Rufus & Chaka Khan

In the news this week...US Blues news sources are carrying the story that Floyd Taylor died last Thursday 20th February. He was aged 60. His younger brother TJ Hooker Taylor said "He died pretty much the way my dad died: a heart attack at the age of 60." "Dad" of course was soul legend Johnnie Taylor who died of a heart attack aged just 66.

Floyd Taylor was born in Chicago in 1954 to Mildred Singletary and Johnnie Taylor who was then an itinerant Gospel singer. As a young man, Floyd was determined to pursue a music career and in 1973 he formed a group called The Peace Band. He then spent some time in his father's road band before signing a solo deal with Malaco Records where he released two albums. He then worked for CDS Records and Arita Records for whom he cut his last long player 'Shut 'Um Down' which featured a passable cover of his father's 'What About My Love'. In 1998 he was voted "Entertainer Of The Year" by the Chicago Blues Society. (soultracks)

The first Black woman to win the crown of Miss Israel says she believes the country has real problems with its treatment of refugees and immigrants from Africa, but that the situation is improving. I’m not ashamed to say that there is racism in Israel; it’s a problem, but it’s a problem that Israel is working on and it’s something that Israel is trying to fix and it’s actually improving,” Yityish “Titi” Aynaw, 22, told BuzzFeed in an interview at the lobby of Washington, D.C.’s Palomar Hotel.“ I don’t feel the racism, me, exactly,” Aynaw said. “But my family feels it sometimes.” more: atlantablackstar

Seven people have been charged with drug offences after a series of police raids at homes on the road dubbed 'Benefits Street', including one of the stars of the Channel 4 programme known as 'Black Dee' .Samora Roberts, 32, who is known as 'Black Dee' on the programme which follows the life of people living off benefits in James Turner Street, Winson Green, was among those charged following the raids. She has been charged with conspiracy to supply a class B controlled drug, conspiracy to supply a class A controlled drug (crack cocaine), possession of a Class A controlled drug (diamorphine), and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate. The drug raids took place in June 2013 following concerns raised by the local community. Also charged is Tina Thomas, 46, on counts of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs (cannabis) and possession of ammunition without a certificate. Charlene Wilson, 29, faces counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine) and Class B drugs (cannabis) and possession of diamorphine. Ian Wright, 38, is charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine) and conspiracy to supply Class B drugs (cannabis). Monique Walker, 28, is charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine) and Marvin Scott, 37, faces a count of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine).All six live on James Turner Street. express&star

Mr Merry gave away a free ticket today for Mary Wilson's show; The Drum will present Up Close with Mary Wilson of The Supremes on Tuesday, February 25 at 7pm, as part of the venue's 20th anniversary celebrations. A spokesman for The Drum said: "This will be a unique opportunity to hear Mary perform, ask her questions, and learn more about the life, influences and experiences of a sensational artist whose career clashed with an era of great political and social transformation. "Ms Wilson and The Supremes broke colour barriers in the 1960s as one of the era's most successful singing groups, charting an amazing twelve Number 1's between 1964 - 69, spreading the sound of Motown across America and opening the door for future African American R&B and Soul musicians to find mainstream success. "Still performing with the same passion, Mary is now using her fame and flair to promote humanitarian efforts around the world as an author, motivational speaker, and former US Cultural Ambassador. Join us for an unforgettable evening of fantastic music and fascinating discussion with a true legend." birmingham mail

 This Weeks play list, Sunday 23rd. February 2014



Hour One
Johnnny Gill - Feels So Much Better
Deborah Cox - Sound Of My Tears
Euge Groove - Just My Imagination
Dianne Reeves - Dreams
Eric Benet - Don't Let Go
Jeniqua - Making Love
Jennifer Holiday - It's Not ABout You
Seasons & Reasons - Rewind
Jean Terrell - How Can I Live Without Love
Kase Sounds - Cover Me
Lauren Hill - Nothing Even Matters
Betty Wright - I Miss Ya

Hour Two
Rufus & Chaka Khan: Sweet Thing,
You Can Make The Story Right & Do You Know What I Feel


Gap Band - Keep Holding On
Two Tons Of Fun - Never Like This Before
Joe - Express Yourself
Charles Wright  - Express Yourself
Beres Hammond - Do This World A Favor
Algebra Blessett - U Do It For Me
Atlantic Starr - Silver Shaddow
James Brown - Get On The Good Foot (Pt. 1)
Glen Goldsmith - Dreaming

Rufus & Chaka Khan Biography:

This Chicago-based group evolved from the American Breed when three original members, Al Ciner (guitar), Charles Colbert (bass) and Lee Graziano (drums), were joined by Kevin Murphy (keyboards), Paulette McWilliams (vocals), Ron Stockard and Dennis Belfield. Initially known as Smoke, then Ask Rufus, it was several months before a stable unit evolved. Graziano made way for Andre Fisher, but the crucial change came when Chaka Khan (Born Yvette Marie Stevens, 23 March 1953, Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Illinois, USA) joined in place of McWilliams. The group, now known simply as Rufus, signed with the ABC label in 1973, but made little headway until a chance encounter with Stevie Wonder during sessions for a second album. Impressed by Khan's singing, he donated an original song, "Tell Me Something Good", which, when issued as a single, became a gold disc. It began a run of exceptional releases, including "You Got The Love" (1974), "Sweet Thing" (1975) and "At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up)" (1977), all of which topped the R&B chart. By this time Rufus had stabilized around Khan, Murphy, Tony Maiden (guitar), Dave Wolinski (keyboards), Bobby Watson (bass) and John Robinson (drums), but it was clear that the singer was the star attraction. She began recording as a solo act in 1978, but returned to the fold in 1980 for Masterjam, which contained "Do You Love What You Feel", another number 1 soul single. Khan continued to pursue her own career and perform with Rufus, who secured an international hit in 1983 with "Ain't Nobody". The song was written by Wolinski, by now an established figure in soul circles through his work on Michael Jackson's Off The Wall. The distinction between Chaka Khan's successful solo recordings and her work with Rufus has become blurred over the years, but it remains arguable whether or not she achieved the same empathy elsewhere.

Discography:
Rufus (ABC 1973)**, Rags To Rufus (ABC 1974)****, Rufusized (ABC 1975)****, Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan (ABC 1975)***, Ask Rufus (ABC 1977)***, Street Player (ABC 1978)***, Numbers (ABC 1979)*, Masterjam (MCA 1979)***, Party 'Til You're Broke (MCA 1981)**, Camouflage (MCA 1981


Chaka Khan & Rufus - Sweet Thing by PeteRock