Bobby Womack

June has been a sad month for music lovers with the loses of; Ralph Pruit (Fantastic Four), Don Davis (producer) Horrace Silver (jazz musician), Gerry Goffin (songwriter), Maebon Hodges (Hi label bass player) and Thursday Bobby Womack. A couple of them were no saints and lived a difficult life''s, but nonetheless they all gave us some wonderful music and will all be remembered for that.

When news broke that Angela Bassett will direct the biopic on Whitney Houston, fans and critics alike wondered how the late pop icon’s life would be portrayed in the movie. Bassett recently opened up to Entertainment Weekly about the project, including her choice of casting and the family’s involvement in the film. The 55-year-old director says the film is a personal project for her. Bassett worked with Houston on the set of the 1995 film ‘Waiting to Exhale.’ Much like the world, she was deeply affected by the tragic news of the singer’s death in 2012. “I obviously had worked with Whitney and, you know, just fell in love with her as the rest of the world did,” she said. “And when this opportunity was brought my way, it really was something I couldn’t say no to. I felt that if I said no and let it pass, I could imagine having a great deal of regret, you know? I wanted to tell a story about a beautiful sista, which is of course an opportunity for me to grow as a woman and as an artist in many expected and unexpected ways.”

The Lifetime Network is behind an upcoming film about the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin! Unlike the former productions mentioned which come with a slew of resistance, Franklin is happily on board to have a movie made about her life and career, and offer much insight and input. All that’s needed are the signatures on the paper. Franklin told Billboard.com, “We’re very, very close to signatures on one agreement. It’s just a matter of our coming to terms and agreeing about what we’re doing to do.” According to reports, she’s also involved with the cast selection, especially who she wants to portray her. She’s been vocal in the past about wanting Halle Berry for the role, but rumor has it she’s eyeing Tony Award winner Audra McDonald and Jennifer Hudson. “Audra’s got a great voice to work with, but she’s very Broadway oriented,” Franklin notes, “but that doesn’t mean she cannot perform in the arena of soul, so that’s why I’m interested in hearing how she would sing my things. The singing is certainly going to be a very, very integral and important part of it.”

Playlist for Sunday 29-06-14 (sorry hour two missin')



Isley-Jasper-Isley - Caravan Of Love
Gary Taylor - In Search Of
St. Germain - Sure Thing
Dee Robinson - I Like It
Kindered The Family Soul - Call Me Crazy
Hill St Soul - Smile
Joe - Future Teller
Joe - Love & Sex (Part 2) feat: Kell
Maryann Ito - You Get Me Feeling
Rene & Angela - Imaginary Playmates
Barry White - It's Only Love Doing It's Thing

Bobby Womack x3 (RIP 4/3/44-27/6/14)
1 I Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much
2 We've Only Just Begun (+ Brotherhood)
3 How Could You Break My Heart

Active Force - Give Me Your Love
Chaka Khan - Make It Last
Bloodstone - My Kinda Woman
Eddie Harris - It's Alright Now
Stevie Wonder - All I Do
Betty Wright - Share My Love
Co-Ed - Sumthin' On U
Raphael Saadiq/Teedra Moses - Chic
Charlie Wilson I Still Have You

Bobby Womack's Biography:

Born 4 March 1944, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. A founder member of the Valentinos, this accomplished musician also worked as a guitarist in Sam Cooke's touring band. He scandalized the music fraternity by marrying Barbara Campbell, Cooke's widow, barely three months after the ill-fated singer's death. Womack's early solo singles, "Nothing You Can Do" and the superb "I Found A True Love", were all but shunned and, with the Valentinos now in disarray, he reverted to session work. Womack became a fixture at Chips Moman's American Recording Studio, but although he appeared on many recordings, this period is best recalled for his work with Wilson Pickett. "I'm In Love" and "I'm A Midnight Mover" are two of the 17 Womack songs that particular artist would record. Bobby meanwhile resurrected his solo career with singles on Keymen and Atlantic Records. Signing with Minit Records, he began a string of R&B hits, including "It's Gonna Rain", "How I Miss You Baby" (both 1969) and "More Than I Can Stand (1970).

His authoritative early album, The Womack Live, then introduced the freer, more personal direction he would undertake in the 70s. The final catalyst for change was There's A Riot Going On, Sly And The Family Stone's 1971 collection on which Womack played guitar. Its influence was most clearly heard on "Communication", the title track to Womack's first album for United Artists Records. Part of a prolific period, the follow-up album, Understanding, was equally strong, and both yielded impressive singles, which achieved high positions in the R&B charts. "That's The Way I Feel About Cha" (number 2), "Woman's Gotta Have It" (number 1) and "Harry Hippie" (number 8), which confirmed his new found status. Successive albums from Facts Of Life, Looking For A Love Again and I Don't Know What The World Is Coming To, consolidated the accustomed mixture of original songs, slow raps and cover versions. BW Goes C&W (1976), a self-explanatory experiment, closed his United Artists contract, but subsequent work for CBS Records and Arista Records was undistinguished. In 1981 Womack signed with Beverly Glen, a small Los Angeles independent, where he recorded The Poet. This powerful set re-established his career while a single, "If You Think You're Lonely Now", reached number 3 on the R&B chart. The Poet II (1984) featured three duets with Patti LaBelle, one of which, "Love Has Finally Come At Last", was another hit single. Womack moved to MCA Records in 1985, debuting with So Many Rivers. A long-standing friendship with the Rolling Stones was emphasized that year when he sang back-up on their version of "Harlem Shuffle". Womack remained fairly quiet during the 90s, although he returned to the recording studio in 1999 with his first ever gospel set, Back To My Roots. An expressive, emotional singer, his best work stands among black music's finest moments.  

