The (Detroit) Spinners

Happy Birthday Music Master

Cecil Morris, PCRL Radio's founder celebrated his 66th. Birthday on Saturday and we all wish him good heath and happiness. Shown here in this photograph getting hundreds of people to sign a birthday card for Nelson Mandela in 1987, that was later presented to him by DJ Chicken George when he visited the UK after his release from Robben Island prison in South Africa.  We are all thinking about Madiba as well this moment in time as he is very ill in hospital in Pretoria.

Nolan Porter featured in a recent Soul film shown at the MAC in Birmingham last week: Keep On Keeping On, Nolan also appeared on Midlands Today TV. While in the UK he recorded two songs for songwriter  Bill Randle at Mickey Nold's Studio 37. He can be found at about 'one minute in', below..

Sad news in the last weeks of June with the losses of singers Mary Love (69) and Bobby Bland (83), Bobby was the more successful but both made wonderful music. Earth, Wind & Fire are about to release the first album in 8 years and Gregory Porter is to release his third album on September the 9th. 2013, his second for Blue Note Records. An excellent new album is to be released by Joe (Thomas) on Tuesday next week along with an album from Nathan Adams entitled: Audio Therapy.  Nile Rodgers' set was an absolute stunner at Glastonbury this week-end, a full 90 minute show, If you missed it do watch it on the BBC iplayer.

That's it for now on to this weeks show...

Playlist for Sunday 30th June 2013



Hour One
[first 20mins missing - studio problems]
Amazonics - Redemption Song (Inst / vocal)
Sanchez - Amazing Grace
Aretha Franklin - Giving Him Something He Can Feel
The Sounds of Blacknuss - He Took Away All My Pain
Whitney Houston - For The Love Of You
Aaliyah - Rock The Boat / Rock The Boat (remix)
Sylvia Striplin - You Can't Turn Away
Deluxe - I'Ve Got A Feeling

Hour Two
Three-Inna-Row: The (Detroit) Spinners
1 Just To Be With You
2 You Go Your Way
3 Toni My Love

Gwen McCrae - Keep The Fire's Burning
Curtis Hairston - The Morning After
Alexander O'Neal - You Were Meant To Be My Lady
Mtume - Juicy Fruit
Lionel Richie -Love Will Find Away
Perri - Upside down
Solo - Blowing My Mind (remix)
The Two Tons - Never Like This Before

Detroit Spinners Biography:

The group is also listed as the Detroit Spinners, and the Motown Spinners (for their 1960s recordings with the Detroit label). These group names were used in the UK to avoid confusion with a British folk group also called The Spinners.

In 1954, a group of friends who grew up together in Ferndale, Michigan, a northern suburb bordering Detroit, came together to make music. For a time, several of the band members resided in Detroit's Herman Gardens public housing projects. Billy Henderson, Henry Fambrough, Pervis Jackson, C. P. Spencer, and James Edwards called themselves The Domingoes. However James Edwards lasted only a few weeks. He was replaced by Bobby Smith, who sang lead on most of the Spinners' early records (and many of their biggest Atlantic hits). C. P. Spencer left the group shortly afterwards, and later went on to be a member of the Voice Masters and The Originals. He was replaced by George Dixon. The group renamed themselves The Spinners in 1961. This name was chosen after looking at popular car hubcaps and noting how they spun around on a car's wheel.

The Spinners is an American soul music vocal group, active for over 50 years, and with a long run of classic Pop and R&B hits especially during the 1970s. The group, originating from Detroit, still tours regularly as of 2013 although Henry Fambrough is the only original member.

(wiki)

Ne-Yo

Omar obe

In the news...Camden's Jazz Cafe has some big names upcoming. Amongst those set to play the iconic venue are the UK's finest progressive soul singer, Omar and the ever-lovely Candi Staton. Omar (whose latest album contains a remake of 'There's Nothing Like This') graces the Jazz Cafe on 27th and 28th June while Ms Staton follows him on 29th and 30th June.

