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.

For those of you who’ve never read the the autobiography of Etta James, Rage To Survive, I strongly encourage you to check out this book. Once you indulge yourself in her life, you quickly comprehend the fierce spirit, complexities and facts never fully realized in the Beyonce produced film, Cadillac Records. For instance, while the film plays heavily on a romantic relationship with Chess Records head, Leonard Chess, this information was never once mentioned in Etta’s autobiography. Now for a woman to confess her trials of domestic abuse, her mindset of being an addict and other uncensored tidbits, having an affair with the boss would have easily been a drop in the bucket – unless it never happened. According to Marshall Chess, son of Leonard Chess, he had these words to say concerning the issue of this affair:

“Now, my father was no angel, but (he) was never caught in an affair,” Chess said. “It never happened.” He even asked James, a longtime friend, and she told him, “He kissed me on the cheek once.”

During Etta’s early days at Chess, she was very open in having a relationship with Harvey Fuqua, member of the Moonglows and  later played a pivotal role in the formation of Motown Records. With Fuqua, Etta went on to sing songs like “I Just Want to Make Love to You”, “If I Can’t Have You” and later became the duo “Betty & Dupree” on Kent Records while also recording on Chess due to the lack of money they were paid on Chess. Unfortunately, his role and importance wasn’t highlighted in the script of Cadillac Records.

In another instance,  Cadillac insinuates Etta’s drug abuse stemming from her father issues. While Etta wondered much about the true identity of her father,  most of her issues of rejection and insecurity stemmed from her mother, Dorothy,  a single teenage mother who traveled in and out of Etta’s life like a bad storm. Though Etta had a mother figure in an older woman affectionately named Mama Lu, Etta’s life spiraled after her death. Between this internal tug of war and growing up in a business that didn’t cater much to a growing teenager, Etta’s life journey was surrounded by upheaval and survival. This self discovery wasn’t revealed until Etta checked into a program in the Tarzana Psychiatric Hospital.

“We talked about what it felt like being abandoned by a mother. He said I’d gotten all my moral values from Mama Lu, but I never knew a normal life….And then when Mama Lu died and Dorothy snatched me away, everything went haywire.”

While there was a number of other omissions such as the exclusion of Leonard Chess’s brother, co-founder and partner Phil Chess, the question still stands, why were these truths never told? Well, that’s a good question especially when Ms. James’s book was published in 1995, 13 years “before” the release of the movie, Cadillac Records. What is also in question is why writer/director, Darnell Martin would write the role of Etta James with Beyonce in mind as stated in the New York Times. Now if you’re looking for a name to sell movie tickets, I can definitely see the “follow the money” rationale. However when you fully inhale the intricacies of Ms. James’s defiant nature and understand the surrounding issues that followed her life and compare them to Beyonce’s persona and acting range, it just doesn’t scream a perfect match.  Not saying I wasn’t pleased to see Beyonce’s commitment to the role written however that role was poorly written and watered down.  As Etta so candidly stated to the New York Post’s Page Six in 2007, “she is going to have a hill to climb, because Etta James ain’t been no angel!”

So in conclusion, when I think of an artist who’s invested 58  years in writing and singing songs that come from the real chapters of her life, it seems only fitting that she have the honor of a real depiction. The life of Ms. Etta James is as fascinating as her voice, complicated as her vocal interpretations and raw as her passion.  While Hollywood may try their best, her story is more brilliant and compelling than any writer could create. It is simply my hope to witness someone who will have the guts to really tell that story in the spirit Etta gave and deserves……..the truth!

Etta in recent years

I couldn’t think of a better way to end this month than with this great mix that comes to us by way of DJ Polished Solid. What a befitting tribute to the legacy of our AOM and a great introduction to DJ Polshed Solid’s work on the mix. If you caught this great article a couple weeks ago you’ve already witnessed her great work with words. Polished Solid hosts a weekly show live every Sunday from 4pm-6pm EST at http://mixlr.com/djpolishedsolid. Make sure to keep your ears open for mixes here on GFM from DJ Polished Solid.

Checkout the tracklisting after the jump.

