Millie Jackson

After Katrina in 2005

In this weeks news...Fats Domino's restored white piano is to become a museum piece in his native New Orleans, Louisiana after Sir Paul McCartney helped fund the instrument's restoration. The Steinway grand was salvaged from the star's flooded home after 2005's Hurricane Katrina and it has been meticulously returned to its former glory thanks to donations from music producer Allan Slaight, McCartney and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Happy again!

Domino's piano will go on show next year (2014) as part of a major Louisiana State Museum music exhibition. It's not the only historical Steinway McCartney has helped to restore in recent years - he also helped pay for the makeover of the Motown museum's piano, which recently went on show in Detroit, Michigan.(contact music)

Had James brown lived he would have been 80 years of age on Friday. His tiny monument in Augusta GA is,  after 8 years now rusting and in a poorly maintained condition, just as the observer say's: "He wouldn't have appeared on stage this way." But we can still remember him for all his great work  -  that cannot be taken from his memory. 

Nishkam Centre

If you are a parent or a carer of a disabled child you are invited to attend the first Birmingham “Include ME TOO” BME Family Support Network Event that will be taking place on:

Date: Tuesday 21st May 2013
Times: Daytime: 10am –12.30pm – session 1
Evening: 6.00pm – 8.30pm – session 2
Venue: Nishkam Centre, 6 Soho Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, B21 9BH
The Nishkam Centre is a new six million pound building and has all the modern facilities, refreshments will also be served. More info: PCRL

News has just reached us that the bassist for the groups Funkadelic and Parliament, Cordell Mosson, has died. He was 60. With Gary Shider, Cordell left New Jersey and traveled to Canada as a teenager. The pair joined a group called United Soul, who led to an introduction to George Clinton, for the duo. George produced some of the sides recorded by the group, which were later renamed U.S. Music with Funkadelic.

Gary and Cordell were then invited by George to join his ensembles called Parliament and Funkadelic.

From 1972 onwards, Cordell became an integral part of the groups, remaining with Funkadelic until the group disbanded. Cordell's name as spelled on his birth certificate is Cardell Mosson. This led to some confusion regarding album credits on the group's sleeves. Cordell is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted in 1997 with fifteen other members of the groups Parliament and Funkadelic. (bootsy/soulwalking)

Don't forget to click my 'like/friends' buttons, finally have a nice May Bank Holiday, see you all next Sunday...

This weeks playlist for Sunday, 5th. May 2013

Hour One

Ann Nesby - Where Would I Be
Eric Benet' - Love The Hurt
Gerald Albright - Anniversary [welcome bed]
Jaheim - Waiting On You
Phil Perry - You Send Me
Fantasia - You Got Me Waiting
Freddie Jackson - Jam Tonight

Gerald LeVert - Greater Later
Syleena Johnson - Guess What
Luther VanDross - She Loves me Back
           / I Won't let You Do That To Me
D'Angelo - Spanish Joint

Hour Two
'Three-Inna-Row': Millie Jackson
1 Young Man, Older Woman
2 I Can't Say Goodbye
3 If Your Not Back In Love By Monday

Lisa Stansfield - When Are You Coming Back
Womack & Womack - Life Is Just a Ballgame
Coke Escovedo - Runaway
Bill Withers - Use Me
Deborah Cox - One Wish
Eric Roberson/Phonte - Been In Love
Phyllis Hyman - Don't Tell Me Tell Her
Barbara Lynn - You Make Me So Hot
I-Level - In The Sand

Millie Jackson Biography:

Born 15 July 1944, Thompson, Georgia, USA. A former model, Millie Jackson's controversial singing career began professionally in 1964 at a club in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA. Her first recordings followed in 1970; over the next three years she made several excellent, if traditional, soul singles, which included two US R&B Top 10 entries, with "Ask Me What You Want" and "My Man, A Sweet Man". "Hurts So Good", a song from a pseudo-feminist "blaxploitation" movie, Cleopatra Jones, was Jackson's biggest hit to date, reaching US number 24, but her subsequent direction was more fully shaped in 1974 with the release of Caught Up. With backing from the Muscle Shoals rhythm section, the tracks included a fiery interpretation of "(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right'. The accompaniment intensified the sexual element in her work as Millie embraced either the pose of adulteress or of wronged wife. A further collection, Still Caught Up, continued the saga, but Jackson's style later verged on self-parody as she progressed down an increasingly blind alley. The raps became longer and more explicit, and two later albums, Feelin" Bitchy and Live & Uncensored, required warning stickers for public broadcast.

Despite excursions into C&W and a collaboration with Isaac Hayes, Jackson seemed unable to abandon her "bad mouth" role, exemplified in 80s titles such as "Sexercise Pts 1 & 2" and "Slow Tongue (Working Your Way Down)". Despite her strong cult following, the only occasion on which Jackson made any significant impact on the US or UK pop singles market was in 1985 when duetting with Elton John on "Act Of War", which reached the UK Top 40. She continued to enjoy a string of US R&B hits, including "Hot! Wild! Unrestricted! Crazy Love" and "Love Is A Dangerous Game', but a creative nadir was reached with 1989"s Back To The S**t!, which featured Jackson sitting on a toilet on the front cover. In the early 90s, Jackson wrote the play Young Man, Older Woman, which with a run of four years proved more successful than her concurrent music releases. By the end of the decade Jackson had begun to establish herself as a leading radio host, with this work taking precedence over her recording career.

