Live Soul Music

The Voices Of East Harlem

2011-11-28T08:38:00.000-08:00

"Right On Be Free" 1972
Live show recorded at Sing Sing Prison.
The Voices Of East Harlem were formed in 1969 Harlem, New York City, early members were; Gerri Griffin (lead vocals), Monica Burress (lead vocals), Bernard Graham, Wayne Garfield, Jerome Mack, Elaine Clark, Cynthia Sessions, Kevin Griffin and Claudia Moore.

Their 1970 Electra album 'Right On Be Free' featured contributions from Ralph McDonald on congas and Richard Tee on keyboards. The recent CD release of this album contains more social aware stuff that they were probably frightened to put out at the time. In fact I'd say the best stuff was left off the album so buying the re-issue is a must! This song though was a gift from above for the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers, coming out while Angela Davis was also in the news fighting her a court case. Even I had the black fist logo on my disco speakers at this time!

The Full 80 min show

The Voices a mostly, 20-member ensemble whose ages ranged from 12 to 21 can be seen in this footage to be very keen to entertain and put the message over to the mainly black inmates. They next worked with producers Leroy Hutson and Curtis Mayfield on their recordings for the Just Sunshine Records label. The UK remembers them for Leroy Hutson's song/production 'Cashing In' from a 1973 album 'The Voices Of East Harlem', it was a crossover Northern soul hit and could be heard at UK clubs regularly. I thought I remembered DJ 'Pep, playing it but now I look back (thanks DK!!) it was Jerry Williams 'If You Ask Me'' that he launched, similar tempo!

Some fifteen years later also released from 'The Voices.." album was 'Wanted Dead Or Alive', on the Low Fat Vinyl label in 1988.

The footage of B.B. King that follows this in the full show is the best I've seen of him. His lyrics connect with the prison audience and they are with him on every line of some of his big songs. Joan Bias is also in this show and sings about 'Burning the place down' I'm surprised a riot didn't ensue! Thanks to Dave Krynski for finding this priceless clip on YouTube, now watched by over 25,000 people.

Details about the full show are found here: https://www.createspace.com/204634

Impressions with poet Clifton Davis

2010-03-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

The Impressions - 'This Is My Country'

Live poetry with Clifton Davis from the black TV show 'Soul' in 1970.

The group were formed in Chicago in 1957 and originally known as the Roosters, this group comprised Jerry Butler, Curtis Mayfield, Sam Gooden , and brothers Richard Brooks and Arthur Brooks. Mayfield and Butler first met in the choir of the Travelling Soul Spiritualists Church, from where they formed the Modern Jubilaires and Northern Jubilee Singers.

The two teenagers then drifted apart, and while Mayfield was involved in another group, the Alphatones, Butler joined Gooden and the Brooks brothers in the Roosters. Mayfield was subsequently installed as their guitarist. Dubbed the Impressions by their manager, the group's first single for Abner/Falcon, "For Your Precious Love", was a gorgeous ballad and a substantial hit, reaching number 11 in the U!S pop chart in June 1958. The label credit, which read "Jerry Butler And The Impressions", caused internal friction and the two sides split after one more release, "Come Back My Love". While Butler's solo career gradually prospered, that of his erstwhile colleagues floundered. He and Mayfield were later reconciled on Butler's 1960 single "He Will Break Your Heart', the success of which (and of other Mayfield-penned songs) rekindled the Impressions" career.

Signed to ABC-Paramount Records in 1961, they had a US number 20 hit with the haunting "Gypsy Woman". Subsequent releases were less well received until "It's All Right" (1963) soared to number 1 in the R&B chart and to number 4 in the pop chart. The group was now a trio of Mayfield, Gooden and Fred Cash, and their rhythmic harmonies were set against Johnny Pate's stylish arrangements. Magnificent Top 20 singles ? including "I'm So Proud", "Keep On Pushing", "You Must Believe Me" (all 1964) and "People Get Ready" (1965) ? showed how Mayfield was growing as an incisive composer, creating lyrical songs that were alternately poignant and dynamic. During this period the Impressions had what was to be their last US pop Top 10 hit, "Amen", which was featured in the Sidney Poitier movie Lilies Of The Field.

Mayfield then set up two short-lived record companies, Windy C in 1966, and Mayfield in 1967. However, it was the singer's third venture, Curtom Records, that proved most durable. In the meantime, the Impressions had emerged from a period when Motown Records had provided their prime influence. "You've Been Cheatin'" (1965) and "You Always Hurt Me" (1967), however good in themselves, lacked the subtlety of their predecessors, but represented a transition in Mayfield's musical perceptions. Statements that had previously been implicit were granted a much more open forum. "This Is My Country" (1968), "Mighty Mighty Spade And Whitey" (1969) and "Check Out Your Mind' (1970) were tougher, politically based performances, while his final album with the group, the quintessential Young Mods" Forgotten Story, set the framework for his solo work.

Willie Mitchell

2010-01-28T04:01:00.000-08:00

Willie Mitchell - '20/75 & Hitch Hike'
If ever Memphis had a theme sound, then this guy created it! As a teenager in the mid-60's I would collect all his singles and albums and was never disappointed. Although most records were saxophone driven instrumentals he actually played the trumpet!

My favortite tracks are the Northern soul classic; "The Champion", "That Driving Beat", "Everything's Gonna Be Alright", "Up-Hard" and "Mercy". A mod school friend at the time, Steve, put me on to this guy and to this day I thank him!

It was later I picked up on all the people he produced; Veniece Starks, Don Bryant, Ann Peebles and later in the 70's his biggest success came with Al Green. 'Hoss' Allen put him on his Nashville TV show, "The Beat!!!" in 1966 but sadly he only mimes/plays along here, but is the only footage I can find of him.

Sadly Willie Mitchell died in January 2010 aged 81, but had been producing right up to the end - Thanks for the great music

Zulema

2010-01-22T05:18:00.000-08:00

Zulema - Maybe I'm Amazed 1972

Nice Northern tempo track, penned by Paul McCartney from her debut 1972 Sussex album titled 'Zulema'. Looking great in her African attire and with nice backing band, she plays the piano too!

This compliments the Save the Children footage of 'This Child Of Mine', that she also performs at the WNET TV Show 'Soul'. She was also part of the duo Zalmac with Al McDowell on the small TSOB (The Sound Of Brooklyn) label in 1982.

Zulema Discography:

LP's
Zulema Sussex SXBX 7015 (1972)
Ms. Z Sussex SRA 8029 (1973)
Zulema RCA APL 1-0819 (1974)
RSVP RCA APL 1-1152 (1975)
Suddenly There Was You RCA APL1- 1423 (1976)
Z-Licious LeJoint LEJ 17000 (1978)
Best Of (RCA Years) Ichiban CD (1996)

Soundrtacks:
Save The Children Motown (1972)
Honey Baby, Honey Baby RCA (1975)

Singles:
This Child Of Mine/Don't Be Afraid Sussex 242 (1972)
Telling The World Goodbye/Tree Sussex 504 (1973)
Wanna Be Where You Are/No Time Next Time RCA PB 10116 (1974)
Hail, Hail, Hail America/Standing In The Back Row of Your Heart RCA 10246 ('76)
Just Look What You've Done/(long version) RCA 10406 (1976)
Half Of Your Heart/What Kind Of Person Are You RCA 10541 (1976)
I Love You Baby/Pity For The Children RCA 10704 (1976)
Hungry For Love/Suddenly There Was You RCA 10815 (1976)
Change/Hanging To A Memory LeJoint 5N 34001 (also on 12") (1978)
I'm Not Dreaming/You Got Somthing For Me LeJoint 5N 34002 (also on 12")('78)
A Mother Cries/Inst. TSOB TS-303 (1981)

Black Heat

2010-01-22T04:42:00.001-08:00

Black Heat - Street Of Tears - 1972

Black Heat was a 1970s funk band founded by King Raymond Green and discovered by Phillip Guilbeau. Their albums include Black Heat (with guest artist David "Fathead" Newman + shown in this clip), No Time To Burn and Keep On Runnin'.

The group had one hit single, "No Time to Burn", which reached #46 on the U.S. Billboard Black Singles chart. A CD re-issue of their first two albums was released by Label M in 2001 under the title, Declassified Grooves. They had recently appeared at a memorial concert for Joel Dorn their original producer at Atlantic Records. It was the first time they had reunited in over 34 years. Wikipedia

Members:
Johnell Gray - Keyboards, Vocals
Bradley Owens - Guitar, Vocals
Chip Jones - Bass Guitar,Vocals
King Raymond Green - Congas,Timbales,Harmonica and Vocals
Esco Cromer - Drums,Vocals
Ray Thompson - Woodswinds
Rodney Edwards - Trumpet
David 'Fathead' Newman - Saxophone

New Birth (Nite-Liters)

2010-01-20T13:49:00.000-08:00

New Birth (Nite-Liters) You Don't Have To Be Alone

In 1971, Bullock discovered a group from Detroit, Michigan called Love, Peace & Happiness which featured former Marvelettes singer Ann Bogan and brothers Leslie and Melvin Wilson. Finding that they had the spark that was missing from the New Birth ensemble, he paired them with the Nite-Liters and original members of New Birth, Londee Loren, Bobby Downs and Alan Frye.

In 1972, the reorganized group (as a seventeen-piece ensemble) hit the R&B top ten with their cover of Bobby Womack and The Valentinos' "I Can Understand It", which paved the way for the band's future success. By the time the song hit the stores, however, Ann left to devote time to her family, leaving Londee Loren as the sole female member. Due to a brief dispute with their management company, their next hit, "Until It's Time for You to Go" featured, instead of the group members, future Supremes member Susaye Greene as lead vocalist.

In 1974, the group issued their hit album, It's Been a Long Time, which spawned the hits including the title track and their cover of the psychedelic single "Wildflower", which became a top ten hit in the UK singles chart. After the release of their sixth RCA album, Comin' From All Ends, the group split from RCA, Fuqua and their management company and signed with Buddah.

New Birth's Buddah debut, Blind Baby, featured the group's only number-one R&B single, a cover of the Jerry Butler classic, "Dream Merchant". After the release of the 1977 album, Behold The Mighty Army, the Wilson brothers split from the group following in-fighting and growing tensions in the group.

The group returned in 1979 James Baker, Tony Chruchill and Austin Lander introduce Jerry Bell as their new lead vocalist with Platinum City and in 1982 with the I'm Back album. Leslie Wilson had left the group to replace Jeffrey Osborne in LTD. Jerry Bell left the group in 1981 to become the lead vocalist for Motown's Dazz Band.
The Wilsons toured with a new ensemble as New Birth in 1994, and released a few albums under the new name in the decade since. Drummer Robin Russell released a solo CD entitled Drum Beats in 2004.

Since the group's initial split, their songs have been covered from the likes of Jamie Foxx, who sampled their cover of "Wildflower" for his 2005 hit, "Unpredictable". R&B group Something for the People sampled their "It's Been a Long Time" for their 1996 hit, "My Love is the Shhh". Rap artist Lil' Wayne sampled "You Don't Have to Be Alone" from their self-titled album in his song "La La". - Wikipedia

Nite-Liters (New Birth)

2010-01-20T13:31:00.000-08:00

Nite-Liters - K-Jee (1972)
New Birth (originally The Nite-Liters) is an American funk and R&B band formed in Detroit, Michigan by former Motown songwriters and producers Vernon Bullock and Harvey Fuqua and music industry veteran Tony Churchill. The group is most notable for the hits "I Can Understand It", "It's Been a Long Time", "Wildflower" and "Dream Merchant" featured the Wilson brothers Melvin and Leslie, who sung lead on the group's most famed material

The history of the group starts with the instrumental outfit, The Nite-Liters which had originally been formed in 1963 in Louisville, Kentucky by Tony Churchill and Harvey Fuqua, and featured, in its heydey, besides Churchill on tenor sax and vibes, Charlie Hearndon on guitar, James Baker on keyboards, Robin Russell on drums, Robert "Lurch" Jackson on trumpet, Austin Lander on baritone sax, Leroy Taylor on bass, and, later, Carl McDaniel on guitar. (Earlier members included Johnny Graham, later of Earth, Wind & Fire).

Under this name the group had a few hits before the formation of New Birth proper. In 1969, Vernon Bullock had thought of creating an ensemble of groups for a touring company, and Harvey Fuqua and Tony Churchill soon took an interest. After discovering a male vocal group, The Mint Juleps, which featured Bobby Downs, Ron Coleman, Gary Young and an individual known as "Slim," and a female vocal group, known as The New Sound, which featured Londee Loren, Tanita Gaines, Janice Carter and Pam Swent, they brought them together with The Nite-Liters and additional vocalist, Alan Frye and called the newly formed ensemble New Birth. The band came together in 1970 with their self-titled debut on RCA. Their second album, Ain't No Big Thing, But It's Growing, yielded a minor hit with their cover of Perry Como's "It's Impossible", in 1971 -Wikipedia

Linda Hopkins

2010-01-18T05:22:00.000-08:00

Linda Hopkins - It's My Belief (1972)

She was born December 14th. 1924 as Melinda Helen Matthews in New Orleans, Louisiana, the second child of the Reverend Fred Matthews, Sr. and Hazel Smith. She grew up in the section of New Orleans known by the locals as "Gert Town" or "Zion City" which border Xavier University. Hopkins is an American blues and gospel singer, and actress.

Known as "Lil Helen Matthews" as a child, she was discovered at the age of eleven by Mahalia Jackson when she persuaded Jackson to perform at a fundraiser at her home church, St. Mark's Baptist Church. Lil Helen opened the children's fundraising program with a rendition of Jackson's gospel hit, God Shall Wipe Your Tears Away. Jackson was so impressed by Lil Helen's determination and talent that she arranged for Lil Helen to join the Southern Harp Spiritual Singers in 1936. Hopkins remained with the group for a decade.

She first saw Bessie Smith perform Empty Bed Blues at The New Orleans Palace Theatre in 1936. Hopkins greatly admired Smith and later won critical plaudits for her rendition of Smith in the 1959 theatrical presentation Jazz Train.

Matthews left New Orleans in the 1950s, and, in 1951, began performing at Slim Jenkin's Night Club in the Oakland/Richmond area. There she met Johnny Otis and Little Esther Phillips who created her stage name, Linda Hopkins. In 1952, Hopkins toured Hawaii and Japan for two years which included a stint with Louis Armstrong at The Brown Derby in Honolulu. She recorded for the Crystalette, Forecast, Federal and Atco labels and often appeared at The Apollo Theatre in Harlem.

In 1960, Hopkins first toured Europe in the production Broadway Express, the restaged production of Jazz Train. She recorded "Shake a Hand" with Jackie Wilson on the Brunswick label, which is her sole hit single ranking 21 on the R&B chart. She also attended Stella Adler's Acting School in New York City.

During the 1970s, Hopkins performed in the Broadway musical, Purlie, and with Sammy Davis, Jr. for nine months. In addition, she performed at one of President Jimmy Carter's inaugural balls. In 1972 she was awarded a Tony and Drama Desk Award for her performance in Inner City Blues. She has recorded classic, traditional, and urban blues, and performed R&B and soul, jazz, and show tunes, all with distinction and style.

Hopkins starred in Me and Bessie, a one-woman show paying homage to blues singer Bessie Smith, conceived and written by Hopkins and Will Holt. The world premiere was in Washington, D.C. in 1974. After a run in Los Angeles it transferred to the Ambassador Theatre on Broadway. The critically acclaimed show ran for 13 months and 453 performances, and Hopkins was nominated for the Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience.

In 1985, Black And Blue, written by Claudio Segovia and Hector Orezzoli, premiered in Paris at The Théâtre Musical Paris. The musical revue opened on Broadway in 1989 and ran for 829 performances. Linda received a Tony nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical. Wild Women Blues, conceived by Hopkins and produced by Mel Howard, premiered in Berlin in 1997. In 1998 Hopkins celebrated 50 years in show business.
In October 2005, Hopkins received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (wikipedia)

Jr. Walker and The All Stars

2009-08-28T09:14:00.001-07:00

What Does It Take (1988)

I've seen Jr. Walker live many times and this is the arangement of "What Does It Take" that he always performs live. I first recorded him at Barbarellas Club in Birmingham when we recorded an interview with him and taped the whole of his show on 'reel to reel'. Never thinking that video footage of him would turn up some 35 years later. He was a quiet speaking guy and very respectful to his fellow artistes and producers, Johnny Bristol in the case of this tune - I'm sure he's greatly missed.

Walker was born Autry DeWalt Mixon, Jr. in Blytheville, Arkansas and grew up in South Bend, Indiana. His saxophone style was the anchor for the band's overall sound. The other original members of the group were drummer Tony Washington, guitarist Willie Woods, and keyboardist Vic Thomas.

His career started when he developed his own band at the age of 14, in the mid 1950s as the 'Jumping Jacks'. His longtime friend Billy Nix (drummer) started his own group the 'Rhythm Rockers.' Periodically Nix would sit in on Jumping Jack's shows, and Walker would sit in on the Rhythm Rockers shows.

Nix obtained a permanent gig at a local TV station in South Bend, Indiana, and asked Walker to join him and his keyboard player (Fred Patton) permanently. Shortly after, Nix would asked Willie Woods a local singer to perform with the group; shortly after Woods would learn how to play guitar also. When Nix got drafted into the United States Army, Walker convinced the band to move from South Bend to Battle Creek, Michigan. While performing in Benton Harbor, Walker found a drummer Tony Washington, to replace Nix. Eventually, Fred Patton (piano player) left the group, and Victor Thomas stepped in.

The original name the 'Rhythm Rockers' was changed to the 'All Stars'. Walker's squealing gutbucket style was inspired by jump blues and early R&B, particularly players like Louis Jordan, Earl Bostic, and Illinois Jacquet. The group was spotted by Johnny Bristol, and he recommended them to Harvey Fuqua, in 1961, who had his own record labels. Once the group started recording on the Harvey label, their name was changed to Junior Walker & the All Stars. When Fuqua's labels were taken over by Motown's Berry Gordy, Jr. Walker & The All Stars became members of the Motown Records family, recording for Motown's Soul imprint in 1961.

