Soul Sensation

Welcome to day 3 of Kwanzaa.  "In opposition to alienation and isolation from others, fostered fear and hatred for political purposes, and a vulgar individualism at the expense of others, the principle of Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) teaches us the necessary and compelling commitment to work together to conceive and build the good community, society and world we want and deserve to live in. And this means cooperatively repairing and renewing the world.”- Dr. Maulana Karanga (inventor)

I'll take this opportunity to thank all who came out to support the PCRL/Wassifa show at the Tower Ballroom on Friday night, no it was not packed as we would have liked, but still what a fantastic vibe created by all the entertainers; Wassifa Showcase, Observer, Rockers Roadshow, Love international, Little Richie, Trevor Ranks & all the artistes them, they did a beautiful show, everyone was dancing and the floor was lively, big up as well to the two cameramen recording the show! - Cecil Morris

Sunday 28-12-2014 play list

Hour One

Keith Sweat - Think (Mama Used To Tell Me)

Eric Nolan - Reminds Me Of You

G Womack - Groove wit Yourself

Randy Crawford - Endlessly

Curtis Mayfield - You're So Good To Me

Don-E - Your Special

Joe - Very Special Friend

Dramatics - Key to The World

Jaheim - Looking For Love

Kindred The Family Soul - Call Me Crazy

Idris Alba/Maverick Sabre - You Give Me Love

D'Angelo - Sugah Daddy*

Hour Two
Luther Vandross - Better Love*
Calvin Richardson - There Goes My Baby*
Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud*

Groove Assn - Old Skool Magic
Tracy Carter - Everyday
Sunny Hawkins - Love Me To
Maze - Before I Let Go
Chaka Khan - Everywhere
Siani - Get up on The Floor

* Sorry these tacks missing due to net + studio failures.

Merry Christmas 2014

Famed boxer Muhammad Ali was admitted to an undisclosed hospital Saturday with pneumonia, his spokesman Bob Gunnell said. Ali's treatment prognosis is good, he said. "Ali, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, is being treated by his team of doctors and is in stable condition," Gunnell said in a statement. The illness was caught early, and Ali, 72, is not expected to be in the hospital long.

Muhammad Ali at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on January 2, 2013. "At this time, the Muhammad Ali family respectfully requests privacy," the statement said. Ali was born Cassius Clay and won an Olympic gold medal as a light-heavyweight at age of 18. In 1964, he became world heavyweight champion in an upset victory against then champion Sonny Liston, according to Ali's official website. Shortly thereafter changed his name to Muhammad Ali to reflect his conversion to Islam. The boxer was also known for his protest against the Vietnam War and refusal to be drafted into service out of religious conviction. He retired from boxing in 1981 and announced his diagnosis with Parkinson's Disease three years later. Get well soon Ali!

JB's home Beech Island from the 70's

Singer James Brown passed away on Christmas Day in 2006, but unfortunately the legal struggles regarding his will are STILL being contested by his family. This month, a judge will review legal documents about why each party says James Brown's "marriage" to his female companion Tomi Rae Hynie was valid or not. Hynie, is also contesting the will to fight for a share of Brown's estate, even though she was not mentioned in the will. The judge’s decision will affect whether or not Hynie will take any ownership of the estate, including Brown’s music. In this will (which was made in 2000), Brown split his money (worth tens of millions) and property between the six children he claimed and scholarship charity fund for Georgia students in need, the state where he grew up. The will also sets aside $2 million in scholarships for his seven grandchildren and divided his personal belongings, such as costumes, between those same six children. But unfortunately, none of wishes have been carried out because a few of his adult kids have challenged the will because they want to renovate Brown’s former home into a tourists attraction, much like Elvis’ Graceland. More at singersroom

Merry Christmas to readers from Mr Merry & Mickey Nold

Playlist for Sunday 21-12-2014



Hour One
Anita Baker - My Favorite Things
Paris - I Choose You
Kenny G - G-bop
Commodores - Zoom
Lose Ends - Choose Me
Cee Lo Green - This Christmas
Rena Scott - Night Dancin'
Donell Jones - The Finer Things In Life
Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud
R-Kelly - A Love Letter Christmas


