I
Rufus Thomas Lyrics

@MrResearcher122

1965 brother?

@bunkydunk7500

Whoa I can't imagine being there !

@harveyjones1

🔥🔥🙏✊

@CuirPhotodotNet

Everyone who was dancing....WAS KILLING IT !!!!!!

@Kayavod

3 years later, but it's truly amazing.

@ppas8995

Simply beautiful. Black American culture is something else.

@telesniper2

*was

@jaygaston1719

Look at us......miss times like these when we were black AND proud

@missayawk

" Ain't I'm clean?"....Rufus breakin' it down for real!!

@frogmanvc

He got that from the 'pusherman' song.

@kiestballa9694

What a time to be alive! Black & Proud ✊🏾

@jaygaston1719

Moves me to tears......look at us then......and now.....

@GhettoWerewolf

My cousin was Carl Perkins. When he passed, I was too young to attend the funeral. My dad told me stories about who all was there. George Harrison, Jerry Lee Lewis, and so many others. The one part of that story that sticks out in my mind the most is dad telling me about Rufus Thomas. Dad said the man showed up looking like a pimp with a big, mink fur coat and fedora. After watching this awesome video, I can only imagine. The man had style.

@HatianHurricane

MY PEOPLE WERE SO NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL DURING THIS ERA!!!!!

@MagnusMedina

Well groomed 'fros, no Brazilian/Indian hair-hats, slender, no sagging pants, no clown makeup, no twerking, vulgar gestures, etc...literally the opposite of what we see today

@HatianHurricane

@Run Joe....... FACTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@aklilumedhin4759

Now destroy them drug that was painful.

@tremekawilson9238

Oh yes

@elmanitasdeplomo

@@MagnusMedina Same for all races seems like, apart from the ‘fros. People are much fatter these days!

@yaelbahtzionyisrael9724

I miss those days we were so black back then. Beautiful natural hair

@kimberleysmith7167

Because we were outside playing.

@philipjames751

As a Mexican man, this is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen ❤

@mustangsandwich

I'm a mid-50s white Californian guy. And, I remember this time in our state. I think this video is really beautiful. Man...simpler times. Everybody is so beautiful and happy in this clip. I love it. I really do...

@Sam-rf8yh

Just an observation: After watching this and a Woodstock video earlier I noticed how everyone looked so trim, healthy, and in shape back then. Something has happened to us, or been done to us, in the intervening years, and it’s pretty scary.

@To.Si.Ma.

No processed food.

@mshelly9494

Iam thinkin the same thing..the food has changed us.... sad...sugar has become our nightmare..

@cantgetrightlife

They didn't Have GMO & Processed Food, Artificial Flavoring also Bio Engineerd Food back Then & Steroids in the Chicken Microwave food & Soy, Sugar,Salt & Everything 💯🤔

@nowsashayaway

@@cantgetrightlife also the fact that people back then walked more instead of driving everywhere

@daveh9551

A disturbing observation I noticed recently was how tall and slim people are over in the UK. Most of the food we got tasted so different that the guys complained. Real bread without all the chemicals is firm. Juice, sodas, and cereal have real sugar in it. I actually lost 15 lbs in a few months just by a change in diet. The food is doing it to us for sure.

@DaveKarl

7:02 - that little girl moves with more soul in those 3 seconds...than I've moved with in my entire life.

@wavester46

55yr old white Australian person here. Thanks African -American people for Blues, Jazz, Rock n Roll, Funk, Hip Hop and beyond. The world would be a darker place without all that.

@jamescherenfant4852

SALUTE MR. JOHN!!!!

@MrVdurrell

So true. Happy to be a African American soul singer myself

@gregorylagrange

The world would actually be lighter. Or does nobody else see the joke in that?

@thegrandcanyonisegypt2489

Hey John👏
Good ta see ya
American Soul brought
me here
the kids need to study this amazing stitch in time💯

@studid55

@@gregorylagrange i c u




:D

@birdhead73

When he said "Ain't I clean?" I near bout fell out. Lord the 70s were something else

@michellemason8498

I went to this concert ,I was 12 years and now I am 56. the good old days.

@mysterstclaire7243

If u kno the lady n that red dress tell her she a winner lol

@mrblomax1

Michelle Mason where was this concert?

