Mary Christine Brockhert, lovingly known to her fans as TEENA MARIE died on December 26, 2010 at the age of 54.
I would like to write my own personal tribute but honestly, this sudden death has hit me pretty hard. I needed to resume regular posting of my blog especially on music issues and I hate that this sad loss may be the event that resumes the regular posts. But I will say something later as my work schedule permits. Also when I can put clear thoughts together in respect to this great entertainer.
In the meantime I shall share with you three favorite songs by Teena Marie. These by no means are the only favorites. Just some you likely WON'T find mentioned in other tributes.
"Shadow Boxing" from the 1983 album "Robbery"
"Now That I Have You" from the 1980 album "Lady T"
Written and produced by Richard Rudolph, the widower of Minnie Riperton
"Aladdin's Lamp" also from the 1980 album "Lady T"
More thoughts about Teena Marie later. Rest in Peace "Lady T"
Her fans are hurting today.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Sean's Disney Hollywood Studios Christmas Special
Season's Greetings to one and all.
As part of your holiday entertainment through movies and Christmas specials I thought I would encourage you to watch these wonderfully produced videos from a friend.
It's "Sean's Disney Hollywood Studios Christmas Special" IN THREE PARTS.
(After watching, subscribe to Sean's channel on YouTube for more great videos)
PART ONE
PART TWO
PART THREE
As part of your holiday entertainment through movies and Christmas specials I thought I would encourage you to watch these wonderfully produced videos from a friend.
It's "Sean's Disney Hollywood Studios Christmas Special" IN THREE PARTS.
(After watching, subscribe to Sean's channel on YouTube for more great videos)
PART ONE
PART TWO
PART THREE
Thursday, December 23, 2010
VENTING: Ungreatful "Activist" wannabees, Opportunists and false friendships
*This was originally posted as a FACEBOOK note but I decided to make it a little more "public". Let it be documented and the chips fall where they may. Things are not what they appear to be and from now on I will call out things when they are WRONG. The personal rant you'll read below is such an event.
Also with this post I am removing a link to a website related to the person mentioned in this blog post. The reason for this is there hasn't been a clear understanding of the "organization's" mission and opportunities for proper networking and seeking support have failed miserably. And while I still support the person (in my heart and wishes) I cannot appear to endorse it with the current standing. Perhaps in the future I will mention the organization when things are treated seriously.
December 22, 2010
Derrick Martin has deleted most of the "friends" on Facebook and with other
recent occasions I felt the need to vent a little but post it as an open letter posted here as a Facebook note
I don't need or want a response. I'm just saying what I feel and thats it. Many
of you already know my opinions and experience over the past 9 months.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I guess Derrick Martin thining out his Facebook friends list included many of the (Central
Georgia) locals and organizations that stuck their necks out in in support of him from the beginning and before
the fame and attention became too much to handle. Lots of people including ME took great risks in their
personal, professional and volunteer lives when the stories came out in our own
backyard and we came forward in support.
Many of us supported and wanted to help. Some of us got snubbed at public events
like the HRC Atlanta dinner,Savannah Pride and Atlanta Pride. And supporters were shut out when
offered to help. Some of us truly cared but the Rural Georgia region was painted
as unworthy and uncaring in many ways. Often those negative painted images and insults came
from people OUTSIDE the state of Georgia. A few months ago there was a podcast titled "The Night The Lights Went Out IN Georgia: Where was the Community support" that
suggested that nobody locally cared about Derrick Martin but it got deleted within minutes of sending an e-mail to the podcast producers disputing some of the details and the blatent omissions about the community support from the September 2010 podcast.
The LGBT community in Georgia, yes GEORGIA is growing stronger despite the
images painted by non rural Georgia residents, national LGBT organizations and others who abandoned the area and despite the disrespect given to anyone around her who ever tried to make a difference.
For some of that growth in strength a former High School Student from nearby Cochran Georgia can be
thanked. Because the attention he created did encourage others who were truly in need of
support to seek it. Many true friendships were made that weren't filled with other
motives. Like I said, the GEORGIA LGBT community grew a little stronger.
Do I seem bitter? Don't care! But I'll tell you that I am not bitter as much as I admit to being annoyed. But I take pride in knowing that I tried. That was the best I could have done. In doing so I learned some
valuable lessons. OH did I learn some valuable lessons.
I learned who my "real" friends are and that it was a very
short list and certainly not those who I had once trusted.
I learned that opposition and harassment based on "guilt" by association, support or action
can be fierce and sadly come from both within as well as outside the LGBT
community.
I learned that there are more cowards and opportunists than there ever will be heroes.
I learned that the general public was only admiring their own dreams and images and didn't give a damn about the real people.
I learned that it isn't easy for me to prove that I DID care about the real people as the real
people may have enjoyed the attention and admiration more than appreciated the
help.
I was also reminded that money can bring out evil and could possibly be the key to someone's heart. The evil came from the accusations. The rest is best left unsaid.
