0 June Pointer's Classic Soul Legacy

• Website
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 04/15/2006

Anita, Bonnie, Ruth, and June Pointer are four trail blazing sisters. The fact that they've sustained a long and successful career speaks well for their talent. I'm personally disappointed that the soulful Pointer Sisters didn't get as much airplay on traditional black radio as they deserved. June Pointer passed away from cancer in Los Angeles on Tuesday, April 11, at the age of 52. The official Pointer Sisters website has a nice biography of June Pointer (link removed - no longer available), as well as more significant Pointer Sisters stuff of interest to all fans of great music. When I'm in a public place that plays pop music, I'm fascinated by how when a Pointer Sisters song comes on, people of all ages and backgrounds start singing along (with the effect of lifting their spirits and mood). So long June. Thank you for your music. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Patti Labelle and Smokey Robinson to host the Pioneer Awards

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 04/14/2006

The City of Philadelphia has rescued the cash strapped Rhythm & Blues Foundation, allowing the organization to revive it's Pioneer Awards (for soul legends), coming this June to the city of brotherly love. Philadelphia, the state of Pennsylvania, and business leaders have provided enough financial incentive for the R&B Foundation to vacate the big apple, New York City, and move to Philly town. We last heard from the Pioneer Awards in 2003. This year's showcase will be held during black music month, on June 29th. Patti Labelle and Smokey Robinson will host the ceremony. Chubby Checker, Bettye LaVette, Barbara Mason, The Delfonics, and producer Thom Bell will receive honors. At this year's Philadelphia ceremony, Motown founder Berry Gordy will receive a lifetime achievement award. Otis Redding will receive a posthumous Legacy Tribute Award. For more information about this organization's great charitable work, visit the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. next post