Mother Freedom by James Griffin

[jakerandall123]

Grifiin was often forgotten as his vocals and Gates were so similar. he was a talent in his own Right.

[Ayden1314]

Jimmy was a friend of mine, I still hang with his wife and kids. This song was played at his daughter's wedding as she and her new husband came down the aisle after the ceremony, it was awesome. He still lives in his wife's and kids and all of our hearts. We love you Jimmy.

[Lisarata]

8-Track flashback. And this song is still ringing true. And that is a rockin' guitar line. Thanks dad, for enclosing us in that camper for long trips with just this one, Credence and Rare Earth.

[locofoco123]

I had an old used Chevy pick up in 1970-71. I was a junior in high school with a new license. Saved my money and bought an under dash 8 track as the old truck had no radio. This was one of my first and most favorite tapes- Bread Manna. Always liked Jimmy's songs the best. Rest in Peace my friend.

[jefica123]

very good cover but no matter how good they are, to me they just can't beat the bread version.

[wizzard1956]

Anybody got a bread copy? . . . in Roswell Nm a dedicated lover of these guys music , . . .

[eduardrosar]

Ooops! I forgot "Down on my Knees". Great song...

[k1fjh]

Great choice - I love the guitars in this as well!

[kelsoruffian]

fran, i want to thank you for these video's of jim, am eternally gratefull, your friend  tim

[eduardrosar]

I never understood how any Jimmy's song in Bread didn't hit the Billboard Top 100 Chart. He had a great voice and wrote several great songs with the band (maybe most of them were never edited in 45). Several songs he cowrote with David and Larry, were sung by him, and they're really fine songs (Nobody Like You, Make it by Yourself, Change of Heart).

[k1fjh]

David's songs ended up being the ones pushed, so nobody listening to commercial radio really ever heard the "B" sides, which were usually Jimmy's. Jimmy never got the recognition he deserved and he was not a man with a big ego, so he was never bitter. He told me his time would come, but it never quite worked out the way it should have.

[1000Passwords]

It was Elektra ...

They made the single selections. After their first hit, Make It With You ... all subsequent singles selected by Elektra were written and sung by Gates (even though Griffin had an equal number of tracks on each album release).

[yesroh]

Gates and Griffin were sometimes indistinguishable at times--or very close. I've seen that happen with groups before--there are even some Beatles songs where John and Paul are so close, it's hard to tell them apart. I love both singers from Bread, but I know what you mean--sometimes you want to hear a different voice.

[k1fjh]

Agreed - when the casual fans were watching these shows, most probably had no idea that it wasn't the guy who originally sang them.

[Novatogal]

I always got sick of the David Gates songs on my old Bread albums, skipped them, and wore out the grooves on Jimmy's songs!

[chriscrimson98]

I love both but you know Gates sang lead on the album version of Mother Freedom...

[k1fjh]

You're correct - they really complemented each other, like so many great duos that were able to make their harmonies work so well - it's a shame that Jimmy didn't get equal billing as was originally intended - they were supposed to release one 45 of David's then one 45 of Jimmy's - never quite worked that way.

[k1fjh]

You weren't the only one!! :)

[RUTHGEE]

Yes! What a voice!! :-)

[k1fjh]

Hi Ruth -

It probably would have been a little edgier had they switched to electric guitars for this one. But we love it anyway, don't we? :)

[2005139347]

i loveeee the album version....i was expecting a punchier rock version ... with jimmy's voice uhmmm..... :S ........yep!! you're right! anyway...jimmy rocks!!!

thxs for sharing!

Jorge :)

[k1fjh]

You're right - It's not the best song to showcase his talents - there would have been better choices.

[doveshadow]

I agree that this really needs the electric rhythm guitars. They should have switched to electric. But wow, it's so great to see him at this age still rocking (even if it's a much milder version), and sadly, only about 3 years before his death.

[k1fjh]

Yep - they did a nice job together when both David and Jimmy sang harmonies.

[RUTHGEE]

Excellent!!! :-)