The members of the band changed after the acquisition of the Harvey label. The drummer, Tony Washington quit the group, and James Graves followed the group into the Motown family. Their first and signature hit was "Shotgun", written by Junior Walker and produced by Berry Gordy. "Shotgun" reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, aka as the Pop chart, and #1 on the R&B chart in 1965, and was followed by many other hits, such as "(I'm A) Road Runner", "Shake and Fingerpop" and covers of the Motown tracks, "Come See About Me" and "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)". In 1966, Graves left and was replaced by old cohort Billy "Stix" Nicks, and Walker's hits continued apace with tunes like "I'm a Road Runner" and "Pucker Up Buttercup."

In 1969 the group had another hit enter the top 5, "What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)". A Motown quality control meeting rejected this song for single release but radio station DJs made the track popular, forcing Motown to release it as a single, whereupon it reached #4 on the Pop chart and #1 on the R&B chart. From that time on Walker sang more on the records than earlier in their career. He landed several more R&B Top Ten hits over the next few years, with the last coming in 1972.

In 1979, Junior Walker went solo and was signed to Norman Whitfield's Whitfield Records label. He was not as successful as he had been with the All Stars in his Motown period. Walker also played the sax on the group Foreigner's "Urgent" in 1981. The solo was actually cobbled together from tapes that he had made with the band. He later recorded his own version of the Foreigner song. In 1983, Walker was re-signed with Motown.

Junior Walker died on November 23, 1995 in Battle Creek, Michigan of cancer at the age of 64. He had been inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Foundation that year. Drummer James Graves died in 1967 in a car accident, and guitarist Willie Woods in 1997 at age 60. Junior Walker was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, in Battle Creek, MI., under his birthname of Autry DeWalt Mixon, Jr., as well as stage name. Jr. Walker's All Star Band is currently touring around the world with original members Tony Washington and Acklee King.

Walker's "Shotgun" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002. - Wikipedia

Peacock Records, Houston, Texas

2009-07-21T01:58:00.000-07:00

Live music is all about the raw Texas r&b sound of Peacock Records, black owned by Don Robey. Warning: If your a 'Modern soul' fan only look away now! Set up in 1949 Peacock was was a Houston label named after Robie's Bronze Peacock gambling club. He also later took over Duke records in Memphis that had been founded in 1952. Other labels he owned was Back Beat (f.1957) and the Sure-Shot. Peacock also released over a 100 gospel singles in it's prime (1955-65 with Song Bird being launched also in 1963). Many gospel tracks were later re-issued in the 1990's.

Vi Campbell - Seven Doors - Peacock
(saxophone at end sounds like a raging elephant)

The labels had their own distinct sound until about late '66 when outside producers must have lent a hand. You can hear this on the later Bobby Williams songs, sounding like Detroit's Mike Terry was in there. Peacock though 'owned' the blues in the 50's and ruled 'r&b' in the 60's as far as I'm concerned! In these 64 recordings there is only two tambourines found! (on Roy head), and stings only used sparsely, onc being Sandra Kay Tucker (aka Saundray Tucker, aka Cindy Scott) song. So unlike Berry Gordy's Motown sound they didn't like to sweeten the productions into a lesser soulful more pop sound.

Don Robie's catch phrase was: "If it's not a hit, I'll eat my hat" - photo: Houston '57 by Benny Joseph.

Many of the following tunes have made it big on the UK Northern soul scene over the years, the 'hard r&b' sound peaking in the late 1990's, the double sided 45's have fetched £150+ ($400). The UK Action label released it's own singles and albums compilations in the late 60's and some tracks are also found on the UK Soul City label. Over the years ABC, MCA & now Universal have owned the masters but never have they put out a quality set like I've made for myself (inspired by the live Bobby Bland footage).

Ace/Kent UK came close in 1988 with the 'Sure-Shots' 16 track vinyl album. If you have just started collecting this stables output then if you start searching the following tracks you won't go far wrong. There is only one ballad here and that's Jean Stanback's 'I Still Love You' and that was one of Dave Godin's, a Blues & Soul writer's top tracks. He also put out a Back Beat track on his own record label, Shirley Lawson's 'One more Chance' Soul City 108.

01 bobby bland - turn on your love light duke lp - 1962
02 bud harper - wherever you were peacock 1932 - 1964
03 melvin carter - teacher of love peacock 1934 - 1964
04 buddy ace - true love money can't buy duke 381 - 1964
05 joe hinton - there ought to be a law back beat 540 - 1965
06 little frankie lee - i gotta come back peacock 1935 - 1965
07 don fletcher - two wrongs (don't make a right) peacock 1937b - 1965
08 bud harper - mr soul peacock 1939a - 1965
09 bud harper - let me love you peacock 1939b - 1965
10 james davis - ain't it great duke 392 - 1965
11 buddy ace - it's gonna be me duke 397 - 1966
12 junior parker - why do you make me cry duke 406 - 1966
13 shirley lawson - one more chance back beat 567 - 1966
14 vi campbell - seven doors peacock 1940 - 1966
15 bobby bland - i ain't my self anymore duke 412 - 1966
16 jeanette williams - all of a sudden back beat 568 - 1966
17 jeanette williams - something got a hold on me back beat 587 - 1967
18 bobby bland - gettin used to the blues duke 421 - 1967
19 john roberts & the hurricanes - cold hearted woman duke 417 - 1967
20 little eddie taylor - i had a good time peackock 1949 - 1967
21 o.v. wright - i can't believe backbeat lp - 1968
22 jean stanback - if ever i needed love peacock 1958b - 1968
23 the lamp sisters - a woman withe the blues duke 427b - 1968
24 minnie epperson - grab your cloths peacock 1960 - 1968
25 john roberts - to be my girl duke 429 - 1968
26 the lamp sisters - you caught me napping duke 439 - 1968
27 pauletette parker - gimme back (my love) duke 451 - 1968
28 al 'tnt' braggs - i like what your doing to me peacock 1962- 1968
29 carl carlton - comitition ain't nothing back beat 588 - 1968
30 joe hinton - got you on my mind back beat 594 - 1968
31 o.v. wright - ace of spades back beat 615 - 1970
32 bobby bland - yum yum tree duke 466 - 1971
33 rhonda davis - can you remember duke 473 - 1972

01 sandra kay tucker - I got a good thing peacock 1926 - 1963
02 otis rush - homework -duke 356 - 1963
03 roy head - treat her right back-beat 546 - 1965
04 o.v. wright - poor boy back-beat 551 - 1965
05 jeanette williams - you didn't know then back-beat 556 - 1965
06 bobby williams - when you play you gotta pay sure shot 5013 - 1965
07 bobby williams - it's all over sure shot 5013 - 1965
08 bobby adeno - the hands of time back-beat 552 - 1965
09 the malibus - gee baby (i love you) sure shot 5028 - 1966
10 little frankie lee - i gotta come back peacock 1935 - 1966
11 little mr. lee & cherokees - my best friend's girl - sure shot (n/r) - 1966/88
12 lee lamont - happy days back-beat 564 - 1966
13 jeanette williams - mr. soft touch back-beat 568 - 1966
14 the commands - hey it's love back-beat 570 - 1966
15 bobby bland - back in the same old bag duke 412 - 1966
16 buddy ace - baby please don't go duke 401 - 1966
17 bobby bland - i ain't myself nomore duke 412 - 1966
18 bobby williams - i've only got myself to blame sure shot 5037 - 1967
19 bobby day - spicks & specks sure shot 5036 - 1967
20 al 'tnt' braggs - that's all apart of loving you peacock 1952 - 1967
21 the malibus - ten times a day sure shot 5037 - 1968
22 the lamp sisters - no cure for the blues duke 439 - 1968
23 john roberts - I'll forget you duke 436 - 1968
24 o.v. wright - oh baby mine back-beat 591 - 1968
25 joe hinton - now i'm satisfied back-beat 589 - 1968
26 jean stanback - i still love you peacock 1958 - 1968
27 carl carton - why don't they leave us alone back-beat 598 - 1968
28 bobby williams - baby i need your love sure shot 5024 - 1969
29 the bell brothers - tell him no sure shot 5038 - 1969
30 the lamp sisters - right on duke 462 - 1970
31 carl carlton - did you mean it back-beat lp - 1973

Jeanette Williams - I didn't know then - backbeat

All these tracks have been played on the 'Basement Soul' radio show on PCRL here in Birmingham, UK at some time by myself and the Consortium of DJ's used on this show b/w 1989-2003. Chris Anderton was spinning Rhonda Davis at his Bretby club near Burton-on-Trent where I first met him and invited him to join the team. During the 1990's, 60's r&b was getting a bit of a revival by Northern soul nighter DJ's like Roger Banks and Mark Bicknall, bless 'em.

Don Robey sold his labels to MCA in 1973 and worked with the company re-releasing a few of the classic albums and one new one by Carl Carlton containing old and new material until Robie's death in 1975. One Peacock fact that stays in my head is that Bobby Bland had more singles in the US charts than the Beatles did!

His Peacock studios/club is now the Charity Baptist church in Houston and still has the scaffolding in place that held the Peacock logo all those years ago!

The Delfonics

2009-07-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

The Delfonics - Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time (1970)
UK number 22 in 1970 on Bell records. Original group members were William and Wilbert Hart, Samuel Edlightoon, Ritchie Daniels, Merfhab Isvardsoon and Randy Cain whom they met at Overbrook High School in the 1960s. Their first recording, "He Don't Really Love You", was for Moon Shot in 1967. Daniels was drafted and left for the service in 1968 and Edlightoon and Merfhab left the group few weeks later. At Cameo producer Stan Watson introduced them to producer Thom Bell, then working with Chubby Checker. With Cameo they recorded a popular tune called "You've Been Untrue". The group's first album, released on Watson's own Philly Groove record label, featured the smash hit "La-La (Means I Love You)" in 1968.

Four more Bell-produced albums appeared in the next few years: The Sexy Sound of Soul, The Delfonics Super Hits, The Delfonics and Tell Me This Is a Dream. Among the Delfonics' popular hits were the Grammy-winning "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)", "(For The Love) I Gave To You", "Ready or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide from Love)", and "Hey Love". Prior to the release of "La-La (Means I Love You)", they had a hit with "He Don't Really Love You" on the small Moonshot record label in 1966.

The Delfonics and Bell had to work with a basic budget on the first creation as Thom explained "when I took them into the studio we didnt have any money to pay for string players & an orchestra so i played most of the instruments myself!" A far cry from the full classical productions from 68' to the beginning of the seventies.
Randy Cain left the group in 1971, and in 1973 had a hand in formulating Blue Magic, best known for their classic "Sideshow," when he brought singer-songwriter Ted Mills in to do some writing for W.M.O.T. (We Men Of Talent), and the remaining future members of Blue Magic came in for an audition.

Cain was replaced by Major Harris; by then, however, Thom Bell had moved on to produce The Stylistics and later, The Spinners, all artists in the mold of the Delfonics. The Delfonics swiftly produced another album, Alive and Kicking, produced by Stan Watson. However, in the absence of Thom Bell, the Delfonics' career declined sharply, and with the exception of the aforementioned "Hey Love" and the minor hits "When You Get Right Down to It", "I Don't Want To Make You Wait" and "I Told You So", success eluded them after 1975. ("(For The Love) I Gave To You", although popular, was never released as a single.) Most of their songs at this point were written by lead singer William Hart. (wikipedia)

Sam Dees

2009-05-31T07:31:00.000-07:00

Sam Dees 'Lover For Life' Live at Thorne. The song was written by Dees and used by Whitney Houston on her 1990, 'I'm Your Baby Tonight' album. Sam made many friends that night including Jimmy who was celebrating his 59th Birthday that same day and Dees said he amazed and had to be congratulated for supporting 'soul music' for all those years! (Jimmy would be 77 now!)

He did a wonderful set even though he was singing to backing tracks although had a backing band for his London gig. Sadly though he did not perform 'Lonely For You' his big UK Northern song, to some in the crowds dismay. Dees wrote many songs for others, most notably 'One In A Million' for Larry Graham in 1980 featured on the album of the same name on Warner Brothers.

This live recording was taken from his 1991 UK visit where he performed in Scotland, London and in this recording at Rod Dearlove's Voices From The Shadows promotion at The Canal Tavern, Thorne on 18th November. Thanks to soulcellar.co.uk for up loading the photograph to the net.

I was unaware that my friend Dave Krynski was also there on the nite until a few years later. I at the time traveled up with Dave Rimmer and it was only recently Krynski told me that he also recorded the show! ... so now I've copied the cassette recording to digital master and share a short clip with Dave's kind permission with the readers (no vision though).

Dave also recorded the 'Last Night at The Catacombs' and some other iconic venues at that time. I have also made many recordings of live shows over the years and it's only with the latest technology can we now clean them up and share them with you.

Bobby "Blue" Bland

2009-05-03T05:31:00.000-07:00

Bobby "Blue" Bland - Turn On Your Love Light (1973)

"Turn On" was a big hit for Bobby in 1961 for Duke Records and has been covered by many ever since. Check-out his Northern tracks: Yum Yum Tree 1971 (Duke 421), Back In The Same Old Bag 1966 (Duke 412), Call On Me 1962 (Duke 360), I Ain't Myself Anymore 1966 (Duke 412), Shoes 1967 (Duke 426). Just to name a few.

Bobby "Blue" Bland was born in the small town of Rosemark, Tennessee, USA. Later moving to Memphis with his mother, Bland started singing with local gospel groups there, including amongst others the Miniatures. Eager to expand his interests, he began frequenting the city's famous Beale Street where he became associated with an ad hoc circle of aspiring musicians named, not unnaturally, the Beale Streeters.

Bland's recordings from the early 1950s show him striving for individuality, but any progress was halted by a spell in the U.S. Army. When the singer returned to Memphis in 1954 he found several of his former associates, including Johnny Ace, enjoying considerable success, while Bland's recording label, Duke, had been sold to Houston entrepreneur Don Robey. In 1956 Bland began touring with Little Junior Parker. Initially he doubled as valet and driver, a role he reportedly fulfilled for B. B. King and Rosco Gordon.

Simultaneously, Bland began asserting his characteristic vocal style. Melodic big-band blues singles, including "Farther Up The Road" (1957) and "Little Boy Blue" (1958) reached the US R&B Top 10, but Bobby's craft was most clearly heard on a series of early 1960s releases including "Cry Cry Cry," "I Pity The Fool" and the sparkling "Turn On Your Love Light," which became a much-covered standard. Despite credits to the contrary, many such classic works were written by Joe Scott, the artist's bandleader and arranger. Wikipedia

Glady's Knight & The Pips

2009-04-22T05:44:00.000-07:00

Glady's Knight & The Pips - Bourgie, Bourgie (1980)
Sixties Motown group signed to Columbia Records in 1980 and restored to its familiar quartet form, Gladys Knight & the Pips began releasing new material.

The act enlisted former Motown producers Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson for their first two LPs--About Love (1980) and Touch (1981). During this period, Knight kicked a gambling addiction to the game baccarat.

In 1987, Knight decided to pursue a solo career, and she and the Pips recorded their final LP together, All Our Love (1987), for MCA Records. Its lead single, "Love Overboard", was a successful hit and won a second Grammy for the act as well. After a successful 1988 tour, the Pips retired and Knight began her solo career. Gladys Knight & the Pips were inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1989 and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Glady's now concentrates on Gospel music.

Gerri Taylor

2009-04-22T05:06:00.000-07:00

Gerri Taylor - Empy Arms & Bitter Tears (1966)
February 15th 1966 to be exact from The Beat TV show made in Nashville. Her voice is raw and had some appeal on the Northern Soul scene, this single fetching a modest £75.

From Chicago, she recorded one 45 for Constellation Records (a subsidiary of Parrot Records) Come Home, I'm Lonely b/w Empy Arms & Bitter Tears in 1965. If ever there was a 'Northern Soul' label it was Constellation, with other groups like; Dee Clarke, Gene Chandler, Nolan Chance and Mill Evans, to name just a few of there 75 singles & 7 albums.

The Following year she turns up on the Vee-Jay subsidiary Mica Records with I'm Stoppin' Out b/w I'm Satisfied With Your Love. She recorded one more 45, It's Beautiful, for the tiny Cover Up label. None were hits and she did not record again.

Eddie Kendricks

2009-04-22T04:43:00.000-07:00

Eddie Kendricks - Get Ready (1985)
Live Aid footage. Earlier, in 1985, Kendricks and David Ruffin participated in the Hall & Oates live album Live at The Apollo recorded at a benefit at New York City's Apollo Theater; and sang with the duo at Live Aid in Philadelphia and the MTV Video Music Awards in New York. Hall and Oates have cited Kendrick and Ruffin specifically, and the Temptations in general, as a major influence.

In 1989, Kendrick, Ruffin, and their old Temptations bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There, Kendrick and Ruffin made plans with fellow former Temptation Dennis Edwards to tour and record as "Ruffin/Kendrick/Edwards, Former Leads of The Temptations." The Ruffin/Kendrick/ Edwards project was cut short in 1991, when Kendrick was diagnosed with lung cancer and David Ruffin died of a drug overdose.

In late 1991, Kendrick, by now living in his native Birmingham, Alabama, underwent surgery to have one of his lungs removed in hopes of preventing the spread of the cancer. He continued to tour through the summer of 1992, when he fell ill again and was hospitalized. Kendrick died on October 5, 1992 of lung cancer in Birmingham at the age of 52. Kendrick is survived by his three children Parris Kendrick, Aika Kendrick, and Paul Kendrick. He was buried in Elmwood Cemetery. Kendricks was portrayed by Terron Brooks in the 1998 biographical television miniseries The Temptations. -Wikipedia

Curtis Mayfield

2009-04-22T02:15:00.000-07:00

Curtis Mayfield - People Get Ready (1987)
Clip contains short interview from UK TV. People Get Ready was an Impressions track from the album of the same title from 1965. Mayfield was the the lead singer in the group until about 1971, when he left to go solo.

The Black Fredom Movement used it like other Mayfield songs that had been adopted by the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's as anthems.