Hour Two
Al Green - What Christmas Means To Me
Teddy Pendergrass - Happy Quanzaa
Anthony Hamilton - 'tis the Season

Freeeze - Southern Freeze
Joe - Express Yourself
Drifters/Clyde McPhatter - White Christmas
Bill Withers - Use Me
Phyliss Hyman - You Know How To Love Me
Joeci - Get On Up

Isaac Hayes

Thousands of demonstrators marched in Washington, New York and Boston on Saturday to protest killings of unarmed black men by police officers. Organisers said the marches were among the largest in the recent wave of protests against the killings of black males by police in Ferguson, Missouri, New York, Cleveland and elsewhere. The protests were mainly peaceful, although police in Boston said they arrested 23 people who tried to block a highway. One person was arrested in New York after two officers were assaulted by protesters, prompting a condemnation from Mayor Bill de Blasio who said the alleged assault marked “an ugly and unacceptable departure from the demonstrations thus far.”  More at:  France24

Blue & Sonny (thanks 4 music)

Within days of each other two founding members of the Manhattans have died. Winfred "Blue" Lovett,  bass singer extraordinaire of the legendary vocal group The Manhattans. He was 74. For a half century, Lovett's songwriting and singing were integral parts of one of the most popular R&B groups in the world. His composition "Kiss and Say Goodbye," introduced by his deep spoken word prologue, is still one of the most beloved soul songs ever. And while many fans knew of Lovett's terrific vocal work, fewer knew of his impeccable songwriting instincts, often combining elements of love, loss and even infidelity into songs that moved the Manhattans to the A-List of vocal groups. Lovett's death comes just a few days after the death of group co-founder Sonny Bivins, who maintained a version of the group in both good times and bad. - See more at: Soultracks

Sunday's playlist 14-12-2014



The Manhattans - Shining Star (RIP)
Bee Bee & Cee Cee Winans - You
Vincent Ingala - Just Imagine
Gwen McCrae - I Can Only Think Of You
Dangerfield Newbies - Heaven Sent
Don-E - I Don't Wanna Hold It Down
Godchild Presents - Where Are We Going
Victor Haynes - Feel
Angie Stone - Pissed Off
Anthony David - Body Language
Calvin Richardson - We Go'n Love Tonite

Isaac Hayes x3
1 Wonderful 2 The Look Of Love
3 Never Can Say Goodbye

L.J. Reynolds - Say You Will
Chaka Khan - One For All Time
Betty Wright - Whisper In The Wind
Ronnie Dyson - Make It With You
Rafael Saddiq/Teedra Moses - Chic
Katie Cole - Think About It
Odyssey - Don't Tell Me, Tell He

Isaac Hayes Biography:
Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr. (August 20, 1942 – August 10, 2008) was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and producer. Hayes was one of the creative influences behind the southern soul music label Stax Records, where he served both as an in-house songwriter and as a record producer, teaming with his partner David Porter during the mid-1960s. Hayes, Porter, Bill Withers, the Sherman Brothers, Steve Cropper, and John Fogerty were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 in recognition of writing scores of notable songs for themselves, the duo Sam & Dave, Carla Thomas, and others. Hayes is also a 2002 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. More at Wiki

The Manhattans . I Kinda Miss You by capitainfunkk

Barbara Lynn

While fans of the late songstress Aaliyah are still letting it be known that they didn’t take too kindly to Lifetime’s Wendy Williams produced biopic of the singer, it seems as if they are trying to make up for things this time around. Set to air the Angela Bassett directed biopic for the legendary Whitney Houston on January 17, the newest addition to the Lifetime Movie database has viewers on pins and needles. Aptly titled Whitney, the film will follow the supreme vocalist from her childhood as a choir girl in New Jersey up to her untimely death as an incredible superstar. Highlighting her tremulous relationship with R&B crooner Bobby Brown and her struggles with drug addiction, the short trailer gives us a taste of what can be expected once the New Year hits. Airing on the third anniversary of her death at 8 p.m., the upcoming film stars Yaya DaCosta as Whitney and Arlen Escarpeta as Bobby, while R&B songstress Deborah Cox covers each of Whitney’s vocal performances. More here

Earlier today, it was revealed that a grand jury would not indict white New York City police officer Daniel Pantaleo over the death of African American Eric Garner, whose death was caused by an illegal chokehold. The ruling comes nine days after a Ferguson, MO grand jury decided not to charge a white police officer for the murder of unarmed black teen, Michael Brown. As previously reported, Garner died during an arrest on July 17th outside of a convenience store in Staten Island. He was reportedly selling single, untaxed cigarettes -- the entire incident was caught on video. The chokehold is considered an illegal move to use in an arrest in New York and is defined by the NYPD as "any pressure to the throat or windpipe, which may prevent or hinder breathing or reduce intake of air," but according to new reports, the move has been used more this year than in a decade. Following the ruling, several members from the R&B community took to Twitter to voice their disdain and/or concerns.

R.I.P Eric Garner! "This is just so unbelievably sad and disturbing. What do I tell my young son? #Icantbreathe" - Deborah Cox
"R.I.P. Eric Garner... May your soul find rest, and may your family find comfort in their hour of mourning." - Ne-Yo
"Mayor of New York telling the truth right now." - Trey Songz
"Genocide" - Dawn Richard
"Tears fall and words won't come to me #ICantBreathe" - Anita Baker
"Trayvon happened. They wanted witnesses. Mike Brown happened. They wanted footage. Eric Garner happened. ALL not guilty or non-indictments." - Tyrese  More here

Playlist for Sunday 7-12-2014

Will Downing - Something Special
Ginuwine - Far Away
Andy McClean - Early Bird
Rene' & Angela - Imaginary Playmates
Ledisi - Stay Together
Teddy Pedergrass - My People (500 years)
Sharon Jones/Dapkings - We Get Along
Betty Wright - Thank You 4 The Many Ways
Idris Elba - Thank U For Freedom
Big Brooklyn Red - Taking It Too Far
Allen Stone - Stepin' In The Name Of Love
Wish & Blue - Your Love

Barbara Lynn x3
1 Until Then I'll Suffer 2 Disco Music
3 You Make Me So Hot

Kenny Thomas - Turn It Up
Mary J Blige - Before I Let Go
Ann Nesby - In The Spirit
Vivienne/J.Negro/Sunburst - Trust Me
Manhattans - Crazy
Plush - We've Got the Love
Jeff Redd - What Goes Around Come Around
I-Level - In The Sands

Barbara Lynn's Biography:

She was born in Beaumont, Texas in 1942, and attended Hebert High School. She played piano as a child, but switched to guitar, which she plays left-handed. Inspired by blues artists Guitar Slim and Jimmy Reed, and pop acts Elvis Presley and Brenda Lee, and winning several local talent shows, she created an all-female band, Bobbie Lynn and Her Idols. She began performing in local clubs in Texas. Singer Joe Barry saw her and introduced Lynn to producer Huey P. Meaux, who ran SugarHill Recording Studios and several record labels in New Orleans. Her first single, "You'll Lose A Good Thing", co-written by her and Meaux, was recorded at Cosimo Matassa's J&M studio with session musicians including Mac Rebennack (Dr. John). Released by Jamie Records, it was a number 1 US Billboard R&B chart hit and Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit in 1962. The song was later recorded by Aretha Franklin and became a country hit record for Freddy Fender. Lynn also released an album, also titled You'll Lose A Good Thing, which featured ten of her compositions. More at Wiki

Jimmy Ruffin (RIP)

A witness to the barbaric murder of a Birmingham businessman, butchered and left to rot under the sun beating down on a Jamaican sugar cane plantation, has pleaded: “I want these killers caught, they have ruined my life, too.” Leroy “Randy” Thompson was behind the wheel of the hire car ferrying Keith Murrain when the three killers struck, pouncing as the Edgbaston dad answered a call of nature at the roadside. The terrified victim was stripped of belongings before kidnappers slit his throat and flung the mutilated body into a shallow grave. Mr Thompson, who says he was pistol-whipped and left for dead, said he had been “interrogated” by paradise island detectives, but stressed: “I am clean.“I had nothing to do with this  More at Mail

