Soul City

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

The fabulous USHER, one of a kind!

If album sales and music awards measure success, then recording artist and actor "Usher" may be the most successful performer I've ever blogged about.

Born 31 years ago in Dallas, Texas, 'Usher Raymond IV' rose to fame in the late 1990's after releasing "My Way" and "8701"....two of his six multi-platinum albums, each filled with smash hit singles that helped sell over 40-million copies world-wide!

Over the past 15 years Usher, also known as "The King of R&B", has won 5 Grammy's, 4 Music World, 4 American Music, 8 Soul Train, and 19 Billboard Music Awards.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has ranked Usher as one of the best selling artists in American music history, and Billboard Magazine rates him number one of the "Top 100" artists of the 2000 decade.

Things did not start off on a high note, as the story often goes. His father left home when Usher was only a year-old, forcing his mother to move the family to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she eventually directed her 9-year old son to join the church choir. It was there that Usher's grandmother first discovered his singing talent!

Following another move to Atlanta, Georgia, 11-year old Usher joined a local R&B quintet called "NuBeginnings, with whom he eventually recorded 10 songs. Two years later, Usher competed on the TV show "Star Search", where he was spotted and signed by 'LaFace Records' co-founder 'L.A. Reid'.

With his mother managing, and 'Sean "P Diddy" Combs' producing, Usher released his title album in 1994. Then after graduating from high school, Usher appeared in a duet called "Let's Straighten Out" with recording star 'Monica', and was also featured in the hit song "I Swear I'm In Love" off the 1996 "Kazaam" movie soundtrack.

From there he was on his way to the top of all charts, with 6-time platinum album "My Way", followed by "8701", "Confessions", "Here I Stand", and most recently "Raymond vs Raymond" released this past March.

Along the way Usher has mixed it up musically with the likes of 'Mary J. Blige', 'Janet Jackson', 'Lil'Kim', 'Jagged Edge', 'Shanice', 'Twista', 'Manuel Seal', and 'Alicia Keyes'. He also sang with 'Stevie Wonder' and 'Shakira' at 'President Obama's' inaugural celebration, and performed "Gone too Soon" at 'Michael Jackson's' Memorial Service.

Usher's somehow found time to act as well, starting with a recurring role in the hit TV series "Moesha", which was followed by a film roll in 1998's "The Faculty".

After a soap opera debut on "The Bold and The Beautiful", he completed two more films..."She's All That", and his first starring roll in "Light It Up". Usher also acted in 'Disney's' TV movie "Geppetto", and the 2001 film "Texas Rangers".

Just last month, Usher's latest album "Raymond vs Raymond" debuted at number one on the "Billboard 200" chart, making him the first artist since 'Eminem' to have three consecutive albums open on top of that chart!

Usher's also ventured into business with his own record label "US Records", is part owner of the NBA's "Cleveland Cavaliers" pro basketball franchise....has helped start and maintain the promising career of young singer 'Justin Bieber', and also owns several restaurants!

Moreover, he's chosen to be a part of the hit TV show "American Idol" as a contestant mentor, and also appeared this past week on the ITV1 show "Britain's Got Talent". So, when does he find time to breathe, let alone... lead a personal life?

As to family matters, Usher has two very young children, a boy and a girl with wife Tameka Foster, althouigh, the couple has struggled recently....and divorce papers are said to have been filed.

Having much to give back, Usher's non-profit charity is called "New Look", with the aim of providing young people with a new look on life through education, and real world experience.

How fitting! Young or old, we should all take a new look at USHER'S 'real world experiences' which represent a path to success, and the "ushering' in to the world of wonderful music!

Thanks, and check out Usher on Streetwise Radio!

Sincerely, PeteCam4

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

EARTH WIND & FIRE

Earth, Wind & Fire via last.fm

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

EARTH WIND & FIRE

Becoming a teen in the 1970’s in my opinion was the best of times. The
musical groups were phenomenal. Earth Wind & Fire was one of those
phenomenal groups. Where were you? And what were you doing when you heard
Earth Wind & Fire the first time. I was sitting in my garage playing
records on the stereo and spades a card game with friends. A friend
brought over a new album she bought, Earth Wind & Fire’s self titled “Earth Wind & Fire”. After we listened to the album five times, I can say we were fans of Earth Wind & Fire.

