every time I hear it..........

[Samuelfcampbell2003]

this blows my mind.

[ednacarmelia]

Não imaginava que poderia ouvir Billy Preston, de novo. YOU TUBE, The Great!

[mayydogg]

queen of soul. you go girl!

[tempo3rd]

I'll look into it, thanks!

[tempo3rd]

I don't understand what makes Aretha Franklin special. Will some one explain?

[crazyzack32]

@tempo3rd Listen to some of her earlier recordings in the 70s. Her voice has changed somewhat over the years, but it was at its peak in the 70s. Her phrasing was tight, crisp; her voice powerful, and her tone so unique, that she indeed is special.

[MusicEclecticArt]

Okay. Im going to make it simple for you. The same thing that makes Pattie Labell, Chaka Khan, Gladis Night, Pattie Austin, Natalie Cole, Barbra Streisand, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and MANY others great is the same thing that makes Aretha Franklin GREAT. Get it?

[bemaniac2]

early recordings. she cant really sing that great now to be honest.

[TheQueenAretha]

@bemaniac2 Aretha is still a great singer. Her voice is different, thats it. She is still an amazing singer.

[Peter0656]

They are like an old married couple! - histoire!

[moomp]

I love this... This is the type of thing that we would play in my house growing up at christmas time. Along with Silent Night by the Temptations.

[ahayes1217]

Are you crazy? They were GREAT! Two of the bwsr of all time!!!!!

[Kutsuba]

They took my favorite Christmas song and destroyed it. They didn't care about the song. It was all about them

[RobinTimmers]

Thanx for sharing, MERRY CHRISTMAS y'all!

[TheRunawayslave]

Aretha voice is insanely beautiful!!

[bowiehs]

It truly is!

[billwest69]

Terrific job on this...love Aretha and this is my fav Christmas song

[MsHoly777]

oj I give up.....what is a COVER??!!! I didn't know that Billy had done already leff us??!!!!!!!!!

[kap1219]

a coer is just when someone else sings the song.. like patti labelle has a cover of this song.. michelle williams has a cover of this song etc..

[USAlovesCanada]

Lets believe that Billy will be "celebrating" with the Man who this Season commerates. What a joy ... play a couple songs for my Dad and my Mom who left us last year! God Bless you this Christmas.

[Birdshavewings]

What a treasure! Thanks so much.

[YellaBellydAlligator]

WOW, that's straight from heaven. Thanks for posting!!!

[schreipe]

holy jesus

[snidelywhiplash]

At 1:06 you can hear Billy go "Mm."

Sums it up nicely.

[avivandoelfuego]

omgggg...God bless this mans hands (RIP)..truly talented..one of my favorite christmas songs everrrrr...Aretha smashed it way betr than any other cover including Mariah Carey n Celine Dion even tho i love their versions as well...this version is crazy soul!

[taddyd1]

you need to check on Joan Baez singing it in the original French version for the best.

[Johnlee55]

Claiming a Joan Baez version is better than an Aretha version is blasphemy.

[taddyd1]

I worship Re, but as she said herself "a woman's only human." I even love La Diva to the max, which is generally considered

her worst lp but... Joan Baez knocks Re (from One Faith) out of the ball park on Ave Maria too.

Don't forget: Leontyne, Mahalia, and Ella sang Cantique de Noel also ( known to Americans as O Holy Night) and they're surely  mightier competetion than Celine!

MLK was known to mistake Baez for an angel when he would wake to her singing.

"believe i hear an angel".

[TheRealAngelHeart]

Interesting what you're saying re Joan Baez. I fell in love with ella's voice when I ws 4. I discovered Joan Baez' voice when I was 12 (and fell doubly in love with it), and got overwhelmed by Aretha's voice at 14.. and still am. In the meantime my scope has further widened into opera (Callas, Leyla Gencer, Horne, Verret.) , hard rock etc.. but yes those voices were exceptional. And Aretha is in a league of her own. She is so much more than just a singer.

[taddyd1]

I love all three of the pop singers too and have almost all of their recordings. Saw Aretha and Joan this year. I love the Billy Preston (my former neighbor) and Re duet on Old Lang Syne! Thanks for sharing TheRealAngelHeart.

[taddyd1]

See youtube: Cantique de Noel/Joan Baez

[TIMSY47]

Two of the greatest in complete harmony with keys and vocals. What a joy.

[marydwyer14119]

One of the greats..

[TIMSY47]

A timely reminder for me who the true Queen is. RIP Billy the main man. What a combination of true talent.

[runawayslave0000]

I know GOD dont have favorites...but geez listen 2 her voice!!!!!!!

