* Get an email alert when a new article is added * privacy policy

News

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Marvin Gaye Bio and Bistro Beam Inner City Blues

American Masters puts Marvin Gaye in the spotlight with a PBS television special this week.  Marvin Gaye: What’s Going On tells the story of the Motown Legend in a dramatic visual biography.

In his hometown of Washington DC, in the famous Shaw neighborhood, a two story restaurant has opened called “Marvin,” dedicated to his memory.  Marvin combines Belgian cuisine and soul food, a somewhat unusual mix.

There’s a Belgian connection in Gaye’s past, during the early 1980’s, when he spent time in Belgium trying to resurrect his career.

24 years after his death, Marvin Gaye remains in the spotlight.

Technorati tags:



Posted by King on 05/08 at 12:02 AM
News • Website • (0) Comments • Permalink

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Ross - LaBelle - Khan and Knight Reunited

Diana Ross, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan graced the stage at Radio City Music Hall in New York City for 2 shows this past weekend for the benefit of the Masonic Medical Research Lab.

Here’s an interesting take on the diva factor of these ladies from Jim Farber that appeared in the New York Daily News, Sunday, May 4, 2008.

If you have the printed version of the actual newspaper, the chart that Farber created is very amusing.  New Yorkers, look for it if you haven’t read your Sunday paper yet.

Follow the link above for the online version.

If you saw the show, let us know!



Posted by King on 05/06 at 07:00 AM
News • (0) Comments • Permalink

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Al Green Retouches Roots on New Blue Note Album

Al Green recruits John Legend, Corinne Bailey Rae, and other contemporary friends for his first new album in 3 years, Lay It Down, due on Tuesday, May 27, 2008.

Work on the album began in 2005.  Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson of the Roots is the producer in charge who will attempt to fuse Green’s secular bluesy grit with today’s neo-soul groove.

Al Green will be on tour throughout 2008 to support Lay It Down, his 3rd album on the Blue Note label.

Technorati tags:



Posted by King on 04/29 at 12:02 AM
News • Website • (0) Comments • Permalink

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Donna Summer Lights New Fire with Hotter Stuff

After a 17 year absence, Donna Summer is back in the game with a new release due on Tuesday, May 20, 2008.

Her studio album is called Crayons.  Listen to (and rate) 30 seconds of “I’m A Fire,” a track from the new collection (below).

The full 7 minute album version of “I’m A Fire” contains world music elements.  It’s a danceable track with a shifting arrangement that keeps things interesting including a short Latin influenced segment sung in Spanish.

Donna Summer joins Thelma Houston, Diana Ross, Natalie Cole, Chaka Khan, and a few other “mature” classic soul divas to release new material within the past couple of years.

For a snapshot of her great career, read my review of Donna Summer’s autobiography, Ordinary Girl, written in June, 2004.

What can we expect on the new album?

Donna says the record will contain “a menagerie of colors and styles, with hints of different ethnic traditions and sounds."

She continues, “My dream is that when people hear the music it will remind them of their youth, their childhood and the joy and wonderment they felt exploring their first pack of Crayons."

Huh? OK.  I haven’t played with crayons in ages, but I get the metaphor.

Donna Summer always carried the excess baggage of “The Queen of Disco” label, despite her versatility.  Many missed the fact that she’s a very talented singer.

Just listen to the Quincy Jones’ produced song “State of Independence” for an example of Donna’s distinctive depth of style.

She gets the last laugh as a survivor with the power of Sony BMG & Burgundy Records behind this new release.

Here are my 5 Donna Summer Favorites.  What are yours?

  1. “Bad Girls”
  2. “Love To Love You Baby”
  3. “No More Tears” (duet with Barbra Streisand)
  4. “Hot Stuff”
  5. “Could This Be Magic”

Get reacquainted with an old friend, and visit the official Donna Summer web site.