The first time I saw Earth Wind & Fire in concert was 1979 at the Oakland Coliseum. My best friend got two tickets for her birthday, we both thought the seats were going to be in the nose bleed section, but to our surprise we had great seats 8th row from the stage right in the center.When Earth Wind & Fire came out, the crowd went wild and we were on our feet until the last encore was done. The second time I saw Earth Wind & Fire was in 1989 at the Oakland Coliseum, ten years later and they still hadn’t lost a beat they were still phenomenal.

Earth Wind & Fire was formed by Maurice White a former session drummer for Chess Records and member of the Ramsey Lewis Trio. Maurice based on the fact that his astrological sign of Sagittarius had a primary element of Fire and seasonal qualities of Earth and Air. That’s how he came up with Earth Wind & Fire. Earth Wind & Fire’s first Top 40 R&B hit was “I Think About Lovin’ You” from The Need of Love album in 1971. After that the hits just kept on coming “Evil”, “Keep Your Head to the Sky”, “Mighty Mighty”,
“Devotion” one of my all time favorites. “That’s The Way of the World”,
“Shining Star”, “September”, “Serpentine Fire”, “Boogie Wonderland” and
the list goes on. There are so many artists that has sampled Earth Wind &
Fire’s music. To name a few A Tribe Called Quest, Wycelf Jean, Jay-Z
Amerie, The Fugees, LL Cool J, De La Soul, Common, Frank Zappa, Naughty by
Nature, P Diddy and The Roots.

Maurice White had a vision to put together a universal music group, that was spiritually charged, ambitious defying boundaries of color and culture. Earth Wind & Fire is what he came up with. I say thank you Maurice White and Earth Wind & Fire for giving your fan all around the your music that is timeless.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth,_Wind_&_Fire

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Kay.Tunes

Sometimes stars are made, and sometimes stars are born. Rising R&B star Kaneik Tune’s last name is no coincidence; she was born to sing.
“My last name didn’t happen by chance. This is my destiny,” says the soulful performer who is better known by her stage name Kay.Tunes.
Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Kay.Tunes began singing at an early age. The first song she learned to sing was, “This Little Light of Mine” in daycare when she was three. She came home later that day and belted it out for her mother.
At the age of six, Kay.Tunes won her first talent show singing, "This House" by Tracey Spencer. The win further ignited her passion for performing as she continued to compete and win local talent shows throughout Virginia. At 13 years old, she won a chance to compete at the world famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, where she blew the audience away.
As a teenager Kay.Tunes realized that she wanted to pursue a career in music full-time. However, after high school she was encouraged to go to college and get a degree so she would “have something to fall back on.” Kay.Tunes attended Old Dominion College but her heart was not in it, so she left school to pursue a career in music.
While holding up to three different part-time jobs at a time, Kay.Tunes honed her skills as a songwriter by developing songs for other artists as she continued create a buzz for herself a singer and performer in the Virginia music scene.
Upon chance meeting at a friend’s recording studio, Tunes met producer/songwriter Demario "Rio" Bridges who had been hearing about the talented singer for some time. Rio, the founder of SavantSoundz. LLC, a production company based in Virginia, had worked with various artists including. Grammy nominated entertainers such as Raphael Saadiq, Ashanti, P.Diddy, and Christina Aguilera among others. As a producer and music visionary, Rio immediately saw the talent that Tunes possessed and wanted to work with her. Together, the duo looks to collaborate and bring substance back to music.
In addition to collaborating with Rio, for her upcoming project Kay.Tunes has enlisted music heavyweights to produce her album including: producers Lee Major Kid (Jay Z, Young Jeezy, Flo-Rida, Wyclef, Mary J Blidge, Nas); Theo Edmonds (Young Berg, Noreaga); Sound H Productions (Skillz); and Grammy Award winning, multi-platinum selling producer Gerard Thomas (Destiny’s Child, Missy Elliott, Ashanti, Mel B from the Spice Girls).
When speaking on her upcoming project, Kay.Tunes states, “This music movement is so needed and people will be able to relate. Our music is so relatable, it’s refreshing.”
Moreover, Kay.Tunes is refreshing. She is a breath of fresh air to the industry. She is a gifted artist, who loves the craft of making music. Her passion shows through in her music and is the reason why she is destined to make an impact on R&B music.
She was born to make music; her last name is not a coincidence.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