[runawayslave0000]

hey GOD uses us in ways that will help others also heal. Maybe her singing were too help women get through troubling times that church songs werent able too do. And a lot of these gospel singers covers some r-n-b songs!!!

[tirayi]

Bow down

[nymanmusic]

mmmm. and wow.  simple and marvelous.

[IpsaPaphum]

O Kerstnacht schooner dan de dagen!

[JCPUTT]

Vosh wricky dosh!

[htchoklat59]

i wish billy was singing too.

[withavengence]

the church yields the GREATEST talents.....we need to learn how to KEEP them!

[TIMSY47]

Promptly added to my favourites as both of these icons are indeed two of my favourite soulful musicians. Thansk for posting

[flump64]

Two greats of music!

[Tenebre]

Billy Preston is my HERO

[54spiritedwill54]

She's amazing

[jufconnie]

Thank you for posting this amazing performance!

[lakshmiluvsvishnu]

OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!!!!!!

[plasticPlaystation]

Yeah!

[robbyhank]

YES! YES! YES! this is why i love youtube. thanks so much for sharing this gem!

[cyclamenpersicum]

jjjjjjjj juan romannnnnnnnnnjjjjjjjj

[Charlietta]

i love her but this i didnt like at all

[oneloveatatime]

This is one of my favorite youtube Aretha Christmas performance. Thanks again EMELESS for posting! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[Moxx0987654321]

Absolutely stunning version of the song. This song is so often sung with phony passion and overblown accompaniment -so much so that I don't think I can stand to listen to it. Aretha's changed that for me. Love it!

[broncofangj]

beautiful her sangin and him playin praise him!!

[schari30]

The best compliment i ever heard about Aretha was from a mate of mine who heard her sing "Amazing Grace"...he said, "you know i don't believe in God, but the woman makes a man want to rethink his position on the matter."

[NearAbbeyRoad]

@schari30

Ironically Amazing Grace was written by an English slave ship captain.

[Daisytoo]

Majestic.

[rodsmithk]

Good God she just knows how to get it done in every song she sings. I love you Aretha...

[tenorismo]

Dear Billy R. I. P.

[Prncssmn7]

This is a song about the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. STOP FIGHTING, PLEASE!!!!

[kadricer]

I finally understand what it means to " take your time " and sing a song. Give yourself a chance to feel and truly understand what your singing about. What does it mean to you? Even if your talented at that point the beauty that anyone may or may not hear is secondary.

[FaerieCrone]

Magical.

[juiceman1965]

billy preston could play chopsticks and move my world

[mathewpaguio]

This is the best version I've ever heard.

[SuperstarX]

I'm sure Aretha was allready fat at her birth. She has a good voice, but her look is truly disgusting!

[arosesr]

Not good at all. Sorry, but I had to say it.

[blewis9505]

You probably can't find your butt at high noon in the middle of Times Square with a flashlight either. This is classic and it's history to anyone who knows and understands the roots of Gospel and Soul. Obviously your silly ass knows nor understands nothing about either. Thanks for letting the rest of us know just how ignorant and uninformed you are. As to your reference to being "sorry" take it from this writer. You are unquestionably one sorry ass poor excuse for a music critic. Be gone.

[paul51]

I don't agree with arosesr's opinion either, but geeez, that's just his opinion; no need to get downright nasty about it. Frankly, your comment doesn't say much of yourself.

[blewis9505]

I was talking to you about you. What didn't you absorb in HS English? You are grammatically incorrect and musically inadequate. Do us all a favor. Have someone proofread and edit your comments before you post. Thank you, in advance, for your kind attention to this request.

[bigbeaky]

if you are going to preach abou grammar blewis9505 you should use it correctly. the nor is a negative, so by saying he "knows nor understands nothing", your saying he in fact knows something. He either knows or understands nothing or neither knows nor understands anything.

[rexel666]

You are unquestionably one sorry ass poor excuse for a human being if you have to attack someone in such a petty and spiteful way for merely expressing an opinion. Get over yourself.

[oneloveatatime]

Hey EM, I really love this, thanks for posting. I listen and watch this video quite oftem.......

[sethocopia]

She's amazing

[vantalge]

Billy made everyone around him better. Including the Beatles.

[markojameow]

That's why he was called "The Fifth Beatle" by fans and critics alike. He was an underrated talent who really deserved recognition.

[TreasureOne]

@markojameow You know he played on "Let it Be," right? A major major talent in the church and in the recording studio. RIP, Billy.

[pnebenzahl]

This is so incredibly deep, and what a special bond they had. Both had grown up in Gospel music, from the day they could each crawl. Their musical partnership was destiny.

[WhatKindofFriend]

Thanks for posting this, Emeless!!! I have been on a bit of a crusade lately to find and hear Billy at his best...I'm finding out that Preston was a much deeper person and musician than most people realize. And what a special gift God gave him. To hear him play for Aretha is a special treat.

