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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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Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers Go-Go

Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers circa 1979, Bustin’ Loose with the Go-Go sound of Washington, DC.

Chuck Brown jams with:

  1. “Bustin’ Loose”
  2. “Boogie Up The Nation”
  3. “Blow Your Whistle”
  4. “We The People”

Creator, founder, and doctor of dance floor strut Chuck Brown intimately reveals his funk powered manifesto for you while busting some thrilling literary moves at his official Go-Go website.

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Friday, April 11, 2008

The Three Degrees Touch Angelic Harmony

Valerie Holiday, Helen Scott, and Cynthia Garrison are the golden voices of The Three Degrees.

The ladies have 2008 tour plans with possible touch-downs in Hawaii, Japan, and Europe.

You have to go all the way back to Philadelphia, PA in 1963 for the genesis of the original group: Fayette Pinckney, Linda Turner, and Shirley Poole.

There have been plenty of personnel changes through the years, although Helen and Valerie have been with the group since 1976.  Helen was a late 1963 addition who left close to 1966, but returned a decade later.

You’ll probably remember “When Will I See You Again” as their biggest hit.

Before success on Philadelphia International Records, The Three Degrees released songs on 5 different labels.

When you graze through The Three Degrees Biography at their official web site, you’ll discover the British icon who named these ladies as his favorite group.

I’ll recommend these 4 tracks from the Three Degrees catalog:

  • “Love Is The Message” (with MFSB)
  • “When Will I See You Again”
  • “Maybe” (excellent cover of the Chantels hit with a rap to boot)
  • “We’re All Alone” (heavenly harmonies expanding the Boz Scaggs song)

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Posted by King on 04/11 at 12:02 AM
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Wednesday, April 09, 2008

7 Cameo Classics

Cameo took several years to develop their style of funk and finally differentiate themselves from the Parliament-Funkadelic conglomerate; (to whom they are often compared).

When their album Cardiac Arrest featuring “Rigor Mortis” came on the scene in 1977, group leader Larry Blackmon and company were building up their funk portfolio in the Big Apple, New York City.

New Cameo albums hit the streets every year between 1977 through 1986, with Word Up! in 86’ generating 3 big hit singles (#2, #3, & #7 on my list).

In the 1980’s, robotic electronic elements began to sterilize the raw funk sound of many classic soul groups.

Cameo survived this industry change, using it to their advantage, by giving their catchy songs multiple hooks, gritty grooves, and levity laced lyrics.

I saw Cameo perform live at the Missouri Black Expo in St. Louis in 1998.  They were spectacular.

When the final history of funk is written, Cameo will have a prominent chapter.

Even Mariah Carey jumped on the Cameo bandwagon in 2001 (with Larry Blackmon along for the ride), sampling “Candy” on her song “Loverboy,” albeit a weakly implemented cover at that.

7 Cameo Classics:

  1. “She’s Strange”
  2. “Candy”
  3. “Word Up!”
  4. “Single Life”
  5. “Shake Your Pants”
  6. “I Just Want To Be”
  7. “Back and Forth”

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Posted by King on 04/09 at 12:02 AM
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Thursday, March 20, 2008

Betty Wright Knocks Out the Clean Up Woman

When 19 year old Betty Wright released the classic soul hit “Clean Up Woman” in 1972, the song launched an expressive career for the Miami, Florida teenager.

With over 18 albums to her credit, Betty continues to belt out the tracks today.

She was only 15 when her first album, “My First Time Around,” was released on Atlantic’s Atco record label.

The majority of Miss Wright’s success came with a string of hits following “Clean Up Woman.” Betty’s voice projected playfulness, confidence, wisdom, and maturity beyond her years.

Singing with a tone of innocence to compliment a touch of raw vocal power, her musical stories stood out with entertaining and believable themes.

Betty Wright is one of the best representing the “Florida” soul sound.

Here are my top 4 Betty Wright songs:

  1. “Clean Up Woman”
  2. “Where Is The Love”
  3. “Tonight Is The Night”
  4. “Baby Sitter”

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Posted by King on 03/20 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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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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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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Thursday, January 10, 2008

Charles Wright takes "Express Yourself" to Line Dancing

Charles Wright, producer, singer and founder of the classic soul Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band is upbeat about his new album, Finally Got It Wright.

He sticks to the tradition of his early hits “Do Your Thing” and “Express Yourself,” released in 1968 and 1970.

The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm band exemplifies Los Angeles funk just like Chuck Brown personifies Washington, DC’s go-go music.

There’s a free mp3 download of “Line Dance Song” from Charles Wright’s new album available directly from his line dance web site.

Charles says: “I’m not Columbia, RCA or Capital, so I do not intend to pretend that I can compete on their level."

"I am a small company and will act accordingly. Therefore, if it takes me three, four or even five years to complete the job or more, I intend to concentrate on Finally Got It Wright because I honestly and truly believe in it."

