My parents were out for the night and my babysitter fell asleep in the recliner. As a result I was free to watch this on the night that it first aired!! I was 7 years old.
Gone are the days when you had to really be slick to see something "not suitable for kids", your parents were actually together, they actually went out for the night and the thing you had to stay up to watch was 2 singers harmonizing. These days the youth can just hop on the phone and watch any vile act you can think of even if you only put in a typo.
Amazing! Bedtime, what 8pm? The sitter earned her $1hr ha ha. [edit...I didn't realize it was the Midnight Special! Some trooper you were. Now days 7 year olds are tanked full of sugar and burned out by midnight.]
@ , only by a relatively small audience compared to in his time. The way he was derided in the Ken Burns country music documentary is a perfect example.
Beautiful performance. Cass could overpower most singers, but she just jumps in and does a perfect harmony, willing to let John be the star. Thanks for breaking it down for us.
David Levin good point.,,. Cass literally swoops in, does her thing and then willingly steps back in the shadows to let John Denver perform the lead. No ego, no, mess, just wondrous beauty for all to enjoy.
Prof. Fil is so damn respectful of every single artist, no matter the genre. He must be a gem of a person in real life, because his kindness and intelligence shines through in his videos.
I was down at the space center with my pregnant wife. She was tired so we went to buy a coke and sit down outside. I heard a guy singing outside. Went out and only one guy was rhere, John Denver. The shuttle was to land that afternoon and he was checking out the small area he would sing and play for them. He played for me my wife and 2 or 3 others. He talked with us for 15 to 20 min. He was a great guy, down to earth and had a killer good looking girlfriend. I never forget that. I dropped a few tears when he died.
John Denver's Auckland, New Zealand, concert in the mid-70s was one of the best. That voice and atmosphere were fantastic. Thanks again for another quality analysis.
This duet was BEAUTIFUL. Thanks Phil for your sensitivity about her weight battle. She had a binge eating disorder & there wasn't propper treatment yet. Karen Carpenter and Cass both had eating disorders that took them out. SO SAD. Two of the most beautiful feminine voices I know. The music lives forever
@@TheDivayenta Diet culture doesn't kill women obesity does. On the other hand, eating so less to the extent that it becomes bulimia is fatal too. One should eat mindfully and take care of his/her health to stay fit and not get obese.
Mama Cass is one of the best recorded singers, period. I'm not a John Denver fan but I must admit, he acquited himself well with her. Most vocalists weren't even 1/20 as good on their best days as Mama Cass in her sleep.
Yep. It's Denver's song and she did a great job adding to it and not taking the focus off him. Far too many musicians get "featured" on a song and do their best to be noticed/ruin the song. She obviously wasn't one of those musicians.
No, she wasn't underrated. Almost everyone loved her singing. She died very young. Aah, the sixties! The best time of music...63 - 69. I'm so glad it is appreciated, here, on this great channel.
That moment in the first chorus where Cass Elliot looks nervous, and they both smile at each other over how good they sound and she relaxes is just kind of magic. It makes a beautiful performance even more lovely.
I am loving this! Sometimes I think John Denver gets kinda forgotten and how great his music is.I still listen to him to this day. And Cass singing with him, well, happy day for me. Yesssss!!!
Kathleen...Yes, John Denver had so much great music and had a great voice and a lot of people didn't realize just how good he was. The radio didn't play enough of his really great music and so many people only knew of John 's " Yee, haw I'm a country boy" type of songs.
He was perfection, actually, we all have those flaws in life...I believe he truly loved his first wife, and she should've been with him on the road...but I guess over time some things don't get better. So sad....
Lillah I know. The song, Annie, makes me wonder, and the song, Follow Me” makes me wonder too. Why didn’t she go with him?? That’s only the right thing to do, don’t you think?? And safer for him too. I pray that all will work out well for each of them in heaven.
It was an embarrassment of TV live-show riches back in the day! Along with "MS," we had "In Concert" and "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert"! The good news? No lip-synching! We left that to "American Bandstand"!
I don’t remember this performance, but I LOVED Midnight special growing up. I am going to see if I can find the series streaming somewhere (I don’t own a DVD player anymore!). As someone already said, I stayed up late for this and Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert many a night.
John Denver was a very gentle man and someone who practiced what he preached. His very public mistakes seemed to pain him as he appeared to want to be a good example as a human being to others. In today's cynical world he may appear to some hipsters as "sappy" but that is their opinion and they are wrong in my eyes. He was authentic and that is different. Cass Elliot shared that bond with John Denver of authenticity and she strived to put out quality music. Her weight struggles humanized her and, to me. made her music more heartfelt. Together these two performers were the real deal.
Because music touches us in ways and places, similar to those who are closest to us. Very intimate. I believe that's why it moves us the way it does...
