0 John Legend Honored by Songwriters Hall of Fame

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 04/26/2007

John Legend will be honored with the Hal David Starlight Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame this coming June. Award recipients are gifted songwriters in the early years of their careers who are making a significant impact with their original songs. John Legend joins Rob Thomas, Alicia Keys and John Mayer (past recipients of the Hal David Starlight Award). In 2004, Legend premiered as a singer-songwriter-pianist-performer with his album Get Lifted. Get Lifted produced the hit "Ordinary People," and was a critical and commercial success, earning Legend eight Grammy nominations. He won Best New Artist, Best Male R&B Vocal Performance ("Ordinary People") and Best R&B album. In 2007, Legend won his 4th and 5th Grammy awards for Best R&B Vocal Performance for his album Once Again. John also captured the 2007 Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group Grammy for his collaboration with Van Hunt and Joss Stone on the Sly Stone tribute CD, Family Affair. Previous Post | Next Post

1 9 Classics from Dionne Warwick

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 04/05/2007

9 classic Dionne Warwick albums will be reissued on CD this May by Collector's Choice Music. Her first six albums will be reissued. In all, nine of her first 10 classic pop and soul releases will hit the street this May 15th. These are Dionne's great tracks from her Scepter and Warner Brothers years, remastered from the original tapes, featuring most of her amazing work with the Burt Bacharach - Hal David songwriting team. 1) Presenting Dionne Warwick: From 1963 including Dionne's first single, "Don't Make Me Over," and "Wishin' and Hopin'," (later a huge hit for Dusty Springfield). 2) Anyone Who Had a Heart: Released in 1964, features Dionne's first Top Ten hit "Anyone Who Had a Heart." 3) Make Way for Dionne Warwick: Released in 1964, featuring the Bacharach and David classics "Walk On By," and "Close To You," (a hit for the Carpenters in the 1970's). 4) The Sensitive Sound of Dionne Warwick: From 1965, featuring "Who Can I Turn To?" from the Broadway play The Roar of the Greasepaint -- The Smell of the Crowd. 5) Here I Am: Released in late 1965, containing nine Bacharach-David compositions out of 12 songs on the album. 6) Dionne Warwick in Paris: This is a remaster. Called "The Black Pearl" by her Parisian fans, Dionne Warwick was very popular in France before becoming a stateside favorite in the USA.Her first live album was recorded at the Olympia Theater in Paris. Dionne Warwick in Paris was recorded on January 18, 1966.   7) Here Where There Is Love: Released in 1966. Ms. Warwick's first Top 20 pop charting album, and a No. 1 hit on the R&B charts.Bacharach and David gems "Alfie," "What The World Needs Now," "Trains and Boats and Planes," and "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself" are all here, along with a cover of Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind."   8) The Magic of Believing: A departure from her pop success and a tribute to her gospel roots, inspired by her mother Lee, a founding member of the Drinkard Singers with Cissy Houston. 9) Love at First Sight: Her last album for Warner Brothers Records in 1977, featuring New York City Brill Building songwriters Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Dionne Warwick fans, spread the word. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Gamble and Huff Songs Dive into Pride at 45

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 04/02/2007

Kenny Gamble (right) and Leon Huff (left) are marking their 45th anniversary as musical producers with a fresh Hollywood showcase for their vintage hits. Pride is a new movie about troubled 70's teens who find redemption through their swimming team. Terrence Howard and Bernie Mac star. Five songs from the Philadelphia International Records catalog dominate the soundtrack. Here's are the songs from Pride: "Back Stabbers" written by Leon Huff, Gene McFadden and John Whitehead, performed by The O'Jays "Let's Clean Up the Ghetto" written by Gilbert Cary, Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, performed by The Philadelphia All-Stars "Little Child Runnin' Wild" written by Curtis Mayfield, performed by Curtis Mayfield "Express Yourself" written by Charles Wright, performed by Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band "I'll Take You There" written by Alvertis Isbell, performed by The Staples Singers "It's Your Thing" written by Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley and O'Kelly Isley, performed by The Isley Brothers "Expansions" written by Lonnie Liston Smith, performed by Lonnie Liston Smith "Blow Me Away" written by Brenton Brown, Performed by Dreamseed "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" written by Marvin P. Gaye and James Nyx, performed by Grover Washington, Jr. "Slow Motion" written by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, Performed by Johnny Williams "I Love Music" written by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, performed by The O'Jays "I Can't Wait Much Longer" written by Francis Miller and Robin Trower, performed by Robin Trower "The Fool and Me" written by James Dewar and Robin Trower, performed by Robin Trower "Oh Happy Day" written by Edwin Hawkins, performed by The Edwin Hawkins Singers "Love Train" written by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, performed by The O'Jays "Strawberry Letter 23" written by Shuggie Otis, performed by The Brothers Johnson "The Payback" written by James Brown, Fred Wesley and John Starks, performed by James Brown "Dare To Dream" written by John Legend, Aaron Zigman, Sunu Gonera and Jerry Hey, performed by John Legend This is an unusual mix. "Expansions" by Lonnie Liston Smith, "Slow Motion" by Johnny Williams, and the two songs from Robin Trower (of Procol Harum "Whiter Shade of Pale" fame) are surprises. "Expansions" is a superb fusion of R&B and jazz. It's nice to see the song recycled in this flick. "Slow Motion" was a hit for Williams, but not as big as the other Philly International tracks on this soundtrack. Pride is based on a true Philadelphia story, hence the dominance of Gamble & Huff classic soul productions. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Dreamgirls vs. Cars vs. An Inconvenient Truth Song Showdown

