Powerhouse Radio Blog

Biography
by Kingsley H. Smith
03/07/2007

Lamont Dozier, the "D" in Holland - Dozier - Holland, wrote lots of memorable classics with his partners Brian and Eddie: "Stop! In the Name of Love" "Reach Out I'll Be There" "How Sweet It Is (to be Loved by You)" "Nowhere to Run" "This Old Heart of Mine" "You Can't Hurry Love" Before his success with the H-D-H writing team, Lamont sung with the Romeos and the Voicemasters, Detroit groups that would eventually spawn David Ruffin (of the Temptations) and several members of the Originals. Holland, Dozier, and Holland wrote some of the greatest Motown hits from 1962 - 1969. At the end of the 60's, H-D-H created Invictus, the label home of the Chairmen of the Board, Freda Payne, and the 8th Day. In 1973, Lamont would start a solo career as a singer, recording at least 8 albums, including Out Here on my Own, and Black Bach. He had some modest hits: "Don't' Leave Me," "Fish Ain't Bitin'," and his biggest, "Why Can't We Be Lovers." Previous Post | Next Post

0 O'Jay vs. O'Jays Royalty Rumble

News
by Kingsley H. Smith
03/06/2007

Former O'Jay Sammy Strain is claiming in a $15 million dollar civil lawsuit that he never received any royalties from his 16 years with the O'Jays. Here's another strange story from the world of classic soul. Sixteen years is a long time to overlook (by both parties) a possible contractual obligation for payment of royalties. Strain's lawyer, Charles A. Whittier, says "my client has been stabbed in the back for the love of money." The lawsuit, filed recently in Philadelphia, alleges that O'Jays founders Eddie Levert and Walter Williams conspired to deny Strain of his share of royalties. Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, producers, and owners of the Philadelphia International label are also named as defendants. Strain replaced original member William Powell in 1976, and remained with the group until 1992, according to the lawsuit. Sammy recorded 11 albums with the O'Jays. Previous Post | Next Post

0 B.B. King and Friends Bust a Bluesy Movie Move

Flashback
by Kingsley H. Smith
02/28/2007

In 1998, B.B. King and friends recorded a masterful piece of R&B/blues/pop under the stage name "Louisiana Gator Boys." The all-star performance was featured in the movie Blues Brothers 2000, and on one song, showcased King, Dr. John, Lou Rawls, Eric Clapton, Grover Washington Jr., Bo Diddley, Clarence Clemons, Billy Preston, Koko Taylor, and several others. The Blues Brothers first film project was released in 1979, and featured performance roles/songs from numerous stars including James Brown, Chaka Khan, Ray Charles, and the legendary John Lee Hooker. Trivia question answer: Aretha Franklin is featured in both Blues Brothers movies, singing "Think," in The Blues Brothers, and "Respect" in Blues Brothers 2000. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Dreamgirls Oscar Songs Gored by An Inconvenient Truth

News
by Kingsley H. Smith
02/26/2007

With three different selections from Dreamgirls nominated for an Academy Award, Melissa Etheridge surprised Oscar world by winning for the best song, "I Need to Wake Up," from Al Gore's global warming movie An Inconvenient Truth. It's the revenge of Jennifer Holliday, the star of the Broadway production, who was very outspoken in her desire to have a connection with the Hollywood version of Dreamgirls. Congratulations to Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls scene stealer, who is now an Academy Award winner, and gets the best supporting actress Oscar for her role in the film. 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 Little Richard, Sly Stone, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Ray Charles, & Prince

Commentary
by Kingsley H. Smith
02/20/2007

The first live popular music concert I ever attended as a 10 year old featured Little Richard as the headliner. His act was an eye-opener. Little did I realize then the historical importance of "Little Richard" Penniman to the history of rock and roll. When comparing Little Richard, Sly Stone, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Ray Charles, and Prince, here's a question for you...who has had the most lasting influence? All six have certainly been remarkably successful! All six have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: James Brown - 1986 Little Richard - 1986 Ray Charles - 1986 Jimi Hendrix - 1992 (The Jimi Hendrix Experience) Sly Stone - 1993 (Sly and the Family Stone) Prince - 2004 I can seriously argue for five of the six. Prince would have to be eliminated first, although "Mr. Purple Rain" is James Brown, Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix, and Sly Stone rolled into one unique package. Ray Charles and James Brown are very close, but I'll have to go with the "Godfather of Soul" as the most influential artist on the list. Sly Stone and Prince both expanded on "Mr. Dynamite," J.B.'s groove, to produce some funky Hendrix influenced rhythms. Ray Charles may have been a more versatile artist, but James Brown, "the hardest working man in show business," changed the face of soul music forever. I'd argue that Brown's influence in R&B has been more dominant than Hendrix's influence in rock. Jimi can't be short changed however for his amazing contributions. Let's not dismiss the legacy of the living legend, Little Richard. You see and hear more of him today primarily on television commercials, but Little Richard raised the bar on flamboyance in music. I could name 10 artists that patterned their act from the flashy eccentric mannerisms of Little Richard's stage persona. Oh yes, his music was pretty good too. Good Golly Miss Molly, it's James Brown by a nose as the most influential personality among our list of super greats. What do you think? Previous Post | Next Post

