Here is BB King shot by another documentary filmmaker just a few years after I made my prison film with him. Wonderful insights and great music - ua-cam.com/video/cVqef-kBrRM/v-deo.html
Wow. I had a vinyl record from BB King from many years ago that I found in the trash back in the 80s. Now I understand its real value. This is awesome!!! I will share this video with my brother and ask him if he still has that vinyl.
The power of ENERGY, VIBRATION and FREQJENCY is on display and its life changing! When we unite we can accomplish the amazing, almost even what some say couldn’t be done!!!!😅😂😊
Se😅e those bar bells he was lifting I worked as a guard and the men were moving the bar bells downstairs from an upstairs closet. I was there to unlock the closet. In their haste to get the barbells two of the men lifted the bar bells over my head as I was in door way..One lost his grip on the bar bell The other man grabbed the entire barbell so it wouldn't hit my head. They were all praising God that I wasn't injured. So was I.!!!! God is always present. No matter where we are God is there. Thank you!
You are lucky to realize what is happening . . not because the barbell missed your head ... manybpeople blow stuff like that off . When it happens repeatedly is when you really know ...
I was a correctional officer at Soledad in California when King came and played in the yard on family day. I was positioned just off the stage when he came off the stage, he gave me a wink as he went by. Really cool.
I have a son in prison, wouldn't wish it on any single father ❤ but this is inspiring and I have loved B.B for a long time and respect him even more!!!!❤
I come back to this regularly to be reminded how important love and compassion are. At 24:55 you see, when BB's been singing a song that says "someone really loves you", you see a inmate wiping a tear away. Makes me cry every time. It's easy to forget the humanity and pain of these people...it's beautiful that they put this show on.
BB had so much passion and commitment to his craft. No matter what type of music you like if you dont appreciate what he poured out of his soul on stage you are lost.
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@@DavidHoffmanFilmmakerThank you so much for sharing this because I grew up listening to b b king and met him twice in my life. I give you appreciation and props for the hard work you doing God bless you.
Every blues man needs the recognition. I work with some pretty young people and they definitely know the name BB King, know his music some of his music probably not ever. They are so missing out. Is it enough they know his name and they've heard of him definitely not
@@kianabrown8550 I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. King and he invited us to the show! It was like stepping into a 1950's club because BB was totally in his element! So happy I got to experience that!
That's one hell of an achievement. To brainstorm the concert idea and then put it all together and make it happen. You should be a household name because of that.
I know I’ll neva forget the name behind the film and I’m only 16! My kids will know the name of David Hoffman and will get to see his great works someday!! 🤣👍👍✨✨❤️✌️
As I've said numerous times, it is impossible not to feel better after hearing or watching BB King than you did before. BB made you feel like he was giving you a gift when he performed. Look across that crowd and at all those genuine smiles....and those tears...that's that gift.
There's every human emotion in this film, at full-throttle. What a joy to see the men's reactions to B.B.'s lyrics and very funny presentations, as if he's telling them, "I know what you're feeling." I can't get over their faces...the richness of spirit... Thank you, David.
Whaaaat? You're the producer of BB King in Sing Sing? I wish all the young people who think that "old folks" are dull and boring would actually talk to old folks like us
Susan Mercurio. IKR. Was so excited to watch this. I to did not realize David did this until today. I am 66 and I also wish those younger would actually desire to talk to the older generation more. So much could share with them. Saddens me how the older or elderly are treated today as if we have little to no real value to them. And Oh the stories of our youth we could share. And Respect has certainly gotten lost. Anyway this video was awesome!! Right! I certainly enjoyed it vbb
Hello Susan, I'm 26 & currently on my way to becoming a PSW so I can take care of the "old folks" in my town. Just wanted to let you know I don't think any of you are dull or boring, in fact quite the opposite. :) Hopefully this gives you a little hope in regards to my generation... Although I know a lot of them don't think like me. Thank you for the video David!
I was born in 93 and I abosolutly love sitting down with my grandpops and listening to his stories from his time but seeing a video of it is SO MUCH BETTER to see the energy everyone has in that moment
Wish I could've grown up in the world when music said something, 21 years young, but hey at least we have the internet so it's never gone. God bless America and God bless music.
Many layers of stories here. Deep sadness and extreme beauty packed in one. I did not realize that BB had such a powerfull voice and as last thank you David Hoffman for shooting and uploading almost 50 years later... you seem like a gentle and generous man.
Yes, crime, animosities, hatred, etc. were all left behind and forgotten in that short period of time. Everyone was a single loving person during that performance. That's music.
I bet you there's more than a few of those inmates that still talk about that concert to this day. Cuz from their perspective I bet that performance had a whole different meaning.
