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Thursday, May 01, 2008

Temptations Gaze into the Crystal Ball of Confusion

As prophetic today as it was in 1970, “Ball of Confusion” by the Temptations sings of troubled times, tortured souls, cultural chaos, disappearing civility, and other complicated themes of woe.

Norman Whitfield produced and co-wrote this magnificent Motown track with Barrett Strong.

Only in recent years does this song show up on CD’s, as it was never included on a Temptations album when the single was originally released.

An opening bass line builds together with the well arranged vocal gymnastics of the Temptations who take turns soaring through this dramatic slice of social commentary.

Here’s the actual 45 rpm vinyl picture sleeve from the PowerhouseRadio.com archive, front above, and back below.  As you can see, the song lyrics were included on the sleeve of this Gordy G 7099 release.

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Posted by King on 05/01 at 12:02 AM
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Monday, April 21, 2008

Classic Soul Icons: Cooke, Benton, & Eckstine

The modern style of soul that morphed out of popular 1950’s R&B was partly created by pioneer Sam Cooke.

Cooke’s 1957 smash, “You Send Me,” was a #1 R&B hit for six weeks, and a #1 pop favorite for three weeks.

The entire Cooke story is revealed in Dorothy Ferebee’s review of Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke.

Not everyone followed Cooke’s mainstream cross-over appeal...

Brook Benton came close.  “It’s Just a Matter of Time” was a 1959 hit for Benton, a guy who started his career writing songs recorded by Nat King Cole and Clyde McPhatter (of the Drifters).

The Barry White of his era, Benton had seven #1 R&B songs including “Rainy Night in Georgia,” a #1 R&B song in 1970 (#4 pop).

Benton’s distinctive baritone was his trademark.

Billy “Mr. B” Eckstine, another crooner with a magnificent voice, entered the R&B hit parade in 1946 with “Prisoner of Love,” later reworked by James Brown.

Eckstine also recorded “Blue Moon” in 1949, a song that would be taken to a new level by the Marcels with their 1961 hit.

This 45 rpm picture sleeve photo of Eckstine, (from the PowerhouseRadio.com archive), is from a 1976 session produced by Quincy Jones and Herb Alpert.

Eckstine, solidly rooted in popular jazz, never significantly crossed over into the contemporary soul scene.  As with singer Arthur Prysock, attempts by producers to blend Eckstine’s style into youth oriented rhythms just never clicked.

That’s not to sell their vocal talents short.  Billy Eckstine, Brook Benton, and especially Sam Cooke all deserve their place in the sun as classic soul icons who pioneered the genre.

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Monday, April 07, 2008

Aquarian Dream's Flight of the Phoenix

You can never be sure what the exact formula is for success.

Unlike the mythical bird reincarnated from its ashes, not everyone can reinvent themselves like the Phoenix.

Aquarian Dream is one R&B group from the 1970s that had a well known personality promoting them to go along with their talent, but they never quite clicked with music fans.

According to music critic Alex Henderson, none of Aquarian Dream’s three albums have ever been reissued on CD.

The ensemble recorded for the Buddah and Elektra labels, with limited success, releasing Norman Connors Presents Aquarian Dream, Fantasy, and Chance To Dance.

Norman Connors attached his name to the debut Aquarian Dream album, a promotional technique often used to break new acts during this period.  Think Motown when Diana Ross presented The Jackson 5 on their first release.

You don’t see this gimmick happening today, as there are many more ways for artists to expose their music in non-traditional ways.

Listen to a little over 1 minute of Aquarian Dream singing their 1977 song “Phoenix.” You might be reminded of the classic soul of Rufus & Chaka Khan or Atlantic Starr.

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Monday, March 31, 2008

Martin Luther King Jr. Classic Soul Dream Concert

Friday, April 4, 2008 is the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In 1973, a 2nd annual Benefit Concert for the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Social Change was held at the Omni arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

RCA Records was a big sponsor of the event.  Many of their artists performed.

I’ve produced a special 5 minute 50 second video flashback of this classic soul concert for all to enjoy.

Here’s the rundown of the original double album.

