0 Jeffrey Osborne Holds On to Joy on the Road

• Tour
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/15/2008

On July 15, 1978, L.T.D., featuring Jeffrey Osborne hit the charts with the future #1 R&B song, "Holding On (When Love is Gone)". It's 2008, and 30 years later, Jeffrey Osborne is still the traveling troubadour, taking his music to venues near and far during his Summer/Fall tour: August Saturday, August 2, Timberwood Amphitheatre, Magic Springs Theme park, Hot Springs, AR Friday, August 8, Gettysburg, VA Saturday, August 16, Santa Fe Casino, Las Vegas, NV Sunday, August 24, 4019 W. Sunset Blvd. ? Sunset Junction Street Festival, Los Angeles, CA Wednesday, August 27, 5 Points Street Festival, Denver, CO Friday, August 29, First District Plaza, Philadelphia, PA September Saturday, September 20, UMOJA Festival, Wireless Pavilion, Portsmouth , VA Sunday, September 21, The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA October Saturday, October 4, The Harold Washington Cultural Center, Chicago, IL Sunday, October 5, Sound Academy, Toronto, Canada Friday, October 10, The Sheraton Hotel Ballroom, Baton Rouge, LA Saturday, October 11, Diamond Jacks Casino, Vicksburg, MS Sunday, October 12, Jazztrax Festival, Avalon Ballroom, Avalon, CA Osborne, born on March 9, 1948, continues to bellow those mellow song vibrations as he begins his 6th decade. Previous Post | Next Post

0 MFSB Summertime Classic Soul Fun

• Audio
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/10/2008

The Gamble & Huff hit machine was riding high during the Summer of 1976. Their house musicians: MFSB, mother - father - sister - brother, the instrumental magic behind the Philly sound, released a spirited album that year just in time for the lazy hazy days of Summer. Best known for "Love is the Message," and "TSOP," (the sound of Philadelphia), MFSB's Summertime included a cool collection of toe tapping treats topped with lots of breezy, airy, vocals. Producers Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Gene McFadden, John Whitehead, and several other Philly faithful whipped up these bouncy songs keyed perfectly together for the hot weather season. Gamble & Huff wrote 4 of the 8 songs... "Picnic In The Park" "Summertime" (George Gershwin) "Plenty Good Lovin'" "Sunnin' and Funnin'" (McFadden & Whitehead) "Summertime and I'm Feelin' Mellow" (McFadden, Whitehead, Carstarphen) "I'm on Your Side" "Hot Summer Nights" "We Got The Time" (McFadden, Whitehead, Carstarphen) Your browser does not support the audio element. Listen to 57 seconds of George Gershwin's "Summertime," performed Philly style, by MFSB from this great classic soul album. Previous Post | Next Post

2 Trammps Triumphant with Disco Soul

• Biography
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/08/2008

Their official biography reveals that the Trammps began in Philadelphia in 1972 featuring vocalist, Jimmy Ellis, Harold Doc Wade, Stanley Wade, and Earl Young. The Trammps have traveled with as many as 11 members, musicians who've also played for both Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's Philadelphia International Records, and later for Vince Montana's Salsoul Orchestra. "Zing Went the Strings Of My Heart," a remake of a 1943 Judy Garland classic, was the Trammps first hit in 1972 reaching #17 R&B, and #64 pop. Buddah Records recorded several Trammps hits, including "Hold Back The Night" which peaked at #10 R&B, and #40 pop, and "Where Do We Go From Here," a #44 R&B chart hit in 1974. By mid 1975, the Trammps became one of Atlantic Records hottest dance music acts. Their first album with Atlantic produced "Hooked for Life," and "Where the Happy People Go." (their biggest pop hit). For 1977's "Disco Inferno" anthem, the Trammps were recognized as the best performing group by one of New York's most popular clubs, 2001 Space Odyssey, the location for the movie, Saturday Night Fever. The soundtrack from the movie included "Disco Inferno," for which the Trammps won a Grammy Award in 1979. Original members, Jimmy Ellis, Harold Doc Wade, Stanley Wade and Dave Dixon continue as the core of the Trammps. They tour nationally and internationally with musicians from the original touring group. Catch The Trammps, Friday, August 1, 2008, 7:30 pm at the Bank of America Pavilion, Boston, Massachusetts, for the Solid Gold Dance Party. Previous Post | Next Post