1. Something’s Got A Hold On Me – Etta James – [Fantasy Records]

2. Good Feeling (Hotwire Main Mix) – Doi-Oing – [Northern Exposure]

3. Get Misunderstood – Troublemakers – [Guidance Recordings]

4. Let’s Straighten It Out – Etta James – [Private Music]

5. Let’s Burn Down The Cornfield – Etta James – [UMG Recordings]

6. Leave You Alone (Amended Album Version) – Cam’ron – [Asylum]

7. Seven Day Fool – Etta James – [UMG Recordings]

8. The Very Thought Of You – Etta James – [Private Music]

9. Baby What You Want Me To Do (Live 1963 New Era Club) – Etta James – [UMG Recordings]

10. Baby, Baby, Everynight – Etta James – [Virgin]

11. This Bitter Earth – Etta James – [Private Music]

12. Good Feeling (Sick Individuals Remix) – Flo Rida – [Atlantic Records]

13. Gonna Have Some Fun Tonight – Etta James – [UMG Recordings]

14. Damn Your Eyes – Zap Mama – [Luaka Bop]

15. Song – Plej – [Exceptional Records]

16. Good Feeling (Original Mix) – Doi-Oing – [Northern Exposure]

17. I’d Rather Go Blind – Bettye Swann – [Atlantic Records]

18. All I Could Do Was Cry – Beyoncé – [Columbia]

19. Rather Go Blind (Etta James Rework) – Lucky Paul – [soundcloud]

20. Addiction – Kanye West – [Roc-A-Fella]

21. I Only Have Eyes For You – Etta James – [Private Music]

22. At Last / Trust Me / Sunday Kind of Love – Etta James – [Fantasy Records]

23. Please Send Me Someone To Love – Etta James – [Fantasy Records]

24. Damn Your Eyes – Bettye Lavette – [Munich Records]

25. Fool That I Am – Etta James – [UMG Recordings]

26. Finally Moving – Pretty Lights – [Pretty Lights Music]

27. Life, Love & The Blues – Etta James – [Private Music]

28. You Give Me What I Want – Etta James – [UMG Recordings]

29. I’d Rather Go Blind – Etta James – [Fantasy Records]

30. Feelin’ Uneasy (Single) – Etta James – [UMG Recordings]

31. Waiting For Charlie (To Come Home) – Etta James – [UMG Recordings]

32. Don’t Cry Baby – Etta James – [UMG Recordings]

33. You’re Gonna Make Me Cry – Etta James – [Private Music]

34. Thats Who I Am Instrumental – Young Jeezy -

35. Amour et peines – Kohndo – [Greenstone Records]

36. Call Me Back – Logistics – [Hospital Records]

37. Threats – Blue Sky Black Death – [Babygrande Records]

38. i’m leaving – Shateish – [soundcloud]

39. Do You Believe VIP – DC Breaks – [Restless Natives]

40. At Last – Etta James – [UMG Recordings]

I think for the next few days after reading what Clint Eastwood I’m going to have to wear the hat in the photo above around town. For those who may have missed Clint’s thoughts on one Beyoncé Knowles you can checkout the article from Shadow and Act right here. Also, special shout out to writer extraordinaire L. Michael Gipson for posting this article with accompanying epitaph on his FB wall ayer.

Basically, the gist of what Clint had to say was something in the neighborhood of Bey having the potential to become the next Sarah Vaughn or Ella Fitzgerald. Now, granted he did make this statement after also addressing the need to “introduce her to the fundamentals of jazz music.” Aye, there’s the rub don’t you think? While you’re at it why don’t we start with the biggest fundamental of all: singing in general. Now, I’m not suggesting that Beyoncé can’t sing, but if Mr. Eastwood wants her to be mentioned in the same breath as Sarah or Ella there are lots of issues that would need to be addressed in Ms. Knowles current vocal technique and overall musical acumen before one might consider uttering her name in the same breath without doing a spit-take.

Sarah and Ella were virtuosos at what they did, Beyoncé sings. There’s a difference. Beyoncé is popular and makes a lot of money for her record company and for most of the studios who have put out films that she has “starred” in (help me Nia Long, did I just say that?). So I get where Clint Eastwood is coming from in the sense that he is talking that bullish Hollyweird talk where popularity and visibility trumps actual talent seven days of the week.

I would love for Clint Eastwood to prove me wrong, I really would. But for Beyoncé to even come close to what Mr. Eastwood is suggesting she would have to almost forget everything she knows and start from scratch with a healthy diet of what Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald took in for their musical diet. Oh it can be done and there are fantastic singers out there who approach the Sarah and Ella level of virtuosity everyday you just don’t hear that much about them, but they do exist. I just think it’s a little disingenuous to suggest that Beyoncé is anywhere near approaching that level of musicianship as it currently stands. As I stated before she is popular, she sells a lot of records, there’s a difference. Money makes people say some really interesting things and I would expect a lot more from Clint Eastwood: the dude who got mad respect from me when he made a film about Bird when I was in high school and just starting to get into the music. I realize he’s trying to remake “A Star Is Born” and we all have a little P.T. Barnum in us, but you have to backup the hype.