Keep The Dream Alive

Side 1


  • Introduction: Mrs. Coretta Scott King
  • “Precious Lord” - Linda Hopkins
  • "It’s My Belief” - Linda Hopkins
  • “No One’s Gonna Be a Fool Forever” - Friends of Distinction
  • Medley: “Love Or Let Me Be Lonely,” “Going In Circles,” “Time Waits for No One,” “Grazing In The Grass” - Friends of Distinction

Side 2


  • “Hey Leroy” - The Jimmy Castor Bunch
  • “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” - The Jimmy Castor Bunch
  • “Betcha By Golly Wow” - The Jimmy Castor Bunch
  • “Troglodyte (Cave Man)” - The Jimmy Castor Bunch
  • Geraldine struts her stuff (Flip Wilson)

Side 3


  • “Make It With You” - Main Ingredient
  • “Work To Do” - Main Ingredient
  • Medley: “You’ve Been My Inspiration,” “Spinning Around (I Must Be Falling In Love),” “I’m So Proud,” “Everybody Plays the Fool” - Main Ingredient
  • Comments: Mrs. Coretta Scott King

Side 4


  • “Ain’t No Sunshine” - Jose Feliciano
  • “We’ve Only Just Begun” - Jose Feliciano
  • “Oye Como Va” - Jose Feliciano
  • Comments: Flip Wilson
  • Funny Talk: Flip Wilson
  • “Don’t Knock My Love” pts. 1 & 2 - Wilson Pickett
  • “Don’t Let The Green Grass Fool You” - Wilson Pickett

Keep the Dream Alive was a great concert featuring strong performances.  The Atlanta community supported the effort with a large turnout.

Watch the video, then listen to my interview with Jimmy Castor and Gerry Thomas from 1977.

In honor of Dr. King’s legacy, this will be the only article posted in the Classic Soul R&B Music Jam this week.

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Posted by King on 03/31 at 12:02 AM
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Thursday, March 27, 2008

Classic Soul Cassette Widget in Tune with Technology

It’s not April 1st yet, and this is not a joke.  Here’s a really cool flashback to the golden days of those cassette based songs, now reincarnated inside of a contemporary web based music player.

I skipped over both music cassettes and 8-track tapes back in the day and went right from vinyl to CD, so finding this retro music widget reminded me of friends who always had their cassette tapes eaten by their car cassette players.

This widget has lots of personality!

The particular song I found and placed in the widget is “Funky Mule,” written by Buddy Miles, performed by an unidentified band.

If you know who the band is, please let us know.

Mouse-over the picture to see the pause and stop buttons (after you press the start button).

You can check the widget out from Mixwit.

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Posted by King on 03/27 at 12:02 AM
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Tuesday, March 18, 2008

DeBarge Family Motown Melodies

1985.  El, Bunny, Mark, James, and Randy DeBarge, cast in the media image of the Jackson 5, continue to crank out a string of classic soul hits for Motown.

The DeBarge family released their first album in 1981, finding most of their success in the mid 1980’s.

Some of their well publicized mis-steps along with personal problems of particular group members probably contributed to a compressed period for their 15 mintues of fame.

Happily, the DeBarge clan are survivors.

Second generation additions, along with founders Bunny, Randy, Mark, Anita, Alice, El, James, Chico, Chantal, Young, Peaches, Mama D., and Switch’s Bobby and Tommy continue to receive attention.

Mama, El, and Chico all have individual web sites.  Several fan web sites also keep track of the entire family.

Here are the lyrics to their hit “Who’s Holding Donna Now,” written by David Foster, Jay Graydon, and Randy Goodrum featuring El DeBarge on the lead vocal:

Sometimes a love won’t let go
Hard as I try I know it shows
Everybody’s telling me
You’ll be over her eventually
But how am I supposed to feel so secure.

When I keep wonderin’
Who’s holding Donna now
And I keep wonderin’
Who’s heart she’s knocking around
There’s nothing I wouldn’t do
To be in his shoes somehow
And I keep wonderin’
Who’s holding Donna now
And I keep wonderin’
What magic can be found
To turn me back to the world
Who’s holding Donna now.

The letter started with goodbye
I’ve read it half a million times
Tell me this is just a dream
When I wake up she’ll be here next to me
Tell me it will be just the way it was, oh

When I keep wonderin’
Who’s holding Donna now
And I keep wonderin’
Who’s heart she’s knocking around
There’s nothing I wouldn’t do
To be in his shoes right now
And I keep wonderin’
Who’s holding Donna now
And I Keep wonderin’
What magic can be found
To turn me back to the world
Who’s holding Donna now

Those Temptations vs. Four Tops tours were always fun.  Is there any chance of a future Jacksons vs. DeBarge tour?

Anything is possible!

Listen to 30 seconds of “Who’s Holding Donna Now” by DeBarge.

