Video Soul

Under The Covers

The names Hal David and Burt Bacharach may sound unfamiliar. Hal David and Burth Bacharach are synonymous with superb songwriting. Believe it or not, we've been singing the songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David for over 40 years. In 1964, we heard Dionne Warwick's voice soar on the Bacharach/David penned "A House Is Not A Home," 17 years later Luther Vandross wrapped his smooth vocals around the song and recorded the definitive version. The Patti Labelle and Michael McDonald duet "Own My Own" was written and composed by Burt Bacharach. Songs such as "Anyone Who Had A Heart," "That's What Friends Are For," "I Say A Little Prayer," and "Don't Make Me Over" were all written and or composed by Bacharach and David. In 1963, Dionne Warwick, who has sang countless Bacharach/David gems, recorded "Walk On By" for her Make Way for Dionne Warwick album. "Walk On By" became a hit, it was an international million seller and landed at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. In the years that followed, Aretha, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Gloria Gaynor and George Benson took a stab at the classic song. Isaac Hayes recorded a memorable version of the song. "Walk On By" was included on Hayes' groundbreaking album Hot Buttered Soul. Isaac Hayes turn the pop classic into a Memphis infused slow burning 12 minute soul classic. In 1988, "Walk On By" was inducted in the Grammy Hall of Fame. The RIAA chose it as one of the Songs of the Century. In 2004, it was ranked #70 on Rolling Stone magazine's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time."

Soul Fixin'

Hip Hop Community Supports Obama

Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been dubbed the "Hip Hop Mayor." Could Obama be the "Hip Hop Prez"? Many in the hip hop community are throwing their support behind Barack Obama. MC's such as Jay-Z, Common, Talib Kweli, Mos Def and 50 Cent have publicly endorsed Obama's historic run for the White House. On the eve of Obama's historic win of the democratic nomination, Diddy said "today is one of the greatest and proudest moments of my life. Not just as a black man, but as an American. Senator Obama becoming the Democratic nominee for president is history in the making and proof that we do live in the greatest country in the world." Queens born MC Nas has dropped the song "Black President," the track describes Nas' hopes for Obama should he win the election and the trials and tribulations he faces along the way. In a recent MTV interview, the outspoken and thought provoking legend had a few choices words about a possible Obama presidency,"there's never been a president to address the slaughter of young black people by this country's police," Nas fumed. "When your government's police are killing one section of people, that's genocide. There's never been a president to even acknowledge it. You don't acknowledge that? That's a big thing President Obama has to recognize when he gets in office. "I'm five presidents in ... and I ain't seen nothing happen to stop the police murders on young, black people," he added. "Why would I believe in the system? With that being said, I think Barack can cure that disease and help cure the country. Not just in that area with us blacks, but also with all Americans. Women are getting treated like dogs. You know how hard it is for a woman to prove she was raped? The system is warped. They throw young guys - who's starving - in jail just trying to survive on the streets. Throw them in jail forever. Young kids, 18 years old, executed in Texas. Yet, child predators get to come home and do it again. I think it's so much our president can do. [Obama] seems like a human being. I say that because a lot of presidents don't seem like human beings. They seem like straight-up businessmen who care about nothing but the business. Nah, you gotta care about the people."

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Soul Fixin'

Lowdown Loretta Brown
Ms. Badu has been quite busy. The neo-soul queen plans on releasing another album.New Amerykah, Part One: 4th World War was released back in February. Part Two will be available next month, and will be accompanied by USB sticks, which will contain exclusive concert footage and commentary on the recording process. Erykah has speculated about the fall release of a "period piece", Lowdown Loretta Brown, her alter ego on stage. "I don't want to introduce too much of that right now," Badu tells Wired magazine. "I don't want Gwen Stefani stealing my shit." Why the abundance of music? Badu was given a laptop and her son introduced her to the music recording program Garageband. Badu's home practically became a recording studio, over a 4 month period she recorded close to 70 songs.

Soul Fixin'

Take a behind the scenes look at the making of Al Green's new release Lay It Down.

Al Greens appears on the Late Show With David Letterman tonight. On June 24 at the BET Awards Rev. Green will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Jill Scott and others are expected to perform in his honor.

Payin' Homage

"Hello, may I speak to Barbara
Barbara, this is Shirley
You might not know who I am
But the reason I am calling you is because
I was going through my
Old man`s pockets this morning
And I just happened to find your name and number
So woman to woman
I don`t think it`s being anymore than fair
To call you and let you know
Where I`m coming from..."


Opening monologues are apart of many soul songs, Aretha's "Angel," "I Stand Accused" by Isaac Hayes and Gladys Knight & The Pips "The Way We Were/Try To Remember" are a few. However, no opening monologue is a memorable as the opening rap on Shirley Brown's love triangle melodrama "Woman to Woman." The million selling "Woman to Woman" brought her instant fame in 1974. "Woman to Woman" told the story of a woman calling "the other woman" Not only did Shirley call the other woman but she told her like it was. Shirley made it clear she was standing by her man, right or wrong. "Woman to Woman" was the last hit record for Memphis based Stax Records. At the time Stax was facing mounting legal and financial woes. "Woman to Woman" prompted Barbara Mason to release the answer record "From His Woman To You."

Shirley Brown was born January 6, 1947, in West Memphis, Arkansas and grew up in St. Louis. Like so many soul singers, Shirley's musical foundation is deeply rooted in the church. Much like Aretha and Donny, Shirley was well known in gospel circles as a child. She entered the St. Louis soul scene in her late teens and recorded regional hits "I Ain't Gonna Tell" and "Love Is Built On A Strong Foundation." Shirley would eventually land a contract with Stax Records, where she recorded her debut album Woman to Woman. The song "Woman To Woman" was initially offered to Inez Foxx, she turned it down. Unfortunately, Shirley's career never took off like it should have. Stax folded in 1975, and Shirley found herself at Arista Records. Her Arista debut, Shirley Brown, produced the lackluster singles "Blessed Is the Woman (With A Man Like Mine)," "Givin' Up, and "I Can't Move No Mountains." In 1979 Shirley resigned with the resurrected Stax and released the unsuccessful The Real Feeling. For the past 19 years, Shirley has called Malacco Records home where she has received minor success with the releases, Intimate Storm, Timeless and Diva of Soul. Her most recent album, Woman Enough, was released in 2004.

Video Soul

Ronald Isley sings the Curtis Mayfield classic "The Makings of You" for Aretha Franklin.

Unfortunately, Ronald Isley is currently serving time in prison. His projected release date is 4/13/2010. Feel free to drop him a line:

RONALD ISLEY 31215-112
FCI TERRE HAUTE
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
P.O. BOX 33TERRE HAUTE, IN 47808

Obama Clinches Nomination!!!

"America, this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past. Our time to bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for this country that we love. The journey will be difficult. The road will be long. ... I face [this challenge] with limitless faith in the capacity of the American people, because if we are willing to work for it and fight for it and believe in it then I am absolutely certain that generations from now we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs for the jobless. This was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal. This was the moment when we ended a war and secured our nation and restored our image as the last, best hope on Earth. This was the moment — this was the time — when we came together to remake this great nation so that it may always reflect our very best selves and our highest ideals."

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

Under The Covers

"Tracks Of My Tears" written by Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, and Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, was a 1965 hit for The Miracles. The song tells the story of a man trying to hide the sadness of a bad breakup with a false smile and laugh. "Tracks Of My Tears" is included on one of the Miracles' finest releases, Going To A Go-Go, along with hit songs "Ooo Babby Baby" and "Going To A Go-Go." In the spring of '68 Smokey's childhood friend, Aretha Franklin, recorded "Tracks Of My Tears" for her Atlantic release, Soul '69. "Tracks of My Tears" found Aretha in her signature soulful voice, singing with such abandon. While "Tracks of My Tears" was a #2 R&B hit and reached #16 on the Pop charts for the Miracles, Aretha's version reached #21 and #71 on the R&B and Pop charts, respectively."Tracks of My Tears" is listed on The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. The million selling song is a 2007 Grammy Hall of Fame Inductee. Rolling Stone magazine included the song in it's list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Last month, "Tracks of My Tears" was preserved by the Library of Congress as a "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significance" to the National Recording Registry.

Young, Gifted, Black and Dead!!!

Hours after thousands of black men took to the streets of St. Louis for a "Call For Oneness," a march to end black on black violence, 16 year old Shirlene Williams was gunned down outside a gas station. Shirlene, a high school freshman, and a 21 year old cousin stopped at BP gas station when shots rang out. Both Shirlene and her cousin were shot in the head. Her cousin remains listed in critical condition. Speaking of his sister, Antwawn McGee said "she was good...always used to say that she'd be the first one of going to college and be somebody."

Classic Album Revisited

Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes formed in 1950's Philadelphia.The group was a regional act that garnered minor soul hits. In the late 60's Teddy Pendergrass was hired as drummer, he eventually became lead singer and the group caught the attention of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes (Theodore Pendergrass Jr., Bernie Wilson, Larry Brown, Llodyd Parks, & Harold Melvin) signed to Philadelphia International Records in 1971 scoring hit songs such as "I Miss You" and "If You Don't Know Me By Now." In the wake of Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, Stevie's Songs In The Key of Life and Innervisions and Aretha's Young, Gifted and Black, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes released Wake Up Everybody in 1975. Unlike Marvin's What's Going On, Wake Up Everybody not only expressed the social ills of the world, it spoke of love, lust, lost love, admiration and freedom. Wake Up Everybody is the quintessential Philadelphia soul album. It combined all the elements of the Philly sound; lush buoyant strings and horns, smooth group harmonies, danceable rhythms and smoldering ballads.The title track, written by the legendary team of McFadden/Whitehead/Cartarsphen, is a 7 minute masterpiece, urging us all to wake up. A profoundly uplifting song, "Wake Up Everybody" held the # 1 spot on the R&B charts for two consecutive weeks. In a sign of things to come, Teddy Pendergrass epitomized sensuality on the track " You Know How To Make Me Feel So Good" featuring female vocalist Sharon Paige. Without a doubt "Keep On Lovin' You," a song that expresses man's admiration for his lady, was a blueprint for disco music. "Don't Leave Me This Way", a song that became a disco hit for Thelma Houston, was originally recorded by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. "Tell The World How I Feel About 'Cha Baby" became a # 7 R&B hit. The inspiring "To Be Free To Be Who We Are" and "I'm Searching For A Love" featuring Sharon Paige were also included on the album. Wake Up Everybody signaled the end of commercial success for the group, Teddy Pendergrass embarked on solo career and released a solo album in '76.

Soul Fixin'

New Music DropSelf Potrait Lalah Hathaway

The Declaration Ashanti

Live From Philadelphia John Legend

Live In Orlando The Funk Brothers

Jeanius Jean Grae & 9th Wonder

The Stax Story Various Artists

Poet II Bobby Womack (reissue)

Dynamic Duo Jimmy Smith & West Montgomery

Southern Nights Allen Toussaint

Our Kind Of Soul Hall & Oates

And Justus For All Little Brother

Straight Outta Compton 20th Anniversary Edition NWA

Greatest Hits Pimp C

Soul Fixin'

Nas Unveils Album Cover And New Video"I ain't Farrakhan or Chuck D, I'm just a Queensbridge nigga that got rich...I love pissing people off and stirring up stupid muthafuckas."Over the weekend, Nas hosted the premiere of the music video for his controversial new single "Be A N*gger Too" and unveiled the cover of his upcoming untitled album. Directed by Rick Cordero, the video was inspired by old Spike Lee films. The video includes clips of Nas looking at his reflection through a mirror and rapping about racism, politics and religion and what appears to be a white slave owner pointing a gun at a black male slave. Speaking of the album artwork Nas said "the cover speaks for itself...it says nigger real loud." Nas recently dropped plans to title the album Nigger, the album will now remain untitled. Speaking of elder civil rights leaders who opposed the naming of the album, Nas said "this record is about how the older generation looks down on us. ... There's a crew of older black people, [they're] on their way out and we're on our way up. It looks like hip-hop niggas is about to make that Oprah money, and that's scary to them."

Soul Fixin'

Celebrating Black Music MonthI can still remember the day over 10 years ago when my mother purchased Aretha's Atlantic Records debut album, I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You. This was the album that made Aretha Franklin ARETHA. It would be days later before I decided to give it a listen. I immdediately fell in love with her voice, but when I heard the last track, a mind-blowing cover of Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come,'Aretha sent a chill through my body and gave me goosebumps. Aretha's voice is my Dr. Feelgood. Needless to say, I'm in love with ReRe. I'm happy to announce that in honor of Black Music Month, Aretha has written an essay for AOL Black Voices that speaks of the importance of Black Music Month. In her essay, which goes live June 15, Aretha discusses her thoughts on today's R&B, "At one point, I was very concerned when the hip-hoppers came in about the future of R&B," she writes, "But now with artists like Usher, Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia, Chris Brown, Raheem DeVaughn, Erykah Badu and artists like that let me know that R&B is in good hands, absolutely alive and well and mega-watt."

In addition to Aretha's essay, AOL Black Voices Black Music Month site includes:

• An exclusive online "Jam Session" with Mint Condition paying tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire.


• Female MC YoYo, current host of VH1's 'Miss Rap Supreme' will be the featured celebrity blogger on the "Supreme Journey" blog.


• Black Voice users will be able to vote for the best albums of all time and participate in online quizzes.
  
• Interactive profiles of individuals who have made significant contributions to black music.

Click here to check out AOL Black Voices Black Music Month site

Payin' Homage

Back in 1982, when R&B lost most of its soul and disco was fading, Bobby Womack released a brilliantly soulful album, The Poet. Included on that #1 album was the seven minute soul masterpiece "If You Think You're Lonely Now." Bobby expressed his disappointment with his woman like no male soul singer before him. In his signature gritty voice Bobby told us about this woman who is always complaining about the things she ain't got and the things her girlfriends got. Womack's career began long before 1982, Bobby grew up singing with his brothers as The Womack Brothers. The gospel group was eventually discovered by Sam Cooke who renamed them the Valentino's and turned them into a teenage secular vocal group. After Sam's death the group disbanded and Womack became a writer and guitarist for The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and others. In 1968 Bobby embarked on a solo career, and released three critically acclaimed albums, Communication, Understanding and Across 110th Street, along with a series of hit songs, "That's The Way I Feel About Cha," "Woman's Gotta Have It," "Harry Hippie," "Across 110th Street," and "Daylight." Like many soul singers of the time, the 1980's proved to be a difficult period, the music scene changed dramatically. 1982's The Poet resurrected Bobby's career. In 1984 he released the equally brilliant The Poet II. The following year Bobby scored another hit with " I Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much." In the years that followed Bobby continued to record sporadically. More recently, Womack released Traditions, a Christmas album, and the critically acclaimed gospel album, Back To My Roots. Last month, Capitol/EMI reissued seven of Womack's classic LPs digitally for the time: 1968's Fly Me To The Moon, 1969's My Prescription, 1971's The Womack Live, 1973's Lookin' For A Love Again, 1975's Safety Zone and I Don't Know What The World Is Coming To, and 1976's BW Goes C&W. In addition,a 1972 concert at the Apollo will be available under the title Live At The Apollo.

Young, Gifted, Black and Dead!!!

The Rev. Al Sharpton is organizing a community summit to address black on black violence after Harlem was rocked by a series of shootings over Memorial Day weekend. Over the holiday weekend, four gun battles broke out in a 3 hour period wounding 10 people. A 15 year male was shot dead after a house party. "Shootings and violence within our community by one of our own is an outrage and an issue that we must confront as diligently and as passionately as a sensational case of police misconduct or brutality." The " Summit on Violence" will be held within the month and will include community leaders, young people, law enforcement, clergy, businessmen and elected officials. The goal of the summit is to address three critical areas: improving relationships between the police and black community, better dialogue with black youth, and new JOBS.

On Sunday,Thousands of blacks, in particular black males, took to the streets of St. Louis during an unity march. An estimated 50,000 people sick and tired of black on black violence marched through a historically black neighborhood. The march is apart of an anti violence campaign, "A Call To Oneness," organized by black clergy, businessmen and community leaders along with civic, public and private institutions. "When you are one of the cities which leads the nation in homicides, you don't have many options in terms of thinking about doing something," said the event coordinator, the Rev. Freddy James Clark. "When we march through north St. Louis, we hope to create a moral climate. We hope to reclaim, through the vehicle of reconciliation, respect for the other and sanctity of life." "We've only just begun to live

White lace and promises

A kiss for luck and we're on our way

Before the rising sun we fly

So many roads to choose

We start our walking and learn to run

Sharing horizons that are new to us

Watching the signs along the way

Talking it over just the two of us

Working together day to day

Together And when the evening comes we smile

So much of life ahead

We'll find a place where there's room to grow

And yes we've just begun

Sharing horizons that are new to us

Watching the signs along the way

Talking it over just the two of us

Working together day to day

Together And when the evening comes we smile

So much of life ahead

We'll find a place where there's room to grow

And yes we've just begun."

Curtis Mayfield "We've Only Just Begun"

Soul Fixin'

June Is Black Music Month
Our beloved President, George W. Bush, has proclaimed June 2008 as Black Music Month. Who said George Bush doesn't like black people? In an official proclamation, President Bush said "throughout the course of American history, black musicians have used their great talents to share the richness of the African-American experience and to develop a uniquely American style of music enjoyed throughout the world. This month, we honor the pioneers of African-American music and today's contemporary artists who have enriched the lives of people everywhere."
In honor of Black Music Month, Public Soul Announcement takes a look back at some memorable album covers.

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.

Sunday Soul