Soul Fixin'

...and may I never die

In this day and age, social networking sites such as Twitter have become something like personal diaries. Glancing at Teena Marie's Twitter page you can't help but notice one tweet in particular. Lady T, tweeted on Christmas day a line from a Sarah Vaughn song, "may you never grow old, and may I never die." The following day, Teena Marie passed away at the seasoned age of 54, 31 years after mesmerizing millions with her Motown Records debut. Teena's body was discovered by her daughter who celebrated her birth date the prior day. I couldn't image the days of speaking of Lady T in past tense would arrive so suddenly.


Teena entered the lives of many through her unforgettable music. The world became familiar with Lady T thanks to her '79 debut, Wild and Peaceful and the accompanying hit single "I'm A Sucker For Your Love." No one could imagine that the voice behind the music belonged to a white woman. When Teena's true identity was discovered it didn't matter, Teena Marie could sing SANG! and that's all that mattered. Teena Marie has remained a constant in our lives and musical soundtracks not because she was a white woman who was capable of "talkin' our talk' and walkin' our walk" but because she possessed raw natural talent as a multi-talented producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. and she held a God-given gift, a voice full of soul that touched countless individuals in more ways than one. She verbalized through song our trials and tribulations, joy and sadness, heartache and pain, and losses and gains. And she sang the greatest duet of all time.


My introduction to Mary Christine Brockert came courtesy of the aforementioned duet and The Quiet Storm. 'Fire and Desire' is a staple of the Quiet Storm radio format. It was far more than just a song, it was a song, testimony, pleading confession, and love letter wrapped in pure musical perfection. 'Fire and Desire,'a song like no other, pain, heartache, pleasure, and deep sadness were on display not only for the world to hear but to also feel. Teena Marie and Rick James were a match made in heaven. Six years after Rick's death Teena Marie has joined her lover/best friend/musical collaborator/partner-in-crime in heaven.


In a recent interview, Teena was asked “When you get to heaven, what is the DJ playing?” and she responded, "I’m sure it’s Aretha Franklin. I’m sure it’s something off the Amazing Grace album. Probably, Aretha Franklin “Wholy Holy.” I hope when Rick James went to heaven they played Aretha Franklin “Wholy Holy” too. He loved her as much as I did. I have a lot of beautiful moments riding around with him in his Rolls, me and him just playing Aretha all day."


The clip below is from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation 2008 Pioneer Awards Ceremony. Teena Marie was one of the honorees.

Soul Fixin'

motown mixed up.

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Check out DJ Expo's live Motown Tribute mix.

Soul Heaven

one of motown's finest.
Detroit native & former lead singer of the Temptations died yesterday. He was 58.

Former Temptation Dies [Detroit News]

Soul Tracks

While diggin' through the crates I came across the Eddie Kendricks' gem 'Intimate Friends.' The tune was included on his 1977 Motown release Slick. Alicia Keys unearthed the track when she sampled it for her ode to everlasting love, 'Unbreakable.' Kendricks, an original member of the Temptations, launched his solo career in 1971 with the aptly titled album All By Myself. Eddie released eight more albums for the Motown imprint Tamla before moving on to Arista and Atlantic Records. Slick marked the end of Kendrick's association with Motown. Detroit native and noted songwriter Gary Glenn composed the track 'Intimate Friends,' a song that is just as smooth, sexy, and passionate as the subject matter. The groove is rich and alluring, creating the ideal setting for Kendricks' charming falsetto.

Soul Heaven

Never Can Say GoodbyeThe past 10 to 15 years have proven to be difficult times for Michael Jackson. During that time period it was difficult for us, his adoring fans, to focus squarely on his artistry, music, legacy and humanitarian efforts. We've been inundated with non stop stories detailing MJ's oddball behavior. The press labeled The King of Pop 'Wacko Jacko,' he was crucified for loving children and deemed a child molester. Difficult times indeed. News of his shocking, untimely death allowed myself and many others to reflect on the man and his music and the countless personal memories surrounding all things MJ, thoughts of bad times have vanished from my memory bank.

Losing Micheal is, in a real sense, like losing a close relative. We all grew up on the music of MJ. His music transcended generational gaps. My 52 year older mother grew up listening to the soulful sounds of Michael and his brothers. She even dreamed of one day marrying Mike. Born six years after the release of Off The Wall and two years prior to Bad, the timeless music of Michael Jackson played throughout the soundtrack of my life, the life a child growing up in inner-city New York during the 90's.

Michael epitomized everything that was cool. There was a time when we all, boys & girls, wanted to be MJ. We wanted the black penny loafers, the black leather jacket, the glove, and the jeri curl! We can all remember our very first introduction to MJ and how we spent countless hours trying to imitate his signature dance moves. We can all remember when someone, having just discovered MJ's music, came to the playground and tried his or her best to duplicate MJ's dance moves, body and facial movements and vocal magic. Within a few minutes, a battle would ensue as everyone on the playground was trying to be just like Mike.