@@neillbaxter9613 music can be extremely powerful spiritually for both good and bad. Sounds to me like you just experienced the good spiritual power in music. Cleansing, comforting and regenerating your soul.
This is a wonderful documentary! Thank you!! BB was the greatest- he always had super tight players back him up and he just loved to play- he just got better with age! Thankfully he did sell a decent amount of records for many, many years, not all blues musicians can, or could say that. Thanks again David
David Hoffman, you are a true mensch. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing multi-generations to experience one of the most humble and brilliant musicians this world has ever known. What an experience it must have been to film this...I'm getting chills watching BB sweat on my screen.
@@chairlesnicol672it's a Yiddish word used by the Jewish people of Europe. Yiddish was a combination of Hebrew, German, Polish- all the places Jews lived in the diaspora.
16:45 goosebumps, not only the music but the reaction of the inmates audience. This performance sure has something special and it is so wonderful to have its context as well in the documentary Thanks for all your invaluable testimonies about people's life of these times when no cell phones video could capture it.
The Blues...is medicine. I would love to hear the stories from the prisoners who got to experience the legend and perhaps how it affected their lives. The King lives forever!👑💖
Watched with tears in my eyes.... tears of joy for BB King & the other artists giving amazing performances & their time to make Thanksgiving special to the inmates of Sing Sing back in 1973 ... & tears of sadness at the inequality that hasn’t changed since this was filmed .... heartbreakingly beautiful... #OneLove 🕊
You can understand why the wonderful BB King said this was his best performance. When you play night after night no breaks apart from traveling no matter how much emotion you give to each performance to survive your going to have to pace it a little. Here you see the great BB King giving everything of a normal show plus some extra. It's fantastic footage David many thanks really enjoyed it much respect and best regards.
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This is incredible. The closeups of BBs face while performing are so artful and add another dimension to his wonderful talent. Not to mention all the great faces in the crowd and in the montage.
I was 15 years old when I saw BB King in Peoria Illinois the day after he recorded live at the Cook County Jail and the empathy he showed for those prisoners was very much the same as he showed for the people at sing sing. He was and still is a National Treasure.
It's rare to find an artist who puts his heart and soul in every performance. Thank you BB king, for being an inspiration to all people who wants and loves to play and listened to the blues and thank you mr. David Hoffman for this masterpiece! May God bless your souls.
49 years later and I’m still enjoying this song so much. Thank you bb, David, and all the prisoners that made this possible. Your efforts did not go unrecognized
Yes but rappers, pedos, and murderers could. I know that is important to take care and give hope to this people, but is kind of disrespectful if you lose a son or someone rape your children and they prepare for them a BB king show
It's been days now. I can't stop watching it all over and over. This show has that 'something' that I can't get enough of. It speaks so much to me, to my soul. Would watch hours of raw, unedited material. Everyday I watch fragments of the show and always get the same pure energy and joy. It's like a medicine. Makes me stay happy, with a big will to live and love. Thank you so much David ❤
Thank you Mr Hoffman. Much appreciated,from a 50-year-old farm boy in Ohio. Good old BB is transcended, no race,no gender, no color.Just good music for the soul.
Seeing all these faces, sure makes a difference, all with hopes and dreams...for someday something better...and BB King was the best ever, pure soul. Thanks Mr. Hoffman, for sharing this great experience.
Not everyone thats in prison is a bad man...most of us are simple men that paid their debt to society and just want to go home to their families😔some people have no family so the penitentiary is all they know sadly...the arent bad people, in fact some of them are the nicest, toughest, most educated men you will meet👌
I saw B.B. King In Vancouver Canada, at the Orpheum, Best concert I saw in my life!!..I felt privileged to be in his presence, what an amazing artist BB was..oh my god..thanks for this Gem!!
❤She sings, if not, all her sensations would be pain. She sings, if not, all her days would be the same. She sings because tears can't fall all day. She sings to take her pain away.❤️
Just when I was looking for more B.B. King LIVE performances... David Hoffman uploads one?!?! This keeps getting groovier and groovier, man. -a grateful 18 year old🌻☮
1975 Was 18 yrs. Old - saw BB in Vegas. One of my all time favs - amazing guitar player story teller / blues singer & unbelievably good performer. There is only one Goat & will never b another. RIP mr.BB King u will never b forgotten 😎❤️❤️❤️
This is such a magical, beautiful performance. To bring such joy to all those prisoners and see their faces lighting up is just incredible. The best of humanity. Thank you for sharing this.
As someone from Mississippi currently at school in the Delta, this man is nothing less than a role model here and him being kind is truly an understatement. This place breeds soul.
