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Best version ever. It wasn't written as a song with soul/gospel, but this captures the feeling so well. Great man and done during a time where patriotism was a particularly divisive issue. Also appreciate the use of the later verses which are rarely heard.
An example of musical genius, when one can rearrange a song and improve it. He was more than just his voice. Or ear. He could tweak a song on the fly and make it better than a composer struggled for years to do. I had completely forgotten about this song. Or his version of it.
What exactly was the original dream? I know what it actually was based on factual and accurate history, but I want someone who says such things to explain what they consider the "original dream" to be. Anyways, because I'm certain I won't get a response, I'll tell you what the original dream of America was. It was the ability to live in both religious and economic freedom. To live one's life as they chose and not as they were told. Beautiful in its simplicity but to those who first enacted the "dream" it was sinister. Why? That's because the dream only had room for white Christian men. So they took the land from the natives and began enacting their dream. Next they enslaved, exclusively, peoples they believed to be beneath them and forced them to build their dream. Here's the problem with folks who say what the OP said or "Make America Great Again"; they don't realize their folly. The human race is constantly and perpetually moving forward. As it does; tolerance, religion, society, education, and so on also moves forward. Those of you trying to "take us back" are not patriots. In fact, when you exclaim such nonsense you're actively wishing for the ruination of America. Do you know why we've been either in the lead or near it when compared to the rest of the world? WE CHANGED and found ourselves advancing faster than most others. That's not the case anymore. In fact, in fields in which America was number 1-3 for its entire existence, it is not even close in the top 20 now. That's because of people such as yourself wanting to turn back societal progress. There are no "African Chinese" or "German Japanese" or "American Koreans". There's only the Chinese, the Japanese, and the Koreans. Isn't it amazing how, what our founding fathers would've called the "Old World", is now ahead of the "New World" in every major metric that matters? You folks aren't serious.
My dad's a Vietnam vet and this version is the only one I've ever seen him get emotional listening to. I guess it helps that he adores Ray Charles' soulful music. I know when he starts playing this, he's remembering the friends and family members that didn't come home from over there and it gets me emotional as well.
57 year old man. This song flat out makes tears roll down my face and chills come over me. I love this country so much. It's ok to love your country people. And if it's not, I'll never stop either way.
It's funny like in everything else how divided people are over this version of the song. I personally love that he sang the lesser known verses first and injected it with his soul. I also love the other versions. That is kinda the embodiment of what it means to be "American" we can all feel and experience it differently and United in appreciation or divided over the wording the song still speaks to us.
I heard him do this live many years ago while I was a member of the audience for the Johnny Carson show. It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. I believe the audience and I held our breath the entire time or at least breathed when he did. It was such a beautiful moment.
Movie "Hacksaw Ridge" true story of the first Conscientious Objector to receive the Congressional Medal Of Honor. Incredible, and the ending shows the real hero.
I got to see Ray Charles in Seattle at Festival. Stevie Ray Vaughan opened for Ray and Ray was dancing to his music in the wings. Paid $7 to see GREATNESS. They had to pull him off stage because he wanted to keep going. Loved both acts but felt my mom and dad were with me as Ray was singing, as they played his music every weekend when everyone would come to dance and party. We certainly love our Country.
My favorite version it makes me cry . I love my country but am saddened at the shape it’s in and the direction it’s headed. May God bless America once again!
The Star Spangled Banner won out as our national anthem but this was a close second, I kind of feel like they should be sung together, the Star Spangled Banner tells a story about our perseverance under fire and America the Beautiful talks about our varied and wonderful land. " Oh beautiful for spacious skies and amber waves of grain, for purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain, America, America God shed his grace on thee, and crowned thy good with brotherhood from Sea to shining Sea"
My kids learned the states and capitals from the song Ray Charles penned and sang! We used to sing America the Beautful in school. Lee Greenwood song is amazing
Thank You Ray , I really needed to hear this today , Love being born American. America is beautiful , the best in the world.. home of the brave..🇺🇲 it's 20 21 Holler at your boy from Texas 🤠...
