After reading the lyrics, I would not have thought this song could've been done any other way. I should have known better. POC do have a way of turning what's meant to humiliate us into something far more palatable.
This is beautiful. Chains of slavery break free, and great zest for life emerges. I love how Ethel Waters took the song's original lyrics, which were rather racist, and reclaimed them as her own brand of Gatsby-era black pride.
@@selina5598 Selina, you didn't mention where you read the original lyrics. The lyrics Ethel Waters sings themselves struck me as quite racist, but this background is pretty interesting: www.harlemworldmagazine.com/history-song-underneath-harlem-moon-harlems-mack-gordon-videos/ I'll be sure to listen to the other versions that are in that article later and see whether I react to them similarly to how that writer did.
@@michaelladerman2564 It’s important to learn the definitions of these words, as they are not interchangeable: “racist”, “prejudiced”, “bigot”, “biased”
She's such a fascinating singer. She inflects every line like a lieder singer, only using African-American ornamentation and note bending for emphasis. Even her improvisations are for textual emphaisis. Her approach to the music is essentially "highbrow" while still getting into the gritty feel and mood of the song.She paints with every phrase, exactly like a lieder singer.
I was watching the NASS UA-cam channel. There was video of a theater listing Ethel Waters on the marquee so I thought I'd look her up. Glad I did. She's great
Yep! "Nobody's singing on the------ Expletive--- stage except me and the Brown sisters" This was quite a different Ethel Waters, from the one in later years who loved everybody, and referred to everyone as her "Precious Child". You can see the Brown Sisters singing the same song in another video.
In 1932 Fletcher Henderson recorded a version of "Underneath the Harlem Blues"; the singer didn't change any words. Times had changed, I hope for the better; many lyrics were changed to be less offensive...Hope it won't take another 90 years to right the wrongs of the past!
"Rufus Jones for President." Sammy plays Rufus, and Ethel is his mother. You can find the whole thing on UA-cam. It's 22 minutes long. Sammy has several dance numbers and does some singing. It's chock full of racist stereotypes, but I think it was intended for a Black audience. Like this song, it's hard to understand the mixture of racism directed at oneself, pride, and joy in living. Also, Ethel Waters is fabulous here.
@@jewknow4541 well not really, don't feel I've missed anything not knowing about her， and it's really nothing to be proud of that you know her, isn't it
@@qiuxian9700 It's not about being proud 😒 it's about knowing history and she is a historical figure in the music industry of that Era alone with Bessie Smith, MA Rainey, Billie holiday etc Ethel Waters is one of the FIRST AA singers on the very FIRST AA record label called black Swan records .Clearly you're unlearnt and your ignorance speaks for itself. But with an Asian UA-cam user name I'd imagine you don't know much about black history anyway.
Ethel's niece is Crystal Waters, singer of 90s hit Gypsy Woman. Ethel rededicated her life to Jesus in the late 70's. Pray that her niece also does the same.
Who's still listening and loving her in 2024? ❤🙏
What a treat and national treasure! She survived a horrific life - and became a success in spite of racism.
One of my absolute favorites‼️ She deserves a big screen biopic‼️
Sadly because she was a well know Christian revival singer in the end it is not likely...
@@jacobsfamily1789 Mahalia Jackson was a Gospel music singer and she's gotten 2 released and 1 on the way.
@@jacobsfamily1789 I’m sure we will see one on her along with the the mills brothers
Mark my words , ROBERT GITHINJI will direct it
My goodness, she sang the hell outta that song. Brilliant.
After reading the lyrics, I would not have thought this song could've been done any other way. I should have known better. POC do have a way of turning what's meant to humiliate us into something far more palatable.
What a beautiful voice.
That is an eight year old Sammy Davis Jr. sitting as the judge behind her.
Amazing lady and a wonderful singer.
Thank you for posting this great video! The perfect singer, the Empress!
True greatness.
This is beautiful. Chains of slavery break free, and great zest for life emerges. I love how Ethel Waters took the song's original lyrics, which were rather racist, and reclaimed them as her own brand of Gatsby-era black pride.
Just read the original lyrics. Wow. And did she changes it to the German word 'schwartz' instead? I'm fascinated
@@selina5598 The Yiddish word Schwartzes (yes, derived from the German), meaning Black people.
@@selina5598 Selina, you didn't mention where you read the original lyrics. The lyrics Ethel Waters sings themselves struck me as quite racist, but this background is pretty interesting: www.harlemworldmagazine.com/history-song-underneath-harlem-moon-harlems-mack-gordon-videos/ I'll be sure to listen to the other versions that are in that article later and see whether I react to them similarly to how that writer did.