0 New Tyler Perry Soundtrack Serenades Daddy’s Little Girls

News
by Kingsley H. Smith
02/15/2007

With the arrival of Tyler Perry's new movie, "Daddy's Little Girls," Friday, February 16, get ready for another classy soundtrack from Mr. 'Madea.' All of Perry's soundtracks have been very successful, including Madea's Family Reunion. One song from that flick, "Everyday (Family Reunion)" featuring Chaka Khan, Gerald Levert, Yolanda Adams & Carl Thomas was nominated for a 2007 Grammy Award. "Everyday (Family Reunion)" should have won, (but it didn't). For Perry's new love story, some great tracks have been selected. Charles Moore does a wonderful job reviving the Sam Cooke classic, "A Change is Gonna Come." You'll also find Beyonce's "Daddy," a strong bonus track on her Dangerously in Love CD that was never acknowledged in the liner notes. Here are the songs from Daddy's Little Girls: "Struggle No More (The Main Event)" - Anthony Hamilton, Jaheim & Musiq Soulchild "Don't Let Go" - R. Kelly "Greatest Gift" - Tameka Scott "Brown Eyed Blues" - Adrian Hood "Family First" - Whitney Houston, Cissy Houston, Dionne Warwick And Family "Step Aside" - Yolanda Adams "I Believe" - Brian McKnight "Daddy" - Beyonce' "Struggle No More" - Anthony Hamilton "Blood Sweat & Tears" - Governor "A Change Is Gonna Come" - Charles Moore This is a nice collection of R&B songs with positive messages supporting the theme of family in Daddy's Little Girls. 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 Grammy Award Winners a Mixed Bag

News
by Kingsley H. Smith
02/12/2007

Grammy night was a mixed bag with the Dixie Chicks walking away with five awards, Red Hot Chili Peppers taking four, and Mary J. Blige cashing in three. Best acceptance speech: Ludacris (for best rap album), who thanked everyone but his pizza delivery person. Most surprised winner: Stevie Wonder with Tony Bennett for their duet "For Once in My Life." Stevie seemed completely surprised. Most unusual performance: a tie between Gnarls Barkley who sang "Crazy," and Christina Aguilera, who tried on James Brown's "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World" for size. This show tries to be something for everybody. As a result, the prime time television broadcast blacks out many contemporary categories lots of people are interested in. Considerable time is taken up acknowledging lifetime achievement honorees, at the expense of spotlighting more current talent (in the Grammy Award winners circle). You get some brilliant moments of live performance from many of the artists as the main payoff for watching this show. Overall, it's hit or miss for consistent show-stopping. If you like the artist, you'll probably like their performance. Last week, I made a few predictions in the R&B category? 1) My pick: Best Female R&B Vocal Performance: "Be Without You" Mary J. Blige, The Breakthrough. The winner: Mary J. Blige 2) My pick: Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: "I Call it Love" Lionel Richie, Coming Home. The winner: "Heaven" John Legend 3) My pick: Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals: "Everyday (Family Reunion)" Chaka Khan, Gerald Levert, Yolanda Adams & Carl Thomas, Madea's Family Reunion. The Winner: "Family Affair" Sly & the Family Stone, John Legend, Joss Stone with Van Hunt 4) My pick: Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: "I Found My Everything" Mary J. Blige featuring Raphael Saadiq, The Breakthrough. Winner: "God Bless the Child" George Benson & Al Jarreau featuring Jill Scott (my alternate pick, really more jazz than traditional R&B) 5) My pick: Best R&B Song: "Be Without You" Mary J. Blige, The Breakthrough. Winner: Mary J. Blige 6) My pick: Best R&B Album: The Breakthrough Mary J. Blige. Winner: Mary J. Blige 7) My pick: Best Contemporary R&B Album: B'Day Beyonce' Winner: Beyonce' Previous Post | Next Post

0 7 R&B Grammy Award Picks

Commentary
by Kingsley H. Smith
02/08/2007

The 49th Annual Grammy Awards will be held this Sunday, February 11, 2007, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Here are my quick picks for possible winners in the R&B category. Best Female R&B Vocal Performance: "Be Without You" Mary J. Blige, The Breakthrough Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: "I Call it Love" Lionel Richie, Coming Home Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals: "Everyday (Family Reunion)" Chaka Khan, Gerald Levert, Yolanda Adams & Carl Thomas, Madea's Family Reunion Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: "I Found My Everything" Mary J. Blige featuring Raphael Saadiq, The Breakthrough Best R&B Song: "Be Without You" Mary J. Blige, The Breakthrough Best R&B Album: The Breakthrough Mary J. Blige Best Contemporary R&B Album: B'Day Beyonce' Check back on Monday, February 12, to see if I have any psychic abilities. I don't think I'll be too embarrassed, because the 2007 Grammy Awards will be the year of Mary J. Blige. Previous Post | Next Post