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Posted by King on 03/18 at 12:02 AM
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Thursday, March 13, 2008

Marvin Gaye's Magnificent Medley

When was the last time you heard Marvin Gaye’s magnificent medley in it’s entirety from the song collection What’s Going On? (the album considered by many as the best classic soul record of all time).

The 6 tracks on side one of the original 1971 album are tightly edited together without silence between the songs, enhancing the impact of Marvin’s topical social commentary and humane visionary themes.

When the CD was finally released many years later, some listeners may have missed the ground breaking technique of a continuous medley: absent from most early R&B albums.

With the CD, now all 9 tracks were available for the expected continuous play from start to finish. So a medley?  No big deal.

We don’t play it that often, but we do play tracks 2 through 6 straight through when the spirit moves us on Powerhouse Radio...

  • 2) “What’s Happening Brother”
  • 3) “Flyin’ High (In The Friendly Sky)”
  • 4) “Save The Children”
  • 5) “God Is Love”
  • 6) “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)”

By the way, track 1 is “What’s Going On."

Two bonus tracks were added to the remastered CD edition released in 2003 giving the record a total of 11 songs.

Side one of the vinyl album is a masterpiece, and it’s a treat to hear it today.  I’m lucky to still have the original vinyl album in excellent condition.

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Posted by King on 03/13 at 12:02 AM
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Monday, March 10, 2008

Gamble & Huff Earn their Philly-Soul Hall of Fame Ticket

Philadelphia International Records label founders Kenny Gamble (left), and Leon Huff (right), will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2008.

The two songwriter-producers will be honored by receiving the first Ahmet Ertegun award for non-performers, Monday evening, March 10, in New York City.

"Love Train,” “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” “When Will I See You Again,” and scores of hits have driven the Philadelphia International express to global fame.

Gamble and Huff piloted the last of the great classic soul record labels, building on the legacy of Motown, Stax, and Atlantic.

The Philly International catalogue has been mined to death with CD song reissues over the years.  Surprise, two new ones are hitting the marketplace now.

The Sound of Philadelphia: Gamble & Huff’s Greatest Hits is a new release featuring all of those memorable smashes: “Me & Mrs. Jones, “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” and many more.

Very few producers could get away with this ego strokin’ title, but Gamble & Huff can.

Then we have Conquer the World: The Lost Soul of Philadelphia International Records, the 2nd new release.  A treasure chest of obscure tracks are featured, from the talented Dee Dee Sharp Gamble, producer-artist Bunny Sigler, Johnny Williams, and many other performers.

Here are some of the original Philadelphia International Records vinyl album covers...

Johnny Williams had one minor hit back in 1973 on Philadelphia International called “Slow Motion.” Listen to 40 seconds of “Slow Motion” (from the original 45 RPM record).

Congratulations to Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff on their well deserved honor.

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Posted by King on 03/10 at 12:02 AM
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Thursday, February 21, 2008

5 Classic Soul Oscars

It’s Academy Award weekend.  Here are 5 classic soul “Best Song” Oscars:

  1. “Say You, Say Me” - Lionel Richie - 1985 White Nights
  2. “I Just Called To Say I Love You” - Stevie Wonder - 1984 The Woman In Red
  3. “Last Dance” - Donna Summer - 1978 Thank God It’s Friday
  4. “Theme From Shaft” - Isaac Hayes - 1971 Shaft
  5. “All The Way” - Billie Holiday - 1957 The Joker’s Is Wild

Good luck to the 2008 “Best Song” and “Best Score” nominees.

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Posted by King on 02/21 at 07:00 AM
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Monday, February 18, 2008

Dyke & The Blazers Classic Soul Funk

When you think about the creators of funk, James Brown always comes to mind.

Dyke & The Blazers are another legendary late 1960’s funk ensemble, often compared to the Godfather of Soul.

Wilson Pickett covered Dyke’s “Funky Broadway,” resulting in an even bigger hit for the wicked one.

Watch the 3 minute 4 second story of Dyke & The Blazers, produced by PowerhouseRadio.com.

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Posted by King on 02/18 at 12:02 AM
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Thursday, February 14, 2008

Valentine Love from Henderson & Vaughan

Bassist Michael Henderson wrote “Valentine Love” in 1976 right before a recording session with drummer Norman Connors.

"Valentine Love” is still one of the best songs you’ll hear on Valentine’s Day.  The ballad remains a classic soul masterpiece.

“Sassy" Sarah Vaughan, (1924 - 1990), made her name during the golden era of jazz.

Her reading of “My Funny Valentine” from the Rodgers & Hart songbook is timeless.

