Rest in Peace, Etta James. An amazing woman. Here is the late singer performing an incredible version of “I’d Rather Go Blind” with Dr. John. 

Youtube Gold: Al Green broke his arm in 1974, put the busted arm in a silk sling, and proceeded to put on some absolutely amazing performances! Here’s the Reverend Green appearing on Soul Train, belting out “Here I Am (Come and Take Me)”. 

Youtube Gold: Ronnie Lane taking over lead vocals as the Faces perform “Richmond” at the Top of the Pops in 1971. 

I’m waitin’ here in New York City, the rain is falling.
There’s no one who cares, there’s no one who loves me here.

Youtube Gold: Nina Simone performing an impassioned, and slightly angry, version of “How it Feels to Be Free” live in 1976. 

Youtube Gold: Van Morrison performing his jazzy take on Dylan’s “Just Like a Woman” live in San Francisco in ‘74. Excellent way to ease into a hectic morning. 

Youtube Gold: The Stones performing “Honky Tonk Women” in Hyde Park in 1969, their first performance with Mick Taylor. 

Youtube Gold: Soul sweetie-pie Curtis Mayfield performing his hit “Superfly” (from the film of the same name) live in 1973. It’s so adorable to listen to him trying to sing tough lyrics.  

Youtube Gold: Listen, I’m no die-hard Bruce Springsteen fan, but he may be the only man alive to make a song with an accordian in it sound this sexy. He is driving the audience absolutely crazy; I can only imagine how many NJ ladies are fainting in the crowd during this performance (especially with all that butt-shaking)!

Youtube Gold: In honor of Neil Young turning 66 today, here is some angry 80’s footage of “Keep On Rockin’ in the Free World”. You can tell how old this video is because Bruce Willis has hair. Warning: video contains tons of stomping around in slashed jeans. 

Youtube Gold: The Band rolling through “The Shape I’m In” from the Last Waltz. Richard Manuel’s face when the spotlight hits him, his blazer, Robbie Robertston’s ego, everything in this video is amazing. 

Youtube Gold: Ok, it’s a horrible slow rainy day, so here is some serious Gold: Led Zeppelin tearing through “Misty Mountain Hop” at Madison Square Garden 1973. Not only is this live version killer, but the cinematography is amazing, plus footage from fans. Also, watching Page play in slow motion (starting around 2:40) is incredible. This is from the rock doc How The West Was Won, which I’ve watched so many times there are holes in the DVD. 

Youtube Gold: Janis Joplin wailing out “Ball & Chain” live at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. At 3:25 you’ll notice an absolutely stunned Mama Cass, staring up at Janis with her mouth open, amazed. 

Youtube Gold: Ray Charles singing “Ring of Fire” on the Johnny Cash show in 1970. It’s safe to say this video will change your life.

Yotube Gold: Some southern blues for ya; the Marshall Tucker Band performing “Can’t You See” live in ‘73