As a very young man I saw her perform this song, in a small dark club in Seattle. Brilliant singer, longtime "star" and hopeless junkie. Gil Scott-Heron's poetry was and is almost without equal. But this woman OWNED this song. She held every listener/viewer in her hands, her voice. Old men and young women had tears in their eyes. Unforgettable.
Considering how Ms Phillips passed away this song really makes me sad. It's as if she is actually singing about herself. Powerful song, wonderful artist.
Versatile Esther was deep and sang this from the heart as she was chronically addicted to drugs. She died from kidney failure @ the tender age of 48. The woman had one hell of a voice and voluptuous lips. Her phrasing and delivery were so unique.
It's an honor to know her music but tragic to know her pain. RIP Ms. Jones.
Brilliant. Esther was nominated for a Grammy for her performances on this album: Aretha Franklin won. Ms. Franklin literally handed her trophy over to Ms. Phillips, stating that she believed no one but Esther Phillips deserved it that year. True story. CLASS.
@madnpalmdale ..WRONG AGAIN..MR.SCOTT WROTE AND RECORDED THIS FOR HIS DEBUT STUDIO ALBUM (1970 WAS A LIVE ALBUM)PIECES OF A MAN IN 1971..MS.PHILLIPS RECORDED/COVERED IT A YEAR LATER IN 1972
Estimated friend, if you want to listen again this song and an endless number of successes of the love I suggest you to visit Radio MUSICA PARA MIMOS - looks for his direction URL in Google ( search Musica para Mimos in Google)-. best romantic music of all the times in Internet, is great, is very good ...!!!
R.I.P Ms. Esther Phillips and Mr. Gil Scoot Heron, this is an amazing and moving tribute to the life of addiction and suffering, and for those of us not addicted it is an anthem to heartbreak - sung here with the raw emotion and the conviction of a grand diva who knew both. Esther Phillips never got her due as a major voice and musical force - yet her voice lives on as fresh as it was then and will forever be. Moving us all to tears within joy. An empty vacum filled with silent screams.
@ramona2400 I loved Esther Phillips. And regarding your comment, neither did Gil. Hopefully Unsung will profile these artists - true artists, who were uncompromising, which is probably why they did not get their just due. RIP Esther and Gil.
As I stated, this is one of the most moving pieces of music I've ever heard. And I've heard a whole lot. I once saw Esther, who was a junkie at the time, perform this song on stage. She had a room full of people in awe. Old black men were crying!!! All I can say now is Wow. This poetry is Gil Scott Heron at his best; well, this and "In the Bottle", and The Revolution... well, everything he did was beyond comparison..Yes Gil, you are and will be missed. Rest well.
couldn't agree more. I remember when this song came out in 71. This whole album was fantastic, and it was especially timely back then cause we hadn't heard from her in a long time. So this recording on the KUDU/CTI label was an honest effort on her part.
For both musicians, Gil and Esther thankyou for sharing your craft, and unlike some, both of you did not pull any punches in your commentay on life.
If you cannot match, or equal, the original of that which you cover, DON'T DO COVERS! Listen and learn from Esther how to cover the incomporable Gil Scott-Heron (R.I.P. Genius) ♥
Actually she went on record to comment that she herself deserved to win. It was more of a token of appreciation of Esther (and Aretha's dominance at the Grammy's) than her truly believing Esther's album was better...
@MsMerising oh, ok...i thought it was the other way around. She was truly an amazing singer. RIP To Brother Gil Scott Heron who was the author of this gem of a song - and thanks for the info (* :
CTI division of perfect music! Thank you pretty lady, Loved you at Freddie Jett's Pied Piper along with OC Smith, Sam Fletcher, Crenshaw District 1966, Loved you then, and loved this when a CTI gifted me with this Vinyl in Dallas. He shared with me Mr. Grover Washington too! Dinnah WHO?
Esther is riveting turning "Home Is Where The Hatred Is" in to a complete masterpiece...memorable & haunting "From A Whisper To A Scream" is a phenomenal recording on a level all its own & Aretha knew what she was doing giving Esther the Grammy Award for this musical treasure...greatness like this will never happen again...RIP great lady!
No,the majority of us were listening to this years before. Probably when Kanye in diapers or in his later years was in his bedroom jacking off to the sample...
@MsMerising fun that you think that the majority of youtubers were born before this song. And i dont think Kane made it any worse, he just kinda updatet it :)
I don't think that. But I DO know that many of us 'record diggers' who are fans of music OTHER than Hip-Hop WERE digging up records before Kanye was :)
That entire album, "From a Whisper to a Scream" had a powerful impact on me in the early 70s. --The lyrics were so frightening to me...I was hooked on marijuana and after listening to that song (while I was loaded) I was really afraid that my addiction would progressed to Heroin use..make me quit smoking dope for a while...
So back in the day I was strung out and went to see Esther at the Boardinghouse in SF, I think it was 1973. I figured I could relate. I have never seen an entertainer who seemed more vulnerable or needed to be liked more. She actually shook hands with everyone near the stage that she could reach. She seemed like one of those people who wears their emotions on their sleeves, who needs protection.
