No this isn’t an editorial concerning Diana’s 1983 hit “Mirror, Mirror” no this is mainly a small commentary on an oft-repeated meme that is mostly connected to the genre of Hip Hop music but from time to time is co-opted for other musical genres. What I wanted to discuss for a few lines this evening is the concept of the music as a mirror of society.
The mirror is innocent, it only reflects what is in front of it no more, no less. For better or worse some mirrors(translation:celebrities) are magnified more than others… sometimes that can be a good thing and other times that can be a not so good thing. Ultimately, we can only be responsible for our reflection, but we can choose how we light our rooms that house our mirrors. That light embodies all that we consume, what ideals we subscribe to, who we choose to support politically, socially, culturally… maybe the litmus test for the light that we choose is to determine how much love is contained in the filament that allows it to
illuminate.
Here we often challenge the music and the message to be “Grown” which in my estimation simply means responsible, not perfect but responsible. I mean why would you willingly give support let alone money to anything or anyone who would label you as less than? No need to go into the room to question the mirror as to why or why not, just turn that light off.
GFM fam I wanted to take a little time out to post this fantastic track by James Day & Mikelyn Roderick. This is “Bridging the Gap” personified. Unlike many “artists” these days James & Mikelyn’s acknowledge that only way that we arrived here was from there. As a student of history and lover of music there’s a very special place for music like this with me. I hope you all enjoy this wonderful tribute as much as I am and if you do tell a friend or two.
Composed & produced by James Day & Dow Brain featuring Mikelyn Roderick on vocals. From the album: JAMES DAY ‘NATURAL THINGS – US Digital Edition’ Now on CDBaby, Coming Soon to iTunes!
01 – High Rise – Ashford & Simpson
02 – It Seems To Hang On – Ashford & Simpson
03 – Stuff Like That – Quincy Jones
04 – Found A Cure – Ashford & Simpson
05 – Love Don’t Make It Right – Ashford & Simpson
06 – It’s My House – Diana Ross
07 – Have You Ever Tried It – Main Ingredient
08 – Bourgié Bourgié – Ashford & Simpson
09 – Don’t Cost You Nothing – Ashford & Simpson
10 – Street Corner – Ashford & Simpson
11 – Over And Over – Sylvester
12 – Clouds – Chaka Khan
13 – I Ain’t Asking – Phyllis Hyman
14 – By Way Of Love’s Express – Ashford & Simpson
15 – Send It – Ashford & Simpson
16 – Is It Still Good To Ya? – Teddy Pendergrass
There are some incredible tributes, mixes, blog posts and personal recollections being shared all around the web. We’ll be updating this for some time with the best of what we find. If you know of others, please leave us a comment and we’ll update with those as well. Check back often, as we continue to update this post.
Quincy Jones:
“I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words. Divinity brought our souls together on ‘The Wiz’ and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the ’80s. To this day, the music we created together on Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all…talent, grace, professionalism and dedication. He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.”
Diana Ross:
“I can’t stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking,” Ross says in a statement. “I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family.”
‘I am shocked and saddened by Michael’s passing,” Turner says. “I, along with his millions of fans, looked forward to seeing him tour one more time. Now, may he rest in peace.”
From superstardom to heart-wrenching set backs, here are brand new clips of family and friends remembering the legendary Supremes singer Florence Ballard. Watch the entire “Unsung” special this June 28 at 8PM ET on TV ONE (www.tvoneonline.com).
Florence Glenda Ballard Chapman (June 30, 1943 – February 22, 1976), nicknamed “Flo” and “Blondie“, was an American singer, the founder of the Hall of Fame Motown group The Supremes.
During their early years, members of The Supremes (originally called The Primettes) enjoyed a generally democratic distribution of leads on songs.
However, by 1966, Ballard and Mary Wilson had begun to feel ignored in the group as Motown President Berry Gordy, Jr. spotlightedDiana Ross’s individual career. Consequent discontent led Ballard to chronic depression and alcoholism, factors that weighed heavily in Gordy’s decision to permanently dismiss Ballard from The Supremes in July 1967. Her replacement was former Bluebelle Cindy Birdsong. (more…)
David Nathan and our friends over at the Soul Music Store have an exciting offer that you’ll definitely want to take advantage of — a pre-order of the Complete Motown Singles Volume 11A (5 CD set). Additionally, they have a new reissue of Diana Ross’s“Surrender“, the Expanded Edition. A must have for fans, collectors and those looking to learn about the Motown legacy.
Any classic soul, R&B, Motown or rare titles that you’re looking for, they’ve got them. Show them some love and support great music & great artists along the way.
Here’s just one of the classics you’ll find in the collection:
