0 Sly Stone takes you Higher with Reissues

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 03/15/2007

Over the next few months, several classic Sly & the Family Stone albums will be reissued on CD. Teenage prodigy, producer, radio deejay, and musical powerhouse Sylvester Stewart also known as Sly Stone was a trend setter during the dawn of funk laced classic soul in the late 1960's. Here are four Sly albums now back in the spotlight: A Whole New Thing - Original release, 1967. No hits on this one, but it was his first collection. Out of the box, Sly & the Family Stone took a different approach fusing pop, rock, and soul. Dance to the Music - Original release, 1967. One of the best creative albums released in 1967, featuring "Dance to the Music," "Dance to the Medley," and the original version of "Higher." The track, "Are You Ready," hammers home the idea of ethnic tolerance, a reoccurring theme in several Sly Stone songs. Life - Original release, 1968. Not as consistent as "Dance to the Music," but moving the Family Stone formula forward, with "M'Lady," "Love City," and more Sly enhanced fun. Stand - Original release, 1969. Clearly, the best Sly & the Family Stone album. All 8 tracks sparkle with creative energy: "Stand!" "Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey" "I Want To Take You Higher" "Somebody's Watching You" "Sing A Simple Song" "Everyday People" "Sex Machine" You Can Make It If You Try" These four albums, along with several other Sly & the Family Stone collections, are scheduled for reissue in March, April, and May 2007. What's a reissue without some previously unreleased tracks? To sweeten the pot, several bonus cuts will seed these legendary albums. Is that really necessary? Not really. The music is so good, new fans can easily turn on to the Sly & the Family Stone experience (without the bribes). Previous Post | Next Post

0 Carla Thomas Leads Stax Revival

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 03/14/2007

Carla Thomas, the daughter of Memphis Legend Rufus Thomas, remains a "southern soul sweetheart" of iconic stature. Next week, Carla Thomas' The Queen Alone will be reissued (on Stax) in what's being called a deluxe expanded edition. Carla had a nice run on Stax, with "Gee Whiz," "B-a-b-y," "Let Me Be Good To You," and "Tramp" (a duet with Otis Redding). The 11 songs on the original 1969 album will be complemented by five bonus tracks that were omitted from the original vinyl release: "Me and My Clock" "Same Thing" "Your Love Indeed (Alternate Take)" "I Want To Know (Take 2)" "I Wonder About Love" The Queen Alone will be reissued on the reactivated Stax Records through Concord Music Group as part of the label's yearlong series of 50th Anniversary events. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Vanessa Williams Hits the High Notes

• Biography
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 03/13/2007

When Vanessa Williams pulls a rabbit out of her talented hat, the emerging bunny is no one trick pony. The former Miss America has topped the music charts, scored on Broadway, excelled in television, excited in movies, and mesmerized magnificently in music videos. Her official biography emphasizes what an important role music played in her early years... "Both her parents are music teachers who recognized her musical gifts early on and encouraged her to pursue her love of the arts. When she was young, she acted, danced, played piano and French horn in her high school orchestra, concert band and marching band, concert choir, and chorus." "Her early interest in performing led to a passion for musical theatre, which began in school and continued as she went on to star in numerous community theatre productions." "Vanessa won a Presidential Scholarship in Drama and chose to continue her education at Syracuse University, where she majored in musical theatre. While at college in 1983, Vanessa was sought after by local talent scouts who invited her to participate in the Miss Greater Syracuse Pageant." "Three months later, Vanessa won the 1983 Miss America title and a $30,000 scholarship that accompanied it. The controversy that followed only left Vanessa stronger and more empowered in her commitment to a career in the world of entertainment." Playboy and Penthouse magazines both published some unflattering pictures of Ms. Williams in 1984, (that were shot a few years earlier), featuring her and a female friend doing some really raunchy "girls gone wild" posing. She was stripped of her Miss America title when the photos were published. Four years after she won and lost her crown, Vanessa was signed to a recording contract, thanks to some efficient back-up-vocal work on a George Clinton track, "Do Fries Go with that Shake." In 1988, her first album, The Right Stuff was released. Here are some of Vanessa Williams? most memorable tracks: "Dreamin'" "Running Back to You" "The Right Stuff" "Save the Best for Last" "Love Is" (with Brian McKnight) "Save the Best For Last" was a #1 song in the USA, Australia, Holland and Canada, (and top five in England and Japan). In 1996, Vanessa recorded her first solo Christmas album - the critically acclaimed and Grammy-nominated "Star Bright." There's much more magic to come from Vanessa Williams. Previous Post | Next Post

0 The Wild World of Grace Jones

• Website
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 03/08/2007

Model, actress, and song bird Grace Jones knows how to liven up a party. One of her fans recalls: "the Grace Jones Show will often devolve into mayhem. She'll throw champagne bottles at the audience, drag fans onto the stage by their hair...she once jumped at me stilettos first." "Pull up to the Bumper," "Slave to the Rhythm," "I'm not Perfect," and other punchy dance tracks from R&B glory days capture the Grace Jones audio style. Back in the day, her visual image dominated her portfolio of talent, although Grace was always serious about her musical and acting career. She appeared in several popcorn flicks, including among others: Conan the Destroyer with Arnold Schwarzenegger A View to a Kill with Roger "James Bond" Moore Boomerang with Eddie Murphy I wandered through the wild world of Grace Jones searching to find her spiritual purpose, but alas, after clicking on an endless series of flirty photographs with catchy captions, Ms. Jones as well as her eclectic website remain an entertaining mystery. 2021 Update: Her current website is less "jonesin'," and more gracious. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Reflections of Lamont Dozier

• 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