The late Miss Phillips recorded that in 70 after leaving synanon in oakland. Gil was there too. He wrote it and she recorded it because no one would take a chance on Gil untill he cleaned up. They both were addicts. Also on there are others whom I will not name.
.....I SAW HER AT THE COLLEGE iNN NIGHT CLUB, IN CHICAGO...I WAS 18YRS OLD.....(FAKE i. d.)....I SAT... DIRECTLY CENTER STAGE... FRONT SEAT....SHE SANG TO ME...OH GOD...HOW I LOVED THIS WOMAN...BLESS YOU.. ESTHER PHILLIPS.....
I was dating a CTI/Kudo Records Executive when this came out. George Lincoln Stanfield who was once roomates with O. C. Smith and Jack Wilson in the Big House they called it, off of Crenshaw. Loved seeing her at Freddie Jett's Pied Piper. Sam Fletcher was another brilliant artist.
December 23 would have been Esther's 75 Birthday. She died way too young. This is such a powerful performance and as has been noted, she lived this song. One who is not recognized today for her greatness.
this is so true because little Esther WAS a stone junkie, she knew what she was singing,on top of that she was a complete original; fantastic post ,fantastic singer!
Beautiful composition and pure passion, doesn't this just give a lot of half-hearted music makers and Simon Cowell types a kick in the balls, this is what music should be!
@babykeepgroovin I totally agree but in defense of Simon Cowell types, they can only go by who auditions so if we aren't getting quality artist we can't blame Simon. Also check me out at Reverbnation. You can find me under Dawn Cargile. Let me know your honest opinion. You see I intend to audition for X Factor when it comes to America. I know YOU will tell it like it is. LOL
This is what I call an accurate vocal portrayal of the pain and misery of the disease of addiction, sung with stunning emotion and conviction. The song seems to have an undeniable inevitability about it. It also has a unmistakable subliminal warning interwoven within the lyrics. This is a great recording that doesn't glorify the horrors of addiction.
I GOT SOME SEVENTY FIVE/SEVENTY SIX LPS WITH HURTIN' HOUSE AND MISTER MAGIC ON EM: NOT, 100% FUNKY (OBV. SINCE '75/'76) BUT I JUST READ THE COMMENT ABOUT VIOLINS. MORE BLUESY, MORE CHEESY, MORE BIG BAND BUT STILL ESTHER AND SOME VIOLINS (10 AT LEAST) ON THERE. PEOPLOE TELLING ME ABOUT JEFF BECK (=SOME FAMOUS ROCK GUITAR GUY). THIS GOT joe BECK ON IT = HE CAN PLAY THE GUITAR, JEFF? PUH!
This Song was writen by Gil Scott-Heron and originally released on his album "Pieces of a Man" in 1971. Esther Phillips re-recorded it and included it on her 1972 album "From a Whisper to a Scream". Gil Scott-Heron is credited on both and all subsequent recordings as the author.
This is a tune. I had heard it hundreds of times then my mind picked out the bassline. It is incredible, , its very intricate but sounds so simple.......Gil Scots latest record is stunning........Well done Gil well done Ester!!!
Maravillosa ,genial cantante.Que magnifica musica le acompaña aqui(que epoca mas grande en cuanto a los musicos,que bien arropaban a los cantantes y realzaban mas las canciones,solo basta imaginar esta magnifica interpretacion con musica pum,pum`,pum,pumchumpumchum,evidentemente la estropearian que es loq ue pasa hoy en dia con algunos maginficos cantantes rodeados de musicos mediocres o musica muy comercial y repetitiva).
it was written by esther not by gill esther wrote it and gave it to Gill-Scott they were long time friends, yes Gill scott sang, preformed it but did not write it.
Remember great music is great music. Ms. Phillips song comes from her personal experiences, and it gets no deeper than that in life. She lived a life that others would have perished at a earlier age. So, to compare Ms Phillips and Gil's version is like comparing apples and oranges. Both are good and one is great and will ever live in the hears of those who lived that tragic life of self induced drug addiction.
This song testifies of the introduction of drugs into black communities aimed at our destruction, and self-bondage. Sadly I will never know a world where my community was not under attack from without with the goal of drugs a self perpetuating comsumption from within. 1st slavery, 2nd Jim Crow, followed quickly by drugs (the new slavery). My people have been devestated by devices aimed at our destruction for no reason better than the COLOR OF OUR SKIN?? "Close your eyes, see me die..."
Dude go get laid and chill out. If you are too dumb to defend yourself when danger is approaching you get it in this world -it doesn't matter what color you are. Profit margins for successful long-term imperialism are tantalizingly too high for the West to ignore. But it was the Arabs before that in Africa wasn't it? The Islamic empires that put you in chains and sold you to the Europeans...remember? So you got to watch out for yourself and your community now that you're free.
@mithra64 - Pardon me, but was anything in my statement untrue, and anything in yours to my point?...."get laid", "arabs", "imperialism", "profit margins". You need to re-read what I have written and why I've written it, or it is YOU that comes off looking "dumb" and not just ignorant. Thanks and have a nice day.