@bonnieroberts555

Lucky
It looks like a great concert :)

@demetriusdion286

@@mrblomax1 , The Los Angeles Coliseum 1972. It was advertised and promoted on KGFJ radio station as: "The One Dollar Concert." Staxs Record charged only $1.00 per person. That's right, one buck.

@billytheweasel

No ticketmaster...@@demetriusdion286

@dashaunsimmons7049

Such a beautiful people. I see nothing but magic in human form.

@sandijohnson4630

I was 14. On the list of the best concerts I've ever been to.

@robambrose4199

I am well jell. I got to see the Ramones at Brixton Academy when I was about 14, so it's not all bad.

@flamingvans1135

For some reason lost to history, he was not invited on the '67 Stax European Tour or to the Monterey Pop Festival that same year. But for Rufus Thomas, revenge was a dish best served cold. After the dissolving of Atlantic Records' distribution deal with Stax and the loss of everything they had done up to that time, his recordings of "The Breakdown", the "Funky Chicken" and the "Funky Robot" brought Stax much needed revenue. He was the unquestioned star of Wattstax, both the live concert and the movie. And with those pink hot pants and white go-go boots, he was CLEAN. There are second acts in American life.

@sheldontaylor2002

Yes sir

@calvinrhodes9817

This is when "we" were "us"
One word = beautiful

@kennethburruss4488

When Black was really Beautiful! We owed it! Just GOOD fun, turn the clock and let's just enjoy ourselves again.

@johnf120

Man Rufus Thomas was 55 years old and confident as hell. 0:49 I aspire to be half that cool at his age ... charisma and talent off the charts.

@brucesmith1754

That's when black people were a third of the population of L.A. now its barely 7%. Gentrification targeted black people so they would have difficulty controlling areas of major cities. I'm glad I am old enough to have experienced some of this growing up. I think it is more heartbreaking to have seen how great is was and now what it has become. I dont want to be nostalgic, we need to rebuild again.

@mallbird1096

we strong in atl thi

@mallbird1096

tho

@autumnmoon8788

I agree with you. I live in L.A.

@kaydenpat

Never heard of Wattstax before.  Looks like people were getting down and having fun.  

@chigjuanspartacus2822

This is probably one the best live performances I have ever seen. This old guy ROCKED! the crowd. He is no doubt a legend,

@71grayghost

Damn ! I 💘 love my Black People.
This shows you what a Proud Race of people look like .
One day we'll be back together like this again maybe not in this life time But GOD has something Special in store for his people...LOVE , FAMILY , FRIENDS , PEACE , and Everlasting Happiness...

@lynnjames6629

Beautiful time, beautiful people. 💯🥰

@zoltankovacs8780

Girl in red dress fill the rhythm.so real..Great show!!!

@MrIrrepressible

people living during that time probably didnt realise that they were living in the best musical period this world has to offer, I dont think music will be as good as this again in this world

@andreeduenheuft7204

I never recovered from this,since seeing IT the first time.
The Man,the Outfit ,the music and His commanding Stage presence...Funked Up and Furious!! Thank you Black People! From some Whitie from Germany

@jerryj920

Mar.26th: Happy birthday R&B-Funk-Soul-Blues Singer-Dancer Rufus C. Thomas Jr. (1917-2001) Grammy Hall of Fame, Rhythm & Blues Foundation Pioneer Award, ASCAP Lifetime Achievement Award, Blues Hall of Fame. Thank you and God bless. RIP. Thanks for the upload, ianwoodsman. Blessings

@brotherlou-e

all their outfits are amazing ☺and they dancing like crazy. 😁They all look so happy

@myqueenimagivemydumassopin6841

Wow!!!! So beautiful....look at our ppl having real good times!!!! The beautiful 70s...beautiful times...

@greenbird183

2:40 oh my 😋 she's beautiful.. 7:06 little mama killing it.. she's so cute 8:37 her outfit is cute. She's killing it 9:26 best part whole video 😵

@larose6551

The sister in the red polka dot dress is EVERYTHING 🔥

@sheldontaylor2002

Yes! She is rocking the skimmers outfit

@autumnmoon8788

She is wearing a Sizzler dress outfit. My Auntie had a dress just like that in the late 60's or early 70's when I was a little kid.

@Psergiorivera

Now this is pure 100% joy.