There were some who in theiropposition and harrassment of me who said people were only doing whatever for attention. I REFUSE TO ALLOW ANY OF THOSE ASSHOLES AN "I TOLD YOU SO" for if no action of support was taken by anyone then some of the same people would have complained that nobody did anything. And even still....99% of those who complain NEVER get off of their precious asses to lift a finger to help or offer a solution. At least some of us are honest and dedicated enough to get up and at least try to do something.
My mama used to say that my mouth might get me into trouble. Well, I also learned in 2010 that the things I say INCLUDING THIS MESSAGE might step on some toes, hurt feelings or bruise egos but if I feel I am still being honest in my
feelings then I am perfectly fine with that. In other words, I don't give a damn! I am reminded that my opinion and my being honest is the best policy I know and that is what I am using. This is how I choose to live, honestly and without shame or regret.
I could go on but I just felt the need to vent.
Perhaps someone can forward my thoughts to the Georgia Southern College student. This note on Facebook is open to anyone who wishes to read. But when you do forward this, make sure to include that I STILL wish all the best and remind not only that person but EVERYONE that in order to work for Equality we all need to work TOGETHER. In order to support one, we need to support each other.
There has to be some substance to the promise of making a difference and creating change.
MY PERSONAL PLEDGE TO EVERYONE is that I will always be available to help wherever I can. I do care (beyond myself) and
will continue to support and work toward OUR brighter future.
Also with this post I am removing a link to a website related to the person mentioned in this blog post. The reason for this is there hasn't been a clear understanding of the "organization's" mission and opportunities for proper networking and seeking support have failed miserably. And while I still support the person (in my heart and wishes) I cannot appear to endorse it with the current standing. Perhaps in the future I will mention the organization when things are treated seriously.
December 22, 2010
Derrick Martin has deleted most of the "friends" on Facebook and with other
recent occasions I felt the need to vent a little but post it as an open letter posted here as a Facebook note
I don't need or want a response. I'm just saying what I feel and thats it. Many
of you already know my opinions and experience over the past 9 months.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I guess Derrick Martin thining out his Facebook friends list included many of the (Central
Georgia) locals and organizations that stuck their necks out in in support of him from the beginning and before
the fame and attention became too much to handle. Lots of people including ME took great risks in their
personal, professional and volunteer lives when the stories came out in our own
backyard and we came forward in support.
Many of us supported and wanted to help. Some of us got snubbed at public events
like the HRC Atlanta dinner,Savannah Pride and Atlanta Pride. And supporters were shut out when
offered to help. Some of us truly cared but the Rural Georgia region was painted
as unworthy and uncaring in many ways. Often those negative painted images and insults came
from people OUTSIDE the state of Georgia. A few months ago there was a podcast titled "The Night The Lights Went Out IN Georgia: Where was the Community support" that
suggested that nobody locally cared about Derrick Martin but it got deleted within minutes of sending an e-mail to the podcast producers disputing some of the details and the blatent omissions about the community support from the September 2010 podcast.
The LGBT community in Georgia, yes GEORGIA is growing stronger despite the
images painted by non rural Georgia residents, national LGBT organizations and others who abandoned the area and despite the disrespect given to anyone around her who ever tried to make a difference.
For some of that growth in strength a former High School Student from nearby Cochran Georgia can be
thanked. Because the attention he created did encourage others who were truly in need of
support to seek it. Many true friendships were made that weren't filled with other
motives. Like I said, the GEORGIA LGBT community grew a little stronger.
Do I seem bitter? Don't care! But I'll tell you that I am not bitter as much as I admit to being annoyed. But I take pride in knowing that I tried. That was the best I could have done. In doing so I learned some
valuable lessons. OH did I learn some valuable lessons.
I learned who my "real" friends are and that it was a very
short list and certainly not those who I had once trusted.
I learned that opposition and harassment based on "guilt" by association, support or action
can be fierce and sadly come from both within as well as outside the LGBT
community.
I learned that there are more cowards and opportunists than there ever will be heroes.
I learned that the general public was only admiring their own dreams and images and didn't give a damn about the real people.
I learned that it isn't easy for me to prove that I DID care about the real people as the real
people may have enjoyed the attention and admiration more than appreciated the
help.
I was also reminded that money can bring out evil and could possibly be the key to someone's heart. The evil came from the accusations. The rest is best left unsaid.
There were some who in theiropposition and harrassment of me who said people were only doing whatever for attention. I REFUSE TO ALLOW ANY OF THOSE ASSHOLES AN "I TOLD YOU SO" for if no action of support was taken by anyone then some of the same people would have complained that nobody did anything. And even still....99% of those who complain NEVER get off of their precious asses to lift a finger to help or offer a solution. At least some of us are honest and dedicated enough to get up and at least try to do something.