@zebradogxp i love Gil, i heard his version first and loved it longer, but I'm thinking Esther owns this song now. it's hers, kinda like Jimi owning Along the watchtower. hers just feels more powerful.
I have loved her voice since I was a small girl and listened toher early recordings. Then she did "Release Me' which ties with the live version of 'And I Love Him" along with this one as my favorite songs. Oh yeah, "To Lay Down Beside Me' and...you get the picture.
This sort of reminds me of Erykah Badu's voice or what it might sound like when she gets Esther's age. And, I don't mean that in a derogatory way; it's very unique !
Thanks and I will get more of her stuff soon I hope. Thanks also Black America for the great body of work which is undoubtedly the greatest contribution to human artistic endeavour in the 20th century
Brillant performance as always Esther Phillips was a great star and legend First heard this in college about 35 years ago and yet it remains FRESH RIP Lady Esther
And I have to listen to more of her. Dont think GSH would begrudge her singing his song at all. He would be honoured, she has more than a hint of Holiday about her
I am not African-American, but I am black or coloured or whatever. No less than the greatest, the Duke (Ellington of course) found the term Jazz de-nigra-ting for obvious reasons. He wanted it called Black music, or African-American music, partly so as to stop its appropriation. It is their music, as is soul, rap, hip-hop, and of course rock etc tec. Imagine music without their contribution. Nothing human exists as if neutral and isolated from its historical, political, and social contexts.
brilliant version of GSH's song really beautiful... as for the arguments that are relating to opinion based comments made before this one... the best way to learn is to listen/read other peoples views so you can understand other people... my opinion is i never call it 'black' music... cohorts and seminal artists from other genres dont call it black or white they express how they feel and what they know so the listener can learn and become enlightened... PEACE :)
...I just thought about it, you got a problem with me calling black music, black music? if you can suggest another way of a Brit defining what is uniquely American black soul music, I'd like to know... but in the UK that's what we call it, and most black people I know want it defined this way, because they are dam proud of it..
In the UK white Lisa Stansfield was praised as a soul singer. Now she's pretty much forgotten. Dusty was ok but her singing lacked emotional depth. Didn't we have just one good black soul singer? Nope. All American, all black.
I agree most white soul singers are junk. Most obnoxious is this crop of Joss Stone type wannabes attempting to sing soul and just aping stereotyped black vocal mannerisms.
But Dusty... lacking emotional depth? Sorry, buddy, that's f***ing insane. Emotion was Dusty's SPECIALTY. You wanna hear somebody lack emotional depth, go listen to some Diana Ross.
@drwinkle101 You would definitely be RIGHT on the mark about both of them. Oh my god, they're such pixie-ish, dainty little things. Every note out of either of their mouths pisses me off, and that's a FACT.
The song penned by Gil Scott-Heron, "Home Is Where the Hatred Is" -- a haunting account of drug use -- was lead track on "From a Whisper to a Scream" which went on to garner a Grammy nomination that year. When Phillips lost to the "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin, the soul diva presented the trophy to Phillips, saying she should have won it instead.[
Phillips' long-term heroin dependency, combined with heavy drinking, led to her death from liver and kidney failure in 1984, at the age of 48
This Woman's voice and her presence on this song is Beautiful and Legendary...i was born in 1974, but the decade of the 70's holds so strong for me; i still remember alot, mostly in pictures of experiences and music just like this is it's first tenor that sparks the beauty of my Nostalgia...i wanna cry listening to this.
it was rough back then. The struggle was in the music. thanks again and God Bless...Tish, NY
This song always makes me emotional... Now I know why - Very interesting info from you. I actually had her album ' good black is hard to crack' many years ago but didn't know much about her. I now feel the need to search for(due to moving around) and listen to it again. Thanks
As a very young man I saw her perform this song, in a small dark club in Seattle. Brilliant singer, longtime "star" and hopeless junkie. Gil Scott-Heron's poetry was and is almost without equal. But this woman OWNED this song. She held every listener/viewer in her hands, her voice. Old men and young women had tears in their eyes. Unforgettable.
richardmbowman 53 minutes ago
this version is fuckin sex. loven it. she reminds me of janis.
LedHendrix6969 3 weeks ago
I really wish I could get used to her "long" notes that just sound like stuttering, because her voice everywhere else is amazing
TheJeramyJay 1 month ago
Bellisima!!!
souliluna 1 month ago
Considering how Ms Phillips passed away this song really makes me sad. It's as if she is actually singing about herself. Powerful song, wonderful artist.
lastrada52 3 months ago
This lady reminds me a lot of Angie Stone,her look and her talent,are amazing just found this on youtube.
kyndubrown 4 months ago 2
Versatile Esther was deep and sang this from the heart as she was chronically addicted to drugs. She died from kidney failure @ the tender age of 48. The woman had one hell of a voice and voluptuous lips. Her phrasing and delivery were so unique.
It's an honor to know her music but tragic to know her pain. RIP Ms. Jones.