Bobby's death appears to have been caused by a combination of factors, including diabetes, prostate cancer, heart trouble, colon cancer and pneumonia.

J.P. Cooper

PART OF inner city Birmingham came to a standstill today (June 19) as thousands of people queued to pay tribute to one of the African Caribbean community’s most respected sons.Nearly 3,000 mourners, some who had flown in from America, gathered to say farewell to solicitor Jeff Atkinson, who died suddenly at the age of 53 after a gym session on May 26.It was standing room only in the 2,000-capacity New Testament Church of God in Lozells, with hundreds more listening patiently to the special community service out on the street as African drums played before Jeff’s coffin arrived. More @ The Voice

Aliyah's family releases official statement on 'Lifetime Movie'
The plot HAS thickened…
Last we reported, the family of the late R&B star Aaliyah Haughton was not pleased with a movie being made, despite actress Zendaya Coleman's confirmation that it's moving full steam ahead. And now they’ve made an official statement about their dissatisfaction about the film being made without their consent, and well as the way it’s being made (TV vs. the big screen).

On behalf of the entire family, Aaliyah's uncle and former manager Barry Hankerson released a statement yesterday (June 20), urging fans to bombard Lifetime Network with calls and letters to stop the film's production.

The statement reads:
"Aaliyah was more than a singer, she was -and is still – an American music icon whose legacy continues to live on and influence today’s music culture, just as Ray Charles, Notorious B.I.G., Selena and Johnny Cash.
Considering the magnitude of her fans’ affection alone, she deserves to have a tribute much more grand than a television network debut that won’t even consider the perspectives of those who were closest to Aaliyah.
Disregarding the families and dishonoring the legacies of celebrated figures who have passed on, big networks want to exploit their stories for a buck. We’re here to make it clear that it’s not okay!
Lifetime Television is trying to dictate the status of our heroes, our heroines and – in this case – our beloved Aaliyah. We implore everyone to call Lifetime Television, send emails and bombard social media so they know we demand respect for our cultural icons.
We will not sit idly by while they misrepresent and reap profits from our luminaries. There is more at stake than the public could imagine."
There’s soooooo many factors surrounding the making (or not making) of this movie, we're already exausted with the entire thing! But it’ll be interesting to see how this all pans out.

Jerry & Wife Carol King, 1959

Gerry Goffin, US lyricist, dies at 75. Goffin penned more than 50 top 40 hits, including (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman and Savin' All My Love for You. The Oscar-nominated songwriter Gerry Goffin, whose hits included Will You Love Me Tomorrow and (You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman, has died aged 75, his wife Michelle said. Goffin, who was previously married to his writing partner Carole King, was also behind Up on the Roof and Savin' All My Love for You. In all, Goffin was responsible for more than 50 top 40 songs in the US. He and King married in 1959 when they were teenagers. They divorced in 1968, but their productive partnership led them to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three years later. More @ here


Sundays playlist 22-06-14



Hour One
Shirley Brown - Woman To Woman
Donny Osmand - Breeze On By
Gabor Szabo/Bobby Womack - Breezin
Jaheim - Hush
No-Kin - Hush
Marqueal Jordan _ Between The Sheets
R. Kelly - Love For Me (NR)
George Howard - Steppin' Out
Angie Stone - More Than A Woman
Tracy Carter =- Everyday
Marvin Gaye - Le's Get It On (remix)
Noel Gourdin - Foxy

Hour Two
J.P. Cooper x3
1 Stay 2  'x' Factor
3 I Wish I Didn't Miss You

Keni Burke - Hang Tight
Gwen McCrae - Stop Holding Back
Emotions - The Feeling Is
Dramatics - Key To The World
ZZ Hill - Cheatin' In The Next Room
Phyliss Hyman - You Know How To Love Me
Donnell JOnes - The Finer Things In Life
Faith Evans - I Just Can't Wait
Michael Coop - Steppin To A Groove Song

J.P. Cooper Biography:
JP Cooper was born in Manchester into a family of artists and spent his formative years writing and playing rock music but his sound also draws on his love for gospel music. With influences as diverse as Donny Hathaway, Otis Redding, Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder, his spine-tingling and utterly brilliant voice marries up with his captivating, life affirming lyrics which touch on friends, lovers, society and spirituality, to leave you spellbound, heart-warmed and inspired every time.

Fathers Day 2014

My old man's a white old man
And my old mother's black.
If ever I cursed my white old man
I take my curses back.
If ever I cursed my black old mother
And wished she were in hell,
I'm sorry for that evil wish
And now I wish her well
My old man died in a fine big house.
My ma died in a shack.
I wonder where I'm going to die,
Being neither white nor black? 
- Langston Hughes 

A real daddy

I am only three
I've learned so many things that you've taught me me
the things I have learn will help me grow
the things you've taught me surely show
I know that blue and yellow make green
I know one comes first then two then three
I know how to say thank you and ask
for things by saying pretty please
I know that you love me unconditionally
I know you are are my daddy even if you didn't help mommy make me
because you have have been there no matter what and you'd never for sake me
you give me kisses and hold me tight
you calm my fears when I wake frighten at night
you kiss my boos boos and make the pain go away
only real daddy's and mommy's I have that gift Id say
your are my daddy and I love you with all my heart
because of you me and mommy no longer have a hole in our hearts

Author: Carrie Mcstoots 

Playlist for Sunday 15-06-14



Ron Parks - Daddies Need Huggin'