My mama used to say that my mouth might get me into trouble. Well, I also learned in 2010 that the things I say INCLUDING THIS MESSAGE might step on some toes, hurt feelings or bruise egos but if I feel I am still being honest in my
feelings then I am perfectly fine with that. In other words, I don't give a damn! I am reminded that my opinion and my being honest is the best policy I know and that is what I am using. This is how I choose to live, honestly and without shame or regret.
I could go on but I just felt the need to vent.
Perhaps someone can forward my thoughts to the Georgia Southern College student. This note on Facebook is open to anyone who wishes to read. But when you do forward this, make sure to include that I STILL wish all the best and remind not only that person but EVERYONE that in order to work for Equality we all need to work TOGETHER. In order to support one, we need to support each other.
There has to be some substance to the promise of making a difference and creating change.
MY PERSONAL PLEDGE TO EVERYONE is that I will always be available to help wherever I can. I do care (beyond myself) and
will continue to support and work toward OUR brighter future.
Monday, November 01, 2010
People who aren't smart enough to vote!
Happy Halloween! I am back to blogging after a monthlong hiatus. And some of you might think after reading this that I should stay on hiatus. But I am here anyway!
So November 2nd is Halloween. Some of you might think that Halloween was October 31st, but no. That's just some day where people dress up in costumes, scare people and eat a lot of candy. The REAL halloween is on the following Tuesday in America when people go to the polls to vote for witches, gobblins and devils for political office.
I am of the opinion that most of us (including myself) really aren't smart enough to vote. If we were then we wouldn't have all of the troubles in this world. Think about it carefully. You or someone you know just might be too stupid to vote. And stupid people should STAY HOME ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 2ND to avoid doing further damage to our country. Last weekend there was a "Restoring Sanity" rally in Washington DC hosted by a TV personality from a comedy channel! This was to counter previous rallies hosted by a popular TV and Radio host in "conservative" circles. And to be "fair and balanced" in my warped sort of way, I refrain from mentioning either host's names for this blog. I'm not attacking or hating on either person or their followers specfically. I am going to be an equal opportunity hater today.
So I think that in my own interest in "restoring sanity", today I am going to list MY OPINION of which STUPID PEOPLE should avoid going to the polls and voting for any of the halloween characters running for political office. I will be adding to the list throughout the day on November 1st and 2nd, so come back to the blog later and see if I added anything (depends on my work schedule and the ability to go online) And feel free to add your comments below and prove how stupid (or smart) you are.
Partial list of people who should stay home and avoid voting because I don't believe you are smart enough to vote:
1- Anyone who uses the phrase "Tea Bagger". Every time you call people you disagee with that name (opposite party) you only lower yourself to their level of crazy. You think you are smarter than they are but you really look and sound like an immature brat. You'll probably vote with your emotions rather than with common sense and look where that got us. Same goes to those who somehow find a thrill in butchering the name of the political party or TV news outlet you disagree with. And this equally qualifies as STUPID..."Faux News", "See-BS", "DummoCRAT" (although I think many Democrats are dumb, they are not alone) "Repugs", "Republicunts" (that's just mean and nasty and wrong)
If YOU are guilty of using any of the above phrases then YOU aren't capable of an intelligent conversation on politics.
2-Anyone who is STILL questioning the birth of the current president of the United States! Oh MY God you people are stupid and twisted. You have no capacity to think clearly. You should all go roast a hog on Tuesday. You might be very very dumb but some of you can make a mean BBQ.
3- If your only concern is who can marry who then you are missing a few screws...the ones that held the pieces of your brain into place that forgets all of the infedelity in your own family or household and you are incapable of answering the simple question "How would David and Michael down the street getting married REALLY have an effect on my own marriage". You too should stay home and avoid voting. If your mindset is so narrow god only knows what else you can screw up.
4. And before any liberals and gay activists celebrate any agreement with #3 take a look in the mirror and ask yourself why you continue to vote for the same people over and over again who promise you the world and betray your trust? If your excuse for re-electing the same people (Democrats) because you just cant stand the risk of the other party getting back into control then you too aren't thinking clearly.You are voting on emotion and talking points and are acting like a cult follower. You did it in 2008 and you have been pissed off every since (for good reason). But you are not helping toward "change" if you continue to take a beating and you return back for more. Don't be a dummy and think that politicians are your friends! So if you also avoid voting you just might be doing the rest of us a favor too. Go home, think carefully for a few hours then perhaps reconsider.
5. And perhaps I should have put this FIRST, but along with the idiots who use the "teabagger" phrase, the equally stupid people who should avoid voting are those who's ONLY arugement to voting against a democratic congressman is over Nancy Pelosi. The big red "Fire Pelosi" bus that drove across the country might have been a nice way to see some superstar political type like Uncle Michael Steele (his name ain't tom) and if that's what you like then fine. But you "anti Pelosi" republicans are about to elect people who haven't cited real good reasons to elect a new congress person. All you want is to regain power. You want a repeat of 1994 and you aren't smart enough to realize that it didn't work out the last time. Same emotion, same stupidity and if you dumbasses vote tomorrow we are likely going to have the same result. Going in circles all over again.