Technorati tags:



Posted by King on 04/15 at 12:02 AM
Audio • News • Website • (2) Comments • Permalink

Friday, April 04, 2008

The Night James Brown Saved Boston

The Night James Brown Saved Boston, a new VH1 documentary, is an amazing story about how the Godfather of Soul saved an American city from disaster in the immediate aftermath of the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Rare concert footage from his performance at the Boston Garden, plus personal recollections from band members, highlight this VH1 television special, scheduled for Saturday, April 5, at 9 pm Eastern, with a replay on Monday, April 7, at 10 pm Eastern.

Technorati tags:




Posted by King on 04/04 at 07:00 AM
News • (0) Comments • Permalink

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.

Technorati tags:




Posted by King on 03/31 at 12:02 AM
Audio • Concerts • Flashback • News • Video • (0) Comments • Permalink

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Mariah Carey Mixes Fusion on E=MC2

Now billing herself as the best selling female artist of all time, Mariah Carey has her sights set on topping 2005’s The Emancipation of Mimi.

Her new atom splitting E=MC2 album puts some quantum mechanics behind the Mariah Carey musical formula, lead by “Touch My Body,” the first song promoted from the April 15, 2008 release.

Look for Mariah to do lots of interviews and personal appearances to support her new album.

She’s been adding to her record resume since 1990.  When you hear Mariah Carey, you feel the sonic vibrations of a voice powered by impressive passion.

Discover every chapter of the Mariah Carey story on her official web site.

Technorati tags:



Posted by King on 03/26 at 06:30 PM
News • Website • (0) Comments • Permalink

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.

Technorati tags:



Posted by King on 03/10 at 12:02 AM
Audio • Flashback • News • Songs • (0) Comments • Permalink

Thursday, March 06, 2008

Janet & Michael Jackson Share #1 at Billboard

While I’ve been listening to Janet Jackson’s new CD Discipline, trying to decide what if any of the collection I like, the release has quickly skyrocketed to the top of the Billboard 200.

It’s been a long time since Janet rose to #1.

Then, I tried to figure out, when was the last time, if any, both Janet and Michael Jackson had #1 Billboard albums at the same time.

Thriller 25, just released with plenty of remixes, is also slotted at #1 in the pop category for the Billboard publication issue of March 15, 2008.

Superstition says beware of the Ides of March!  That’s the day Emperor Julius Caesar met his doom (March 15).

For Janet and Michael however, it looks like this is their lucky day.

Now known in the music biz as classic soul “legacy artists,” Michael and Janet don’t get as much airplay as in the past.

# 1 chart positions for both of these records simultaneously in 2008 is quite a feat.

I’ll have much more to report about Janet’s Jackson’s Discipline soon.

Technorati tags:




Posted by King on 03/06 at 06:30 PM
Commentary • News • (0) Comments • Permalink

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Buddy Miles Tribute

Drummer Buddy Miles passed away Wednesday, February 27, at the relatively young age of 60.

Caught in the middle between the musical implementation of pure soul and progressive rock, Miles in his heyday never received the credit he deserved as a creative solo artist.

Radio programmers back in the day could never figure out if his music was appropriate to play for their particular audiences.

Buddy Miles was all about fusing soul, blues, pop, and rock into a unique blend of driving hardcore rhythms.

In 1967, Buddy, working his way up the musical ladder, joined “Wicked” Wilson Pickett’s touring band as the drummer.  Soon after, guitarist Mike Bloomfield recruited Miles for the seminal horn-funk-blues group, The Electric Flag.

The Buddy Miles Express debuted in 1968 with the album, Expressway to Your Skull. I used the instrumental track “Funky Mule” from that album as my first and only theme song for a few years when I first started out in radio.

Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Miles had quite a few collaborations together, beginning in 1968 - 1969.  Hendrix wrote the liner notes on Expressway to Your Skull, and produced “Miss Lady” from the 2nd Miles album Electric Church.

Hendrix also produced the unreleased version of the instrumental “69 Freedom Special,” (that does appear on The Best of Buddy Miles) CD.

