At 2:44 she takes this song over and shows it who’s its new boss is.

At 2:59 she backs up everything Billy Preston says about her.

Someone once asked me to define authenticity. My reply was, “tweed.”

We have preconceived notions of what authenticity is. It’s an image we have. It’s a type of person. It’s brushstroke. It’s a passage. It’s a presence. It’s a belief. It’s a truth and a falsehood. And if it was a fabric, it would be tweed.

Authenticity is a funny thing. People put it on a pedestal. Rightfully so. Authenticity is to be respected and appreciated and even aspired to (if you have to actually make the effort - is it authentic?).

But as much as we praise and preach it, someone can be an authentic asshole, too. Still though… if it’s real, it’s authentic.

That said, I roll with the positive vibes. Authenticity is a truth when it’s undeniable and moves people to do good, to feel good, to believe in the power of goodness and how it can move people and to be moved to move others.

That’s what’s happening during this Aretha Fillmore gig. In 1971 Aretha at the Fillmore was a breakthrough for her as an artist, for the Fillmore to bring Soul to its rock and roll audience and for the harmony of the scene during turbulent times.

Look at the set list. She’s not patronizing the crowd with the rock and roll covers. She’s extending a hand and herself to say, “hey, I can make the effort, I can show up and be one.” But she also says, “but I’m doing it my way and I’m going to convert you and deliver you to another place just by being who I am.”

She does it with her voice which is not just an extension of her, but of where she comes from and the experiences that shaped her to shape notes and shape perspectives.

Authentic.

Not contrived. Not mailed in. Not a con job.

Listen to this legendary live album for the music, stay for the real-deal feel that Aretha delivers and that the crowd is obviously receiving.

Post Script

In music, in regards to singers, who has a truly authentic voice? By that I mean who sings not just like they sound by as who they truly are.

Lots of singers try to sound like someone else - sing with a Southern or British accent or sound punk. Cheesecloth. We see right through that shit with our minds and our hearts, let alone ears.

Who sings as their true authentic self - with an ingrained authenticity that isn’t contrived or performed?

My top three: Aretha, Levon Helm, Willie and the Big O.

Post Post Script

My fave part of this performance is the woman who yells out, “c’mon ‘Retha,” at 0:58. That woman is feeling it. She’s feel the vibe. She feels Aretha’s presence. She’s feeling what’s about to be laid down. 

And Aretha hasn’t even sung a note yet. 

Goddamn right.