6. IF YOU ARE NOT INFORMED ON THE ISSUES AND THE CANDIDATES, then you are not prepared to vote. This means you could be at risk of helping to elect another political clown to serve/screw you and your community. Perhaps you should NOT go to the polls and help mess things up or if you do you only vote for the things you actually know about. Likely that won't be much.
7. IF YOU VOTE STRAIGHT PARTY TICKETS you are a DANGEROUS voter. You are a CULTIST! Following with only a strict dedication to any specific political party is like a religion. You are not using an open mind. You refuse to listen to the "other" side. And sadly, this is MOST voters. You are people who claim to embrace "change" and claim to like "freedom" but your dedication to partisian politics is hyprocrital to that. And while so many people in previous generations fought and died for us to have the "right" to vote you partisian voters spit on the graves of our ancestors with your traditional repetitive partisian votes. Perhaps if some of you would consider respecting the legacy of those ancestors by avoiding the polls tomorrow then this country will have a chance to finally progress in something worthy of the dream that our ancestors had.
I no longer will get upset at low voter turnout. If there is a lower voter turnout then I sincerely hope that means that the emotional, uninformed and STUPID people stayed away and allowed people with a clear and informed mind to determine the course of our nation.
So if you really love the USA, you will seriously consider who you allow to vote. Keep the DUMB MASSES away from the polls!
So November 2nd is Halloween. Some of you might think that Halloween was October 31st, but no. That's just some day where people dress up in costumes, scare people and eat a lot of candy. The REAL halloween is on the following Tuesday in America when people go to the polls to vote for witches, gobblins and devils for political office.
I am of the opinion that most of us (including myself) really aren't smart enough to vote. If we were then we wouldn't have all of the troubles in this world. Think about it carefully. You or someone you know just might be too stupid to vote. And stupid people should STAY HOME ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 2ND to avoid doing further damage to our country. Last weekend there was a "Restoring Sanity" rally in Washington DC hosted by a TV personality from a comedy channel! This was to counter previous rallies hosted by a popular TV and Radio host in "conservative" circles. And to be "fair and balanced" in my warped sort of way, I refrain from mentioning either host's names for this blog. I'm not attacking or hating on either person or their followers specfically. I am going to be an equal opportunity hater today.
So I think that in my own interest in "restoring sanity", today I am going to list MY OPINION of which STUPID PEOPLE should avoid going to the polls and voting for any of the halloween characters running for political office. I will be adding to the list throughout the day on November 1st and 2nd, so come back to the blog later and see if I added anything (depends on my work schedule and the ability to go online) And feel free to add your comments below and prove how stupid (or smart) you are.
Partial list of people who should stay home and avoid voting because I don't believe you are smart enough to vote:
1- Anyone who uses the phrase "Tea Bagger". Every time you call people you disagee with that name (opposite party) you only lower yourself to their level of crazy. You think you are smarter than they are but you really look and sound like an immature brat. You'll probably vote with your emotions rather than with common sense and look where that got us. Same goes to those who somehow find a thrill in butchering the name of the political party or TV news outlet you disagree with. And this equally qualifies as STUPID..."Faux News", "See-BS", "DummoCRAT" (although I think many Democrats are dumb, they are not alone) "Repugs", "Republicunts" (that's just mean and nasty and wrong)
If YOU are guilty of using any of the above phrases then YOU aren't capable of an intelligent conversation on politics.
2-Anyone who is STILL questioning the birth of the current president of the United States! Oh MY God you people are stupid and twisted. You have no capacity to think clearly. You should all go roast a hog on Tuesday. You might be very very dumb but some of you can make a mean BBQ.
3- If your only concern is who can marry who then you are missing a few screws...the ones that held the pieces of your brain into place that forgets all of the infedelity in your own family or household and you are incapable of answering the simple question "How would David and Michael down the street getting married REALLY have an effect on my own marriage". You too should stay home and avoid voting. If your mindset is so narrow god only knows what else you can screw up.
4. And before any liberals and gay activists celebrate any agreement with #3 take a look in the mirror and ask yourself why you continue to vote for the same people over and over again who promise you the world and betray your trust? If your excuse for re-electing the same people (Democrats) because you just cant stand the risk of the other party getting back into control then you too aren't thinking clearly.You are voting on emotion and talking points and are acting like a cult follower. You did it in 2008 and you have been pissed off every since (for good reason). But you are not helping toward "change" if you continue to take a beating and you return back for more. Don't be a dummy and think that politicians are your friends! So if you also avoid voting you just might be doing the rest of us a favor too. Go home, think carefully for a few hours then perhaps reconsider.