1 Will Smith, Bo Diddley, and Hancock

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/03/2008

Once again, the world will be hearing the lasting influence of Bo Diddley in Will Smith's new summer "super hero" send off, Hancock, hitting movie theaters just in time for the July 4th holiday weekend. Classic R&B, rock, soul, and pop music legend Bo Diddley recently passed away. His song, "Who Do You Love," is performed by George Thorogood & The Destroyers for the Hancock soundtrack connection. Will Hancock be another silver screen smash hit for "Big Willy?" Maybe, however win or lose at the box office, Bo Diddley's music gets another high mileage vehicle in which to cruise. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Kool & The Gang Take it to the Stage

• Tour
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/01/2008

Here are some 2008 tour dates for Kool & the Gang: July Thursday, July 3, San Jacinto, CA - Soboba Casino Arena Friday, July 4, Garland, TX - Garland's Star Spangled Fourth Festival Friday, July 11, Gulfport, MS - Island View Casino Resort Friday, July 25, Las Vegas, NV - The Orleans Hotel & Casino Saturday, July 26, Las Vegas, NV - The Orleans Hotel & Casino Sunday, July 27, Las Vegas, NV - The Orleans Hotel & Casino August Saturday, August 2, Mableton, GA - Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre Sunday, August 3, Bethlehem, PA - Bethlehem Musikfest Wednesday, August 6, Girona, Spain - Festival Jardins de Caproig Friday, August 8, Alicante, Spain - Port of Alicante Saturday, August 9, Murcia, Spain - venue to be announced Sunday, August 10, Menorca, Spain - Isla del Rey September Saturday September 6, Rotterdam, The Netherlands - Football Stadium Previous Post | Next Post

0 BET Awards Captured by Kanye & Keys

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/25/2008

Here are some of the 2008 BET Award Winners: Best Female R&B Artist: Alicia Keys Best Male R&B Artist: Chris Brown Best Group: UGK Best Gospel: Marvin Sapp Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Missy Elliott Best Male Hip Hop Artist: Kanye West Video of the year: UGK featuring Outkast - "International Player's Anthem" Best Video Director: Erykah Badu and Mr. Roboto Best Actress: Halle Berry Best Actor: Denzel Washington Best Female Athlete: Candace Parker Best Male Athlete: Kobe Bryant Best New Artist: The Dream Previous Post | Next Post

0 BET Awards Hype Hughley as Host

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/24/2008

Comedian D.L. Hughley will pilot the 2008 BET Awards scheduled for Tuesday, June 24th at 8:00 pm Eastern. BET loves to air this showcase several times, so look for it to be repeated often on your TV screen in the coming weeks. Quincy Jones, who has more trophies than he can count, will be honored with a humanitarian award. Al Green will receive a lifetime achievement award. Among the scheduled performers: Usher (shown here), Alicia Keys, Nelly, Kanye West, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, and Al Green. There are 16 categories in which various nominees will be honored. For the 2 R&B categories, we have... Best Female R&B Artist: Mary J. Blige Mariah Carey Keyshia Cole Alicia Keys Rihanna Best Male R&B Artist: Raheem DeVaughn J. Holiday Ne-Yo Trey Songz Chris Brown Interestingly, the nominated guys are mostly new school, whereas most of the ladies have been around for awhile with significant track records. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Stevie Wonder Welcomes Summer-Fall Dates