The 'Dramatics'

The Dramatics via last.fm

The 'Dramatics' are one of 4 or 5 soul music vocal groups I especially enjoyed listening to growing up in the late 1960's and early 1970's....along with the 'Temptations', the 'Delphonics', the 'Stylistics', and 'Earth, Wind and Fire'. Dramatics front man and founder Ron Banks introduced smooth, strongly vocalized ballads and stage performances that helped set the R an B tone for that era.

The band was formed out of Detroit, Michigan in 1962, and was originally named 'The Dynamics'. Detroit had more talent than record company's could handle at the time, so the group struggled until finally signing with Wingate Records.(later bought by Motown)

In 1967 Banks changed their name to the 'Dynamics', and soon produced their first minor hit single "All Because of You". However, it took four more years before another single, "Whatcha See is Whatcha Get" finally broke into "Billboard Hot 100's top 10....peaking at #3 and reaching gold disc status in 1971!

The following year it was "In The Rain" that reached #1 on the R&B charts, after which, William "Wee Gee" Howard and Willie Ford left the band, and were replaced by singer/producer L.J. Reynolds and Lenny Mayes.

Throughout the rest of the '70's the Dramatics recorded a list of top ten singles including the cover "Me and Mrs.Jones"(from 'Billy Paul'), 'Get Up and Get Down', 'You're Fooling Around', 'Be My Girl', and 'Hey You! Get Off My Mountain".

They also appeared on the TV hit show 'Soul Train' several times, and continued with hits 'Toast the Fool", "I'm Going By the Stars in Your Eyes", and two albums called "Somewhere in Time", and "Positive State of Mind".

After the Dramatics released their final chart hit "Welcome Back Home" in 1980, L.J. Reynolds left the band....and Ron Banks followed in 1983. Both went on to pursue solo careers. However, the band has re-united several times over the past 20-years, and were even guests on the 'Snoop Doggy Dog' song "Doggy Dog World" in 1993.

They were also mentioned in a novel called "The Algiers Motel Incident", by John Hersey. 'The Algiers' is where Detroit Police allegedly committed murders which sparked the infamous Detroit riots of 1967....and the Dramatics happened to be staying there at the same time, following a performance!

On a sad note, so many of the band members have had their lives cut short by natural causes, including Elbert Wilkins(heart attack, 1992, age 45), William "Wee Gee" Howard(heart attack, 2000, age 49), Lenny Mayes(cancer, 2004, age 53), James Mack Brown(cancer, 2008, age 58), and founder Ron Banks who died of a heart attack just last month at his Detroit home at the age of 58. Banks left a wife and six children.

Nevertheless, the Dramatics have gone on to entertain millions of fans over the past 40-years, and continue to tour even today....as L.J. Reynolds, Winzell Kelly, Willie Ford, and Michael Brock, will soon release an album titled "Bad Girl". May the dramatic R&B sound of 'The Dramatics' live on for years to come.

Thanks, and keep listening to Streetwise Radio at www.Streetwisesd.com

Sincerely, PeteCam4

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Lionel Richie

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: Singer Lionel...

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Lionel Brockman Richie is a 61-year old American singer-songwriter and producer who "truly" became the ultimate 'American Idol', selling more than 100-million records. I myself bought only 25 of them, but they were always on the top of the stack!

Richie was born on the campus of 'Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, after which his family moved to Joliet, Illinois when he was a toddler. After becoming a star tennis player and graduating from Joliet Township High School, Richie returned to Alabama and accepted a scholarship at Tuskegee Institute.

While earning his economics degree, Richie formed a succession of R&B groups, until finally becoming the lead singer and saxophonist with 'The Commodores'. From that point on, his only need for an economics degree was to manage all the money he would earn!

Under the 'Motown Records' label the Commodores cut their teeth as a support act to the 'Jackson Five', and thus, established themselves as a popular soul group.

After cutting thier first several albums which featured a danceable, funky sound with songs like 'Machine Gun', and 'Brick House', Richie began to write and sing more romantic, easy-listening ballads such as 'Easy', 'Three Times a Lady', 'Still', and eventually--the tragic break-up ballad 'Sail on'.

It was during this time, and while enjoying these songs that Richie's sound touched my musical soul! His smooth, resonating voice and elegant piano accompaniment helped spawn a personal hobby of listening to, and playing back songs on the piano...totally playing by ear. I never did learn to read music. I could just play. It was God's, sort of...simple little gift to me, which was stongly influenced by artists like Lionel Richie.

All of us music lovers appreciate those few, rare, euphoric moments of joy that come when listening to someone play and sing a certain song! One of mine happened while watching the 1980 'Grammy Awards', as Lionel Richie took to the grand piano and sang 'Lady', a ballad he actually composed for Kenny Rogers.

It was Kenny who sang 'Lady' to #1 that year, but it was Richie's singing and playing that night, that brought tears to my eyes, and tingling down my spine! In 1981, Richie produced Rogers' 'Share Your Love' album, and the two stars became life-long friends.

In 1982, Richie sang a duet with 'Diana Ross' as the theme song for the movie 'Endless Love". The song topped the UK and U.S. pop music charts, becoming one of Motown's biggest smash-hits...and encouraged Richie to branch out into a full-fledged solo career.

His debut album called, 'Lionel Richie' produced chart-topping singles 'Truly', 'You Are', and 'My Love', while selling over 4-million copies! His 1983 follow up LP, 'Can't Slow Down' featured the Caribbean flavored dance number 'All Night Long', and sold more than twice as many records--winning Richie two 'Grammy Awards' including 'Album of the Year'.

This propelled him into the top rank of international superstar, where, over the next four years, more Top-10 hits followed--the most successful being another Richie love ballad called 'Hello'. In 1985, Richie collaborated with 'Stevie Wonder', and 'Michael Jackson' on the 'USA for Africa' "We are the World" project.

But, by 1987 Richie was exhausted from his work schedule, and returned home to Alabama to care for his ailing father, Lionel Sr., who eventually died in 1990.

In-between this time, Richie and longtime wife 'Brenda Harvey' adopted two-year old 'Nichol Escovedo', who's birth father is 'Peter Escovedo', a member of Lionel's band...and brother of drummer 'Sheila E'.

Following a painful separation, highly publicized affair, and divorce from Brenda Harvey, Richie married 'Diana Alexander' in 1995, and, together they had a son, Miles and a daughter, Sofia. Richie and Alexander eventually divorced in January 2004.

Daughter 'Nichole Richie' went on to become a successful actress and screen star before giving birth to a baby girl with singer 'Joel Madden'--thus making Lionel a Grandfather in January 2008.

As for "Grandpa", he has spent the past 17-years producing albums like 'Time', 'Louder Than Words', and even a greatest hits collection called 'Back to Front'....none of which measured up to his previous successes.

In 2002, Richie's song 'Running with the Night' was featured on the video game 'Grand Theft Auto', and his 2006 album 'Coming Home' featured "Call it Love"...his first hit single in 10-years.

Richie has since hosted and performed live on 'British TV's "An Audience with Lionel Richie", appeared on the 'Australian Idol' grand finale, and sang "Hello" at the '49th Grammy Awards'.

In May 2008, he received the 'George and Ira Gershwin Lifetime Achievement Award' at 'UCLA's' 'Spring Sing'. Richie has also become a phenomenon in the Arab world, performing in Morraco, Kubai, Qatar, and Libya. According to Richie, Iraqi civilians actually played "All Night Long" the night U.S. tanks invaded Baghdad.

After song writer 'Dallas Austin' was arrested on drug charges and held in a United Arab Emirates prison, a Washington D.C. consulate official called Richie for a character reference, and upon sending abroad his three-sentence statement of support--Austin was pardoned!

