Soul Fixin'

Merry Christmas

Soul Fixin'

Obama Disappoints With Latest Pick
Rarely do I disagree with President-elect Barack Obama. He is responsible for making astute decisions throughout the campaign and during the current transition phrase. In the weeks that followed his historic victory, Obama has appointed numerous 'Clintonites' to key positions within his cabinet. It has now been announced that a favorite of the Clinton White House will lend her voice to Barack Obama’s historical inaugural swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20.  Aretha Franklin, that is. The 'Queen of Soul' performed at two Clinton inaugural balls, entertained in the Rose  Garden and received the illustrious Kennedy Center honor. In 1999, she was awarded The National Medal of Arts by President Clinton.Sister ReRe is a living legend, her career has been marked by a slew of achievements, acclaim, and milestones. Aretha has won an astonishing 20 Grammy Awards including the Living Legend Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. The Memphis born- Detroit raised, gospel bred singer was the first black woman to grace the cover of Time magazine and she was the first female to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Without a doubt, Aretha is worthy of sharing the national stage with Obama. While we all love us some 'Retha, I was hoping Team Obama would pick a performer that mirrored Obama's campaign; young, fresh, innovative, ground-breaking, and energetic. Jill Scott immediately comes to mind. Chrisette Michele and Ledisi fit the bill. Other emerging acts and established soul singers such as Raheem DeVaughn, India Arie, John Legend, and Anthony Hamilton are suitable picks. Needless to say, this blogger is a little disappointed with Obama's selection of Soul Singer -In- Chief, if you will.

Soul Fixin'

Raheem & Ledisi Host BETJ Show
The popular BETJ show 'Lyrics Cafe' is returning to television Friday night with hosts Raheem DeVaughn and my girl Ledisi. 'Lyrics Cafe' is an half hour program that includes performances by spoken word artists and soul singers. Chrisette Michele is expected to stop by the cafe this season. BET has yet to reveal the other performers that will be featured on the show. You won't find real music on BET, so tune into BETJ for great original programming and 'Lyrics Cafe.'

Soul Fixin'

Celebrate Christmas With Ledisi
I do not own a single Christmas album. Come this holiday season, that will surely change. Grammy nominated soulstress Ledisi is giving us all a holiday gift with her Christmas release It's Christmas. The album art and track listing have surfaced on the net. As you can see, the album art is reminiscent of retro record covers from the golden age or rock 'n' roll. The 12 track set includes Christmas standards 'Silent Night,' 'Give Love On Christmas Day,' 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' --among others. Ledisi treats us to five original compositions. Be on the lookout for Ledisi's tour in support of the album, the perfect holiday gift.

Soul Tracks

Soul Tracks starts the week off with a cut from Ledisi's breakthrough album Lost & Found. It's quite easy to mistake 'Think Of You' as a love song. Truth be told, it is a love song, a love song for the Lord. With a touch of hip hop Ledisi's lovable voice expresses a love for the man that sits high and looks low. Believe it or not, the New Orleans born songstress is not new to game, Lost & Found is Ledisi's third album. In 1999 she released her debut album Soulsinger via her own label, LeSun Records. Her sophomore album, Feeling Orange But Sometimes Blue was released in 2002. Sit back and behold the refreshing soul of Ledisi.

Soul Fixin'

Essence Festival To Honor Ms. Patti It seems like Essence loves them some Patti.The legendary songstress will be feted at the 2008 Essence Music Festival with an all-star tribute concert. The tribute, "Essence Icons Celebrate Patti LaBelle." will be held Saturday July 5 and will include performances by Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash of LaBelle, Irma Thomas, Angie Stone, Ledisi, Chrisette Michele and others.
Mary J. Blige, Kanye West, Keyshia Cole, Jill Scott, Chris Brown, Chris Rock, Rihanna, Morris Day and The Time and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly are scheduled to perform at the festival.

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com