LyricLove101 4 months ago 3
Can't Trust Your Neighbor With Your Baby why hasnt anyone posted this song yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
acu1inamillion 4 months ago
Ohhh. Perfection, Our Nations Great Treasure's!!!!!
1212amore 5 months ago
another great from texas ahead of her time bet u didnt know she was from galveston texas mustafa extend her forever rip
ksmile3m1 5 months ago
Brilliant. Esther was nominated for a Grammy for her performances on this album: Aretha Franklin won. Ms. Franklin literally handed her trophy over to Ms. Phillips, stating that she believed no one but Esther Phillips deserved it that year. True story. CLASS.
ChrisOtheBigC 5 months ago 7
Escuchar esta musica es llenarte de Soul. Esto es lo que te llena el alma, como muchas otros temas..de autentico soul
souliluna 5 months ago
Nice music Esther
woerdingsa 6 months ago
My bad she made it 8 years before GSH
madnpalmdale 6 months ago
@madnpalmdale ..WRONG AGAIN..MR.SCOTT WROTE AND RECORDED THIS FOR HIS DEBUT STUDIO ALBUM (1970 WAS A LIVE ALBUM)PIECES OF A MAN IN 1971..MS.PHILLIPS RECORDED/COVERED IT A YEAR LATER IN 1972
2020TYBO 5 months ago
Esther died from an overdose. I believe she made this song in the 60's 15 years or 20 years before Gil Scott Herron.
madnpalmdale 6 months ago
BEEN THERE.....LIVED ON HER STREET FOR MANY YEARS....THANK GOD FOR TODAY! I'M A MIRICLE....
thesonyakyleshow 6 months ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
Estimated friend, if you want to listen again this song and an endless number of successes of the love I suggest you to visit Radio MUSICA PARA MIMOS - looks for his direction URL in Google ( search Musica para Mimos in Google)-. best romantic music of all the times in Internet, is great, is very good ...!!!
robertoamor2011 6 months ago
R.I.P Ms. Esther Phillips and Mr. Gil Scoot Heron, this is an amazing and moving tribute to the life of addiction and suffering, and for those of us not addicted it is an anthem to heartbreak - sung here with the raw emotion and the conviction of a grand diva who knew both. Esther Phillips never got her due as a major voice and musical force - yet her voice lives on as fresh as it was then and will forever be. Moving us all to tears within joy. An empty vacum filled with silent screams.
ramona2400 7 months ago 2
@ramona2400 I loved Esther Phillips. And regarding your comment, neither did Gil. Hopefully Unsung will profile these artists - true artists, who were uncompromising, which is probably why they did not get their just due. RIP Esther and Gil.
nutothis1 4 months ago 4
Kanye West brough me here.
Zerenjo 8 months ago
@Zerenjo Glad he did something good
casadyrocks 7 months ago
Gotta change my plan so i can listen to this at work on those tough nights
dgenerate707 9 months ago
Simplesmente linda!
adir00 9 months ago
nice version
Gunnercv 9 months ago
As I stated, this is one of the most moving pieces of music I've ever heard. And I've heard a whole lot. I once saw Esther, who was a junkie at the time, perform this song on stage. She had a room full of people in awe. Old black men were crying!!! All I can say now is Wow. This poetry is Gil Scott Heron at his best; well, this and "In the Bottle", and The Revolution... well, everything he did was beyond comparison..Yes Gil, you are and will be missed. Rest well.
richardmbowman 9 months ago 3
Lord did you ever try to turn your sick soul inside out so the world can watch you die...DAMN!!!
cdjblue52 9 months ago
couldn't agree more. I remember when this song came out in 71. This whole album was fantastic, and it was especially timely back then cause we hadn't heard from her in a long time. So this recording on the KUDU/CTI label was an honest effort on her part.
For both musicians, Gil and Esther thankyou for sharing your craft, and unlike some, both of you did not pull any punches in your commentay on life.
randomsource 9 months ago
what a moving version of this classic; R.I.P. GIL SCOTT-HERON and ESTHER PHILLIPS.
gordon2453 9 months ago
Quit splitting atoms lol! Esther's version is classic as is Gil's (RIP bro)
bigkeno 9 months ago
If you cannot match, or equal, the original of that which you cover, DON'T DO COVERS! Listen and learn from Esther how to cover the incomporable Gil Scott-Heron (R.I.P. Genius) ♥
MsMerising 9 months ago
F-R-E-S-H
dolmanf 9 months ago
love Gil Scott-Heron's versoin, but there is only one Esther Phillips
UtopiaMinor666 9 months ago
Where are you? Where is George Lincoln Stanfield? You and this music was before all of this was goshe.
bransonbelle 10 months ago
used to have this ..wonderful stuff
potrezeb1 10 months ago
speechless....even Aretha had to admit that the grammy should have been afforded to Miss Phillips.
God Bless You Love...
fridayfoster74 10 months ago
@fridayfoster74
Actually she went on record to comment that she herself deserved to win. It was more of a token of appreciation of Esther (and Aretha's dominance at the Grammy's) than her truly believing Esther's album was better...