5. And perhaps I should have put this FIRST, but along with the idiots who use the "teabagger" phrase, the equally stupid people who should avoid voting are those who's ONLY arugement to voting against a democratic congressman is over Nancy Pelosi. The big red "Fire Pelosi" bus that drove across the country might have been a nice way to see some superstar political type like Uncle Michael Steele (his name ain't tom) and if that's what you like then fine. But you "anti Pelosi" republicans are about to elect people who haven't cited real good reasons to elect a new congress person. All you want is to regain power. You want a repeat of 1994 and you aren't smart enough to realize that it didn't work out the last time. Same emotion, same stupidity and if you dumbasses vote tomorrow we are likely going to have the same result. Going in circles all over again.
6. IF YOU ARE NOT INFORMED ON THE ISSUES AND THE CANDIDATES, then you are not prepared to vote. This means you could be at risk of helping to elect another political clown to serve/screw you and your community. Perhaps you should NOT go to the polls and help mess things up or if you do you only vote for the things you actually know about. Likely that won't be much.
7. IF YOU VOTE STRAIGHT PARTY TICKETS you are a DANGEROUS voter. You are a CULTIST! Following with only a strict dedication to any specific political party is like a religion. You are not using an open mind. You refuse to listen to the "other" side. And sadly, this is MOST voters. You are people who claim to embrace "change" and claim to like "freedom" but your dedication to partisian politics is hyprocrital to that. And while so many people in previous generations fought and died for us to have the "right" to vote you partisian voters spit on the graves of our ancestors with your traditional repetitive partisian votes. Perhaps if some of you would consider respecting the legacy of those ancestors by avoiding the polls tomorrow then this country will have a chance to finally progress in something worthy of the dream that our ancestors had.
I no longer will get upset at low voter turnout. If there is a lower voter turnout then I sincerely hope that means that the emotional, uninformed and STUPID people stayed away and allowed people with a clear and informed mind to determine the course of our nation.
So if you really love the USA, you will seriously consider who you allow to vote. Keep the DUMB MASSES away from the polls!
Friday, October 01, 2010
Maybe Someday We Will All Be Free
As we continue the long fight for equality I often refer to a gem within my personal music collection. A song I grew up listening to and its embedded within my soul. An idea, a dream that so many of us continue working to make a reality. Maybe "Someday we'll ALL be free".
Just listen!
Remembering Donny Hathaway on his birthday, October 1, 1945. He was one of the best talents in the history of R&B music but depression and other health issues led to his taking his own life on January 13, 1979.
At the time of his death, he and his frequent duet partner Roberta Flack were recording music for a new album and this is my all time favorite of the Donny Hathaway-Roberta Flack duets, "Back Together Again".
Donny Hathaway was a fantastic live performer as heard in this recording of "Sack Full Of Dreams".
I could go on and on with Donny Hathaway selections but time only permits a few. So lets just say by using the title of another favorite by saying that I "LOVE LOVE LOVE" some Donny Hathaway music.
Just listen!
Remembering Donny Hathaway on his birthday, October 1, 1945. He was one of the best talents in the history of R&B music but depression and other health issues led to his taking his own life on January 13, 1979.
At the time of his death, he and his frequent duet partner Roberta Flack were recording music for a new album and this is my all time favorite of the Donny Hathaway-Roberta Flack duets, "Back Together Again".
Donny Hathaway was a fantastic live performer as heard in this recording of "Sack Full Of Dreams".
I could go on and on with Donny Hathaway selections but time only permits a few. So lets just say by using the title of another favorite by saying that I "LOVE LOVE LOVE" some Donny Hathaway music.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Going Down? (Bishop Eddie Long)
I am so sorry! I apologize for my last post has been quite a while ago. I missed the opportunity to post birthdays of legends in music and I missed many opportunities to blog about important issues especially in the LGBT community over recent weeks. But those stories are far from over. I will have things to say later.
On to THIS blog post. The title "Going Down" can have many meanings. In this case it is in reference to the current story of an Atlanta based preacher who's recent practice of "going down" may lead to his empire "coming down". I speak of a man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia Georgia. A member of the clergy known for his staunch anti-gay beliefs and sermons that even called for the DEATH of gay and lesbian people.
But the man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long was recently sued by several young men who claim that the man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long engaged in inappropriate sexual activity with the young men of the same gender. Some of the accusations actually include "going down". (You know the reference)
I am focused on the phrase "Going Down" because of my best "tweet" ever. On the day after news of Eddie Long's lawsuits came out, the popular website Facebook had several outages. Yes, the website Facebook kept going offline, or "going down" and thus my "tweet" simply said "Today Facebook went down almost as much as Bishop Eddie Long" and the tweet was followed and retweeted by many including popular bloggers like Pam Spaulding of Pam's House Blend. A blog that is VERY much covering the "Bishop" Eddie Long story.
Anyway I will be making my own comments about this as more of the story "comes out", another GAY phrase we can use regarding the man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long.
So on to todays "Going Down" songs, dedicated to the man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long.
