Patti LaBelle

George Clinton in Birmingham, UK

George Clinton was back to Birmingham this April at the O2 Arena, Bristol Street, with a complete show that included members of his groups; Parliament and Funkadelic, plus some new vocalists and family members. George has now shaved off his colourful dreads removed his nappies and long beard in favor of the suit & tie look. I must say the band sounded fabulous and the two lead guitarists were very rock-ified as you would expect. More at Mickey's Blog 2-Soulution

Cllr. Yvonne Mosquito

Staggering new figures have revealed that the West Midlands Police accepted just one black person among 162 new recruits in its latest recruitment exercise. The shocking figures have prompted West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner David Jamieson to ask questions of his own force in his quest to ensure that the police service reflects the public it serves. Both Jamieson and his deputy, Councilor Yvonne Mosquito, herself Britain’s only black female in a leading Police & Crime Commissioner role, are now calling on the force to up its game in its latest wave of recruitment. (Poppy Brady - The Voice)

Play list for Sunday 26-04-2014




Millie Jackson - I Need To Be By Myself
Lowell Pye - Never Leave Me Alone
Vincent Ingala - Just Imagine
Prince - Future Baby Mama
Stony Murphy - I'll Be Alright
Andy Compton/Celestine - Kiss From Above
Robin Thick - Lost Without U
Derrick Lucas - Realize
Joshie Jo Armstead - In The Right Place 
Valerie Carter - Try To Get To You
Jones Girls - Just Love The Man

Patti Labelle x3
1 It's Alright With Me 2 Love, Need & WantU
3 Love Is Just A Touch Away

Windjammer - Tossing & Turning
Glen Goldsmith - Dreaming
Sherrick Just Call
Papik/Jane Morris Let The Music Play
Eleanor Mill - Wouldn't You Like To See
Monique Thomas - Daughter Of Mine
Carl Anderson - Buttercup

Patti LaBelle's Biography:

Patricia Louise Holte-Edwards (born May 24, 1944), better known under the stage name Patti LaBelle, is an American singer, author, and actress who has spent over 50 years in the music industry. LaBelle spent 16 years as lead singer of Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, who changed their name to Labelle in the early 1970s and released the iconic disco song "Lady Marmalade". Labelle are also noted for being the first African American group to play at the prestigious Metropolitan Opera House and the first African American vocal group to land the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. More at wiki

Melba Moore

In the news .. R&B veteran Johnny Kemp, best known for his classic hit "Just Got Paid," was found dead in Jamaican. He was 55. According to reports, Kemp's body was discovered floating in an ocean in Montego Bay on Thursday morning. It's currently unclear how his death occurred, but according to the authorities, Kemp was scheduled to be on a Caribbean cruise this week associated with the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Kemp was nominated in 1989 for a Grammy Award for "Just Got Paid" in a category that included Bobby Brown and Luther Vandross. The song was a No. 1 hit on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart. He's been on the road doing one-off shows. (thisisr&b)

Soul music's quiet storm classic singer Percy Sledge has died.  (b. Percy Tyrone Sledge, 25th November 1941, Leighton, Alabama, U.S.A. / d. 14th April 2015, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.A.
Percy Sledge, probably best remembered for his 1966 evergreen Soul hit, ‘When A Man Loves A Woman’, has died. Percy was 73, and had been suffering from liver cancer. ‘When A Man Loves A Woman’ became a Top 40 hit record. The hit overshadowed, somewhat unfairly, a fine career spanning the late Sixties and early Seventies. Born in Leighton, Alabama, his early career covered several roles (in farming and in health), before becoming a touring vocalist in the early Sixties.
. (soulwalking)

Police have confirmed this morning that 18 year old, Sherrif Mbye sadly died following an incident in Northfield yesterday evening, which left a second man, 19, critically ill in hospital.  Police were called to reports of an incident outside KFC on Bristol Road South at around 5pm on Friday 17th April. They found a 19 year old man with stab wounds was being tended to by customers in Biggz barbers. He remains in a critical condition in hospital this morning.  18 year old Sherriff Mbye, from Lee Bank, was reported to have arrived at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham in a white Audi, which had been seen leaving the Northfield scene. The Audi then sped off after leaving him at the hospital. He died two hours later from multiple stab wounds, despite the efforts of staff.  The Audi was later found abandoned in Ladywood.  An 18 year old local man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. A small number of other men, believed to have been involved in the incident, are being sought as part of a police investigation. (more)