Kenya boys invention works!  Richard Turere, 13, doesn't like lions. In fact, he hates them. Yet this bright Maasai boy has devised an innovative solution that's helping the survival of these magnificent beasts -- by keeping them away from humans. Living on the edge of Nairobi National Park, in Kenya, Turere first became responsible for herding and safeguarding his family's cattle when he was just nine. But often, his valuable livestock would be raided by the lions roaming the park's sweet savannah grasses, leaving him to count the losses. "I grew up hating lions very much," says Turere, who is from Kitengela, just south of the capital Nairobi. "They used to come at night and feed on our cattle when we were sleeping." More here

This weeks playlist Sunday 30-11-2014



Van McCoy - Let Me Down Easy
Bobby Brown - Girlfriend
Art Porter - Undercover (Inst)
Chucki Booker - Games
William Devaughn - Be Thankful.. (rmx)
Idris Elba/Maverick Sabre - You Give Me Love
Jon B - They Don't Know
Papik - Let The Music Play
Eric Benet - Why You Follow Me
Marques Houstn - Always & Forever
Nu Life - Now That I Found U
Vivian Green - Sweet Memory
Lucy Pearl - Lala

Jimmy Ruffin x3 (1936-2014)
1 Falling In Love With You 2 Family Affair
3 Tell Me What You Want

Funk Brothers - What..
... Becomes Of The Broken Hearted (inst)
Drizabone - Brightest Star
Latoya London - Scandalous
Dangerfield Newbies - Heaven Sent
Black Grass - So Many Ways
Maze - Call On Me
Curtis Mayfield - It's Alright (alt)
Lin Roundtree - Rock My World (Inst)
Shirley Brown - After A Night Like This
Stevie Wonder - All I Do
Co-Ed - Sumthin On U
Alex Latimore - Rising To The Top (Inst)

Jimmy Ruffin's Biography:

Passed 17-11-14. Jimmy Ruffin was born in Collinsville, Mississippi to Eli, a sharecropper, and Ophelia Ruffin. He was approaching his fifth birthday when his younger brother David was born. As children, the brothers began singing with a gospel group, the Dixie Nightingales.

In 1961, Jimmy became a singer as part of the Motown stable, mostly on sessions but also recording singles for its subsidiary Miracle label, but was then drafted for national service. After leaving the Army in 1964, he returned to Motown, where he was offered the opportunity to join the Temptations to replace Elbridge Bryant. However, after hearing his brother David, they hired him for the job instead so Jimmy decided to resume his solo career. Ruffin recorded for Motown's subsidiary Soul label, but with little success. More @ Wiki

after 10 years PCRL back for a day!

Tank

Idris Elba steps onto the music scene with new album, 'mi Mandela,' scheduled to drop on November 24th. During 2013, Idris had the prestigious opportunity to play the role of Nelson Mandela in the film, ‘Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom.’ Throughout the course of learning the role of Mandela, Elba was instantly inspired by the idea of ‘mi Mandela’ in Johannesburg.
"South Africa has numerous different tribes and each one has a musical expression, and each one has a very unique, different sound style," he explains. "At the time I had my studio at the apartment I was staying in while I was making Mandela - a little keyboard, a laptop - and as an experiment to myself, I vowed to keep making music." 
It took the influence of another great man to bring the concept to fruition. Idris premiered the film for his father, who then encouraged him to bring the musical album to life. With tracks recorded between trips to Johannesburg, London and Mali, the album has a variety of contributors including Mumford & Sons, James Blake and George The Poet. More at Singersroom