MsMerising 9 months ago
@MsMerising oh, ok...i thought it was the other way around. She was truly an amazing singer. RIP To Brother Gil Scott Heron who was the author of this gem of a song - and thanks for the info (* :
take care...
fridayfoster74 8 months ago
@fridayfoster74
Misunderstanding - Aretha DID say that about Esther but when PRODDED stated that she deserved the award. It's in her autobiography :) <3
MsMerising 8 months ago
@MsMerising Oh!! Cool...Lol, my mind is gone...thanks Sis (* :
fridayfoster74 8 months ago
@MsMerising
Sorry I didn't articulate as well, crazy headcold right now :)
MsMerising 8 months ago
CTI division of perfect music! Thank you pretty lady, Loved you at Freddie Jett's Pied Piper along with OC Smith, Sam Fletcher, Crenshaw District 1966, Loved you then, and loved this when a CTI gifted me with this Vinyl in Dallas. He shared with me Mr. Grover Washington too! Dinnah WHO?
bransonbelle 10 months ago
Esther is riveting turning "Home Is Where The Hatred Is" in to a complete masterpiece...memorable & haunting "From A Whisper To A Scream" is a phenomenal recording on a level all its own & Aretha knew what she was doing giving Esther the Grammy Award for this musical treasure...greatness like this will never happen again...RIP great lady!
bradly2007 10 months ago
I love this song. Her voice is amazing.
Vomator 10 months ago
"Like" if you can blame Kanye made you play this song :-)
AwesomeDanishPastry 10 months ago
@AwesomeDanishPastry
No,the majority of us were listening to this years before. Probably when Kanye in diapers or in his later years was in his bedroom jacking off to the sample...
MsMerising 9 months ago
@MsMerising fun that you think that the majority of youtubers were born before this song. And i dont think Kane made it any worse, he just kinda updatet it :)
AwesomeDanishPastry 7 months ago
@AwesomeDanishPastry
I don't think that. But I DO know that many of us 'record diggers' who are fans of music OTHER than Hip-Hop WERE digging up records before Kanye was :)
MsMerising 7 months ago
That entire album, "From a Whisper to a Scream" had a powerful impact on me in the early 70s. --The lyrics were so frightening to me...I was hooked on marijuana and after listening to that song (while I was loaded) I was really afraid that my addiction would progressed to Heroin use..make me quit smoking dope for a while...
jolvare 11 months ago
So back in the day I was strung out and went to see Esther at the Boardinghouse in SF, I think it was 1973. I figured I could relate. I have never seen an entertainer who seemed more vulnerable or needed to be liked more. She actually shook hands with everyone near the stage that she could reach. She seemed like one of those people who wears their emotions on their sleeves, who needs protection.
stu36559 11 months ago
strong lyrics and sung from the soul...love this song
ridetherhythm 11 months ago
Comment removed
ridetherhythm 11 months ago
Never write anyone off
oakdaddy 11 months ago
The late Miss Phillips recorded that in 70 after leaving synanon in oakland. Gil was there too. He wrote it and she recorded it because no one would take a chance on Gil untill he cleaned up. They both were addicts. Also on there are others whom I will not name.
TheBigdrob1 1 year ago
I was just passing by to song oh my god I never had of her but now I'm hook and I'm big fan of her thank yo for posting this.
simdisiwe 1 year ago
Do you have Mr Magic?
getthis22 1 year ago
I love so much the original version of Scott héron too
vespistico2 1 year ago
Fantastic Masterpiece Blacksploitation.
vespistico2 1 year ago
ESTHER PHILLIPS DIED IN 1984
OldGoldSoul 1 year ago
.....I SAW HER AT THE COLLEGE iNN NIGHT CLUB, IN CHICAGO...I WAS 18YRS OLD.....(FAKE i. d.)....I SAT... DIRECTLY CENTER STAGE... FRONT SEAT....SHE SANG TO ME...OH GOD...HOW I LOVED THIS WOMAN...BLESS YOU.. ESTHER PHILLIPS.....
MultiMemyselfni 1 year ago 21
@MultiMemyselfni What a blessing for you to have witnessed her. I love her dearly...she was a for real, gifted, woman of humanity,
dggd 8 months ago in playlist Esther Phillips
@MultiMemyselfni
Lucky bastard...!
pliskenlee 7 months ago
I was dating a CTI/Kudo Records Executive when this came out. George Lincoln Stanfield who was once roomates with O. C. Smith and Jack Wilson in the Big House they called it, off of Crenshaw. Loved seeing her at Freddie Jett's Pied Piper. Sam Fletcher was another brilliant artist.
bransonbelle 1 year ago
Awesome.
oakdaddy 1 year ago
The nitty gritty truth
rhfactorseven 1 year ago
December 23 would have been Esther's 75 Birthday. She died way too young. This is such a powerful performance and as has been noted, she lived this song. One who is not recognized today for her greatness.
NoVARon2 1 year ago
I am a total GHS fan,but two thumbs up for sister E.S.'s rendition.
ZuluMuntu 1 year ago 2
@ZuluMuntu same position but this is excellent
manfork 1 year ago
this is so true because little Esther WAS a stone junkie, she knew what she was singing,on top of that she was a complete original; fantastic post ,fantastic singer!
