Charles Bradley - Why Is It So Hard (Live on KEXP)
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Charles Bradley, backed by The Menahan Street Band, performs "Why Is It So Hard" live from Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop in Austin, TX, during KEXP's broadcast at SXSW. Recorded 3/17/2011.
host: Cheryl Waters
engineer: Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Shelly Corbett, Scott Holpainen and Christopher Meister
editing: Jim Beckmann
Everyone thinks he's sweating, but it's just his entire body crying.
this made me lol
Nate Lourn agree
Well, it is really hard.
I believe it! What they don't show is after the gig, he gets off the stage, cleans up the entire place and loads all the gear in the van. It ain't easy being Bradley.
so true ! R.I.P legend
2024 still ! R.I.P. Mr. Bradley, God Bless your spirit!
💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥✊🏼☮️💙
😞 vous venez de me l'apprendre
Answer to only brother in band. Have you ever heard a white man sing like that haaaaa
@@NickieMcknight Yes, Joe Cocker. Checkout his Music & You may come to the same conclusion. Best not to associate/link Color to Music because You might miss out on something WonDerFul.
Absolute legend, i was lucky enough to meet and hug the man. He was soo genuine and generous with his fans and during his performances. Went too soon
I had the pleasure of meeting Charles this day 6 years ago here in Dublin. I told him how much his music had made an impact on me and how much I looked forward to his show. He was one of the most genuine persons I have ever met, he thanked me and gave me a hug. I managed to get his autograph on his debut album which I have framed on my wall. Signed "For Mark, love always! Charles Bradley"
Getting a hug from this king is dreamy, not to mention meeting him and getting his autograph! Lucky you!!
Of course it's not just a autograph, something deeper. Keep it forever.
So class mate
Amazing, man.
hope u had a towel with you ;D
When my son was 8, he said, "How is he so sad and can sing so good at the same time?" 😊
From Sweden: ”because he feels…. And sing….”
From Germany: "beacause he got the blues!"
kids say the sweetest things
Welcome to the blues...
Desde Argentina🇦🇷....cuando la pasión sale desde adentro, suda el alma
9 years later this song is still strong. RIP Charles. This song gives this quarantine a whole new meaning. Peace and love to all my brothers and sisters around the world.
Took the words right out of my mouth, brother. I hope out of all of this the masses realize the importance of empathy and unconditional love towards each other.
@@be_easy001 He tought every people that listened to his music what it meant.
Damn i didnt know he died. I was tryna look if he put out something new cause i havent listened to him in a minute. R.i.p he's well with the ancestors
why the fuck is your avatar a white power pepe
@@garr123 OK Pepe isn't white power. Better unplug from mainstream media propaganda.
God must have needed an amazing singer upstairs. Rip Sir.
He's not singing with his voice, he's singing with his soul
@@Gloth_Sang ?
@@Gloth_Sang ? x2
this is rock and roll
Amen
That's why it's called "Soul"
Me and my disabled daughter are still here, God bless Charles Bradley
Man, our country needs to hear this now more than ever.
Amen brother! Amen
All countries, my friend.
In Brazil, for example, the police kills black lives in favelas. Every day.
So true!
@@mathsena007 Hi, yes it is such a shame, your leader must be a friend of donald..........
But this will be for the last time, all and everything on this planet have to do a very big shift now !
And many drummers need to see your channel, what good content do you have
I never understood what Soul music was or why it's called that but seeing this man perform, I think I get it now...
Negative Income there are many more artist that will convince you
Ottis Redding please
damn right
It means you sweat alot
I feel like this music requires a certain amount of disillusionment that I have only recently found....it's like the kind of feeling that is so authentic that it gives form to your feelings of appreciation and lament of life ....but also a feeling you want relief from.
We all sing the blues my brother! And ill help you carry yours so it be fit that im able!! Never needed to be this hard!!
The moment he smiles, then opens his mouth with "why, is it so hard" I had tears in my eyes. Nothing, I mean NOTHING in music has this kind of soul. That shit just hits you right in the chest. My kids even love Bradley.
EvilDave83 Totally agree! side note - I read your comment as "it shits right on your chest" at first glance and I still agreed with you.
shenzishenzi lmfao! Tis an accurate statement.
EvilDave83 "I mean NOTHING in music has this kind of soul" do not you think you're exaggerating?
Serj Nope. Not in 2015. There's plenty of soul to be found over the last 5 or 6 decades, not in current music though.
His songs are not original, they can be cover of classic soul songs from past decades. Yes, he has soul. Too much hype
My body wants to make goosebumps but the tears are faster. That voice
😂 its very manic
Incredible. I didn’t even know singers existed like this anymore.
There is also Myron & E singing retro Soul music.
@@rowdyrob06 Wake Mc. Zero.
They don’t. He dead.
@@AmericanBarber82 BRO OMG 😂
Yes they do exist man
This song hits harder at this time so much going on in this country
He could sing the ingredients off a cereal box. And scream out the portion sizes and I'd be all ears in!!!!👏👏👏
Wolf Creek Boys if you like him you will love Lee fields "I still got it" and all his great songs he sounds alot like Charles Bradley.
+Irene Camarena will do!
Your comment made me laugh so hard. funniest thing I've heard in a long time. so true.
Brandon Maxwell lol,but so,so,true!🎤😆
+Irene Camarena truth
I just discovered Charles Bradley. Oh man, is he an amazing force of nature.
0:30 to 0:37 --- Charles gives a look of pure appreciation, he's so thankful that people are out to see him, it's so sweet and humbling to see the appreciation in his face and eyes! RIP! Legend!
(☞ ಠ_ಠ)☞
Has he died? Oh man!...
You made me almost cry in public in uniform fuck you buddy
@@419buckeye7 what uniform
He's actually sad cause none of the white folks there know what he's talking about
Rest in peace, Mr. Bradley. Despite your suffering you exhibited true, unbridled love to the world.
Yes indeed.
Did he really pass away? Today I heard his voice for the first time and I was astonished!
Sadly yes. A shame
Fuck me dudeee, why i didnt hear about this! This is so sad. Rest in peace
Liance beautifully worded
Listening it on December of 2020
amen
Here here
Same
2021 baby. we made it! Hopefully, it'll get easier for all of us soon!
yeah well, not too great of a start to 2021
Woke up this morning and needed this song to soothe my broken heart and shattered soul.
If Bradley doesn't take you back to the 1960's and early to middle 1970's nothing will. I saw him on the CBS Morning Show this morning. I was blown away. I thought James Brown and Otis Redding had come back from the dead! To think that this man is my age (68) and didn't get started until he was 62 is unbelievable.
where has this guy been all my life? wow
I love his face, it's so expressive and just human
The story goes that the guitarist originally wrote this song after touring out of the states for the first time and discovering they were immensely more popular and drew wider audiences in other countries than they did in America. So he wrote the song to express “why is it so hard to make it in America?” But then he said when he presented the song to Charles, he added his own experiences into the lyrics and when he sang it, “why is it so hard to make it in America” took on a whole different meaning.
Real awesome
Charles, I'm so grateful to have discovered you. I do wish it was a little sooner. R.I.P.
Same.
same
damn wish i did the same, noticed he always brought up his passing away, so now he is with her.
Same to darondo
JUST found this guy 3 minutes ago with a black sabbath cover changes. He's now my favourite. what fucking SOUL he has! WOW goose- fucking- bumps.
Facts!
What's bigger than a goose bump? That Black Sabbath remake is a powerful song, it will make the biggest man that has lost his mother cry.
RIP
3:41 , what a legendary moment lol rest in peace to the genius that is ,Charles Bradley!
And talent if I may add.
@@Flufferio you may🙏🏼
so lucky to seem him twice, I cried like a little baby !!
First note that comes out of his mouth and I'm hooked
I cried. only song to ever do this to me
I never heard of him but that he died today, so I come hear to find out whats what and I felt the same way, first vocal and yep, he's good. Was good, sadly.
What a man. Envious of anyone who ever had the chance to see him live.
Linus Martin Got to see him in Pensacola about two years ago and they played this song. People were crying. Amazing show.
Guys you gotta hear his version of Black Sabbaths " Changes", blow your mind . Yip RIP Chuck.
mark wakephord It's really sad to hear about the path of this individual. I think that, correct me if I'm wrong, he was long overdue in being recognized.
Yes for sure buddy. I just found him by chance myself recently. Listen to James Browns live version of " This is a Mans World" for great throaty vocals just like CB. Enjoy.
Saw him at FYF 2016. I didn’t stay thru his full set. But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t captivated by his performance. Incredible voice and stage presence. I just wish I would’ve stayed longer. Ugh, I was trying to get close to the front for Father John Misty. Which I did but you know. Charles IS the screaming eagle
I had a chance to meet Mr. Bradley once. He made an impression, that's for sure. Put his arm around me and just started talking like we were old friends. Actually, he had come to sit in with another legend (Fred Thomas) and he was several hours late. He showed up toward the end of the set at, like, 2 AM. He got on the stage and within 30 seconds the crowd was in the palm of his hand. He sang 2 or 3 songs and then hopped of stage and just started mingling with the 20 or so people left. His performance was epic. He was obviously drunk but he just radiated sexual energy as he sang and danced. I left with the impression that he was just the nicest, most humble and supremely talented dude. I always wished I had hung around later that night because I knew the guys in the band and I'm sure I could have REALLY got to hang with Mr. Bradley.
Is right.
Why did you not stick around?
This video has held a very special place in my life for the last 10 years. Ever terrified of the day it will hit me the hardest
You're not among us anymore, but your music will last forever. Rest in peace, Soul Legend.
Kristoff Kristian nice taste in music.. and profile pics
In that way he always will be so he still is.
I’m grown ass man, and this song makes me cry almost every time I listen to it..
Maybe it has something to do with my background I’ve recently moved here from Kazakhstan and just working, working, working... Though I met really cool friends here, they inspire me to stay forever in this wonderful country.
Same, dude. It wrecks me every time.
Also, i hope things get easier for you!
Check out Wish you were here by Lee Fields just like this pure soul power
@Troy Müller hahaha! Right?
We all know Mr. Bradley is great, but let's take a minute to appreciate that absolutely filthy guitarist
Facts
and that bass player, playing like a lead guitarist.
Thomas is a very bad-bad boy 😉
AAAAAAAA
no, it's that bass that makes this song... the guitar just embellishes.
I’ll never be able to listen to this man song or this group play without getting choked up. Damn I miss Charles Bradley and Sharon Jones.
He touched my soul with his singing and its a shame he died 3 years ago. You just don't come across these types of soul-touching experiences anymore. RIP Charles Bradley
Just hearing him for the first time and this comment touched me almost as much as his passion ❣
There's so much soul in his music because all of his songs are based on true events in his life as a man struggling to keep food on the table throughout 62 years of his life. Then made his debut single aged 62, now 66. The music of sharon jones (signed to daptone records, the same label as Charles) was huge in France but not in the USA, so the guitarist with the long hair sang the lyrics ''why is it so hard to make it in America'', but when Charles sang it it had a whole different meaning, living his life living is basements, sheltering in churches.
great guitar player! love how he backs him up
DUDE!!! That man is NASTY!!!! Iwas thinking the same thing and the bass player is pretty good too
I know right absolutely perfect
To say that this man sings with soul is a massive understatement! God bless his soul.
In honor of his life, I will be playing him all day today. RIP Charles
ernie d 6 months later I will do the same👍👍
Rest in peace Charles. I hope you and your mother met again. You're a legend to anyone who has heard your soul speak. You're too good for this world.
Hi Phear, That's exatly what we said when our'e Brother died " He is too good for this world "
I believe these strong beings are needed in the Spiritual world to make their great Visions comes trought
Everytime I feel the worst wave of dark depression creeping up on me, I listen to this man and a few other artists to remind me that I'm not alone.. it helps
His story is so sad. But it's so nice to know that he could live even just a bit a his dream before passing.
I saw him perform at the three rivers arts fest in probably 2016. Absolutely one of the greatest shows I've ever seen. His voice and stage presence were unreal. Also his outfits were awesome, like full sequin, or leather with tons of hanging tassels. He must have changed like five times during the show! Everything about it was incredible.
You made it, buddy. You made it into our hearts, the only place that matters. Rest easy now.
R.I.P Charlie.
You made it all over the world!
Greetings from Chile
Justo cuando descubro me entero que murió hace 4 meses ctm que pena mas grande, cuantos años tenía este genio cuando nos dejó?
Nice 👽💜
agata hermano pedazo de voz que tenía :( lo descubrí hace poco también y está muy bueno
Chile presente ctm :(
La raja el ql la cagó
This is one of the most emotional songs i ever listened. I'm so grateful to have discovered you. RIP Charles.
Touchant de sincérité. J'en pleure !
The passion is real in this man .amen.
Its been a while since ive listened to Charles and i had no idea of his passing. His voice his soul got me through some rough times in my life. Forever a Legend, RIP.
Bruh i just knew today because I saw someone instagram post from 2017
Charles canta com tanto sentimento, é lindo de se ver. A forma como se expressa, isso é música, isso é divino!
A voz dele lembra James brown
He was such a powerhouse, and his words are going to have an impact for the rest of time. Rest in Peace, Charles, and thank you for everything
Honestly the best i've heard in about 8 years.
Totally honest, One of my Friends showed me this and i cried during His cover of changes.
Found him watching American Dad, he played Krampus and sang a duet beautifully. Same soul pouring with his voice, expression, body, everything. So sad we lost this legend. RIP.
Real artist, real music, playing the song with their hearts out, nothing but respect and love from Burma!
What a guy! I wish I had gotten a chance to see him at a live show. He has a very kind, emotional air about him. Hope he's at peace now, knowing more people appreciate his music.
I got to see him perform at a free show, having no idea who he was. This man blew my away and I will never forget that amazing experience
Didnt know this man until now -> Read he died today -> Searched for him to find myself impressed.
Rest in Peace and Happiness, Man
ah, it's called being discovered at death.
Good for us
Not so much for Charley. :S
I have never heard of Charles Bradley until today, 24Sep'17. I knew of him not even ONE DAY he walked this Earth.
I KNOW I MISSED SOMETHING... rip Mr Charles Bradley.
PatrioticPirate you still know him though
And that is soooooooooooo wrong. Incredible talent like this and yet the radio stations would rather play a talentless flog like Kanye west.
I only hear of the guy @ year before he went.now I play him loud as when I get piss on Sunday arvo... and I see the older people on my street come out and listen. Aussie beer and this guy for a Sunday session.
Jim Jazz Kanye west is a legendary producer though
Qué gran canción. Saludos desde Argentina!
I was fortunate to see him twice, close up. An original, a great style, great presence, searing vocals. Only singer I have ever seen that could combine crying and singing so effectively.
I was playing Etta James and it autoplayed this. She cry sings
Watched Charles at the Green Man festival in Wales a few years back and when he finished his amazing set he came down to the front front row and personally hugged every single person. Such a genuine and talented singer. Sorry that he is no longer here..
Hi, Charles Spiritual Power is more alive than ever...........
I love this song. This brother's soul just hits you in the face straight though the song from beginning to end.
One of my favorite songs and live performances ever
Man I'm so sad about his passing, his powerful voice and feeling will be forever with us. May his soul rest in peace.
I’m crying tears of joy. This touches my soul so deep I can’t even explain the feeling. It’s a mixture of pain, happiness, sadness I’m so overwhelmed I’m not even making any sense lol
This song hits so much harder in 2024...
No doubt
Yes it does
Try 2025
makes me cry all the time
The most emotional person singing that lived and will live high up there in heaven. There is not and there will never be someone that will sing with so much emotion going on. I would have liked to born 1 or 2 generations ago so I could have seen lots musicians like Sir Charles Bradley.
just came back to this after a few years...used to listen every morning when i was broke as hell working a couple dead end jobs that barely paid the bills. its still hard but not as hard as it was. i dont feel the pain as much first hand as i did but charles brings it back and makes me grateful for what i have now. there are a lot of people hurting in this country that is ruled by an indifferent elite.i hope we can overcome our troubles but sometimes i dont know. feels better to commiserate in our grief than to cry alone...that i do know. God Bless you charles and rest easy.
Wow his voice caught me off guard...I cried like a baby, its as if he was singing directly to me!
miss him so much❣
The power of Charles has reached a soul in Switzerland 🇨🇭
Respect!
2017.....2017... this has been on UA-cam since 2011 and now I get here???? How??
Same here, sitting here stunned ;p
As years go by, your music taste getting better. Hence, this appeared on your recommend videos.
Cant believe I only found this now.....
And he died today.
Stay happy with your algorithm; it took mine 13 years :-)
I saw him perform circa 2016 in Brooklyn. It was a spiritual experience. I was right up front and he cried as he sang his beautiful heart out. The tears from his eyes and body fell on us up front, and I cried with him because his energy was surreal and it was so beautiful
Pretty fitting song for this week
This is the best song i've heard in years.
This is a visual representation of "Soul" music.
damn so good. I was listening to Black Pumas and Charles popped up. Thank god he did. Been looking for more great music to listen to.
aw man, this guy has passed, the good ones leave us way too soon. glad you found him, makes me happy his legacy still reaching people.
@@VikramBhosale1987 absolutely, it's what's most important. He reaches into the soul of the working class like few can do so well. It's like he's your hearts voice if it could talk. God has a lot of really talented people and he's one more for his mega band. Just a beautifully gifted man. God bless him and keep him.
@@Expatriate1977 my parents from India and do not listen to much English. They raised us on literally paper route money. They absolutely live and love this song. God bless this man.
Philip Bruchman Same here!!!
me too i see colors - balck pumas pop up
I miss this man.
The raspy, controlled notes and emotion in every word makes this the most human music ever.
Rip Charles discovered you today and definitely taking you on this journey of life. Beautiful music for sure.
When he sings the first line "Why is it so hard", it almost like a statement to me, and it breaks my heart every single time.
You don't have to feel that bad. Charles and all of his white hipster band mates have way more money than you ever will.
jairo tovah Apologies, it's difficult for me to take a point concerning financial hardships from rich people...
@@VoorTrekker88 Charles Bradley wasn't remotely rich for 60 of his 68 years. He wasn't even known until 2011. He was homeless for years and did odd jobs for decades.
It is absolutely a cry of pain. I feel the same.
@@VoorTrekker88 oof
One of a kind. There will never be another Charles Bradley. RIP legend.
this was 9 years ago. wow
this is art
?
He's brilliant. I've been listening to all his songs non-stop since discovering him. If you're down in the dumps right now, Charles Bradley's songs can help.
That is one of the most beautiful songs and performances I've ever heard. Moved to tears.
Merci Charles !!!! Tu me donne positive m'y live
The music of Charles Bradley has been nothing short of a blessing in my life!!!
Soul music at its best. Charles RIP. you are now reunited with your mother. May both your souls Rest In Peace.
I saw him 2 years ago, I didn’t réalise my luck then... Rest In Peace and just keep rockin’ on sir ! 🙏
This song is hitting harder than ever in 24. Rest in peace to the screaming eagle of soul.
The greatest gift that humanity has given itself, is music from the deepest part of our soul. Make music not war \m/
Lyrics
Why is it so hard
To make it in America
I try so hard
To make it in America
A land of milk and honey
A land supposed to be built with love
It take love and understanding
To live and let live
I was born in Gainesville Florida
I traveled far and wide
Then I moved to Brooklyn, New York
Had hard times, for sometime I hold on
Why is it so hard
To make it in America
I try so hard
To make it in America
So I said to myself
Looks like nothing was goin' right
You got to move away from here
I went to upstate New York
A little town they call Poughkeepsie
Got me a job
To get away from all this stress
But I couldn't get away
No matter how far I went
Looks like nothing gonna change
Everything still remained the same
Why is it so hard
To make it in America
I try so hard
To make it in America
We gotta make a change, in America
Help me somebody
We gotta make a change, in America
Help me somebody
@chinarecords5955 la letra
Kind of ironic singing that in an overpriced yuppie bike shop surrounded by overconsuming hyperindulgent hipsters.
@@kishascapethe song can be interpreted in many ways, also it’s not like he JUST made it
@@kishascape How negative are you that can just assume all of these people are hyper indulgent over-consuming hipsters based on them being at a gig?? Are these yuppie hipsters senators and politicians? Absolutely not, you know none of these people have any power as neither you or i so why act otherwise. Have you never been to a gig in a shop, they happen and all kinds of people can be there. Get off your high horse!
"Yall my brothers and sisters. I mean it from my heart." The fact that he opened with that statement... *slow claps*
20/10/2024, greetings from italy, I listen to mr Bradley despite the fact that he has been gone for so long, sometimes we don't realize how lucky we are in life, to exist, to exist after others, to bear witness and comment on things that have already happened, this song entered my heart long ago and I rediscovered it by scrolling X, thank you Maestro for giving us the gift of your voice over time [ofc sorry for my english if u read this, have a nice day everyone ♥]
0:48 his scream made me shiver. So good!
isso não é só uma música... isso é um grito da dor!! incrível!!!
Man everytime I listen to Charles Bradley I get emotional. This man truly sing from his soul.
I keep coming back to this. It speaks for itself ❤