• Tour
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/19/2008

When child prodigy Stevie Wonder was signed to Motown's Tamla Records in the early 1960's, few could have predicted his monumental body of musical work or his influential staying power. Still relevant, still vibrant, and still performing, Motown Stevie has an evening full of tunes and fun just waiting for his worldwide legion of eager fans. Here are some 2008 tour dates for Stevie Wonder: June Thursday, June 19, Uncasville, CT, Mohegan Sun Arena Saturday, June 21, Atlantic City, NJ, Trump Taj Mahal Arena Sunday, June 22, Mansfield, MA, Comcast Center Tuesday, June 24, Clarkston, MI, DTE Energy Music Theatre July Tuesday, July 1, Englewood, CO, Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre Friday, July 4, Reno, NV, Reno Events Center Saturday, July 5, Mountain View, CA, Shoreline Amphitheatre Tuesday, July 7, Concord, CA, Sleep Train Pavilion Friday, July 11, Auburn, WA, White River Amphitheatre Saturday, July 12, Vancouver, BC, Canada, General Motors Place September Monday, September 8, Birmingham, United Kingdom, National Indoor Arena Tuesday, September 9, Manchester, United Kingdom, Manchester Evening News Arena Thursday & Friday, September 11-12, London, United Kingdom, O2 Dome Sunday & Monday, September 14-15, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Ahoy Rotterdam Monday, September 22, Cologne, Germany, Koln Arena Tuesday, September 23, Mannheim, Germany, Sap Arena Thursday, September 25, Munich, Germany, Olympiastadion Friday, September 26, Assago, Italy, Datch Forum Di Assago Sunday, September 28, Paris, France, Palais Omnisports - Bercy Tuesday, September 30, London, United Kingdom, O2 Dome Previous Post | Next Post

0 En Vogue with Funky Divas

• Tour
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/17/2008

The quartet turned trio En Vogue are keeping their fans entertained with a few selected tour dates this Summer. Since 1990, original members Cindy Herron, Terry Ellis, and newest En Voguette Rhona Bennett continue to sustain the "Funky Diva" tradition. En Vogue has recorded 7 albums with sales of over 8 million units. Whether these songbirds combine their voices for sweet harmonies or rhythmic vamps, the ladies of En Vogue are tuned into you. Catch En Vogue during the Summer of 2008: Friday, July 11, Civic Opera House, Chicago, Illinois (with Morris Day and the Time) Friday, August 22, Birchmere, Alexandria, Virginia Saturday, August 23, B.B. King's Blues Club and Grill, New York, New York Previous Post | Next Post

0 Marvin Gaye: You're The Man by a Landslide

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/12/2008

I recently rediscovered a vintage, activist, gem of a song tailor made for the neurotic 2008 USA presidential election year. As several documentaries and books have revealed, Marvin Gaye was a creative kindred spirit who could not be held back by the predictable Motown hit machine. One year after releasing what many believe is the greatest classic soul album of all time, 1971's What's Going On, Marvin dropped a song to the streets that surged with social commentary: "You're The Man," in May, 1972. It was left off the Trouble Man album, and is one of those lost 45 rpm vinyl singles that featured part 1 only. The full version of the song (parts 1 & 2) can now be found on compilations (including 2001's The Very Best of Marvin Gaye 2 CD set). Given the histrionics of the George McGovern vs. Richard Nixon presidential election of 1972, "You're The Man" remains timeless even today with it's critical message. Your browser does not support the audio element. Check out the words, then listen to the last 60 seconds of this famous Motown piece. "You're The Man" Written by Marvin Gaye & Kenneth Stover Performed by Marvin Gaye © Motown Records Released May, 1972 Chart peaks: #7 R&B, #50 pop Talking, talking to the people try, get them to go your way tellin' us not to worry that we won't be led astray So blind, from signify their opponents always lie think about the mistakes you make I believe that miracles at stake We no busin', busin' is the issue Do you have a plan wager If, if you have a plan If you have a master plan I got to vote for you Hey hey, got to vote for you Cause, you're the man We don't want to hear no more lies About how you plan to economize We want our dollar value increased and employment to rise The nation's taxation causin' all of this inflation Don't give us no peace sign Turn around, and rob the people blind Economics is the issue Do you have a plan, wager Cause if you got a master plan I got to vote for you You're the man repeat: Don't you understand There's misery in the man Don't you understand There's misery in the man People marching on Washington Why not hear, what they have to say Because the tables just might turn against you brother sit around election day Politics and hypocrites Is turning us all into lunatics Can you take the guns from our sons Right all the wrongs this administrations done Peace and freedom is the issue Oh, do you have a plan, wager Ah, cause if got the plan If you got the master plan, Ohh I got to vote for you Hey hey, got to vote for you Cause, you're the man, Ahhh repeat: Got to vote for you Previous Post | Next Post