My Mum is Jamaican and was a huge fan of BB, God bless her and the King RIP, and all the humans who can express emotion to be real and speak out. Power to the poor and righteous.
I have always loved BB King and his Lucille. What a big beautiful talented man with a big heart. I bet this concert resonated for a long long time in Sing Sing. TY so much for sharing it with the world. God Bless. I am an old white lady in Canada.
Wow I am only 10 minutes in and this is incredible. I have done photography workshops at a men’s prison in Michigan over the past 2 years and it is so completely different from what you saw here.... I wonder if it is the 50 year difference or the level of security or what but it is a world apart! From the cells to the auditorium to the fact that they had a concert at all!!!! I know I’m one of your younger audience members at 20 but I love your stuff. Thank you for capturing and sharing this piece of history!
I was peripherally involved in the committee that brought performers to my college in Buffalo and they brought BB King in a couple of years before this film was made. Not only an amazing talent, but a class act all the way. Fast forward a couple of years and I'm living with activist law students who were very much involved in the defense of some of the Attica prisoners after the uprising there. It truly was horrible, especially because officers were killed by State Police and no one was held accountable. Fast forward another 47 years and I'm working in a Michigan prison. Looking back, I have more respect than ever for BB King performing this concert. Prisons have changed a lot, mostly for the better. When this was made, BB King would have been a bright spot in a very dark space. RIP Mr. King. You were the best.
David, Thank you for posting this. I'd seen short clips of BB King's performance at Sing Sing but this provides context. The raw emotion and moments of joy reflected in the faces of the inmates speaks volumes. Ending with Joan Baez singing over the credits was a nice touch. Again, thank you.
This performance is absolutely electrifying thank you for capturing this masterpiece! I genuinely believe this might be one of the most important performances in music history!
David Hoffman this really makes me emotional watching the whole documentary🤧 I’ve watched this about Twice now and when B.B starts playing a faster song they start getting up and dancing and the warden has to come in. The music was just too good!! You just can’t blame them !!😂!! Great work as always David, this is genuine piece of history you have made and it will never be forgotten. Not now not ever✌️✌️❤️❤️👍✨
Thank you for walking the talk David,one man of the land,standing tall, being responsible through self thinking,your learnings plus teachings brings truth,to level of under-stand-ing,to and all women and man of the land.David always and ready in giving your most precious "time."Bravo to you and all who do so.!!! Enjoy
Aloha and Mahalo for what you do... My Mom's cousin had the privilege to work for B.B. King for many years. When I listened to him in here, you could feel it penetrate your soul.
Thank you , I was born in 1973 but heard of Attica and Vietnam from my Fathers army Brothers in Australia. Thank you for sharing we kids have learnt from you Men to be gratefull. Music is the spirit that healed my Father, he is Indigenous to australia and was didn't get what was owed to him (pension), but my Uncles (non indigenous) made sure he did and it was music that he gave to me that I love everyone so THANK YOU.
Thank you so much for re-sharing this! Convicts, people, inside, outside... people are all people. And you sir have done an amazing job at telling all of our stories. Feel like currently our country is falling apart, but I’m inspired and feel hope via watching your film.
Wow, this is a really important piece of history right here, what a joy to be able to watch this from start to finish. Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Mr. David Hoffman.
Thanks for that piece of history I always wanted to see BB King before he died he was a great blues artist with his guitar luceal my friend seen him in the 80s at the Trenton war memorial he said there were bikers there to people in business suites nice film
This is the best performance of B.B King that I have ever seen. I got lost in time for a bit there. very moving. Had a few, so might as well talk... I grew up with mom & dad owning a country/western and rock n roll nightclub. Upstairs was live C&W, downstairs was 50's - 60's rock. I remember I was about 8yrs old and was fascinated with the musical instruments my parents had on the stage. I was instantly drawn towards the guitar. During that time, I was able to see a couple bands because my babysitter would occasionally call in sick which forced my parents to bring me to the bar. I still remember two acts very vividly. The first act was Stomping Tom Connors and the other was Hank Snow (yes, I'm from Canada). From that day I asked my dad if I could borrow one of the guitars that was always on the stage. I was 8 years old and had no idea about guitars. All I wanted to do is play one. I happened to choose a 1975 Gibson Les Paul as my 'learning" guitar. From then on I have played guitar and haven't looked back.
Thank you . This is truly a MASTERPIECE . BB’s voice , his sweat and the faces in the crowd tell a tale of heartache and hope. Not a person in there is without emotion . BB gave some joy, some relief from the drudgery of prison life. What a gift when talented performers like BB, CASH, BAEZ, etc., entertain men who have lost hope , abandoned behind walls and cages not learning how to cope . They return again and again to that dungeon where dreams have long died for most except the courageous few determined to try one more time. God bless all the men and women in prison . RIP BB and our thanks for sharing your love .