Richie recently announced his intention to get the 'Commodores' back together again soon, or "in the next ten years no one will care", he commented.

Last year, Richie performed on the season finale of 'American Idol', and has since released his latest album 'Just Go'. Then, on June 7th, 2009 he performed 'Jesus is Love', at Michael Jackson's memorial service.

All in all, in so many ways, Lionel Richie has "Truly" become the genuine article of influence for millions of fans(me included) in every corner of the music world!

Thanks, and keep listening to 'Soul City' on Streetwise Radio

Sincerely, PeteCam4

Friday, February 19, 2010

Melanie Fiona

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 31: Singer/songwrit...

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

As the world focuses on the 21st Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada, its a good time to pay homage to one of that country's aspiring R&B singer-songwriters. Melanie Fiona was born Melanie Hallim 26-years ago in Toronto, Canada to immigrant parents from Guyana.

Living in a music filled household, Fiona always knew music was her passion, from the time her guitarist father let her sit on stage and practice with his band. Her mother would also constantly play music around the house, everything from 'The Ronettes' to 'Whitney Houston. It was Houston's hit single "The Greatest Love of All' that became Fiona's childhood anthem, inspiring her to become a singer.

Active in the industry since 2002, Fiona was briefly in the Toronto R&B girl group 'X-Quisite', but left before their first album....although she did earn songwriting credits. In the fall of 2008, 'Kanye West' hand picked her to open his European tour, where she befriended 'Jay-Z', who's 'Roc Nation' group now manages Fiona.

She was also featured on 'Reggae Gold 2008' with the 'Supa Dups'-produced "Somebody Come Get Me". In February 2009 Fiona released her first single "Give it to Me Right", which was writtin by Andrea Martin....who praised Fiona as "finally a voice that is not only soulful, but ear-friendly". The song peaked at #20 on "Billboard's Canadian Hot-100".

Her debut album 'The Bridge' was released last summer, where Fiona worked alongside 'Future Cut', 'Vada Nobles', 'Stereotypes', 'J. Phoenix', 'Peter Wade' and 'Salaam Remi'. It was the album's second single "It Kills Me" that became Fiona's breakout song cracking the Top 50 and hitting #1 on the 'Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs' chart.

It also earned Fiona a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, while 'The Bridge' received a 'NAACP Image Award' nomination for Outstanding New Artist.

When first learning of the Grammy nomination Fiona commented, "It's like the best news I've ever received, oh my gosh....I instantly had flashbacks of singing as a little girl into my hairbrush in front of the bathroom mirror". "Could I have ever imagined that singing around the house or just loving to sing would someday put me into this position now? It's just unbelievable", she exclaimed.

What is believable is that Fiona's best times are still ahead of her, with a distinctive voice, great range, and keen adeptness at expressing vulnerability, strength, and....the right look! Currently, Fiona is set to go on tour with Alicia Keyes

Thanks, and keep listening to Streetwise Radio,

PeteCam4

Saturday, February 13, 2010

JAMES BROWN

Image via Wikipedia

JAMES BROWN

James Joseph Brown was born on May 3, 1933 in Barnwell South Carolina and past away on December 25, 2006 in Atlanta Georgia. I saw James Brown in the late 1990s at the Monterey Fairgrounds, he had to be in his sixties and the man put on a show. He was still dancing and singing and making the crowd go crazy. James Brown was a songwriter, arranger and dancer, he was one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century with his popular music and his remarkable achievements earned him the title “the Hardest-Working Man in Show Business.” James Brown was raised in Atlanta Georgia by his great-aunt, Growing up in the poor south during the depression James was sent home from grade school for “insufficient clothes”, this that is probably why he wore such elaborate clothes. At the age of 15 James and some friends were arrested for breaking into cars.