Lifetime’s Controversial Aaliyah Movie Receives Huge Ratings Lifetime may have faced backlash over its life story of singer Aaliyah, but the biopic, ‘Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B,’ pulled in huge ratings for the network with over 3.2 million viewers tuning in. Billboard reveals the effort ranks as the No. 2 television movie of the year. Of the 3.2 million viewers who tuned into the Nov. 15 premiere, 1.7 million were in the 18-49 demographic. The film’s executive producer, Wendy Williams, defended the movie from criticism by standing behind her ratings. “Everybody got an opinion!” the comedienne laughed on her talk show earlier this week. “Whether you loved or hate, you watched.”  Everyone from fans to the ‘Try Again’ chanteuse’s former producer Timbaland chimed in on how disappointed they were in the overall casting and storyline. He felt the movie “wasn’t done right.” “I don’t want to just diss this lady [Wendy Williams] like that, I want to know the full details, before I really, really go in,” Timbaland said. “The only thing that I know is that you are showing a mockery on TV.” More at Boombox

Mr. Merry went to a fundraising evening at Birmingham's Hyatt Hotel on Friday. It was an Awareness Night for Prostrate Cancer: 'It's A Man Thing', which is more prevalent in the black population apparently! Also present was Prof. Nick James, John Hoo, Courtney Pine & The late Andy Hamilton's family. John Hoo was recently treated for cancer by the excellent staff at  the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, he once played for Andy Hamilton's Jazz band.  The Professor of Clinical Oncology specialising in urological cancer gave an excellent oratory to a soon quite listening audience. A low cost fundraising CD was also released on the day which can be obtained from iTunes, etc,. (see flier) Guys get yourself s checked now! (see video below)

Prof. Nick James, John Hoo & Courtney Pine

Playlist for 23-11-2014

Stevie Wonder/Ngicuelela - Es Una Historia (I Am Singing)
Joe - Baby
St. Germaine - Sure Thing
El Debarge - Lay With You
Maysa - Sophisticated Lover
Groove Association - Do You Remember
Atlantic Starr - Touch A Four Leaf Clover
Victor Haynes - Feel
Gap Band - Keep Holdin' On
Don-E - Unbreakable
Collage - When You Smile
Lisa Stansfield - You Can't Deny It

Tank x3
1 You're My Star 2 My Body
3 I Can't Make You Love Me


Prostate Cancer Aware - It's A Man Thing
Curtis Mayfield - She Don't Tell Nobody
Jacksons - Heartbreak Hotel
Attitudes - Sweet Music
Jermaine Jackson - Paradise In You Eyes
Barbara Acklin - Am I The Same Girl
Al Wilson - Show & Tell
Barry White - It's Only Love Doing it's Thing
David Ruffin - Walk Away From Love

Biography for Tank:

Tank was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and moved with his family as a child to the Washington, D.C. suburb of Clinton, Maryland. He was a multi-sport athlete at Crossland High School and was offered the opportunity to play college football. However, Tank decided to focus on music and his talent eventually led him to an opportunity to sing background vocals for Ginuwine during one of Ginuwine's tours. In 2001, following Ginuwine's successful tour, Tank released his debut album Force of Nature which spawned the R&B Top Ten single "Maybe I Deserve". In 2002, Tank released his second album One Man and a single of the same name. Tank released his third solo album entitled Sex, Love & Pain on May 15, 2007. The lead single was intended to be "I Luv Dem Girls", but for unknown reasons the song was given to Marques Houston who renamed it "Strip Club" (intending to place it on his third solo album Veteran). However, "Strip Club" did not make Veteran so the final single was theTimbaland remix to "I Luv Dem Girls". The second single was "Please Don't Go". Later in the year Tank, Ginuwine and Tyrese Gibson formed a group called TGT. Their first single was a remix of "Please Don't Go." The group was put on hold due to contractional issues, but made it official by signing a contract with Atlantic Records in September 2012. Tank released his fourth studio album, Now or Never, on December 14, 2010. Tank collaborated with other artists on this project like Chris Brown, Drake, Letoya Luckett and many other artists. The singles were "Sex Music", "I Can't Make You Love Me", and "Emergency". More at Wiki

