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Thursday, August 28, 2008

Timmy Thomas and Steve Winwood Roll Together

Timmy Thomas had a terrific classic soul hit, his biggest, “Why Can’t We Live Together,” back in 1973.  The optimistic song speaks of hope, harmony, and a more peaceful world.

In 2003, Steve Winwood captured the essence of the original song and added some lively organ on his CD, About Time.

Both versions offer gritty organ solos showcasing the virtuosity of Thomas and Winwood on their keyboards.

Thomas wrote the song.  His full length original is 4 minutes, 40 seconds.  Winwood clocks in at 6 minutes, 39 seconds.

Listen to both Thomas and Winwood in this short, 48 second Classic Soul R&B Music Jam Blog mix by yours truly.

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Posted by King on 08/28 at 12:00 AM
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Monday, August 25, 2008

Jimmy Castor, Flying Saucers, & Convention 72'

If you look closely inside of the pimpmobile included in the cover art of our featured LP, you can spot some tricky characters on their way to the political conventions back in 1972.

Producer Dickie Goodman was one of the original creators of the “Flying Saucer,” a record that told a storyline using sections of current hits to answer questions from a narrator.

Just like the people who claimed to see real ones, “Flying Saucers” were popular in the 1950’s, then disappeared in the 1960’s.  They made a short return in the 1970’s.  “Convention 72’” below is from the vinyl album, The Original Flying Saucers, on IX Chain Records.

The Original Flying Saucers album features:

  1. “Watergrate”
  2. “Superfly meets Shaft”
  3. “Convention 72’”
  4. “Flying Saucer Part 1”
  5. “Flying Saucer Part 2”
  6. “The Touchables”
  7. “Flying Saucer The Second”
  8. “Ben Crazy”
  9. “On Trial”
  10. “Santa & The Satellite Part 1”
  11. “Santa & The Satellite Part 2”

I’m waiting for flying saucers to make their big new millennium return!

Listen to 60 seconds from the original 5 minute “Convention 72,” featuring quite a bit of The Jimmy Castor Bunch!

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Posted by King on 08/25 at 12:00 AM
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Thursday, August 21, 2008

Female Stars Sing a Song for Cancer Research

Producers Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Antonio “L.A.” Reid have come up with a 2008 concept to rival 1985’s “We Are The World,” the song that benefited African famine relief.

15 female stars have agreed to record “Just Stand Up,” scheduled to hit airwaves and computers on September 2, 2008.

Sales at retail locations and iTunes downloads will benefit cancer research.

So which hot female “femme fantastics” representing the new school have jumped on board to harmonize together on “Just Stand Up?"

Here’s the scorecard:

  1. Mariah Carey
  2. Beyonce’
  3. Mary J. Blige
  4. Rihanna
  5. Ashanti
  6. Fergie
  7. Melissa Etheridge
  8. Sheryl Crow
  9. Ciara
  10. Keyshia Cole
  11. Leona Lewis
  12. LeAnn Rimes
  13. Carrie Underwood
  14. Miley Cyrus
  15. Natasha Bedingfield

Should be a collector’s item for individual fans of each lady.  Hopefully, big bucks will be raised from the sale of “Just Stand Up” to benefit a very worthy cause.

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Posted by King on 08/21 at 07:00 AM
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Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Evelyn "Champagne" King Toasts New Open Book CD

Evelyn “Champagne” King has released her first new album in 15 years, Open Book.

In a press release describing her new collection of songs, Evelyn dedicates her effort noting “this one is for my fans."

The song Open Book is a ballad Evelyn describes as “slightly autobiographical.” Making waves and getting club action right now is “The Dance,” the first release from the CD.

Evelyn is scheduled to debut the album at The House of Blues in Los Angeles, Tuesday, August 19, 2008.

Evelyn “Champagne” King’s top 5 classic soul gems:

  1. “Shame”
  2. “Love Come Down”
  3. “I’m In Love”
  4. “I Don’t Know If It’s Right”
  5. “Back To Love”

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Posted by King on 08/19 at 06:30 PM
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Thursday, August 14, 2008

50 Ways To Love Michael Jackson

If 50 is the new 40, then the decade defying young at heart Michael Jackson has a lot to celebrate during many fun filled years to come.

The media certified tabloid musical giant, lovingly crowned, “The King of Pop,” turns 50 years old on August 29, 2008.