Straight up, Cass - one of the most technically perfect singers of her generation - and beyond. Mensa intelligent, and outstanding to see her in these live performances still. Hated interviews - really did...... find them, they are worth watching. Just bought her Dream and Little Dream lp, first press, mint - nothing better
When i was a child i used love singing along to john Denver . On the way home in the school bus the entire bus full of children would sing along while it was being played on the am station WLS chicago .i lived in middle of nowhere .
Oh yes .i remember . Lots of great memories of riding in the car with my mom .we lived in a small town .Havana illinois not too many choices but was blessed to get wls chicagooooo
Fil...kudos for giving this great lady the legacy she is due. Not only did Cass Elliot possess a unique vocal sound and skill; she was well loved amongst her peers. And thanks for dispelling that awful rumor about the cause of her death. I remember how the press shamed her. They were ruthless. Ms Elliot was a class act schooled by mentors who lived by the rule... "the show must go on."
Mama Cass... (heavy sigh)... My heart has always gone out to her because she never found true love and that was all she had ever wanted was someone to love and love her back.
David, she found love. Her daughter was the love of her life. A romantic partner, nah, don't think she found that match. But she LOVED her daughter! I love Cass !
Harmony .... In my world the love between a mother and child is a given love. The love between a man and woman or woman and man if you please, is a true love. Cheers luv.
Two great talented singers who knew how to shine without stepping all over each other. That IS talent. This was 72 and two years later Cass would be dead. Now both have passed on and the world of music has a big hole in it. They will live on through their music.
Great performance of an unlikely duo. Both died prematurely unfortunately, but their legends live on, especially in the hearts of those of us who grew up during that era. Thanks Fil for spotlighting their legacies. 🎶🔥♥️🔥🎶
I watched this last week..Beautiful rendition of this song...she doesn't try to hog the limelight, just there for him...stunning duet.. One needs to listen carefully to John's songs, his words are always worth your time.
It was nice to see you smile while watching the song. I agree, the harmony of the two together was amazing. The song was written for John's future wife, Annie. Both so extremely talented 🎵🎶👍🥰
The last John Denver concert I attended, about a year or so before his death, it was just him alone on stage with his guitar. Excellent performance, on par with his studio performances. Not very many artists can pull that off, especially not these days. Now that you've seen him with Cass Elliott, you should check out his performance on "Fly Away" with Olivia Newton-John.
Ken K I saw John two months before he died. Garden State Arts Center....only John and his guitars...beautiful night at an outdoor concert in Holmdel NJ....will never forget it...
Yes,after the fatal plane crash that killed John Denver,when they found him he was unrecognizable. When Cass died and she was being cremated, bricks from the Furnace area was falling on her and took awhile for her cremation. She was the last person to be cremated at that facility.
Watching this again as an adult, I noticed that the bass fiddle was placed in such a position that the voice mic picked it up along with John's voice and they blended beautifully!
Dick Kniss was the bass fiddle player here, and Mike Taylor--who collaborated with John on songs such as "Rocky Mountain High," "The Eagle and the Hawk," and "Sunshine on My Shoulders," played the background 6-string. Sadly, neither of these gentlemen are with us anymore either, Taylor having died in 2010, and Kniss in 2012. They did, indeed, make some great music with Denver!
John's death in that plane crash in Monterey Bay, California was not just tragic but it was reported that when they removed his body, they found that he was almost beheaded as when they lifted his body onto the stretcher, his head fell off. What a horrible way to die! I grew up in the SF Bay Area. And it still troubles me.. I saw him live at the San Francisco "Cow Palace" What an amazing performer and he drew the audience in because of his dynamic personality! He will always be MISSED by me and will forever be one of my favs!!!🎶🎶😘❤️🎶🎶
Excellent review. You Sir are a great musical historian. I lived through the times in your reviews and you always do a fair and accurate analysis. I saw a video of John Denver once in practice and he told the singers and musicians to "breathe" with him...… he would sometimes drop out of rhythm and extend a note or even pause and he wanted them to be in unity, harmony with him. I think family members who sing together do this so well. Think of the Righteous Brothers etc.
If you like folk music, John Denver and Cass Elliot were among the best of their generation. Both have serene voices that are pleasant to listen to and both tragically died too young.
Oh, you found this! I had no idea it existed until I came across it here on YT! I had no idea they'd ever met / performed together. I love both their voices so much! This made me all teary eyed. What a magical performance & moment in time.
I'm in Polynesia - a tropical botanical paradise - where we're recording 12 original songs for a CD of world music rock opera - with Middle Eastern / Arabian / Latin / Gypsy / Angelic influences with a choir of harmonies, orchestral strings, rock percussion, rock guitar and ethereal chords - vocal harmonies are vital to survival so it's awesome to listen to what Cass did with her harmonies here.
Ok; you made me cry. My mom used to sing this to me when I went off to college in Florida. My parents died over 20 years ago. Only now can I relate to how she must have felt, having a son who is 31 years old. Never heard/saw this version before; it's beautiful! Thanks a lot, Fil- I HATE crying...😢😭... I'm not crying; you're crying!!!