Yesterday, while listening to the Jackson 5's "Never Can Say Goodbye," my 10 month old daughter began to mutter the words "bye, bye, bye." A few tears fell. I began to imagine a world without Michael Jackson. It proved to be an impossible task. Believe it or not, the entire world speaks the same language, the enduring music of Michael Jackson.

Soul Heaven

Uriel Jones (1934-2009)
Motown's Funk Brother Uriel Jones Dies [Detroit Free Press]

Soul Fixin'

Celebrating The Legacy of Motown
'Baby Love,' 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine,' 'I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),' 'Tracks of My Tears', and 'My Girl' - to name a few, are all hit songs associated with the sound of Motown. A sound that transformed the musical and racial landscape of America. As the famed label reaches 50, it will be the showpiece of Vanity Fair's annual music issue. Writer Lisa Robinson is given an oral history of life at Motown by those who lived it and she uncovers what really happened with Diana, Mary and Flo. Famed photographer Annie Leibovitz rounded up Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy, Lionel Richie, Martha Reeves, and other Motown alum for a historic portfolio. Be on the look out for Vanity Fair's December issue. Speaking of Motown's 50th anniversary, planned commemorative projects include a series of compilation albums and a definitive Motown documentary, years in the making by Gordy Suzanne de Passe. Other plans have yet to be finalized. Duke Fakir of The Four Tops said in a Detroit Free Press article "nobody has said what's going to happen, they're just preparing the world for something major."

Soul Heaven

Levi Stubbs (1932-2008)
Recently, soul music has mourned the losses of Isaac Hayes and Motown producer Norman Whitfield. Now we mourn the loss of Levi Stubbs, one of the finest ambassadors of soul music. The lead singer of The Four Tops died this morning in his hometown of Detroit. He was 72. The group formed in 1954 and included Levi, Abdul 'Duke' Fakir, Renaldo 'Obie' Benson and Lawrence Payton. The groups' name was inspired by their desire to reach the 'top.' Without a doubt, they reached the top. Fakir is the only surviving member, Payton died in '97 and Benson passed away in '05. Levi has been described as a 'church-based soul shouter and pure singer' who could have enjoyed tremendous success as a solo act but the thought of leaving the group never crossed his mind. He understood the meaning of loyalty. 'It's The Same Old Song,' 'Bernadette,' 'Reach Out I'll Be There,' 'Standing In The Shadows Of Love,' 'Keeper of the Castle,' 'Ain't No Woman (Like the One I Got)'--and the list goes on. Thanks Levi.

Soul Tracks

Happy Birthday Michael Jackson!!! 50 years ago Michael Joseph Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana. The past twenty years of Michael's life have been bizarre, to say the least. However, let's try not to focus on the scandals, trials, plastic surgeries, and wacky behavior. Let's go back to 1972. Long before Michael's 'Bad' tour grossed $125 million and Off The Wall and Thriller shattered every record imaginable. Long before 47 million people watched in awe as Michael did the moonwalk on Motown 25. Long before he co-wrote the international smash hit 'We Are The World.' And long before everybody wanted to be Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson was a 13 year old basking in the success of his solo debut, Got To Be There. Four years prior, Michael along with brothers Marlon, Jackie, Tito and Jermaine, signed to Motown Records as the Jackson 5. In '71, Michael stepped out on his own and began recording his solo debut produced by Hal David and Willie Hutch. Three songs, 'Got To Be There,' 'Rockin' Robin,' and 'I Wanna Be Where You Are', put Michael on the charts. The young singer took a stab at Bill Wither's 'Ain't No Sunshine' and the Carole King classic 'You've Got A Friend.' The ten track set also featured 'Maria (You Were The Only One),' today's Soul Tracks selection. From the opening note, Michael sounds far more mature than his 13 years. He sounds like a man who has lived a lifetime of experiences. It's hard to believe the song is autobiographical. But then again, maybe it is. A then 13 year old Michael could have been experiencing the raw emotions of the break up of a teenage love affair. Either way, Michael channeled his inner David Ruffin and sang with all the emotion and conviction of a broken man pleading for the lady in his life to came back.

Soul Fixin

Throwback to the '60's
Somehow this slipped under my soul radar. In early May, Raphael Saadiq held a listening party at Sony Club in NYC for his upcoming vintage soul album. The as-yet-untitled album was inspired by Saadiq's love of that old school Motown sound. In an effort to capture that old school 60's vibe, Saadiq recorded on vintage guitars, drum kits, and mics. Motown legend Stevie Wonder is featured on one track playing his trademark harmonica. "You couldn't help but feel like you had snuck into the den during one of your parents’ ‘grown-ups only’ parties" said blogger Candace L. "All that was missing were some elk antlers hanging on the wood panels." If anyone can capture the spirit and soul of Marvin, Stevie, Smokey, and the rest of the Motown fam, it's Raphael Saadiq. As of now, there is no word on a release date.

Payin' Homage

In the spring of 1970, the sweet voice of Tammi Terrell was silenced forever. Terrell, with such a promising career ahead of her, passed away on March 16, 1970 at the tender age of 24. Born Thomasina Winifred Montgomery on April 29, 1945 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,Tammi is best known for her sensual duets with Marvin Gaye. However, Tammi's career started long before she signed to Motown Records. At the age of 13, Tammi was the opening act for Gary "U.S" Bonds and Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles. She would go on to record with various labels. She garnered a little attention with the 1963 single "I Cried", released on James Brown's Try Me record label. After joining the Motown family, Tammi released the album Irresistible. In a genius move, Motown paired Tammi with Marvin Gaye. The chemistry was undeniable and the two went on to sing some of the greatest love songs of the soul music era. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" was a Top 20 hit, the duo found success atop the R&B charts with "Your Precious Love," "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing," and "You're All I Need To Get By." During a 1967 concert, Tammi collapsed in Marvin's arms and was later diagnosed with a brain tumor. Tammi could no longer perform live but she continued to record with Marvin. After 8 operations, loss of memory, and partial paralysis, 24 year old Tammi Terrell died in Philadelphia. Devastated by her untimely death, Marvin took a 3 year hiatus from performing and went into self isolation. Marvin would emerge from a state of depression with the landmark album What's Going On.

Payin' Homage

A Quiet Storm. Those are the words that can be used to describe the career of Smokey Robinson, his tremendous impact on the world of music has gone relatively unknown.Smokey began his career at Motown Records in 1959 as a member of The Miracles.In 1961, Smokey was appointed Vice President, a position he held for over 20 years. Smokey wrote countless hits for The Miracles and other Motown acts. "Shop Around," "You've Really Got A Hold On Me," "Ooo Baby Baby," "Tracks of My Tears," "Going to a Go-Go," and "I Second That Emotion" all hits for The Miracles, were composed by Smokey Robinson. The Smokey penned "My Guy" was a 1964 hit for Mary Wells. The Temptations enjoyed success with songs composed by Smokey including "My Girl," "The Way You Do The Things You Do," "Since I Lost My Baby," and "Get Ready." Smokey would eventually leave The Miracles and embark on a solo career. We can all thank Smokey for the late night radio format "The Quiet Storm." Smokey's 1975 release A Quiet Storm ushered in the late night radio format, featuring soulful slow jams. The impact Smokey Robinson has had on the world of music as a singer, songwriter, producer and record executive is tremendous. Today, Smokey is being honored uptown. A star studded tribute, the fourth Annual Hall of Fame Induction & Gala, is being held at the world famous Apollo Theater. Hosted by Wanda Sykes, the tribute will include performances and appearances by Janet Jackson, Terrance Howard, Ruby Dee, India.Arie, Nnenna Freelon, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
Sit back and take a listen to the music of Smokey and fall in love all over again.

Classic Album Revisited

Marvin Gaye's landmark concept album What's Going On was released in 1971. Prior to recording What's Going On, Marvin was deeply depressed. In March of 1970 Tammi Terrell died. Three years prior to her death she collapsed on stage while performing with Marvin, she was later diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Marvin took a hiatus from recording and performing and went into self isolation. Believe it or not, Marvin even attempted a career in football, he tried out for the Detroit Lions. Al Cleveland and The Four Tops' Renaldo "Obie" Benson reached out to Marvin to help them complete the writing of a politically conscious song, "What's Going On." Cleveland and Benson persuaded Marvin to record the song, and in June 1970 Marvin recorded "What's Going On" and "God Is Love." Berry Gordy refused to release the songs, he thought they were far too political and would fail at commercial success. Marvin eventually convinced Gordy to release the songs. "What's Going On" reached #1 on the R&B charts and #2 on the Pop listings. After the success of "What's Going On" Berry Gordy requested an entire album.
Over a 10 day period, Marvin began recording and producing the tracks that would comprise What's Going On, an album told through the eyes of a Vietnam veteran returning home to a world of drug abuse, poverty, police brutality and unemployment. Simply put, What's Going On is an album that expressed the cries, pain and agony of a black man in the 1970's. It is as sacred as Aretha's Amazing Grace and the musical equivalent of The Autobiography of Malcolm X. A 9 track unified album, most songs led into the next, What's Going On was named Album Of The Year by Rolling Stone magazine, Billboard gave it the Trendsetter Award of 1971.It was ranked number six on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. A 1999 critics poll conducted by British newspaper Guardian/Observer named it the "Greatest Album Of the 20th Century."