Hey dad what are you doing? Dad: Trying to reach the world and share things that are in common! Child, IS THAT ALL! GEEEZE dad, FOR REAL, thought you said you were busy?? LOL 🇺🇸🇬🇧😊
I think I love hearing Ray Charles sing this song more than other versions because I remember him very well singing it at Ronald Reagan’s presidential inauguration. That was a beautiful time because our country began to fill with hope again.
You're very kind. I do consider Ray Charles to be a national treasure, and I love his rendition the most. The Lee Greenwood song is about pride and more for the country music fans, but I think a humble spirit would serve my nation far better, both at home, and in our place on the world stage.
The great Ray Charles -- put such feeling into it that it brings tears to my eyes. I wish some people today would recognize the wonderful things America has afforded them -- as Ray Charles (who experienced TRUE racism back in the 50's south) recognized. He lived through the times where he saw not only racism, but the civil rights triumphing in the 60's. Ray Charles -- a true American treasure.
Oh beautiful for spacious skies For amber waves of grain For purple mountain majesty Above the fruited plain. America! America! God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea! Oh beautiful for pilgrim feet Whose stern impassioned stress A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness. America! America! God mend thine every flaw. Confirm thy soul in self control Thy liberty in law. Oh beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife. Who more than self their country loved And mercy more than life. America! America! May God thy gold refine Till all success be nobleness And every gain divine. Oh beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years. Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears! America! America! God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!
My favorite parts of this version are the little ad libs he does: The “And you know when I was in school, we used to sing it something like this, listen here”, “But now wait a minute, I’m talking about” and the “You know, I wish I had somebody to help me sing this”. Also, his vocals are immaculate. He doesn’t have to do all sorts of runs you know many, many, many, many other artists would do. He’s subdued, but it’s still a very powerful version, and I don’t think I will ever hear a better version in my lifetime. No hyperbole, but this should be right up there with Johnny Cash’s “Hurt”, Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”, Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah”, Birdy’s “Skinny Love” or that version of “Mad World” from the Donnie Darko soundtrack as one of the most amazing covers ever.
Please do the Home Free version with Lee Greenwood and the Airforce band if you are doing GOD BLESS THE USA. It's absolutely amazing and it gave Lee Greenwood the chance to do adlibs like he'd never been able to do before! Loving your reactions! Thank you so very much!
@@TheDonsChannel no mistake,,,,there are probably at least 4 songs that a lot of americans would say is our 2nd anthem. Kate Smith singing God Bless America is just my choice. Check it out and see if you would agree...love your videos and thank you for your service
@@tomjones2121 It seems like you are saying that it is ok to disrespect her because she is dead and can't defend herself. I totally disagree with that premise. To change the subject - Have a lovely day 😁 AND May our good Lord continue to bless America and crown our good with brotherhood ♥️ from sea to shining sea. 😊
I was blessed to have seen Ray Charles. My father had loved him so I knew every song. Paid $7.50 for ticket and Stevie Ray Vaughn, who we didn't know and who opened for Ray, we're gobsmacked by SRV's performance.
I love your reactions,especially the Patriotic songs..You are my favorite..Love how you respect and support our Country..So many of our people have lost this..Breaks my heart..Thank you very much
This is the best version of American, the Beautiful. When they were trying to settle on a National Anthem it was America, the Beautiful (written in 1895 about Pike's Peak), God Bless America (sung by Kate Smith) and the Star Spangled Banner put up. Of course we choose the song put to music that was from an old British drinking song. Honestly, were it changed to America, the Beautiful, I don't think there would be many complaints. Some, but not many.
Hearing you mention Allison Krauss and Blue Grass, take a listen to one of the founders of this genre. Earl Scruggs created a new style of banjo picking. Check out "Smokey Mountain Breakdown " by Earl and Scruggs. Grezt musicianship.
Again nother great tribute you you Sir. I'd love to have you do a few songs that lift your spirit from across the pond and see "our reactions" to you about our respect and thanks to you as well.
Concerning your scheduling difficulties: No worries! The dad and husband gig definitely trumps YT. I'm just glad you're able to do what you do. I pray blessings on you and yours.
I'm so proud of my American heritage. Despite what some of my ancestors went through like my great great grandmother who walked the trail of tears or the Irish who had to fight for respect. To the division we see today. All that so I can put a gun on my hip or if I choose a joint in my lips. And knowing if things go bad we will be united together.