No touring footage has turned up for Mayfield apart from a few UK clips. He never used large bands for touring either, no brass or strings, such a great shame .... The Techniques, The Uniques, Bob Marley and The Wailers, and many other early vocal groups in Jamaica were deeply influenced by the songwriting, vocal harmonies, and black consciousness that appear as hallmarks on Impressions recordings from the early to mid 1960s.

Many of the Wailers' early ska recordings are Impressions covers. One of Marley's most well known songs, "One Love", is in fact a take on "People Get Ready".

Aretha Franklin

2009-04-22T01:44:00.000-07:00

Aretha Franklin - (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (1988)
Live at the Fox Theatre, Detroit.
"(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" is a 1967 single released by American soul singer Aretha Franklin on the Atlantic label. The record was a big hit for Franklin, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, and became a standard song for her.

Co-written by the celebrated writing-producing team of Carole King and Gerry Goffin, the song was inspired by Atlantic Records co-owner and producer Jerry Wexler. As recounted in his autobiography, Wexler, a student of African-American musical culture, had been mulling over the concept of the "natural man" when he drove by King on the streets of New York. He shouted out to her he wanted a "natural woman" song for Franklin's next album. In thanks, Goffin and King granted Wexler a co-writing credit.

It was recorded by Carole King on her landmark 1971 album Tapestry, and by Mary J. Blige, whose 1995 version, from the soundtrack of New York Undercover, also charted. Bobby Womack did a version of the song on his 1973 album Facts of Life with lyrics and title altered to "(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Man" Rod Stewart covered that version in 1974 for his album Smiler. Bonnie Tyler did a very succesful version of the song on her album Natural Force in 1978 wich also contained her biggest hit It´s a heartache.Céline Dion also recorded this song in 1995 for the Tapestry Revisited album. Franklin gave a live performance of the song alongside King, Dion, Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan and Shania Twain on the first VH1 Divas special in 1998. The song appears on the game Karaoke Revolution. - Wikipedia

Aretha Franklin

2009-04-21T13:39:00.000-07:00

Aretha Franklin - Sparkle - (1978)
Live in Edmington in Canada. Very rare footage. Written & produced by Curtis Mayfield.
Sparkle was also a successful film, and is something of a cult classic among African-American audiences. Its success was inspirational in the creation of the musical that would eventually debut on Broadway in 1981 as Dreamgirls.

In fact, one of Dreamgirls' central characters is named "Effie", the name of the Mary Alice character in Sparkle. The film's soundtrack album, featuring Aretha Franklin in place of the actresses in the film, was also a success. Two of Sparkle's stars, Dorian Harewood and Irene Cara, portray Alex Haley's parents in the 1979 miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.

Warner Bros. and Whitney Houston's BrownHouse Productions had planned a modernized remake of Sparkle at the turn of the 21st century. Aaliyah was signed to star as Sparkle, but died in August 2001 before production began.

Although the film was put on hold following the singer's death, Now the remake is in the beginning process with plans to cast R&B singers Alicia keys as Sister, Keyshia Cole as Dolores, Jordin Sparks as Sparkle, and Omarion as Stix.

Sparkle was released on VHS in the early 1990s. After being long out of print and unavailable save for television broadcasts, Sparkle was released on DVD on January 2, 2007. An abbreviated edition of the accompanying Aretha Franklin album was included on a bonus disc. - Wikipedia

The J.B's

2009-04-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

The J.B's - Pass The Peas (1987)
One of my most popular clips. Showing Maceo Parker (saxophone), Fred Wesley (Trombone) and more at the North Sea Jazz Festival in 1987.

The "original" J.B.s
The J.B.s were formed in March 1970 after most of the members of Brown's previous band walked out on him over a pay dispute. (Brown's previous bands of the 50s and 60s had been known as The James Brown Band and The James Brown Orchestra.)

The J.B.s initial lineup included bassist William "Bootsy" Collins and his guitarist brother Phelps "Catfish" Collins, formerly of the obscure R&B outfit The Pacesetters; Bobby Byrd (guitar) and John "Jabo" Starks (drums), both holdovers from Brown's 60s band; three inexperienced horn players, Clayton "Chicken" Gunnells, Darryl "Hasaan" Jamison, and Robert McCollough; and conga player Johnny Griggs.

This version of the J.B.s played on some of Brown's most intense funk recordings, including "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine", "Super Bad", "Soul Power", "Talkin' Loud and Sayin' Nothing" and the recording that provided the musical foundation for early Hip Hop, Give It Up (Or Turn It Lose).

They also accompanied Brown on a European tour (during which they recorded the long-delayed live album Love Power Peace), performed on the Sex Machine double LP, and released two instrumental singles, the much-sampled "The Grunt" and "These Are the J.B.s".

Other lineups
In December 1970 trombonist Fred Wesley rejoined James Brown's organization to lead the J.B.s. Other former Brown sidemen including Maceo Parker and St. Clair Pinckney eventually followed his lead, while the Collins brothers and most of the rest of the "original" J.B.s left Brown to join George Clinton's Parliament-Funkadelic collective. The J.B.s lineup shifted frequently thereafter until the group disbanded in 1976 following the departures of Wesley and Parker.

The JB Horns
During the 1980s and 90s Maceo Parker and Fred Wesley intermittently toured under the name The JB Horns, sometimes with other former Brown sidemen such as Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis in tow. The JB Horns recorded several albums for the Gramavision label which were later reissued by Rhino Records. They also recorded an album under this name with producer Richard Mazda called I Like It Like That. - Wikipedia

James Brown

2009-04-21T09:04:00.001-07:00

James Brown -Ain't That A Groove
So much ahead of his time! The call and response with the backing singers/audience works well. He would construct music much like a painter.

He once said he could get a musicians to play what was in his head but they could not play it on there own. He would create a groove and then write/find lyrics to suit. You can imagine this song being written about it self.

Also check out the dance moves and his New Breed Boo-ga-loo. Great colour and sound from this live performance. Most artistes wouldn't touch LIVE with a bargepole! Too frightened of making a mistake.

James Brown

2009-04-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

James Brown - Prisoner Of Love (1964)
Released in April 1963, recorded December 17, 1962 at Bell Sound Studios, New York. Released as a single on Sid Nathans King label K 5739 with Choo-choo (locomotion) on the flip. The song was written by Russ Columbo, Clarence Gaskill and Leon Robin, and had been popularised by Columbo in 1931 and made a No.1 hit by Perry Como in 1945.

James Brown revived "Prisoner of Love" in 1963. It was his first recording to enter the pop Top 20. The studio recording was arranged by Sammy Lowe. He performed the song live with his vocal group , The Famous Flames on the concert film The T.A.M.I.Show , and on a mid-sixties telecast of The Ed Sullivan Show. The Flames, however, were not used on the studio recording, having been replaced, in this instance, by a female chorus. Wikipedia

Dennis Edwards and The Temptations

2009-04-18T02:04:00.000-07:00

Dennis Edwards & The Temptations - Treat Her Like A Lady (1984)
This was a nice Eighties come back hit for the the great Temptations. Dennis Edwards voice like on many previous hits came over strong. Dennis' rare solo single from the Sixties 'Johnny On The Spot' changes hands for mega money (£2.2k) on the Northern Soul scene.

At one point there was only about three known copies! His work with Motown's group The Contours is also well known and has his distinctive voice. I discovered this footage when Bill Randal was throwing out his VHS tapes.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama to Reverend and Mrs. Dennis Edwards Sr., he began singing as a toddler, just two years old, in his fathers' church. His family moved to Detroit when he was seven. As a high school student, Edwards sang with the Crowns of Joy gospel group, then in 1961 he organized his own soul/jazz group, Dennis Edwards and the Fireballs.

Dennis also in the Eighties recorded a nice 2-Stepper: 'Don't Look Any Futher' that was a massive hit in South Africa. Listen to the Ivy Joe Hunter or Dennis Edwards interviews (PCRL achieves.)

Bill Campbell

2009-04-12T08:44:00.000-07:00

Bill Campbell - Sugar, Sugar (1988)

PCRL Radio P. A. for our 3rd. Birthday of broadcasting. Nice 2-Stepper this, although Bill is a reggae singer. Bill Campbell, born on February 3, 1950 is a UK-based artist performer songwriter arranger, producer. He was born in Jamaica and moved to the UK with his family at the age of fifteen and settled in the city of Nottingham, which is incidentally where he started his career.

Initially, he sung regularly at clubs and at universities throughout England. Bill moved to London in 1972 to continue his musical career. He was signed to EMI in the 1970s and had one song released under the EMI label titled “She’s My Sweetness”, which went in as a chart breaker; however, because of the lack of radio play the song was not a hit. Bill then left EMI to set up his own publishing company BB music/BB Records in 1977 and started to produce World Music (Soca, Reggae, Hi Life and Gospel music) where he has had great success with artists such as Ginger Williams, Owen Gray, Ann and Sonia, Yvonne Curtis, Pete Campbell and himself.

Bill is a lover of all types of music and considers artists such as Otis Redding, Sam Cook, Aretha Franklin and Bob Marley, as well as other greats of the past Reggae and Soul era, as his inspiration. His new album titled ‘Yes we can’ is a tribute to Barack Obama and his successful Presidential campaign. He particularly paid great attention to the production of this CD and endeavoured to create a great Reggae album with a definite Soul feel. His wonderful musical arrangement gives him a distinct advantage over other musical artists/producers in similar genres. www.myspace.com/billcampbellmusic

Sam and Dave

2009-04-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

Sam & Dave - I Thank You (1969)
Samuel David Moore (Born 12 October 1935, Miami, Florida, USA) and David Prater (Born 9 May 1937, Ocilla, Georgia, USA, d. 9 April 1988). Sam And Dave first performed together in 1961 at Miami's King Of Hearts club.

Moore originally sang in his father's Baptist church before joining the Melonaires, while Prater, who had worked with the Sensational Hummingbirds, was also gospel-trained. Club-owner John Lomelo became the duo's manager and was instrumental in securing their contract with Roulette.

Five singles and one album subsequently appeared between 1962 and 1964, produced by R&B veteran Henry Glover, but it was not until Jerry Wexler signed Sam And Dave to Atlantic Records that their true potential blossomed. For political reasons, their records appeared on Stax Records; they used the Memphis-based house band, while many of their strongest moments came from the Isaac Hayes/David Porter staff writing team. "You Don't Know Like I Know", "Hold On I'm Comin" (both 1966), "Soul Man" (1967) and "I Thank You" (1968), featuring Prater's gritty delivery and Moore's higher interjections, were among the genre's finest.

When Stax and Atlantic separated in 1968, Sam And Dave reverted to the parent company, but a disintegrating personal relationship seemed to mirror their now decaying fortune. The amazing "Soul Sister, Brown Sugar" (1969) delayed the slide, but the duo split briefly the next year when Sam Moore began his own career. Three solo singles followed, but the pair were reunited by a contract with United Artists Records. A renewed profile, on the strength of the Blues Brothers' success with "Soul Man", faltered when the differences between the two men proved irreconcilable.

By 1981, Moore was again pursuing an independent direction, but his sole chart success came when he was joined by Lou Reed for a remake of "Soul Man" six years later. Prater found a new foil in the "Sam" of Sam And Bill, but before they were able to consolidate this new partnership, Prater died in a car crash on 9 April 1988. Sam Moore, in the meantime, has been working consistently all over the world, notably on luxury cruise-liners. In 2001, some master tapes of his solo material were discovered and issued the following year. The best duo in the history of soul music, Sam And Dave released records that combined urgency with an unbridled passion.
- Music.us

Esther Phillips

2009-04-01T06:38:00.001-07:00

Esther Philips - I Could Have Told You (1966)
By request only. Born Esther Mae Jones, 23 December 1935, Galveston, Texas, USA, d. 7 August 1984, Carson, California, USA. This distinctive vocalist was discovered by bandleader Johnny Otis. She joined his revue in 1949 where, performing as Little Esther, the teenage singer recorded two number 1 R&B singles, "Double Crossing Blues" and "Mistrustin' Blues'.

She then worked solo following the band's collapse, but by the middle of the decade Phillips was chronically addicted to drugs. In 1954 she retired to Houston to recuperate and did not fully resume recording until 1962. Phillips" version of "Release Me", a country standard that was later a hit for Engelbert Humperdinck, mirrored the blend of black and white music found, contemporaneously, in Ray Charles and Solomon Burke. An album, Release Me! - Reflections Of Country And Western Greats, consolidated this style, but when Phillips moved to the Atlantic Records label, her recordings assumed a broader aspect.

Polished interpretations of show tunes and standards contrasted a soul-based perspective shown in her retitled version of the John Lennon/Paul McCartney song, "And I Love Him", a performance showcased on the syndicated television show Around The Beatles. Her unique, nasal intonation was perfect for her 1966 hit, "When A Woman Loves A Man", while her several collaborations with the Dixie Flyers, the highly respected Criteria studio house band, were artistically successful.

The singer moved to Kudu Records in 1972 where she recorded the distinctly biographical "Home Is Where The Hatred Is", an uncompromising Gil Scott-Heron composition. The same label provided "What A Diff'rence A Day Makes" (1975), which reached the US Top 20 and the UK Top 10. She also completed two exceptional albums at this time, From A Whisper To A Scream and Alone Again Naturally, but was increasingly pushed towards a specialist rather than popular audience. Ill health sadly undermined this artist's undoubted potential, and in August 1984, Phillips died of liver and kidney failure. - Music.us

Ray Charles

2009-04-01T05:46:00.000-07:00

Ray Charles/Raelettes - Whatd I Say (1959)
I remember watching this recording when I was very young and being very impressed with the whole concept of this live recording - classic. "What'd I Say" or "What I Say" is a two-part recording that was released in 1959 by rhythm and blues musician Ray Charles.

After Charles' run of R&B hits, this song finally broke Charles into mainstream pop and the song itself sparked a new sub-genre of rhythm and blues titled soul, finally putting together all the elements that Charles had been creating since he recorded "I Got a Woman". It was ranked at #10 in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

According to Charles, while performing at a Milwaukee nightclub, he had performed the last song of his set, "Night Time Is the Right Time", when he was informed that there was another twelve minutes left in the show. Charles decided to fill the time by performing an impromptu version of the song that would eventually be recorded as What'd I Say. Charles told his backing band and female background singers, the Raelettes, to "just follow me". The song began on a Latin influenced drum beat and a Wurlitzer electric piano riff before Charles improvised his own lyrics to it.

As the band became more comfortable with the piece, Charles and the Raelettes started an impromptu call and response vocalization. Charles later said that the call and response section was "all about the sounds of making love". Although the song is usually listed as "What'd I Say", Charles always insisted that the name of the song is "What I Say" as heard on the track.

Executives at Charles' record label, Atlantic Records, expressed concerns that the song was "too risqué" and "too long". Radio station WAOK in Atlanta had recorded the tune as part of the live album Ray Charles in Person and placed their hot exclusive in heavy rotation. It became a hit.

Atlantic was convinced. To remedy the problem of length, in-house studio engineer Tom Dowd split the song into two parts. With Atlantic's backing, the new studio recording of "What'd I Say" was released as a single in the spring of 1959 and soon rose to the top of the charts. The song would peak at #1 on Billboard's R&B singles chart and #6 on the popular charts. - Wikipedia

The Treniers

2009-04-01T02:20:00.001-07:00

The Treniers - Let's Rock (1956)
An American musical group led by identical twins Cliff and Claude Trenier, with The Gene Gilbeaux Orchestra which included Don Hill on Saxophone, Shifty Henry and later James (Jimmy) Johnson on bass, Henry (Tucker) Green on drums and Gene Gilbeaux on piano, with the Treniers Twins and later additional Treniers brothers joining the group on vocals.

The name was shortened to "The Treniers" and there were many other session musician and line up changes over the years. Active since the 1940s, they played a cross between swing and early rock n' roll. Though their sound is more swing influenced, the Treniers incorporated a thumping backbeat and copious songs that included the words "rock" and "roll" - "Rocking on Sunday Night" and "It Rocks! It Rolls! It Swings!", for example, and in the 40's were already playing "Rockin' Is Our Bizness," which was a reworded version of Jimmie Lunceford's "Rhythm Is Our Business" of the 1930s (the Trenier twins got their start playing in Lunceford's band).

They were also known for the humorous content of many of their songs, and their on stage acrobatics were seen as precursors to the wild antics of many later rock and roll groups. Their lively stage presentation influenced The Shadows in the UK in 1959 and beyond.
In the 1950s, they moved closer towards an R&B influenced sound, but were unable to weather the influx of rock and roll.

Nonetheless the group was considered a strong influence on bands such as their contemporaries Bill Haley and His Comets, and they were in fact one of the first to record Haley's "Rock-a-Beatin' Boogie". (One of the Trenier brothers would later claim in an interview in Blue Suede News magazine that he was responsible for Haley deciding to record rock and roll; this account is disputed.)

One of the first times rock and roll appeared on national television was in May 1954 when the Treniers appeared on the Colgate Comedy Hour, hosted by Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. During the playing of their songs, Martin and Lewis participated in the antics, and when the drummer got up and stepped aside, Jerry Lewis sat down and played drums for one song.
The group appeared in several films in the 1950s including The Girl Can't Help It and Don't Knock the Rock (which also featured Haley), and continued to perform as recently as 2003.
- Wikipedia

Ramsey Lewis Trio

2009-03-28T05:53:00.001-07:00

Ramsey Lewis Trio - 'The Blues' (1985)
Born Ramsey Emmanuel Lewis, 27 May 1935, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Lewis started playing piano at the age of six. He graduated from school in 1948, after winning both the American Legion Award as an outstanding scholar and a special award for piano services at the Edward Jenner Elementary School.

He began his career as an accompanist at the Zion Hill Baptist Church, an experience of gospel that never left him. He later studied music at Chicago Music College with the idea of becoming a concert pianist, but left at the age of 18 to marry. He found a job working in a record shop and joined the Clefs, a seven-piece dance band.

In 1956, he formed a jazz trio with the Clefs' rhythm section (whom he had known since high school) - bass player Eldee Young and drummer Redd Holt. Lewis made his debut recordings with the Argo record label, which later became Chess Records. He also had record sessions with prestigious names such as Sonny Stitt, Clark Terry and Max Roach.In 1959, he played at Birdland in New York City and at the Randall's Island Festival. In 1964, "Something You Got" was a minor hit, but it was "The In Crowd", an instrumental cover version of Dobie Gray's hit, that made him famous, reaching number 5 in the US charts and selling over a million copies by the end of 1965. Lewis insisted on a live sound, complete with handclaps and exclamations, an infectious translation of a black church feel into pop. His follow-up, "Hang On Sloopy", reached number 11 and sold another million.

These hits set the agenda for his career. Earnings for club dates increased tenfold. His classic "Wade In The Water" was a major hit in 1966, and became a long-standing encore number for Graham Bond. The rhythm section of Young and Holt left and resurfaced as a funk outfit in the mid-70s, variously known as Redd Holt Unlimited and Young-Holt Unlimited. Lewis had an astute ear for hip, commercial sounds: his replacement drummer Maurice White left in 1971 to found the platinum mega-sellers Earth, Wind And Fire.Lewis never recaptured this commercial peak; he attempted to woo his audience by using synthesizers and disco rhythms, and continued securing Billboard Top 100 hits well into the 70s.

His album success was a remarkable achievement, with over 30 of his albums making the Billboard Top 200 listings. The In Crowd stayed on the list for almost a year, narrowly missing the top spot. Mother Nature's Son was a tribute to the Beatles, while the Newly Recorded Hits in 1973 was a dreadful mistake: the originals were far superior. By the 80s he was producing middle-of-the-road instrumental albums and accompanying singers, most notably Nancy Wilson. In the late 90s he was involved with the Urban Knights, a trilogy of releases with Grover Washington Jnr. and Omar Hakim. Nevertheless, it is his 60s hits - simple, infectious and funky - that will long endure. music.us

Zulema

2009-03-28T05:29:00.001-07:00

Zulema - This Child Of Mine (1973)
Much of the 'Save The Children' footage is under exposed probably why it was never put on DVD or VHS. Zulema was born Zulema Cusseaux in Tampa, Florida. She and her school friend Brenda Hilliard joined a local group called The 5 Crystals before the two formed the trio the Lovelles together with fellow Tampa native Albert Bailey. When they met producer Van McCoy and were signed by Maxwell records, the group's name was changed to Faith, Hope and Charity. Their song "So Much Love" hit #15 on the R&B chart and #60 on the pop chart in 1970.

Zulema left Faith, Hope and Charity shortly after a label switch to Sussex Records. Bailey and Hilliard would occasionally sing backing vocals on Zulema's albums, though. Her self-titled solo album included the song "American Fruit, African Roots" and a cover of "If This World Were Mine." Zulema started touring as opening act for major stars like Bill Withers. She appeared on a bill with Roberta Flack, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Earth, Wind and Fire and Sly Stone at the Push Expo in Chicago, a concert which became a motion picture called "Save the Children". The movie's soundtrack was released on Motown Records and included Zulema's single mother anthem, This Child of Mine.

After a second Sussex album, Ms Z (produced by Bobby Taylor, the singer signed to RCA records, where she released three albums: Zulema, R.S.V.P. and Suddenly There Was You. She was also one of the featured artists on the soundtrack to the Michael Schultz movie Honeybaby, Honeybaby, providing the track "I Just Can't Say Good-Bye." Her only charting record during that time was a cover of the early Michael Jackson Motown hit Wanna Be Where You Are, which reached #58 R&B. In 1978, she released the album Z-Licious on Le Joint Records in 1978, which featured a duet with long-term collaborator Van McCoy.

McCoy also got Zulema on board for Aretha Franklin's 1979 disco album La Diva - having her write one of the songs and perform backing vocals on the entire album, joined once again by her former band members Hilliard and Bailey. In 1980, Zulema had a starring role in the New York musical, Jazzbo Brown. In 1982, Zulema formed a duo called Zalmac with Al Macdowell. Their album "Whatcha Gonna Do" on TSOB included the songs Friends, I Get Down and What's In It For Me. Zulema had recorded at least one single on the same label, A Mother Cries, the year before. - Wikipedia

Big Joe Turner

2009-03-28T05:08:00.000-07:00

Big Joe Turner - Shake Rattle & Roll (1954)
In 1951 "Big" Joe started the first of 13 years with the fledgling Atlantic Records, where he became one of the very few jazz/blues singers of his generation who managed to regain healthy record sales in the teenage rock 'n' roll market during the mid- to late 50s.

His early Atlantic hits were largely blues ballads such as "Chains Of Love" and "Sweet Sixteen", but 1954 witnessed the release of Turner's "Shake Rattle And Roll" which, covered by artists such as Bill Haley and Elvis Presley, brought the 43-year-old blues shouter some belated teenage adoration. This was maintained with such irresistible (and influential) classics as "Hide And Seek" (1954), "Flip, Flop And Fly", "The Chicken And The Hawk" (1955), "Feelin' Happy" (1956) and "Teenage Letter" (1957).

At the height of rock 'n' roll fever, Atlantic had the excellent taste to produce a retrospective album of Turner singing his old Kansas City jazz and blues with a peerless band, featuring his old partner Pete Johnson. The album, The Boss Of The Blues, has since achieved classic status.In the late 50s, Atlantic's pioneering rock 'n' roll gave way to over-production, vocal choirs and symphonic string sections. In 1962 Turner left this fast-expanding independent company and underwent a decade of relative obscurity in the clubs of Los Angeles, broken by the occasional film appearance or sporadic single release on Coral and Kent. The enterprising Bluesway label reintroduced "Big" Joe to the general public.

In 1971 he was signed to Pablo Records, surrounded by old colleagues such as Count Basie, Eddie Vinson, Pee Wee Crayton, Jay McShann, Lloyd Glenn and Jimmy Witherspoon. He emerged irregularly to produce fine one-off albums for Blues Spectrum and Muse, and stole the show in Bruce Ricker's essential jazz film, The Last Of The Blue Devils. Turner's death in 1985 was as a result of 74 years of hard living, hard singing and hard drinking, but he was admired and respected by the musical community and his funeral included musical tributes by Etta James and Barbara Morrison. music.us

The Mar-Keys

2009-03-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

The Mar-Keys - Last Night (1967)
Oslo, Norway. The Mar-Keys, formed in 1958, were a studio session band for the Stax label from Memphis, Tennessee, in the 1960s.

As the first house band for the label, their backing music formed the foundation for the early 1960s Stax sound.They also recorded organ and saxophone oriented singles of their own, scoring a number three hit nationally with "Last Night" in 1961.

Keyboard was played by Jerry Lee "Smoochy" Smith. Other singles of theirs from the early 1960s include "Philly Dog" and "Pop-eye Stroll." Members of this rhythm section later formed other nationally prominent Memphis studio session groups, including the Memphis Horns, the Packers, and Booker T. & the M.G.'s.

Each of these offshoot groups also recorded popular instrumental albums of their own, in addition to serving as the backing band on albums by dozens of rock, r&b, and soul music stars on Stax, Volt and other national labels. The legacy of the Mar-Keys and later groups was that of having been key players in the development of soul music styles like Southern soul and Memphis soul.

Eddie Floyd

2009-03-22T13:34:00.001-07:00

Eddie Floyd - Raise Your Hand (1967)
7th April in Oslo, Norway. I love the way guiraist Steve Cropper keeps the groove rolling in the extened bit wher Eddie goes into the crowd. Born 25 June 1935, Montgomery, Alabama, USA. A founder-member of the Detroit-based Falcons, Floyd was present on both their major hits, "You're So Fine" (1959) and "I Found A Love" (1962).

He then recorded solo for Lupine in Detroit and Safice in Washington, DC, before moving to Memphis in 1965 to join the Stax Records organization. He first made his mark there as a composer, penning Wilson Pickett's "634-5789", among others. During Floyd's recording tenure at Stax, he enjoyed the use of the session bands Booker T. And The MGs and the Mar-Keys.

He opened his account with "Things Get Better" (1965), followed by the anthem-like "Knock On Wood" (1966), one of soul's enduring moments, and probably the only time "lightning" and "frightening" have been coupled without sounding trite. Although subsequent releases failed to match its success, a series of powerful singles, including "Love Is A Doggone Good Thing" (1967) and "Big Bird" (1968), confirmed Floyd's stature both as a performer and songwriter. Although his compositions were recorded by several acts, his next US Top 20 pop hit came with Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home To Me" in 1968.

Floyd stayed with Stax until its bankruptcy in 1975, whereupon he moved to Malaco Records. His spell there was thwarted by commercial indifference and he left the label for Mercury Records in 1977, but met with no better results. Briefly relocated to London, he recorded under the aegis of Mod resurrectionists Secret Affair. In 1988, Floyd linked up with William Bell's Wilbe venture to release the Flashback album. In 1990 Floyd appeared live with a re-formed Booker T. And The MGs and continues to gig consistently up to the present day, although new recordings are rare. - music.us

Billy Eckstine

2009-03-22T12:45:00.001-07:00

Billy Eckstine - God Bless The Child (1969)
At the Playboy mansion. Check out his Motown R&B tune, I Wonder Why (Nobody Loves Me). Born William Clarence Eckstein, 8 July 1914, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, d. 8 March 1993, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Eckstine possessed one of the most distinctive voices in popular music, a deep tone with a highly personal vibrato.
He began singing at the age of 11 but until his late teens was undecided between a career as a singer or football player. He won a sporting scholarship but soon afterwards broke his collarbone and decided that singing was less dangerous.

He worked mostly in the north-eastern states in the early 30s and towards the end of the decade joined the Earl "Fatha" Hines band in Chicago. Although far from being a jazz singer, opting instead for a highly sophisticated form of balladry, Eckstine clearly loved working with jazz musicians and in particular the young experimenters who drifted into the Hines band in the early 40s, among them Wardell Gray, Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker.

While with Hines he developed into a competent trumpeter and, later, valve trombonist, having first mimed as a trumpet player in order to circumvent union rules. - music.us

Bill Withers

2009-03-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

Bill Withers - Call me (1973)
Taken from Save The Children. Born 4 July 1938, Slab Fork, West Virginia, USA. Having moved to California in 1967 after nine years in the US Navy, Withers began hawking his original songs around several west coast companies.

He was eventually signed to Sussex Records in 1970, at the age of 32, and secured an immediate hit with his debut single, "Ain't No Sunshine".

Produced by Booker T. Jones, with Stephen Stills amongst the guest musicians, this sparse but compulsive performance was a million-seller, a feat emulated in 1972 by two more excellent releases, "Lean On Me" and "Use Me".Withers maintained a similarly high standard on his first three albums, but after the disappointing Live At Carnegie Hall the artist found that his record company were in financial trouble and via an auction he moved to Columbia Records, a decision that he would now seem to regret.

Withers' brand of gentle folk soul continued to serve him well on the singles chart, with the singer enjoying further hits with "Make Love To Your Mind" (1975), the sublime "Lovely Day" (1977), (a single revamped by a remix in 1988) and "Just The Two Of Us" (1981), his exhilarating duet with saxophonist Grover Washington Jnr., which earned the two artists a Grammy award in 1982 for the Best R&B performance. "Lovely Day" re-entered the UK pop charts in 1988 after exposure from a British television commercial, reaching the Top 5.Withers effectively removed himself from the music scene in the early 90s. He now lives a private life giving few interviews and he has a resigned bitterness towards the record business. A professional rather than charismatic performer, Withers remains a skilled songwriter. - music.us

The Ronettes

2009-03-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

The Ronettes - "Shout" 1965
Sorry about sound my hickup.T he Ronettes were a 1960s girl group from New York City, best known for their work with producer Phil Spector. They consisted of lead singer Veronica Bennett (a.k.a. Ronnie Spector); her sister, the late Estelle Bennett; and their cousin Nedra Talley. Their defining album is Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica from 1964, and their most famous songs include "Be My Baby," "Baby, I Love You," "(The Best Part of) Breakin' Up," and "(Walking) In the Rain." The Ronettes were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004.

It was believed that Phil Spector, in his capacity as a member of the Board of Governors, deliberately prevented The Ronettes (and Darlene Love) from being nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, although they had been eligible for a considerable period.

The alleged reasons included the acrimonious divorce of Ronnie and Spector, in addition to the group having (unsuccessfully) sued Spector for back royalties. While Spector was awaiting trial on a murder charge and out on $1 million bail, the Ronettes were finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at a March 12, 2007, ceremony held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. Keith Richards, a self-confessed longtime fan, inducted the trio.

Ronnie Bennett (Spector) and Nedra Talley performed "Baby I Love You," "(Walking) In the Rain," and "Be My Baby." Estelle Bennett was present to accept her award but did not perform. Wikipedia

Sonny Charles & Checkmates Ltd

2009-03-22T09:26:00.001-07:00

Sonny Charles & Checkmates Ltd - Black Pearl (1969)
Sonny Charles (born Charles Hemphill, 4 September 1940) is an American soul singer from Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was the lead singer of Checkmates, Ltd. in the 1960s and 1970s, and it is his vocals that are heard out front on their 1969 hit, "Black Pearl."

Charles launched a solo career in the early 1970s, and after a brief reunion with The Checkmates, again in the 1980s. Thereafter, he toured with another member of the Checkmates LTD, Marvin "Sweet Louie" Smith, under the Checkmates name.

Charles' 1982 album, The Sun Still Shines, recorded on Highrise Records, hit #136 on the Billboard Hot 200 chart and #14 on the U.S. Black Albums chart on the strength of the single "Put it in a Magazine", which went to #2 on the R&B Singles chart[3] and #40 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart in 1983. The follow-up single, "Always on My Mind", peaked at #53, but Charles quickly fell from view.

In 2008 Sonny Charles joined the Steve Miller band and toured with them.

Rebbie Jackson

2009-03-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

Rebbie Jackson - Midnight At The Oasis (1976)
From The Jacksons TV series.

Check out her stunning This Love is Forever from 1988.
Maureen Reillette "Rebbie" Brown (née Jackson), professionally known as Rebbie Jackson, (born May 29, 1950 in Gary, Indiana) is an American singer, best known as the oldest child of the successful Jackson family and sister of pop icons Michael and Janet. As a singer, she is most famous for the 1984 hit, "Centipede".

Born in Gary, Indiana the oldest child of Katherine and Joseph Jackson. From there she grew up in a very talented musical family background where her brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael known as the Jackson 5 would take the world by storm with their presence.

Abbey Lincoln

2009-03-22T06:58:00.000-07:00

Abbey Lincoln - Spread The Word (Spread The Gospel) 1956
Taken from the film The Girl Can't Help It along with other popular R&B groups of the time; The Treniers, The Platters, Little Richard & Fats Domino in fine colour and sound. I can see why the church was against gospel singers singing pop, also note the great treatment of back-light on the introduction.

Abbey Lincoln (born Anna Marie Wooldridge on August 6, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois) is a jazz vocalist, songwriter, and actress. Lincoln is unusual in that she writes and performs her own compositions, expanding the expectations of jazz audiences. She is one of many singers influenced by Billie Holiday.

She has had a very long and productive career. She continues to perform and can often be found at the Blue Note in New York City. With Ivan Dixon, she co-starred in Nothing But a Man (1964), an independent film written and directed by Michael Roemer. She also co-starred with Sidney Poitier and Beau Bridges in 1968's For Love of Ivy. She was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for For Love of Ivy in 1969. She sang on the famous We Insist! - Freedom Now Suite (1960) by jazz musician Max Roach and was married to him from 1962 to 1970.

Rick James

2009-03-21T07:18:00.001-07:00

Rick James - Superfreak (1982)
Live in Germany some of his hand gestures are over the top. I have the full show. James' flamboyant lifestyle took its toll on his health and he was hospitalized several times between 1979 and 1984.

His career continued unabated, and he had major hits in 1984 and 1985 with the more relaxed "17" and "The Glow'. The latter also provided the title for a highly acclaimed album, which reflected James" decision to abandon the use of drugs, and move towards a more laid-back soul style.

He was angered by constant media comparisons of his work with that of Prince, and cancelled plans to star in an autobiographical film called The Spice Of Life in the wake of the overwhelming commercial impact of his rival's Purple Rain. After releasing The Flag in 1986, James ran into serious conflict with Motown over the status of his spin-off acts.

When they refused to release any further albums by the Mary Jane Girls, James left the label, signing to Reprise Records, where he immediately achieved a soul number 1 collaborating with Roxanne Shant‚ on "Loosey's Rap".James' drug problems had not disappeared and following years of abuse he was jailed in 1991, together with his girlfriend Tanya Hijazi, for various offences including dealing cocaine, assault and torture.

The King Of Funk confessed to Rolling Stone that at least by being in prison he "could not do drugs". He was released in 1996, and made his recording comeback the following year. On his 1998 comeback tour James suffered a stroke, and the same year he required hip replacement surgery. The artist was found dead at his Los Angeles home in August 2004. music.us

Roberta Flack

2009-03-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

Roberta Flack - Killing Me Softly With His Song (1988)

Born 10 February 1937, Asheville, North Carolina, USA. Born into a musical family, Flack graduated from Howard University with a BA in music. She was discovered singing and playing jazz in a Washington nightclub by pianist Les McCann, who recommended her talents to Atlantic Records.

Two classy albums, First Take and Chapter Two, garnered considerable acclaim for their skilful, often introspective, content before Flack achieved huge success with a poignant version of folk-singer Ewan MacColl's ballad, "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face". Recorded in 1969, it was a major international hit three years later, following its inclusion in the movie Play Misty For Me.

Further hits came with "Where Is The Love" (1972), a duet with Donny Hathaway, and "Killing Me Softly With His Song" (1973), where Flack's penchant for sweeter, more MOR-styled compositions gained an ascendancy. Her cool, almost unemotional style benefited from a measured use of slow material, although she seemed less comfortable on up-tempo songs. Flack's self-assurance wavered during the mid-70s, but further duets with Hathaway, "The Closer I Get To You" (1978) and "Back Together Again" (1980), suggested a rebirth.