I’ll leave you with two things: one is a performance of Ella Fitzgerald on “Take The A Train” and the other is a skit from SNL this past weekend that shows where we’ve been heading as a society for a while now. The SNL video relates to this post in the sense that I think Clint Eastwood and others make ridiculous statements like “Beyoncé could be the next Sarah or Ella” because we’ve arrived at a place where everyone thinks they can win at everything and sometimes you just need to tell people that this is not the game for you to play because you don’t have the right equipment and you can get hurt.

Check out this performance from Ella and at the 1:25 mark Ella begins a run that well, you’ve got to have the goods and the ears to pull off. I would love to hear Beyoncé sing this entire performance note for note, that’s how you learn this music and then you form your own style…

This right here… man, we need to stop lying to kids and adults too. You cannot do anything that you want to do. Yeah I said it. You should do those things that there is clear cut evidence that with a whole lot of practice, determination and sometimes luck you will have a chance at being successful. If someone can’t do something I think we do more harm by not telling them the truth and in most cases the truth is very, very obvious.

Recorded in 1968 at the FAME Studio, this incredible single was said to be written by Ellington Jordan and her abusive ex, Billy Foster. However in truth, Etta  herself wrote these lines with Jordan.  Even though Etta didn’t considered herself a “professional” songwriter at the time, this song heralded  the depths of her experience with undeniable emotion which very well paralleled a violent relationship she didn’t know how to leave and a drug problem she didn’t know how to kick.  In addition to her personal problems, she also suffered with tax issues which motivated her decision to give her writing credit to Billy Foster. Unfortunately, when this choice was made and the song was rerecorded by artists like Clarence Carter, Rod Stewart, B.B. King and Beyonce for the movie soundtrack, Cadillac Records, they all went to Jordan and the estate of Billy Foster. Though this song has made a musical impact with its torturous cry of love lost, the first tears that fell for this song privately were truly that of Leonard Chess, head of her recording label, Chess Records in his intial hearing of the song.

Beyonce talks to Katie Couric about her pregnancy and new concert video.

Source: VLADTV

You know here at GFM we are always joking about how “The Streetz Iz Watchin’” but in this day and age they really are. I wanted to continue the series this week on a similar trajectory as last week, which in cased you missed last week’s installment… I’m really starting to enjoy the idea of presenting what I deem the very contemporary “cover”.

Technology has moved us to the point where literally a song could be released at 12pm today and covers could be up as soon as the song is learned and recorded. I’m not making a statement one way or the other about the production value of something done so rapidly but: 1. It certainly can be done and 2. It could go either way on the production value scale.

What I like about this cover here of Ms. Beyoncé is that it was one of those instances where I was curious and said let me click on this link. I happen to be a follower on Twitter of Nikki who is featured below, she goes by the name of @TXhummingbird and I must say like so many folks that I enjoy following the tweets can be quite hilarious. So last week I saw something about singing… singing? Oh I have to check this out, because the voice is quite frankly my favorite instrument. I definitely enjoyed what I listened to and that’s why I’m sharing it with you today. I hope you all enjoy it as well and if you are on Twitter shout @TXhummingbird some love. You can also check out some other covers by Nikki posted here.

I have to be honest, at the time this joint reached my desk I was in the midst of editing some photo from a previous event. It’s not often that I run across a rendition that makes me stop what I’m doing to give my “complete” attention in the first play…maybe the second play, but not the first. The unfamiliar yet beautiful voice you hear with Beyonce is that of Matthew Johnson.  I have to say Matthew’s falsetto is simply exquisite with such a pure tone in voice. Check out this “recreated” version if you really want a treat for your ears!!! BIG shout out to Plutopia’s Taiye “Wild Afrikan” Samuel for sharing this jewel with us!!! :)

Oh and just in case you weren’t completely convinced, check out this video of Matthew just “playing around” with the song, This Woman’s Work.