Attractions in July include Reel People, The Blind Boys Of Alabama and Beggar and Co. (soulandjazzandfunk.com)

Go to www.mamacolive.com/thejazzcafe/ for more details

Aretha & Dad

Rochelle Riley: Aretha Franklin reflects on dad's role in '63 Detroit Walk to Freedom.The June 1963 Detroit Walk To Freedom almost didn’t happen.That spring, as the Rev. C.L. Franklin worked to convince the city’s traditional community and religious leaders to embrace his idea of a massive demonstration to bring national attention to racial discrimination, most of the preachers — and the NAACP — didn’t want him to plan or lead it.“Many pastors whom he invited to our home to discuss it were not on board,” his daughter, the singer Aretha Franklin, said in an interview this week. “They didn’t think it was such a good idea.” Full story Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/20130621/COL10/306210017/1001/news

Soul Singer Joss Stone feels safe again. Yesterday said she was feeling fine again after the “odd” plot by two men to rob her of £1million, decapitate her and throw her body in a river. The star was targeted by “cannabis- smoking layabouts” Kevin Liverpool and Junior Bradshaw, who were convicted of the bizarre conspiracy at their trial in April. But Joss, 26, has put the ordeal behind her. She said: “My doggies keep me safe. It was a bit harsh and a little bid odd."It’s something to add to my tapestry of life. ­Something to tell my grandchildren. "I do want to be able to live my life. I love my life.” Liverpool, 35, and Bradshaw, 32, from Manchester, had a Samurai sword, knives, hammers and a large metal spike when they were arrested in Devon near Joss’s home. Full story

This weeks playlist for Sunday 23rd. June 2013

Hour One

Dylan Janet Collins - Could It Be (- intro.)

Mike Winans - You Desereve A Break
Gabor Szabo/Bobby Womack - Breezin' [hi-bed]
Rick Clarke/Don-E - One Dance
William DeVaughan -
               - Be Thankful For What You Got
Phil Perry - You Send Me
Wendell B - When I Don't Make Sense
Milton Wright - Keep It Up
The Jacksons - Blues Away
The Gap Band - Keep Holding On
Winans/Phase 2 - It's Alright (Send Me)

Hour Two
'Thee-inna-Row': Ne-Yo
1 Mad
2 When Your Mad
3 Know Your Name

Collage - Get In Touch
L.J. Reynolds - Key The The World
Ashford & Simpson - Love Or Physical
The Sisters Sledge - Easier To Love
Ronnie McNeir - Everybody Is In A Hurry
Teddy Pendergrass - When Somebody Loves You Back
The Four Tops - That's The Way Nature Planned It
The Emotions - The Feeling Is
Miles Jaye - Let's Start Over
Melba Moore Hard Not To Like You

Ne-Yo Biography:

 Shaffer Chimere Smith (born October 18, 1979) better known by his stage name Ne-Yo, is a Grammy Award winning American R&B recording artist, record producer, dancer, and actor. Beginning his career as a songwriter, Ne-Yo penned the hit "Let Me Love You" for singer Mario. The single's successful release in the United States prompted an informal meeting between Ne-Yo and Def Jam's label head, and the signing of a recording contract.

In 2006, he released his debut album, In My Own Words, which contained the US number one hit "So Sick", as well as the top 10 hit "Sexy Love". In 2007, he released his second album, Because of You, which contained the US top 3 hit of the same name. In 2008, he released his third album, Year of the Gentleman, which contained the top 10 hits "Closer", "Mad" and "Miss Independent". His fourth studio album, Libra Scale, was released on November 22, 2010. It received critical acclaim from music critics, but was a commercial disappointment, debuting at number nine on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling less than all of his previous three studio albums. In November 2012, Ne-Yo released his fifth studio album R.E.D. to favorable reviews and mild chart success. The album's debut single "Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)", became his first solo song to reach the top 10. In 2009, Billboard ranked him as the 57th Artist of the 2000s decade. In 2012, Ne-Yo was awarded the Hal David Starlight Award of the Songwriter's Hall of Fame which honors gifted songwriters who are at an apex in their careers and are making a significant impact in the music industry via their original songs. (Wiki)

Father's Day Tribute

 Soul and funk singer and guitarist, Darondo died from heart failure on Sunday, June 9th. Darondo, whose real name was William Daran Pulliam, was born and in Berkeley, California in 1946 and he first played professionally at the age of 18 as a guitarist in The Witnesses. In the early 70s he struck out as a solo performer peddling an idiosyncratic guitar/vocal style that mixed elements of his favourite artists – Al Green and The Dells. In the late 1970s Darondo quit the music business and began a bizarre career odyssey that took in – cable video presentation, cruise ship entertaining and unorthodox therapies before reappearing as a cult performer in the late 2000s.