Millie Jackson possesses one of soul's outstanding voices, yet sadly chooses to limit its obvious potential in favour of her trademark lewd rapping. Nearly all of Jackson's Spring albums saw CD release in the 90s on the UK Ace's Southbound label.

Al Green

In the news this week.... Lauryn Hill has managed to avoid jail time by signing a last minute deal with Sony. In order to pay the $504,000 in back taxes which she owes, Sony will receive five songs from Hill, and will also provide recording funds for a new album, which the label will release. (AP)

 Mention Omar is known as "The Godfather of UK Soul" for his unique mix of R&B, jazz, funk and Latin music. Artists from Erykah Badu to Stevie Wonder have worked with him and his work has been influential, especially to the growth of the neo-soul movement. Yet he has never truly broken through in the United States, despite the massive success of his seminal hit “There’s Nothing Like This” in the UK. He has only released a handful albums in his more than 20 years of recording—which means that the release of any new Omar album is truly an event. On June 18, 2013, Shanachie Entertainment will release Omar’s first new album in seven years, a work titled most aptly THE MAN, featuring Caron Wheeler of Soul II Soul, Stuart Zender of Jamiroquai and Pino Palladino.

We have a sneak peek at the album with the title track, another great piece of funky, jazzy soul from the master. Check out "The Man" below and tell us what you think! (soultracks)

TJ  Boyce

The Houston, Texas R&B man T.J. Boyce is gearing up to release his debut EP entitled “The Life,” and he's letting out some snippets here and there to a welcoming audience around the world. While TJ is finalizing the EP, he's released to SoulTracks another sneak peek at The Life. It's a smooth, slinky slow jam called "Heaven" that has an old school vibe we think you'll like. Check it out and tell us what you think of T.J. Boyce! His site (soutracks)

On a final note, last week we sadly lost singer/actor  Richie Havens. He was one of those rare guys that soul fans, folk & rock music lovers all liked, he'll be sadly missed. This is his version of a rock song re-aimed at 'The Man', or the System.

This weeks playlist, Sunday 28th April 2013



Hour One

Maze feat: Frankie Beverly - Can't Get Over U
Anita Baker - Same Ole Love (365 Days A Year)
Euge Groove - Livin' Large [bed]
Mtume - C.O.D (I'll Deliver)
Teddy Pendergrass - 2AM
The Impressions - I Wish I'd Stayed In Bed
Maze feat: FB - I Want To Feel Wanted
Shirley Jones - Do You Get Enough Love
Millie Jackson - Love Is A Dangerous Game
Chocolate Milk - Action Speaks Louder Than Words
Bobby Womack - How Could You Break My Heart
Barry White - Midnight & You (inst)

Hour Two
Al Green 'Three-Inna-Row':
1 How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?
2 God Is Standing By
3 What A Wonderful Thing Love Is

Rick Clark/Emma - I Really Want To Be With You
Light Of The World - London Town
Rick Clarke - One Dance (Don-E edit)
Kenny Thomas - Turn It Up
Keni Burke - I Need Your Love
Carrie Lucas - Hello Stranger
Juicy - Sugar Free
Maze feat: FB - While I'm Alone

Al Green Biography:

Born Al Greene, 13 April 1946, Forrest City, Arkansas, USA. Having served his musical apprenticeship in the Greene Brothers, a fraternal gospel quartet, this urbane singer made his first recordings in 1960. Four years later he helped form the Creations with Curtis Rogers and Palmer Jones. These two companions subsequently wrote and produced "Back Up Train", a simple, effective ballad and a 1967 R&B hit for his new group, Al Greene And The Soul Mates. Similar releases fared less well, prompting Green's decision to work solo. In 1969, Green shared a bill with bandleader Willie Mitchell, who took the singer to Hi Records. The combination of a crack house band, Mitchell's tight production and Green's silky, sensuous voice, resulted in some of soul's definitive moments. The combination took a little time to gel, but with the release of "I Can't Get Next To You" (1970), they were clearly on course. Previously a hit for the Temptations, this slower, blues-like interpretation established an early pattern. However, the success of "Tired Of Being Alone" (1971), a Green original, introduced a smoother perspective. A US number 11 and a UK number 4, it was followed by "Let's Stay Together" (1971), "I'm Still In Love With You" (1972), "Call Me (Come Back Home)", "Here I Am (Come And Take Me)" (both 1973), each of which increased Green's stature as a major artist. (edited/music.us)

Aaron Neville

 My good friend and soprano saxophonist Courtney Pine is performing in Birmingham next week at The Drum, please check his show out, it is going to be a great album launch. You may remember I played some tracks from his new album a while back when I spoke to him at The Andy Hamilton tribute show when Courtney he was last in town.

Today would have been the 99th birthday for Pauline Henriques. She was born today in 1914. Herself along with Connie Smith was the first Black actresses on British television (BBC) on the 16th September 1946 in Eugene O'Neil's 'All God's Chillin' Got Wings', shown here in a rare photograph from 1950.

Also born today was soul singer Bobby McClure. Departed we have Al Wilson (2008) and Earl Hooker (1970) Information from PCRL web site.

Above is a facebook clip we thought we needed to share with you. people of a sensitive disposition please don't watch!