Charles Wright was born near Clarksdale, Mississippi.

The family moved to Los Angeles when he was 12. He started on piano and later graduated to vocals, guitar, bass and drums.

As a teenager, Wright led and composed for several doo-wop groups, including the Twilighters, The Shields, and the Galahads.

Charles became one of Hollywood’s most sought after studio musicians while simultaneously becoming a nightclub sensation with his band Charles Wright and He Wright-Sounds.

After recording renowned Los Angeles Dee Jay Magnificent Montague’s theme song, “Spreading Honey,” Charles founded the history-making Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band - the first successful rhythm & blues act for Warner Brothers.

The “Watts” band backed Bill Cosby on his first two musical albums, Silver Throat and The Salvation Army Band: Bill Cosby Sings.

Listen to 30 seconds of “Express Yourself."

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Posted by King on 01/10 at 12:02 AM
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Thursday, December 06, 2007

7 Top Soulful Picks for Classic R&B 2007

If you look hard enough, and dig deep enough, you can always find good new music.

Here are our 7 Top Soulful Picks for Classic R&B 2007 in order.  The releases all reflect the best traditions of vintage classic soul you or someone on your gift list will enjoy.

7 Top Soulful Picks for Classic R&B 2007:


  1. Diana Ross - I Love You - Thoroughly enjoyable over repeated listening.  Mostly hit parade oldies from the catalogue of others served up Diana Ross style, packed with diva charm all the way.

  2. Alicia Keys - As I Am - When Stevie Wonder recorded the albums Where I’m Coming From and Music of My Mind in 1971 and 1972, he pushed the boundaries of what people expected from R&B.  He also pushed himself forward into uncharted waters as a creative artist.  Alicia Keys has taken some risks with As I Am, and has crafted one of the most inventive albums of the year.  Excellent stuff.

  3. Thelma Houston - A Woman’s Touch - Mostly danceable chestnuts from a grab bag of good time hits and heavies we all remember.  A nice effort putting Thelma Houston back in the game.

  4. Chaka Khan - Funk This - Features one of the best tracks of the year, “Disrespectful,” with Mary J. Blige.  Almost as adventurous as the Alicia Keys release, Chaka lets loose with new tunes and some classics you might not expect.  Nominated for a best R&B album Grammy (2007).  Let the funky times roll.

  5. Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration - various artists - 50 fabulous tracks from the Stax Records vault to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the southern soul giant.  They did make one mistake.  Isaac Hayes’ “Shaft” appears in its 3 minute 10 second single form, rather than the 4 minute 30 second full version.  For a song that won both a Grammy and Academy Award, I would have used the album version.

  6. Chris Jasper - Invincible - The former Isley Brother creates a spiritually uplifting collection of praise worthy songs fusing sacred themes with secular grooves reminiscent of his past hits with the guys.

  7. Patti LaBelle - Miss Patti’s Christmas - LaBelle’s Christmas album is the best soul/R&B holiday release of 2007.  A joyous Hallelujah!

Here they are again, with additional links to album sources:

  • Diana Ross - I Love You
  • Alicia Keys - As I Am
  • Thelma Houston - A Woman’s Touch
  • Chaka Khan - Funk This
  • Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration
  • Chris Jasper - Invincible
  • Patti LaBelle - Miss Patti’s Christmas

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    Posted by King on 12/06 at 12:02 AM
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    Wednesday, November 21, 2007

    Thanksgiving Message from Bama the Village Poet

    The Last Poets, Gil Scott-Heron, Nikki Giovanni, Sekou Sundiata, and others have married music with the spoken word to deliver powerful political messages.

    Another artist of this genre is Bama the Village Poet.

    Though mostly forgotten, his Ghettos of the Mind, released in 1974, delivered an array of entertaining, ironic, sarcastic and witty words scored to the beat of musicians Bernard Purdie, Cornell Dupree, Richard Tee, Gordon Edwards, and Billy Jackson.

    Bama observed the world, and he critiqued it, with humor and eloquence.

    Here’s the original vinyl album cover complete with my hand written notes.

    Listen to 90 seconds of his classic piece, “Thanksgiving.” It’s no turkey.

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    Posted by King on 11/21 at 12:02 AM
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    Monday, November 19, 2007

    J.B. Sings White Christmas for You

    How many guys can claim that they’ve recorded the first Irving Berlin Music Company approved rendition of “White Christmas” since 1954.

    J.B., pictured here, claims this honor.

    Berlin wrote this song in 1942.  With over 500 versions out there, what does this Savannah, Georgia native, J.B., now living in Atlanta, bring to “White Christmas?"

    Listen to the first 1 minute 47 seconds of the track, and find out.

    J.B.’s “White Christmas” is smooth.  Do you hear just a little touch of Freddie Jackson?

    Find out more about J.B. at JbSings.com

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    Posted by King on 11/19 at 06:15 PM
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