57dogsbody 1 year ago
Is this A Esther Phillips Cut Before Gil Scott Heron?
donut9998 1 year ago
@donut9998 absoulty B 4 gil
Goldenhayes 1 year ago
@donut9998 no it's Gil scott's song !
discojeff 1 year ago
@donut9998 Yes
demetrius067 1 year ago
what a voice thanks for posting, love the GSH version but this is just so emotional- cheers
Mark
markpin67 1 year ago
beautiful!!
MikeKenYang 1 year ago
Yes N D DEE,Thats the Shit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bear21501221 1 year ago
Beautiful composition and pure passion, doesn't this just give a lot of half-hearted music makers and Simon Cowell types a kick in the balls, this is what music should be!
babykeepgroovin 1 year ago 2
@babykeepgroovin I totally agree but in defense of Simon Cowell types, they can only go by who auditions so if we aren't getting quality artist we can't blame Simon. Also check me out at Reverbnation. You can find me under Dawn Cargile. Let me know your honest opinion. You see I intend to audition for X Factor when it comes to America. I know YOU will tell it like it is. LOL
fajfred 1 year ago
This is what I call an accurate vocal portrayal of the pain and misery of the disease of addiction, sung with stunning emotion and conviction. The song seems to have an undeniable inevitability about it. It also has a unmistakable subliminal warning interwoven within the lyrics. This is a great recording that doesn't glorify the horrors of addiction.
jwinn3 1 year ago 23
@jwinn3 listen to the original too. they're both great.
DangerZoneWhistle 7 months ago
@jwinn3 well spoken. I agree!
TheAuntie55 6 months ago
Outstanding Music,,,
gschasa 5 months ago
Thats how you use a goddamn WAH
Cannabid0l 1 year ago 3
you should check out little esther " the storm" too. from when she was younger. incredible song
lasse318 1 year ago
amazing
elevatremusiq 1 year ago
THANKYOU SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE FOR INTRODUCING ME TO ESTHER PHILLIPS!
JohnRumpoleable 1 year ago
Thats pretty sad.... I guess it was dreary outside
chelsea1985lol 1 year ago
@chelsea1985lol
No thats drugs and the toll it takes.
vw2180 1 year ago
Thats pretty sad....
chelsea1985lol 1 year ago
What a voice!
apolloacs 1 year ago
when lyrics meant something...
few words and real impact
kotep777 1 year ago 2
I GOT SOME SEVENTY FIVE/SEVENTY SIX LPS WITH HURTIN' HOUSE AND MISTER MAGIC ON EM: NOT, 100% FUNKY (OBV. SINCE '75/'76) BUT I JUST READ THE COMMENT ABOUT VIOLINS. MORE BLUESY, MORE CHEESY, MORE BIG BAND BUT STILL ESTHER AND SOME VIOLINS (10 AT LEAST) ON THERE. PEOPLOE TELLING ME ABOUT JEFF BECK (=SOME FAMOUS ROCK GUITAR GUY). THIS GOT joe BECK ON IT = HE CAN PLAY THE GUITAR, JEFF? PUH!
funkmusicman 1 year ago
This Song was writen by Gil Scott-Heron and originally released on his album "Pieces of a Man" in 1971. Esther Phillips re-recorded it and included it on her 1972 album "From a Whisper to a Scream". Gil Scott-Heron is credited on both and all subsequent recordings as the author.
Yutuber69 1 year ago
This is a tune. I had heard it hundreds of times then my mind picked out the bassline. It is incredible, , its very intricate but sounds so simple.......Gil Scots latest record is stunning........Well done Gil well done Ester!!!
osomy 1 year ago
soul baby lost art :(
ern363 1 year ago
Poweful lyrics....all time great..
lonergan2468 1 year ago
sublime.....
dammkuff 1 year ago
Top..................!!!!
lenorakixxx 1 year ago 3
Maravillosa ,genial cantante.Que magnifica musica le acompaña aqui(que epoca mas grande en cuanto a los musicos,que bien arropaban a los cantantes y realzaban mas las canciones,solo basta imaginar esta magnifica interpretacion con musica pum,pum`,pum,pumchumpumchum,evidentemente la estropearian que es loq ue pasa hoy en dia con algunos maginficos cantantes rodeados de musicos mediocres o musica muy comercial y repetitiva).
estosiesmusica 1 year ago
it was written by esther not by gill esther wrote it and gave it to Gill-Scott they were long time friends, yes Gill scott sang, preformed it but did not write it.
Harlzie1 1 year ago
@Harlzie1 I have the original vinyl record and it credits Gill Scott-Heron on the label--are you sure about what you're saying?
onedollarphilistine 1 year ago
Fantastica!!!!
Roberto.
robertocasijazz 1 year ago
Remember great music is great music. Ms. Phillips song comes from her personal experiences, and it gets no deeper than that in life. She lived a life that others would have perished at a earlier age. So, to compare Ms Phillips and Gil's version is like comparing apples and oranges. Both are good and one is great and will ever live in the hears of those who lived that tragic life of self induced drug addiction.