[Emeless]

Yes I thought it was a special treat as well. That's why I posted it for all to see and hear. They worked so well together. Thanks for your comments!

[mkbell2003]

Aretha was a size 16 here.

[markojameow]

Size doesn't matter. It's Aretha's talent and durability in a very volatile, throwaway industry that count. You don't have to be a certain age to appreciate Aretha, either - she's the real deal, and being matched with the likes of Billy Preston here is inspired, to say the least.

[mkbell2003]

Size matters! "The Queen" needs a serious breast reduction and an anti-heart attack diet. Time to give up soul food! Calling Weight Watchers! Jenny Craig! Aretha is looking like crap. A big old pig full of herself! Stuffed old tired heifer!

[markojameow]

I've seen size 00s die of heart attacks themselves. Maybe Aretha doesn't look like one of those wannabe supermodels that Hollywood emulates today, and maybe she needs to lose a few pounds for health's sake, but she's been around for many years and is not one of those manufactured, flash-in-the-pan pop princesses that the music industry turns out by the hundreds now.

[africanflava]

God does not look at size, he looks at the heart. Maybe you should do the same and stop judging meaninglessly.

[markojameow]

I agree here, africanflava!

[harvk44]

@africanflava -I don't see any ref to 'size'...take some time to read before clashing, pls.

[PianoDood567]

sounds great big fan of aretha franklin, love the part when billy comes in on the piano i really sounds awsome especially aretha singing.

[876234ABC]

There is only one Aretha! Her voice has been "the soundtrack" to so many key life moments, now, hasn't it? Unless you're a "No Child Left Behind" victim, forced to punctuate your reality with Britney and "Can't find that note" Cristina!

Something to be said for being "of a certain age" isn't there?

And Billy...what can we say? He left too soon. He had more to give.

[markojameow]

Christina Aguilera is more talented than Britney Spears - but she's no Aretha Franklin. From what I recall, Aretha's had next to nothing written about her in the tabloids (which speaks volumes about the person and/or the company she keeps), and she seems very approachable and down-to-earth here. Above all, she is incredibly talented and has an amazing singing voice - I must say that I am a fan!

[surfdogdude]

Lovely! he seemed like a nice guy too. Too bad he went so young.

[lorenzzimm]

simply the best 5 *

[jerkoff63]

you want to hear a version that will blow you away an give you chills listen to maria caria however she spells it,lol mindblowing

[markojameow]

Mariah Carey, you mean? I can't stand her. Need I say more?

[thatway302]

This gave me the chills....My goodness is it just Wonderful!....Aretha's voice and Billy's playing. I love her phrasing of the lyrics her highs and lows....Amazing! Thanks emeless

[Moonchariot]

Aretha´s voice is..... amazing!

[gullik1970]

Wonderfull song by the Queen of soul ,but have you heard the same song sung by Jussi Bjørling from 1948 ,try to type "O helga natt"

I think i can guarantee goose bumps and maybe a little tear

[SajoniaEsther]

Yes,the Quuen of Soul, unique. Thanks for posting this masterpiece and Happy Holidays.

[beefmageditor]

God, she's really amazing. The true mark of a great singer. I know how awesome she is, but every time I hear her, she takes me by surprise, yet again, and I'm left thinking... "Damn, that woman can sing."

[oneloveatatime]

This is my Christmas cheer this year.................thanks again for posting

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2007

[THERIGHTREVEREND]

Yes indeed! The Queen of Soul and the King of the Hammond B-3

[cdiaz55]

I like way they take it to church at the end ya'll! beautiful....

[jeffreychrist]

Yes - a marvelous gift to the world...it would be nicer if he allowed other Aretha/Billy fans to post it on their own pages or embed it on their Myspace pages. A little greedy and selfish around the holidays, eh? Merry Christmas.

[Emeless]

I don't own the rights to this performance, so I didn't want it distributed too far around the net. Not being selfish or greedy...lol.

Have a good Christmas!

[jeffreychrist]

Oh, ok...I understand, it's cool. Sorry for sounding like a grump. As someone who believes Aretha to be the greatest vocalist of the rock and roll era, I was hoping to share. I'll just link them to your page! THANX!

[taddyd1]

I didn't realize you posted these. I just love the 2 duets. I play them the most of all her youtube clips! I'm the YOU,Sweet Passion, and La Diva freak that wrote you a while back.

A million gracias! Peace and love in the new year!

[Emeless]

Stay tuned if you are really a fan of those albums, because I have been getting a lot of requests to post selections from them. Peace!~

[taddyd1]

MUMBLES IS SO PERFECT! THANKS

[franktoney51]

thanks for your posting of the greatest singer of all. when God made her I think that he said to himself, there shall never be another like her.