Joe Sample

While on the promotional tour for her new children's book, "Blue Moon: From the Journals of MaMa Mae and LeeLee," Alicia Keys made a pit stop on 'The Wendy Williams Show.' This past Wednesday, the R&B singer spoke to Wendy about her marriage to famed Producer, Swizz Beats, being a mother of two and the children’s book. Informing fans that the new book is based on the relationship between her grandmother and herself, she says: “It’s such an important thing, the relationship between child, mother and grandparent, and this [book] really shows that,” she explained. Walking on stage with a timeless glow, Alicia also spoke some truth to Wendy about influencing the children. “It’s about the kids, and so when everybody is able to be an adult, which we all are able to be, there’s actually a beautiful value about the way we can influence each other’s lives and the lives of the kids,” she said. singersroom

The Queen of R&B met the Queen of daytime TV on Thursday as Mary J. Blige brought The London Sessions stateside. For her first televised performance in promotion of the new album, Mary graced the stage of the “Ellen” show with a hair-raising performance of “Right Now,” written and produced by Disclosure, Sam Smith, and Jimmy Napes. She also sat down to discuss the project, which Ellen called her favorite Mary album. In anticipation of the December 2 release, Mary will perform at the American Music Awards on Nov. 23, “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on Dec. 1, and “A Very GRAMMY Christmas,” which airs Dec. 5.  This Is R&B.com

Playlist for Sunday 15-11-2014



Kenny G - If I Aint Get You
Alicia Keys - If I Ain't Got You
Grover Washington Jr - Jamming
Dionne Warwick - Move Me No Mountain
Betty Wright - Make Me Love The Rain
Don-E - You're Special
Kindred Family Soul - Call Me Crazy
Alex O'Neal - Look At It Now
Deniese Williams - 'cus You Love Me Baby
Natasha Watts - Go Slow
Angie Stone - Brotha
Barry White - Early Years

Joe Sample x3
1 Snowflake 2 The Road Less Traveled
3 In My Wildest Dreams

Glen Goldsmith - So At Ease
Next - Look After Love
Pam & Dodi - Gatta Give It Up
Dwele - I Know Your Name
Dramatics - Key To The World
William DeVaughn - Figures Can't Calculate
Loretta Wood - Do It Right
Bobby Nunn - Don't Knock It..
Rhythm Jazz - Just In Case

Joe Sample's Biography:

Joseph Leslie "Joe" Sample (February 1, 1939 – September 12, 2014) was an American pianist, keyboard player, and composer. He was one of the founding members of the Jazz Crusaders, the band which became simply the Crusaders in 1971, and remained a part of the group until its final album in 1991 (not including the 2003 reunion album Rural Renewal). Beginning in the early 1980s, he enjoyed a successful solo career and guested on many recordings by other performers and groups, including Miles Davis, George Benson, Jimmy Witherspoon, B. B. King, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, and the Supremes. Sample incorporated jazz, gospel, blues, Latin, and classical forms into his music.

On September 12, 2014, Sample died in Houston, Texas, of lung cancer at age 75. More: Wipipedia

Brook Benton

Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth of Nations member states since the end of the First World War to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. The day, specifically designated by King George V on 7 November 1919, or alternative dates, are also recognised as special days for war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth countries. Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918. Hostilities formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month", in accordance with the armistice signed by representatives of Germany and the Entente between 5:12 and 5:20 that morning. ("At the 11th hour" refers to the passing of the 11th hour, or 11:00 am.) The First World War officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on 28 June 1919. More

Well done to Jacque, it's official, we can trust her! Photo: Cat Hayward, Chief Executive of Age UK Birmingham, and Jacque Henry of Jacque of all trades (Property Maintenance Company). Age UK Birmingham recently launched its business directory of trustworthy local traders and businesses. All of the local businesses involved in the project have been checked and agree to abide by a customer charter to ensure they offer excellent customer service. By offering this service, Age UK Birmingham hopes to be able to protect older people from rogue traders and doorstep callers, presenting them an alternative and safer way to select traders and businesses. More at Mail

