Wanted to go back a little ways today to post a gem from an often overlooked pioneer of Soul Music: Jesse Belvin. Jesse’s life and career were tragically cut short in 1960 at the age of 27. A personal friend and influence to our AOM Etta James, and a major influence on the vocal stylings of Stevie Wonder. “Goodnight My Love” has been covered by many but I wanted to pair the original up with the cover by another GFM fave El DeBarge. Enjoy!
If you were in the Atlanta metro area this holiday weekend, you had the great opportunity to experience “The Reunion” concert. Even though there was no real indication as to why the concert was considered a reunion, no one seemed to care, as classic artists revisited their classic hits. It was a genuine delight to not only attend the concert, but to see music lovers of all ages, from teenagers to the “grown and sexy” to the more mature crowd. The concert proved once again that great music transcends both age and race. (more…)
Some concerts are okay, others are pretty good, but only a few impact your thoughts and inspire your soul. One such concert will be touching the red clay of Atlanta, Georgia and bringing a melodic breeze to the Chastain Park Amphitheatre. On Saturday, September 3rd, the stage will be graced by three generations of soulful crooners that you definitely don’t want to miss. (more…)
Second Chance Tour
El DeBarge with Al B. Sure!, Christopher Williams and Chico DeBarge
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Detroit Opera House
Detroit, Michigan
8:00 PM
Aside from urban stage plays we haven’t seen much of Christopher Williams. However, when he kicked off the Second Chance Tour show he seemed to pick up right where he left off in the 90s–as a sex symbol–much to the delight of the female fans. Williams delivered a sexy performance that included moving about the audience to serenade the ladies and a bit of disrobing too. But, along with the persona he brought the voice. His vocals were clear, strong and appeared untouched by time. He especially shined during his rendition of the Teddy Pendergrass classic, “Come Go With Me” and a heartfelt version of Marvin Sapp’s “Never Would Have Made It”.
For the past year or so, Al B. Sure! has been performing in clubs and in his set he presents his music in a style that is laid back, includes humorous onstage banter, but seems to more prominently feature his background singers as they sing lead vocals and verses to the songs with Sure singing intermittently. Not so during this show. Sure gave a confident and animated performance fueled by the energy of the live band and the fans and the backup singers were just that: back up. Sure sang the full version of his songs and as expected, he ended his set with his 1988 mega hit, “Nite and Day”, but with an unexpected horn version of the opening melody to the song that sparked an immediate feel-good reaction from the audience.
Chico DeBarge was dapperly dressed and had a smooth stage presence. His act had a soul/funk flavor, but he brought down the house when he invited his sister Bunny to sing the (heavily sampled) 80s DeBarge classic album track, “A Dream”. It was a major treat for the audience. (more…)
Yeah, we know it’s “Valentine’s Day” but who said we gotta pay Cupid some damn tribute!!!! If you’re one of those lovesick puppies and hopeless romantics looking for your fix on V-Day, we got your fix but it sure as hell ain’t what you think!!! On this day of love, we wanted to send Cupid a special mixtape! A list of songs that really express our deep passion in the subject of amour. So if love has kicked you in the ass, made a complete fool of you, had you crying like Lenny Williams and broadcasted your shame all over Facebook and Twitter, then welcome my friends to our official “F!ck, Cupid,!!” mixtape!! A Valentine’s mix that is sure to have you burning down someone’s car and lighting a cigarette afterward!!!
And Cupid, in case you missed our sentiments, let us say it again……….”F**K YOU!!!” (in my Cee-Lo voice) (more…)
With a number of poignant moments, The 2010 Soul Train Awards began the “hippest trip in America” with a bang! With a classic style of presence, R.B. crooner, R. Kelly set the tone with a memorable opening performance. (more…)
Here it is, the video for “Second Chance”, his personal testimony before the “single”. Get ready for the actual single dropping soon and the album on 9/28. Keep up with everything “El” via his fanclub. Props to The Boom Box for the clip.