She was shattered when her partner committed suicide in 1979, but in the 80s Flack enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Peabo Bryson that reached a commercial, if sentimental, peak with "Tonight I Celebrate My Love" in 1983. Set The Night To Music was produced by the highly respected Arif Mardin, but the bland duet with Maxi Priest on the title track was representative of this soulless collection of songs. Still, Roberta Flack remains a crafted, if precisionist, performer. - music.us

Vermettya Royster

2009-03-21T05:22:00.000-07:00

Vermettya Royster - Let It Be Me (1995)
Singing in a London church. She had sung with Sisters Love. Based in Los Angeles, with Vernettya (lead vocals), Jeanne Long, Lillie Fort, Gwen Berry & founder member Merry Clayton.
In the mid-60's the group signed with A&M and scored US R&B hits with Forget It Ive Got It before they switched with the Mowest Label (via Motown) following the departure of Merry Clayton.

They scored further US success with Mr Fix It Man, I'm learning to trust my man & Give Me Your Love (1973). - Ralph Tee

Roy Ayers

2009-03-21T04:39:00.000-07:00

Roy Ayers - Everybody Loves The Sunshine (1988)

At Ronnie Scotts, London. Roy Ayers (born September 10, 1940, Los Angeles) is a funk, soul and jazz composer and vibraphone player. Ayers began his career as a jazz player, releasing several albums with Arista Records before his tenure at Polydor Records, during which he progressed a new R&B style, slowly molding the new Disco genre.

Ayers grew up in a musical family. At the age of five, Lionel Hampton gave him his first pair of mallets, which led to the vibraphone being his trademark sound for decades. The area of Los Angeles that Ayers grew up in, now known as "South Central", but then known as "South Park", was the epicenter of the Southern California Black Music Scene.

The schools Roy attended (Wadsworth Elementary, Nevins Middle School, and Thomas Jefferson High School) were all close to the famed Central Avenue, Los Angeles' equivalent of Harlem's Lenox Avenue and Chicago's State Street. On any given day, Roy would have been likely to be exposed to music as it not only emanated from the many nightclubs and bars in the area, but also poured out of many of the homes where the musicians who kept the scene alive lived in and around Central. Thomas Jefferson High School, from which Ayers graduated, gave to the music and jazz worlds some of its brightest stars, such as Dexter Gordon.

Ayers was responsible for the highly regarded soundtrack to Jack Hill's 1973 blaxploitation film Coffy, which starred Pam Grier. He later moved from a jazz-funk sound to R&B, as seen on Mystic Voyage, which featured the songs Evolution and the underground disco hit Brother Green ( The Disco King ), as well as the title track from his 1976 album Everybody Loves the Sunshine. - wikipedia

Shalamar

2009-03-21T04:26:00.001-07:00

Shalamar - A Night To Remember
Out on The Tube DVD now, I have full show from the day. This act was created by Dick Griffey, booking agent for US television's Soul Train show, and Simon Soussan, a veteran of UK's northern soul scene. The latter produced "Uptown Festival", a medley of popular Motown Records favourites, which was issued on Griffey's Solar label. Although credited to "Shalamar", the track featured session musicians, but its success inspired Griffey to create a performing group.

Jody Watley (Born 30 January 1959, Chicago, Illinois, USA), Jeffrey Daniels (Born 30 January 1959, Chicago, Illinois, USA) and Gerald Brown were recruited via Soul Train in 1977, although Brown was replaced the following year by Howard Hewett (Born 1 October 1955, Akron, Ohio, USA). "The Second Time Around" gave the trio an R&B chart topper in 1979, but subsequent releases were better received in the UK, where lightweight soul/disco offerings, including "I Can Make You Feel Good", "A Night To Remember" and "There It Is", provided three Top 10 entries in 1982.

Daniels and Watley left the group to pursue solo careers. Their replacements, Delisa Davis and Micki Free, joined in 1984. The group won a Grammy award for "Don't Get Stopped In Beverly Hills", a track from Heartbreak used in the Eddie Murphy movie Beverly Hills Cop, but Hewett's departure in 1986 eroded any new-found confidence. Sidney Justin restored the group to a trio, and they continued to have further, albeit minor, hit singles. By now, Shalamar's golden, if brief, period had ended; nevertheless, the trio staggered on for a few more years into the early 90s when Justin, along with Free and Davis, recorded Circumstantial Evidence (produced by L.A. And Babyface) and Wake Up - music.us

Sade

2009-03-21T04:18:00.001-07:00

Sade - Smooth Operator (1982)

On request only. Born Helen Folasade Adu, 16 January 1959, Ibadan, Nigeria. Sade's sultry jazz-tinged vocals made her one of the most successful international stars of the 80s. Of mixed Nigerian/English parentage, Sade grew up in Clacton, Essex, England, writing songs as a teenager.

While an art student in London, she joined Arriva, where she met guitarist Ray St. John with whom she composed "Smooth Operator". From 1981-83, Sade fronted the funk band Pride, leaving the following year to form her own band with ex-Pride members Stewart Matthewman (saxophone), Andrew Hale (keyboards) and Paul Denman (bass). The line-up was completed by drummer Paul Cook.

The group gained a following on the London club scene and in 1984 its first single, the lilting "Your Love Is King" was a UK Top 10 hit. The Robin Millar-produced Diamond Life broke her into the US market on the back of the Top 5 hit single "Smooth Operator", and went on to become one of the biggest-selling debut albums of the decade.Sade received the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1985. The same year's Promise, with all songs written by group members, rose to the top of both the UK and US charts and generated further transatlantic hit singles, "The Sweetest Taboo" and "Never As Good As The First Time".

Sade also contributed music to the soundtrack of Julien Temple's Absolute Beginners, a 1986 film in which she had a cameo role as Athene Duncannon. With ex-Wham! backing singer Leroy Osbourne added to the group, Sade began a world tour in 1988 to coincide with the release of her third album, from which "Paradise" headed the R&B chart in the USA. Sade took her time in delivering Love Deluxe. Although it was another mature work, and included two excellent hit singles in "No Ordinary Love" and "Feel No Pain", the fickle British public proved lukewarm. The album briefly dented the UK top 30, while in the USA it was a million-seller, peaking at number 3.A greatest hits package was released in 1994, while the male members of the band recorded separately as Sweetback. In 1996, Sade gave birth to her first child. She made her long awaited return to the music scene in November 2000 with the single "By Your Side' and Lovers Rock, enjoying particular success on the US market. She was awarded an OBE in 2002"s New Year's Honours List. - music.us

Tami Lynn

2009-03-21T04:07:00.000-07:00

Tami Lynn - I'm Gonna Run Away From You (1971)
On request only.
Tami Lynn (born Gloria Brown, 1942, Gert Town, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States) was an American soul singer. She scored a Top Ten hit on the UK Singles Chart in 1971, with the song, "I'm Gonna Run Away From You".

Lynn was discovered by Jerry Wexler in 1965 after hearing her sing at a talent show. Wexler had her record the Bert Berns penned and produced song, "I'm Gonna Run Away From You", for Atco Records, but the song was not released at the time.

She then sang backup for musicians such as The Rolling Stones (backing vocalist on Exile on Main St.), Dr. John, Wilson Pickett, and Sonny & Cher. In 1971, "I'm Gonna Run Away From You" was released as a single, with "The Boy Next Door" as the b-side, on Mojo and Atlantic, where it became a hit in the UK among devotees of Northern soul. The tune hit #4 in the UK in 1971.

A full-length album, Love Is Here and Now You're Gone, followed in 1972, produced by John Abbey. "I'm Gonna Run Away From You" returned to the UK chart in 1975 after being reissued, hitting #36 the second time around. Love Is Here and Now You're Gone was reissued on CD in 2005, by DBK Works.

Cissy Houston

2009-03-21T03:55:00.001-07:00

Cissy Houston - Jumping Jack Flash (1969)
Soon. From the UK TV show The Price Of Fame, with Alan Price and Georgie Fame. Born Emily Drinkard, 30 September 1933, Newark, New Jersey, USA. Houston's singing career began in a family gospel group, the Drinkard Singers, which also featured her nieces Dee Dee and Dionne Warwick.

The trio was later employed as backing singers for many artists, including Solomon Burke and Wilson Pickett. While Dionne began recording as a solo artist, Houston continued this backroom work.

Between 1967 and 1970 she was lead vocalist with the Sweet Inspirations, an impressive quartet who sang on countless releases, primarily for Atlantic Records. Houston's subsequent solo releases included "I'll Be There" (1970), "Be My Baby" (1971) and "Think It Over" (1978), but her career failed to match expectations and was later eclipsed by the success of her daughter Whitney Houston. Cissy has now returned chiefly to the gospel fold, as a major figure in the New Hope Baptist Church Choir of Newark, New Jersey, although in 1992 she shared a secular Shanachie CD with Chuck Jackson.

William Bell

2009-03-21T03:47:00.000-07:00

William Bell - Never Like This Before (2004)
This was the first William Bell record I brought and one of my favorites of his.

Born William Yarborough, 16 July 1937, Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Having recorded in 1957 as part of the Del Rios, Bell emerged on the fledgling Stax Records with "You Don't Miss Your Water" (1961), a cornerstone in the development of country R&Born Military service sadly undermined his musical career, and on its resumption he found the label bursting with competition.

His original songs, often composed with either Steve Cropper or Booker T. Jones, included "Share What You've Got" (1966), "Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday" (1967) and "Eloise" (1967), while his effective homage to Otis Redding, "A Tribute To A King", was genuinely moving. "Private Number", a sumptuous duet with Judy Clay, provided one of his best-remembered releases, but a further US hit followed with "I Forgot To Be Your Lover" (1968), which was remade into a US Top 10 pop hit by Billy Idol in 1986 as "To Be A Lover".

Bell moved to Atlanta, Georgia, in 1969 where he set up his Peach Tree label. His biggest hit came on signing to Mercury Records when "Tryin' To Love Two" (1976) was a US Top 10 single. During the 80s he enjoyed R&B successes on Kat Family and his own Wilbe Productions label, still endeavouring to develop southern soul styles. Bell's creativity tailed off during the 90s with a series of inferior re-recorded versions of his classic hits. In 1997, he was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall Of Fame.

Sammy Davis Jr.

2009-03-21T03:36:00.000-07:00

Sammy Davis Jr., - Chicago (that Todling Town) 1959
From Playboy After Dark. Sammy recorded a number of fine soul albums and singles. Samuel George “Sammy” Davis, Jr. (December 8, 1925 – May 16, 1990) was an American entertainer.

He was a dancer, singer, multi-instrumentalist (vibraphone, trumpet, and drums), impressionist, comedian, convert to Judaism, and Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor.

He was a member of the 1960s Rat Pack, which was led by his old friend Frank Sinatra, and included fellow performers Dean Martin, Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford.

Lonnie Hill

2009-03-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

Lonnie Hill - Galveston Bay (1987)
Nice little 2-stepper this one and is here on UK TV. Lonnie was a member of his family's spiritual group The Gospel Keynotes by the age of 17. His father was a pentecostal minister.Their successful recordings included 'Keep On Walking, Don't Look Back' and 'We Need Prayer'.

The group released one album on Nashboro Records entitled 'Just One More Time'. Lonnie left the Gospel Keynotes after 5 years with the band. He was disillusioned with the band and their lack of recognition regarding his songwriting.

His interest in secular R & B lead him to Denver, Colorado, where he recorded 'You Got Me Running' for the Urban Sound label. It was released in the UK in 1986 by Virgin / 10 Records, and included the much acclaimed single 'Galveston Bay' (UK Top 75). The album also featured Philip Bailey on backing vocals.

In the early nineties an odd festive 45 by Lonnie Hill was handed out at Thanksgiving outside churches in his local town in a hope to raise awareness to the plight of the poor.The track was called 'Cold Winter In The Ghetto' and has become highly sought after. Lonnie Hill Has worked with Chuck Pyle on 'Drifter's Wind' (1991).

Lonnie, also released a single entitled 'Jeans On' in 1992 on his own Hills Hideaway Music label.A new album, 'No Games', and single, 'Step On Out', are due in 2001 on Hills Hideaway Music. Lonnie's 2001 band line-up includes Lonnie Hill Jnr, Lucky, Nelson Stroud (whose resume includes work with Rick James). - soulwalking.com

Keni Stevens

2009-03-20T08:08:00.001-07:00

Keni Stevens - I Cannot Live Without Your Love (1987)
British born Keni Stevens is the son of a US serviceman and began his career as lead singer of the group Raw Energy in the mid-70's.

He also worked as a session singer with artists like Marianne Faithful and Eddy Grant before signing with the Elite label as a solo artist in 1985. He recorded Night Moves (1985) and Blue Moods (1987) before a switch to Debut Records for You (1988) and Living On The Edge (1989). Ralph Tee

Zapp

2009-03-20T06:45:00.001-07:00

Zapp - Computer Love (1982)
Nice cover version of Roy Ayers song.
On request, but there is no shortage of footage of them. Funk group based in Hamilton, Ohio, USA who, for a period during the 80s, rivalled major stars of the genre such as the Gap Band and Kool And The Gang. Zapp was formed by several members of the Troutman family, including brothers Roger Troutman (Born 29 November 1951, Hamilton, Ohio, USA, d. 25 April 1999, Dayton, Ohio, USA; vocals/guitar), Lester (drums), Larry (Born 12 August 1944, Hamliton, Ohio, USA, d. 25 April 1999, Dayton, Ohio, USA; percussion) and Tony.

The latter recorded the minor R&B hit single "I Truly Love You" for Gram-O-Phon Records in 1976.Various members of the band worked with Roger on albums by artists affiliated to the Zapp family, including Dick Smith, Human Body, Glover, Lynch, New Horizons and Shirley Murdock.

The latter, an exciting gospel/soul vocalist, appeared on 1985's The New Zapp IV U. Further excellent singles included "It Doesn't Really Matter" (1985) and "Computer Love Part 1" (number 8 R&B, 1986), but the band's commercial fortunes had declined by the end of the decade. Their 1993 compilation album, featuring several remixes and medleys, went platinum.

Zapp's influence on electro and hip-hop should not be underestimated, and Roger Troutman remained an in-demand session musician/vocalist and producer with urban R&B and hip-hop artists (including a high profile performance on Dr. Dre and 2Pac's 1996 hit single, "California Love"). The Zapp story ended in tragedy on 25 April 1999, when brother Larry shot Roger before turning the gun on himself.

Yvonne Vernee

2009-03-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

Yvonne Vernee - Just Like You Did Me (1991)
Last copy sold on Ebay $3,200 on SonBert records!
I filmed this at the Torbay Northern Soul Weekender.
This rare Detroit track was at a peak in it's popularity then.

Friends Tony & Mick along with Pep organised this weekender that was not too well attended, but was it one to remember.
Yvonne replaced Suandra Tucker when she left the Elgins in the early 70's. Her married name is Yvonne Allen. There is also an under-dub version at: LiveVideo.com she misses the bridge on the other take but the band helps out - priceless

Womack and Womack

2009-03-20T06:07:00.000-07:00

Womack & Womack - Love Wars (1983)
I have cleaner footage than this. Cecil Womack is one of the famous Womack brothers (the most notable being Bobby Womack) and was a member of the Valentinos, the sibling singing group that was mentored by Sam Cooke before his tragic death. Linda Womack is Sam Cooke's daughter (and was for a time Bobby's stepdaughter) and became Cecil's wife and musical partner.

Womack & Womack established a stellar reputation as songwriters of melodic, intelligent songs that were recorded by others especially during the period 1975 - 1990. Perhaps most notable of their songs were "Love TKO," originally recorded by Teddy Pendergrass and recently remade by Hall & Oates, Patti LaBelle's "Love Bankrupt" and the wonderful ballad "New Day," immortalized by George Benson.

Cecil and Linda also had a relatively short but notable recording career. Their 1983 debut album, Love Wars, was a critical favorite, and spun off the minor hit "Baby I'm Scared of You." It was a great album front-to-back, and included their own version of "TKO" as well as the smooth "Good Times." They followed over the next half decade with the solid but less commercially successful Radio M.U.S.I.C. Man, Conscience and Starbright before moving to RCA in 1991 for Family Spirit. Their 1993 recording Transformed Into The House Of Zekkariyas was their last as Womack and Womack.

Cecil and Linda moved to Africa in the 90s. They are now recording with their seven children as The House of Zekkariyas, and released the album Sub Conscience in 2002.
In 2004, Australia's Raven Records released Strange and Funny: The Best of Womack & Womack 1984-93. - Chris Rizik

The Winans

2009-03-20T05:53:00.001-07:00

The Winans - Let My People Go (1987)
UK Solid Soul TV show. The Winans are an American Gospel music quartet from Detroit, Michigan consisting of brothers Marvin, Carvin, Michael and Ronald Winans.

Brothers Ronald, Marvin, Carvin, and Michael Winans (the second, third, fourth and fifth siblings of the Winans family) grew up in Detroit, Michigan and were discovered by Andrae Crouch, who signed them to Light Records.

Their first record, Introducing The Winans was produced in 1981. Their style was noted for its crossover efforts and received airplay on R&B radio. The group's last recording was in 1995, but they have subsequently been involved in various Winans family projects where they are credited as "The Winans" (e.g. November 2000's Christmas: Our Gifts To You).

The Whispers

2009-03-20T05:46:00.001-07:00

The Whispers - It's A Love Thing (1982)
On request only. Formed in the Watts section of Los Angeles, California, USA in 1964, soul group the Whispers were originally comprised of Nicholas Caldwell (Born 5 April 1944, Loma Linda, California, USA), twin brothers Wallace and Walter Scott (Born 23 September 1943, Fort Worth, Texas, USA), Marcus Hutson (Born 8 January 1943, St. Louis, Missouri, USA) and Gordy Harmon. The group recorded its first single, "It Only Hurts For Awhile", for Dore Records but it was not until 1969 that they reached the R&B charts with "Time Will Come", on the Soul Clock label.