@@michaelladerman2564 It’s important to learn the definitions of these words, as they are not interchangeable: “racist”, “prejudiced”, “bigot”, “biased”
@@MusiqTruth I know they're not interchangeable. What point are you making?
Love this song and the singer. Great lady🤗
She's such a fascinating singer. She inflects every line like a lieder singer, only using African-American ornamentation and note bending for emphasis. Even her improvisations are for textual emphaisis. Her approach to the music is essentially "highbrow" while still getting into the gritty feel and mood of the song.She paints with every phrase, exactly like a lieder singer.
I was watching the NASS UA-cam channel. There was video of a theater listing Ethel Waters on the marquee so I thought I'd look her up. Glad I did. She's great
Gave me chills. 🙌🏽🙌🏽
Simply amazing!
Magnificent!
It's nice to see a clip of Ethel when she was still in her sexy phase.
Heavenly 🎵✨⭐️💛
Beautiful 🤩
Wow!
Brilliant
Beautiful 💝💝👏👏👏👏👏👏
THE QUEEN
Definitely relate to lyrics
The Cotton club movie brought me. Never heard of her. Love this song now. The words ❤
Her flow crazy
She told it! Great clip. Thank You. 😁
Classy!!!
She was called Stringbean when she was young!
Sweet Mama Stringbean, yes!
So this is the song that Ethel Waters ran Billie Holiday out of Philly for singing. Finally got to hear it..
Yep! "Nobody's singing on the------ Expletive--- stage except me and the Brown sisters" This was quite a different Ethel Waters, from the one in later years who loved everybody, and referred to everyone as her "Precious Child". You can see the Brown Sisters singing the same song in another video.
She pave the way
❤❤❤👏👏👏
If im not mistaken, the " judge " sitting behind is Sammy Davis ?
beautiful los maiores del mundo sempre visitavam o brasilas melhores musicas do blues e do jazz mundial sempre reoa lembrados no mundo parabens
I could definitely see Chrisette Michelle playing her in a movie… she even resembles her a little bit.
Wow
♥♥♥♥♥
Is the little boy at the desk Sammy Davis jr.?
James Klima yes that him, when he was a boy.
Yes, this is a sort subject: " Rufus Jones for President", Mr. Davis' first screen appearance at 8 years old
In 1932 Fletcher Henderson recorded a version of "Underneath the Harlem Blues"; the singer didn't change any words. Times had changed, I hope for the better; many lyrics were changed to be less offensive...Hope it won't take another 90 years to right the wrongs of the past!
It’s an old famous movie. Sammy was the president. Anybody know the name?
"Rufus Jones for President." Sammy plays Rufus, and Ethel is his mother. You can find the whole thing on UA-cam. It's 22 minutes long. Sammy has several dance numbers and does some singing.
It's chock full of racist stereotypes, but I think it was intended for a Black audience. Like this song, it's hard to understand the mixture of racism directed at oneself, pride, and joy in living.
Also, Ethel Waters is fabulous here.
Harlan Lattimore sang this also in 1933 . I think he was with his Connie's Inn Orchestra .
No he was with Don Redman’s Orchestra
I was simply reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X with the assistance of Alex Haley.
Such a different way of entertainment
Sammy Davis Jr in the background!
Awwww. Cute. Thanks. I had no idea.
i heard something about eyebrows and im wattching this video for a english assignment cuz i have an f
I can tell who wrote this song
Free emmet till
Is that Sammy Davis Jr. in that back?
The woman who asked billie holiday to get off stage for singing her no1 song…Well if it's not for Billie I would have no idea who ethel waters is…
That's sad....then that means you don't know much
@@jewknow4541 well not really, don't feel I've missed anything not knowing about her， and it's really nothing to be proud of that you know her, isn't it
@@qiuxian9700 It's not about being proud 😒 it's about knowing history and she is a historical figure in the music industry of that Era alone with Bessie Smith, MA Rainey, Billie holiday etc Ethel Waters is one of the FIRST AA singers on the very FIRST AA record label called black Swan records .Clearly you're unlearnt and your ignorance speaks for itself. But with an Asian UA-cam user name I'd imagine you don't know much about black history anyway.
@@jewknow4541 Call anyone who doesn't know her ignorant, ok you won, congratulations.
@@qiuxian9700 you clearly know her and are trying to disrespect her so you are ignorant.
puff our reefers!
😂😂😂😂
Ethel's niece is Crystal Waters, singer of 90s hit Gypsy Woman. Ethel rededicated her life to Jesus in the late 70's. Pray that her niece also does the same.
So many damn assumptions about a person you dont know. Also DECOLONIZE!
"Once we were Republicans, but now we're Democrats." That is so appropriate for the 1932 elections - and probably also today.
Beautiful 🤩