Powerhouse Radio Blog

News
by Kingsley H. Smith
12/12/2007

Ike Turner, an R&B and rock innovator, has passed away at the age of 76. Ike & Tina Turner were shocking audiences 40 years ago with an explosive show featuring the leggy lady Ikettes, Tina's dynamic moves, and Ike's slave driver dominance of the band. His abuse of Tina Turner is well documented in the movie, What's Love Got To Do With It. Ike formed his first band, the Kings of Rhythm, while he was still in school. He played guitar on some early rock and roll hits in the 1950's, including the song "Rocket 88" in 1951 by saxophonist Jackie Brenston, (recorded at the famous Sun Studios in Memphis). By 1956, Tina Turner became a vocalist with Ike, and in 1958, the same year they were married, she became the band's lead vocalist. Between 1958 and 1966, Ike and Tina worked hard to establish their reputation as gifted electric entertainers. Producer Phil Spector gave them their first big break leading to international success in 1966, with "River Deep, Mountain High," a #3 hit in the U.K. Despite the global acceptance of "River Deep, Mountain High," the song did not connect as well with American audiences. By 1969, Ike and Tina were recording cover songs originally performed by Sly & The Family Stone, and The Beatles. Another cover, "Proud Mary" from Creedence Clearwater Revival's songbook propelled the duo to #4 on the U.S. charts in 1971. Just this year, Ike Turner won a 2007 Grammy Award in the traditional blues album category for Risin' with The Blues. Ike will probably be most remembered as a tragic figure. Despite exceptional musical talent, his demons of drug addition and wife-abusing are always going to be associated with his legend. Previous Post | Next Post

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