That was a very emotional film.. What the man said at the end were the best words to describe incarceration in America at that time. There was nothing on the outside for men coming out of Prison back then and right up to a few years ago. Thankfully now we have seen some changes that please God give these guys and girls a chance at making a new life for themselves with the programs that have been brought into the Prison system.. Really nice film my friend. I loved every minute of it..
Here is BB King shot by another documentary filmmaker just a few years after I made my prison film with him. Wonderful insights and great music - ua-cam.com/video/cVqef-kBrRM/v-deo.html
Wow. I had a vinyl record from BB King from many years ago that I found in the trash back in the 80s. Now I understand its real value. This is awesome!!! I will share this video with my brother and ask him if he still has that vinyl.
Thank you so much, have just subscribed now that I have found you, love it 👏👏😘
Thank You! Amazing!
Increadable footage
@JhonnyCash-mo2wx I doubt very many, if any others.
This is not a concert. This is a testament of the power of music and how a single man can connect with thousands with a single note.
Truth has been spoken man!! Agree!
The power of ENERGY, VIBRATION and FREQJENCY is on display and its life changing!
When we unite we can accomplish the amazing, almost even what some say couldn’t be done!!!!😅😂😊
amen !
@@riffster4264
Se😅e those bar bells he was lifting
I worked as a guard and the men were moving the bar bells downstairs from an upstairs closet. I was there to unlock the closet. In their haste to get the barbells two of the men lifted the bar bells over my head as I was in door way..One lost his grip on the bar bell
The other man grabbed the entire barbell so it wouldn't hit my head. They were all praising God that I wasn't injured. So was I.!!!! God is always present.
No matter where we are God is there.
Thank you!
You are lucky to realize what is happening . . not because the barbell missed your head ... manybpeople blow stuff like that off .
When it happens repeatedly is when you really know ...
I was a correctional officer at Soledad in California when King came and played in the yard on family day. I was positioned just off the stage when he came off the stage, he gave me a wink as he went by. Really cool.
This needs to be added to the Library of Congress National Film archive as a cultural treasure.
Agree with that 100%👍
absolutely!!!
I couldn’t agree more
You mean it's not?!?! WTH? That needs to be rectified!
Let’s make it happen!!
BB king.American ICON. It's great we have yt. To pass it on.
As a 19 year old I am so grateful that things like this were recorded!
💯
your comment in and of itself, is a blessing ... thank you
Good to know there's at least one like you!
As well you should be. I'm usually grateful for WWll era video and photography. I get it though.
I'm around your age. Same here.
Saw this man perform twice towards the end of his life. He was seated for most of the show. What a great performer.
I have a son in prison, wouldn't wish it on any single father ❤ but this is inspiring and I have loved B.B for a long time and respect him even more!!!!❤
May God bring him back to you, and may you be reunited in love + happiness SOON! ✊
I hope he makes it through safe and sound!
@CaspersGhost618 ..yes, he's a civil man...But he knows to adapt and become an animal when needed. Thank you very much
This documentary shows what an amazing musician BBKing was. How he was able to share his love with those less fortunate. RIP MR. KING!
2:10 "I'll do it, I'll come for free" - BB King.
What a great and humble soul.
A THOUSAND AMENS 🙏 ✨ ♥.
❤
Isn't it wonderful to see the audience really paying attention and getting into every song with not a bloody cell phone in sight!
If we gotta explain 🤷🏿♂️
Its a prison
I come back to this regularly to be reminded how important love and compassion are. At 24:55 you see, when BB's been singing a song that says "someone really loves you", you see a inmate wiping a tear away. Makes me cry every time. It's easy to forget the humanity and pain of these people...it's beautiful that they put this show on.
what's the name of song? 38:00 any links?
@@mahanehsani1246 it’s a song by Joan baez it’s called sing sing Ossining
Yesss
You bet, this is great piece. I do also watch this also atleast 3-4 times a year.
Only B.B. King can make a grown man cry.
BB had so much passion and commitment to his craft. No matter what type of music you like if you dont appreciate what he poured out of his soul on stage you are lost.
You know it
Maybe he could also cry thinking of you when listening "Guess who"
I used to listen to BB King as I was in my early 20's and was a bit into Blues,The Thrill Is Gone was my favourite song. JazzyT.
imagine someone who actual was at the prison and now watches this video today! CHILLS
We all need to work together to help this man get more and more of the recognition he deserves for all the amazing work he's done.
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Dave Hoffman filmmaker
@@DavidHoffmanFilmmakerThank you so much for sharing this because I grew up listening to b b king and met him twice in my life. I give you appreciation and props for the hard work you doing God bless you.