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 02/22/2007

Five tunes are nominated for the best song in a movie this year. A winner will capture the prize this Sunday, February 25th, during the 79th annual Academy Awards. Dreamgirls has three song nominations: "Listen" music by Henry Krieger and Scott Cutler; lyric by Anne Preven "Love You I Do" music by Henry Krieger; lyric by Siedah Garrett "Patience" music by Henry Krieger; lyric by Willie Reale The two other nominees are: "I Need to Wake Up" music and lyric by Melissa Etheridge from Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth "Our Town" music and lyric by Randy Newman from Cars Melissa Etheridge's song only appears at the end of Al Gore's movie. It's not an integral part of the way the story is told. I haven't seen Cars, so I won't make any predictions about which of the five songs will grab the Oscar. With three songs nominated, Dreamgirls definitely has a chance to win. Previous Post | Next Post

0 10 Soulful Valentine Hits for the Heart

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 02/14/2007

Some time ago, Michael Henderson wrote a magnificent and timeless song, "Valentine Love." On his solo album, Solid, Michael slows the tempo and sings the song (by himself) as a straight forward love song. In a duet with Jean Carn on the collection Norman Connors Saturday Night Special, "Valentine Love" is given a slightly quicker tempo, with Michael looking for forgiveness from the main lady in his life: Valentine Love Lyrics by Michael Henderson: I'm sending you a valentine in hopes that you're still mine and if that valentine doesn't reach you it's ok Now it's not as bad like you though it would be Come on baby, take my heart. I love you still and I always will be yours be yours yours yours yours I'm so in love with you I'm sending you this valentine in hopes that you're still mine and if that valentine doesn't reach you it's ok I can't make up your mind for you just have patience, that's all you can do I love you still, and I always will be yours be yours, I'm so in love with you (Michael's version only) I'm on my knees begging you back baby there's nothing I wont do there's nothing, there's nothing Michael won't do (Michael's version only) If I could only hold you in my arms again I'm so in love with you There nothing your baby won't do If I could just? Hold me I'm in love I'm sending you this valentine I'm sending you this valentine I'm sending you this valentine I'm in Love ---------- Here are my "10 favorite soulful R&B valentine hits for the heart" ranked in order: "Just as Long as We Have Love" Spinners with Dionne Warwick "I'll Try Something New" Smokey Robinson "I've Got So Much to Give" Barry White "Love's Holiday" Earth Wind & Fire "Always" Atlantic Starr "Lady Love" Lou Rawls "All This Love" Patti Labelle (originally by DeBarge) "Tonight I Celebrate My Love" Roberta Flack and Peabo Bryson "Give Me Your Love" Curtis Mayfield "Valentine Love" Norman Connors (featuring Michael Henderson and Jean Carn) Happy Valentine's Day. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Bill Withers Gift of Giving Message

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 12/26/2006

Here's the picture sleeve and message from a classic soul Bill Withers 45 rpm release, "The Gift of Giving." Enjoy your holiday week. Previous Post | Next Post

0 James Brown Peace on Earth Message

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 12/25/2006

Here's the picture sleeve and lyrics to a classic soul James Brown 45 rpm release, "Hey America, It's Christmas Time." Merry Christmas! ---------- ***update (at 9:01 AM Eastern) *** I decided over a week ago to post three classic soul 45 rpm picture sleeves Christmas week and debated which one to use first. Ironically, I chose James Brown for Christmas Day, and I was saddened this morning at about 8 AM Eastern time to learn of his passing at the age of 73. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Puzzling Christmas Songs are no Mystery