@rahlohmcdonogh280

Pablo Sergio Rivera Today's kids have been poisoned!!

@altonweatherfordsr.7562

RUFUS ASKED ---AIN'T IM CLEAN?

@solinspired4428

We've fallen a long ways since these times of unity.

@shagw4286

I was at the concert, and oh what a day. We had a fantastic time. So many of us able to come together and party.

@castortroykrb

For R&B/SOUL Executive's in AMERICA..........You don't have to look like a perfect Male/Female runway MODEL in order to sing ! This is PURE talent at it's BEST !

@dme1016

100,000 people being fully entertained by live...LIVE music. No computerized, digital entities ANYWHERE! The Bar Kay's - and ALL the entertainers, speakers, attendees, crew, etc... have my full respect for the job they did at this concert. 100,00 people were there to party & have a good time...and they did!!All with no violence to speak of. It will never be duplicated.

@TheBlkac1

Look at how beautiful we are.
I wish that we had this kind of love today among us black people! all our women looking so beautiful and natural!

@jesusislord3321

YES!!!!!

@jimcornish22

From this white man's perspective, 100% yes!!

@_thevaporz

This is where I want to be. Watts STAX Can you imagine 70K people gettin' funky wit it? The party really starts at 5:00 and everybody rushes the stage. Everybody and their family/friends/crew starts getting down! Thank you for youtube and all this footage of old concerts there are tons of mixes to blend into this one and keep the beat drops PEACE

@williedynamyte

How can anyone watch this and not be entertained.

@ritarichardson6222

Nothing but fun, fun, fun, no fighting, no guns shooting, just lots of dancing and having a good damn time❤👍🏾✅

@thirsty57

There definitely was fighting. The crips was there fighting and robbing niggas. My gpop was there

@donaldfrierson743

Sister looked beautiful in the Fro's. Wish they would come back. 70's a great period especially for music

@jamesdelisco

That's true American culture

@sheilanunley6141

Real shit, Afros every where.

@markyturner

if I had one wish to go to any concert in the whole of history, this would be the one.

@melodysanger103

TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY
50 YEARS AGO TODAY (August 20, 1972):

Wattstax was held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in California. The benefit concert, organized by Stax Records, was held in remembrance and awareness of the 7th anniversary of the 6-day Watts
The concert was released on film a year later.
[08/20/2022]

@thejazzman210

With all of the bullsh*t that's going on today, I almost forgot just how much fun we used to have. I'm not one to talk about the "good old days" too much, but damn, I miss the good old days.

@adriennerobinson1180

thejazzman210 NO I NEVER FORGOT THE GREAT TIMES WE HAD GROWING UP. NEVER

@561REALTLK

the truth is they jumped the fence cause they needed room to boogie. this was fun to watch

@roosevelt365

Watching this video touches my heart, beautiful black people just having fun. It's we can't be like that today. DAMN!

@ramonahaygood5590

NOW THAT'S A PARTY. GO RUFUS. BREAKDOWN & THE FUNKY CHICKEN. REMEMBER BOTH OF THOSE DANCES. GO RUFUS. YEA U WERE CLEAN.

@CHASE0001VB

OMFG Polka Dots 😍😍😍!!!

@dewaynewilson5970

My people my people my people..... was having a good time ...... yesssss .love it.....

@walklett

This is one of the most incredible videos I've ever seen and that is not an exaggeration... the music, the stage presence, the people dancing, and those boots holy shit. Not sure who put the video together but the footage is great.

@GarudaMan9

This is a segment from a concert movie called WATTSTAX (1973), that chronicles the 1972 Watts Music Festival. It should be available on VOD and DVD.

@gilbertorojas5157

What a beautiful era

@kaharold

Rufus Thomas Entrance Was Everything !!

@Tmuk2

Amazing. If people climbed a fence to dance on the pitch nowadays they'd all get teargassed and beaten. We live in shitty times.

@shannonharris3577

Yesssss This was Absolutely the best times of our lives.  Everyone was getting along at the concert and in our own Neighborhoods!!! The70's were he BEST!!!!

@jogmas12

Shannon Harris yeah but I remember in 1977 I was going in the military and the recruiter drove us down a busy residential street in L.A. and for blocks on end I saw brothers just chillin and hanging out outside their residences on the week day I think it was Tuesday during working hours I think the time was about 1 or 2 in the afternoon. I said what is up with this?