Your appreciation for the talent of artists from all genres is truly amazing. A lot of people are very biased toward their own particular style and you aren't like that.
Fil, thanks for covering this. Johns Denver was always on the stereo at my house when I was a kid in the 70's and this brings back so many wonderful memories of home.
Very impressing analyse Fil. Especial about cass Elliot. Didn,t knew all that. I remember her death in 1974, only 33 years old. I,m from the netherlands and not familiair with "The midnight special " shows. Looks amazing. The days when you could sit and listing to natural singers. No effects no flashing lights. Just pure and simple. Miss those days.
Cass had a great voice but John Denver always melts my heart. His voice and guitar playing is heavenly. Cass probably should've been drinking goat's milk which helps ulcers...not cow's milk. She was wonderful.
A beautiful song sung by two big hearted, beautiful who died way too soon. My mother and I saw John Denver in concert a year before he died, at the outdoor world music theatre in Hammond, Indiana. When he sang this song, lightening appeared behind him, illuminating the stage. I think of that performance every time I hear this song.
Also, thank you for pointing out that she died from heart failure and not choking. Her heart was weakened from doing drugs and her extreme dieting, as well as her weight. I absolutely adore her she struggled so much because of her weight and how that made people perceive her, but that woman was a powerhouse! ❤️❤️❤️
You do such a great job on these videos. I always feel as if I learned something or multiple somethings. I have known this song my whole life (and loved it) and while I can sing darn near every word, I never thought about the meaning. I really need to do a better job.
Is it my imagination or does Cass begin to sing the wrong words and catches herself??? This song has about as much edge as a bowling ball....and its STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL. Great songwriting, stellar singing and the result is your heart soaring. What would we do without music?!?
.... Yes, I could see that Fil was enjoying this .... It's so " sweetly done ", the harmonies between Johnny D and Mama C. ... I watched this on television.... 1972.... I was 17.... Out of High School.
@@fm6419 ..... How wonderful I'm sure that was. .. I did see Johnny D , perform in Vegas, and it was really good. On a side note. ..... ( Nothing to do with music, lol...;. I name all of my automobiles. My Infiniti QX 4 is named .... ( Drum rollll) .. Fiona. My other car is named Francesca. Tis true. 🙂😁
I really had limited musical training and my ears have suffered nerve damage. But the doctors tell me to always have noise in the background to not go crazy. But when these two started singing, I felt in my chest that this was perfection. John was too "hokey" to be really appreciated in my Colorado High School days despite some of his songs and he lived near me. But he had great songs, was a good instrumentalist and had a magical voice. Cass was one of my older sister's favorite singers so we had some of her albums. This was such a great performance, she was there to sing John's song and she knocked it out of the park. You're background in Sports Physiology explains why you have such great demonstrations of our body as an instrument for music. Whether it's the dexterity for playing guitar or singing, you know you're stuff. But your humanitarian approach can't be taught. See you at the next one, Rock!
Another fine live performance on the always-live Midnight Special, made even more special by this unexpected pairing, despite a few tears. Thanks for the information about Cass' career, I only knew a little bit. Rest in Peace Cass Elliot and John Denver.
Hi Fil! Two my favorite singers! Had both of them in my playlist at my 50th anniversary party! Annie’s Song is just beautiful from John...From Cass I had her song It’s Getting Better played...thanks for showcasing these two! Enjoy your Sunday! Look forward to your next video!
Her harmonies are so awesome and I notice Michelle and Cass also sang in unison while John and Denny sang in unison, and then they''d break into their four-part harmonies ... I think this is key to their success which few people seem to notice.
Thanx, Fil, for your very informative analysis of Cass Elliott's life that covered many important parts of her musical career. The time, effort and research you put into your videos is amazing and definitely appreciated. "Keep on Rockin' in The Free World..."
I was inspired by John Denver and Jim Croce. I can pick and sing and that's a challenge since I had two fingers severed and had them replaced. A few years ago I was visiting a friend and his neighbor asked me to come see his recording studio and while there I saw a Gibson and asked if I could play it. While I was playing he asked can you sing so I picked and sang John Denver's Country Roads, and Jim Croce Lovers Cross. He jumps up says, you're good I got record you and get (he named a famous band) to back you up. (He recorded them) Then he says, I'll be right back I'm going to step outside a sec and freebase. When he left, I left and didn't look back. I went from elated to heart broke in a matter of a few minutes. That seems to be my luck. I don't claim to be gifted I just never gave up.
What a loss to the world that this duo are no longer around to entertain us as these two did in their far too short lives. Great performance and as usual and a brilliant breakdown and explanation by you.
it is so cool that you are getting into the singer-songwriters & folk rockers from the early 70s! Thanks for covering these talented musicians with such enthusiasm. It is infectious!
Love John Denver growing up, so pure and a genuine individual. I love you can hear all the lyrics of this song, Cass sure fills the sound in with her strong and vibrant voice. John is so clean and what a story teller. He's a brilliant musician and song writer. Great analysis Fil and thank you for sharing.