Track listing for Sunday 19-04-2015




Deniese Williams - It's Gonna Take A Miracle
ET (Ed Towns) - Magic In The Air
(inst. Steel Pan)
Phil Perry - A Batter Man
Dangerfield Newbies - Heaven Sent You
Thelma Jones - Salty Tears
Jaheim - I've Changes
Aretha Franklin - Giving Him Something..
Aaliyah - Rock The Boat (Remix)
Maxwell - Pretty Wings
Luther Vandross - My Sensitivity

Melba Moore x3
1 Next to You 2 Livin' For Your Love
3 My Love

Change - Mutual Attraction
C& C Music Factory - Share The Beat Of Love
Rhonda Clark - State Of Attraction
RJ's Latest Arrival - Please Stay
Mary J Blige - Baggage
Zhane - Hey Mr. DJ
Rhythm 'n Jazz - Just In Case

Melba Moore's biography:

Born as Beatrice Melba Hill has an estimated net worth of $30 thousand. This lady is known in the entertainment industry as Melba Moore and is best known by being an actress, as well as American disco, R&B singer. She is likewise the daughter of saxophonist Teddy Hill and the R&B singer Bonnie Davis. Moore used to work as a music teacher before the world knew of her through her hits Love’s Coming at Ya’  and You Stepped into My Life. This lady gambled and tried out acting and entered the music industry. Moore is also a recipient of a Tony Award for Best Actress in the musical Purlie. This actress appeared in a number of blockbusters and produced critically acclaimed albums back in the 1970s. In the 80s, Moore continued to make great hits and even winning a streak at the Grammy Awards. The 1990s was yet another successful decade as she appeared in Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Les Miserables. The movie Fighting Temptations starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyonce was yet another film that she appeared in.  2011 was the year when Moore got to release her first album in years and it being a minor hit, Love Is. Moore went to Newark Arts High School located in Newark, New Jersey.

Kleeer

In the news   .... Alicia Keys To Be Honored At 2015 Grammy’s On The Hill Awards. Keys is one talented woman and philanthropist, and this month, she’ll be recognized for all of her efforts.Serving as one of the founding members of the Academy’s new group, the GRAMMY Creators Alliance, the singer-songwriter is bing honored by the Recording Academy for her “artistry, philanthropy, and passion for creators rights.” Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow states: “We know that sh will bring the same dedication to creators’ rights as she does to her music and global philanthropic efforts.”Alicia Keys along with an additional nine music makers such as Jennifer Hudson, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Dr. Luke, and Adam Levine, joined together to create the Alliance to help today’s leading artists, songwriters and studio professionals be a powerful voice in shaping music’s future. The goal of the Creators Alliance is to serve as a powerful, amplified voice to advance policies that put music-makers first. More at


Our good friend Bill Randle bumps into Jeffrey Daniel and teaches him some new steps, lol but seriously this week Jody Watley claims Shalamar name, creates new version of group. Well, you know that one of our favorite acts of the late 70s and early 80s was the trio Shalamar. Its most famous lineup consisted of two legendary singers, Jody Watley and Howard Hewett, and a just as legendary dancer, Jeffrey Daniel. Unfortunately, the beauty of their music was not always matched in their personal relationships, and since the mid-80s there have been several versions of Shalamar and sometimes nasty words said through the press.  More at Soultracks

Sundays Play List, 12-04-2015

Eleanor Mills

Smokey Robinson - I'll Try Something New
Amazonics - Redemption Song
Rone-Iff - Halle Halle
Teddy Pedergrass - Whole World's Talkin'
Charlie Wilson - Charlie, Last Name Wilson
Tony Momrelle - Everything's Alright
Gladys Knight - Soon
Eleanor Mills - Wouldn't You Like To See
Saun & Starr/Dapp Tones - Look Closer
Dean Martin - Volare
Calvin Richardson - Home In A Minute
Earth, Wind & Fire - On Your Face

 Kleeer x3 
1 Tonight 2 I Love To Dance
3 Intimate Connection

Shalamar - Second Time Around
Vivian Green - Get Right Back To My Baby
Sunny Hawkins - Love Me Too
Nicole Renee - Strawberry
Roy Ayers -  Love Will Bring Us Back Together
I Level - In The Sand
Kenny Thomas - Turn It Up
Zushii - Surprise, Surprise

Kleeer's biography:

Kleeer was an American New York-based funk, disco and post-disco band, which was formed in 1972 under the name The Jam Band, as a backup group to different disco bands and vocalists. After a switch to the name Pipeline in 1975, the group also decided to switch to making hard rock instead of disco. Record labels competed to sign them but, when they finally ended up at Columbia Records, their single "Gypsie Rider" did not fare well commercially.