@adriennerobinson1180

Shannon Harris Yes

@keeppressing1760

Let the church say amen

@shirtlessGraveler305

Everyone is having a good time , those days many folks danced and stayed in shape , no shooting or trouble going on , like one big dance party , simpler times and good music ✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

@shemekadavis351

Here we are in 2017 people would have ran down to the stage looking in the artist face Worshipping them. People rush out just to dance. Love it good old times.

@BornWin-rx4wq

When black people.... LOVED EACH OTHER...

@lejonleonard5623

Born2Win 316 those days are long gone.

@PRESSHAM7883

That is definitely the truth!! Black people use to love one another and stick together but now they're just crabs in a bucket and don't want shit out of life. Where did my people go wrong...😔

@unique74muzik

gang bangin' was very real..but no crack.. LA native...

@unique74muzik

there was a code of ethics..

@dve5167

Now black ppl act like they scared of each other

@christopheralsobrook9698

When I see this, it let's me know how long I been enyjoying  concerts. I can remember like yesterday. I was 12 years old when my aunt Terry took me to the Los Angeles Coliseum to see the Watts Stax concert. Great Times...

@bradr1913

That man has been blessed with more spiritual power then one man could have. Thank you Rufus your spirit lives on.

@xcourveneauxv645

beautiful to see what we use to have. I remember my mother and father during those times my dad was a agriculture contractor life was great, fast, and fun. I'm glad I got a chance to experience that

@Redro1982

RED DRESS, RED DRESS- That is someone's grandmother, she was doin' it!!! AND THE POP AND LOCKERS!!!!

@firengi.hesimova6073

Redro1982

@davidval7188

Redro1982 love that your probebly. Right. The way she was moving she inspired alot of procreation.

David Val idiot

@nola305

Those 'sizzler' skirts was HOT back in those days!!!!!

@noahchibangu5

In a retirement home lol

@Multi1628

~ Carla's Dad really brightened the 60s and 70s with his fun dance jams on the Stax label. R.I.P. Rufus Thomas ~ Cheers, DAVEDJ ~

@garrisonthad

here's a 50 something year old rocking a crowd of 20 somethings. Sadly today 20 year olds only listen to other 20 year musicians, They are missing something,

@MrIrrepressible

so true

@judgewilliams1001

Sho you're right!!!

@inspirationalpostbyleverso6263

GREAT POINT

@markchampagnie9401

God bless all those who were there....from 🇬🇧🇯🇲🇨🇺🇬🇭🇺🇲💯❤️

@viralbuthow000

He was 54 here.  Still reached people of all ages

@andrewrodriguez7727

The Lord know who u is. PREACH!!

@grandma4557

Right! So many ppl they look like specs, and yet everyone is so peaceful & joyous WOW

@brmbkl

@@grandma4557 - that big ole grin in the beginning though. he knew he was still on it.

@grandma4557

@@brmbkl 😂😂 right
"AINT I CLEAN" 😂

@hgaston66

The World's Oldest Teenager! Rufus Thomss!

@JBING813

Black Unity at its finest.. God bring it back, I say please bring it back. Bless up everybody. ☝💃👯

@lodisdinwiddie1509

We bring it back by rearing our children the right way, and taking them to church. That is what is missing in our families today. Everybody pitched in and raised these kids.

@barrybestsong8644

Absolutely fan of the music. Everybaody dancing with beautiful smile and clap the hands. it's legendary moment!!!

@zhakreayounes5883

The 1970s were the funk era.I love it when people enjoy themselves & forget their troubles 4 few hours.
Black people were & are superior 2 none blacks.We will overcome our struggles when we unite.
Viva blacks people.

@youlemur

This is one of the most positive videos I have seen in a long long time. The music itself ... just makes my body move, it's perfect ... but the video - seeing so many people get down and have a good time, all those smiling faces and killer dancing styles, plus the field takeover - it sends chills down my spine. I have been coming back to this vid for monhts and it always cheers me up.

@bunkydunk7500

Me too!!!! For many months!

@rustyshimstock8653

Yes. And the clothes, too!

@monicasuzette

That's the way LA used to be... I was a little kid and I was there!!

