Soul Fixin'

In the midst of the violence that has besieged Philadelphia and earned it the nickname 'Killadelphia,' STAY TRUE came to life. STAY TRUE "is a non-profit organization based in Philadelphia dedicated to offering under-privileged, at-risk youth the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to become powerful agents of social/political change in their communities." Philadelphia school teacher Nir Saar started the organization because he was "struck by the utter helplessness my students expressed about the socioeconomic conditions they faced each day. While the students yearned for progress and change, they did not have the information, skills, or confidence needed to become actively engaged in a process of social advancement. These observations have led to the founding of STAY TRUE, an organization truly inspired by those students who, despite their environments, have decided to dedicate their lives to helping others." Check out the STAY TRUE site, if you can make a donation please do so.

Soul Fixin'

A Message From ?uestlove

?uestlove lets us in on why he is throwing his support behind Obama. Listen to ?uestlove as he breaks down three vital reasons he is voting for Barack in November. If you aren't a registered voter, head over to Rock the Vote and make it happen.

Soul Fixin'

Anita Is On Tour

The 'Queen of the Quiet Storm' is hitting the road for the first time in a decade. The sultry songstress took a hiatus from recording to focus on her family life. She returned in 2004 and released My Everything and made various spot appearances. More recently,Anita Baker released a Christmas album, Christmas Fantasy, in 2005.

TOUR DATES

June 13 - Vienna, VA - Wolf Trap Filene Center

June 20 - Aspen, CO - Rio Grande Park

June 21 - Primm, NV - Star of the Desert Arena

July 12 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre

July 24 - Hollywood, FL - Hard Rock Live

July 31 - Rama, Ontario - Casino Rama

August 15 - Baltimore, MD - Pier Six Concert Pavilion

August 16 - Portsmouth, VA - nTelos Wireless Pavilion

August 18 - Atlantic City, NY - Trump Taj Mahal

September 26 - Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theatre

Check out Anita performing "Sweet Love" at the St. Lucia Jazz Festival

Soul Fixin'

Apple Gets In The Groove
President Bush doesn't get credit for much but he does get a soul clap for delcaring June 2008 as Black Music Month.Celebrate Black Music Month with Apple, throughout the month of June, Apple is hosting an array of live performances at various Apple Retail Store locations across the country. Talib Kweli, Wyclef Jean,Goapele, Anthony David, MC Lyte, Marvin Sapp, Dwele and others are scheduled to perform.

Apple's Black Music Month: Hometown Heroes Complete Lineup

Video Soul

Marvin Gaye performing "Lets Get It On" back in '76
THANK GOD FOR YouTube!!!!!


The making of Marvin, a biopic covering the life of Marvin Gaye, is in the works. According to Variety the film will be directed by F. Gary Gray and produced by Davis Foster and Duncan McGillvray. Foster and McGillvray plan on shopping the film to studios and financiers this week. The film has rights to Marvin's entire music catalog.

The James Gandolfini produced Sexual Healing is also in the works. The movie, starring Jesse L. Martin, acquired the rights to Marvin's post- Motown catalog, forcing the film to focus on Marvin's life after Motown.

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.

Sunday Soul

Saturday Soul

Joy Denalane [Myspace Page]
Al Green's Soul Revival [Rolling Stone]
Nas' ode to Obama, "Black President" [SoulBounce]
Black Music Month:In the Midnight Hour: Soul for Lost Love and Crises of Faith [VIBE]
Remembering Bo Diddley [BET]
Celebrate Black Music Month [AOL Black Voices]

Young, Gifted, Black and Dead!!!

The recent murder of a friend has prompted me to highlight the deaths of other young African Americans at the hands of young African Americans. Black on black crime is plaguing communities of color all across the country. Over the past few weeks, I've highlighted the deaths of youth in New York City, Rochester, NY, St. Louis and Philadelphia.
Today, I googled the words 'black teen killed' and came across the story of a 15 year old Chicago girl killed over the Memorial Day Weekend. 15 year old Sharkeila Taylor was celebrating Memorial Weekend on the South Side of Chicago with family and friends,she had recently moved to Gary, Indiana. As the holiday weekend was coming to a end, Sharkeila was hanging with friends, enjoying the warm weather and celebrating the start of summer. Around 11 p.m a hail of bullets flew through the air. Once the sound of gunshots faded, 15 year Sharkelia Taylor would be found laying on the sidewalk with a bullet in her back. Latisha Coleman, who lives near the scene, heard the gunfire. "I walked over there and saw the little girl...it was terrible. She was holding my hand and I was talking to her, saying, 'Stay with me, stay with me...then the little girl took two whole breaths and let go of my hand. I said, 'She's gone. She's dead.'" Three separate shootings that night within a 2 1/2 mile radius left Taylor and a 27 year old male dead and four others wounded. Sharkeila was the youngest victim. Lakita Childs, a South Side resident, spoke of the violence in the area, "most people don't even want to come outside, they're too scared. I don't even want to bring a baby into this world, because I'm afraid if I have a baby they'll get killed like the rest of these kids." Sharkeila, nicknamed "Mz. Dora", was remembered by classmates as life-loving girl who looked out for others and valued friendship. Some friends affectionately called her "Ma," she possessed a protective persona that made her maternal. Yet, she was also childlike, evidenced by her nickname taken from the cartoon "Dora The Explorer."
At a prayer vigil, Rev. Jesse Jackson said "there are too many funerals and not enough future, too many memorials and not enough ending the madness."

Soul Fixin'

MTV Recaps R. Kelly Trial

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Soul Fixin'

Legend Looking Forward to Third Release

Two albums deep into the game, John Legend is in the studio working on a third album, which is slated to be released in September. Legend describes the as-yet untitled album as more mainstream and radio friendly than his sophomore album, Once Again. "The last record was mellower, the production this time is a little more up-tempo and more pop sounding.." Legend's debut album, Get Lifted, has sold 2.1 million copies, while Once Again went platinum. Speaking of the decline in sales, Legend says “Once Again was difficult for people to digest because it wasn't any one radio format,it was between formats and there wasn't an obvious place for everything to fit. I’ve been successful without a huge radio hit up until now so I don’t think about the radio when I make songs. Artistically, Once Again was a great album, better than Get Lifted. I had a bigger tour on the second album and it set me up to be an artist that's around for a long time so I just have to capitalize on that.” John is embarking on a new direction in the marketing of his music. In hopes of coming up with new and unique promotional strategies, John has met with several advertising agencies.“I want to go beyond what the label machine always does and think of some cool ideas,” said Legend. “Labels get into a creative rut. I want an ad firm that launches other products to use their knowledge to launch my music. It'd be cool to get ideas from a firm that can still reach my marketplace. We're taking proposals now so as soon as we decide on one we can decide the launch date and direction.”

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