Playlist for Sunday 07-11-2014



Angie Stone - Sisters
Bilal -Soul Sista
George Howard - I Want You For Myself
Syleena Johnson - Another Relationship
Aaliyah - Rock The Boat (Remix)
Calvin Richardson - - We Gon' Love Tonight
Mike Winans - You Deserve A Break
Dianne Reeves - Dreams
Brian Culbertson/K.Lattimore - Another Love
Taheesha Renee - Loves Taken Over
Gwen Guthrie - Send Me Somebody

Brook Benton x3
1 It's All In The Game 2 Endlessly
3 Rainy Night In Georgia

Blue Zone - Big Thing
Venus Malone - Inhale Exhale
Luther Vandross - Get It Right
Gerry Woo - Help Yourself
Algebra Blessett - U Do It For Me
Faith Evans - I Just Can't
Michael Cooper - Steppin To A Love Song
Fried - Sugar Water Days
Tracy Carter - Everyday
Davina - So Good

Brook Benton's Biography:

Brook Benton, born Benjamin Franklin Peay, (September 19, 1931 – April 9, 1988) was an American singer and songwriter who was popular with rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and pop music audiences during the late 1950s and early 1960s, when he scored hits such as "It's Just A Matter Of Time" and "Endlessly", many of which he co-wrote. He made a comeback in 1970 with the ballad "Rainy Night in Georgia." Benton scored over 50 Billboard chart hits as an artist, and also wrote hits for other performers. More at wiki

Maurice Norton 1925-2014 (He loved his radio)

Angela Bofill

Cecil Morris & Beji from Observer Sound are putting together a '30 years in the business' dance with tributes to parted PCRL DJ's and Reggae legend singers like John Holt. It's been 10 years since PCRL was forced off air after consortium of local radio stations threatened to serve a writ against the station.

Having just lost a court case against the government, it was unlikely that they could have survived the large writ and legal costs, so was forced off the air after decades of broadcasting! Mr Merry's radio station and dozens more around the country owe there existence thanks to the the fight these guys stood up for! So if you have fond memories of the old station or just enjoy revival music please come along and join us at this celebration.



Play list for Sunday 1-11-2014



Dru Hill - Tell Me
Mica Paris - Six Street
Vincent Ingala - Just Imagine
Anthony Hamilton - I Tried
Brian McKnight - U Turn
Carmen Lundy - Everything I Need
Angela Johnson - I Promise (M.O.N.E.Y)
Cie - When I Think
Ty Macklin - Soul Lover
Deborah Cox - On Wish
Lorretta - Miss You
Heatwave - Mind Blowing Decisions

Angela Bofill x3
1 Gotta Make It Up To Yo
2 Something About You
3 Baby I Need Your Love

Victor Haynes - Feel
Zanye - Crazy Love
William Bell - Headline News
Groove Assn - Somethings Changed
 "           "       - Old Skool Magic
Terri Wells - Just Like Dreamin'
Lisa Stansfield - Whan Are You Coming Back?
Roy Ayers - Love Will Bring Us Back Together

Angela Bofill's Biography:

Angela Bofill was born to a Cuban father and a Puerto Rican mother. She performed with Ricardo Marrero & the Group and Dance Theater of Harlem chorus prior to being introduced to Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen (of the jazz label GRP Records) by her friend, the jazz flautist Dave Valentin.  Grusin and Rosen signed Bofill and produced her first album, Angie, in 1978. Angie was well received both critically and commercially and included the chart single "This Time I'll Be Sweeter" (co-written by Gwen Guthrie), as well as Bofill's sprawling jazz composition, "Under the Moon and Over the Sky". Less than a year later, a second album, Angel of the Night was released and outperformed its predecessor. The album included the chart singles "What I Wouldn't Do (For the Love of You)" and the up tempo title track, as well as the self-written song "I Try" (covered by Will Downing in 1991). The reception of these albums positioned Bofill as one of the first Latina singers to find success in the R&B and jazz markets. More at Wiki