Their first Top 10 soul record, "Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong", followed in 1970 and the group switched to Janus Records for the next four years, during which time Leaveil Degree (Born 31 July, 1948, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA) replaced Harmon. In 1975 the group switched labels again, to Soul Train, and scored such hits as "One For The Money" and "Make It With You", a remake of the Bread pop hit. The Soul Train label evolved into Solar Records in 1978, where the Whispers stayed for 10 years, reaching their commercial peak.

Emphasizing lush arrangements and sweet vocal harmonies, the group earned hits with the US number 1 R&B single "And The Beat Goes On", which also reached number 2 in the UK pop chart. The group continued their success in the US R&B charts with six Top 10 entries; "Lady" (1980), "It's A Love Thing" (1981, also a UK Top 10), "In The Raw" (1982), "Tonight" (1983), "Keep On Lovin' Me" (1983), "Contagious" (1984), and another R&B number 1 and their only US Top 10 pop entry, "Rock Steady", in 1987.

Maintaining the same line-up, the group signed to Capitol Records in 1990, releasing More Of The Night, which still stressed a refined, slick soul sound. In 1993 the Scotts began recording as Walter & Scotty, releasing the My Brothers Keeper album. They carried on working with the Whispers, however, who chalked up 30 years in the music business the following year. music.us

Stone Free

2009-03-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

Stone Free (Tony Stone) - Can't Say Bye (1984)
Nice blue-eyed soul stepper. UK TV show. Can't find much about him. Can anyone help.

Tony Middleton

2009-03-20T05:23:00.000-07:00

Tony Middleton - Paris Blues (1993)
Cleethorpes Northern Soul Weekender. Tony Middleton was born June 26, 1934. Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia and in the mid-1950s, Middleton moved to New York with his mother. He surpassed others with his skills in various sports and started to box as an amateur in his late 20s.

In 1952 he joined the 5 Willows became their lead singer but became a soloist in 1957. With over 3 songs produced as a soloist, he could not produce a hit song so he moved to Paris, France in 1962 with little hope. With his silky, smooth voice that can become soft or seductive, it drew many fans in Paris, France into him.

He then left Paris, France to come back to New York and try to make another hit. He came with a powerful, 'You Spoil My Reputation'. Afterward, he made recordings with big singers including Smokey Robinson, Della Reese and Nell Carter and many performances. Later on, he joined back the Willows and toured a decade with them. Although, Tony Middleton did not get that hit that he was dreaming of, he made inspirations for other young jazz singers. - Wikipedia

Jerry Butler

2009-03-20T05:18:00.000-07:00

Jerry Butler & Brenda Lee Eager - Close To You (1973)
Born 8 December 1939, Sunflower, Mississippi, USA. Jerry, older brother of Billy Butler, moved to Chicago as a child and was later part of the city's burgeoning gospel circuit. He subsequently joined several secular groups, including the Roosters, an aspiring trio of Sam Gooden and Richard and Arthur Brooks. Butler then suggested they add his friend, Curtis Mayfield, on guitar.

Now called the Impressions, the quintet secured a Top 3 US R&B hit with the haunting "For Your Precious Love" (1958). However, the label credit, "Jerry Butler And The Impressions", caused friction within the group. A second single, "Come Back My Love", was less successful and Butler left for a solo career. His early releases were minor hits until "He Will Break Your Heart" reached number 1 in the US R&B and number 7 in the pop charts in 1960. The song was written by Mayfield, who also added guitar and sang backing vocals. Their differences clearly resolved, two subsequent hits, "Find Another Girl" and "I'm A Telling You' (both 1961), featured the same partnership.

Mayfield's involvement lessened as the Impressions" own career developed, but Butler's chart run continued. "Make It Easy On Yourself" (1962) and "I Stand Accused" (1964) were among his finest singles. Butler switched to Mercury Records in 1966 where he honed the style that won him his "Ice Man" epithet. "Hey Western Union Man" and "Only The Strong Survive" topped the soul chart in 1968 and 1969, while duets with Gene Chandler and Brenda Lee Eager punctuated his early 70s recordings.

With his brother, Billy Butler, he formed the Butler Writers Workshop, which encouraged aspiring songwriters and musicians, among whom were Marvin Yancey and Chuck Jackson of the Independents and Natalie Cole. Butler's releases on Motown Records preceded a more successful spell with Philadelphia International Records, while the 80s and 90s saw his work appear on Fountain and CTI. Since the mid-80s Butler has balanced his music career with his involvement in politics, and is currently an elected official in Chicago. - Music.us

Tavares

2009-03-20T05:12:00.000-07:00

Tavares - Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel (1985)
1980's remake version on UK TV. This US group was formed in 1964 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA. The line-up consisted of five brothers, Ralph (Born 10 December 1948), Antone "Chubby", Feliciano "Butch", Arthur "Pooch" and Perry Lee "Tiny' Tavares. Originally known as Chubby And The Turnpikes, the group assumed its family's surname in 1969.

Although they lacked a distinctive lead voice or a characteristic sound, Tavares' undemanding blend of light soul and pop resulted in several commercial successes. The brothers" early run of R&B hits culminated in 1975 with "It Only Takes A Minute", a soul chart-topper and a US pop Top 10 entry.

The following year the group scored their sole million-seller in "Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel" before enjoying further success with one of their strongest songs, "Don't Take Away The Music". Both of these singles reached number 4 in the UK where Tavares enjoyed an enduring popularity.

"Whodunit" (1977) was another major release, while "More Than A Woman" (1978), a song from that year's box-office smash, Saturday Night Fever, gave the group their last significant hit. Tavares continued to reach the R&B lists until 1984, but their safe, almost old-fashioned style gradually fell from favour. - Music.us

Coati Mundi

2009-03-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

Coati Mundi - Me No Popi [Popeye] (1981)
This is the stage name of Andy Hernandez, vibraphone player and member of Kid Creole and the Coconuts as well as Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band.

He scored the Top 40 UK hit "Me No Pop I" in 1981, just before the release of Tropical Gangsters. He produced and arranged an album by "Don Armando Second Avenue Rhumba Band", which spurned the disco hit song "Deputy of Love".

Hernandez is a first generation Puerto Rican who grew up in Spanish Harlem, NYC. As a young teenager, the first band he played and recorded with was called Eddie Hernandez & his Orchestra. Mundi has worked with assorted musical groups and artists including Ralfi Pagan, Joe Bataan, Vernon Reid, N'Dea Davenport, Nona Hendryx, Tito Puente, Manny Oquendo & Conjunto Libre, Hall & Oates and Machito.

He was known as Sugarcoated Andy while in Dr. Buzzard's band and played vibes, marimba and percussion for them. Credits Stony Browder, August Darnell and Cory Daye of Dr.Buzzard's band as major influences. In 1979, he helped create along with Adriana Kaegi the "Kid Creole and The Coconuts" band. Andy was the musical director and arranger for the Coconuts band until his departure in 1989.

Mundi is a self-taught musician. Main instrument is the vibraphone but also plays piano, percussion, flute and is a music arranger/composer. In an interview, he once said: "I have never let the lack of talent stop me from doing anything". He cited an example of this regarding the "Gichy Dan and Beachwood 9" record produced by August Darnell. He was being interviewed for the job of arranger-orchestrator by the Head of A&R at RCA records. Andy was asked if he knew how to arrange for strings. He said without hesitation "Of course". Andy convinced RCA Records to give him the job. In actuality, he did not know a thing about string arrangements.

Immediately after the interview, he bought a book on arranging for strings and woodshedded day and night. What resulted was a successful arrangement job. He even received a wonderful compliment from the great violinist Harry Lookofsky who served as concertmaster on the date.
In 1983, he released a solo album titled Little Coati Mundi The Former 12 Year Old Genius. Mundi composed, produced and provided the lead vocals. It contained a version of Captain Beefheart's "Tropical Hot Dog Night" featuring salsa singer Rubén Blades. The album also featured former Kid Creole & The Coconut singer Lori Eastside.

Coati Mundi appeared as an actor in the film Who's That Girl starring Madonna and Griffin Dunne. He wrote and performed a song for the soundtrack album called: "El Coco Loco". Mundi has acted in several Spike Lee films, including Mo Better Blues, He Got Game and Girl 6. He can also be seen in the film We Own the Night.
He is credited as one of the music supervisors for the Miramax film 54 and as producer of several of the film's songs. Mundi has composed music for various films, including Spike of Bensonhurst. Coati Mundi is the composer and sound designer for a series of educational DVD's for children produced by Karyn Parsons (Fresh Prince of Bel-Air). - Wikipedai

Milton Nascrimento

2009-03-19T04:06:00.000-07:00

Milton Nascrimento - Cravo e Canela (subtitled) 1981

Alson with Wagner Tiso, Swiss TV 1881. English subtitles, 'Clove & Cinnamon'Nascimento was born in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. His mother was the maid Maria do Carmo Nascimento. When he was just a few months old, the boy was adopted by the family for whom his mother had previously worked: the couple Josino Brito Campos, a banker, mathematics teacher and electronic technician; and Lília Silva Campos, a music teacher and choir singer.

At 18 months, his biological mother died and he moved with his adopted parents to the city of Três Pontas, in the state of Minas Gerais. Nascimento was also an occasional DJ on a radio station that his father had run at one point. He lived in the boroughs of Laranjeiras and Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro.

In the early stages of his career, Nascimento played in two samba groups, Evolussamba and Sambacana. In 1963, at age 19, he moved to Belo Horizonte where his friendship with Lô Borges led to the Clube da Esquina ("corner club") movement. Other members included Beto Guedes, Toninho Horta, Wagner Tiso, and Flávio Venturini, with whom he shared compositions and melodies. One of these was "Canção do Sal" which was first interpreted by Elis Regina in 1966, leading to a television appearance with Nascimento. The collective, as well as some others, released Clube da Esquina in 1972. Several singles were released along with it which became hits.

Nascimento is famous for his falsetto and tonal range, as well for highly acclaimed songs such as "Maria, Maria", "Canção da América" ("Song from America"), "Travessia", "Bailes da Vida" and "Coração de Estudante" ("Student's Heart"). The lyrics remember the funeral of the student Edson Luís, killed by police officers in 1968. The song became the hymn for the Diretas Já social-political campaign in 1984, was played at the funeral of the late President of Brazil Tancredo Neves the next year, and was also played at Ayrton Senna's funeral.

While his reputation within Brazil was firmly established with his Clube da Esquina works, Nascimento's international breakthrough came with his appearance on jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter's 1974 album Native Dancer. This led to widespread acclaim, and collaborations with American stars such as Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, George Duke and Quincy Jones. Angelus (1994) features appearances by Pat Metheny, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Jack DeJohnette, Nana Vasconcelos, Jon Anderson, James Taylor, and Peter Gabriel.

Through his friendship with guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, Nascimento came to work with the pop rock band Duran Duran in 1993. Nascimento co-wrote and performed the song "Breath After Breath", featured on the band's 1993 album Duran Duran. He also performed with the band in concert when they toured in Brazil in support of that album.

New Edition

2009-03-19T03:51:00.001-07:00

New Edition - Candy Girl (1983)
Hey this is classic! They look like the Jackson 5.

Upbeat US teenage pop stars New Edition were formed by Maurice Starr, who modelled them on the Jackson Five. He recruited five handsome young men, Bobby Brown (Born 5 February 1969, Boston, USA), Ralph Tresvant (Born 16 May 1968, Boston, USA), Michael Bivins (Born 10 August 1968, Boston, USA), Ricky Bell (USA), and Ronnie DeVoe (Born 17 November 1967, Boston, USA), who originally performed high-quality mainstream pop with soul overtones.

As their careers progressed, however, they began to incorporate the sound and style of hip-hop, inadvertently becoming forerunners for the "New Jack Swing' (aka swingbeat) hybrid that Teddy Riley then developed. Following the success of 1983"s Candy Girl, New Edition fired Starr, who then repeated the trick and earned a good deal of money by masterminding the career of New Kids On The Block.

The first rap exchanges occurred on New Edition, their MCA Records debut, where the quintet proved particularly effective on tracks such as "School'. Shortly afterwards, Brown left for a hugely successful solo career that still embraced hip-hop as well as harmonic soul ballads. New Edition continued with an idiosyncratic album of doo-wop cover versions, before the arrival of Johnny Gill for 1988"s Heart Break, which was produced by Jimmy Jam And Terry Lewis.By the turn of the decade, with sales and interest slumping, the remaining members set out on more successful solo projects. Bell Biv DeVoe comprised the adventures of the three named founder-members, while both Gill and Tresvant followed the solo trail.

A total reverse in New Edition's fortunes occurred in 1996, when their first album in many years entered the Billboard album chart at number 1, a remarkable comeback, no doubt boosted by the presence of original member Brown. In 2002, New Edition, minus Brown, announced they had signed a new recording contract with the Bad Boy label. - music.us

Nona Gaye

2009-03-19T03:44:00.000-07:00

Nona Gaye - Inner City Blues (1992)
This is Marvin Gaye's daughter. The footage was taken from a documentary about Marvin's Life. Nona's touching tribute comes at the end of the program.

Marvin III (sometimes referred to as Marvin Gaye, Jr.) was from Gaye's first marriage while her younger brother Frankie was born within a year after her. As a baby, Nona was brought out on stage by her father during a concert. At eight, she formally introduced her father on Soul Train during a tribute episode to the singer.

Nona released her first album, Love for the Future, on Atlantic Records in 1992, a month after her 18th birthday. The album featured the top 20 hit "I'm Overjoyed" as well as "The Things That We All Do For Love". The following year, Nona was named one of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People. She signed to Ford Modeling Agency in 1994, and became the new face of Armani.

Odyssey

2009-03-19T03:33:00.000-07:00

Odyssey - Hang Together (1979)
I recorded this live off the UK Tiswas TV show on a 1971 Philips 1500 early domestic recorder. It was an old machine even then, and I still have it.

I don't think this group were given the respect they should have. Some of there tracks are just wonderful! Native New Yorker being one of my fav's.

Odyssey was a New York based dance music band. It grew out of the talent of the Virgin Islands born Lopez sisters: Lillian Lopez (born 16 November 1945), Louise Lopez (born 22 February 1943), and Carmen Lopez who later dropped out of the group.
Filipino singer Tony Reynolds was added, at which point the band became known as Odyssey.

The group was best known for its December 1977 hit "Native New Yorker", which reached #21 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was later covered by Frankie Valli. Although a string of albums and singles followed, the group managed only one other R&B chart smash, the Slave produced "Inside Out", written by Jesse Rae, which peaked at #12 in 1982.

Reynolds, for unknown reasons, left after the first album and was replaced by Fayetteville, North Carolina native William "Bill" McEachern, who remained with the group throughout the remainder of its RCA record label output.

In the United Kingdom, the band with its gentle Caribbean style had more success, totalling five Top Ten hits between 1977 and 1982. One of them, "Use It Up and Wear It Out", reached number one in the UK Singles Chart for two weeks in 1980. Odyssey thus became the third U.S. act of the year (after Fern Kinney and M.A.S.H.) to reach Number one in the UK, despite failing to chart in their home country. Later hit "Going Back to My Roots" was written by Lamont Dozier.

Osaka Monoaurail

2009-03-19T03:18:00.000-07:00

Osaka Monoaurail - In The Middle
Stunningly good cover of Afred 'Pee-Wee' Ellis JB production. I have original for sale on my web site. This group backed Marva Whitney when she went to Japan. They have also gigged in UK.

Named after a railway in Japan/JB's album. If you can't have the real JB's then these guys will do!
Nakata Ryo (vocal, organ, percussions)Hiraishi Katsutoshi (MD, trombone, flute)Sakakibara Seiji (trumpet)Yamagata Kentaro (trumpet)Mukai Shimon(tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, flute)Hayami Dan (guitar)Ikeda Yuichi (guitar)Nakamura Dai (bass)Soki Kimura (drums)

In spring 2007, Osaka Monaurail will celebrate thier 15th anniversary. The wheels are very much still turning on the funk-i-est band that Japan has to offer.After 15 years the aim of the group still remains the same; that is to play just - plain - funk.Leader Nakata often says in interviews 'we've been working very hard for 15 years only to find a way to play funk music.'

Formed in 1992 when Nakata was a university student, they were named after the 1975 funk classic, It's The JBs Monaurail by the J.B.'s. (misspelling intentional.) The band originally had more than 20 people including many horn players, as well as the rhythm section. Most of them were from the same jazz club at the college, and the first tune they rehearsed was I Got The Feeling, a James Brown 1968 funk classic. Soon the band shaped itself up into a 13 piece group. After a couple of school concerts, the first live show off college was at Bustle Hall, Osaka, in 1993.

The personnel at the time was: Nakata Ryo (vocal and keys), Matsunaga Hiroaki and Yamamoto Nobuki (trumpets), Terada Hiroichi (co-vocal and trombone), Hiraishi Katsutoshi (trombone), Nakamoto Goji (alto saxophone), Hibino Norihiko (tenor saxophone), Takegai Tomoki (baritone saxophone), Kikuchi Hiroshi and Ichinose Takayuki (guitars), Yatabe Teruyuki (bass), Suetsugu Toshimitu (percussion) and Igarashi Shuichi (drums).

Patti Austin

2009-03-19T03:09:00.001-07:00

Patti Austin - In Studio with Quincy Jones (1985)
She made her debut at the Apollo Theater at age four and had a contract with RCA Records when she was only five. Quincy Jones and Dinah Washington have proclaimed themselves as her godparents. Her 60's Coral singles are much sort after by Northern Soul DJ's/fans. A CD of these was put out in France.

By the late 1960s Austin was a prolific session musician and commercial jingle singer. During the 1980s, signed to Jones's Qwest Records, she began her most prolific hitmaking period. She charted twenty R&B songs between 1969 and 1991 and had success on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, where she hit number one in 1981 with "Do You Love Me?" / "The Genie".

The album containing that hit, Every Home Should Have One, also produced her biggest mainstream hit. "Baby, Come To Me," a duet with James Ingram, initially peaked at number 73 on the Hot 100 in early 1982. After being featured as the love theme in a prominent storyline on the soap opera General Hospital, the song re-entered the pop chart in October and went to number one in February 1983. The single was certified Gold by the RIAA. She would later team up again with Ingram for "How Do You Keep The Music Playing".