Sade 2010

Jaheim - Daddy Thing
Kenny G - If I Ain't Got You
The Winstons - Colour Him Father
Jill Scott - Family Reunion
Tashan - Thank You Father
Whitney Houston - Exhale (Shoop,Shoop)
Kool & The Gang - Father, Father
Kindred Family Soul - Drop The Bomb On Me
Sade - Baby Father
Marvin Gaye - What's Going On
Keith Sweat - Day Dreamin'

Mary J Blige - Father In You

Springfield Smooth Group Dance With My Father

Luther Vandross - Dance With My Father

Bar-Kays - Feel Like I'm Falling In Love

Tyrone Davis - In The Mood

Jean Carn - My Love Don't Come Easy

Bobby Womack How Could You Break My Heart

LaToya Jackson - Camp Kuch Kaia

Wornell Jones - Must Have Been Love

Eddie Towns - Magic In The Air

Maze - We Are One

Can you Father dance?

Gerald LeVert

Well done to the organizers of this year’s FREE Caribbean Festival, bigger and better than ever before. Victoria and Chamberlain Squares, two of Birmingham’s prime city centre venues, will once again be holding the colourful, vibrant, and entertaining Caribbean Festival. Sponsored in 2012 by Levi Roots of “Reggae, Reggae Sauce”, the event attracted over 150,000 people and generated thousands of pounds in trade for local businesses. This year’s festival ran from Thursday 5 – Saturday 7 June 2014 and  music and dance and a focus on Caribbean culture, arts and crafts. There’s Calypso, Soca, Jazz, R’n’B, Reggae, Hip Hop and Soul flavours all mixed in over the 3 days. Many young up-and-coming local artists, comedians, dancers and poets, with guest appearances by national and international stars including: Musical Youth, Legends, Pulse Beat, Reggae Magic, Peter Spence, Tenna Star, Claire Angle, Tru Street Dance & More .Music over the 3 days will be provided by: Wassifa Showcase.

Toni Braxton releases her book. Since she's been a part of R&B's musical landscape and a recognizable part of pop culture for practically 20 years, it's hard to imagine us not hearing Toni Braxton. But before she became that signature sultry voice, a cautionary tale for bad business deals and a darling of reality TV (via WE TV's Braxton Family Values), Toni Michele was actually the oldest of six sanctified siblings hailing from the decidedly-unglamorous Severn, Maryland, a journey chronicled in Braxton's revealing and reflective memoir,Unbreak My Heart.  In this heartfelt memoir, six-time Grammy Award-winning artist and star of WE TV’s reality hitBraxton Family Values, Toni Braxton writes about her personal life decisions and their impact on her health, family and career.

Don Davis - RIP

Detroit musician, producer and businessman Don Davis had died at age 75. Davis was a true "Renaissance Man" of music and business who started as a Motown guitarist, went on to write and produce a slew of hits, and even led the empowerment movement as the founder of a bank aimed at African American citizens.

Music fans first heard Davis playing on several early Motown hits such as Barrett Strong's "Money (That's What I Want)." He went on to write and produce for R&B artists around the US, and scored a huge hit with his composition for Johnny Taylor, "Who's Makin' Love." Davis bought and operated the legendary United Sound Studio in Detroit and produced projects with for the Dramatics, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis and even the late David Ruffin (So Soon We Change). He also wrote and produced the #1 smash "Disco Lady" for Taylor. All told, Davis reportedly was a part of over 3,000 recordings during his long career. While continuing to be relevant in the music industry, Davis became the founder and President of First Independence Bank, a downtown Detroit bank that aimed to better serve the area's African American community. Don Davis was a giant of a man in both the music and business worlds, and he will be missed. (Soutracks)

Luther Vandross although gone he is defiantly not forgotten. He has received a well deserved star on the Hollywood walk of fame, along with Ellen Degenerus, Backstreet Boys, Usher, and Janis Joplin! Getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a huge honor for any celebrity to receive. It’s an honor that stars who have stood the test of time have had bestowed upon them, such as Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley.In 2013, the Walk of Fame will welcome 24 new stars to its prestigious sidewalk. The lineup for the year is as diverse as the stars that already line the streets of Hollywood.The committee for the Hollywood Walk of Fame picks celebrities who are eligible to receive a star. If those stars choose to accept the honor, they will pay a fee of $30,000.

This Weeks Playlist 08-06-14



Hour One: (10-11am)
Zara McFarland - Police & Thieves
Teddy Pendergrass - Love Is The Power
G. Womack - Groove Wit You
Tracy Carter - Everyday
Kindred The Family Soul - Call Me Crazy
Keith Sweat - Think (Mama Used To Tell Me)
Brian Owens - Let's Get It On (Japan CD)
Betty Crutcher - Up For A Let Down
Pulpacio Jones - Your Eyes
Ca$e - Love 2 Love
Rosie Gaines - Good Times

Hour Two: (11-12pm)
Gerald LeVert x 3
1 That's The Way I Feel About You
2 Grater Later 3 Strings, Strings

Ch-Lites - Running Around
The Gap Band - Keep Holding On
Stephanie Mills - Keep Away Girls
Valentine Bros. - This Kind Of Love
Chocolate Milk - How About Love
Phyllis Hyman - Don't Tell Me, Tell Her
Johnson & Helen Lowe - SOS

Gerald LeVert Biography:

Born 13 July 1966, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. The son of O'Jays founder Eddie LeVert. Bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary R&B, Gerald LeVert has a fine vocal technique first heard in 1985 with the release of the debut album by LeVert. By the time 1988's Just Coolin' had become a major US success, Gerald had already taken time off from the parent group to produce a number of artists with Marc Gordon, including Stephanie Mills, James Ingram, Miki Howard, the O'Jays and Troop. He also wrote "Whatever It Takes" for Anita Baker's platinum-selling 1990 set, Compositions. The same year, LeVert's Rope-A-Dope went gold. As head of Atlantic Records' Trevel Productions, Gerald also worked with new vocal groups Rude Boy and Men At Large. All these endeavours preceded the announcement of his solo career in 1991. The timing had been carefully planned, and paid rewards when "School Me", "Can You Handle It", "Baby Hold On To Me' (featuring his father) and the title track of the parent album Private Line achieved major success. The songs, written in conjunction with new partner Tony Nicholas, established him as a major force in contemporary R&B, with an equal emphasis on up-tempo dance numbers and balladeering. Afterwards, Gerald returned to work with LeVert (the band), and their fifth album, 1992's For Real Tho", earned another gold disc.

Further production work with Barry White, Little Joe (lead singer of Rude Boy), Drama and Men At Large interrupted preparations for a second solo set, which finally followed in 1994. Groove On was envisaged by the artist as "a 90s version of a 60s soul show, with a band, a whole horn section, the works". Once more working with Nicholas, this time the ballads included "I'd Give Anything" (produced by the Grammy award-winning David Foster), which became the album's first hit single, and the "issue" song "How Many Times", which dealt with a woman suffering physical and emotional abuse. The reconstruction of a traditional soul dynamic was enshrined by the presence of his father as co-producer on "Same Time, Same Place", while "Can't Help Myself" was originally written for the Forest Whitaker movie Strapped. In 1995, he enjoyed further international success with "Answering Service", confirming Gerald as one of the leading lights of modern soul and vocal R&Born The same year also produced a well-received collection of duets performed with his father (as Gerald And Eddie LeVert), titled Father And Son. In 1997, Gerald teamed-up with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill for the "soul supergroup" album, Levert Sweat Gill. His new solo album, Love & Consequences featured the Top 20 singles, "Thinkin' Bout It" and "Taking Everything". The follow-ups G and Gerald's World, though lesser works, maintained LeVert's commercial presence.

Robin Thicke

According to Mr. Merry's weather forecast today we can expect frogs, unless I heard him wrong that is, Lol. This web page is not getting to many visits anymore and Mr Merry is thinking of stopping his Podcast pages. If you would like them to continue please drop him a message in the space provided at the bottom of this page or failing that email him via pcrl103fm@hotmail.com

A Baker & K Michelle

K. Michelle is currently in the studio working on her sophomore album and she got a surprise studio visit from the legendary Anita Baker. She shared her special moment via Instagram, “Last night was life changing for me as an artist. The legend @iamanitabaker came to check on me in the studio and hear my new music. She reminded me what music was all about. I pray that I grow as an artist and become as wise and humble as u are! Thank u for extending ur hand to me. I will FOREVER remember this. God sends u the right people at the right time. I needed to hear the words u spoke!” Thus far K. Michelle has been in the studio with Ne-Yo, Stacy Barthe, Sevyn, Eric Hudson, and Pop & Oak for her new album. (blenderss.com)

A leading Birmingham lawyer has died of a suspected heart attack just weeks after appearing in court charged with financial offences. Former bankrupt Jeff Atkinson, 50, made his name by largely defending people caught up in gun and gang cases. The Handsworth-born Rastafarian reportedly suffered a heart attack after a gym workout on Monday. Mr Atkinson was recently in the dock himself, accused of hiding £57,000 during the course of his bankruptcy in 2011. more at: Birmingham mail

Sunday 1st. June 2014

Intro - Come Inside
Maxwell - Pretty Wings
Gerald Albright - So Amaising
Randy Crawford - Endlessly
Michael Jackson - She Was LOving Me
HIl St. Soul - Strictly A Vibe Thang
Ron Parks - The Game
Runen Studdard - Close The Door
Arnold Blair - Trying To Get Next To You
Staples - Love Me x3
Paris I Chose You
Ashfrord & Simpson - Love Or Physical





Robin Thicke x3:
1 For The Rest Of My Life 2 All Tied Up
3 You're My Baby

Angie Stone - Pissed Off
Donell Jones - Finer Things In Life
Chaka Khan - Everywhare
Siani - Get On The Floor
Roy Ayers - Love Will Bring Us Back
Lo-Key - Good Old Fashioned Love
Randy Brown - We Oughta To Be Doing It
Millie Jackson - Love Is A Dangerous Game

Ronin Thicke Biography:

Born in Los Angeles, Robin taught himself to play piano at the age of 12 and by 16 was writing and producing songs for artists like Brandy, Color Me Badd, and Brian McKnight. By the age of 21, he had written and produced songs on over 20 gold and platinum albums including Michael Jackson, Marc Anthony, Pink, Christina Aguilera and others.
One year later he signed with Jimmy Iovine and Interscope records. Soon after he met André Harrell (former CEO of Uptown Records and mentor to Mary J. Blige, Sean “Puffy” Combs and countless others). It didn’t take much time for Robin to realize he found the creative partner he needed to make A Beautiful World, his critically acclaimed debut album released in 2003 under the name “Thicke.” After A Beautiful World, Thicke continued to work hard and went on to write and produce songs for Usher’s Grammy winning album Confessions, Lil’ Wayne’s The Carter 2, and Mary J Blige. more at: robinthicke.com