She recorded the song in 1954 and kept it in her active repertoire for years.

Vaughan, shown here, admits that she panicked when performing the tune in 1979 for a television special.  Apparently composer Richard Rodgers was in the audience.

Yes, Rodgers loved her version during the performance.

"My Funny Valentine” was first introduced in 1937 by vocalist Mitzi Green as composed by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart.

The song became such a sentimental favorite through the years that it lost it’s cool factor.  Sarah Vaughan’s version however still stands the test of time.

Listen to 30 seconds each of Michael Henderson’s “Valentine Love,” and Sarah Vaughan’s “My Funny Valentine."

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Posted by King on 02/14 at 12:02 AM
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Monday, January 28, 2008

Motown Hits & Misses: High Inergy, Dynamic Superiors, & Willie Hutch

In the late 1970’s, after Motown headed to Hollywood, motor city magic just wasn’t the same in the city of Angels.

Rick James and Smokey Robinson were still cashing in with hits, but for another group of artists, times were tough.

Motown has signed plenty of groups through the years who have had only marginal success, if any.

Pasadena California’s High Inergy, is one girl group who never quite broke through.  From their 1977 album Turnin’ On, “You Can’t Turn Me Off (In the Middle of Turning Me On),” showed much promise.

A Sister Sledge type act, High Inergy just didn’t receive the high profile producers, or the right promotion.  Personnel changes also hindered their growth.

Washington D.C.’s Dynamic Superiors are another Motown group who ended up on the “B” list.

Motown tried hard to showcase this act.

Dynamic Superiors recorded 5 albums for the label between 1975 - 1978.

1976’s Give & Take, produced by Brian Holland for Holland-Dozier-Holland Productions, included spirited material along with covers of “Nowhere To Run” and Stevie wonder’s “All In Love Is Fair."

Much of the Dynamic Superior’s uptempo music was awash in a sea of generic disco rhythm.  This didn’t help differentiate them from similar sounding acts.

Willie Hutch excelled as a producer and writer of many hits for a variety of artists including the 5th Dimension.

He produced early Motown releases by Michael Jackson and Smokey Robinson.

One song Hutch is best remembered for as a solo artist comes from the soundtrack of the 1973 movie The Mack.

"Brother’s Gonna Work It Out” is a classic soul marvel, in the best tradition of “Shaft,” “Superfly,” and Bobby Womack’s “Across 110th Street” (recently featured in American Gangster).

Hutch’s Havin’ A House Party was released by Motown in 1977.  He was an average talent as a performer, and an exceptional talent as a producer.

Listen to a 1 minute and 45 second montage of High Inergy, the Dynamic Superiors, and Willie Hutch.

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Posted by King on 01/28 at 12:02 AM
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Thursday, January 24, 2008

Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, & Diana Ross on January 24th

Here are some memorable moments credited to January 24th:

2004 – Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake perform the “wardrobe malfunction” halftime act at Superbowl 38 in Jacksonville, Florida.

1987 – Luther Vandross has the number 1 R&B song, “Stop To Love.”

1982 – Diana Ross sings the national anthem at Superbowl 16 in Pontiac, Michigan.

1970 – The Chairmen of the Board have their first and biggest hit, “Give Me Just a Little More Time” (#8 R&B, #3 pop).

Celebrate January 24th with Luther Vandross at Royal Albert Hall, London, from September, 1994...

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Posted by King on 01/24 at 12:02 AM
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Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Janet Jackson Flashback and Feedback

10 years ago today in 1998, Janet Jackson received her 18th gold record for the song “Together Again."

At the time, her accomplishment put her in first place among female artists with the most gold singles.

Janet has just released a brand new single, “Feedback,” available via iTunes and Yahoo!

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Posted by King on 01/09 at 12:02 AM
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Thursday, December 27, 2007

Luther Vandross Christmas 1995

19 years after the Luther photo in the vinyl Funky Christmas Cotillion album, Mr. Vandross captures the decade of the 1990’s as a superstar.

Sony Music released This is Christmas in 1995, featuring 10 memorable Luther Vandross holiday favorites on the CD:

  1. “With A Christmas Heart”
  2. “This Is Christmas”
  3. “The MistleToe Jam”
  4. “Every Year, Every Christmas”
  5. “My Favorite Things”
  6. “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
  7. “I Listen To The Bells” (duet with Darlene Love)
  8. “Please Come Home For Christmas”
  9. “A Kiss For Christmas”
  10. “O’ Come All Ye Faithful”

A true classic.



Posted by King on 12/27 at 12:02 AM
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