Instant Classic: John Legend, The Roots and Jennifer Hudson on Vocals Performing Walter Hawkins “Be Grateful”

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by Lamar Tyler | on September 30th, 2010 | 15 comments

If you didn’t get the memo when Dreamgirls was out Jennifer Hudson is the truth! Re grateful for your marriage and your life while still working to make it better.

Let this song serve as a reminder:

“Be Grateful – Becuase there’s someone else who’s worse off than you.
Be Grateful – Because there’s someone else who’d love to be in your shoes.”

BMWK family, what do you think of this version of Be Grateful? Would it make you stand up in church? Is Jennifer Hudson the best American Idol ever? If not then who is?

About the author

Lamar and Ronnie Tyler are the creators of the award-winning blog BlackandMarriedWithKids.com . They also are behind the Amazon.com bestselling DVDs Happily Ever After: A Positive Image of Black Marriage, You Saved Me and Men Ain’t Boys that explores manhood in the African American community. The Tylers are also the proud parents of four children.

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Comments (15)

norma Friday - 01 / 10 / 2010 Reply

I am really not sad at all to say this, but the truth shall set you free. Jennifer Hudson is the best American Idol so far, and she did not even win. Jhud was unfairly voted off, and it would have been such as honor to see Jen and Tasia go head to head against one another. I honestly feel it would have been a very different story. Jennifer Hudson the best female vocalist in the business today hands down.
Delano Friday - 01 / 10 / 2010 Reply

I like Jennifer Hudson as a vocalist...but to hear her sing this song after losing her mom, brother, and nephew is a testament to God's ability to comfort us in our time of greatest need...wow
mochazina Friday - 01 / 10 / 2010 Reply

this is one of my favorite songs in the first place, so i'd prolly stand based on the words alone! LOL musically - they didn't do the fast part justice.
Jay Friday - 01 / 10 / 2010 Reply

This song is sung with lots of talent, however without the ANNOINTING the essence of this beautiful song is lost. This song was written by the late Walter Hawkins to bring glory to God, not man...
Steve Friday - 01 / 10 / 2010 Reply

Wow...what a performance...J.Hudson is one the best out there period...!! 5 outta 5...www.rhythm-hub.com
zC Friday - 01 / 10 / 2010 Reply

How do we know the ANOINTING wasn't present? Just because it sounds a little different? And I didn't see this performance as her or anybody in the band glorifying any woman or man just because they performed it instead of somebody else, where it may have been performed at or who might have been in attendance. The anointing follows the decisions that an individual makes. We can't tell what prompted her or the band to perform that song but surely it was a blessing to all that experienced it live or are experiencing it now online, right? The difference from the original that we are hearing is an interpretation, not the lack of the presence of the Holy Spirit. Certainly, just my humble opinion.
Mekaj99 Saturday - 02 / 10 / 2010 Reply

I remember hearing this in my house all the time growing up when my mama played her records while she cleaned. It still gives me tingles, and J-Hud is the truth!!!
Ss54 Saturday - 02 / 10 / 2010 Reply

I think this is great, but Ledisi killed it!
Ss54 Saturday - 02 / 10 / 2010 Reply

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG5McDSV8o8
Ss54 Saturday - 02 / 10 / 2010 Reply

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG5McDSV8o8
Ann Yvonne Saturday - 02 / 10 / 2010 Reply

The song is a true Gospel classic. There isn't a voice like Walter Hawkins.....However, I think this was a great attempt at the song. The background singers in the beginning were slightly off the chord, but Jennifer and John did a good job. Jennifer is great, but Fantasia is by far the best person to have sung that song. Jennifer's ad libs were missing(in this version). Possibly in the Live session she may have done a better job, but Fantasia would have been awesome!!!
no comment Sunday - 03 / 10 / 2010 Reply

I LOVE BOTH Fantaisa and J Hud they are the best AIdols them heffas can SANG all day and night long! Let the church say AMEN!
Jenise Bradshaw Monday - 04 / 10 / 2010 Reply

I would definitely stand up in church for this one. Jennifer can blow hard and I love here.
Jenise Bradshaw Monday - 04 / 10 / 2010 Reply

I agree with you about Fantasia. lol, I did think something was off in the beginning.
Edward Saturday - 09 / 10 / 2010 Reply

Agreed. The Holy Spirit is not "really" on that song like it is supposed to be.