In 1976 they got the opportunity to become The Universal Robot Band along with underground disco producers Patrick Adams and Greg Carmichael. This project was more successful than their former projects. They made the single "Barely Breaking Even" alongside singer Leroy Burgess, and they also recorded an album. The group toured as The Universal Robot Band until 1978. After 1978, the band decided to make all their music themselves under the new name of Kleeer. More @ wiki

Will Downing

Happy Easter to all the readers ... egg vs bun? did you know Birmingham company Cadbury has been making Easter Eggs since 1875, only pipped by two years by Fry's Chocolate who started in 1973. In Jamaica, eating bun and cheese is a highly anticipated custom by Jamaican nationals all over the world. The Jamaica Easter Buns are spiced and have raisins, and baked in a loaf tin. The buns are sliced and eaten with a slice of cheese. It is a common practice for employers to make gifts of bun and cheese or a single loaf of bun to staff members. According to the Jamaica Gleaner, "The basic Easter bun recipe requires wheat flour, brown sugar, molasses, baking powder or yeast and dried fruits."Easter egg traditions and the Easter Bunny activities are not widespread in Jamaica.

An Easter thought about the Pope .... When the Pope came to Birmingham (well Cofton) in 2012, he blessed Cardinal Newman who was thought to be buried on Rednal Hill at the Lickey Hills. In preparation for possible sainthood when they opened Newman's grave in 2008  they found he'd done a runner, lol So whether it's religion, chocolate or buns, pleas do have a lovely break and if you haven't already listened to Mr. Merry's Gospel tinged Easter show, you can find it underneath for about 30 days. Don't forget, any comments or request for future weeks please enter them at the foot of this page.


Playlist for Sunday 6-04-2015



Teena Maree - Daja Vu
Johnny Gill - There You Go
George Howard - Steppin' Out
R. Kelly - Just Like That
Kenny Lattimore - What Must I Do
Sounds Of Blackness - He Took Away..
Derrick Lucas - Realize
Shirley Jones - Because You Love Me
SLO - Anyway You Bless Me
Jahiem - Put That Woman First
Nina Provencal - Chance With Me

Willl Downing x3
1 'till You Come Back 2 Love Suggestions
3 This Song Is For You

Mary J Blige - Never Too Much
Fried - Sugar Water Days
Dante - 7 Days A Week
Atlantic Starr - When Love Calls
Omar/Angie Stone - Be Thankful
Sounds Of Blackness - I Believe
Gladys Knight - Soon
Rhythm 'n Jazz - Just In Case

Will Downing's biography:

Will Downing (born Wilfred Downing, November 29, 1963, Brooklyn, New York),  is an American singer, songwriter and producer. Downing is known in the contemporary jazz and R&B music genres for his rich baritone vocals, and his interpretations of R&B and pop classics that stretch back to the early 1980s. Downing is married to singer Audrey Wheeler, who has collaborated with various musicians as a back-up singer and was previously a member of the short lived R&B group Unlimited Touch. more at wiki

Chaka Khan

In the news ... Tinashe, back in the fall of 2012 Tinashe released her acclaimed second mixtape ‘Reverie,’ which helped the young star build a strong indie following and eventually lead to her record deal with RCA. Now a major label artist with hit singles and a very impressive debut album under her belt, fans can’t wait to hear more from the singer/songwriter. Currently touring overseas, Tinashe just released her surprise mixtape ‘Amethyst,’ but if that wasn’t enough, the full version of a previously released snippet has now surfaced! The song, titled “Sweet Satisfaction” was only featured as a hidden bonus song at the end of track 3, “Yours,” off her ‘Reverie‘ mixtape.  A well deserving full release, the smooth and seductive song finds the singer letting her man know that she is ready to give him all of her lovin. “You love me with a fire and a passion / I think I’m falling hard for you too / So please touch me, give me sweet satisfaction,” she sings. More & tune