1. Atlanta loves Zo! and The Foreign Exchange Family [GFM]
2. Beyoncé Line Dances In The Street With Group Of Women [Yahoo]
3. El DeBarge Plots Headlining Tour, Records with Babyface [Billboard]
4. Kenny Burns releases his documentary [KB]
5. Sade Announces Her First Tour in 10 Years [Billboard]
6. Justin Bieber has the last laugh [SG]
7. How To Really Get Your Music On Blogs [PDF] [TMB]
8. Soundgarden’s Platinum Game [WSJ]
9. Mariah Carey debuts her new Christmas single [HP]
10. Every Little Step with Mike Tyson & Wayne Brady [FOD]

Hope For Haiti Now, the telethon and organization put together by George Clooney and MTV has raised over $58 million dollars for the Haiti relief effort to date. All of the songs from the broadcast are available on iTunes (Hope For Haiti Now album) and it is currently #1 in 21 countries around the world. All proceeds will benefit the victims of the earthquake.

This was a great use of influence, technology and talent by all parties in coming together to make this event a tremendous success. Please continue to donate to the organization of your choice, as the need will be present for years to come. You can check out some of the clips from the event after the break.

This week’s topic: Material Boys and Girls

Blame It-Jamie Foxx feat. T-Pain/Let The Good Times Roll-Louis Jordan

The Message

The message is pretty clear in both of these songs…a good time, although “Blame It” takes a more dionysian approach in its heavy reliance on alcohol and subsequent abdication of all responsibility. Where this pair fits into our material theme is that they squarely fit the old adage “You have to pay to play“.

The Music

“Blame It” see: auto-tune. “Let The Good Times Roll” generally credited(and rightfully so)as the bridge between the swing era and rhythm blues and rock and roll. Louis Jordan’s “jump blues” was primed for dancing, and Jordan set the standard for many an entertainer to follow his suit in the decades to come.

That Was Then…

Louis Jordan’s initial version on “Let The Good Times Roll” was released in 1946 (with an updated version arranged and conducted by Quincy Jones a decade later)in a time where the post-war had seen ensembles reduced down from 17 members to the 4, 5 or 6 member combos that we think of as bands today. Jordan attained mass “pop” appeal at time when very, very few black artists could escape the labeling of “race records“.

This Is Now…

See: auto-tune…not to be dismissive but pretty much that’s where we are.

Swagga Like Us-T.I. feat. Kanye West, Jay-Z and Lil Wayne/Cool-The Time

The Message

Look at me and here are the reasons why you should look at me. Period. Point blank.

The Music

“Swagga Like Us” pretty much 808′s and heartbreaks which is not necessarily a bad thing. “Cool” basically Jamie Starr and company doing their thing. Did I mention that “The Time” is one of the best live bands in history? Period. Point blank.

That Was Then…

1981: The beginning of the Reagan era, Chrysler bailout, the hostages return home from Iran, interesting times. Who knew that by the end of the decade the concept of a band in urban music would be the exception as opposed to the rule?

This Is Now…

If you were around in 1981, few would have believed that Hip-Hop would have the global influence that it does. Those who did believe the music could be the global force that it is in 2009 you call…Russell.

Single Ladies-Beyonce/Nothing Goin’ On But The Rent-Gwen Guthrie

The Message

Even though Ms. Knowles-Carter (or whatever) professes that she is not into the things “of this world”, her refrain exclaims that “You shoulda put a ring on it” further solidifying that for some people “Every kiss really does begin with k…”. The late Gwen Guthrie takes the direct route and I must say I’m not mad at all at her hustle.

The Music

“Single Ladies” really does take the notion of making a beat literally (except for a few flourishes here and there and most notably the chorus & bridge). “Nothing Goin’ On But The Rent” relies heavily on the production techniques of 80′s house music (albeit with a slightly slower tempo) paving the way for future hits by groups like C+C Music Factory and Black Box.

That Was Then…

1986 was the height of 80′s yuppiedom and all the values of “Wall St.” before the actual crash in late ’87. This song seems to accurately embrace the tenor of the times “No romance without finance”.

This Is Now…

To not acknowledge that “Single Ladies” has become somewhat of an anthem or maybe even a movement would be disingenuous. My only question at the end of the day is what does the ring really represent?

Special Comment

I am certainly not positioning this special comment as the ultimate dig against the subject matter that B. Knowles has chosen align herself with throughout her career. I’m really interested to know if anyone has noticed a pattern of materialism/consumerism disguised as empowerment? Maybe it’s just me, and certainly she is an easy target because of her enormous exposure. But I really want to know if “Put a ring on it” the defining factor in relationships and if so, which came first the Beyonce or the egg?

Conclusion

I have thoroughly enjoyed working on this series this month. I have learned a lot and in 2010 you can expect to see these comparisons on a frequent basis. Here’s to a successful New Year for all! Cheers!