Paul Johnson

2009-03-19T02:56:00.001-07:00

Paul Johnson - Every Kinda People (1986)
London based singer originally sang with the group Paradise before CBS signed him as a solo artist in 1987. He had worked with producers including Junior on song 'Half A World Away' while his first UK chart success came with 'When Love Comes Calling' (1987).

In 1988 he recorded a duet 'Words into Action' with Mica Paris on her album So Good, while his later singles have included Don't Make Me Wait Too Long' (1990). His cousin Chris Johnson is a top recording engineer who was once a member of the Biddu Orchestra and fronted the UK soul band Breeze. - Ralph Tee

Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack

2009-03-19T02:45:00.000-07:00

Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack - Tonight I Celibrate My Love for you (1984)
On request only. Peabo Bryson (born Robert Peabo Bryson on April 13, 1951) is a two-time Grammy Award-winning American R&B and soul singer, born in Greenville, South Carolina.

He is well known for singing soft-rock ballads, often as a duo with female singers, and his contribution to several Disney animated feature soundtracks.Bryson won a Grammy Award in 1992 for his performance of the song "Beauty and the Beast" with Céline Dion and another in 1993 for "A Whole New World" (Aladdin's Theme) with Regina Belle.

Peabo's greatest solo hits include 1978's "Feel The Fire", "Reaching For The Sky" & "I'm So Into You", 1982's "Let The Feeling Flow", 1984's "If Ever You're in My Arms Again" (his first Top 10 single, at #10 in the U.S.), 1989's "Show And Tell" and the 1991 hit "Can You Stop the Rain". In 1985, he appeared on the soap opera One Life to Live to sing a lyrical version of its theme song. Bryson's vocals were added to the regular theme song in 1987 and his voice was heard daily until 1992.

Bryson's tax problems caught up with him on August 21, 2003, when the U.S. Internal Revenue Service seized property from his Atlanta, Georgia, home. He is reported to owe $1.2 million in taxes going back to 1984. The IRS auctioned much of his possessions, including both Grammy Awards, electronic equipment and grand piano.

The Pointer Sisters

2009-03-19T02:36:00.001-07:00

The Pointer Sisters - Yes We Can Can (1973)
By request only. This is one of my personal favourites. Originally done by Lee Dorsey in 1970 and is an up lifting song from the black freedom struggle days of the USA. Used to great form in the Obama Campaign of 2008.

The song, written by Allen Toussaint, is a socially conscious one, featuring intricate background vocals by three of the sisters while Anita Pointer handled lead vocal duties.
Released in February 1973, the song became the Pointers' first hit single reaching number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100 and number twelve on the Hot Soul Songs chart.

Randy Crawford

2009-03-19T02:27:00.000-07:00

Randy Crawford - A Secret Combination (1983)
Live at Dury Lane, London. Born Veronica Crawford, 18 February 1952, Macon, Georgia, USA. Raised in Cincinnati, from the age of 15 Crawford was a regular performer at the city's nightclubs.

She later moved to New York and began singing with several jazz musicians including George Benson and Cannonball Adderley. Crawford was subsequently signed to Warner Brothers Records as a solo act, but achieved fame as the (uncredited) voice on "Street Life", a major hit single for the Crusaders in 1979.

Crawford toured extensively with the group, whose pianist, Joe Sample, provided her with "Now We May Begin", a beautiful ballad that established the singer's independent career. Crawford enjoyed further successes with "One Day I'll Fly Away" (UK number 2), "You Might Need Somebody", "Rainy Night In Georgia" (both UK Top 20 hits) and her 1981 album Secret Combination, considered by many to be her finest, reached number 2 in the UK.

After a five-year respite, she made a return to the top flight of the chart in 1986 with "Almaz", which reached the Top 5. Curiously, this soulful, passionate singer has found greater success in the UK than in her homeland, and the 1989 album Rich And Poor was recorded in London. By the new millennium, Crawford was fronting the gospel group the Kingsmen. - music.us

Linda Griner

2009-03-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

Linda Griner - Goodbye Cruel Love (1995)
Live at Nottingham Football Club Northern Soul nite. Introduced by 'Pep'. Soul nite was presented by John Wilkinson (Wilco.)

I filmed this for Linda but my vintage camera/recorder was playing up a bit. The evening before she had appeared at Bretby Soul nite near Burton-on-Trent for Chris Anderton. Chris and his friends championed this track at Bretby throughout the early 90's.

The single was released by Motown as a one off, Smokey Robinson wrote the glorious flip-site 'Envious'. A good friend loaned me an original copy of this single to record envious for Lyn's personal collection and while on loan it was stolen by some one-off guests on my radio show. I ended up having to buy my mate a new washing machine! happy days. www.lindagrinermusic.com

The Deep River Boys

2009-03-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

The Deep River Boys - Too Young To Rock & Roll (1957)
They were an American Gospel music group active from the mid 1930s to the mid 1950s. The group performed spirituals, Gospel, and R&B.

The group consisted of Harry Douglas (baritone), Vernon Gardner (first tenor), George Lawson (second tenor), Jimmy Lundy and Edward Ware (bass).

The group began at Hampton Institute (now known as Hampton University) in Hampton, Virginia. Their 1948 song Recess in Heaven became their first hit. They appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, held command performances before the Queen of the United Kingdom (in the 1960s), and US President Dwight D Eisenhower.

They also performed with Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Count Basie, Fats Waller, Charlie Christian and Thelma Carpenter. In Europe they were especially popular in countries like Sweden and Norway from the 1950s and upwards, appearing on numerous TV shows, even releasing several hit-singles performing songs in Swedish and Norwegian. The group continued to tour into the early eighties.

The last surviving member of the group, Jimmy Lundy, lived in Portsmouth, Virginia, and may have died on October 3, 2007. Hi to my friend in Sweeden who was still in touch with Jimmy Lundy and sent me many emails.

Nancy Wilson

2009-03-18T11:10:00.001-07:00

Nancy Wilson - Face It Girl It's Over (1968)
Flip side of Northern classic 'End Of Our Love'. Born February 20, 1937 and is an American singer with seventy-plus albums, and three Grammy Awards so far in her career. She's been labeled a singer of blues, jazz, cabaret and pop; a "consummate actress"; and "the complete entertainer."

The title she prefers, however, is song stylist. She has received many nicknames--"Sweet Nancy, The Baby" and the "Fancy Miss Nancy" are only two of them.

At the Hollywood Bowl, August 29, 2007, Nancy Wilson celebrated her 70th birthday with an all-star event hosted by Arsenio Hall. Ramsey Lewis and his trio performed “To Know Her Is To Love Her”. (Lewis and Wilson have recorded over 150 albums together.) Other appearances were Nnenna Freelon, Regina Carter, Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, James Ingram, and other artists.

Miquel Brown

2009-03-18T11:01:00.001-07:00

Miquel Brown - He's A Saint, He's A Sinner (1984)
Born circa 1945 and is a Canadian actress and Disco/Soul singer from the 1970s and '80s most popular for the songs 'Close to Perfection' and the Hi-NRG songs 'So Many Men, So Little Time' and "He's A Saint, He's A Sinner" (both now considered vintage gay anthems) produced in London by Ian Levine.

Also known for her boyish cornrows hairstyle, which she altered into a more womanly cut after some confusion regarding her gender.Originally named Michael, her parents changed the spelling (but retained the pronunciation) so as not to confuse her with a male producer and children's author of the time (Michael Brown).

She is the step sister of disco singer Amii Stewart. She married a man named Anthony Blackett in the 60's and had two twin daughters, Greta and popstar Sinitta. She divorced her husband upon arriving to England in May,1973.

Miriam Makeba

2009-03-18T08:17:00.000-07:00

Miraim Makeba - Let My Children Go (1988)
Mandela's 70th Birthday, Wembley Arena.
Miriam Makeba (4 March 1932 - 10 November 2008)[2] was a South African singer and civil rights activist. The Grammy Award winning artist is often referred to as Mama Afrika.

Zenzile Miriam Makeba was born in Johannesburg in 1932. Her mother was a Swazi sangoma and her father, who died when she was six, was a Xhosa. As a child, she sang at the Kilmerton Training Institute in Pretoria, which she attended for eight years.

Makeba first toured with an amateur group. Her professional career began in the 1950s with the Manhattan Brothers, before she formed her own group, The Skylarks, singing a blend of jazz and traditional melodies of South Africa.

In 1959, she performed in the musical King Kong alongside Hugh Masekela, her future husband. Though she was a successful recording artist, she was only receiving a few dollars for each recording session and no provisional royalties, and was keen to go to the US. Her break came when she starred in the anti-apartheid documentary Come Back, Africa in 1959 by independent filmmaker Lionel Rogosin. She attended the premiere of the film at the Venice Film Festival.

Makeba then travelled to London where she met Harry Belafonte, who assisted her in gaining entry to and fame in the United States. She released many of her most famous hits there including "Pata Pata", "The Click Song" ("Qongqothwane" in Xhosa), and "Malaika". In 1966, Makeba received the Grammy Award for Best Folk Recording together with Harry Belafonte for An Evening With Belafonte/Makeba. The album dealt with the political plight of black South Africans under apartheid.

She discovered that her South African passport was revoked when she tried to return there in 1960 for her mother's funeral. In 1963, after testifying against apartheid before the United Nations, her South African citizenship and her right to return to the country were revoked. She has had nine passports, and was granted honorary citizenship of ten countries.

Her marriage to Trinidadian civil rights activist and Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee leader Stokely Carmichael in 1968 caused controversy in the United States, and her record deals and tours were cancelled. As a result of this, the couple moved to Guinea, where they became close with President Ahmed Sékou Touré and his wife. Makeba separated from Carmichael in 1973, and continued to perform primarily in Africa, South America and Europe. She was one of the African and Afro-American entertainers at the 1974 Rumble in the Jungle match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman held in Zaïre. Makeba also served as a Guinean delegate to the United Nations, for which she won the Dag Hammarskjöld Peace Prize in 1986.

After the death of her only daughter Bongi Makeba in 1985, she moved to Brussels. In 1987, she appeared in Paul Simon's Graceland tour. Shortly

Mica Paris

2009-03-18T08:12:00.000-07:00

Mica Paris - God Bless The Child
From 'My One Temptation' limited edition 12" from 1988. Born Michelle Wallen, 27 April 1969, London, England. Having written, recorded, and produced with the aid of heavyweights including Nile Rodgers (Chic), Prince and Rakim (Eric B And Rakim), Paris has remained one of the UK's biggest talents never to have made the great leap forward.

It has not been for want of effort or ability, but producers have struggled to maximize the potential of one of the world's most delightful soul-dance performers. Stronger material would certainly help. On her 1989 debut album, there were times when she hit a perfect beat, such as when she matches for dexterity the tenor sax of Courtney Pine on "Like Dreamers Do'.

Her second album used new, hot producers as a remedy (Charles Mantronik of Mantronix, and Dancin' Danny D of D-Mob); however, a sense of frustration still pervaded her career. It was not until 1998"s Black Angel, that Paris came close to fulfilling her talent. Recorded in Los Angeles, the album featured a sassy, swinging R&B sound reminiscent of Toni Braxton.

Melba Moore

2009-03-18T08:08:00.001-07:00

Melba Moore - Mind Up Tonight (1985)
Born Melba Hill to Alabamian musicians, Moore attended Newark Arts High School in Newark, New Jersey. She began her career in 1967 as a member of the original cast of the musical Hair along with Ronnie Dyson and Diane Keaton.

In 1970, Moore won a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical for her role in Purlie (she portrayed Lutiebelle). In 1978 she appeared (as Marsinah) with Eartha Kitt in Timbuktu!

By the 1970s Moore started focusing on music with many hits in the late 1970s through to the mid 1980s. Her debut album, released in 1970 on Mercury Records, was I Am Love, followed by Look What You're Doing To The Man. Some of her other hits included, "Pick me up I'll Dance" (a major 1978 UK disco hit) which reached number 48 in the UK charts, "You Stepped Into My Life", "Love's Comin' At Ya" (UK #15) (also a big UK disco hit), "The Greatest Feeling", "A Little Bit More" and "Read My Lips". Moore often collaborated with R&B crooner, Freddie Jackson.

Masqerade

2009-03-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

Masquerade - The Solution (To The Problem) 1986

Label: Streetwave
Catalog#: MKHAN 67
Format: Vinyl, 12"
Country: UK Released: 1986
Genre: Hip Hop
Style: Electro
Credits: Engineer - Pascal Gabriel
Executive Producer - Morgan Khan Producer,
Mixed By - Paul Phillips
Written By - L. Phillips , M. Chisholm , Morgan Khan , Paul Phillips , T. Morris
Notes: Recorded at Hollywood Studios, London.
Side A mixed at Hollywood Studios, London.
Side B mixed at Sonic Graffiti Studios, London.
(P) 1986 Streetwave Ltd. Published by Handle Music / EMI Music / Pisces Music Ltd.

The only other tracks I know were 'Set It Off', 'One Nation' & 'Everybody Say'. Not much information about the band is around.

Marva Whitney

2009-03-18T07:52:00.000-07:00

Marva Whitney - Your Love Was Good For Me (1969)
My version has louder sound, but i've not uploaded. Born Marva Ann Manning on May 1, 1944 in Kansas City, Kansas, is an African American funk singer. She is considered by many funk enthusiasts to be one of the "rawest" and "brassiest" music divas.

Whitney's performing career started as early as three years old while touring with her family's gospel group, the Manning Gospel Singers. Singing with James Brown in the late 1960s, she was able to make a name for herself with powerful songs like "I'm Tired, I'm Tired, I'm Tired (Things Better Change Before Its Too Late)" and "If You Don't Work (You Can't Eat)." Her recording of "It's My Thing (You Can't Tell Me Who to Sock It To)" reached the R&B Top 20.

Her song "Unwind Yourself" has been sampled numerous times, most recognisably by DJ Mark the 45 King on his 1987 track "The 900 Number", DJ Chad Jackson on his 1990 hit single "Hear The Drummer (Get Wicked!)" (UK #3 in July 1990), and by DJ Kool in his 1996 hit "Let Me Clear My Throat" (UK #6 in March 1997).

Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr

2009-03-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr - You Don't Have to Be A Star (1976)
By request Only. McCoo first reached stardom as a founding member of the Fifth Dimension. That group was formed in Los Angeles in 1965 as the Versatiles, and enjoyed a number of Top 10 hits between 1967 and 1972, including "Up, Up And Away", "Stoned Soul Picnic", "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In" and "Wedding Bell Blues". McCoo married Fifth Dimension member Billy Davis Jnr in 1969, and together they left the group in 1975 to form an act as a duo.

Signed to ABC Records, their first single, "I Hope We Get To Love In Time", was a minor chart entry in 1976, but the album of the same title yielded "You Don't Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show)", a number 1 hit. The couple then hosted their own television show for six weeks in 1977.

They released two further albums together in 1977 and 1978, and both recorded solo albums in the 80s. In 1981, McCoo hosted the popular television musical programme Solid Gold, with which she remained until 1984, returning once more in 1987-88. She released a gospel-orientated album in 1991.

Mamie Galore

2009-03-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

Mamie Galore - It AIn't Neccessary (1966)
Born Mamie Davis in Erwin, MS, Mamie Galore started singing as a young girl in church. By the end of the 1950s, she was singing with Herman Scott & the Swinging Kings, and later joined the Ike & Tina Turner Revue.

A big (but attractive) woman with a voice to match, she couldn't stay long in the anonymity of the Turner show, and by 1962 she'd moved on. That year, Galore also left the Delta for Chicago, where she was a backup singer for Little Milton; she also recorded for Monk Higgins' St. Lawrence label, which was, conveniently enough, distributed by Chess Records — it was at this time that she changed her name to Mamie Galore, an obvious play on Goldfinger's "Pussy Galore" character name and a perfect publicity ploy in view of her first single, "Secret Agent 36-24-38," itself an attempt to mine the same vein that had yielded the label a hit from Jamo Thomas in "I Spy for the FBI."

Galore's first two singles stiffed, but her third, "It Ain't Necessary," did see some chart success. She was later the beneficiary of a production deal that Higgins signed with Imperial Records that got her releases switched to that much bigger, nationally distributed label, and also resulted in her being paired off with Dee Irwin as a duet.

Galore's recording career had ended by 1970, however, after a string of singles failed to chart. She remained a popular performer in the area surrounding the Mississippi Delta for decades after, however, and never stopped appearing locally. Galore passed away in 2001 - Fred James

Kool and the Gand

2009-03-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

Kool & The Gang - Get Down On It (1978)
By request only. The group had the jazzy years in the 70's and after a lull in popularity JT Taylor (lead singer) joined them had pop/disco success in the 80's. The group even after JT left them was an awesome live show to reckon with. They are an American jazz/R&B/soul/funk/disco group. They originally formed in Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. in 1964

They went through several musical phases in their career, starting out with a purist jazz sound, becoming practitioners of R&B and funk, progressing to a smooth disco ensemble, and ended the successful period of their career producing pop/R&B crossovers. They have sold over 70 million albums worldwide.

Madeline Bell

2009-03-18T07:14:00.001-07:00

Madeline Bell - Picture Me Gone (2008)
She sat next to me a Hammersmith Odeon when I went to see Bill Withers once! people kept coming up to her and kissing her. Born 23 July 1942, Newark, New Jersey, USA. The teenage Bell gained singing experience as a member of gospel groups, the most notable of which was the Alex Bradford Singers.

Bell arrived in the UK in 1962 with the cast of Black Nativity, a gospel show, but remained to embark on a solo career. Although early releases veered towards MOR, the singer's mid-60s recordings, including "I Really Got Carried Away", "Picture Me Gone" and "Doin' Things Together With You", were among Britain's strongest home-grown soul singles.

Her version of "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" reached the US Top 30 in 1968. A respected session vocalist, her powerful tones were also heard on numerous pop releases alongside Doris Troy, Lesley Duncan and Rosetta Hightower.

