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!
“Happy Birthday” was written by Stevie Wonder to popularize the campaign (in which he was significantly involved) to make Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
s birthday a national holiday. In November 1983 President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into existence. The first official Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was January 20, 1986 and a commemorative concert featuring Stevie Wonder was held. Stevie Wonder also performed the song in October 2011 at the dedication ceremony for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. “Happy Birthday” also appears on the album Hotter Than July.
From 1985′s “The Night I Fell in Love”, “Creepin” was written by Stevie Wonder. As evidence of his genius, Stevie Wonder takes a concept that normally involves cheating and turns it into a positive concept in which you just can’t shake thoughts of that certain someone. As evidence of his genius, Luther Vandross adds an additional guitar and his signature vocal runs to the track.
GFM Fam wanted to pass along this wonderful video that Maysa has put together for her latest single “Have Sweet Dreams” that we posted to rave reviews a few weeks ago. This song was co-written by Stevie Wonder (he’s even playing on the harmonica) and is off her album, Motions of Love. Maysa dedicates this video to our President & First Lady, Barack & Michelle Obama. It celebrates the love shared between the power couple.
Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Luther brought his heart felt respect for this time-honored song and his ultimate influence Ms. Dionne Warwick, who originally recorded A House Is Not A Home for her 1964 album, Make Way for Dionne Warwick. As the fate of any great composition, this single has been rotated through the voices of Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and many other icons. However on the flip side, this song has also been “punked” by Twista featuring Kanye West & Jamie Foxx so it hasn’t gone unscathed. But despite it’s musical travel, this song holds an emotional agony that I absolutely love to hear through the riffs, runs and “on the edge of your seat” anticipation of Luther. While I respect the original version from Dionne, the song seems to find “a home” in the expression of the late Luther Vandross.
Here is Luther giving a well deserved tribute to his idol with that wonderful song. Oh and by the way, you new artists and BET, let this be a teachable moment. This is what a real tribute looks like. Those Trey Songz and Tamar Braxton performances you’re passing off as tributes ain’t cutting it. Please take note and properly execute.
GFM Fam now you know we had to put you all up on this! Maysa Leak’s ninth album Motions of Love debuted at #1 on iTunes R&B chart this week! Here’s her follow up single “Have Sweet Dreams” which was co-written by Stevie Wonder! Press play:)
Now, I’m definitely a girl who can appreciate a nice sparkle every now and then but for the most part, I’m truly a “flower girl”. There is something beautiful and enchanting about a flower. While they may be inanimate objects, their character can bring cheer to a saddened friend, restoration to a broken friendship or tell that special someone, “I love you”. Unlike diamonds, flowers may not last forever, but it’s their fragile nature that makes you cherish their beauty and presence even more. So if you’re a flower girl like me or looking for that special “flower girl”, I’m sure you’ll love this new single from former Wonderlove member and longtime Incognito member, R&B, soul, and jazz diva Maysa featuring Dwele who also co-directed the video. Be sure to be on the look out for her new album, Motions of Love on November 8th which will also feature an Obama inspired track written and played by Mr. Stevie Wonder.
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of being among an iconic figure within the civil rights movement. A pioneer, a fighter and a beloved person in the fight for freedom, Rev. Joseph Lowery celebrated his 90th birthday in grand style with a musical and theatrical experience highlighting his life work. Presented by the Joseph E. Lowery Institute for Justice and Human Rights, Delta Air Lines, Coca Cola Company and Kia Motors, Inc., the evening was hosted by CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien and included performances by Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Holliday, Peabo Bryson, Lady Tremaine Hawkins, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Cicely Tyson, Dawnn Lewis, Cassi Davis, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Morehouse and Spelman College Glee Clubs as well as other special guests. Check out the video and pictures from this wonderful event! (more…)