James was originally sentenced to 8 to 16 year of incarceration at Alto Reform School, but he only served 3 years for good behavior. While he was in Alto he formed a gospel group called “The Gospel Starlighters”. Later on the group went secular and called themselves The Flames. The Flames caught Little Richards attention. Little Richards manager Ralph Bass who took the James Brown to Syd Nathan of King records Syd Nathan hated James first recording “Please Please Please”(1956) James Brown First Single Sold three million copies and this single launched James Brown’s career. James Brown was known as “Soul Brother Number One” in the 1960s. James had three hits out that decade “Don’t Be a Drop Out” in 1966, “Say It Loud -I’m Black and I’m Proud” in 1968 and “Don’t Want Nobody to Give me Nothing’

(Open Up the Door, I’ll Get It Myself)” in 1969. During all the civil unrest in the major cities on the East Coast politicians would recruit James Brown for his avid endorsement of issuse of the times. James Brown had several hits in the 1960s like “Out of Sight”, “Papa’s got a Brand New Bag” and “I Got You (I Feel Good)”. In 1967 “Cold Sweat” was James Brown’s first true funk song and three more followed “Give It Up Or Turnit A Loose” and “Licking Stick-Licking Stick in 1968 and “Funky Drummer” in 1969. James Brown recordings influenced musicians like Sly and The Family Stone, Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, Booker T. & the M.G.’s , and soul shouters like Edwin Starr, Temptations David Ruffin, and Dennis Edwards. Michael Jackson at a young age took James Brown’s shouting and dancing to the mainstream America. In the late 1970s and 1980s James Brown put out two album for the disco era Get Up Offa That Thing and Body Heat in 1976. James appeared in feature films The Blues Brothers, Doctor Detroit and Rocky IV and Miami Vice. James Brown had his challenges with the law throughout his career and after his death his children filed a lawsuit against his estate. James Brown was presented honors, awards and dedications throughout his career. He always be known as The Godfather of Soul.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Brown

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Sly and the Family Stone

Promotional photo of Sly & the Family Stone fo...

Image via Wikipedia

Sly and the Family Stone was a rock band from the San Francisco Bay Area active from 1966 to 1983, who were pivotal in the development of American soul, funk, and psychedelic music.

Led by singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist 'Sly Stone', and containing several family members and friends, they were the first major band to have a multicultural lineup that brought us hit singles like "Dance to to the Music", "I ain't got Nobody". "Everyday People", and "Family Affair".

In the beginning, The Family Stone were actually the Stewart Family, a deeply religious household from Dallas, Texas, held together by K.C. and Alpha Stewart who indoctrinated their five children into the 'Church of God in Christ', and encouraged strong musical expression at an early age.

In the early 1950's, the family moved to Vallejo,California where Sylvester, Freddie, Rose, and Vaetta formed "The Stewart Four", and released a local 78 RPM with singles 'On the Battlefield of the Lord', and 'Walking in Jesus' Name'.

The oldest child Sylvester started a high school doo-wap band called 'The Viscaynes', where he and a Filipino friend were the only NON-white members. In 1963 Sylvester became 'Sly Stone', a disc jockey for San Francisco R&B radio station KSOL. He also produced for "Autumn Records' and helped launch such area bands as 'The Beau Brummels', 'The Mojo Men', and ' Bobby Freeman'.

By 1966 Sly and brother Freddie had formed separate bands, but quickly decided to merge them into one act, which became 'Sly and the Family Stone' in 1967. Together with trumpeter Cynthia Robinson, drummer Greg Errico, saxophonist Jerry Martini, bass guitarist Larry Graham, and both Stewart sisters Rose and Vaetta...Sly, Freddie and the Family Stone released their first hit single "I ain't got Nobody'.

Following its success, 'CBS Records" executive 'Clive Davis' signed them to the "Epic" label, which produced the Family Stone's first album 'A Whole New Thing'. 1968 brought thier ground breaking hit single "Dance to the Music", which reached #8 on the 'Billboard Hot 100'.

Sly and the Family Stone then took on American and world tours, having become well known for thier energetic performances, unique costuming, and psychedelic rock, soul, and funk music. Those sounds became a melting pot of influences and cultures that touched the likes of 'James Brown', 'The Isley Brothers', 'Diana Ross and The Supreme's, 'The Temptations', 'Michael Jackson', 'George Clinton', 'Arrested Development', and 'The Black Eyed Peas', among others.