( ARETHA FRANKLIN ) she shall never be duplicated, she might be imitated but no one can ever really get it right.

[Emeless]

Thanks for viewing and leaving your comments Karen. Congratulations on your CD!

[karenscott3]

What a Marvelous Gift to the World...:) Karen

[neil65542]

i woulnt have needed presents that year if i'd seen that.........

[danyspecial]

This is REAL MUSIC. Simply legendary.

[chris3312music]

I'm speechless--this is just really really good.Billy Preston RIP.

[oneloveatatime]

Emeless you out did yourself on this one....I love this raw vintage performance of Queen Aretha and the late great Sir Billy.........

OneLove

[janikey]

...now that's the Rhee Rhee I know!

[motogp0917]

素敵だぉ

[ozyjoey]

without looking at the video,you just know that its aretha franklin, what a voice, one of a kind

[taddyd1]

Thanks for posting ! They make a perfect pair. We should've had lotsa REE and Stevie, Marvin & Billy. This really helps complete in my wish. I never knew about the broadcast. You're an angel!

[shopboy76]

Such a beautiful rendition. just a piano and a God-given voice! thank you for the upload.

[Albertanator]

Sing it Girlfriend...sing it....beautiful....

[tbone51piano]

Real inspiring. Billy Preston was an awesome gift.

[pronkking]

I miss Billy A LOT...Always thought he was underrated and underappreciated as a singer/pianist. Truly, one of the most gifted bruthas in music. He's in a better place now. He wont have to suffer and we can remember him fondly and respectfully. Aretha?...well, she represents the best in music.

[ramiakin]

Sing it, Mama Ree!!!!

[alyceclover]

this made me sad missing my mom and a simplier place and time~thanks for sharing

[Emeless]

It's amazing how music can take you to places hidden in the heart. Sorry to hear about you missing your mom, but I know it's because the love you have for her is still alive. Love never dies. Thanks for your comments and may God bless you!

[Scotty0011]

better than a lot of snobbish pop singers I heard.

[pondo88]

I saw this the night it aired, I have never forgotten it, never thought I would ever see it again, it was a difficult time . . . thanks so much but I have to know where did you get it?

[Emeless]

I taped it the night it aired. I was working 3-11p and got home in just enough time to adjust the rabbit ears-due to the outage of my cable box, and pop a tape in the VCR. So glad you were able to see it again. One of my favorite TV interviews and performances of Aretha. Thanks for your comments!

[razorbackfilms]

Two real legends. I wish they would release the film of the concert where Amazing Grace was recorded.

[Emeless]

Me too! Thanks for your comments.

[DollyzDaggerz]

It's been a couple of weeks since a song brought tears to my eyes, but this just did. Thanks so much!

[MsMaryee]

Very Good Aretha! The greatest!!!!  Billy Preston is the bomb as well!! Many blessings!

[jonahmoses]

Excellent...once in a life time, voices like Aretha, Whitney, Mahalia Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald comes along. Just to name a few. The Queen ! ! !

Billy is awesome on the organ and piano !Thanks Emeless for this great footage.

[paul51]

I am speechless. Absolutely awesome!

[martinevans123]

Billy Preston - what a talent, a great loss. He was too good to be defined by any one genre, a real cross-over (and cross-backer) star! Arethea makes even the idea of any `genre' look pretty lame. Thanks for this musical gold. God Bless you Billy.

[lilredroostie]

this makes the hair on my neck stand on end my fav Christmas song of all time thank you

[naturalsystah]

Great stuff! Thanks for uploading this.

[hellkat75]

Thanks for sharing that.... Aretha really is amazing, and singing my fav Christmas song in my favourite style.

[Cocobrwnhoney]

Absolutely wonderful. I was really young when this came out, but I can appreciate EXCELLENT TALENT. GREAT performance all NATURAL. Luv Aretha & Billy.

[Emeless]

Yes it is a very natural performance. That is why I like it as well. Thanks for your comment!

[minjimmierodgers]

Thanks for posting...WONDERFUL

[TheRealAngelHeart]

Bravo Billy - Now that's an accompanist! He looks closely at Ree to see what's coming next, so it never sounds like he's trying to follow her. They're perfectly together, on the beat.

[vivacco]

Absolutely AWESOME !! After Mahalia Jackson, I think Aretha is the best. I also loved Billy Preston. He knew how to play that piano and organ. To me, Mahalia Jackson was the best Gospel singer that there ever was or ever will be and I place Aretha Franklin 2nd. Great video. Thank you. montellia 60

[Emeless]

Well I couldn't agree with you more. Thanks for watching and leaving your comments!