FlyinS4 1 year ago
This song testifies of the introduction of drugs into black communities aimed at our destruction, and self-bondage. Sadly I will never know a world where my community was not under attack from without with the goal of drugs a self perpetuating comsumption from within. 1st slavery, 2nd Jim Crow, followed quickly by drugs (the new slavery). My people have been devestated by devices aimed at our destruction for no reason better than the COLOR OF OUR SKIN?? "Close your eyes, see me die..."
milton112 1 year ago 4
@milton112
Dude go get laid and chill out. If you are too dumb to defend yourself when danger is approaching you get it in this world -it doesn't matter what color you are. Profit margins for successful long-term imperialism are tantalizingly too high for the West to ignore. But it was the Arabs before that in Africa wasn't it? The Islamic empires that put you in chains and sold you to the Europeans...remember? So you got to watch out for yourself and your community now that you're free.
mithra64 1 year ago
@mithra64 - Pardon me, but was anything in my statement untrue, and anything in yours to my point?...."get laid", "arabs", "imperialism", "profit margins". You need to re-read what I have written and why I've written it, or it is YOU that comes off looking "dumb" and not just ignorant. Thanks and have a nice day.
milton112 1 year ago
gil-scott is better !!!
zebradogxp 1 year ago
@zebradogxp i love Gil, i heard his version first and loved it longer, but I'm thinking Esther owns this song now. it's hers, kinda like Jimi owning Along the watchtower. hers just feels more powerful.
MortuusPiscis 1 year ago
@MortuusPiscis really??? I much prefer gil scotts myself, but fair do's
LoveBuzz3 1 year ago
Okay Esther Phillips..simply beautiful!!!
sawleo 1 year ago
the best version! great voice! love it
ziznight 1 year ago
Have you ever tried to turn your sick soul inside out so the world can watch you die?
cdjblue52 1 year ago
Hate On Girl......
saucyboydallas 1 year ago
haat ken i niet, wel verdriet
tristankais 1 year ago
awesome, just out of this world
Bobbyb9331 1 year ago 3
wow...love me some gil scott heron...but i don't know which version is better...MY GOD!! such a masterpiece!
db32585 1 year ago
awesome song! can't stop saying it since ages ...
DerWaliser 1 year ago
An example of class and real elegance.
reyvolcan 1 year ago
Very nice cut.
Jnkdog 1 year ago
Never ever EVER ...EVER tire of hearing this song. Timeless.
UBZUKI 1 year ago
great song. even her biography is impressing. great post! keep the music of this era and this talents alive!
nepomukism 1 year ago
the best cover of G S Heron's song!
great voice! some excellent music from this era
1972Villa 1 year ago
I have loved her voice since I was a small girl and listened toher early recordings. Then she did "Release Me' which ties with the live version of 'And I Love Him" along with this one as my favorite songs. Oh yeah, "To Lay Down Beside Me' and...you get the picture.
TheSocratease 1 year ago 3
This sort of reminds me of Erykah Badu's voice or what it might sound like when she gets Esther's age. And, I don't mean that in a derogatory way; it's very unique !
onlychildofclaudes 1 year ago
this song is truly about a person strung out on drugs...and how hard it is, to survive it is no joke......
bringback2day 2 years ago 3
I love this song..its so deep from the heart.
mayaspalace 2 years ago
damn sexy voice!!
moveonupcb 2 years ago
@LionRock08
Thanks and I will get more of her stuff soon I hope. Thanks also Black America for the great body of work which is undoubtedly the greatest contribution to human artistic endeavour in the 20th century
FrnzFanon 2 years ago 2
shes witty
love you esther
MoonAharshMistress 2 years ago
Favorite Gil Scott-Heron song ever
bringthatbeatback 2 years ago
Brillant performance as always Esther Phillips was a great star and legend First heard this in college about 35 years ago and yet it remains FRESH RIP Lady Esther
ramona2400 2 years ago 7
I've got her Live Album at the Pide Piper. very good.
x
GeneralTrousers 2 years ago
never heard that....will get it....thanks GT
LionRock08 2 years ago
ester is the best
JQUiK84 2 years ago 3
And I have to listen to more of her. Dont think GSH would begrudge her singing his song at all. He would be honoured, she has more than a hint of Holiday about her
FrnzFanon 2 years ago
fully agree...get this album...Whisper to a Scream....masterpiece
LionRock08 2 years ago
I think her nasal tone and vibrato owe more to Dinah Washington than Holiday? Anyway, she's addictive - a great singer.
Nicklas4500 2 years ago
I am not African-American, but I am black or coloured or whatever. No less than the greatest, the Duke (Ellington of course) found the term Jazz de-nigra-ting for obvious reasons. He wanted it called Black music, or African-American music, partly so as to stop its appropriation. It is their music, as is soul, rap, hip-hop, and of course rock etc tec. Imagine music without their contribution. Nothing human exists as if neutral and isolated from its historical, political, and social contexts.