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 12/19/2006

About this time, you should be vibrating with the rhythms of Christmas song melodies, dancing in your head. Can you recite the lyrics in your sleep? You can? Ok. Then you'll have no problem acing this Christmas song puzzle (link removed). If you can solve it in less than 90 seconds, you are a Christmas song sing-a-long expert. 2021 Update: The puzzle was done in Adobe Flash and is no longer supported. Check out Stories Behind the Best Loved Christmas Songs in Powerhouse Radio's music book review section. Previous Post | Next Post

0 James Bond Music Shakes and Stirs Soul

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 11/16/2006

An update of the Casino Royale film, (the first James Bond novel written by Ian Fleming), hits movie theaters tomorrow, Friday, November 17th. Daniel Craig stars as the new super spy. Can you name all of the classic soul stars who have sung title or secondary songs for 007 films? Four ladies top the list. The Bond adventures with this music are: "Goldeneye" "Licence to Kill" "Thunderball" First the songs: "Goldeneye" "Licence to Kill" "If You Asked me To" "Mr. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" The number next to the song matches the number next to the artist: Tina Turner Gladys Knight Patti Labelle Dionne Warwick * * "Mr. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang," recorded for Thunderball by Dionne, was included on the "30th Anniversary Best of James Bond" collection, but was not on either the original soundtrack (as a vocal), or in the screen version. The Gladys Knight and Patti Labelle songs are both featured in "Licence to Kill." An honorable mention to Louis Armstrong, for "We Have All the Time in the World," from the "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" soundtrack, (but not in the movie). Previous Post | Next Post

0 Ghoulish Grooves Make up Funky Halloween Treats

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 10/30/2006

Time to get into the Halloween groove with some scary classic soul favorites. Four out of the five haunting melodies below are guaranteed to bust a move on the dance floor. Our fright night tunes embody entertaining performances with whistling wind, creaking doors, howling wolves, and blood-curdling screams. Here are my top five soulful Halloween heavyweights, ranked in order. 1) Thriller - Michael Jackson "Thriller" gets the nod as the best production. With Quincy Jones and Vincent Price in your corner, how can you lose? Jacko ain't wacko on this one. Michael delivers the goods. An international mega hit. Rating: 9.5 out of 10. 2) Ghostbusters - Ray Parker Jr. Having a popular movie (of the same name) to promote your song always helps the cause. The video was fun, the song is bouncy, the rhythm is memorable. Who you gonna call? Rating: 9 out of 10. 3) Addams Groove - Hammer Hammer creates a tale about the spooky Addams Family, (a 1960's hit television series), and details their bizarre behavior in this hip-hop pop gem. He raps about the ghastly but harmless Addams', a family with Frankenstein, Dracula, and Wolf Man lookalikes. With a tip of the hat to James Brown, Hammer takes "Addams Groove" to the bridge for fun and laughs. Rating: 8.5 out of 10. 4) I Put a Spell on You - Screamin' Jay Hawkins Jalacy J. Hawkins wanted to sing opera like his idol, Paul Robeson. Fortunately for R&B fans, the desire for quick money channeled the Cleveland, Ohio native towards more popular fare. Hawkins is famous for his screams, howls, and vocal grunts. Screamin' Jay recorded "Spell" several times. The 1956 version caused outraged parents to call radio stations to ban airplay. Sound familiar? Even with an eventual ban, a million copies were sold. This one is wild - a classic and an original. Rating: 8 out of 10. 5) The Skeleton in the Closet - Louis Armstrong with Jimmy Dorsey and his Orchestra Once upon a time, the big band sound ruled the dance floor. The legendary Louis Armstrong gets the joint jumpin' with this 1936 recording along with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. Armstrong sings about an old deserted mansion haunted with spirits. Uptempo, eerie, and clever, "The Skeleton in the Closet" is entertaining, campy, and cool. The song was also featured in the movie, "Pennies From Heaven," starring Bing Crosby. Louis pulls a stylistic Cab Calloway here, rappin', struttin', and singing. He plays his trumpet too. Seventy years later, "Skeleton" stands the test of time. Rating: 8 out of 10. ---------- Halloween music lights up the imagination of listeners of all ages. These five songs capture suspenseful drama at it's best. Previous Post | Next Post