Jacko joins Madonna, who also turns 50 on August 16, 2008, as another new AARP recruit (formerly American Association of Retired Persons).

Barring any health issues, I believe that Michael Jackson will eventually make a notable comeback.

In honor of his 50th birthday, here is my endearing timeline list of 50 Ways to Love Michael Jackson:

  1. 1958 - Michael Jackson is born (August 29th)
  2. 1968 - The Jackson 5 are signed by Motown Records
  3. 1969 - Motown releases Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5 album
  4. 1970 - “I Want You Back” - Jackson 5 #1 song in January
  5. 1970 - “ABC” - Jackson 5 #1 in April

  6. 1970 - “The Love You Save” - Jackson 5 #1 in June
  7. 1970 - “I’ll Be There” - Jackson 5 #1 in October
  8. 1971 - “Never Can Say Goodbye” - Jackson 5 #1 in May
  9. 1972 - “Got To Be There,” MJ’s first solo album is released
  10. 1972 - “Ben” becomes a hit single and album.  (Rat power movie theme)!

  11. 1972 - MJ scores with the top 2 hit “Rockin’ Robin’,” a remake of the 1958 Bobby Day smash
  12. 1974 - “Dancing Machine” - Jackson 5 #1 in May
  13. 1976 - The Jacksons release The Jacksons on Epic Records produced by Philadelphia’s Gamble & Huff
  14. 1977 - MJ begins preparing for his role in the movie The Wiz
  15. 1978 - The Jacksons release the critically acclaimed Destiny album

  16. 1979 - MJ releases Off The Wall produced by Quincy Jones
  17. 1980 - MJ scores a #1 song with “Rock With You”
  18. 1982 - MJ duets with Paul McCartney on Thriller with “The Girl Is Mine”
  19. 1982 - MJ writes and produces “Muscles,” a top 10 Diana Ross hit
  20. 1983 - The Jackson 5 reunite for Motown’s 25th Anniversary show in Los Angeles featuring a moonwalking MJ

  21. 1983 - Thriller conquers the charts
  22. 1983 - MJ duets with Paul McCartney for “Say Say Say,” spending 6 weeks at #1
  23. 1984 - MJ wins 7 American Music Awards
  24. 1984 - MJ wins 3 MTV Music Video Awards
  25. 1984 - MJ receives 2nd degree burns on the set of a Pepsi commercial

  26. 1984 - MJ sings “State of Shock” with Mick Jagger on the Jacksons album Victory
  27. 1985 - MJ buys the publishing company owning the rights to 250 Beatles songs for $47.5 million
  28. 1985 - MJ and Lionel Richie write “We Are The World” and record the song with 43 stars to benefit USA for Africa’s efforts for famine relief
  29. 1986 - MJ gets wacky with Bubbles the chimpanzee, Crusher, his 300 pound snake, and cocoons in a hyperbaric breathing chamber for shots of hyped oxygen
  30. 1987 - MJ’s “Bad” tops the charts (R&B and pop)

  31. 1987 - MJ reaches #1 (pop & R&B) in Britain with the Siedah Garrett duet, “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You”
  32. 1988 - MJ buys Sycamore Ranch in California - the future Neverland Ranch
  33. 1988 - “Man In The Mirror” become a #1 song
  34. 1990 - MJ wins the Entertainer of the Decade Award from the America Cinema Awards Foundation
  35. 1991 - MJ signs what is called a billion-dollar entertainment deal with Sony Music

  36. 1991 - The Dangerous album is released
  37. 1992 - MJ is interviewed by Ebony Magazine
  38. 1992 - The Jacksons: An American Dream debuts on national television dramatizing the story of the famous Gary, Indiana family
  39. 1993 - MJ performs during halftime at Super Bowl XXVII (27)
  40. 1994 - MJ retains attorney Johnny Cochran and settles a 1993 child molestation charge out of court for a reported $20 million dollars

  41. 1995 - MJ and sister Janet Jackson sound off on the song “Scream”
  42. 1995 - MJ and wife Lisa Marie Presley call it quits
  43. 1995 - HIStory: Past, Present, and Future , Book 1 MJ’s double album of past hits creates some buzz and becomes a #1 best seller
  44. 1996 - MJ marries Debbie Rowe
  45. 2001 - Invincible CD is released

  46. 2006 - MJ escapes to the island of Bahrain, off the coast of Saudi Arabia, to rebuild his career
  47. 2007 - MJ is interviewed by Ebony magazine
  48. 2008 - 25th anniversary version of Thriller is released
  49. 2008 - MJ’s plastic surgeon checks into a California psychiatric hospital
  50. 2008 - Rumors fly that MJ will make a comeback at a Las Vegas casino hotel

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Posted by King on 08/14 at 12:00 AM
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Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Isaac Hayes, Bernie Mac, & Samuel L. Jackson Get Soul Men Movie Focus

Here’s the late Bernie Mac, along with Samuel L. Jackson, in a scene from Soul Men, a new music flick in the movie pipeline also featuring Isaac Hayes.