Born today in history ... Pearl Bailey  in 1918, in Newport News, Virginia. The daughter of a preacher, Bailey began singing at the tender age of three. Her brother, entertainer Bill Bailey was beginning his own career as a tap dancer, and suggested she enter an amateur contest at the Pearl Theatre in Philadelphia. She entered the amateur song and dance contest and won and was offered $35 a week to perform there for two weeks but the theatre closed during her engagement and she wasn’t paid. She later won a similar contest at Harlem’s famous Apollo Theater, and decided to pursue a career in entertainment. More


Playlist for Sunday 29-03-2015



Luther/Jools Holland - Any Love
Helen Baylor - Oasis (2006 remix)
Grover Washington Jr - Jamming
Shirley Jones - Because You Love Me
Robin Thick - Lost Without U
Derrick Lucas - Realize
Charlie Wilson/Shaggy - Unforgettable
Joe - Come Get To This
Next - Just Like That
D'Angelo - Higher
Katie Cole - Think About It
The O'Jays - Darlin', Darlin' Baby(rmx)

Chaka Khan x3
1 One For All Time 2 Make It Last
3 Everywhere

Allure - Head Over Heals
? - Georgy Porgy (remix)
Vivian Green - Get Right Back To Me Baby
Nina Provencal - Chance With Me
Aretha Franklin - Wonderful
Leroy Hutson - Paradise
J. Rawls - Inhale, Exhale
Luther Vandross - Lets Make Tonight The Night

Chaka Khan's Biography:
Born Carole Yvette Marie Stevens on 23rd March 1953, Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Illinois, U.S.A., Chaka Khan was raised on Chicago's South Side, and at the age of 11 formed her first group, the Crystalettes. While still in high school, she joined the Afro-Arts Theater, a group which toured with Motown great Mary Wells; a few years later, she adopted the African name Chaka Khan while working on the Black Panthers' breakfast program. After quitting high school in 1969, Khan joined the group Lyfe, soon exiting to join another dance band, the Babysitters; neither was on the fast track to success, but her fortunes changed when she teamed with ex-American Breed member Kevin Murphy and Andre Fisher to form Rufus.  Debuting in 1973 with a self-titled effort on the ABC label, Rufus was among the preeminent funk groups of the decade; distinguished by Khan's dynamic vocals, the group earned half a dozen gold or platinum albums before she went solo in 1978.
Chaka began her solo career with the hit, "I’m Every Woman," a tune written especially for her by the songwriting team of Ashford & Simpson. Since then, Chaka has recorded nine albums and been honored with five Grammy Awards. Her solo hits include "What Cha Gonna Do For Me?" "Clouds," "Papillion," "I Feel For You," and "Through The Fire." Sister of Yvonne Stevens Taka Boom. (discogs)

Atlantic Starr

The saxophonist, arranger, and teacher, Paul Jeffrey, has died. Paul was 81. Throughout her career, Paul performed with many performers, including, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Lionel Hampton and B.B. King. Born in New York, Paul graduated from Kingston High School in 1951.

He went on to become a Bachelor of Science at Ithaca College in 1955. In the fifties he toured with several bands, who featured the likes of Illinois Jacquet, Elmo Hope, Big Maybelle, and Wynonie Harris. He later toured the U.S. with B.B. King, Howard McGhee, Clark Terry, and Dizzy Gillespie. In 1968, he released the album ‘Electrifying Sounds’ on Savoy Records. He toured with the Count Basie Orchestra, and collaborated with Thelonious Monk and Charles Mingus. Paul performed with Thelonious Monk’s band at various shows throughout he US and Japan. In 1974, he set up a 15-piece band for a tribute concert to Thelonious Monk at Carnegie Hall. Throughout the seventies, Paul collaborated with Charles Mingus, performing with the Mingus’s big band at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1972. During 1973 and 1974, he released 3 studio recordings on the Mainstream Records label. As a teacher, he taught saxophone at Columbia University in 1973. He went on to teach at Jersey City State College in 1974, the University of Hartford between 1975 and 1983), at Livingston College of Rutgers University, between 1978 and 1983, and at Duke University, between 1983 and 2003. (soulwalking)