Every blues man needs the recognition. I work with some pretty young people and they definitely know the name BB King, know his music some of his music probably not ever. They are so missing out. Is it enough they know his name and they've heard of him definitely not
@@kianabrown8550 I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. King and he invited us to the show! It was like stepping into a 1950's club because BB was totally in his element! So happy I got to experience that!
You’re a national treasure Mr. Hoffman.
That's one hell of an achievement. To brainstorm the concert idea and then put it all together and make it happen. You should be a household name because of that.
I know I’ll neva forget the name behind the film and I’m only 16! My kids will know the name of David Hoffman and will get to see his great works someday!! 🤣👍👍✨✨❤️✌️
Agreed👍
They need to make a movie about this, it’d be great!
BB will always be one of my favorites, his music is so full of soul and passion… pay attention kids, that’s what REAL music is
I got to meet, photograph and talk with BB a few times over the years and there was no greater gentleman. What a kind giving soul
and what a gift this film is! Thank you.
His prelude improvising on How Blue Can You Get is a masterclass. BB is another one of Mississippi’s contributions to Western Civilization.
As I've said numerous times, it is impossible not to feel better after hearing or watching BB King than you did before. BB made you feel like he was giving you a gift when he performed. Look across that crowd and at all those genuine smiles....and those tears...that's that gift.
There's every human emotion in this film, at full-throttle. What a joy to see the men's reactions to B.B.'s lyrics and very funny presentations, as if he's telling them, "I know what you're feeling." I can't get over their faces...the richness of spirit... Thank you, David.
Whaaaat? You're the producer of BB King in Sing Sing?
I wish all the young people who think that "old folks" are dull and boring would actually talk to old folks like us
Susan Mercurio. IKR. Was so excited to watch this. I to did not realize David did this until today. I am 66 and I also wish those younger would actually desire to talk to the older generation more. So much could share with them. Saddens me how the older or elderly are treated today as if we have little to no real value to them. And Oh the stories of our youth we could share. And Respect has certainly gotten lost. Anyway this video was awesome!! Right! I certainly enjoyed it vbb
Hello Susan, I'm 26 & currently on my way to becoming a PSW so I can take care of the "old folks" in my town. Just wanted to let you know I don't think any of you are dull or boring, in fact quite the opposite. :)
Hopefully this gives you a little hope in regards to my generation... Although I know a lot of them don't think like me.
Thank you for the video David!
I was born in 93 and I abosolutly love sitting down with my grandpops and listening to his stories from his time but seeing a video of it is SO MUCH BETTER to see the energy everyone has in that moment
@@502C.r.H : You're the same age as my grandchildren
❣️🙂
Wish I could've grown up in the world when music said something, 21 years young, but hey at least we have the internet so it's never gone. God bless America and God bless music.
Many layers of stories here. Deep sadness and extreme beauty packed in one. I did not realize that BB had such a powerfull voice and as last thank you David Hoffman for shooting and uploading almost 50 years later... you seem like a gentle and generous man.
Wow what a privilege to have such a treat on Thanksgiving day
I enjoyed the performance a lot...! Absolutely awesome...!
Bb turned all those hardened men into little boys in that concert. Amazing what the blues can do.
God bless B.B. King, greatest performer of all time!
This is absolutely incredible footage. My lord 😮
This just blows me away. When he has so many people in tears is just powerful.
The POWER of great music. Smiles on the prisoners and the guards! For that short time every race together. WOW he made some of them cry man.
Yes, crime, animosities, hatred, etc. were all left behind and forgotten in that short period of time. Everyone was a single loving person during that performance. That's music.
Music soothes the beast inside us all
I bet you there's more than a few of those inmates that still talk about that concert to this day. Cuz from their perspective I bet that performance had a whole different meaning.
Bill Barry yea is pretty fun to think how these prisoners were given a free concert from a blues legend
Made me cry multiple times. I have no reason to but I can’t help it when he breaks into that someone really loves you
@@neillbaxter9613 music can be extremely powerful spiritually for both good and bad. Sounds to me like you just experienced the good spiritual power in music. Cleansing, comforting and regenerating your soul.
@@neillbaxter9613 Yes Sir!!
@@jiveturkey9993 Exactly!! Music connects so many bridges, in so many shapes and forms!
This is a wonderful documentary! Thank you!! BB was the greatest- he always had super tight players back him up and he just loved to play- he just got better with age! Thankfully he did sell a decent amount of records for many, many years, not all blues musicians can, or could say that. Thanks again David
David Hoffman, you are a true mensch. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing multi-generations to experience one of the most humble and brilliant musicians this world has ever known. What an experience it must have been to film this...I'm getting chills watching BB sweat on my screen.