With both Mac and Hayes now deceased, I wonder if Dimension Films will stick to the scheduled USA release date this Fall of November 14, 2008?

Soul Men has a familiar story.

Take the sometimes strained relationship between 2 fictional legendary R&B male icons (think Sam & Dave), borrow a reunion theme from both Blues Brothers movies, and you have the core plot.

Our soul men, Mac and Jackson, decide to reunite at the Apollo Theater after going their separate ways for almost 20 years.

John Legend also has a prominent role in Soul Men.  With the deaths of both Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac within days of each other, I’m sure there will be additional interest when Soul Men finally gets released.

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Posted by King on 08/12 at 12:00 AM
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Monday, August 11, 2008

Isaac Hayes Remembered

Living up to his bigger than life image, here’s “Black Moses,” Isaac Hayes, with Millie Jackson on the cover of their 1979 album, Royal Rappin’s.

Check out an even steamier Hayes - Jackson photo from the flip side of the album.

Isaac Hayes passed away Sunday, August 10, 2008, at age 65.

He was really the biggest post Otis Redding Stax Records star who changed the face of soul music with extended free-flowing mixes of some of pop’s biggest hits.

"By The Time I Get To Phoenix,” and “Walk on By” are just 2 examples of Hayes’ progressive “deal changing” approach to the status quo of R&B songs that generally stuck to the formula of three minutes or less in the early 1970’s (to make a hit).

"The Theme From Shaft” made him a mega star, but Isaac Hayes was instrumental in writing and arranging songs for other artists long before the world of movies and John Shaft.

6 Isaac Hayes Hits that you don’t want to miss:

  1. “Theme From Shaft”
  2. “Do Your Thing”
  3. “Walk On By”
  4. “Never Can Say Goodbye”
  5. “By The Time I Get To Phoenix”
  6. “Joy”

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Thursday, August 07, 2008

Patti LaBelle Saluted by UNCF

The Spotlight will shine on Patti LaBelle during a taping of the 30th annual An Evening of Stars event, formerly The Lou Rawls Parade of Stars, Saturday, September 13th, 2008 at Hollywood’s Kodiak Theater in Los Angeles.

You’ll be able to see this star studded event broadcast nationwide during January, 2009.

Patti will receive UNCF’s (United Negro College Fund’s) prestigious Award of Excellence.  Previous honorees include Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, Steve Wonder, Quincy Jones, and Lou Rawls.

You can win a free poster autographed by Patti LaBelle visualizing the event by going to UNCF’s 30th anniversary event page for all the details.

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Posted by King on 08/07 at 07:00 AM
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Tuesday, August 05, 2008

LL Cool J Takes Exit 13 Home

Hip hop stars come and go, but LL Cool J has defied the odds as he gets ready to release his 13th album, Exit 13, on Def Jam Records Tuesday, September 9, 2008.

I remember seeing LL Cool J live in concert over 20 years ago in Philadelphia, PA with several other hip hop acts who have long since disappeared.

The cover of Exit 13 has a mile marker that says “8760 miles and still counting.” Yes, the clock keeps ticking for LL Cool J, who just turned 40 in January, 2008.

In a young man’s game, LL Cool J has all the street cred that he needs to continue to be an important presence in a genre of music he help to create.

Take a walk down memory lane with the 12 previous albums from LL Cool J:

  1. 1985 - Radio
  2. 1987 - Bigger and Deffer
  3. 1989 - Walking with a Panther
  4. 1990 - Mama Said Knock You Out
  5. 1993 - 14 Shots to the Dome
  6. 1995 - Mr. Smith
  7. 1997 - Phenomenon
  8. 2000 - G.O.A.T. Featuring James T. Smith
  9. 2002 - 10
  10. 2004 - the DEFinition
  11. 2006 - Todd Smith
  12. 2007 - Todd Smith, Pt. 2: Back to Cool

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Posted by King on 08/05 at 07:00 AM
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Thursday, July 31, 2008

Alicia Keys Spies 007 Theme

If you’ve been to the movies this summer, you may have seen the promotional trailer for Quantum of Solace, the new James Bond film scheduled for release this fall (2008).