His recording activity was sporadic. In 1973 he was signed briefly to music biz hustler Ray Dobard's Music City label and officially just three self-penned singles, 'How I Got Over,' 'Legs' and 'Didn't I' were ever released. Much later, knowing crate diggers discovered his 'Didn't I' which subsequently was heavily sampled and featured on a number of soundtracks. In 2008, music writer and archivist Alec Palao Palao uncovered the tapes for two albums worth of material recorded by Darondo during his tenure at Music City. The music was subsequently assembled as 'Listen To My Song: The Music City Sessions' and released on Ace/BGP (Omnivore in the States) in 2011. Excited by the reissue, Darondo was enjoying something of a renaissance on the soul underground prior to his death. (soulandjazzandfunk.com)

Charles Bradley

BBC4 Television channel are continuing their great Soul music series, this week we were treated to; Marvin Gaye Story, Barry White & Love Unlimited at the Royal Albert Hall (Circa. 1973) and wonderful documentary about the 62-year-old singer Charles Bradley. Bradley who only found fame after a lifetime of doing tribute performances to Jame Brown and caring for his elderly Mother. His career changed when the boys at Daptone Records discovered him about seven years back. Watch out for more stuff next week Friday 9pm onwards.

A Happy Fathers Day goes out the Fathers out there from Mr. Merry and myself. We put together some music for our loved ones in todays radio show. Hope you all enjoy.....

Today's playlist, Sunday 16th June 2013



Hour One
Jill Scott - Family Reunion
Billy Paul - Bring The Family Back
Rick Braun - Dance With My Fathers [welcolme bed]
Mary J Blige - Father In You
Sade - Baby Father
Tashan - Thank You Father
Jahiem - Daddy Thing
O.C. Smith - Colour Him Father
Springfield Smooth Group - Dance With My Father (inst)
Luther VanDross - Dance With My Father
The Heptones - Daddies Home
BeBe & Brian McKnight - Coming Back Home
Angie Stone - Brotha

Hour Two
Kool & The Gang - Father, Father
Jennifer Jones & Hugh Masekela
- Father Of Our Nation
Jessy Dixon - Father Me
Charlie Wilson - There Goes My Baby
Dizabone Family - Real Love (Zolo mix)
Sounds Of Blackness - I Believe
Mary J. Blige - Your Child / Before I Let Go
Betty Wright - I Like Your Loving
Rock My World
Luther VanDross - For You To Love

Ledisi

Babyface & Toni Braxton

 In the music news...Toni Braxton  records again. During the season finale of her WE tv show “Braxton Family Values,” the 45-year-old singer revealed that she is working on a duets album with her longtime friend and collaborator Babyface. “I think I’ve made the right decision to get back involved with songwriting and working with Kenny,” she said during the episode. “I can’t be afraid anymore. I have to live life. It’s OK to fail as long as you try, so I’m gonna try.” The album is due on Motown in September, according to Toni. “September 2013 @KennyEdmonds @Motown,” she tweeted. The two have already shot promo photos for the project. “The whole perspective is guy and girl, Mars vs. Venus. Even if you’re in love, you’re in love for different reasons,” explained Babyface. Braxton added, “I think because Babyface and I have both gone through divorces, we can relate and we can collaborate together on this topic and make it so others who have gone through this situation can relate.” Babyface executive produced Braxton’s first three albums on LaFace including Toni Braxton, Secrets, and The Heat. (thisisr&b)

 

Chrisette Michele puts her heart on the line after struggling with a breakup on “Love Won’t Leave Me Out.” The cinematic track, produced by Carvin & Ivan, is off her new album Better, which hits stores next week on June 11. The soulful songstress encourages continuing the quest for love, even after having your heart broken, and feeling like you’ll never find the right one. The fourth studio album from Chrisette is preceded by the singles “A Couple of Forevers” and “Let Me Win,” and boasts features from Wale, 2 Chainz, Bilal and more. She will be holding a special concert cruise in NYC for the album release. (thisisr&b)

Sharon Jones

Singer Sharon Jones has to put a halt on artistic endeavours for the moment as she has been diagnosed with cancer. The frontwoman of the Dap-Kings revealed the news on the group's website. As a result of her stage 1 bile duct cancer diagnosis, she must delay working on "Give the People What They Want," her sixth album with the group, which was scheduled for an Aug. 6 release. "Over the last few weeks I haven't felt good and I didn't know what was going on," Jones wrote in her message to fans. "We sadly had to cancel shows while I went through a series of tests and short hospital stays. We just found out that I have a stage-one tumor on my bile duct." Jones seemed optimistic, sharing news that she will fully recover from the cancer. "Luckily we caught it really early and fast and the doctors say it's operable and curable!" she disclosed. "I will be having surgery very soon and will have to rest and recover. I'll be staying in touch and keeping my fans and friends updated on my progress. I'm looking forward to getting back on the road to give the people what they want!"  She will also postpone touring plans until her medical condition improves.

Mr. Merry has a UK exclusive first play for you with a new version of the song: 'By The Time I Get To Phoenix'. You may remember the Soul classic by Issac Hayes (some 44 yeas-ago!),  well this new one has been recorded by the same team at Tera Shirma Studio's that mixed Hayes classic 18 minute one. Raph Terrena sent Mickey the track to review and with help from Mike Willcocks he's made a Blog. Today the song is performed by Teddie Morrow and has a nice driving funky guitar and a smooth Stepper feel to it, give it a listen I think you'll like it. More about it at: www.mickeynold.blogspot.com

This Sunday's playlist 9th. June 2013

Hour One
Isley-Jasper-Isley - I Wish
Eric Benet - Love The Hurt Away
Gabor Szabo - Breezin' [welcome bed]
Stephen Bishop - On And On
Maxwell - Pretty Wings
Maze feat: Frankie Beverly - Joy & Pain
Brandy - Almost Didn't Count
Foxy - Mademoiselle
Barry White - I Wanna Do It Good To You
Cee-Lo Green - My Kinda People
Teddie Morrow - By The Time I Get To Phoenix

Hour Two
Three-Inna-Row: Ledisi
1 Goin' Thru Changes
2 So Into You
3 Higher Than This

Sherick - Just Call
Glen Goldsmith - Dreamin'
Shabazz - Glad Your In My Life
People, People - Are You Spoken For
Quincy Jones - I'll Be Good To You
Jodeci - Get On Up
Phylis Hyman - You Know How To Love Me

Biography for Ledisi:

Ledisi Anibade Young (born March 28, 1972) is an eight-time Grammy-nominated American singer–songwriter and actress. Her first name means "to bring forth" or "to come here" in Yoruba. Ledisi is known for her jazz influenced vocals. In 1995, Ledisi formed the group known as Anibade. After unsuccessfully trying to get the group signed to a major label, she formed LeSun Records with Sundra Manning. Along with her group Anibade, Ledisi released an album titled Take Time. The album gained major airplay from local radio stations.

In 2000, Ledisi released her first album, titled Soulsinger: The Revival. Ledisi and her group toured in 2001, performing various shows. In 2002, Ledisi released her second album, Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue. The album won her an award for "Outstanding Jazz Album" at the California Music Awards.

In 2007, Ledisi signed a major record deal with Verve Forecast and released her third album in August of that year, titled Lost & Found, which sold almost 217,000 copies and earned her two Grammy nominations, including one for Best New Artist. In 2008, Ledisi released her Christmas album, It's Christmas.

In 2009, Ledisi released her fourth album Turn Me Loose, which earned her 2 Grammy nominations. (wiki)

Case

RIP Marvin Jr (Dells)

His husky, mahogany instrument was the inspiration for Teddy Pendergrass and countless other male singers who emulated his grit, power and conviction, the very personification of a masculine voiced soul singer. When baritone Marvin Junior sang, you believed every word. As one of two long-time lead singers for the Dells (we lost the falsetto lead Johnny Carter in 2009), Marvin helped define for a generation what a male soul singer was expected to be, soulful, declarative, unwaveringly sure in his desires and love, the kind women wanted and men respected. An inductee in both The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Vocal Group Hall of Fame along with his fellow Dells, Marvin Junior will be greatly missed. (soultracks)

Kelly Rowland

Desiny's Child reunite......Destiny's Child is back! First they reunited at the Superbowl, and now.........well.... not really.... It's not an official Destiny's Child reunion but instead, a new track on Kelly Rowland's upcoming album "Talk A Good Game." Kelly tells Billboard "It's not a Destiny's Child track, it's me featuring Beyoncé and Michelle." This track will be produced by Pharrell Williams and feature a verse from Wiz Khalifa.

Kelly has been quite busy in the studio. She says: "I think I recorded around 70-something songs for this album. I had to narrow it down to 12 -- you know hard that is? Especially when you're in love, like your heart pumps for 35 of them... You just get so passionate and excited about these songs, you lived with them, you birthed them along with the producers... You become so attached." We wish Kelly the best in her upcoming June release and look forward to hearing and reviewing her album.(soulmusicjunkie)

Clarence Burke Jr. RIP

Clarence Burke Jr, the lead singer of US group the Five Stairsteps who were best known for their 1970 hit O-o-h Child, has died aged 64. Friend and manager Joe Marno said the musician died on Sunday in Marietta, Georgia, where he lived. The cause of death was not given. The Five Stairsteps were dubbed the "first family of soul" after scoring a five-year run of chart hits. Their other songs included World of Fantasy and Don't Change Your Love. Formed in Chicago in 1965, the group was made up of Burke, three of his brothers and a sister.Their mother gave them their name after saying they looked like stairsteps when they stood beside each other in order of age. (bbc)

Playist for Sunday 2nd June 2013



Hour One
The Independents - Baby I've Been Missing You
Van McCoy - Let Me Down Easy
Monday Michiru - No Woman No Cry
Le'Jit - No Woman
Positive Flow/Col. Red - Hold On
Betty Wright -I Miss Ya
Bilal - Soul Sista
Wedell B. - When It Makes Sense!
Ryan Leslie - Rescue
Erykah Badu - Back In The Day
Barry White - Sha La La Means I Love You

Hour Two
'Three-Inna-Row': Case
1 Wishful Thinking
2 Love 2 Love
3 Faded Pictures (Feat: Joe)

R-Kelly - Single Ladies (remix)
Rahsaan Patterson - I'll Go
The Gapp Band - Keep Hold On
Randy Brown - We Ought To Be Doin' It
Luther VanDross - Better Love
The Chi-Lites - Running Around
Kim Walter - Step In The name Of Love

Case Biography: 

After stints with R&B group 'Future' and a duo called 'Black', Case got work co-writing and singing background for artists including Usher, Christopher Williams and Al B. Sure. Case finally felt close to achieving his dream of becoming a solo artist, and he was. Armed with a song written by Faith Evans, Case was discovered by Russell Simmons who signed him to Def Jam Records. “Everything changed with this deal,” says Case, “I was in heaven, on cloud nine.”

Case’s solo career took off in 1996 with the release of "Touch Me, Tease Me" (with rapper Foxy Brown and R&B singer Mary J. Blige) from The Nutty Professor soundtrack, going gold and reaching #4 on the R&B charts and #14 on the Hot 100. His self-titled debut Case soon followed along with the minor R&B hit singles "More to Love" and "I Gotcha."

Case followed the success of his first album with the release of Personal Conversation in 1999. The album featured the hits "Happily Ever After" (which reached #3 on the R&B charts and #15 on the Hot 100) and "Faded Pictures," (released April 20, 1999), which featured R&B singer Joe and reached #3 on the R&B charts and #10 on the Hot 100. "Happily Ever After" featured Beyoncé in the video as Case's love interest. The album's third single, "Think Of You" failed to do well, managing to only reach #50 on the R&B charts. Personal Conversation achieved platinum status.

In 2001, as the first artist on the new Def Soul imprint, Case released his third album Open Letter and topped the charts with the Tim & Bob produced hit song "Missing You." Open Letter, Case's most well-known album went gold. "Missing You" is Case's only #1 single to date as it topped the R&B charts and reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Later that year, Case also appeared on rapper Ja Rule's hit "Livin' It Up," as well as releasing one more single from his album, "Not Your Friend."

After the success of Open Letter, Case moved to Atlanta to be closer to his children and later suffered a critical accident. On February 5, 2002, Case was moving his cousin's registered handgun, when it accidentally discharged striking him in the throat nearly missing his spine by a half inch. Case suffered no vocal damage. He remembers looking at his throat in a mirror and trying to sing. The bullet, that went in through his throat, came out the back of his neck and was miraculously less than a centimeter away from paralyzing and killing him. To the shock of everyone around, Case was out of the hospital in four hours with just bandages around his neck.

Case's success has been partly due to his appearance on movie soundtracks. Many of Case's most popular tracks appear on the soundtracks for Nutty Professor, Rush Hour, Nutty Professor II: The Klumps and The Best Man. These singles were "Touch Me Tease Me" (Nutty Professor), "Faded Pictures" (Rush Hour), "Best Man I Can Be" (The Best Man) and "Missing You" (Nutty Professor II). Case's single, "Shoulda Known Betta" (featuring Ghostface), reached #87 on the R&B charts in 2004. The single appeared on the Johnson Family Vacation soundtrack, and was produced by The Neptunes.

After a few years away from the music industry, Case reappeared in 2008 on the track "Face to Face" (a duet with singer Coko) which was included the soundtrack of Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns (film). His fourth studio album, The Rose Experience which had undergone various title changes and a label shift (from Def Jam to his own indie imprint, Indigo Blue) was released on March 24, 2009. It was preceded by a single, "Lovely" which reached #72 on the R&B chart.

Here, My Love, his fifth studio album was released on June 15, 2010, through Real Talk Entertainment. (wiki)

Babyface

 This weeks news. ..  or more rarther today, Sunday is the 36th. Anniversary of the O'Jays singer Billy Powell, he died in 1977. They had performed together as a Gospel group until 1958 when they formed the Triumphs and later as the Mascots, but finally The O'Jays.

Also on on this day we lost a Blues performer: 'Babyface' Leroy, he was a drummer/guitarist and singer, and passed in Chicago in 1958. On the Black history side of things, the famous black Russian poet Alexander Pushkin was born on this day in 1799 (EU Calendar). His family had been transported Africans and he ended being Russia's greatest poet!

In the UK we have a Bank Holiday this weekend and so far in the Birmingham area  the Sun has continued to shine, fingers crossed for Monday. A reminder that Mr. Merry's friends the Note benders can be seen throughout the year, see photo.



Tracklisting for Bank Holiday Sunday 26th. May 

Hour One
Babyface & Anita Baker - Like We Used To Do
Black Street - Don't Leave Me (remix)
Dionne Warwick - Move Me No Mountain
Jill Scott - Family Reunion
Phil Perry - You Send Me
Justin Timberlake - That Girl
Stephanie Mills - Keep Away Girls
Wop Bop Torledo - Kissaway
Peggy Scott-Adams - Mr. Wright or Mr. Wrong?
Loose Ends - Choose Me
The Brand New Heavies - One More 4 The Road

Hour Two
'Three-inna-Row': Babyface
1 Rock Bottom
2 Given A Chance
3 Chivalry

Zhane - Request Line
Noel Gourdin - Foxy (remix)

Lenny Lattimore - Weekend
Faze-O - Riding High
Donald Byrd - Loving You
LeRoy Hutson - Paradise
Kenny Thomas - Turn It Up
Cee-Lo Green - My Kinda People
Charlie Wilson - I Still ave You


Babyface Biography:

Born Kenneth Edmonds, 10 April 1959, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Babyface's achievements as a songwriter and producer throughout the late 80s and 90s, especially with L.A. Reid, sometimes overshadowed his own efforts as a performer, which go back to the mid-70s with the funk outfit Manchild. His early solo efforts showed a sophisticated, adult-orientated strain of urban soul, going against the current grain of rap-influenced explicitness and raunchy swingbeat; wisely, perhaps, as his light, pleasant voice could not really compare to earthier singers such as R. Kelly.

It was not until 1995, when the single "When Can I See You" won a Grammy, that he could claim the commercial success that had been heaped on his own prot‚g‚s such as Boyz II Men (Edmonds wrote and produced the massive US chart-topper, "End Of The Road'), Bobby Brown and Toni Braxton. In fact, since the split with Reid, Babyface's main success has been as a producer and writer of movie soundtracks, with The Bodyguard and Waiting To Exhale both going multi-platinum. Expectations were high for his 1996 solo album, which should have sealed his claim to be taken seriously as a contemporary soul performer.

Unfortunately, The Day turned out to be something of a back-slappers" showcase; guest spots by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, LL Cool J, Mariah Carey and even Shalamar could not obscure the fact that the songs Babyface kept for himself were simply not as strong as those he provided for other members of the R&B royalty. Following an unplugged MTV set and a seasonal release, Babyface signed a new recording contract with Arista Records. His debut for the label featured collaborations with Snoop Dogg and the Neptunes.

The Floaters

In the news this week... There have been any number of Millie Jackson compilations – most culled from the 20 albums she made for Spring Records in the 70s but most focus on the well-known numbers, the up-tempo and the famous rap/monologue tracks. The new Ace/Kent collection – 'The Moods Of Millie Jackson' – is a tad different. The 20 tracker focuses on her more intimate side. It brings together a whole clutch of (mainly) long-forgotten ballads from her many Spring long players. The two best-known items on the set are 'It Hurts So Good' and 'If Loving You Is Wrong' – and they remain classics but items like 'Solitary Love Affair', SAM DEES' 'Special Occasion' and BANKS and MITCHELL'S 'From Her Arms To Mine' are outstanding too. Check out too a great version of BOBBY WOMACK'S 'I'm Through Trying To Prove My Love To You'. .. pain never sounded better. (soulandjazzandfunk.com)

It's Grace Jones' birthday today along with  Malcolm X, had he still been around. Jones though started out as a model, regularly appearing at the New York City nightclub Studio 54. Jones secured a record deal with Island Records in 1977, which resulted in a string of dance-club hits. In the late 1970s, she adapted the emerging electronic music style and adopted a severe, androgynous look. Jones found mainstream success in Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, scoring Top 40 entries on the UK Singles Chart. Her albums include Warm Leatherette, Nightclubbing and Slave to the Rhythm, and her biggest hits are "Pull Up to the Bumper", "I've Seen That Face Before (Libertango)", "Private Life", "Slave to the Rhythm" and "I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect for You)".

Must also today remember the 1930 birth of Lorraine Vivian Hansberry, she was an African-American playwright and writer. Her best known work, the play A Raisin in the Sun, was inspired by her family's battle against racial segregation in Chicago.

Sunday's playlist for May 19th, 2013

Hour One

Terry Garmon

Terry Garmon - Any Way
William Brothers - Still There
Kenny G - G-Bop {welcome bed]
Vernoneau - Waiting In Vain
Paltrow / Babyface - Just My Imagination
Drea - As We Proceed / Traitor
Jagged Edge - Let's Get Married
Lauryn Hill - Can't Take My Eyes Of You
Miki Howard / Chris Williams - Hope That ..
         ...We Can Be Together Soon
Justin Timberlake - That Girl

Hour Two

2013 is there 50th aniversary year

Three-Inna-Row: The Floaters
1 I Am So Glad I Took My Time
2 Woman Love / You Are My Lady
3 Float On (7' version)

Stef Mills - What You Gonna Do...
Black Street - Joy (remix)
Erika Yancey - So Good (radio)
Terri Walker - Drawing Board
The Manhattans - Crazy
Mr. Dalvin - Get Mine
Anthony David - Body Language
Deniese Williams - 'Cause I Love You Baby

The Floaters Biography:

The Floaters were an African-American R&B vocal group, from the Sojourner Truth housing projects in Detroit, Michigan, that formed in 1976. The band was formed by the former The Detroit Emeralds' singer James Mitchell, with his brother Paul Mitchell, Larry Cunningham, Charles Clark, and the unrelated Ralph Mitchell. Most of The Floaters were from the Sojourner Truth housing project, on Detroit's Eastside.

James Mitchell apparently came up with the idea and tune for their one major hit, "Float On", in a dream. The lyrics spotlighted each member of the band, who introduced themselves with their name, astrological sign, and ideal type of romantic partner. "Float On" was tracked in a garage recording studio called Pac 3.[1] The song was written by Arnold Ingram, Marvin Willis and James Mitchell Jr., and produced by Woody Wilson. It became a world wide hit in 1977 on ABC Records, reaching #1 on the US R&B chart, #20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and #1 in the UK Singles Chart (for a single week in August that year)

Follow-ups such as "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" (#28 Billboard R&B chart) could not duplicate the idiosyncratic charm of "Float On", but, with some changes in the line-up, the group remained active for several years releasing four studio albums of disco orientated dance music and romantic sweet soul. They were largely unable to shake off their one-hit wonder tag.

The Floaters returned to Pac 3 to record a new version of "Float On" with Full Force for the Brooklyn, New York based group's summer 2001 TVT debut album, Still Standing.

A skit was made for Sesame Street in which David (Northern Calloway), Bob (Bob McGrath), Gordon (Roscoe Orman) and Luis (Emilio Delgado) were attired in in 1970's-style sky-blue tuxedos with a number five on each palm of their gloves and performed a song entitled "Gimme Five". Each character explained what they loved about the number five before singing lead on the chorus of the song. David loved the number five because of the way it looks, Bob appreciated the number because it's easy to count up to, Gordon loved the number because it's the same as his fingers on each hand, and a Spanish-speaking Luis loved the number because three and two make five, as do four and one.

Cheech & Chong did a parody of the song, retitled "Bloat On featuring The Bloaters". It appears on their compilation album, Where There's Smoke There's Cheech & Chong.

On an episode of Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Jewel and Jazz DJ Jazzy Jeff got married and this song was playing when they were walking down the aisle. (wiki)

Gwen McCrae

 In the News... NEW YORK (AP) - Fantasia is feeling the love - and says she hasn't felt this good since winning "American Idol" in 2004. The singer's fourth album, "Side Effects of You," debuted at No. 1 and No. 2 on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop and Top 200 albums charts last week. She said the response is both welcome and complicated, especially after her last few tumultuous years. "It feels really good," she said softly. "You have to be very careful because there was a time when I went from being up here and everybody loved you and then when (that) ole thing happened, it was like, 'OK, everybody ...' - so it's almost, like, tricky."

Fantasia could be addressing a number of things that have bruised her image. In 2010, police believed they were responding to an attempted suicide after Fantasia overdosed on aspirin and other pills at her home in Charlotte, N.C., but her manager says she wasn't trying to kill herself. She gave birth to her son, Dallas, in 2011 and was trashed on blogs by people who said she had been in a relationship with a married man. She's battled bad publicity and also endured financial and emotional woes. But the singer has had her share of positive experiences, too, since becoming an "Idol" champ. She won her first Grammy Award in 2011, has released platinum and gold albums, and starred on Broadway in Oprah Winfrey's "The Color Purple."

The big-voiced singer says she's put the drama behind her and released both her pain and happiness on her new album.(the boombox)

 A new Sheree Brown album and book, Message From The Heart is about to come out in a few weeks and some of the songs are highly recommended. More about the book in the trailer shown above.

This Weeks Playlist, Sunday 12th May 2013

Hour One
Quincy Jones - Tomorrow (edit)
Donny Osmand - Breeze On By
George Benson - Breezing [welcome bed]
Randy Crawford - Endlessly
The Staples - Love Me, Love Me, Love Me
Jeff Redd - Down Low
Big Robb - Macaroni Cheese Song
Shirley Brown - After A Night Like This
Eloise Laws - If I Don't Watch Out
Rick Clarke - One Dance (Don-E remix)
Ms Monique - Slow & Easy
Brandy - I'm Missing You
Marcus Miller - Rush Over

Hour Two
'Three-Inna-Row' : Gwen McCrae 
1 I Can Only Think Of You
2 Doin' It
3 Girl Friend's Boyfriend

Steve Parks - Movin' In The Right Direction
Eddie Harris - It's All Right Now
Vanessa Williams - The Way That You Love Me
Porche - Make You Feel Real Good
Kenny Thomas - Turn It Up
Patrice Rushen - Number One
Maxwell - Sumthin' Sumthin'
D-Influence - Magic

Gwen McRae Biography:

Born 21 December 1943, Pensacola, Florida, USA. The wife of George McCrae, Gwen made her mark in the mid-70s with a delightful series of southern-style soul numbers produced by Steve Alaimo and Clarence Reid for Henry Stone's Miami-based TK operation. She first found success with a remarkable remake of the old Bobby Bland gospel blues, "Lead Me On" (R&B number 32, 1970). The record was recorded for TK Records, but leased to Columbia Records. The following year, now on TK's subsidiary label Cat, she followed with an equally remarkable remake of the Ed Townsend oldie, "For Your Love" (R&B number 17). McCrae had her only pop hit with "Rockin' Chair" in 1975, when the number 1 R&B hit crossed over to reach the US Top 10. "Love Insurance" (R&B number 16) was a respectable follow-up in 1975.

TK collapsed in 1980, and McCrae moved to New Jersey, and while there signed with Atlantic Records, after which she entered the charts with "Funky Sensation" (number 22 R&B) in 1981. McCrae's last US chart record was in 1984, but in the UK she had a hit with "All This Love That I'm Giving' (number 63, 1988), an old single taken from 1979"s Melody Of Life. Her status on the UK's northern soul scene led to a new recording contract with the Homegrown label, who released McCrae's Girlfriend's Boyfriend in 1996. Further recordings followed for the revived Goldwax Records label in the USA, and in 2004 McCrae released her first gospel album. (music.us)

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)