What's a mensch?
@@chairlesnicol672 a man of integrity; a righteous man
@@chairlesnicol672it's a Yiddish word used by the Jewish people of Europe. Yiddish was a combination of Hebrew, German, Polish- all the places Jews lived in the diaspora.
@@chairlesnicol672a particularly delicious pastrami sandwich.
well if I got a choice between a man of integrity and a delicious sandwich, I'm taking the latter! Lol!!!@@avidodd26
This is nothing less but an iconic concert movie!
Thank you for making it! Thank you for sharing it!
16:45 goosebumps, not only the music but the reaction of the inmates audience. This performance sure has something special and it is so wonderful to have its context as well in the documentary Thanks for all your invaluable testimonies about people's life of these times when no cell phones video could capture it.
SING SING SURE BRING ME LOTS OF MEMORIES. THOSE WERE TIME OF NOSTALGIA, WHEN THE USA WAS GREAT. LONG LIVE THE GOOD OLD DAYS.
The jail broke spirits ,but activities like these gave it back.
what's the name of song? 38:00 any links?
@@mahanehsani1246 Joan Baez "Sing Sing"
@@jean-marcknight8816 links?
What an absolute treasure! Those men never forgot that day, I can assure you.
The Blues...is medicine. I would love to hear the stories from the prisoners who got to experience the legend and perhaps how it affected their lives. The King lives forever!👑💖
Watched with tears in my eyes.... tears of joy for BB King & the other artists giving amazing performances & their time to make Thanksgiving special to the inmates of Sing Sing back in 1973 ... & tears of sadness at the inequality that hasn’t changed since this was filmed .... heartbreakingly beautiful... #OneLove 🕊
This hit me the same way. Familiar with Joan Baez & BB King - now I know what a selfless and kind person BB King was. Thank you for this💕
You can understand why the wonderful BB King said this was his best performance. When you play night after night no breaks apart from traveling no matter how much emotion you give to each performance to survive your going to have to pace it a little.
Here you see the great BB King giving everything of a normal show plus some extra. It's fantastic footage David many thanks really enjoyed it much respect and best regards.
Well, he came to Seattle a lot. I thought he was a Seattle man.
This is absolute gold!! Not just the King but the entire experience!!
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David Hoffman Filmmaker
BB is a true stand-up guy. Out of the kindness of his heart.
This is incredible. The closeups of BBs face while performing are so artful and add another dimension to his wonderful talent. Not to mention all the great faces in the crowd and in the montage.
His impersonation of the woman in that conversation is hilarious! (The first song)
The song is called "How Blue Can You Get" if you or anyone else was wondering.
@@nathanmcgrady can you please tell name of all the songs ? Thank you
I was 15 years old when I saw BB King in Peoria Illinois the day after he recorded live at the Cook County Jail and the empathy he showed for those prisoners was very much the same as he showed for the people at sing sing. He was and still is a National Treasure.
I never heard of this gig before.
Absolutely brilliant.
Complete with funky 70's hairstyles.
Thank you David, this is a beautiful gift for all human race. Thank you
It's rare to find an artist who puts his heart and soul in every performance. Thank you BB king, for being an inspiration to all people who wants and loves to play and listened to the blues and thank you mr. David Hoffman for this masterpiece! May God bless your souls.
49 years later and I’m still enjoying this song so much. Thank you bb, David, and all the prisoners that made this possible. Your efforts did not go unrecognized
Man BB King was at the top of his game here. Amazing stuff.
I keep coming back to this performance it's amazing
I would pay anything to see those expression on BB Kings face. He is a Legend.
Yes but rappers, pedos, and murderers could.
I know that is important to take care and give hope to this people, but is kind of disrespectful if you lose a son or someone rape your children and they prepare for them a BB king show
It's been days now. I can't stop watching it all over and over. This show has that 'something' that I can't get enough of. It speaks so much to me, to my soul. Would watch hours of raw, unedited material. Everyday I watch fragments of the show and always get the same pure energy and joy. It's like a medicine. Makes me stay happy, with a big will to live and love. Thank you so much David ❤
Thank you for sharing this. I love BB King, this means a lot to me.
Thank you for hearting the comment! I enjoy all your videos. As a teenager, your content allows me to peer into a time I will never remember.
Everytime I watch this back it gives me chills, BB King was a treasure
Thank you Mr Hoffman. Much appreciated,from a 50-year-old farm boy in Ohio. Good old BB is transcended, no race,no gender, no color.Just good music for the soul.