BUT FIRST, the truth about the man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long and so many other members of the clergy and politicians. Telling it like it IS! The Great Millie Jackson's song "Hypocrisy"
Now that I got that out of the way. Here are some "Going Down" songs. Some of them might be in Eddie Long's collection.
Perhaps the man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long likes the classic soul music of the 1970's. Like Rose Royce's "I'm Going Down" from the movie "Car Wash"
Perhaps Eddie Long played the Rose Royce song while he was missing one of the young bucks in his congregation. Hmmmm?
And following "I'm Going Down" perhaps Eddie Long was inspired to meet his next young buck by singing "I Wanna Get Next To You".
Oh yes, the man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long was accused of giving teenage boys rides in cars like his (ROLLS ROYCE) BENTLEY with the thought in the back of his mind songs like "ooh boy I love you so, never never ever gonna let you go, once I get my hands on you"
So after singing those songs, the man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long went from Rose Royce to R. Kelly, creeping on the "Down Low" and hoping that nobody would know.
But now that the boys have grown to men, it might be time for the man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long to pay for "Feeling On Their Booty"
Yeah, the mighty preacher man is going down. To be continued for sure!
On to THIS blog post. The title "Going Down" can have many meanings. In this case it is in reference to the current story of an Atlanta based preacher who's recent practice of "going down" may lead to his empire "coming down". I speak of a man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia Georgia. A member of the clergy known for his staunch anti-gay beliefs and sermons that even called for the DEATH of gay and lesbian people.
But the man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long was recently sued by several young men who claim that the man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long engaged in inappropriate sexual activity with the young men of the same gender. Some of the accusations actually include "going down". (You know the reference)
I am focused on the phrase "Going Down" because of my best "tweet" ever. On the day after news of Eddie Long's lawsuits came out, the popular website Facebook had several outages. Yes, the website Facebook kept going offline, or "going down" and thus my "tweet" simply said "Today Facebook went down almost as much as Bishop Eddie Long" and the tweet was followed and retweeted by many including popular bloggers like Pam Spaulding of Pam's House Blend. A blog that is VERY much covering the "Bishop" Eddie Long story.
Anyway I will be making my own comments about this as more of the story "comes out", another GAY phrase we can use regarding the man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long.
So on to todays "Going Down" songs, dedicated to the man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long.
BUT FIRST, the truth about the man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long and so many other members of the clergy and politicians. Telling it like it IS! The Great Millie Jackson's song "Hypocrisy"
Now that I got that out of the way. Here are some "Going Down" songs. Some of them might be in Eddie Long's collection.
Perhaps the man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long likes the classic soul music of the 1970's. Like Rose Royce's "I'm Going Down" from the movie "Car Wash"
Perhaps Eddie Long played the Rose Royce song while he was missing one of the young bucks in his congregation. Hmmmm?
And following "I'm Going Down" perhaps Eddie Long was inspired to meet his next young buck by singing "I Wanna Get Next To You".
Oh yes, the man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long was accused of giving teenage boys rides in cars like his (ROLLS ROYCE) BENTLEY with the thought in the back of his mind songs like "ooh boy I love you so, never never ever gonna let you go, once I get my hands on you"
So after singing those songs, the man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long went from Rose Royce to R. Kelly, creeping on the "Down Low" and hoping that nobody would know.
But now that the boys have grown to men, it might be time for the man who calls himself "Bishop" Eddie Long to pay for "Feeling On Their Booty"
Yeah, the mighty preacher man is going down. To be continued for sure!
Monday, September 06, 2010
Dancing with the Queens on Labor Day
You could place the word "Queen" in relation to the two birthdays in music happening this Labor Day weekend.
September 5, 1946, Freddie Mercury of Queen was born.
And September 6, 1947 was the day a legendary Disco Queen was born. Sylvester only lived 41 years but his music lives on. One gay drag queen that STILL rules some dance worlds today. So here are some of the best of Sylvester James (1946-1988) and his girls "Two Tons O Fun"/"The Weather Girls" Martha Wash and the late Izora Rhodes-Armstead (1942-2004)
And a side note of coincedince, both Sylvester and Izora died on December 16th. He in 1988 and she in 2004.
"You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" (1978)
"Dance (Disco Heat)"
"Do You Wanna Funk"
"You are My Friend"
RIP Izora Rhodes-Armstead
And another birthday to be noted today is another queen of the dance floor,
CeCe Peniston, born September 6, 1969
"Finally"
"We Got a Love Thang"
September 5, 1946, Freddie Mercury of Queen was born.
And September 6, 1947 was the day a legendary Disco Queen was born. Sylvester only lived 41 years but his music lives on. One gay drag queen that STILL rules some dance worlds today. So here are some of the best of Sylvester James (1946-1988) and his girls "Two Tons O Fun"/"The Weather Girls" Martha Wash and the late Izora Rhodes-Armstead (1942-2004)
And a side note of coincedince, both Sylvester and Izora died on December 16th. He in 1988 and she in 2004.