Following their 1969 smash hit "Everyday People", the album 'Stand', and an appearance at the famous 'Woodstock Music Festival', Sly and the Family Stone ran into numerous problems, including friction and deteriorating relationships within the band.

After moving to Los Angeles, Sly and his fellow band members became heavy drug users of cocaine and PCP, and over the next two years... they produced just two singles, "Thank You(FalettinMe Be Mice Elf Agin)" and "Everybody is a Star".

Sly's drug addiction caused him to miss a third of the band's concerts in 1970, which signaled the group's eventual demise, however, not before releasing the hit "Family Affair" in 1971, and the album "There's a Riot Goin' on". Drummer Greg Errico was the first to go followed by Stewart sister Rose, Greg Martini, and brother Freddie, who joined Larry Graham's group 'Graham Central Station'.

Despite losing his original rhythm section, Sly released the album "Fresh" in 1973, followed by "Small Talk" in 1974, however, Sly's sound had become more stripped down and complex. During this time he and others would often miss gigs, refuse to play, or even pass out on stage from drug use.

Finally, in January 1975, after playing at the famous 'Radio City Music Hall' which was only one-eighth occupied, the band was forced to literally scrape together enough cash to get home. Sly and the Family Stone dissolved the next day.

Nevertheless, Sly and the Family Stone's matured, funk sound inspired superstars like 'Miles Davis', 'Stevie Wonder', 'Prince', 'Chuck D', and 'Herbie Hancock'. Sly would go on to record five more albums including 'Back on the Right Track', before entering seclusion and drug rehabilitation in 1984. Following a 1987 arrest and conviction for cocaine possession, Sly Stone stopped releasing music for good.

In 1993, Sly and the Family Stone were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a special Tribute album called 'Different Strokes for Different Folks' was released in 2005. The next year brought a special tribute and trophy for the band at the Grammy Awards Ceremony, where Slly and the group appeared and performed with fellow celebrities.

MTV news called the performance "weird", while the Associated Press labeled it "epic"...with Sly Stone 'still able to steal the show'! Either way, there will never be another band quite like Sly and the Family Stone, who's sound will live on and on.

Thanks so much,

PeteCam4

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

BARRY WHITE

Barrence Eugene Carter known as Barry White was born in Galveston, Texas September 12, 1944, Barry grew up in South Central Los Angeles. Barry went to jail for four months, for stealing $30,000 worth of Cadillac tires.

After Barry was released from jail he left the gang and started his music career. He had marginal success as a songwriter. Bobby Fuller rock singer recorded his songs and The Banana Splits TV bubblegum act. In 1963 he also did the arranging of “Harlem Shuffle” for Bob & Earl. Barry was producing a girl group he discovered in 1972, called Love Unlimited, that’s when he got his big break. His best friend and music industry businessman Larry Nunes financed his career. “Walking in the Rain (With The One I Love)”

Barry wrote and produced. Barry married the lead singer of Love Unlimited, Glodean James July 4, 1974. Barry had hits in the 70s which includes “I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby” in1973, “ “Never, Never Gonna Give You Up” in 1973, I Belong To You” in 1974, “Love Theme” in 1974, “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything” in1974, “What Am I Gonna Do with You”

in 1975, “Let the Music Play” in 1976, “Is Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next to Me” in 1977, “Your Sweetness is My Weakness” in 1978. I grew up listening to Barry and dancing to his music at the school dances and house parties. Barry’s Female fan considered handsome and deeply romantic. He was refer to as the “Maestro”, The Man with the Velvet Voice”, The Sultan of Smooth Soul” and the press called him the “Walrus of Love”. Barry career slowed down by the end of the disco era, but he had his followers.