Happy birthday today to Stephanie Mills, Beverly Knight & George Benson. Benson's recording career has spanned a half century, George Benson has proven himself one of the most influential and versatile performers in popular music. Discovered at an early age by jazz great (and strong influence) Wes Montgomery, Benson served his apprenticeship with organist Jack McDuff, and was signed by Columbia in the early 60s. He recorded a handful of jazz-bop albums and began to develop a sizable following in the jazz world as one of the hot young stars of the genre.  But unlike what Benson described as the "brainy" jazz that Miles Davis and others were emphasizing at that time, Benson's music celebrated the danceable jazz of the 40s as well as rhythm and blues, and was both more melodic and accessible than much of the jazz sounds emanating from other artists at that time...> READ FULL

Playlist for Sunday 22-03-2015

Hour One

Ann Nesby - I'm Still Wearing Your Name
BeBe & CeCe Winans - I'll Take You There
Garbar Szabo/Bobby Womack - Breezin'
Phil Perry - A Better Man
Saun & Starr/Dapp Tones - Look Closer
Gladys Knight/Pips - Keep Giving Me Love
The O'Jays - Used To Be My Girl
Kazu Matsui Project - Let's Pretend
Syleena Johnson - He Makes Me Say
Tony Monrelle - Everythings Alright
Cherri Maree - Rebirth

Hour Two
Atlantic Starr x3
1 Don't Take Me For Granted
2 Love Me Down 3 When Love Calls

Switch - Keeping Secrets
Claudette Monet - Sweet Stuff
Chantel - Sending My Love
Calvin Robinson - Home In A Minute
Cooley's Hotbox - Take It
Lin Roundtree - Rockin' My World
The Chi-Lites Go Away Dream
Tracy Carter - Everyday

Atlantic Starr's Biography:

The group was started in 1976, in Greenburgh, New York, by trumpeter Duke Jones (who left the band prior to their first recordings), along with drummer Porter Carroll Jr., bassist Clifford Archer, percussionist and flutist Joseph Phillips, Sheldon Tucker (Guitar; parted ways with the band before the first recordings), and three brothers: David Lewis (vocals/guitar), Wayne Lewis (keyboards and vocals), and Jonathan Lewis (percussion and trombone). The band's membership eventually stabilized around Carroll, Archer, Phillips, the three Lewis brothers, lead singer Sharon Bryant (who was later replaced by Barbara Weathers), trumpeter William Sudderth, and saxophonist Damon Rentie (who was later replaced by Koran Daniels). In 1977, the band came to Westwood, California, and performed on the nightclub scene under the name "Newban," which they agreed to change at the request of A&M executive Herb Alpert when they were signed. Having already agreed to keep the Starr part of an early idea for a new band name, the members decided to add the word Atlantic, because of their East Coast roots. The nine-member band were now A&M employees. more @ wiki

Gap Band

The Civil Rights campaigner, the Reverend Willie Taplin-Barrow, has died. She was 90. Willie was not only the godmother of the current U.S. President, Barack Obama, she was also the mother of the late Soul Singer, Keith Barrow (who recorded ‘You Know You Want To Be Loved’).She was nicknamed ‘The Little Warrior’, due to the fact she was only, just, 5 feet in height.Born in Burton, Texas, to Nelson and Octavia Taplin, Willie was one of a large family. She had six brothers and sisters. Willie began her Civil Rights campaigning at a very early age, organising protests regarding the lack of bus transport for black students, who were made to walk to school, whilst the White kids were allowed to ride. As a teenager, she relocated to Portland, Oregon, in order to study at the Warner-Pacific Theological Seminary. Willie went on to work with other African American residents in Portland who combined to create one of the first black Churches of God. In 1943, Willie joined the National Urban League. In 1945, she joined the National Council of Negro Women. During World War 2, Willie took on a role as a welder at the Kaiser shipyards in Swan Island, Washington. It was there where she met, her soon to be, husband Clyde Barrow (the two were married for 56 years). more at soulwalking.co.uk

