The 1980’s! The decade seemed to be a simpler time in the musical world. The music video was established as a needed promotional tool. Record companies were still releasing large musical groups actually playing and recording instrumentally. And there were still family acts actively recording and performing like DeBarge, The Jacksons and The Jets. ThereRead More
Blog
Influential Musician?
Raphael Saddiq Who would you consider the most influential person in your life or career? Maybe a parent, teacher or perhaps someone else at the top of your profession. More than likely if you are influenced by a successful contemporary; that individual also influences others. I am initiating this discussion a month after theRead More
Death of a Queen
Donna Summer What a sad week again. So sad it prompted me to publish a special post. Another Queen died this week. The Queen of Disco Donna Summer. She easily earned the title of Queen because she was at the top of her career during the disco era. Her songs were the backdrop of myRead More
A Fine Line
Erica and Tina Campbell (Mary Mary) Urban Contemporary Gospel or Rhythm and Blues? Religious or secular music? Which do you prefer? The line between the two genres is blurred because a multitude of singers has crossed over the line for many years. Remember Ray Charles? He drew a great deal of criticism for “messingRead More
Not Really a Comeback
Anita Baker Last week brought fantastic news for Anita Baker fans. She will be releasing a new album and start another tour very soon. My wife is a big fan and I really appreciate her music as well. We were both so happy to hear that the eight-time Grammy award winning vocalist would soon releaseRead More
Mraz: Four-letter Word for Success
Jason Mraz Jason Mraz released his new album, “Love is a Four-letter Word” to a very receptive audience. If not for Lionel Richie’s “Tuskegee” Mraz would easily have the number one album in its debut week with 102,000 units sold. Jason Mraz is definitely not a newcomer to the music industry. In fact, he hasRead More
What would American Bandstand look like today?
Dick Clark This week has been a whirlwind of quotes from many in the musical industry as everyone reflected on the life and career of Dick Clark, who died April 18, 2012. The internet is proliferated with entertainers saying how they were helped by an appearance on American Bandstand, Clark’s dance and music show thatRead More