Miles continued to experiment as he moved on to Band of Gypsys with Hendrix and bassist Billy Cox.  I saw their only Madison Square Garden New York City performance live on January 28, 1970.

Unfortunately, what I remember was not positive, as Miles, Hendrix, and Cox only performed a couple of songs.  Hendrix “went on strike” after a couple of songs and stormed off the stage because of some disagreement.

Miles and Hendrix recorded the classic jazz-rock “Rainy Day Dream Away” and “Still Raining Still Dreaming” from Hendrix’s historic double LP Electric Ladyland.

I genuinely enjoyed Buddy’s solo albums, as they always contained several stand out tracks.

The PowerhouseRadio.com music vault contains 7 of his solo vinyl albums, plus A Long Time Comin’ by The Electric Flag.

I suppose I should mention that Buddy Miles was the voice of the California Raisins, an animated cartoon used to promote the raisin industry in the 1970’s.

Miles was a very good singer - as soulful as the best of his day.

In 1994, Buddy Miles reformed the Express and recorded an album for Rykodisc.

I was asked if I wanted to interview Buddy in 2007.  Unfortunately, we could not sync-up our schedules, so I ultimately passed.  Now I’m sorry I missed the opportunity.

Luckily, I did have the chance many years ago to talk with Buddy Miles live at The Bottom Line club in New York City and record the conversation when I was a student at New York University.

If you are not familiar with Buddy Miles, a great place to start is the CD, The Best of Buddy Miles.

It includes his only bonafide hit, “Them Changes."

Take a listen and sample 2 minutes and 20 seconds of the longer “Funky Mule,” and enjoy the Buddy Miles groove.  Check out his relentless percussive persuasion.

Here are my picks for the top 5 songs that showcase Buddy Miles:

  1. “Runaway Child”
  2. “Power of Soul” (Band of Gypsys)
  3. “Rainy Day, Dream Away” & “Still Raining, Still Dreaming” (guest with The Jimi Hendrix Experience)
  4. “69 Freedom Special”
  5. “Take It Off Him and Put It On Me”

Technorati tags:



Posted by King on 02/28 at 12:02 AM
Audio • Commentary • News • Review • (0) Comments • Permalink

Monday, February 25, 2008

Keith Sweat Sings Just Me 2008

Keith Sweat releases his first new studio album since 2002 on March 18, 2008.

Just Me comes on the heels of his solid 2007 Christmas album, A Christmas of Love.

Sweat has been crooning mellow hits for 20 years.  On his new album, Keyshia Cole and Athena Cage are two of the featured guest artists.

Keith says his new album is not trendy, but is true to the sound his fans have come to expect.

"Suga Suga Suga,” the initial single from the album featuring Keith and Paisley Bettis will get early attention.

Sweat rose to the top with the # 1 classic soul hit “I Want Her” in 1987.  He hosts The Keith Sweat Hotel, a syndicated nationwide USA radio show.

Technorati tags:



Posted by King on 02/25 at 07:00 AM
News • (2) Comments • Permalink

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.

Technorati tags:



Posted by King on 02/21 at 07:00 AM
Flashback • News • Songs • (0) Comments • Permalink

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Remixes Drive Thriller 25 for Michael Jackson

Can Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas put some pop into Thriller 25 with a resuscitated remix of “The Girl Is Mine?"

Will Kanye West find love with his “Billie Jean” remix for M.J.?

Michael Jackson’s Thriller 25 CD is here with videos, remixes, and zombie artwork galore.

You be the judge.  Listen to 25 seconds each of the new “Billie Jean” and “The Girl Is Mine” remixes.

Technorati tags:



Posted by King on 02/13 at 12:02 AM
Audio • News • (0) Comments • Permalink

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Grammys Sing for 50 Golden Moments this Sunday

Do you have the patience?

Do you have the stamina for another gut wrenching marathon of garbled gab, glittering bling, boring back stories, and haphazard harmonies from stars who may or may not have ever sung with each other?