Marvin Gaye's Family Speak Out On $7 Million 'Blurred Lines' Verdict; Find Fault in Another Pharrell Song. Not only is Robin Thicke’s lawyer appealing the verdict, which says Robin and Pharrell must pay the Gaye family over $7 million, the Gayes are still side-eyeing Pharrell. Marvin Gaye’s family (Gaye’s son Marvin Gaye III, daughter, Nona, and ex-wife, Janis) spoke with Entertainment Tonight about the verdict. During the interview, they mentioned they agree with people who say Pharrell’s biggest hit “Happy” resembles the late singer’s 1966 song “Ain’t That Peculiar.” “I’m not going to lie. I do think they sound alike,” claimed Nona admitted. But they don’t plan on coming after Pharrell with another lawsuit; they just want to bask in their legal win. “We’re just in the moment today and we’re satisfied,” Janis said. Or maybe is it because it wasn’t Marvin Gaye who wrote “Ain’t That Peculiar,” but rather Smokey Robinson is responsible for the #1 Motown single?  (singersroom)

Playlist for Sunday 15-03-2015



Hour One
Al Green - God Is Standing By
John Legend - Stay With You
Rone-Iff - Halle, Halle
Etta James - At Last
Angie Stone - No More Rain In This Cloud
Hill St. Soul - Until You Came Back
Betty Wright Thank You For The Many..
Luther Vandross - Lovely Day
Stephen Bishop - On & On
Richard 'Dimples' Fields - Jazzy Lady
Gwen Guthrie - Love In Moderation
Whitney Houston - For The Love Of You

Hour Two
Gap Band x3
1 Wednesday Lover 2 Yearning For Your Love
3 Keep Holding On

Natalie Cole - Can't We Get It Together
                      + This Will Be
Nina Simone - My Baby Just Cares For Me
Barbara Acklin - Love Makes A Woman
Emotions - Best Of My Love
Marvin Gaye - Got To Give It Up
Yvonne Elliman - Love Me
Freddie Jackson - Rock Me Tonight
Staple Singers - I'll Take You There

Gap Band's Biography:
The Gap Band, centered around brothers Charlie, Ronnie, and Robert Wilson, toiled in obscurity for several years prior to becoming one of the most popular funk groups of the late '70s and 1980s. The Tulsa, OK natives produced 15 Top Ten R&B singles ranging from ferocious funk anthems to gorgeous slow jams. Many of their hits, such as "Burn Rubber (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)" and "You Dropped a Bomb on Me," featured instantly memorable, rippling synthesizer basslines. All of them featured Charlie's deep, invigorating lead vocals. While casual R&B fans and most critics associate the Gap Band with the early '80s, the Wilsons' run of hits spanned nearly 20 years, from 1977 through 1995. More here

Betty Wright - In The Middle Of The Game (live) by mickeynold

Chi-Lites

Debora Cox is to play Josephine Baker in A Broadway Musical. She’s been cast as the legendary entertainer Josephine Baker in the musical “Josephine,” inspired by Stephen Papich’s book “Remembering Josephine,” which is about the life of Baker between the years 1939-1945. “Josephine” will be directed and produced by Tony Award-winner Kenneth Waissman and will premiere sometime in April. According to a press release, the musical “will revolve around Baker’s stint as the star of the Folies Bergere in Paris between 1939-45, her scandalous affair with Swedish Crown Prince Gustav VI, and her heroic service in the French Resistance during World War II.

” Waissman adds, “For a number of years, I had been intrigued with the idea of recreating the glamorous and exotic world of Josephine Baker in a stage musical. She was a larger than life African-American expatriate who transcended her color, her gender and her times. Her exotic looks, fabulous gowns and feathered headdresses, her obsession with her royal lover and her life-risking exploits in the French underground during WWII provide the sex, romance and intrigue of this original new musical.” Cox is a Broadway veteran; she’s been cast as Aida and as Lucy in the 2013 revival of Jekyll & Hyde. (singersroom)

Brownstone singer dies. The singer with the group Brownstone, Charmayne Maxwell, has died. Charmayne died as a result of complications, following a recent fall. She was 46. Brownstone were a Grammy-nominated band, who were best known for their 1995 hit single, ‘If You Love Me’. Charmayne later released a solo single entitled ‘When I Look Into Your Eyes’ in 2000. She was a member of Brownstone between 1994 until 1998, later rejoining the group between 2007 and 2015) Charmayne was married to the Danish producer Soulshock.

Playlist for Sunday 5-3-2015



Hour One
Al Wilson - Show & Tell
Anita Baker - Angel
Sam Rucker - Before I Let Go
Charlie Wilson - I Still Have You
Prince - This Could Be Us
Conscious Plat - Black Pharaohs
Calvin Richardson - We Gon' Love Tonite
Omar/Angie Stone - Be Thankful
Patti Labelle - If Only I Knew
Teddy Pendergrass - When Somebody..