George Howard

Sunday 25th May (African Liberation Day)
Johnny Gill - Feels Like So Much Better
Harold Melvin - You Know How To Make Me Feel Good
Steel Pan - Pump Me Up
Anthony Hamilton - I Tried (sorry ed)
C-Nario - Body Fusion
Johnny Watson - I Don't Wanna Be A Lone Ranger
Betty Wright - No Pain No Gain)
Next - Looking For Love
Tracy Carter - Everyday
Cee-Lo-Green - My Kind Of People
Pharoah Scott - Allow Me



George Howard x3 1 No, No
2 I Want You For Myself 3 Steppin' Out

Dennis Taylor - Bad As You Wanna Be
Drizabone - Bright Star
Rick Clarke - See You Along The Way
Deluxe [Springer] - I've Got A Feeling
Be E. King - Supernatural Thing
Gap Band - Keep Holding On
Stephanie Mills - Keep Away Girl

George Howard Biography:

Howard was born September 15, 1956 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In the late 1970s, he began touring with Grover Washington, Jr., who was one of his idols. In the early 1980s, Howard released his first and second studio albums, Asphalt Gardens and Steppin' Out. Both albums were well received and ranked high on the Billboard magazine jazz album charts at number 25 and 9, respectively.

By 1985, Howard's third album, Dancing in the Sun, had scaled the Billboard Jazz Album chart to number 1. Each of his next three albums, Love Will Follow, A Nice Place to Be and Reflections would also reach this height in the Jazz Album chart. After the success of Dancing in the Sun, Howard left the label GRP Records in order to join MCA through the 1988 release of Reflections. His next album Personal was released in 1989.

However, he returned to GRP Records in 1990 and released Love and Understanding in 1991. It was followed by Do I Ever Cross Your Mind? (1992), When Summer Comes (1993), A Home Far Away (1994), and Attitude Adjustment (1996). All of his GRP recordings were quite successful, confirming his place among the most popular contemporary jazz performers of the '90s. His first five years with GRP, plus a selection of his MCA recordings, were summarized on 1997's The Very Best of George Howard and Then Some.

Howard returned to recording with Midnight Mood, which was released in January 1998. He stayed with GRP until his death of lymphoma on March 20, 1998. His final album, There's a Riot Goin' On was released posthumously (one month after his death) on April 21 by Blue Note Records.

Peabo Bryson

 Sunday 18th. May 2014 
The Independents - Baby I've Been Missing You
Betty Wright - One Bad Habit, That's Loving You
St. Germain - Sure Thing (Bed)
Syleena Johnson - Another Relationship
Freddie Jackson - Tasty Love
Rome - Flesh.com
Michael Jackson - Loving You
Don-E - Little Star
Jermaine Jackson - There's No Better Way
Eddie Holman - All In The Game
Mica Paris - Six Street
Keni Burke - I Need Your Love
Kim Waters - Step In The Name Of Love



Peabo Bryson x3 1 I'm So Into You
2 When Will  I Learn 3 Reaching For The Sky

Terri Wells - Just Like Dreamin'
Curtis Mayfield - You're So Good For Me
Venus Malone - Inhale, Exhale
New York Crew/Georgie B - Old Skool Magic
Sybil - U and Me 2 Nite
Five Star - Surely
Keni Burke - Hang Tight

 Peabo Bryson's Biography:
Born Robert Peabo Bryson, 13 April 1951, Greenville, South Carolina, USA. This talented soul singer and producer is a former member of Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display and Michael Zager's Moon Band. Between 1976 and 1978, Bryson had hits with this latter group, with "Reaching For The Sky" and "I'm So Into You'. His numerous appearances in Billboard"s R&B chart include "Underground Music", "Feel The Fire", "Crosswinds", "She's A Woman" and "Minute By Minute". "Gimme Some Time", a 1979 duet with Natalie Cole, was the first of several successful partnerships. However, despite hits with Melissa Manchester and Regina Belle, the singer is best known for his work with Roberta Flack, and in particular the dewy-eyed ballad "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love", which reached number 5 on the US R&B chart and number 2 in the UK pop chart in 1983. Such releases have obscured Bryson's own career, which included, notably, the US Top 10 hit "If Ever You're In My Arms Again" from 1984, but he remains an able and confident performer blessed with an effortless voice. Soundtrack duets with Celine Dion ("Beauty And The Beast") and Regina Belle ("A Whole New World (Aladdin's Theme)") in 1992 provided Bryson with further chart success.

Will Downing

Playlist For Sunday 11th May 2014



Quincy Jones - Tomorrow
Al Green - God Blessed Our Love
G. Womack - Groove Wid It (bed)
Marcus Miller - Much To Much
Vanessa Williams - The Way That You Love
Noel Gourdin - Foxxy
Marwan Soulflow - I'm Sorry
R.Kelly - Number One Hit
Lou Rawls - You'll Never Find..
Sounds Of Blackness - He Took Away..
Michael Jackson - She Was Loving  Me('14 vers)
TK Soul - I'm Looking For A Lady
Jose' James - Make It Right

Will Downing x3 1 Don't Make Me Wait
2 One Step Closer 3 Something Special

Glen Goldsmith - So At Ease
Next - Looking For Love
Rhythm & Jazz - Just In Case
Fried - Looking For Love
Betty Wright - Share My Love
Groove Theory - Tell Me
Bobby Caldwell - What U Won't Do 4 Love
Laimore - Sweet Vibrations
Linda Clifford - Runaway Love
Valentine Bros. - Let Me Be Close To U

Congratulations to Cecil Morris, the founder of PCRL radio on the Nytelyfe Award that he received over May Day Bank Holiday weekend. The award was for his contributions Black music over the years. Mr Morris ran an entertainment agency for black artists in the 1970's  called Rising Star, through which people like Steel Pulse, UB40 and Musical Youth were given help, he later ran two pirate radio stations.