Check this link for a free download of the Silvia Striplin remix:


Playlist for Sunday 21st April 2013



Hour One
Karyn White - Sista Sista
Melisa Morgan - Heartbreaking Decision

Gerald Albright - Bermuda Nights [bed]
Mike Winans - You Deserve A Break
Jeffrey Valentine - You Stayed Still
Dylan Janet Collins - Could It Be
Phil Perry - You Send me
Charlie Wilson - I Still Have You
Barbara Mason - Shakin' Up
Curtris Mayfield/Linda Clifford - Love's Sweet Sensation
Beyonce - Party
Hil St. Soul - Don't Forget The Ghetto
Bilal - Soul Sista

Hour Two
'Three-Inna-Row' - Aaron Neville:
1 I Can't Imagine
2 Say What's In My Heart
3 Tell It Like It Is

Al Hudson & Soul Partners - Spread Love
Portrait - All Natural Girl
Loose Ends - Choose Me
Dennis Taylor - Enough Is Enough
Keni Burke - I Need Your Love
LaToya Jackson - Camp Kucha Kia
Roy Ayers - Everybody Loves The Sunshine
Chuki Booker - Games
Luther Vandross - She Loves Me Back


Aaron Neville Biography:

Born 24 January 1941, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Neville began performing in the Hawkettes, a group that also featured his brother Art Neville. Aaron was signed to Minit Records as a solo artist, but despite a minor hit with "Over You" (1960), he remained largely unknown until the release of "Tell It Like It Is" (1966). This simple, haunting ballad showcased the singer's delicate delivery while the song's slogan-like title echoed the sentiments of the rising Black Power movement. Sadly, the single's outlet, Par-Lo, went bankrupt, and despite subsequent strong releases, Neville was unable to repeat its commercial success. In 1978, following the break-up of the Meters, Aaron joined Art, Cyril and Charles in the Neville Family Band, later renamed the Neville Brothers. He continued a parallel solo career and in 1989 enjoyed an international hit with "Don't Know Much", a duet with Linda Ronstadt. The first of several recordings for the A&M Records label, Warm Your Heart was a strong collection but the subsequent releases failed to do justice to Neville's astonishing voice. The singer found more worthy material with a pair of gospel releases (Devotion and Believe) in the new millennium.

Don Blackman

Ca$h Converters no more!

For those of you, like myself that didn't catch it in the local news, the Ritz Ballroom in Kings Heath burnt down a short while back (27/3/12.) It was more recently a branch of the national pawn brokers 'Cash Converters,' I purchased my first guitar from them when they occupied the new market building just over the road. So many people from this branch will now out of work. No one was hurt when the fire broke out at about 5am but police are treating the fire as suspicious. 

The old Ritz as it was

Smoke damage has also caused problems for other shops in the area. The building is located next to the now famous 'Hare & Hounds,' the Victorian public house, venue to many great Soul/Jazz acts over the last few years. The Ritz itself has had a few big bands itself such as the Rolling Stones & the Beatles in the 1960's. (nold)

The Late Don Blackman

Sad news with the death of Don Blackman on Friday (12-4-13). The American pianist, singer, songwriter, producer, was 59.  Don passed away after a long fight against cancer. At the beginning of the 1970's, Don played with the likes of Parliament, Funkadelic, Earth, Wind and Fire, and Roy Ayers. He later became a member of Lenny White's group Twennynine. Don penned the tracks 'Peanut Butter' and 'Morning Sunrise' for the group. He released his self-titled debut solo album in 1982 on the Arista Records imprint 'Don Blackman' contained the songs 'Holding You, Loving You', 'Heart's Desire' and 'Since You've Been Away So Long. The album later became a rare groove release in the later eighties, with 'Holding You, Loving You', later being sampled on the hip hop track 'Too Complex' by L. The Head Toucha. Don wrote many tracks as a session musician for the likes of Kurtis Blow, Bernard Wright, Sting, Roy Ayers, Jay-Z, Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur. Mr Merry will feature three of his songs/productions in today's show! (soulwalking)

News just in, Saturday 13th, of the death of Vince Montana musician and writer for Philadephia International Records has now been reported, he was 83. A mainstay for the PIR labels/Artic

Dylan Duffus, son of Bill Duffus (PCRL poet) was featured in a two hour Channel Four TV documentary 'One Mile Away' about gangs in the Handsworth area of Birmingham. Dylan had took on a lead role in the controversial film about life in Handsworth's B6/B21 area's, '1 Day'  that the Guardian newspaper had called Brittan's first Hip-Hop musical in 2009. His father had written the poem 'Wake Up Black Man' that was in the form of an open letter to the Handsworth Community and had been used by Birmingham black radio station, PCRL as a jingle or station ID. (nold)

This weeks playlist Sunday 14th April 2013

Hour One
Magic Lady - Misty Eyed
Cheryl Lynn - If This World Were Mine
George Howard - No, No [welcome bed]

Barry White - Early Years
Stone Love - Can't say Bye
Intro - Ribbon In The Sky
Phil Perry - Say Yes
George Howard - I Wan't You For Myself
The Sounds Of Blackness - I Believe
H-Town - Full Time
Stevie Wonder - ?

Hour Two
Don Blackman (R.I.P.) 'Three-Ina-Row'
1 Sylvia St.James - So I say To Yo [wrote]
2 Weldon Irvine - I Love You [wrote]
3 Don Blackman - Holding You, Loving You

Rahshaan Patterson - I'll Go
Eddie Henderson - Prance On
Phil Perry - You Send Me
The Manhattans - Crazy
Anthony David - Body Language
One Way - Don't Think About It
Dexter Wansell - The Sweetest Pain
Angie Stone - Baby

James Brown

Cecil & DJ Frenchie

First off this week although I helped promote the book launch for Masters Of The Airways last Sunday I was quite embarrassed to find that the book does not include any contributions from Cecil Morris, although he was invited to speak at the book launch. For those that don't know Cecil is the reason that Birmingham and other cities around the UK (not including London incidentally) now have Black run radio stations. His work from the late 70's until 2003 (when he was forced to stop broadcasting by a court injunction) in Birmingham with Radio Star/PCRL and help from Anthony Jeffers (Daddy Pilot) and many presenters (over 250) including myself and Mickey Nold, proved to the UK Government the need for this type of radio license. So I do hope their next book will include some mention of this! - Merry (visit PCRL's site: www.pcrlfm.co.uk )

Onto the music news this week.... Ron Isley is more than just a great singer; he's an R&B legend, with over a half century as one of the most lauded singers in the world. The Isley Brothers lead singer and, more recently, Mr. Biggs, is getting ready to release a new solo album on EOne Music, and we have a sneak peek with a brand new soulful song called "Dinner and a Movie." click me to listen

For those that like a bit of sax, Boney James is back with Concord Records and with a dynamic, genre-busting album called The Beat. One of the most successful instrumental artists of our time with sales totaling over 3 million records, James’ new project fuses his R&B/Jazz roots with Latin rhythm and percussion. “This record was born of my love for both Latin and R&B music and became a mash-up of the two genres.  The initial inspiration for the record was Sergio Mendes’ “Batucada (The Beat),” which I re-imagined as a funk tune.” “Batucada (The Beat)” reunites Boney with trumpet great Rick Braun. “Rick and I have a wonderful history. There is a certain edge and energy that comes out when we play together that creates a really cool vibe.” Other special guests on the project include eclectic R&B soul singer Raheem DeVaughn and spoken word phenom The Floacist. The first Urban AC single, going for adds in mid-February, is “Maker of Love,” a sexy, soulful song featuring DeVaughn. “Raheem is an artist I’ve wanted to work with for a long time and we actually met by following each other on Twitter! I sent him the track and he came back with an incredible lyric and finished vocal,” says James
.

Cee Cee Winans

Motown Records takes a giant step into the ever-expanding Gospel music field as the result of a joint venture partnership with EMI Gospel, creating a new label Motown Gospel. The first signed was Cee Cee Winans. The announcement was made by Barry Weiss, Chairman & CEO, UMG East Coast Label Group and Bill Hearn, President & CEO, Capitol Christian Music Group.  "UMG's acquisition of EMI music offered the ideal opportunity to merge the EMI Gospel label with the strength of the newly revitalized Motown Records," said Mr. Weiss.  "The new Motown Gospel label will offer broader Urban AC crossover potential and further opportunities and synergy between Motown Gospel artists and the Motown and Island Def Jam urban roster."  Motown Gospel was officially launched tonight, with a gala press reception and artist showcase at the Arc Theatre in Los Angeles. The evening featured performances by Gospel best sellers Smokie Norful, Tasha Cobbs, Tye Tribbett, and Kierra Sheard.  In addition to the artists who performed at the showcase, the Motown Gospel roster includes multiple Stellar Award winning artists VaShawn Mitchell, Pastor Charles Jenkins and Fellowship Chicago and Grammy nominee Anita Wilson, among others. (soultracks)

This Weeks Playlist for Sunday 3rd April 2013


 Hour One 
Art Madison -  Moon Lite Lover
Lala - There 4 You
George Benson - Breezin' [welcome bed]
Pati LaBelle - When You've been Blessed
Aretha Franklin - It Only Happens
Brandy - Missing You
The Impressions - I'm So Proud
Ms Monique - ooh baby
Dawlins & Dawkins - Miracle
Luther VanDross - For You To Love
Anita Baker - Feel The Need

 Hour Two 
 'Three-Ina-Row': James Brown
Hot Pants / King Heroin / Cold Sweat (more info:)
Greg Willis - Give Her What She Wants (She's A Lady)
The Futures - Ain't Got Time Fa Nothin'
The Gap Band - Keep Holding On
The Chi-Lites - Running Around
The Jacksons - Blues Away
The Jones Girls - Nights Over Egypt
The Valentine Brothers - This Kind Of Love
? - Rock My World (Inst - Trumpet)

James Brown 'King Heroin' lyric:

full page add in Blues & Soul 1972

Ladies and Gentlemen
Fellow Americans
Lady Americans
This is James Brown
I wanna talk to you about one of our
Most deadly
Killers in the country today
I had a dream the other night, and I
Was sittin' in my living room
Dozed off to sleep
So I start to dreamin'
I dreamed I walked in a place and
I saw a real strange, weird object
Standin' up talkin' to the people
And I found out it was Heroin
That deadly drug that go in your veins
He says:
I came to this country without a passport
Ever since then I've been hunted and sought
My little white grains are nothin' but waste
Soft and deadly and bitter to taste
I'm a world of power and all know it's true
Use me once and you'll know it, too
I can make a mere schoolboy forget his books
I can make a world-famous beauty neglect her looks
I can make a good man forsake his wife
Send a greedy man to prison for the rest of his life
I can make a man forsake his country and flag
Make a girl sell her body for a five-dollar bag
Some think my adventure's a joy and a thrill
But I'll put a gun in your hand and make you kill
In cellophane bags I've found my way
To heads of state and children at play
I'm financed in China, ran in Japan
I'm respected in Turkey and I'm legal in Siam
I take my addicts and make 'em steal, borrow, beg
Then they search for a vein in their arm or their leg
So, be you Italian, Jewish, Black or Mex
I can make the most virile of men forget their sex
So now, no, my man, you must (you know) do your best
To keep up your habit until your arrest
Now the police have taken you from under my wing
Do you think they dare defy me, I who am king?
Now, you must lie in that county jail
Where I can't get to you by visit or mail
So squirm - with discomfort - wiggle and cough (hack!)
Six days of madness, hah! You might throw me off
Curse me in name! Defy me in speech!
But you'd pick me up right no if I were in your reach
All through your sentence you've become resolved to your fate
Hear now! younng man and woman, I'll be waitin' at the gate
Don't be afraid, don't run! I'm not chased
Sure my name is Heroin! You'll be back for a taste
Behold, you're hooked!
Your foot is in the stirrup
And make -- haste!
Mount the steed!
And ride him well
For the white horse of heroin
Will ride you to Hell!
To Hell!
Will ride you to Hell!
Until you are dead!
Dead, brother! Dead!
This is a revolution of the mind
Get your mind together
And get away from drugs!
That's the man!
Back! Back

John Legend

In the news....Veteran reggae superstar Freddie McGregor, and reggae princess Etana will host the 32nd staging of the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), making its fifth return to South Florida since 1993. The star-studded event is scheduled for Saturday, May 4 at the prestigious Coral Springs Center for the Arts, in Coral Springs, Florida. The celebrity red carpet arrival and reception begins at 6 p.m. and the awards showcase at 8 p.m. This year's top nominee, Mr Vegas, and other leading reggae and world music entertainers, will perform live on the awards showcase. Saxophonist Dean Fraser, IRAWMA's musical director, will lead the The Dean Fraser All Star Band in providing musical backing for performers.Top nominees for IRAWMA are Mr Vegas with six, Damian Marley five, and Sean Paul, Konshens, Romain Virgo and Third World with four. Jimmy Cliff, Marcia Griffiths, Tarrus Riley and Busy Signal have three nominations.(gleaner)

Aretha Franklin marks 71st birthday with Motown musical in N.Y. Nobody can deny that Aretha Franklin knows how to celebrate her birthday. This year, the Queen of Soul was in one of her favorite cities — New York — and according to Roger Friedman of Showbiz 411, a swanky party was planned for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Central Park South. But first, Franklin and a party of friends attended a performance of "Motown: The Musical" at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater. Franklin had seen a brief preview of the musical last fall, and enjoyed it immensely. As she told The News, although she never worked directly with Motown, she grew up nearby and was friends with Gordy and many of the Motown stars.  The Musical" premiers April 15; preview performances are ongoing until then. (detroit news)

Beyoncé Knowles and Madonna led a red ‘revolution’ across social networks this week when they joined the fight for equal marriage across the US. The Single Ladies singer joined thousands of users on the sites by changing her Facebook profile pictures to a red and pink version of the Human Rights Campaign equal-sign logo that has been taken up by campaigners to back two cases challenging the same-sex marriage ban in the US Supreme Court.  (elle)

Motown songwriter, producer and arranger Deke Richards, who logged his biggest successes with the Jackson 5 and the Supremes in the ’60s and ’70s, died on March 24 in Bellingham, Wash., after suffering from esophageal cancer. He was 68. A member of Motown hitmaker groups the Clan and the Corporation, Richards co-wrote the breakout Jackson 5 singles “I Want You Back,” “ABC” and “The Love You Save,” as well as hits for the Supremes, Diana Ross and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. (Variety)

Keith Sweat interview on-line

Check out the new album by Kat Web out soon!

Playlist Sunday 31st. March 2013 (Easter Sunday)


Hour One

R-Kelly - Slow Dance
Norman Connors - Easy Livin' [welcolme bed]
Jade - One Woman
Glenn Jones - Can We Try Again
The Jones Girls - This Feeling Killing Me
Freddie Jackson - Calling
Bobby Nunn - Do You Look That Good In The Morning
Men Of Vision - Mase keeper

'Masters book co-writer'

Hour Two
John Legend - Refuge When It's Cold Outside /
                       Humanity (Love The Way It Should Be)
PDA - We Just Don't Care
Leon Ware - What's Your Name
The Whispers - Home Made Lovin'
Gerald Levert - Greater Later
Benny Golson - I'm Always Dancin' To The Music
Randy Brown - We Oughta Be Getting It On

Masters of the Air Waves: The Rise & Rise of Underground Radio from Masters of the Air Waves on Vimeo.

John Legend Biography:

 John Roger Stephens (born December 28, 1978), better known by his stage name John Legend, is an American singer-songwriter and actor. He has won nine Grammy Awards, and in 2007, he received the special Starlight Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Prior to the release of his debut album, Stephens' career gained momentum through a series of successful collaborations with multiple established artists. Stephens added his voice to those of other artists, assisting in them reaching chart-topper hits. He lent his voice to Magnetic Man's "Getting Nowhere," Kanye West's "All of the Lights", on Slum Village's "Selfish" and Dilated Peoples' "This Way". Other artists included Jay-Z's "Encore", and he sang backing vocals on Alicia Keys' 2003 song "You Don't Know My Name" and Fort Minor's "High Road". Stephens played piano on Lauryn Hill's "Everything Is Everything". (more at wikipedia)

Bobby Smith

In this weeks news ... Alicia Keys is the new Creative Director for Blackberry. You know that already. But maybe you don't know just how much work goes into creating Alicia Keys. The people, places and things that inspire her and just how she goes about putting it all together to turn out something truly amazing for her fans To that end, she's starring in a short two-part docu-series called "Keep Moving," which details the aforementioned as well as how she's attacking her Set The World on Fire tour. Also, she discusses her plans for incorporating you -- yes you, reading this -- into her stage show. You can upload photos of yourself to blackberry.com/keepmoving and she'll be performing a special song each night wherein the photos are incorporated into a unique and exclusive music video. You can check out what one of the videos looks like here. Pretty awesome.(boombox)

Chinua Achebe, the Nigerian writer seen by millions as the father of African literature, has died at the age of 82. Achebe won the Commonwealth poetry prize for his collection Christmas in Biafra. He was a finalist for the 1987 Booker prize for his novel Anthills of the Savannah, and in 2007 won the Man Booker international prize. Simon Winder, publishing director at Penguin, called him an "utterly remarkable man", adding: “Chinua Achebe is the greatest of African writers and we are all desolate to hear of his death," he said. His family requested privacy, and paid tribute to "one of the great literary voices of all time. He was also a beloved husband, father, uncle and grandfather, whose wisdom and courage are an inspiration to all who knew him." His first novel Things Fall Apart, was published in 1958 and tells the story of the Igbo warrior Okonkwo. "The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers and our clan can no longer act like one," says Okonkwo's friend, Obierika, in the novel. The poet Jackie Kay hailed Achebe as "the grandfather of African fiction" who "lit up a path for many others", adding that she had read Things Fall Apart "countless times”. She added: "It is a book that keeps changing with the times, as he did." (contactnews) On with this weeks show...

The weeks playlist Sunday 24th March 2013
 Hour One 
Dennis Edwards - Don't Look Any Further
Sunshine Anderson - Heard It All Before
Norman Connors - Easy Livin' [welcome bed]
AC Black - Emotional Feeling
Bobby Womack - That's The Way I Feel 'bout You
The O'Jays - Close To You
Seek - Talk About It
The Kazu Matsui Project - Let's Pretend
Angie Stone - Time Of The Month
Hil St Soul - Don't Forget The Ghetto

 Hour Two 
The late Bobby Smith (The Spinners) 
 1  If You Can't Be In Love  2  You Go Your Way  3  Love Is In Season   
Loose Ends - Love Controversy
Rock My World (Instumental jazzy track)
Jahiem - Looking For Love
Liz Hogue - Dream Lover
Glenn Jones - At Last
Simply Red - Angel
Gwen Guthrie - Love In Moderation

Gweneth Paltrow/Babyface - Just My Imagination
Maze - We Are One 

* Sorry due to the weather conditions the track listing is a bit of a mess -Merry

The Spinners (Bobbie 2nd)

DETROIT — Bobby Smith, longtime lead singer of The Spinners (Detroit Spinners, UK), died Saturday in Orlando of complications from pneumonia and the flu, his family said. He was 76. Smith had been diagnosed with lung cancer in November. The funeral will take place Monday in Detroit, where Smith will be interred, said the group's Jessie Peck. Smith's final performance came in mid-February during the Soul Train Cruise, said Peck. Smith, who had missed several gigs since his cancer diagnosis, was present on the cruise but not expected to perform during The Spinners' set. Then the group began to perform its 1974 hit Then Came You. "Like something out of a movie, Bobby shoots right out onstage and, showman that he is, grabs a mike and sings right on cue," Peck recounted. "The audience went bananas." Smith joined the group in 1956 when it was known as the Domingoes. Frustrated with frequent misspellings, group members soon sought a new name, and it was the suggestion of Smith, a lifelong car buff, that won the day: "Spinners" was a nickname for high-end hubcaps. Smith, whose first name was periodically spelled Bobbie, was lead voice on the group's first hit, 1961's That's What Girls Are Made For, produced with Harvey Fuqua, a link that led the group to Motown Records two years later. Smith and the Spinners enjoyed only minimal success during their Motown tenure, but broke big after signing with Atlantic Records in 1971 at the suggestion of Aretha Franklin. A stream of hits followed with Smith's prominent vocals: I'll Be Around, Could It Be I'm Falling in Love, One of a Kind (Love Affair), Then Came You, Games People Play. As the group maintained a busy touring and recording schedule, Smith left Detroit for New Jersey in the 1980s, later settling in Florida. (usa today)

 

Eric Roberson

A nice new album out  this week is from Nicola Willis and The Soul Investigators. The American singer, songwriter and painter who now lives and works in Finland! The stand-out Stepper track is best Days Of Our Life, nice retro soul sound production with stings and kitchen sink thrown in, the lyrics deal with how things always better when you look back at them. I'll just Sit And Daydream has a nice Chicago type production that would fit-in as a Week-ender type spin. Overall lots of variation in styles with good old fashioned production techniques. (mn) 

Also picking up a little interest is the new album by Lady entitled 'Lady', again good old-fashioned soul seems to be working for a lot of R&B outfits at this present time. The stand-out track for me is 'Sweet Mother' a song that would have not been out of place in last weeks Mothers Day Special. The catchy title track with it's piano riff is another Stepper to delight. I think having a good road band these days hold you in good sted for touring and also reproducing your own song live, unlike many so-called contemporary 'superstars' these days.