Bell later secured consistent success as a member of Blue Mink, and forged a lucrative career singing jingles for television advertisements, during which time she released two singles, duetting with Dave Martin on "East Side West Side" and "I'm Not Really Me Without You". In 1991, she appeared in a UK stage production of The Cotton CluBorn Bell is a regular at jazz clubs in her adopted England, performing mainly with her group the Musicians.

Kim Weston

2009-03-18T07:04:00.000-07:00

Kim Weston - A Little More Love (1966)
I have a two hour PCRL radio show she recorded for us in 1995. Born Agatha Natalie Weston, December 30, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan) is an African American soul singer, and Motown Records alumna. She was signed to the record label in 1963, scoring a minor hit with "Love Me All the Way" (R&B #24, Pop #88).

Her biggest solo hits with Motown were "Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)" (R&B #4, Pop #50, 1965; later covered by The Isley Brothers, Blood, Sweat & Tears and The Doobie Brothers) and "Helpless" (R&B #13, Pop #56, 1966; previously recorded by The Four Tops on their Second Album LP).

Her biggest claim to fame was singing the classic hit "It Takes Two" with Marvin Gaye in 1966 and her later recording of the Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing." It was the success of "It Takes Two" with Marvin Gaye that caused Motown to seek Tammi Terrell to replace her as his singing partner, which spawned even more success for the label.

Weston left Motown in 1967 and later sued the label over disputes about royalties. She and her then-husband William "Mickey" Stevenson (former A&R head at Motown) both went to MGM Records. Weston cut a couple of singles for MGM, "I Got What You Need," and "Nobody," which went largely unnoticed due to lack of airplay and promotion. She made an album for the label, This Is America, which included her popular version of the Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," was released as a single and featured in the movie Wattstax. All the money from the single was donated to the United Negro College Fund.

She recorded several more albums for various labels, Stax/Volt among them, and also made an album of duets with Johnny Nash. None of these recordings charted, and Weston reportedly relocated to Israel, where she worked with young singers.

Along with many of her fellow Motown alumni/alumnae, she signed with Ian Levine's Motorcity Records in the 1980s, releasing the single Signal Your Intention which peaked at #1 in the UK Hi-NRG charts. It was followed by the album Investigate (1990) which included some re-recordings of her Motown hits as well as new material. A second album for the label Talking Loud (1992) was never released although all the songs were included on the compilation The Best Of Kim Weston (1996).

Today she is a disc jockey on a local Detroit, Michigan radio station, where she sponsors the summer events at Hart Plaza. She also tours sporadically, often alongside former Motown colleagues Mary Wilson, Martha Reeves and Brenda Holloway. She is also featured on the 2006 four CD release of the Motortown Revue series.

Grace Jones

2009-03-17T10:43:00.001-07:00

Grace Jones - Slave To The Rhythm (1985)

On request only. Slave to the Rhythm" was the first single from Grace Jones' album of the same name, which was released in 1985. The song and the album was written by Bruce Woolley, Simon Darlow, Stephen Lipson and Trevor Horn and was produced by Horn.

This was Jones first album in three years, and it contained eight variations of the same song (the single's B-side is another variation, yet to be released on CD). The single became one of her greatest commercial successes and counts as one of Jones' signature tunes.

On the Slave to the Rhythm album the hit single version of the track is confusingly re-titled "Ladies & Gentlemen: Miss Grace Jones". The track called "Slave to the Rhythm" on the album is in turn an entirely different interpretation of the song - a well-known fact that somehow managed to elude the producers of a recent hits compilation - which lead to record company Universal Music issuing the wrong version of one of Jones' greatest hits on one of their many best of packages, see The Ultimate Collection. - Wikipedia

Trouble Funk

2009-03-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

Trouble Funk - Don't Touch That Radio (1985)
They were an influential and successful R&B and funk band from Washington, D.C. They helped to popularize the Washington, D.C. funk subgenre go-go. Among their well-known songs is the go-go anthem "Hey Fellas".

They released several studio albums including Drop the Bomb, In Times of Trouble, and Trouble Over Here, Trouble Over There, and two live albums, Trouble Funk - Straight Up Go-Go Style and Saturday Night Live.

In 1982 they released a single "So Early In The Morning" on D.E.T.T Records, later reissued on diverse labels as 2.13.61 & Tuff City. Trouble Funk sometimes shared the stage with hardcore punk bands of the day such as Minor Threat and the Big Boys. This decision was made by promoters. Unsuprisingly, go-go heads didn't shave down to mohawks and thus ended the failed marriage of the two scenes.

Their song "Pump Me Up" has been sampled by many other artists and is featured in Style Wars and the fictional R&B radio station Wildstyle in the game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.
Their song "Pump Me Up" was sampled in Dimple D's one hit wonder "Sucker DJ" which went to #1 in Australia. Keyboard player Robert "Syke Dyke" Reed passed away aged 50, on April 13, 2008 from pancreatic cancer. Trouble Funk continue to remain a figure on the Washington DC area live music scene, and hold a weekly Friday night spot at Alexandria, VA's Holiday Inn - Wikipedia

Gwen Davis

2009-03-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

Gwen Davis - My Man Don't Think I Know (1966)
When this turns up on a single it sells for about £100 UK pounds. Written and produced by the brilliant Alan Orange from New Orleans who wrote the classic (A Certain Girl) was released in 1966, but not even WLAC Radio considerable muscle could push it over the top.

'Hoss' Allen tried to help his colleague (John Richbourg) by booking her on The Beat!!!, but it wasn't meant to be. She never recorded again. It's a shame. She had a great voice - Fred James

Hamish Stewart

2009-03-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

Hamish Stewart - Love and Happiness (1988)
Born 8 October 1949, Glasgow, Scotland, and is a guitarist, bassist, singer, composer and record producer.

A member of the Average White Band from 1972 to 1982, he went on to work with Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and David Sanborn before joining Paul McCartney’s band (where he switched between guitar and bass as necessary to inverify McCartney's per-song role).

He wrote Atlantic Starr's 1986 hit "If Your Heart Isn't In It" and songs for Smokey Robinson, Jeffrey Osborne, George Benson and Diana Ross. After collaborating on numerous albums for other artists, he recorded his first solo album Sooner or Later, seventeen years after leaving the
Average White Band (AWB), which he released on his own record label, Sulphuric Records.

Apart from playing with his own group, the Hamish Stuart Band, and with his fellow Glaswegian guitarist and friend Jim Mullen, Stuart currently produces Gordon Haskell and the Swedish singer-songwriter, Meja. He had recorded a couple of singles with his first band, the Dream Police, before he was invited to join the recently formed AWB in June 1972.
In 2006, Stuart toured with Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band as bassist. He will be again joining Starr for the 2008 tour. In 2007 he produced and appeared as a guest vocalist on the album 'All About the Music' by The AllStars Collective - Wikipedia

Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes

2009-03-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - Wake Up Everybody (1976)
On request. Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes were an American singing group, one of the most popular Philadelphia soul groups of the 1970s. The group's repertoire included soul, R&B, doo-wop, and disco.

Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the early 1950s as The Charlemagnes, the group is most noted for several hits on Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International label between 1972 and 1976, although they performed and recorded until Melvin's death in 1997.

Despite group founder and original lead singer Harold Melvin's top billing, the Blue Notes' most famous member was Teddy Pendergrass, their lead singer during the success years at Philadelphia International.

Despite success, the Blue Notes' lineup continued to change regularly. In 1974, Melvin Brought in Jerry Cummings to replace Lloyd Parks, and female singer Sharon Paige was added to the lineup. While at the top of their success in 1976, Pendergrass quit the Blue Notes, after unsuccessfully lobbying to have Melvin rename the act "Teddy Pendergrass & the Blue Notes". Pendergrass went on to a successful solo career, cut short by a paralyzing 1982 car accident, although he made a brief comeback at the historic Live Aid concert in 1985.

Heatwave

2009-03-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

Heatwave - Boogie Nights (1976)
I have better footage than this. Although based in Britain, Heatwave was formed by the Wilder brothers, Johnnie and Keith, on their discharge from the US Army.

An advertisement in a music paper yielded Hull, England-born songwriter Rod Temperton, while further members recruited were two more Americans, Eric Johns and Jessie Whitten, a Czech, Ernest Berger, and a Spaniard, Mario Mantese.

Between 1977 and 1981 the group enjoyed a series of hit singles in both the UK and USA, including "Boogie Nights", "Always And Forever" and "Mind Blowing Decisions". Despite maintaining some links, Temperton officially left the band in 1977 to forge an impressive songwriting career.

His compositions have been recorded by George Benson, Herbie Hancock and Michael Jackson, and included the title song to the multi-million selling album Thriller. Heatwave's own progress was marred by a series of tragedies. Whitten was stabbed to death, Mantese left the group following a severe car crash, while Johnnie Wilder was paralyzed from the neck down as a result of a further road accident. Johnnie Wilder courageously remained at the group's helm, producing their work and singing in the studio, while another vocalist, J.D. Nicholas, took his place onstage. However, Heatwave were unable to withstand these traumas and in 1984 Nicholas opted to join the Commodores. - music.us

Ipi n' Tombia

2009-03-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

Ipi n' Tombia - My Girl (1972)
A African dance troupe and singers that toured Europe in the 1970's. Although the dancing and singing was aimed at markets abroad, the gun or wellie boot dancing I particularly love.

Ipi Tombi (also produced as Ipi N'tombi, both corrupted transliterations of the Zulu iphi intombi, or "where is the girl?") is a 1974 musical by South African writers Bertha Egnos Godfrey and her daughter Gail Lakier, telling the story of a young black man leaving his village and young wife to work in the mines of Johannesburg. The show, originally called The Warrior, uses pastiches of a variety of South African indigenous musical styles.

The show, which starred Margaret Singana, enjoyed success in South Africa, and toured Europe, the United States and Canada.

Jimi Polo

2009-03-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

Jimi Polo - Introducing (1991)
Polo is from Chicago and he established himself on the city's 'house' music scene with groups like Libra Libra and Revelation. Then he moved to London and realeased 'Free Yourself' (1989) as a solo on Urban/Polydor. He can now be found on Myspace.

Jimmy Ruffin

2009-03-17T06:59:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Ruffin - A Foolish Thing To Do (1986)
By request only. Jimmy Ruffin (born May 7, 1939 in Collinsville, Mississippi) is an American soul singer and elder brother of David Ruffin, one of the lead singers for The Temptations. Jimmy himself was offered a chance to sing with the Temptations, but he declined in favor of David.

His 1966 hit "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" was a major success and his most well-known song. The intended follow-up, "East Side West Side", was released only in Australia, however, due to an argument with Motown head Berry Gordy. The song was written by Ron Welser and Flamingos' member Terry "Buzzy" Johnson. With his brother David, Ruffin also released a popular cover version of "Stand By Me" (by Ben E. King), taken from the Ruffin Brothers' album, I Am My Brother's Keeper.

Ruffin's other hits include "I've Passed This Way Before", "Gonna Give Her All The Love I've Got", "Don't You Miss Me A Little Bit Baby", "I'll Say Forever My Love", "It's Wonderful To Be Loved By You" and "Tell Me What You Want".

In 1980 he collaborated with the Bee Gees' musician Robin Gibb, who produced his album Sunrise. From it came the single which would be his last Top 10 UK and U.S. hit: "Hold On To My Love". In 1986 Ruffin collaborated with the British pop group Heaven 17, singing "A Foolish Thing To Do" and "My Sensitivity" on a 12" EP record.

In the 1980s, Ruffin moved to England, where he has his own talk show.
He continues to tour and perform to this day. In addition to his brother David, he had three other siblings: Quincy, Rita Mae (deceased) and Rosa (deceased).

Johnny Mathis

2009-03-17T06:54:00.000-07:00

Johnny Mathis - Too Much, Too Little, Too Late (1983)
Real magic moment when Deniece walks on stage with out Johnny knowing.

Johnny Mathis (born John Royce Mathis, September 30, 1935) is an American singer of popular music.
One of the last in a long line of traditional male vocalists who emerged before the 1960s, Mathis concentrated on romantic jazz and pop standards for the adult contemporary audience through to the 1980s. Starting his career with a standard flurry of singles, Mathis was far more popular as an album artist, with several dozen of his albums receiving gold and platinum status and seventy-three making the Billboard charts to date. Mathis has sold more than 350 million records and albums.[

Julia and Company

2009-03-17T06:34:00.001-07:00

Julia & Company - Breakin' Down (Sugar Samba) 1984
Julia McGrit was born in Rowland, North Carolina, USA in 1965 where her father was a member of the Dixie Hummingbirds for five years. While taking professional singing lessons and studying at North Carolina School of Arts, she met David Ylvisaker.

A few years later they decided to form a group, Julia & Co, and after a brief spell in Boston moved the operation to Washington. While the group established itself Julia took the role as understudy to Jennifer Holiday in the stage musical Dreamgirls (1983), but left when Julia & Co was offered a nationwide tour with comedian Richard Pryor. When Jennifer left the Dreamgirls Julia took over the role while still maintaining dates with Julia & Co. In 1983 the group (Julia, David, Amy Keys and tour musicians), released a debut single 'Breaking Down (UK Top 20, 1984) and follow-up I'm So Happy' (UK Top 75, 1985) - Ralph Tee

KC and the Sunshine Band

2009-03-17T06:20:00.000-07:00

KC & The Sunshine Band - Get Down Tonight (1975)
On request. From Dolly Parton Show. The group was formed by Richard Finch, a budding studio engineer prodigy at TK Records and Harry Wayne Casey ("KC"), a record store employee and part-timer at TK Records in Miami.

Though both worked at TK Records, their meeting was not immediate, with Finch spending much of his time in the recording studio working with other TK artists and Casey on the phones at the front desk.

An introduction by Clarence Reid through a mutual friend was the beginning of their musical connection. Following demo work, Casey and Finch were encouraged to create their own group. The initial members were just Casey and Finch (first starting out as songwriting collaborators), but Finch soon added guitarist Jerome Smith (June 18, 1953 - July 28, 2000), and drummer Robert Johnson, both TK studio musicians.

Light Of The World

2009-03-16T09:32:00.000-07:00

Light Of The World - London Town (1985 remake)
They were originally a forerunner of the late 1970s/early 1980s British jazz-funk movement. The band's name is taken from the 1974 Kool and the Gang album, Light of Worlds. The band was formed by Breeze McKrieth, Kenny Wellington, Paul Williams , Jean Paul Maunick and David Baptiste.

These members also played with the band on their many performances in clubs throughout the UK before securing their first recording contract. Norman Walker (percussion) ,Earl Appleton (keyboards), Junior King (drums) &Roger Thomas (saxophone).

The following members joined the line-up in 1979 after the recording of the first album and with the band already signed to Ensign Records/Polygram, following the death of Chris Etienne when the band were in involved in a motorway crash. After auditions Nat Augustin and Ganiyu Bello, who had travelled from Manchester, joined the band. The band recorded a second album followed by a successful tour.

The band split up for the first time in 1981. Wellington, Baptiste and McKreith became Beggar & Co., and immediately hit the Top 20 with "Somebody Help Me Out". This was followed by work on the Spandau Ballet track "Chant No.1" which was reached #2 in the UK Singles Chart. Maunick, Hinds and Williams formed Incognito. Bello and Augustin continued briefly as Light Of
The World before recording solo material for EMI and Polydor. Peter Hinds was also a member of Atmosfear.

There was a brief Light Of The World reunion in 1982 just before Bello and Augustin embarked on their solo recordings. In 1985 Wellington and McKrieth reformed the band after working on some remixes with DJ, John Morales. This included a remix of the popular tracks "London Town" and "Time". Light Of The World reformed briefly again in 1990, recording for Chrysalis.

Lyn Collins

2009-03-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

Lyn Collins - Never Gonna Give You Up (1973)
My footage of this is a bit tired. Nicknamed the "Female Preacher," Lyn Collins was discovered in the early '70s along with her relatives Bootsy and Catfish Collins by James Brown, who was making the transition to the hardest funk phase of his career.

Lyn Collins was born June 12, 1948, in Abilene, TX, where she grew up; she began singing in her teens, waxing a tune called "Unlucky in Love" at age 14, and married a man who served both as her manager and as the local promoter for the James Brown Revue.

Collins sent Brown a demo tape and he responded by essentially putting her on standby in 1970, when Marva Whitney left the Revue. Former vocalist Vicki Anderson elected to rejoin, however, so Brown instead invited Collins to come to Georgia for a recording session in early 1971, which produced the single "Wheel of Life."

By the end of that year, Anderson was ready to leave again, and Collins officially joined the James Brown Revue. In 1972, Brown's People Records label released Collins' self-penned single "Think (About It)"; produced by Brown, it became her first and biggest hit, made her the most commercially successful female singer in Brown's camp, and was later sampled for the main vocal hook in the party rap classic "It Takes Two" by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock.

Jackie Wilson

2009-03-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

Jackie Wilson - Higher & Higher (1967)
Some times a magical moment like this comes along when you just don't expect it!
Born Jack Leroy Wilson, 9 June 1934, Detroit, Michigan, USA, d. 21 January 1984, Mount Holly, New Jersey, USA. When parental pressure thwarted his boxing ambitions, Wilson took to singing in small local clubs. He sang with the Thrillers (a predecessor group to the Royals) and recorded some solo tracks for Dizzy Gillespie's Dee Gee label as Sonny Wilson, before replacing Clyde McPhatter in Billy Ward And The Dominoes.

Wilson joined this notable group in 1953, but embarked on a solo career four years later with Brunswick Records. His first single for that label was the exuberant "Reet Petite", a comparative failure in the USA where it crept to a lowly pop position and missed the R&B lists altogether.

In the UK, however, it soared to number 6, thereby establishing Wilson in the minds of the British pop-purchasing audience. "Reet Petite" had been written by Berry Gordy and Tyran Carlo (Roquel "Billy" Davis), who went on to compose several of Wilson's subsequent releases, including the hits "Lonely Teardrops" (1958), "That's Why (I Love You So)" (1959) and "I'll Be Satisfied" (1959) - more at Wikipedia