0 Jerry Butler and Brenda Lee Eager's December Song

• Interview
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 12/11/2007

"Ain't Understanding Mellow," Jerry Butler and Brenda Lee Eager's dazzling duet hit the charts on December 11, 1971, eventually becoming a #3 R&B hit. One of those rare quiet storm songs that builds slowly to a sensational climax, "Ain't Understanding Mellow" was Eager's biggest hit, and her first. Discovered in the Windy City of Chicago, Brenda Lee went on to record several other songs with Jerry Butler. Flashback 25 years to my special conversation with the Ice Man Jerry Butler from the PowerhouseRadio.com archive. Previous Post | Next Post

0 50th Annual Grammy Grab to Spotlight Great R&B

• Commentary
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 12/10/2007

There a 7 R&B categories in the 50th Annual Grammy Awards to be held Sunday, February 10th, 2008, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Eligible music was released between October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007. Once upon a time the Grammy honorees shared about 26 awards each year. Now with over 100 categories and enough awards to stroke everyone's ego, the special nature of winning has been watered down. If all of the nominated records in the Best R&B album category are new productions, rather than reissues, then what's the difference between this category and the Best Contemporary R&B album? Maybe it's an artificial separation between some old school and new school performers. Here are 5 of the 7 R&B categories and the nominees: Best Female R&B Vocal Performance "Just Fine" Mary J. Blige "When I See You" Fantasia "No One" Alicia Keys "If I Have My Way" Chrisette Michele "Hate On Me" Jill Scott Best Male R&B Vocal Performance "Woman" Raheem DeVaughn "B.U.D.D.Y." Musiq Soulchild "Because Of You" Ne-Yo "Future Baby Mama" Prince "Please Don't Go" Tank Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals "Same Girl" R. Kelly Featuring Usher "Disrespectful" Chaka Khan Featuring Mary J. Blige "Hate That I Love You" Rihanna Featuring Ne-Yo "Baby" Angie Stone Featuring Betty Wright "Bartender" T-Pain Featuring Akon Best R&B Album Funk This Chaka Khan Lost & Found Ledisi Luvanmusiq Musiq Soulchild The Real Thing Jill Scott Sex, Love & Pain Tank Best Contemporary R&B Album Konvicted Akon Just Like You Keyshia Cole Fantasia Fantasia East Side Story Emily King Because Of You Ne-Yo Grammy.com has all of the Grammy Nominees and categories. Previous Post | Next Post

0 7 Top Soulful Picks for Classic R&B 2007

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 12/06/2007

If you look hard enough, and dig deep enough, you can always find good new music. Here are our 7 Top Soulful Picks for Classic R&B 2007 in order. The releases all reflect the best traditions of vintage classic soul you or someone on your gift list will enjoy. 7 Top Soulful Picks for Classic R&B 2007: Diana Ross - I Love You - Thoroughly enjoyable over repeated listening. Mostly hit parade oldies from the catalogue of others served up Diana Ross style, packed with diva charm all the way. Alicia Keys - As I Am - When Stevie Wonder recorded the albums Where I'm Coming From and Music of My Mind in 1971 and 1972, he pushed the boundaries of what people expected from R&B. He also pushed himself forward into uncharted waters as a creative artist. Alicia Keys has taken some risks with As I Am, and has crafted one of the most inventive albums of the year. Excellent stuff. Thelma Houston - A Woman's Touch - Mostly danceable chestnuts from a grab bag of good time hits and heavies we all remember. A nice effort putting Thelma Houston back in the game. Chaka Khan - Funk This - Features one of the best tracks of the year, "Disrespectful," with Mary J. Blige. Almost as adventurous as the Alicia Keys release, Chaka lets loose with new tunes and some classics you might not expect. Nominated for a best R&B album Grammy (2007). Let the funky times roll. Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration - various artists - 50 fabulous tracks from the Stax Records vault to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the southern soul giant. They did make one mistake. Isaac Hayes' "Shaft" appears in its 3 minute 10 second single form, rather than the 4 minute 30 second full version. For a song that won both a Grammy and Academy Award, I would have used the album version. Chris Jasper - Invincible - The former Isley Brother creates a spiritually uplifting collection of praise worthy songs fusing sacred themes with secular grooves reminiscent of his past hits with the guys. Patti LaBelle - Miss Patti's Christmas - LaBelle's Christmas album is the best soul/R&B holiday release of 2007. A joyous Hallelujah! Previous Post | Next Post

