0 10 Parliament - Funkadelic Freeze Frames

• Video
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 05/19/2010

Some music artists get really creative commissioning expressive cover art on their albums. Just look during the height of the vinyl record era for some of the most memorable masterpieces. From classic soul, Earth, Wind & Fire, the Ohio Players, and Parliament - Funkadelic are 3 great examples. Watch the one minute slide show featuring some of leader George Clinton's most memorable Funkadelic cover-branding visuals to promote these well received albums. There is no audio in the slide show. As a special bonus, grab the Funkadelic "Electric Spanking of War Babies" wallpaper from our sister website, PictureSleevePop.com. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Stevie Wonder Celebrates 60

• Review
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 05/13/2010

Just in time for the celebration of Stevie Wonder's 60th birthday on May 13, 2010, pop culture writer Mark Ribowsky has put the Motown legend under the literary microscope in a new book. Signed, Sealed, and Delivered: The Soulful Journey of Stevie Wonder meticulously chronicles his compelling story from child prodigy to international super star. Ribowsky doesn't sweep some of the negative parts of the Wonder odyssey under the rug. He keeps the story real by taking an honest look at how Stevie grew up within the Motown family driven by his positive inner talent (accompanied by some external negative demons along for the ride). Through the pen of the author, this is an entertaining, fun story, which in many was reflects the zany personality of Stevie Wonder. The details in Signed, Sealed, and Delivered: The Soulful Journey of Stevie Wonder are thoroughly intense. Ribowsky is gifted in documenting the elaborate minutiae of Stevie's story in a way that sometimes reads more like a novel than a biography. After the first third of the book you'll discover how dysfunctional elements of Wonder's family influenced relocation to Detroit, Michigan. Mark Ribowsky uses many quick anecdotes from supporting Wonder sources including quotes from books by Supreme Mary Wilson, music critic Nelson George, and Stevie's mother, Lula Mae Wright (Hardaway). If you have always been confused about what Stevie Wonder's real name is, here is a brief excerpt from Signed, Sealed, and Delivered that explores this topic: There's so much in this story that I haven't even scratched the surface, so next time, we'll get to Ribowsky's narration about Stevie Wonder's wild days at Motown when he began producing memorable music. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Earth Wind & Fire Cover Art

• Video
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 05/12/2010

Here's a 60 second Earth, Wind & Fire slide-show video featuring their provocative album cover art.   Previous Post | Next Post

0 Lena Horne Leaves a Lasting Legacy of Music

• Audio
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 05/11/2010

Lena Horne was an all-media superstar who captured hearts on radio, television, movies, records, and Broadway. Ms. Horne was attracted to show business early as a 16-year-old chorus girl at Harlem's famous Cotton Club in 1933. She was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 30, 1917, and celebrated her 90th birthday in 2007. Ms. Horne has just passed away at 92 (on May 10, 2010). In 1981, Quincy Jones' Qwest Records released Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music Live on Broadway. Listen to 60 seconds of Lena Horne singing "If You Believe" from this double album. Your browser does not support the audio element. Previous Post | Next Post

0 The Winstons Color Him Father

• Video
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 05/06/2010

"Color Him Father" is one of those rare positive message songs that graced the classic soul - pop radio airwaves back in 1969. Washington, DC's the Winstons created this song. Fast forward to 2010, as a new group of Winstons under the direction of trademark owner Joe Phillips continues to keep the sound alive. Although none of the original members from the 1969 crew are in the current group, the new Winstons have been performing since 1996. They've released a new 4-song EP disc with: "Don't Blame It On Me," "Still," "Good Single Lady," and "Put Your Hands Up." My favorite, "Put Your Hands Up" (for your father), salutes those great dads who take care of business. "Still" captures the sound of love by staying true to the Commodores original. "Good Single Lady" gets going with the Johnnie Taylor "Disco Lady" rhythm. Novelty hooks are great to generate a buzz about a song, and the EP title track "Don't Blame It On Me" has one. There's comical amusement in the serious message scorning those deadbeat dads who refrain : 'The kid is not my son.' We've heard this before in "Billie Jean." Your browser does not support the audio element. Listen for yourself to 59 seconds of "Don't Blame It On Me," then watch the Winstons perform their classic "Color Him Father." Previous Post | Next Post