Gwen Guthrie

Jessica Cleaves, a talented singer who was part of two legendary groups - The Friends of Distinction and Earth, Wind & Fire, has died at age 65. One of the most likable and vocally cohesive singing groups of the late 60s and early 70s, the Friends of Distinction, formed by Cleaves, Harry Elston, Floyd Butler, and Barbara Love in 1968, made some of the most memorable pop/soul music of their time. (soultracks)



Brian Owens’ Marvin Gaye tribute album, “You’re All I Need – Brian Owens Sings Marvin Gaye” has been officially released Japan-wide on April 5th, 2014 in the run up to his Japan live performance debut at Blue Note Tokyo. Known as the new voice of American soul, and often compared to the late Marvin Gaye, Brian along with Nao Yoshioka, Japan’s new soul music sensation, will perform two sets at both the Tokyo Blue Note (May 1st) and at the Nagoya Blue Note (May 2nd).

Play List for Sunday 3rd. May. 2014



Curtis Mayfield - Baby It's You
Barbara Streisand - Guilty
Anita Baker - Feel The Need
Chuckii Booker - Running Around
Maze - We ARe One
Dexter Wancell - Sweetest Pain
Jahiem Looking For Love
Luther Vandross - Think About You



x3 Gwen Guthrie - Sweet Bitter Love,
Send Me Somebody & Stop Holding Back

Eric Beet - Better & Better
Michael Cooper - Steppin' To A Love Song
Ann Nesby - In The Spirit
MIchael Wycoff - Looking Up To You
Siani - Get On The Floor
Vibrations - Shake It Up

Gwen Guthrie Biography:

Gwen Guthrie (July 9, 1950 – February 3, 1999) was an American singer-songwriter and pianist, who also sang backing vocals for Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Peter Tosh, and Madonna, among others, and who wrote songs made famous by Ben E. King, Angela Bofill and Roberta Flack.
Guthrie was born in Okemah, Oklahoma and raised in Newark, New Jersey. In school, she studied classical music, and her father began teaching her piano when she was eight years old. By the early 1970s, she had joined vocal groups such as the Ebonettes and the Matchmakers, meanwhile working as an elementary school teacher. When a backup singer scheduled to sing on Aretha Franklin's 1974 single "I'm in Love" fell ill, Guthrie took the vocalist's place beside Cissy Houston; thus Guthrie would happily state that her career on record began "at the top".

Guthrie soon began moonlighting as a singer of commercial jingles, sometimes with her friend Valerie Simpson (of Ashford & Simpson fame). A songwriting partnership with her then boyfriend, trombonist/bassist Haras Fyre (professionally known as "Patrick Grant") resulted in Ben E. King's comeback single, "Supernatural Thing", and "This Time I'll Be Sweeter", covered by numerous artists. Together they wrote seven tracks on the Sister Sledge's 1975 album Circle of Love: "Cross My Heart", "Protect Our Love", "Love Don't You Go Through No Changes on Me", "Don't You Miss Him Now", "Pain Reliever", "You're Much Better Off Loving Me", and "Fireman". She was also the writer of Roberta Flack's "God Don't Like Ugly".

As Guthrie's solo career developed, she worked extensively with Sly and Robbie on dub-influenced club cuts, and began racking up dance hits. She was dubbed "The First Lady of the Paradise Garage" as several of her songs became anthems at the venue, helped by the frequent and dynamic performances she gave there. She soon teamed musically with famed Paradise Garage DJ Larry Levan, and recorded her first major landmark hit, "Padlock" in 1983 with the Compass Point All Stars in Nassau, Bahamas which became a club and radio hit two years later. She also sang back up on Madonna's debut album from 1982.

Guthrie is probably best known for her 1986 dance anthem "Ain't Nothin' Goin' on But the Rent", a self-written and produced track which garnered some controversy for its misandric and materialistic lyrics such as, "You've got to have a j-o-b if you want to be with me/No romance without finance". A literal reading suggests a man only require the finances to make a relationship work. However, Guthrie's lyrics intend to motivate her partner into being responsible for maintaining equality and financial stability.

"Ain't Nothin' Goin' on But the Rent" was later sampled by numerous dance and hip hop artists, notably by Foxy Brown in her 1998 song "JOB" featuring Mýa and by Utah Saints for the original version of their hit "What Can You Do for Me". The song is referenced in the Eddie Murphy monologue "No Romance Without Finance", in his Eddie Murphy Raw concert and film (also available on DVD). Guthrie also had a hit in 1986 with a cover of "(They Long to Be) Close to You", which reached number twenty-five on the UK Singles Chart the same year.

Her single "Can't Love You Tonight" boldly addressed AIDS at a time when the disease was a taboo subject. Guthrie was an ally to the gay community, and to people with AIDS long before the masses caught up. Proceeds from the single went to the AIDS Coalition.

Other club hits of hers include the Compass Point All Stars-produced "Seventh Heaven", "Peanut Butter", and "Peek-a-Boo". "Padlock" was later covered by M People, who included it on their 1995 album Bizarre Fruit, featuring vocalist Heather Small.

Johnny 'Guitar' Watson

Supreme soul maven Avery Sunshine is back with another round of good music. Releasing her latest single, “Call My Name,” the songstress will have you asking your lover, “What’s my name?!”
Set to be featured on her upcoming album, The SunRoom, the song speaks on a love the seems to have gone astray. Cooing out, “When was the last time you heard me call you sweet darling? And when was the last time I heard you say, ‘hey baby’?” Avery will have you yearning for more with her sultry vocals.
While her album may not hit stores until May 27, Avery is preparing for her North American tour that kicks off in Atlanta on April 26. Serving as a follow-up to her debut album that premiered four years go, The SunRoom is sure to be a masterpiece.