What a great concert! So many of those inmates... must've meant so much to them. Wonder how they are doing today...
probably dead this was 50 years ago
A few of them might still be there 😪
This is such a phenomenal performance. It’s so cool to see The Voices of East Harlem enjoying the King
They were wonderful !!!
Thanks! Independence is a strong thing! Be independent on this weekend! God bless, Mr. Hoffman!
Bird by his side!
Wow Lucie. What a celebratory fourth of july gift of support. I will use it wisely. Thank you from Heidi and me.
David Hoffman Filmmaker
Seeing all these faces, sure makes a difference, all with hopes and dreams...for someday something better...and BB King was the best ever, pure soul. Thanks Mr. Hoffman, for sharing this great experience.
Not everyone thats in prison is a bad man...most of us are simple men that paid their debt to society and just want to go home to their families😔some people have no family so the penitentiary is all they know sadly...the arent bad people, in fact some of them are the nicest, toughest, most educated men you will meet👌
I was in the grey bar hotel and a brother told me "Do your time and don't let your time do you. It worked.😇🤗🙏
Correct. You will find that most of these men either have intellectual disabilities or could not afford a defense.
I heard Lucille and had to blow my speakers out!...
I saw B.B. King In Vancouver Canada, at the Orpheum, Best concert I saw in my life!!..I felt privileged to be in his presence, what an amazing artist BB was..oh my god..thanks for this Gem!!
❤She sings, if not, all her sensations would be pain. She sings, if not, all her days would be the same. She sings because tears can't fall all day. She sings to take her pain away.❤️
Just when I was looking for more B.B. King LIVE performances... David Hoffman uploads one?!?! This keeps getting groovier and groovier, man. -a grateful 18 year old🌻☮
1975 Was 18 yrs. Old - saw BB in Vegas. One of my all time favs - amazing guitar player story teller / blues singer & unbelievably good performer. There is only one Goat & will never b another.
RIP mr.BB King u will never b forgotten 😎❤️❤️❤️
This is such a magical, beautiful performance. To bring such joy to all those prisoners and see their faces lighting up is just incredible. The best of humanity. Thank you for sharing this.
As someone from Mississippi currently at school in the Delta, this man is nothing less than a role model here and him being kind is truly an understatement. This place breeds soul.
My Mum is Jamaican and was a huge fan of BB, God bless her and the King RIP, and all the humans who can express emotion to be real and speak out. Power to the poor and righteous.
I have always loved BB King and his Lucille. What a big beautiful talented man with a big heart. I bet this concert resonated for a long long time in Sing Sing. TY so much for sharing it with the world. God Bless. I am an old white lady in Canada.
Wow I am only 10 minutes in and this is incredible. I have done photography workshops at a men’s prison in Michigan over the past 2 years and it is so completely different from what you saw here.... I wonder if it is the 50 year difference or the level of security or what but it is a world apart! From the cells to the auditorium to the fact that they had a concert at all!!!! I know I’m one of your younger audience members at 20 but I love your stuff. Thank you for capturing and sharing this piece of history!
I was peripherally involved in the committee that brought performers to my college in Buffalo and they brought BB King in a couple of years before this film was made. Not only an amazing talent, but a class act all the way. Fast forward a couple of years and I'm living with activist law students who were very much involved in the defense of some of the Attica prisoners after the uprising there. It truly was horrible, especially because officers were killed by State Police and no one was held accountable. Fast forward another 47 years and I'm working in a Michigan prison. Looking back, I have more respect than ever for BB King performing this concert. Prisons have changed a lot, mostly for the better. When this was made, BB King would have been a bright spot in a very dark space. RIP Mr. King. You were the best.
Doesn't seem fifty years ago! I'm close to 80 now.
Thank you David for documenting this special moment in history. Gave me the chills!
David,
Thank you for posting this.
I'd seen short clips of BB King's performance at Sing Sing but this provides context.
The raw emotion and moments of joy reflected in the faces of the inmates speaks volumes.
Ending with Joan Baez singing over the credits was a nice touch.
Again, thank you.
This performance is absolutely electrifying thank you for capturing this masterpiece! I genuinely believe this might be one of the most important performances in music history!
thank you so much. I see it that way.
David Hoffman-filmmaker
David Hoffman this really makes me emotional watching the whole documentary🤧 I’ve watched this about Twice now and when B.B starts playing a faster song they start getting up and dancing and the warden has to come in. The music was just too good!! You just can’t blame them !!😂!! Great work as always David, this is genuine piece of history you have made and it will never be forgotten. Not now not ever✌️✌️❤️❤️👍✨
@@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker People like you make humans lives much more bearable and liveable. Thank you!!! You are an amazing piece of human being!
bravo pour cette oeuvre documentaire
Thank you for walking the talk David,one man of the land,standing tall, being responsible through self thinking,your learnings plus teachings brings truth,to level of under-stand-ing,to and all women and man of the land.David always and ready in giving your most precious "time."Bravo to you and all who do so.!!! Enjoy
Thank you for your beautiful expression, Douglas.