We have received several reports that Bobby Smith, co-founder and longtime lead singer of the Spinners, has died at age 76. Smith sang lead or co-lead on many of the group's biggest hits, including "I'll Be Around," "Could It Be I'm Falling In Love" and "Games People Play," and remained part of the legendary group for nearly 60 years. (souttrax)

Unsung (Documentary) - The Spinners... by GENERATIONDISCOFUNK

 Don't forget the free concert with Mr Merry's friends: The Notebenders, shown below.  Onto this weeks show.

This weeks playlist Sunday 17th March 2013

Hour One

Whitney Houston - Why Does It Hurt So Bad
The Escoffery's - Soul Searching
George Howard - I Apologise [welcome bed]
Melissa Young - Rock With Me
Ms Monique - Mr Do-Right
Lola - Let's All Call It A Day
Anthony David - Body Language
Bigg Robb - Macaroni & Cheese Song
Karyn White - Sista Sista
J. Blackfoot - Taxi
L.J Reynolds - Say You Will
Lynden David Hall - Crescent Moon
Luther VanDross - My Sensitivity

Hour Two
Eric Roberson: '3-Ina-Row'
 1  How Could She Do It 2  Been In Love 3  Right Back To You

Alfonzo Hunter - Girlfriends
A Few Good Men - Tonight
Curtis Mayfield - Only You Babe
T.S Monk - Can't Keep My Hands To Myself
Paulino De Costa - DeJavu
Jeffrey Valentine - You Stayed Still
Stevie Wonder - All I Do
Matt Covington - We Got Love
Charlie Wilson - I Still Have You

Eric Roberson biography

Eric Roberson (born September 25, 1976) is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter from Rahway, New Jersey, United States. He is sometimes referred to simply as Erro. Roberson started his journey as a high school actor, landing prominent roles in "The Tap dance Kid", Grease", and "Anything Goes". In 1990, he won "Mr. Black teen Universe, winning a scholarship to Howard University in Washington, DC. His first single, "The Moon", was released through Warner Bros. records in 1994. Roberson recorded an album for that label, which remained unreleased. He subsequently returned to Howard University to complete his studies in Musical Theatre. After performing in a number of musicals and plays, he landed a songwriting deal through the EMI label, and went on to collaborate with Philadelphia-based artists such as Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, and most extensively, DJ Jazzy Jeff. As a member of Jeff's A Touch Of Jazz production company, Roberson made contributions to Jeff's debut album, The Magnificent in 2002. He continues songwriting work as well as releasing his own material through his Blue Erro Soul imprint. He also appeared on DJ Spinna's Intergalactic Soul LP in 2006. It was rumored in 2009, that Eric was going to team up with recording artist sensation One_Over with his debut album "In Loving Memory of J Dilla". (wikipedia)

Mothers Day 2013

In this weeks music news...Great new album out by the ex-Montclairs singer Phil Perry this week entitled 'Say Yes'. Contains the killer  quiet storm track "Peel The Veil". Two other storm songs feature saxophonist Najee and other guests include Chante Moore. Perry was also in the Group, Perry & Sanlin with great tracks too. He has now released over eleven solo albums and overall this is a fine addition to his unbroken series of  fine albums, don't hesitate to purchase. (MN)


If you haven't caught the TV series 'Unsung' yet, you must. It's broadcast in the States by TVOne it makes fabulous one-hour programs about forgotten soul heroes. The latest episode is about the Whispers, who incidentally are celebrating their 50th year in the music business this year, well done guys. Oh you can watch old shows on YouTube, new ones here: tvoneonline.com

By now you will all have heard about the Hagley Road murder in the week near Five Ways, Birmingham of Christina Edkins. The police have arrested a man but are still looking for the the murder weapon. This is a photo of the suspected murderer as he got off the bus. If anybody can help further, then please do so. He was wearing a distinctive jacket seen here.  A book of remembrance has been opened at nearby St Peter's Church, in Lapal, Halesowen, where people can go to light a candle. Several supermarkets in Halesowen have started collections for Christina's family.

This weeks radio program is devoted to our Mothers everywhere! Thank you for the love you give us. Please enjoy some music that was made for you today...


This weeks playlist for Sunday 10th  March 2013

Hour One

Ms Monique - A Single Mother
Dennis Edwards - Mothers Love
Gerall Albright - So Amaizing [welcome bed]
The Impressions - That's What Mama Say
Cheryl Pepsii Riley - Thanks For My Child
Jaheim - Back Together Again
Jamie Foxx - Wish You Were Here
Sanchez - Amazing Grace
Terry Garman - Any Way
Spice Girls - Mama
Jill Scott - Family Reunion (edit)

Hour Two
Betty Wright - Thank You
Sizzla -Thank You Mama
Maze feat Frankie Beverly - Lady Of Magic
The Intruders - I'll Always Love My Mama
2-Pac - Mama
Kandice - Mama Was Right
Nina Simone - My Baby Just Cares For Me
Natalie Cole - This Will Be
Barbara Acklin - Love Makes A Woman
Jean Knight Mr. Big Stuff
Candi Staton - Yourg Hearts Run Free
The Emotions - The Best Of My Love
Jill Scott - Family Reunion

Chantay Savage

Richard Street (far left) Damon Harris (right)

More departures in the Soul news this week...Richard Street, a member of legendary Motown Records group The Temptations, died early Wednesday morning (Feb. 27) at a hospital in Las Vegas. He was 70. "He was really fighting for his life," his wife Cindy told CNN. "He's a fighter. They're dancing up there in heaven, him and Damon. I'm in disbelief right now." She's referring to Damon Harris, another member of The Temps, who passed away last week. Street officially joined the group in 1971, replacing Paul Williams, for whom he was already singing vocals for from off-stage, while Williams lip-synched. Prior to that, he worked in Motown's quality control department and also sang in other groups like the Distants and the Monitors, which included future members of the Temptations.

"He was part of black history," said his wife. "He was always proud of that. He sang on a lot of those classic songs: 'Papa Was a Rollin' Stone,' 'Hey Girl,' 'Heavenly,' 'Superstar,' 'Masterpiece.'" According to his wife, Street was troubled by back pain and had difficulty breathing last Friday (Feb. 22). Once in the hospital, doctors found a clot in his lung. Though he left the Temptations in the early 90s, Street continued on stage, reportedly performing 45 dates in Europe just last Fall. (Boombox)

 Zoe Saldana is playing Nina Simone in an upcoming biopic on the late singer, but she's not letting criticism of her being cast in the role get her down. "I guess what kept me from being hurt by the negative comments was that I'm doing it for my sisters and my brothers," she said in an interview with Hip Hollywood. "And I don't care who tells me I'm not this or I'm not that. I know who I am, and I know what Nina Simone means to me." She went on to explain that even if the film is met with a negative reaction, she'll keep her chin up. "Nina was like that too," she explained. "I did it all out of love. Out of love for Nina. Out of love for my people and who I am. And my pride of being a black woman and a Latina woman and an American woman, and that's my truth." (boombox)

Playlist for Sunday 3rd March 2013
 Hour One 

Gladys Knight & The Pips - Neither One Of Us 
Curtis Mayfield - Only You Babe
Art Porter - Under Cover [welcome bed]
Gweneth Paltrow & Babyface - Just My Imagination
Ledisi & Jaheim - Stay Together
Sounds Of Blackness - He Took Away All My Pain
Eddie Towns (ET) - Magic In The Air
Black Street - Falling In Love Again
Sunfire - Young, Free & Single  
Barbara Mason - On And Off
Candy Brown - Since I Found You
Shirley Brown - After A Night Like This

 Hour Two 
Chantey Savage: 'Three in a Row'
 1  All Of My Love 2  Round & Around  3  Let's Do It Right
Eric Benet - Why You Follow Me
Brian Cuthbertson/Kenny Lattimore - Another Love
Chaka - Everywhere
Dwele Who Knows Your Name?
The Manhattans - Crazy 
Eric Benet - Don't Let Go

George Benson - Turn Your Love Around
Gwen Guthrie - Love In Moderation
Foxy - Mademoiselle

Chantay Savage Biography:

 Before Savage signed a recording contract, she parlayed success into gigs as a session musician, singer, and songwriter with artists such as CeCe Peniston and Tanya Blount, she co-wrote Peniston's number one Dance single "We Got a Love Thang". In 1993 she released her first single "If You Believe" from her debut album Here We Go..., her follow-up "Betcha'll Never Find" became a top twenty dance and R&B hit on the Billboard chart. She also released the singles "Don't Let It Go to Your Head" and "Give It to Ya".

In 1995 she teamed up with Aaliyah, En Vogue, BlackGirl, Mary J. Blige, Vanessa Williams, SWV, and others for the single "Freedom" from the movie Panther.

Savage took two years off before she returned in 1996 with "I Will Survive" from her second album I Will Survive (Doin' It My Way). The lead single became a moderate smash in the U.S., where it reached #5 on Billboard's R&B chart, and number 12 in the UK Singles Chart. The single was also certified gold by the RIAA for US single sales of over 500,000 units. In 1997 she, along with Deborah Cox, Heavy D, and Brownstone performed Janet Jackson's #1 single "That's the Way Love Goes" at the Soul Train Music Awards tribute to the popular icon. In 1998 Savage scored another minor hit with "Reminding Me (Of Self)", performed by Common. It was a top 10 hit on Billboard's Hot Rap chart.

In 1999 she released her third album This Time, its first single "Come Around" which peaked at number 62. Savage wrote all the lyrics and played piano and drums. In 2003, she collaborated with spoken word artist Malik Yusef on the song "Auto-Eroticism" on his album The Great Chicago Fire: A Cold Day In Hell. Three years later, she appeared on a remake of the Earth Wind & Fire hit "September" for Full Flava's Music is Our Way of Life album. Also that year, she recorded the theme song for BellaNutri titled "Always Beautiful" as well as an additional track "Shine" which was released on a CD for the company.

In 2012, she collaborated with another spoken word artist, Quill, on his track "Everything Must Change." (wiki)