Conscious Plat

The Reggae singer and songwriter, John Holt, has died.THE FAMILY of the late reggae legend John Holt, has confirmed that the singer died of cancer.Holt's nephew, Tex exclusively told The Voice, that his uncle was ill with cancer, and passed away in the early hours of Monday morning (Oct 20). Tex, told The Voice: "We've only known about the cancer for a few months.
The singer, who was 69 years old, was being treated at The Wellington Hospital in St John's Wood, northwest London. Tex added: "I have so many fond memories of him enjoying life and having fun. He always looked to the bright side." The musician is well known for writing and singing the original version of The Tide Is High in 1967 - which was later covered by Blondie, Gregory Isaacs and Atomic Kitten. Holt’s childhood friend, and fellow Jamaican singer, Winston Francis – also known as King Cool – last spoke to Holt last week. He said to The Voice: “He told me he wasn’t very well. He said to me ‘I can only pray and keep my fingers crossed’.” Francis added: “I feel proud to have known John. He was such a gentleman and always so dignified.” Born on July 11 1945 in Kingston, Jamaica, Holt came to prominence as lead singer of the group The Paragons. Their hits included Ali Baba, Tonight and I See Your Face. Holt left the band in 1970 to focus on his solo career, where his 1972 single Stick by Me went on to become the biggest selling Jamaican record of that same year. Famed for incorporating orchestras in his live shows, his romantic love songs, and his iconic album 1,000 Volts of Holt, the Jamaican singer found favour with his powerful live performances, and is widely considered reggae royalty amongst the genre’s aficionados. The reggae community was stunned by the news that the icon had passed away, and tributes have poured in from the international artists including Shaggy, Sean Paul and Beverley Knight. The family are currently arranging the funeral details, and have confirmed that Holt's body will be sent to Jamaica for burial. (the voice)

Mary J Blige will be performing at the NIA, Saturday 15th November. Her new album might be called The London Sessions, but Mary J. Blige is giving us true Brooklyn MJB in the official music video to her UK single “Right Now“! Serving as the lead track from her upcoming LP, the Disclosure-produced track has been receiving a high amount of praise from Mary’s dedicated fans. With 20+ years as a dominating force in the industry, it’s no question as to why she’s been dubbed “The Queen”. From riding around London town in her black Bentley to taking over the stage at a dance club, this video will remind you just why you love Mary J. oh so much.

Playlist Sunday 26-10-2014



Wendell B - When It Don't Make Sense
Angie Stone - Do What U Gotta Do
Grover Washington Jr. - Jamming
Monique Thomas - Daughter Shine
Eric Nolan - Reminds Me
Garcia - Praying For Rain
Joe - Future TEller
Victor Haynes - My Time Is Right Here
Jack Radics - Good Lovin'
Yasmine Amari - Chose To Be
Garvin Christoher - WE'll Always Be Together
Bo Kirkland & Ruth Davis - You're Gonna Get Next To Me
Barry White - Midnight & You

Conscious Plat x 3
1 I'm A Queen 2 My Sistah 3 Black Pharaohs

Just Right Band - I Want More
Linda Clifford - I Just Can't Let This Good Thing Get Away
Don-E - (loose Ends Remix)
Gary Brown - - Somebody Been Sleeping In My Bed
Side Effect - SOS
Ronnie Mc Neir - Everybody's In A Hurry
John Holt (RIP) - Never, Never, Never
Al Hudson & Soul Partners - Spread Love

Conscious Plat Biography:

I am Conscious Plat a Nubian Queen who is a singer, writer and poet. My music is available on Itunes, Amazon and CD Baby. I create songs and poetry for the purpose of empowering The People. My mission is to impact many with my poetry and songs. I want to reach as many of my people as possible but even if I reach a few, I am still victorious. I promote Black Unity and Black Love. We must bond together if we want to rise above our adversities. Peace

Their website closed in 2013, but this was the welcome message: Welcome to The Conscious African Mind. This site was created by singer songwriter Conscious Plat for the purpose of Uniting People of African descent. The various videos, blogs and other post does not necessarily reflect the views of Conscious Plat. Members are welcome to freely post content to the site but are encouraged to do so in a respectful manor. Religious preferences, Political views, etc. are not a determining factor for membership at The Conscious African Mind. Our main goals are promoting unity, circulating knowledge, peace and love.  (Facebook)