David Hoffman - filmmaker
Saw him twice and so glad that I did. Nobody else I have seen has his stage presence. Unique talent.
This is insane man. Like a scene from a movie.
When the warden comes out to calm down the crowd, it's like the final scene of The Blues Brothers where their performance in the prison causes s riot.
Except THIS is real, real LIFE. Movies are fake .
Thanks for your service to the country and all those who did there best to help make the world a better place for those to come
Aloha and Mahalo for what you do...
My Mom's cousin had the privilege to work for B.B. King for many years. When I listened to him in here, you could feel it penetrate your soul.
Thank you , I was born in 1973 but heard of Attica and Vietnam from my Fathers army Brothers in Australia. Thank you for sharing we kids have learnt from you Men to be gratefull. Music is the spirit that healed my Father, he is Indigenous to australia and was
didn't get what was owed to him (pension), but my Uncles (non indigenous) made sure he did and it was music that he gave to me that I love everyone so THANK YOU.
Wow it still amaze me to this day that squeeky clean tone with that often subtle but effective vibrato defining his playing. So bluesy and so BB.
10 years later, i shared an elevator ride in St Louis with B.B. King and Lucille. Great video, thanks 🏆👏
Thank you so much for re-sharing this! Convicts, people, inside, outside... people are all people. And you sir have done an amazing job at telling all of our stories.
Feel like currently our country is falling apart, but I’m inspired and feel hope via watching your film.
thank you so much Chris.
David Hoffman-filmmaker
Still phenomenal no matter HOW many times I watch. I notice all the ladies in focus are beautiful. B.B. is never forgotten
Wow, this is a really important piece of history right here, what a joy to be able to watch this from start to finish. Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Mr. David Hoffman.
Thanks David for your vision 🎸
So powerful everyone was engaged
Thanks for that piece of history I always wanted to see BB King before he died he was a great blues artist with his guitar luceal my friend seen him in the 80s at the Trenton war memorial he said there were bikers there to people in business suites nice film
Thank You for sharing this wonderful film with all of us. I found watching it powerfully moving emotional experience.
This is the best performance of B.B King that I have ever seen. I got lost in time for a bit there. very moving.
Had a few, so might as well talk... I grew up with mom & dad owning a country/western and rock n roll nightclub. Upstairs was live C&W, downstairs was 50's - 60's rock. I remember I was about 8yrs old and was fascinated with the musical instruments my parents had on the stage. I was instantly drawn towards the guitar. During that time, I was able to see a couple bands because my babysitter would occasionally call in sick which forced my parents to bring me to the bar. I still remember two acts very vividly. The first act was Stomping Tom Connors and the other was Hank Snow (yes, I'm from Canada). From that day I asked my dad if I could borrow one of the guitars that was always on the stage. I was 8 years old and had no idea about guitars. All I wanted to do is play one. I happened to choose a 1975 Gibson Les Paul as my 'learning" guitar. From then on I have played guitar and haven't looked back.
Thank you . This is truly a MASTERPIECE .
BB’s voice , his sweat and the faces in the crowd tell a tale of heartache and hope. Not a person in there
is without emotion . BB gave some joy, some relief from the drudgery of prison life. What a gift when talented performers like BB, CASH, BAEZ, etc., entertain men who have lost hope , abandoned behind walls and cages not learning how to cope . They return again and again to that dungeon where dreams have long died for most except the courageous few determined to try one more time. God bless all the men and women in prison .
RIP BB and our thanks for sharing your love .
You can feel his passion in how he's performing
Was lucky to see him live and able to go back stage sir on his lap and believe it or not he let me strum Lucille!!
That was a very emotional film.. What the man said at the end were the best words to describe incarceration in America at that time. There was nothing on the outside for men coming out of Prison back then and right up to a few years ago. Thankfully now we have seen some changes that please God give these guys and girls a chance at making a new life for themselves with the programs that have been brought into the Prison system..
Really nice film my friend. I loved every minute of it..
Incredible! As someone said in the comments, it reminds us how important Love and compassion are….
BB KING… no need to say more….
✌️😎🎸🎶
I am blown away.. Filming legend. The Joy of the inmates is absolutely infectious.
Thanks , grate this. 41 years prisoner.
Where are you or were you imprisoned?
David Hoffman filmmaker
Thank you David Hoffman for organizing and sharing a beautiful performance with outstanding audience.