"You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" (1978)
"Dance (Disco Heat)"
"Do You Wanna Funk"
"You are My Friend"
RIP Izora Rhodes-Armstead
And another birthday to be noted today is another queen of the dance floor,
CeCe Peniston, born September 6, 1969
"Finally"
"We Got a Love Thang"
It was all KOOL and the gang when they first started out.
September 6, 1946 was the birthday of the late Claydes Charles Smith, guitarist and original member of the famed group KOOL AND THE GANG. "Kool" is how they started out as a jazz band back in the 1960's, turning more soul, R&B, Disco and Funk into the 1970's and gaining greater fame in the 1980's with a lot of pop hit songs like "Celebration" and "Joanna". But my favorites of Kool And The Gang are their pre 1980's mellow grooves and in honor of the birthday of Charles Smith, here are a couple of their best including some you may not know.
"Whisper Softly" from 1976 from their album "Open Sesame"
"Summer Madness" a true classic and their best known instrumental which had been sampled by other artists. Most notably for the DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince (Will Smith) hit "Summertime" in 1991 and Miles Davis "The Doo Bop Song"
"Winter Sadness" in 1975
"Light of Worlds" (1974)
"Dujii" (1971)
Remembering the MUSICIANSHIP that was the group Kool and The Gang on the birthday of one of its founding members, Claydes Charles Smith (September 6, 1946-June 20, 2006)
"Whisper Softly" from 1976 from their album "Open Sesame"
"Summer Madness" a true classic and their best known instrumental which had been sampled by other artists. Most notably for the DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince (Will Smith) hit "Summertime" in 1991 and Miles Davis "The Doo Bop Song"
"Winter Sadness" in 1975
"Light of Worlds" (1974)
"Dujii" (1971)
Remembering the MUSICIANSHIP that was the group Kool and The Gang on the birthday of one of its founding members, Claydes Charles Smith (September 6, 1946-June 20, 2006)
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Sunday morning smooth
Sunday morning smooth for Labor Day weekend 2010. "Sunday Morning Smooth" is what I call GREAT peaceful "smooth" and easy music to help add some flavor to a quiet and pleasant Sunday morning. For me it includes listening to Jazz and mellow R&B music mainly from the 1970's into the 1980's sometimes venturing into the "smooth jazz" genre of the 1990's.
I may not post this feature every week but only when I feel up to it.
This Sunday morning Smooth comes from home. I hadn't slept all night and I am about to do my laundry and perhaps order take out pancake breakfast from either IHOP or Cracker Barrel, whichever one I can get into and out of quickly before the "church folk" start coming in for their Sunday breakfast. Where I live, this means you'll wait a hour for a table or just as long to order something to go.
But on to the music for this Sunday morning.
Celebrating a birthday this week was jazz artist Boney James and Scottish singer Al Stewart. Their songs that fit best with the "Sunday Morning Smooth" theme are..
Boney James "Sweet Thing" from 1997
And Al Stewart's "Year of The Cat" from 1977
Those are a good fit but getting to the "meat" of this "Sunday Smooth Set" I would have to carve the best of those who are only household names to the truly loyal and this morning I wish to make it a family meal featuring musical entrees from the LAWS Family.
Hubert Laws, his brother Ronnie Laws and his sisters Eloise Laws and Debra Laws.
First Eloise. This is her most famous songs from the late 1970's
Eloise Laws "You're Incredible"
Next, Eloise's baby sister Debra Laws who gained greater fame through this very popular song from 1981. "Very Special" remains popular today within the "Quiet Storm" genre of R&B music.
Now on to the male siblings. You hardly hear much about the second oldest of the eight Laws children who are in music. Hubert Laws (JR), born 70 years ago, the flutist provided some of the best and innovative jazzy soul recordings of the 1960's and 1970's, performed with many legends like Chick Corea and George Benson and in many forms of classical music to this date. But from what I can tell Hubert Laws is not the recognized name that he should be.
Well music is a passion of mine and here is HUBERT LAWS 1978 recording "Land Of Passion"
And finally from the Laws family tree is perhaps the most famous of the Laws children in music. Ronnie Laws definitely had more popular "hit" songs including "Friends and Strangers", "Always There", his duet with his sister Debra posted above "Very Special" and his solo vocal hit "Every Generation".
The rest of this week's "Sunday Morning Smooth" set has connections with Ronnie Laws. On some you will hear Ronnie Laws on vocals as well.
1975's "Always There"
"Every Generation" from 1980
And another great vocal song from Ronnie Laws from the early 80's "Stay Awake"
And the classic Ronnie Laws "Friends And Strangers", the original 1977 version.
And just as great for me to listen to on a Sunday morning is the DAVE GRUSIN cover version of "Friends and Strangers" from 1980
And that is just a sample of how my "Sunday Morning Smooth" goes musically. Some people go to church on Sunday. I worship peacefully with music.
I may not post this feature every week but only when I feel up to it.