FrnzFanon 2 years ago
sublime, quit the arguing people,its pointless just hit the replay and enjoy the tune.
ciarTDSsoITis 2 years ago 3
Wow Angie Stone looks like her
EbonyEyez313 2 years ago
people.....calm down. This is a great artist and lets just enjoy what she left for us. Yes she is the shyt !! Bl or wht or whatever.
She had soul that only today's artists could beg to have. Rest peacefully Ms. Phillips. Your music plays on inside my IPOD.
goldcrownbarber 2 years ago 4
brilliant version of GSH's song really beautiful... as for the arguments that are relating to opinion based comments made before this one... the best way to learn is to listen/read other peoples views so you can understand other people... my opinion is i never call it 'black' music... cohorts and seminal artists from other genres dont call it black or white they express how they feel and what they know so the listener can learn and become enlightened... PEACE :)
moedavey 2 years ago 10
This is wonderful. I love Ester Phillips and this song is the shit...she rocked it. (oh, and thanks Gil)
osage247 2 years ago 3
gil scott heron was much better, but this wasnt bad
Blayu 2 years ago
..so glad I have been into 70's black music for years..pure class
ElcocoSiete 2 years ago 3
...yea its obvious ur white from saying that
pussypoppinfoo 2 years ago
..so what? I don't get your comment..
ElcocoSiete 2 years ago
...I just thought about it, you got a problem with me calling black music, black music? if you can suggest another way of a Brit defining what is uniquely American black soul music, I'd like to know... but in the UK that's what we call it, and most black people I know want it defined this way, because they are dam proud of it..
ElcocoSiete 2 years ago
wa!t a m!nute, dam $on u wh!te an br!t!$h? $h!t thats gotta be rough...and !ncred!bly lame
pussypoppinfoo 2 years ago
ok I give up...take it easy t..
ElcocoSiete 2 years ago
What else would soul be but American black?!
In the UK white Lisa Stansfield was praised as a soul singer. Now she's pretty much forgotten. Dusty was ok but her singing lacked emotional depth. Didn't we have just one good black soul singer? Nope. All American, all black.
drwinkle101 2 years ago 2
@drwinkle101
I agree most white soul singers are junk. Most obnoxious is this crop of Joss Stone type wannabes attempting to sing soul and just aping stereotyped black vocal mannerisms.
But Dusty... lacking emotional depth? Sorry, buddy, that's f***ing insane. Emotion was Dusty's SPECIALTY. You wanna hear somebody lack emotional depth, go listen to some Diana Ross.
Sweeteesweet1 1 year ago
@Sweeteesweet1
Yeh of course you're right: don't know why I wrote that about Dusty.
Perhaps I meant Cilla or Sandy!!
drwinkle101 1 year ago
@drwinkle101 You would definitely be RIGHT on the mark about both of them. Oh my god, they're such pixie-ish, dainty little things. Every note out of either of their mouths pisses me off, and that's a FACT.
Sweeteesweet1 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
its obvious your black from saying that...
8Alexi 2 years ago
This is a good message. Like it
ladyliberty19 2 years ago 2
chilling haunting rendition, and yet strangely superb
jelboysvw 2 years ago 7
wonderful song...wonderful performance...wonderful Esther!!!!
extralevel 2 years ago 19
So funky & haunting. Makes your head nod & think at the same time.
Trail1524 2 years ago 3
What a cover - sublime
theboyjazz 2 years ago 4
The song penned by Gil Scott-Heron, "Home Is Where the Hatred Is" -- a haunting account of drug use -- was lead track on "From a Whisper to a Scream" which went on to garner a Grammy nomination that year. When Phillips lost to the "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin, the soul diva presented the trophy to Phillips, saying she should have won it instead.[
Phillips' long-term heroin dependency, combined with heavy drinking, led to her death from liver and kidney failure in 1984, at the age of 48
loosestudios 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
A truly brilliant singer
magiclard 2 years ago
That poor baby. She was young :(
Apsu72 2 years ago
wow....thank you for the info.
This Woman's voice and her presence on this song is Beautiful and Legendary...i was born in 1974, but the decade of the 70's holds so strong for me; i still remember alot, mostly in pictures of experiences and music just like this is it's first tenor that sparks the beauty of my Nostalgia...i wanna cry listening to this.
it was rough back then. The struggle was in the music. thanks again and God Bless...Tish, NY
RIP Miss Phillips, God Bless Gil Scott Heron.
iamDamitaJo 2 years ago
This song always makes me emotional... Now I know why - Very interesting info from you. I actually had her album ' good black is hard to crack' many years ago but didn't know much about her. I now feel the need to search for(due to moving around) and listen to it again. Thanks
misslitious 2 years ago
this gives a true idea of what a drug addict really goes through, it is no joke!!!!!
bringback2day 2 years ago 5
awesomeee!!!!!
titiuboy 2 years ago 4
amazing track
NZTA80 2 years ago
Stunning singer, this just sends chills down my spine. Robbie.
LushBudget 2 years ago 3
Shes amzing!!!
The1kimi 2 years ago
nice cover version. this is great.
discomadness 2 years ago