In the 1994 his comeback album The Icon Is Love with the hit “Practice What You Preach”, was a hit Barry was back. Barry recorded with Tina Turner “In Your Wildest Dreams” in 1996. Barry’s album Staying Power won two Grammy awards in 1999. Barry’s music was often featured on the Ally McBeal show, he also appeared on the show twice. Barry was also a voice actor he was the voice of the Bear in the 1975 film Coonskin, he was featured on two episodes of The Simpson’s “Whacking Day” and “Krusty Gets Kancelled”. Barry suffered from high blood pressure, which resulted in kidney failure in 2002. Barry suffer a stroke in May 2003, that is when he retired from public life. Barry passed away on July 4, 2003, from kidney failure on the day which would have been his and Glodean‘s 29th anniversary. Barry White made the ladies scream his name and the men a little jealous I‘m sure. I am truly glad I got to grow up listen to the Maestro’s of love songs

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_White

Sunday, December 6, 2009

TEDDY PENDERGRASS

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TEDDY PENDERGRASS

Theodore ”Teddy” DeResse Pendergrass better known as Teddy P, TP, or Teddy Bear, was born March 26, 1950. My first encounter with Teddy Pendergrass music was in 1977, “I Don’t Love You Anymore” was playing on the radio, I went to the record store and bought that single and “The Whole Town’s Laughing At Me”. Teddy Pendergrass began his music career as a drummer for The Cadillac’s. Teddy Pendergrass was invited to become lead singer by Harold Melvin. In 1972 The Blue Notes had hits such as “I Miss You”, “Bad Luck,” “Wake Up Everybody” a two million seller “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” and many more. There was a personal conflict between Harold and Teddy, so Teddy went solo. Teddy released four hit singles “The More I Get The More I Want,” “Close the Door,” “I Don’t Love You Anymore,” “Turn Off the Lights” and many others. Teddy’s first solo album was self titled Teddy Pendergrass in 1977, followed by Life is a Song Worth Singing in 1978, Live Coast to Coast and Teddy in 1979, TP in 1980, and the final It’s Time for Love in 1981. Teddy sang a duet with Whitney Houston on her self titled debut album the song “Hold Me”. Teddy was in a real bad car accident in March 1982, which left him paralyzed from the waist down, leaving him with partial use of his arms. Teddy appeared in 1985 at the Live Aid concert in Philadelphia, performing “Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand” in a wheelchair. This was Teddy’s first performance since his accident. Teddy toured with Stephanie Mills in the gospel musical production of Your Arms Too Short to Box with God in 1996. Teddy’s autobiography entitled Truly Blessed was released in1998. Teddy Pendergrass retired from the music industry in 2006. Teddy briefly returned to performing for Teddy25: A Celebration of Life, Hope & Possibilities a 25th anniversary awards ceremony that marked his accident date and to raise money for his charity The Teddy Pendergrass Alliance.
Teddy went I the hospital and is recovering from rare illness related to his paralyses in August 2009. Teddy Pendergrass (Teddy Bear) is a love song writer that will be one of my all time favorites. My prayers go out to the Teddy Bear.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teddy_Pendergrass

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

ISLEY BROTHERS

ISLEY BROTHERS

You could always count on the Isley Brothers, to have a new hit just
around summer time. The Isley Brothers placed a single in every decade
since 1959 and as of 2006. In 1973 featuring Ernie, Marvin and
brother-in-law Chris Jasper they were known as 3+3 that’s when I was
introduced to The Isley Brothers. "That Lady", "Fight the Power", "For the
Love of You", "Don't Say Goodnight (It's Time For Love)" and "Between the
Sheets", is what I remember about the summer time growing up. The early
years the group consist of Sally Bell Isley, O’kelly Jr., Rudy and Ronnie
and Jimi Hendrix as back ground guitar player. The group won a Grammy for
“It’s Your Thing” in 1969. After O’kelly’s death from cancer related heart
attack 1986 and Rudy leaving for a career in ministry in 1989. Ron
reformed the group in 1991 with Marvin and Ernie. Marvin was forced into
retirement due to diabetes in 1997. Ron doing prison time due to his tax
evasion charge in 2006 the Isley Brothers are one of the most sampled
artists. Sampled by artist like 2pac, The Notorious B.I.G., Outkast, UGK,
J Dilla, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg Among others, this
goes to show that music from The Isley Brothers Classic R&B and soul.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isley_Brothers

LM

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