Alicia Keys has teamed up with Detroit’s Jack White from the group White Stripes for a first ever 007 theme song duet.

"Another Way to Die” is the song that will feature Keys and White.

Troubled soul Amy Winehouse, who received early consideration for the Quantum of Solace theme, did not land the project.

Find out what James Bond themes have been sung by Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, Patti Labelle, and Dionne Warwick.

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Posted by King on 07/31 at 12:01 AM
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Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Solid Gold Dance Party Hit Makers Reunited

During the Summer of 2007, Peaches & Herb, Maxine Nightingale, Anita Ward, A Taste of Honey, France Joli, and the Village People spread some love Across the USA and Canada.

J.T. Taylor of Kool & the Gang fame, and Tavares, also joined the fun.

The 15 city tour, called The Solid Gold Dance Party, brought back some of our favorite energetic hit makers to entertain live from coast to coast.

Since 2006, there’s been a variation on the dance party theme by the promoters, Front Row Productions, to kick the summer into high gear.

Tavares, from New Bedford Massachusetts, struck gold with “More Than a Woman,” “Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel, and “It Only Takes a Minute (To Fall In Love)."

Janice Marie Johnson of A Taste of Honey handles her red bass with the golden touch of “Boogie Oogie Oogie..."

From left to right, J.T. Taylor, Maxine “Right Back Where I Started From” Nightingale, and Ms. “Ring My Bell,” Anita Ward:

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Posted by King on 07/29 at 12:02 AM
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Thursday, July 24, 2008

Jill Scott Wins Her Way with Song

Jill Scott has wrapped up a 2008 European tour exciting her fans in Poland, Switzerland, Belgium, France, the UK, and the Netherlands.

The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native is back in the USA for some additional July and August dates before she hits the road again.

After summer music, Jill returns to Botswana in Southern Africa to shoot the second season of the television series: The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.

Even though Jill has expanded her horizons to pursue more acting opportunities, she maintains time in her schedule to make enjoyable music.

Catch Jill live on these dates:

  • July
  • Saturday, July 26, 2008, Macy’s Music Festival, Cincinnati, OH
  • Sunday, July 27, Chene Park, Detroit, MI
  • Wednesday July 30, Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Atlanta, GA
  • August
  • Saturday, August 2, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
  • Sunday, August 3, Borgata, Atlantic City, NJ
  • Thursday August, 7, Starlight Theatre, Kansas City, MO
  • Friday, August 8, Charter One Pavilion, Chicago, IL
  • Saturday, August 9, Plain Dealer Arena, Cleveland, OH
  • Monday, August 11, Wingate, Brooklyn, NY
  • Tuesday, August 12, Central Park Summerstage, NY, NY

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Posted by King on 07/24 at 07:00 AM
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Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The Spinners Keep Classic Soul Revolving

Despite several personnel changes, original Spinners Bobbie Smith, Pervis Jackson, and Henry Fambrough continue to generate gleeful harmonies with new lead singer Charlton Washington and new vocalist Spike DeLeon.

"Mighty Love,” “Rubberband Man,” “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love,” and a string of other hits contributed to the Spinners 12 gold records and 6 Grammy Awards.

The Spinners are still taking it to the stage, performing their timeless classic soul hits during their 2008 tour:

  • July
  • Tuesday, July 29th, California Mid-Sate Fair, Paso Robles, CA
  • August
  • Wednesday, August 13th, America’s Fair, Buffalo.com Grandstand, Hamburg, NY
  • Saturday, August 16th, Tropicana Express, Laughlin Pavilion Theatre, Laughlin, NV
  • Friday, August 22nd, New York State Fair, Chevrolet Court, Syracuse, NY
  • Saturday, August 23rd, Big Rock Casino, Espanola, NM
  • Friday & Saturday, August 29 - 30th, Jazz Festival, Johannesburg Jazz Dome, Johannesburg, South Africa
  • September
  • Saturday, September 6th, Cerritos Center for the Arts, Cerritos, CA
  • Saturday, September 20th, Palace Theatre, Corsicana, TX
  • Saturday, September 27th, Millennium Center, Southfield, MI
  • October
  • Saturday, October 4th, Home Front Festival by the Bay, Richmond, CA
  • Saturday, October 11th, Pontin’s Prestatyn, Prestatyn, North Wales, United Kingdom
  • Saturday, October 18th, Trump Marina, Grand Cayman Ballroom, Atlantic City, NJ
  • November
  • Friday, November 7th, Viejas Casino - Dreamcatcher, Alpine, CA
  • Saturday, November 8th, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, CA
  • December
  • Friday, December 5th, Children’s Charities Foundation Event, Washington Hilton & Towers, Washington, DC