@kano3030

I didn't see no light skin BLACK PEOPLE or babies ! This is when BLACK PEOPLE has BLACK skin ! 😂

@adictiveadictive

ONE TRUE GOD
Lol

@lorenzbeaumacc1175

But let's not act as if gangs were not already operating in full effect in LA at that time. Come on now

@lorenzbeaumacc1175

​@@kano3030ur comment is trash respectfully. Lightskinned folks been around smh

@mindingmybusiness75

I was born in 1975 but i still smile watching this. Im sure it eas a great time to be of age going to this event. 2024 this song will never get old.

@demetriusdion286

Confunction is the group that is backing up Mr. Rufus Thomas. Yeah, Love Train Confunction.

@jerrythomas7379

That little girl in the purple didn't let the adults have all the fun. She was doing the funky chicken. A great treat for family fun.

@what9443

+Jerry Thomas I was there and I still remember it like it was yesterday, especially Rufus Thomas. I was 12 and it really was fun for all ages. Every now and then I watch this video to reminisce.

@5TailFox

She was so cool with it, too...lol..

@shisley4

That was more like me back then.When I was little, I loved to dance :-)!!

@jjenniferbrown4766

Yes I thought the little girl was getting it too. So innocent!!

@Harlem139Convent1

Jerry Thomas she was going in hard!!

@YosoyIman

I love this music. Thanks from Spain.

@CC-fi3pp

I was in that field watching Rufus like he was God, I was only 6 years old, I'm 56 now.

@starmenfrom_planet_x4508

The woman dancing in the red dress is simply smoking hot!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gzzz I am in love!

@LydgiaOfHarlem

WattStax is an awesome film.  I watch the DVD at least twice a year as a reminder of the unity, great music and stirring political times of the era.

@pattifanalwayz

My parents were there

@inacioaprigio

hou are you? nos anos 73 rufus thomas e james brown eram as maiores feras do soul aqui no brazil.

@iljinjong1650

Would love to see the whole movie.

@kobie1585

....i remember my dad had the double album written on the front: WATTSTAX , THE LIVING WORD

@kingbee1500

Kids...watch all these REAL musicians behind Rufus Thomas! And those dancers-man, those were the days!

@Oysterfeather

My Dear, Departed friend, Brother "Robbie" Elijah Robinson and I used to listen to this gentleman lay it on down!!! I miss you still Robbie!

@jboogiestreams

This video just proves that life is too short and precious to be taken so seriously. Everyone needs to have more fun like they are having here i love it. Music is something so powerful and when used in the right way can bring so much happiness into the world

@kilimandjaromusic

Beautiful Afro haircuts!

@Sunnygirlm171

😆

@sandechoir

they looks so sexy

@keithy363

kilimandjaromusic not rufus though 😂 but he fly as !

@williammason475

yesss  that sistah in the red dress is very beautiful. GOSHOMIGHTY, she can make a hard rock smile

@danozmanforbes7308

she had me memorized no joke. No doubt could be my grandmother but Lord of mercy they could dance 😎😁

@DD-ou1we

William Mason I CAN DIG IT.

@DD-ou1we

And I'm a 80's kid and i ain't just buttering up to the OG'S

@Phioletovii

she´s got eternal beauty.... I wonder who she is

@endofanage223

NO WEAVES??? THANK GOD!!!

@bobdonovan34

Every family has an Uncle Rufus

@bigpoppa3866

I love my people!!!

@KonataC

LOL on 6:13 when everybody runnin into the field one guy just couldn't resist the urge to start busting out an unending series back to back splits

@cantgetrightlife4427

Konata213 yeah man dude wasn't playing

@seankolednik8860

What a pity I was only 5 years old and in Australia when this concert happened. What a total blast. Such an awesomely funky scene. 'Do the Breakdown'!!!!

@petersdotter41

Wow! So wonderful! Happiness and pure dancejoy! 😊😄❤

@sugarfreechocolate

One of the pioneers of funk and soul. You could put this music on right now and 20 years from now and have a good time!

@KoolCrushQ

Where are the good times like that these days.Wish I was liven back in dem days.

@williambevis218

Rufus T was a great performer. He knew how to work the crowd. And yes...he was clean as he wanted to be.

@Mohamed-yp9fv

Happy and beautiful people. When humans love each other. Let's make those days come back today.