0 War Serves Up A Spicy Cinco De Mayo Sing-along

• Audio
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 05/04/2010

On War's 1982 album Outlaw, you'll find the lively "Cinco De Mayo," a festive and funky anthem for Cinco De Mayo Day. Sing-along with War for 30 seconds. They have the jazz, rock, Latin, and R&B groove. Your browser does not support the audio element. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Toni Braxton Returns with a Hot Pulse

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 04/30/2010

Toni Braxton has spread musical joy ever since 1991's "Love Shoulda Brought You Home" landed in the Boomerang movie soundtrack. Her 5 Grammy Awards (1993, 1994, 1997, 2000) complement memorable hits including "Another Sad Love Song." According to her official biography, while studying to become a teacher at Bowie State University in Maryland, Toni was discovered by producers L.A. Reid and Babyface. She survived a well-publicized bankruptcy in 1997, which she characterizes as "a major learning opportunity for me." Toni began her first Broadway run in 1998 with a starring role in "Beauty & The Beast." In 2005, she headlined Toni Braxton: Revealed at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. In 2008, she competed on ABC's Dancing with Stars and headlined the Dancing with the Stars tour. Toni Braxton is now signed with Atlantic Records. Her new album, Pulse, is scheduled for release on Tuesday, May 4, 2010. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Jeffrey Osborne Goes all the Way with LTD

• Audio
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 04/28/2010

Jeffrey Osborne has had a marvelous career. He moved from behind the drum kit to center stage as lead vocalist for L.T.D., Love Togetherness & Devotion. From 1969 to the present, Osborne has dived into funk, soul, and ballads propelled by powerful pipes pushing his resonant voice forward. In 2009, Greatest Hits Live! was released, featuring a solid mix of L.T.D. and solo Jeffrey Osborne hits. It's a strong showcase of his deep catalog. Take a look through the track list, then listen to 25 seconds of L.T.D.'s "Holding On" sung live by Jeffrey on this album. Your browser does not support the audio element. "We're Going All The Way" "Don't Get So Mad / medley I Don't Need No Light" "Only Human" "Party Hearty" "Stranger" "Stay With Me" "Close the Door" "On the Wings of Love" "Holding On" "Concentrate On You" "We Both Deserve Each Other's Love" "Love Ballad" "You Should Be Mine (The Woo Woo Song)" "Back In Love Again" "I'll Be Around" Join Jeffrey Osborne on a walk through his career. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Stevie Wonder Takes 10

• Games
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 04/23/2010

I'm reading through Signed, Sealed, and Delivered: The Soulful Journey of Stevie Wonder, a brand new unauthorized biography by Mark Ribowsky. We'll write up a review that will appear here soon. Motown Stevie turns 60 on May 13, 2010. In honor of the coming event, here's another Powerhouse Radio photo puzzle for you to enjoy. Stevie Wonder Takes 10 puts you on the spot for a trip down memory lane. It's a total recall picture challenge. Are you a wonderful expert? The trivia question is below each picture. ----- 2022 Update: The original version of the quiz worked automatically in a web based browser on a phone or laptop giving you instant feedback when touching an answer. We can't offer that version anymore. It used a technology that has been phased out. We've recreated the original game that you can still play below. Answers are at the bottom of the page.  ----- 1) What year? 1972 1977 1969 1980 1968 1989 2) What year? 1966 1970 1978 1983 1960 1969 3) What year? 1976 1985 1990 1968 1991 1980 4) What year? 1970 1977 1982 1971 1974 1983 5) What year? 1973 1976 1979 1982 1985 1987 6) What year? 1975 1989 1986 1983 1980 1977 7) What year? 1976 1982 1987 1991 1967 1991 8) What year? 1964 1970 1971 1968 1962 1974 9) What year? 1969 1965 1968 1967 1966 1970 10) What year? 1970 1972 1971 1979 1976 1980 The answers: 1) 1 2) 6 3) 2 4) 5 5) 1 6) 5 7) 2 8) 4 9) 6 10 5) Previous Post | Next Post

0 Diana Ross Touches the USA again

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 04/21/2010

I really enjoyed attending my very first Diana Ross concert at the Borgata in Atlantic City, New Jersey in January, 2008. Spring is the time of the year Miss Ross likes to do what she loves...and that's hit the road to entertain you. Never seen her? Don't miss your chance in 2010! The Boss still has the right stuff. Charm, personality, showmanship, and hit music are all in the mix when this legendary diva takes the stage. Visit Diana Ross on Facebook. Previous Post | Next Post