0 George Clinton is Commander in Chief of P-Funk

• Website
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 12/04/2007

George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic were all inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. P-funk master George, who will turn 68 next year, shows no sign of slowing down. "One Nation Under a Groove," Chocolate City," "Atomic Dog," "Flashlight." George Clinton's resume of funky hits are fan favorites. Innovators usually work hard for their success, and in the early years, George was no exception. He relates a very funny Parliament/Funkadelic story to Marc Taylor in Marc's excellent book, A Touch of Classic Soul 2: The Late 1970's. George Clinton is Commander in Chief of P-Funk. Catch the full back story on his official web site. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Corinne Bailey Rae Wins Song Honor

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 11/29/2007

Congratulations to British song bird Corinne Bailey Rae, who has been honored by song publisher Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI). Rae's song, "Put Your Records On," has been acknowledged as one of the most performed songs on U.S. radio and television during the past 12 months. Rae is currently at Abbey Road Studios in London working with Herbie Hancock on his upcoming Joni Mitchell tribute album, River: The Joni Letters. Letters will feature well-known jazz musicians including Wayne Shorter. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Alicia Keys Serenades the World with Hot Numbers

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 11/27/2007

Alicia Keys As I Am is a global hit. We reviewed the CD in the Powerhouse Radio Newsletter November 15, 2007 edition, emailed to our newsletter subscribers earlier in the month. I love the CD. It goes far beyond the predictable mold of most contemporary R&B - soul and hip-hop releases. AliciaKeys.com, Alicia's official web site, shares the good international news about her album: USA #1 Switzerland #1 Holland #2 Singapore #2 Italy #3 France #5 New Zealand #5 Germany #6 Portugal #7 Austria #9 Australia #15 Norway #20 Denmark #22 As I Am is #1 at iTunes in Germany, Austria, Canada, Holland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. It is #2 in France and Belgium. My favorite among many songs from the album: "Superwoman." Previous Post | Next Post

1 Thanksgiving Message from Bama the Village Poet

• Flashback
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 11/21/2007

The Last Poets, Gil Scott-Heron, Nikki Giovanni, Sekou Sundiata, and others have married music with the spoken word to deliver powerful political messages. Another artist of this genre is Bama the Village Poet. Though mostly forgotten, his Ghettos of the Mind, released in 1974, delivered an array of entertaining, ironic, sarcastic and witty words scored to the beat of musicians Bernard Purdie, Cornell Dupree, Richard Tee, Gordon Edwards, and Billy Jackson. Bama observed the world, and he critiqued it, with humor and eloquence. Here's the original vinyl album cover complete with my hand written notes. Listen to his classic piece, "Thanksgiving." It's no turkey. 2021 Update: Watch / Listen below to the updated HD (high definition) "Thanksgiving" production courtesy of our sister website Quikthinking.com. Previous Post | Next Post

0 J.B. Sings White Christmas for You

• Christmas
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 11/19/2007

How many guys can claim that they've recorded the first Irving Berlin Music Company approved rendition of "White Christmas" since 1954. J.B., pictured here, claims this honor. Berlin wrote this song in 1942. With over 500 versions out there, what does this Savannah, Georgia native, J.B., now living in Atlanta, bring to "White Christmas?" Listen to the first 45 seconds of the track, and find out. Your browser does not support the audio element. J.B.'s "White Christmas" is smooth. Do you hear just a little touch of Freddie Jackson? Find out more about J.B. at JbSings.com 2021 Update: J.B.'s website is sunset. Previous Post | Next Post

0 The Dells Stay In Your Corner

• Flashback
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 11/15/2007

The Dells are among a small group of unique vocal groups who bridged the transition between 1950's doo-wop and 1970's classic soul. 3 Delights from The Dells: "Oh What A Night" "Stay In My Corner" "I Can Sing A Rainbow/Love Is Blue" Like Ray, Goodman and Brown, (formerly The Moments), The Dells borrowed from the harmonies of the doo-wop era, creatively integrating fresh vocals into the changing style of R&B as the group moved forward. "Stay In My Corner" was a #1 R&B hit for The Dells in 1968. "Oh What A Night" was a #1 R&B hit for the group in 1969. The Dells first recorded the song in 1956 reaching #4 on the R&B charts using the song title "Oh What A Nite." Through 1992, The Dells had 47 charted R&B hits. Travel through the years with The Mighty Dells on their official website to discover their amazing story. Previous Post | Next Post

