No it’s not Sunday(this tune is certainly a prime candidate for our “Cover Me” series) but the reason I selected this song today is all about the 0:03 mark. Ms. Badu says it all there. Because this is truly “Grown Folks Music” (more…)
Our song of the day comes again from Luther’s 1976 debut on Cotillion, flashes of that classic Luther style rule the day here. A true Balladeer.
I remember being a teenager sitting in the pit orchestra for a rehearsal for my school’s production of “The Wiz” when we turned the page to read through this piece and in the upper right hand corner I spied the composer’s name: Luther Vandross. The same Luther? Yes, the same Luther. I can remember that discovery like it was yesterday that was in 1985 and the affect that it would have on not only my image of Luther as a vocalist and a writer was profound.
I had been familiar with this song from the movie, not having had the opportunity to see the musical on stage, but had no idea until that day that it was written by Luther Vandross. This is from Luther’s solo debut on Cotillion Records from 1976. Enjoy!
From the 1976 Album I Want You a classic song from a classic album in the lexicon of GFM.
I guess nowadays you could add text, tweet, IM etc., to this sentiment. Someday soon I’m going to write about the influence that the Brazilian Samba has had on numerous classic R&B hits including this one.
This is what the standard should be about: Great writing, a great performance, a great arrangement and production. You have to strive for the best in all those elements and they are all very different elements that require different skill sets. Do-It-Yourself doesn’t mean all by yourself. In order to change the music you have to change the mindset. Enjoy!
If you haven’t had an opportunity to check out the Unsung episode on Heatwave, I highly recommend it.
This week we are taking a little time out to pay homage to the Greatest Entertainer of All Time as we near the anniversary of his sudden passing last year. (more…)