This is the promise of the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, this Sunday, February 10th, from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

CBS Television is promising an 8 pm – 11:30 pm Eastern show, but look for the live event to run over in it’s time slot, as usual.

Some of the planned artist collaborations look frightening.  Many are quite a stretch.  However, look for the Grammys to go all out for their 50th anniversary show.

A soulful highlight may be Rihanna teaming up with a reunited “the” Time for a special 50th anniversary segment.

The music industry is in turmoil because of the expectation by a new generation of fans that tunes should be free.

Look for the performers to put their best game face on in an attempt to drive casual and passionate viewers alike to create some buzz about the 50th Anniversary Grammy beat...and to seek out the music.



Posted by King on 02/07 at 12:02 AM
Commentary • News • (0) Comments • Permalink

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Billy Ocean Navigates Rough Water for New Musical Shores

Billy Ocean has recorded a new song “Chained,” for the forthcoming Wilburforce 200 album A Change is Gonna Come, due for a February 25th release.

Billy recently performed at the 2008 Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues festival on January 26th, in Montego Bay.  This show also featured a controversial appearance by Diana Ross.

Billy Ocean is the biggest selling British black artist of all time.

During a 30+ year career, he has sold in excess of 30 million singles and albums worldwide.  Most of his success came in the 1980’s.

Billy, birth name: Leslie Sebastian Charles, was born on January 21, 1950, in Fyzabad on the Caribbean Island of Trinidad.

In 1958 his family immigrated to England in search of work, settling in the East End of London.

His first single was released under his own name Les Charles in 1971. In 1975, adopting the name Billy Ocean, he signed a production deal that resulted in little commercial success.

Billy’s first album, Billy Ocean, was released in 1976 and contained four singles that generated increasing attention in the UK.

After another 1979 release, an additional record on CBS, and much touring in the early 1980’s, Ocean finally exploded in September 1984, renaming the single “European Queen” and re-releasing it as “Caribbean Queen."

"Carribbean Queen” would sell a million copies on the international stage and win a Grammy Award.

A 3rd version of the song called “African Queen” was recorded for the African music market cresting on their charts for 10 weeks.

In 1985, Ocean toured America for the very first time, including a gig at JFK stadium in Philadelphia as part of Live Aid on July 13th.

1986 brought more success with “When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going” and “Love Zone."

Billy spent most of 1987 recording his next album. One song from the record, “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car,” caused some controversy when it was released as a single in 1988.

Despite reaching # 3 in the U.K., British radio nearly banned the song because a national newspaper implied that “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car” referenced child molestation.

Billy explained that while growing up as a teenager none of his friends drove cars, most of them rode scooters, so a song called “Get outta my dreams, get onto my scooter” just wouldn’t have worked.

After years of hard work and well-earned success, Billy decided to take time away from the music business and devote himself to his family.

A “Greatest Hits” collection was released in September 1989, becoming Ocean’s biggest selling UK album going platinum.

By 1993 the music scene had changed and Billy’s next studio album had changed with it. “Time To Move On” was recorded in Chicago with R. Kelly, who had been a long time admirer.

A new image accompanied the album with a younger looking Billy Ocean sporting dreadlocks following his conversion to the Rastafarian religion.

In September 1998 Jive Records issued Love Is For Ever, a 24 track double album covering much more of Billy’s back catalogue.

Ocean continued to stay out of the limelight for the next few years, performing once at the South Africa Freedom Day concert on Sunday, April 29th, 2001.

The Freedom Day concert held in London’s Trafalgar Square honored the 7th anniversary of South Africa’s free elections.

Billy Ocean continues to live in England and enjoys spending time with his family, gardening at his home in Berkshire and performing around the globe with the Ebony Steel Orchestra.

Visit Billy Ocean’s official web site for more Billy Ocean lore.

Technorati tags:



Posted by King on 02/06 at 12:02 AM
Biography • News • Website • (0) Comments • Permalink
Page 1 of 11 pages  1 2 3 >  Last »