Hour Two
Chi-Lites x3
1 Have You Seen Her 2 Running Around
3 Homely Girl

Blue Zone - Big Thing
Faith Evans - Good Life
Michael Cooper - Steppin'
Justin Timberlake - Worthy Of
Sunburst Band - Everyday
Dramatics - Key To The World
Dante - 7 Days A Week
Kashif - Help Yourself To My Love

Chi-Lites Biography:

In the 60s, Smokey Robinson virtually reinvented the sweet soul ballad and paved the way for a number of groups that would make the early 70s a ballad lovers dream era. And no act epitomized that genre more than this hard working group from Chicago with an underappreciated musical genius at the helm. Like many popular soul groups of the 60s and 70s, the Chi-Lites found each other as teens, singing together and apart in various groups in their native Chicago until joining together as the Hi-Lites in the mid 60s. By the time they signed with the local Brunswick label in the late 60s, they had added a "C" and become the Chi-Lites. The Chi-Lites marriage with Brunswick bore fruit quickly, as they had their first R&B hit in 1968 with the sweet ballad, "Give It Away." More at

J. Blackfoot

In the news this week ... Usher kicks off the European leg of his “The UR Experience” tour in Copenhagen tonight. On Thursday, as a very welcomed surprise to locals on the streets of the Denmark capital, the R&B superstar walked up to random people and gave them tickets to tonight’s opening show! Of course that caused plenty of others to rush and get photos with the singer, who obliged as many as he could. (this is R&B)

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz Share First Photo of Baby Genesis. Superstar Alicia Keys and husband Swizz Beatz welcomed their second child together on Dec. 27 (2014), baby boy Genesis Ali Dean. "The joy of joy is joy!! It’s a boy!! we are so grateful!! #blessings!!" Keys shared at the time on Instagram. Now, the power couple is giving the world a first look of their new bundle of joy in a new family portrait, which also includes their 4-year old, Egypt Daoud, and Swizz's son, Kasseem Dean Jr. "Blessings and love!! #GenesisAliDean," captions Keys on the beautiful family photo. Adorable! (Singersroom)

Wassifa news ... Finally, I get to break some amazing news that I have been sitting on for weeks! Drum roll .....  It's fabulous news everyone: The Wassifa Caribbean Show on Channel 8 - Big Centre TV (Freeview only) on which I am a presenter, will air TONIGHT and Wednesday at 7pm.   The show will feature reggae artists and from wider afield, community leaders and movers and shakers and more! Birmingham is on the rise! Make sure you tune in! If you haven't got the channel already, re-tune your TV/Box and it should appear. Currently it is only on Freeview and online: www.bigcentre.tv (Not Sky and Virgin, etc...). This station only airs in Birmingham and surrounding areas. But you can all see it on online. (wassifa)

Play List for Sunday 1-3-2015



Hour One
Angie Stone - Sisters
Gwen McRae - I can Only Think Of Of You
Kim Waters - Step In The Name Of Love
Impressions - I wish I'd Stayed In Bed
Eric Dryas - Can't Get Enough Of Your Love
Celo Green - My Kinda People
Marsha Ambrose - Butterflies
Marcus Houston - Wonderful
D Angelo - Higher
Ryan Lesley - Rescue
Maxi Priest - One More Chance

Hour Two
J. Blackfoot x3
1 I've Been Having An Affair
2 Show Me 3 Taxi

Maze - We Are One
Papik - Let The Music Play
Manhattans - Crazy
Lo-Key - Good Ole Love
Shiani - Get On The Dance Floor
Kenny Lattimore - Weekend
Rafael Sadeeq - Chic
Faith Evans - I Just Can't

J. Blackfoot's biography:

John Colbert was born in Greenville, Mississippi, moving as a child to Memphis, Tennessee with his family. Generally known as "J." or "Jay", he acquired the nickname "Blackfoot" as a child, for his habit of walking barefoot on the tarred sidewalks. In 1965, while spending some time in Tennessee State Penitentiary in Nashville for car theft, he met Johnny Bragg, the founder of the Prisonaires vocal group. After leaving prison, Colbert recorded a single under his own name for the small Sur-Speed label, before returning to Memphis. There he was heard singing in a street corner group by David Porter of Stax Records. After the plane crash that claimed the lives of Otis Redding and four members of The Bar-Kays, Colbert joined the reconstituted group as lead singer, and performed with them for several months, but did not record.

