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A Tribute to Don Cornelius, Father of Soul Train
February 3rd, 2012
There are a number of classic shows that highly influenced my early perception of music but none laid a foundation like Soul Train. Carrying a mellow baritone voice with the parting benediction of “love, peace and soul”, Don Cornelius was the father figure of the “hippest trip in America”. In hearing the sudden death of this soul pioneer, I was shocked and deeply saddened as many of you. Through comprehending a portion of Don’s impact, the picture of loss becomes much more clear. For 40 plus years, Soul Train was the “hello, my name is….” for so many African American artists. When I try to ponder upon this ripple effect, I have to ask the question, what railways would be uncharted if it wasn’t for Don Cornelius?
In a land of American Bandstand serving a limited diet of pop, the landscape of musical exposure for African American artists was minimum. When you think of artists like Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson, the opportunity of a wider audience mainly came through radio, tour dates and the occasional appearance on shows like the Ed Sullivan or Jerry Lewis show. To be considered for these platforms, much of their music had to follow a format of popular music to attract a target audience catering to a mainstream group. Don Cornelius set to pioneer a platform that took a different route and served a full plate of soul. With the talents of Gladys Knight & The Pips, The O’Jays and so many others, the genre of soul and R&B was given a place to call home through Soul Train. In its weekly broadcast we not only saw the latest fashions or the newest dances, we were inspired by music that spoke our language and told our stories.
The departure of Don Cornelius is truly a sad occasion but his legacy is a lasting effect. Without his innovation and insight to promote an unexposose genre of music, we may not have the building blocks and music archives we enjoy today. So to Mr. Cornelius, we thank you greatly for a foundation and platform that not only made us dance but through music moved and grooved the soul. You will be missed.
[New Video] Rhonda Thomas & Avery Sunshine in “Just Us”
February 1st, 2012
Rhonda Thomas & Avery Sunshine
I had the great pleasure of seeing Rhonda Thomas and Avery Sunshine show out at The Quad back in February 2011 when I first heard them sing this song, “Just Us”. If the tune sounds a bit familiar, it’s originally the disco cut from the men lovin’ duo, The Weather Girls. Soooooo, sit back, relax, enjoy this video and purchase this cut at www.rhondasings.com for your “housecleaning” playlist. LOL!
Cadillac Records: The “UNTRUE” Story of Etta James
January 31st, 2012
In a world filled with smoke and mirrors, it always inspires me to see and experience artists who exude a powerful sense of truth. Their truth is not built with the intent of gimmick-like controversy but a “need” to be true to themselves no matter the cost. That is the stern virtue that I highly respect in the artistry and legend of Ms. Etta James. With that said, it greatly disappoints me that in light of her authenticity, this truth has failed to be depicted on the screens of Hollywood. Of course we all saw Beyonce’s “role” in the movie Cadillac Records but unfortunately that role was not the factual life of Etta James. Read the rest of this entry “
[Tribute Video] GFM Remembers Ms. Etta James
January 31st, 2012In our month long celebration of Ms. Etta James, it has been my joy and honor to learn and understand the gift and talent of this fascinating woman. I could say a lot of words to express my gratitude but I think this video sums it up best for me. So on that note, I hope you enjoy our tribute video as GFM remembers Ms. Etta James
Etta James’s Spin On Guns N’ Roses: “Welcome To The Jungle”
January 26th, 2012Written by the pen of lead vocalist Axl Rose and lead guitarist, Slash, Welcome to the Jungle paints the uninhibited and brazen picture of the Hollywood streets. With a rock and metal aggression, Guns N’ Roses was the group who placed this song on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list. While it’s greatly associated with the rebellious spirit of Axl’s sway, many may wonder, “why did Etta decide to do a song like this?” Well, surprisingly these two may have more in common than you think. From the standpoint of musical approach, Etta interjects the “down home” grit of the blues to this particular cover which is nothing more than the father figure of rock and roll. In diving deeper into the lyrical storyline, Ms. James is no stranger to life on the Hollywood streets. From the streetwalker on Central, the pimp in the back alley or the junkie looking for their next hit, Etta’s life has been a dance with the devil in the trenches of the jungle. So it’s only fitting that she gives pleasantries not as a guest but a certified survivor.
Here is Welcome to the Jungle from her last recorded project, The Dreamer.
Song of the Day: Etta James – “Stop The Wedding”
January 17th, 2012Stop the Wedding can easily be considered a song of drama. It tells of a woman determined not to hold her peace by convincing her lover of his grave mistake before a wedding alter. While you’re teased by the plot of the storyline itself, you can’t help but hear Etta’s gospel roots in this spectacular cut. In so many ways I definitely hear how Janis Joplin was influenced by her “grab you by the throat” vocals. Furthermore, I can’t help but here James Brown’s classic cut, Please, Please, Please in this song. It’s something about the measure breaks in the music with nothing but the soulful pleas to fill the space. I absolutely love it!
An Open Letter From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 16th, 2012
Originally posted April 5, 2008
I had the wonderful experience of checking out the museum exhibit of the “King Papers” last year when they were here in Atlanta. I can truly say it was a profound moment. One I will never forget. In remembrance of Dr. King’s life and the 40th anniversary of his assassination, I want to share a letter written by him that spoke not only then but in our present day as well. It was written shortly after two teenagers died within the riots.
An Open Letter to Negro Youth
I do not ask you to cool it, on the contrary, I urge you to become active in the freedom movement and to make it an irresistible power. I urge you to be prepared to use your great energy in nonviolent mass action protest in your community.
You can march in the streets and make this nation aware of your just grievances. You can help mobilize your elders to go to the polls and to put their voting power to work for you. You can organize at the grass roots level and demand police protection and respect. You can call for justice and freedom now.
The future of the Negro people may well rest in your hands. It’s up to you.
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King was a great civil rights leader but more than that, he was a prophetic and prolific voice that still stands today. Incredibly, he was probably one of the most profound thinkers of our time. And with a unique blend, he was a combination of Christian servant hood, intellectualism, and relevance in a chaotic time in America. Sometimes we ask the question, “what would Martin say about this issue or that in our present world?” With all our searching, we may never think that maybe Dr. King already answered those questions. It is said in an ancient scripture, “there is nothing new under the sun.” Whether it’s the “Vietnam War” or the “war in Iraq”, issues may come in different forms but it’s still the same issues. Maybe if we read the road map of his words, his speeches, and some of his sermons, we might find he’s already given answer to the issues we see today.
Rest in peace, Dr. King…..
Song of the Day: Etta James – “Don’t Lose Your Good Thing”
January 13th, 2012Don’t Lose Your Good Thing, a single from the 1968 album Tell Mama is a mixture of soul and blues that showcase Etta’s emotional range . In one instance, she displays her sharp sauciness warning her lover “not to mess it up” but smoothly transitions into sweet pleas “for love to stay” all in the same breath. It’s beautiful how she can intertwine the threads of strength and vulnerability without missing a stitch. Take a listen for yourself.