Happy birthday to Mica Paris today! Paris' roots are in soul and gospel music. She grew up singing in her grandparents' church and by her mid teens was making regular appearances with 'The Spirit of Watts' gospel choir (with whom she featured on the 1985 EP Gospel Joy). She abbreviated her forename to Micha, before adopting a "phonetic version". At the age of seventeen, she got her first break as a backing vocalist with the UK band Hollywood Beyond. Paris appeared on their album, If (1985).
In 1988, she released her debut, platinum-selling album So Good with 4th & Broadway when she was 19 years old. "My One Temptation" was the lead single. This led to a collaboration with American soul singer Will Downing on a cover version of a classic "Where Is the Love", made famous by Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack in the early 1970s.

Playlst for Sunday 27th April 2014



Deniece Williams - 'cus You Love Me Baby
Joe - Can't Get Over You
George Howard - No, No
Livin Out Loud - Lately
Ruben Studdard - Close The Door
Anthony David - Body Language
Masa - Pouring Rain
Betty Wright - Whisper In The Wind
Nu Life - Now That I Found U
Hil St. Soul - Feel Good Factor
Angie Stone - Rich Girl
Algebra Blessett - U Do It For Me
Zola McFarlane - Police & Thieves

Johnny Guitar Watson x3
1 Love Jones 2 Cop & Blow
3 Children Of The Universe

S.O.S - Band High Hopes
Alexander O'Neal - What's Missing
Marwan Soulflow ft: Pat Rice - If You Want It
Luther VanDross - Get It Right
Taheesha Renee - Love's Taken Over
Don-E - Little Star
S.O.S. Band - Groovin' (That's What We're Doin')
Raw Silk - Do It To The Music

Johnny 'Guitar' Watson's Biography:

John "Johnny 'Guitar'" Watson, Jr. (February 3, 1935 – May 17, 1996) was an American blues, soul, and funk musician and singer-songwriter. A flamboyant showman and electric guitarist in the style of T-Bone Walker, Watson recorded throughout the 1950s and 1960s with some success. His creative reinvention in the 1970s with disco and funk overtones, saw Watson have hits with "Ain't That a Bitch", "I Need It" and "Superman Lover". His successful recording career spanned forty years, with his biggest hit being the 1977 "A Real Mother For Ya". (more at wikipedia)

Angie Stone

Linda Clifford at her store

This Saturday was Record Shop Day, a day that we remember and even visit those lovely people who used to look after our every musical needs. Staff that would remember your musical choices and recommend new stuff. Vinyl is not dead as many predicted with the on-sort of digital storage, instead uncaring money-grabbing shops have closed down and all those wonderful little independent record businesses still survive. Photo here shows Linda Clifford visiting her local record store this weekend.

Big hi to Newstyle's DJ Rassman who also enjoyed a traditional Jamaican meal this week end and shared a photo of it on his Facebook page, also happy birthday to DJ Paul Ruben this Easter Sunday who shares his birthday with Luther Vandross & Tito Puente. The station's music programming has changed a little this 'Mixmasters Weekend,' with Mr. Merrys' show starting at 9 A.M. instead of 10. It's a good job he does a Blog so people that missed the first hour can now catch-up!

Two dances coming up this Summer in July and August that look back at the PCRL's years as a radio station here in Birmingham. The first show will be in remembrance of the late and much loved DJ, Angel A, who passed away 10 years ago in 2004. The 26th July show is being put together by her friend Ranking Bev who was also a PCRL DJ from days gone by. The other show is a Lovers Rock themed show on August 2nd, the event put together by PCRL's founder Cecil Morris and Observer and will feature many of the Lovers artists that made the genre so popular in the 1980-90's. The photograph shows Ranking Jacko, one of Cecil's first singles released in 1985, the year PCRL started broadcasting. Sadly the Station was forced to close in 2004.

Finally please have a lovely Easter from Mr Merry & Mickey! :-)

Easter Sunday's play list 20-04-14



Hour One (9 am)
Quincy Jones - Heaven's Girl
Sam Salter - Your Face
George Duke - Whatever It Takes
Patti Austin - That's Enough For Me
Jill Scott - Family Reunion
Jon B - Keep It Real
Luther Vandross - She Loves Me Back [born today]
Lo-Key - Tasty
May J Blige - Your Child
Zara McFarlane - Police & Thieves
Jeniqua - Making Love

Hour Two

Angie Stone x3

1 Sisters 2 Pissed Off 3 No More

Rain (In This Cloud)

Gary Bartz - Music Is My Sancturary

Curtis Hairston Chillin' Out &

Morning After

Glady's Knight - OLd School

The Dramatics - Key To The City

Shorty Corleone - While I'm Alone

Woody Cunningham - Intimate Connection

Matt Covington - We Got One

Angie Stone Biography:

Born Angela Laverne Brown, Columbia, South Carolina, USA. This gospel-trained soul singer endured a difficult childhood before moving to New York in her late teens. Reinventing herself as Angie Born she joined the mid-80s prototype female rap trio Sequence, a group who were too far ahead of their time to break into the male-dominated hip-hop market. Subsequent gigs included a spell as saxophone player and backing vocalist with Lenny Kravitz, lead vocalist with soul trio Vertical Hold, and moderate success as a songwriter for Mary J. Blige and SWV. She also sang backing vocals for her ex-boyfriend, leading urban R&B singer D'Angelo, but for all her efforts was forced to endure mundane day jobs to feed her young family. Stone's big break came when she was signed to Arista Records as a solo artist. She began work on her debut album with the help of Kravitz and D'Angelo as co-producers. Black Diamond, released in September 1999, was a classic soul record, reminiscent of both old school singer Gladys Knight and contemporary neo-soul artists Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu. Stand-out tracks included the Knight-sampling "No More Rain (In This Cloud)", "Everyday", a mellow duet with D'Angelo, and "Bone 2 Pic (Wit U)", featuring Ali Shaheed Muhammad (ex-A Tribe Called Quest).

Stone then followed Arista boss Clive Davis to his new venture, J Records. Her debut for the label, Mahogany Soul, appeared in late 2001. The album stayed true to the neo-soul formula of her debut albeit with less stand-out tracks, although the slow-burning "Wish I Didn't Miss You" and the Musiq Soulchild duet "The Ingredients Of Love" were the match of anything on Black Diamond. Stone's second album for J was released in summer 2004. Stone Love featured an incongruous cameo from rapper Snoop Dogg but was otherwise another solid collection.

Luther Ronzoni Vandross (April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005)

The Whispers

Harvey Perry

In a week that we lost Motown arranger Gil Askey (5-4-14) & Jazz musician Wayne Henderson (9-04-14,) we give thanks for the Citizen Award that was given on Friday here in Birmingham to Harvey Parry, who was just 15 months old when  he had to have both his legs amputated after contracting meningitis. The eight-year-old from north London has now become one of the most successful disabled athletes for his age. His success has earned him one of this year's Rotary Young Citizen Awards. More about his life so far at this address.

Bob's RS issue

Bob Marley, The Ultimate Guide to His Music and Legend, Rolling Stone Special Collectors Edition, 2014. This Rolling Stone Special Collectors Edition spotlights BOB MARLEY. It's crammed with photos and text...a must-have keepsake for any fan of this
remarkable Jamaican musician and "jamming" legend! Chapters : Introduction, How Bob Marley Changed the World, An Encounter With the Legend, Visiting Bob Marley's Jamaica, One Love, Bob Marley's 50 Greatest Songs, & The Living Legacy. Book stands until June 26.

Stevie back in UK soon!

Stevie Wonder will be  playing live at the Calling Festival on Clapham Common, Sunday 29th June. Yes, it's been confirmed, 63 year old Stevie will be headlining a new strand of the Hard Rock Calling event which takes place on Clapham Common from Saturday 28th June to Sunday 29th June. Organiser, Toby Leighton Pope commented, "We're thrilled to welcome Stevie Wonder to Calling Festival. His music is timeless and this show will be one of the highlights of the summer! Happy birthday is you were born today, you share this day with; Al Green, Peobo Bryson, Wayne Lewis (Atlantic Star) & Lester Chambers (Chambers Bros.)


 Sundays play list, for 13th April 2014 



 Hour One 
Teena Marie - Dayja Vu
Anita Baker - Angel
Kenny G - If I Ain't got You
Toni Braton/Babyface Take It Back
Tania Marie -Come With Me
Kenny Lattimore - What Must I Do
Rhonda Dorsey - Chocolate Sound
LaToya London - Scandalous
Sharon Jones/Dap Kings - We Get Along
Joe - Closer
Maze - I Wan't To Feel I'm WAnted
Gerry Woo - Help Yourself
CeLow Green - My Kind Of People
Dylan Janet Colins - Could It Be

Hour Two
The Whispers x3
1 Lady 2 Say Yes 3 Never To Late

Eloise Whitiker - Falling In Love
Terri Wells - I'll Be Around
St. Gernaine - Sure Thing
Sister Sledge - Easier To Love
Lionel Richie - Love Will Find Away
Patrice Rushen - Hung It Up
Dianna Ross - It's My House

The Whisper Biography:

Formed in the Watts section of Los Angeles, California, USA in 1964, soul group the Whispers were originally comprised of Nicholas Caldwell (Born 5 April 1944, Loma Linda, California, USA), twin brothers Wallace and Walter Scott (Born 23 September 1943, Fort Worth, Texas, USA), Marcus Hutson (Born 8 January 1943, St. Louis, Missouri, USA) and Gordy Harmon. The group recorded its first single, "It Only Hurts For Awhile", for Dore Records but it was not until 1969 that they reached the R&B charts with "Time Will Come", on the Soul Clock label. Their first Top 10 soul record, "Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong", followed in 1970 and the group switched to Janus Records for the next four years, during which time Leaveil Degree (Born 31 July, 1948, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA) replaced Harmon. In 1975 the group switched labels again, to Soul Train, and scored such hits as "One For The Money" and "Make It With You", a remake of the Bread pop hit. The Soul Train label evolved into Solar Records in 1978, where the Whispers stayed for 10 years, reaching their commercial peak. Emphasizing lush arrangements and sweet vocal harmonies, the group earned hits with the US number 1 R&B single "And The Beat Goes On", which also reached number 2 in the UK pop chart. The group continued their success in the US R&B charts with six Top 10 entries; "Lady" (1980), "It's A Love Thing" (1981, also a UK Top 10), "In The Raw" (1982), "Tonight" (1983), "Keep On Lovin' Me" (1983), "Contagious" (1984), and another R&B number 1 and their only US Top 10 pop entry, "Rock Steady", in 1987. Maintaining the same line-up, the group signed to Capitol Records in 1990, releasing More Of The Night, which still stressed a refined, slick soul sound. In 1993 the Scotts began recording as Walter & Scotty, releasing the My Brothers Keeper album. They carried on working with the Whispers, however, who chalked up 30 years in the music business the following year.