1 Top 25 Christmas Holiday Songs

• Christmas
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 11/14/2007

What are the top 25 Christmas holiday songs in the past 5 years? ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers has put together a list based upon radio airplay. Some quick facts: Oldest songs: "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and "Winter Wonderland" (both 1934) Newest song: "Do They Know It's Christmas? (Feed the World)" (1984) Most recorded holiday song: "White Christmas" with over 500 versions in dozens of languages Songs introduced in film and television: "White Christmas" in Holiday Inn (1942) "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" in Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) "Silver Bells" in The Lemon Drop Kid (1950) "A Holly Jolly Christmas" in TV special Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1962) Writer with most top holiday songs: Johnny Marks with 3 - "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," and "A Holly Jolly Christmas" "Sleigh Ride" is the only holiday song written originally as an instrumental for a symphony orchestra. The Boston Pops Orchestra gave the first performance in a concert conducted by Arthur Fiedler at Symphony Hall in Boston, May 4, 1948. The Boston Pops Orchestra recorded it in June of 1949. Mitchell Parish added lyrics in 1949. Here's the ASCAP list. We've added a classic soul or R&B artist who has recorded the song (if applicable). At the end of the list, you'll find a link revealing the artists who get credit for having the most popular versions (based on radio airplay). 1. "Winter Wonderland" Written by: Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith Aretha Franklin 2. "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells Nat "King" Cole 3. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" Written by: Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin Dionne Warwick with Gladys Knight 4. "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" Written by: Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie Jackson 5 5. "White Christmas" Written by: Irving Berlin Otis Redding 6. "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" Written by: Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne Smokey Robinson and the Miracles 7. "Jingle Bell Rock" Written by: Joseph Carleton Beal, James Ross Boothe Persuasions 8. "Sleigh Ride" Written by: Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish The Ronettes (most popular artist) 9. "Little Drummer Boy" Written by: Katherine K. Davis, Henry V. Onorati, Harry Simeone Stevie Wonder 10. "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" Written by: Johnny Marks Ray Charles 11. "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" Written by: Edward Pola, George Wyle Performed by: Andy Williams (most popular artist) 12. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" Written by: Walter Kent, Kim Gannon, Buck Ram Al Green 13. "Silver Bells" Written by: Jay Livingston, Ray Evans Lou Rawls 14. "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" Written by: Johnny Marks Performed by: Brenda Lee (most popular artist) 15. "Feliz Navidad" Written by: Jos? Feliciano Jos? Feliciano (most popular artist) 16. "Frosty The Snowman" Written by: Steve Nelson, Walter E. Rollins The Ronettes (most popular artist) 17. "A Holly Jolly Christmas" Written by: Johnny Marks Burl Ives (most popular artist) 18. "Blue Christmas" Written by: Billy Hayes, Jay W. Johnson Elvis Presley (most popular artist) 19. "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" Written by: Meredith Willson Johnny Mathis (most popular artist) 20. "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" Written by: Tommie Connor (PRS) En Vogue 21. "Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)" Written by: Gene Autry, Oakley Haldeman Rupaul 22. "(There's No Place Like) Home For The Holidays" Written by: Bob Allen, Al Stillman Perry Como (most popular artist) 23. "Carol Of The Bells" Written by: Peter J. Wilhousky, Mykola Leontovich Yolanda Adams 24. "Do They Know It's Christmas? (Feed the World)" Written by: Midge Ure (PRS), Bob Geldof (PRS) Band Aid (most popular artist) 25. "Wonderful Christmastime" Written by: Paul McCartney (PRS) Paul McCartney (most popular artist) All of the most popular artists singing these songs are noted in the ASCAP Top 25 holiday songs for the last 5 years on their website (along with their methodology for compiling the list). Check out our review of the Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, and the Powerhouse Radio Christmas holiday playlist. Let's wrap things up with 10 Legendary Classic Soul Christmas favorites: "The Christmas Song" Nat "King" Cole "Every Year, Every Christmas" Luther Vandross "Silent Night" Temptations "This Christmas" Donny Hathaway "Someday At Christmas" Stevie Wonder "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" Jackson 5 "White Christmas" Drifters "Happy Holidays To You" Whispers "Christmas In Hollis" Run DMC "Christmas Rappin'" Kurtis Blow Previous Post | Next Post