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Posted by King on 07/22 at 07:00 AM
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Thursday, July 17, 2008

Chaka Khan 2008 World Tour

Chaka Khan is heating up the European continent on the latest leg of her 2008 - 35th Anniversary World Tour.

She’ll be back in the USA on a cross-country excursion in August.

  • July
  • Saturday, July 19, Campione D’Italia Casino, Campione D’Italia, Italy
  • Sunday, July 20, Porretta Soul Festival, Porretta Terme, Italy
  • Tuesday, July 22, Indigo, London, England
  • Wednesday, July 23, Bridgewater, Manchester, England
  • Thursday, July 31, Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL
  • August
  • Saturday, August 2, Country Club Hills Theater, Country Club Hills, IL
  • Tuesday, August 5, Epic, Minneapolis, MN
  • Thursday, August 7, Kool Haus, Toronto, Canada
  • Friday, August 8, Ohio State Fair, Columbus, OH
  • Saturday, August 9, Borgata, Atlantic City, NJ
  • Sunday, August 10, Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA
  • Tuesday, August 12, Nokia Theater, New York, NY
  • Thursday & Friday, August 14-15, Warner Theater, Washington, DC
  • Saturday, August 16, Seneca Niagara Casino Theater, Niagara Falls, NY
  • Monday, August 18, Showcase Live, Foxborough, MA
  • Thursday, August 21, Palladium Ballroom, Dallas, TX
  • Friday, August 22, Riverwind Casino, Norman, OK
  • Saturday, August 23, Winstar Casino, Thackerville, OK
  • Sunday, August 24, Reliant Arena, Houston, TX
  • Friday, August 29, Hard Rock Casino, Biloxi, MS
  • Saturday, August 30, Cannon Center, Memphis, TN
  • September
  • Friday & Saturday, September 5-6, Gibson Amphitheater, Los Angeles, CA

This is a really intense non-stop schedule!

Here are 3 additional Chaka Khan tidbits…

  1. The Chaka Khan - Yvette Stevens connection
  2. Rufus & Chaka Khan’s 30th Anniversary Concert
  3. Chaka Khan at Resorts International Atlantic City

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Posted by King on 07/17 at 07:00 AM
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Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Jeffrey Osborne Holds On to Joy on the Road

On July 15, 1978, L.T.D., featuring Jeffrey Osborne hit the charts with the future #1 R&B song, “Holding On (When Love is Gone)”.

It’s 2008, and 30 years later, Jeffrey Osborne is still the traveling troubadour, taking his music to venues near and far during his Summer/Fall tour:

  • August
  • Saturday, August 2, Timberwood Amphitheatre, Magic Springs Theme park, Hot Springs, AR
  • Friday, August 8, Gettysburg, VA
  • Saturday, August 16, Santa Fe Casino, Las Vegas, NV
  • Sunday, August 24, 4019 W. Sunset Blvd. – Sunset Junction Street Festival, Los Angeles, CA
  • Wednesday, August 27, 5 Points Street Festival, Denver, CO
  • Friday, August 29, First District Plaza, Philadelphia, PA
  • September
  • Saturday, September 20, UMOJA Festival, Wireless Paviillon, Portsmouth , VA
  • Sunday, September 21, The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA
  • October
  • Saturday, October 4, The Harold Washington Cultural Center, Chicago, IL
  • Sunday, October 5, Sound Academy, Toronto, Canada
  • Friday, October 10, The Sheraton Hotel Ballroom, Baton Rouge, LA
  • Saturday, October 11, Diamond Jacks Casino, Vicksburg, MS
  • Sunday, October 12, Jazztrax Festival, Avalon Ballroom, Avalon, CA

Osborne, born on March 9, 1948, continues to bellow those mellow song vibrations as he begins his 6th decade.

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Posted by King on 07/15 at 07:00 AM
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