In 1968, after Sam & Dave had moved from Stax to Atlantic Records, Porter and his songwriting and production partner Isaac Hayes decided to put together a new vocal group of two men and two women. They recruited Blackfoot, together with Norman West, Anita Louis, and Shelbra Bennett, to form The Soul Children. Between 1968 and 1978, The Soul Children had 15 hits on the R&B chart, including three that crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, and recorded seven albums. more at wiki

Rebbie Jackson

In the news this week ... Eric Benet is giving the world a photogenic view into his personal life.
The R&B veteran shares his beautiful family in a new portrait, which was shot as a Valentine’s Day surprise to his wife, Manuela Testolini. The gorgeous photo includes Benet, Manuela, and their three daughters Amoura Luna (born July 2014; left), Lucia Bella (3 years old; middle), and India Benet (23 years old; right). "I'm so thankful to be surrounded by such smart, fearless females like my beautiful wife and daughters,” Benet told Us Weekly. “Each day, they enlighten me, challenge me and make me a better person, husband, father, and friend." Lovely! (singersroom)

Well done to the Notebenders Big Band (local Birmingham group, that Mr, Merry supports) the good news they beat 40 pus bands, and have now won Jazzlines: Free Gig Band Of the Year 2014. The group was set up by the late jazz musician Andy Hamilton and is still supported by his Trust that celebrated 10 years of age in 2014 - well done to them!

The Jazz trumpeter, Clark Terry, died yesterday (22-2-15). Clark was 94. Clark died surrounded by his family, students and friends. Earlier this month, Clark entered hospice care for treatment concerning his advanced diabetes. Clark had played with some of the great jazz musicians of the last century, including the likes of Charlie Barnett, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Quincy Jones. 

Kenneth ‘Wally’ Kelley, the last surviving founding member of the Manhattans, has died. Kenneth was 72. Kenneth passed away, only 2 months after the passing's of two other group members, Winfred ‘Blue’ Lovett (9th December 2014) and Edward ‘Sonny’ Bivins (3rd December 2014).

Sunday's Playlist 22-02-2015

from Brighton?

Dina Carroll - So Close
Sam Salter - Your Face
Gerald Albright - Bermuda Nights
Millie Jackson - I Need To Be By Myself
Bobby Glover - It's My Turn
Vivian Green - Sweet Memory
Algebra Blessett - U Do It For Me
Phyliss Hyman - Under Your Spell
Lou Rawls - You'll Never Find..
Dangerfield Newbies - Heaven Sent
Black Grass/Okou - So Many Ways
Victor Haynes - Feel

Rebbie Jackson x3
1 Always Wanting Something
2 Sweetest Dreams
3 Friendship Song

Ned Deheny - To Prove My Love
Joe - Future Teller
Charlie Wilson - Unforgettable
Mica Paris - I Should've Known Better
Billy Paul - Bring The Family Back
Light Of The World - London Town
Linda Clifford - I Can't Let This Good Thing Get Away
Oliver Cheatham - Saturday Night

Rebbie Jackson's Biography:

Maureen Reillette "Rebbie" Brown (née Jackson; born May 29, 1950) is an American singer professionally known as Rebbie Jackson /ˈriːbi. Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, she is the eldest child of the Jackson family of musicians. She first performed on stage with her siblings during shows in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in 1974, before subsequently appearing in the television series The Jacksons. Her sister La Toya was born on Jackson's 6th birthday. At age 34, Jackson released her debut album Centipede (1984). The album featured songs written by Smokey Robinson, Prince, and Jackson's younger brother Michael, whose contribution (the title track "Centipede") became Rebbie's most successful single release. By the end of the 1980s, the singer had released two more albums in quick succession: Reaction (1986) and R U Tuff Enuff (1988).

Following a 10-year hiatus in her musical career, Jackson returned with the 1998 album Yours Faithfully. The production of the album, her last to date, was a collaboration with artists and producers such as Men of Vizion's Spanky Williams, Keith Thomas, and Eliot Kennedy. It also featured contributions from her children. In 2011, Rebbie embarked on the "Pick Up the Phone Tour," which is dedicated to teens who have committed suicide all over the U.S. (wiki-15)

advert: