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
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"
This was 2011, we're all crying it in 2024
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
When my son was 8, he said, "How is he so sad and can sing so good at the same time?" 😊
God must have needed an amazing singer upstairs. Rip Sir.
My body wants to make goosebumps but the tears are faster. That voice
😂 its very manic
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
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 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
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🙏🏼
RIP my brother. Thank you for sharing with us while you were here. I trust that our Heavenly Father has a room for you. You say hello to Ms. Jones for us and thank her too!
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.
It kills me that this guy was discovered so late in his life and had such a short singing career. I have never heard anyone who can sing like this guy, and I would have loved to see more music from him in the coming years. He also seems to have a heart of gold, and it doesn't seem fair that he was taken so soon.
Hi, his great Spirit is alive, and he still can even feel what's his lagacy to us. It's pure energy of love, now and then !
James Brown. He was covering James Brown before he got discovered. It's just a more rugged voice though, you can hear what's he's been through.
He hits home right into your heart.. Not just americans but allover.. (new zealand)
Atleast he recorded a good few songs, but I completely agree. I don't really care about live preformances but 100% I'd pay for a live performance from Charles
It's like the good die young
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.
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!
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
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
My goodness... I randomly came across this song, and it hit me hard. What an amazing song, amazing singer, and an amazing band. Love you all, and I hope you have a wonderful day today! You all rock!
unfortunatly Charles passed away in 2017 at 68
To say that this man sings with soul is a massive understatement! God bless his soul.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
Preach preach bro...2021 the world To those still alive...just listen this
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.
where has this guy been all my life? wow
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.
I found out about this beautiful soul way too late.
Found about this man 5 days ago Man I'm kicking myself now
2017.....2017... this has been on KZhead 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.
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.
The raspy, controlled notes and emotion in every word makes this the most human music ever.
The passion is real in this man .amen.
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.
I hate it so much when people go to performances and just record on their phones. I also hate people who complain about things they hate. I also hate hypocrisy.
hate is love behind a wall, so break the wall
i hate vague statements
I hate: 1. youtube comments 2. irony 3. lists
I hate hate
Freddy DaKid I hate a land of milk and honey
Bro he’s hitting those notes without auto tune, true talent here.
He has one of the most fascinating stories of struggling for decades and finally making it later in his life. Highly recommend at least his wiki page
RIP, Charles. You knew what was up.
Jason Benesh the screaming eagle of motha fuckin soul
😫
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.
This song reminds me my late husband RIP JOHN😭😭
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.
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
I love his face, it's so expressive and just human
Listening it on January of 2021! Still feel his soul in the music.
Soul music at its best. Charles RIP. you are now reunited with your mother. May both your souls Rest In Peace.
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?
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👍👍
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
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
Sad day indeed. RIP Charles Bradley.
This is a visual representation of "Soul" music.
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
you know someone is feeling the music when they are sweating profusely more than anyone else in the room
Algún latino Escuchando estas bellas melodías en junio de 2019
Amo esta canción!!
Perú!!
Brazil
Julio
Arica, Chile
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
This voice was not meant for the ears , it was meant for the soul
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.
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 ❣
this was 9 years ago. wow this is art
?
He keeps making me cry. Soul.
The passion, the fire, the blood, sweat and tears. RIP the legend.
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.
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?
Seems like nothing gonna change Everything still remained the same Beautiful homage to otis, and the fact that the line still holds shows how so true it is.
I love this song. This brother's soul just hits you in the face straight though the song from beginning to end.
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
Why is it so hard To make it in America I try so hard To make it in America A land with 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 Look like nothing gonna change I 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 Look 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
+Mauri Outis Thank you for this! If read without music it is almost like a ''farewell letter''. I'm glad he got to live through multiple years after this. P.S. I hear him sing 'Why it is so hard''.
Thanks for this
Thank you
Mierda , esto es Real Emo.
Thanks شكراً
RIP to one of the good guys.
The King! Love him 4ever
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
This makes me proud to be a human.
Leaving in West Africa this song is a hymn to all countries. feel free be happy and stand up . Thanks Sir Charles Bradley for everything . peace
made me tear up. Wish I discovered this guy earlier.
RiP Legend!
R.i.P Legend
R.I.P
Yoel Dawit and me listen now for first time
How did I just now find him. He's an absolute legend. If I ever had a chance to sing about life with him I would probably cripple
The music of Charles Bradley has been nothing short of a blessing in my life!!!
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
If you say a bad word about this man or this song you deserve a left-hand pimp slap.
From none other than Iceburg Slim himself
And a right handed hard fucking punch! Bless him. To think he only got recognition in the last few years of his life after having a shitty life is messed up! R.I.P. Charles sir.
Yessir a front hand or backhand
@@dre7018 no from sweet Jones the goat of pimps
I’ll sign up to deliver it. Reporting for duty!!🥶
Once in a lifetime voice! Charles is among the greatest of all time! RIP
God damn, the emotion his voice has is enough for anyone to listen to.
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
You made it, buddy. You made it into our hearts, the only place that matters. Rest easy now.
One of my favorite songs and live performances ever
I really honestly thought for the longest time that this guy was straight out of the 1970s so when I saw that this video was from 2011 I was like "word? you still killing it after 40 years dude?"
This song is beyond amazing.. I dont know who charles bradley is. It is hard to make it in America. This man sings the blues and does it with sadness in his soul, its beautiful.
Does anyone else think this man has a particularly kind face?
I thought the same thing. Humble eyes.
Dem rapist eyes doe
This song is so relevant today
I need his soul man I wish I could do performances this deep god damnnnnn
I found out the day that Charles passed away was the same day my relationship ended and listening to him again made me not want to hurt myself or give up. Rest in peace sir, you did well.
Hope you're doing well my man
Christopher Yan damn is that you in your profile picture you thicc af
Suicide is *NOT* the answer.
@@Pt0wN973b0iI I'm still here fuckers
@@loomint8015 I try bruh
This is one of the most emotional songs i ever listened. I'm so grateful to have discovered you. RIP Charles.
Viva el SOUL en todo el mundo ,aca en Perú llorando con su cancy🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪
Tears in my eyes after the events today
Never heard of this dude, but when I saw the sweat and tears on his face in the thumbnail, it was at that moment that I FELT the soul that I was about to hear.
Then you realised this beautiful soul sadly passed away 2 years ago.
Don't play the odds, play the man.
Someone who sings with his soul. Rip Bradley ❤ so much sadness, so many emotions but...why it is so hard.... but whyyyyy i'm crying all time when i'm listen this song 🥹 and why is it so hurtful and sad that humans don't like each other 😭 Do you fucking love each other without jealousy or bad thoughts ?
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
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