This Sunday morning Smooth comes from home. I hadn't slept all night and I am about to do my laundry and perhaps order take out pancake breakfast from either IHOP or Cracker Barrel, whichever one I can get into and out of quickly before the "church folk" start coming in for their Sunday breakfast. Where I live, this means you'll wait a hour for a table or just as long to order something to go.
But on to the music for this Sunday morning.
Celebrating a birthday this week was jazz artist Boney James and Scottish singer Al Stewart. Their songs that fit best with the "Sunday Morning Smooth" theme are..
Boney James "Sweet Thing" from 1997
And Al Stewart's "Year of The Cat" from 1977
Those are a good fit but getting to the "meat" of this "Sunday Smooth Set" I would have to carve the best of those who are only household names to the truly loyal and this morning I wish to make it a family meal featuring musical entrees from the LAWS Family.
Hubert Laws, his brother Ronnie Laws and his sisters Eloise Laws and Debra Laws.
First Eloise. This is her most famous songs from the late 1970's
Eloise Laws "You're Incredible"
Next, Eloise's baby sister Debra Laws who gained greater fame through this very popular song from 1981. "Very Special" remains popular today within the "Quiet Storm" genre of R&B music.
Now on to the male siblings. You hardly hear much about the second oldest of the eight Laws children who are in music. Hubert Laws (JR), born 70 years ago, the flutist provided some of the best and innovative jazzy soul recordings of the 1960's and 1970's, performed with many legends like Chick Corea and George Benson and in many forms of classical music to this date. But from what I can tell Hubert Laws is not the recognized name that he should be.
Well music is a passion of mine and here is HUBERT LAWS 1978 recording "Land Of Passion"
And finally from the Laws family tree is perhaps the most famous of the Laws children in music. Ronnie Laws definitely had more popular "hit" songs including "Friends and Strangers", "Always There", his duet with his sister Debra posted above "Very Special" and his solo vocal hit "Every Generation".
The rest of this week's "Sunday Morning Smooth" set has connections with Ronnie Laws. On some you will hear Ronnie Laws on vocals as well.
1975's "Always There"
"Every Generation" from 1980
And another great vocal song from Ronnie Laws from the early 80's "Stay Awake"
And the classic Ronnie Laws "Friends And Strangers", the original 1977 version.
And just as great for me to listen to on a Sunday morning is the DAVE GRUSIN cover version of "Friends and Strangers" from 1980
And that is just a sample of how my "Sunday Morning Smooth" goes musically. Some people go to church on Sunday. I worship peacefully with music.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
The Duke of Hurricanes? Hopefully not Earl.
Be safe East Coast! Hurrcane Earl plans a little labor over your holiday weekend.
Hurricane Earl and the Harlem Shuffle
Where will HURRICANE EARL go? Will he "move to the left and go for himself" or will he "move to the right and take all night"? Will he mess with North Carolina, Virginia, play the casino's in Atlantic City or do the "Harlem Shuffle" on his way to Cape Cod. All of his a bad pun but a great excuse to enjoy another 60's classic by BOB & EARL.
"Harlem Shuffle"
ON a serious note, I wish the residents of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States all the best and for minimal damage from Hurricane Earl. Hopefully it will turn and avoid landfall.
"Harlem Shuffle"
ON a serious note, I wish the residents of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States all the best and for minimal damage from Hurricane Earl. Hopefully it will turn and avoid landfall.
Happy Birthday to ARCHIE BELL of Archie Bell and the Drells, born September 1, 1944
Happy Birthday to JOE SIMON, born September 2, 1943
Remembering BILLY PRESTON, born September 2, 1946, died June 6, 2006
Happy Birthday to Rosalind Ashford-Holmes formerly of MARTHA AND THE VANDELLAS, born September 2, 1943
Happy Birthday to Boney James, born September 1, 1961
Happy Birthday to JOE SIMON, born September 2, 1943
Remembering BILLY PRESTON, born September 2, 1946, died June 6, 2006
Happy Birthday to Rosalind Ashford-Holmes formerly of MARTHA AND THE VANDELLAS, born September 2, 1943
Happy Birthday to Boney James, born September 1, 1961
Derek and Romaine: Don't Ask Them How they are doing!
I am a loyal listener to the Derek and Romaine Show on Sirius/XM "OutQ" radio. I have been a fan of the show since Sirius Satalite Radio and XM satalite radio merged and XM subscribers began recieving the "OutQ" channel. I had enjoyed the program a few times prior to the merger when I have driven a rental car that had Sirius radio. But I have been a longtime subscriber to XM radio which did not offer a unique radio program like Derek and Romaine.
As a loyal listener you are familiar with some rules of the show. If you listen to many talk radio shows you hear caller after caller repeat lines that can easily irritate the hosts and other listeners. Phrases like "Longtime listener, first time caller" irritate me to no end. But one of the main rules of the Derek & Romaine show is to not ask the host how they are doing.
Other rules of this fun radio show that listeners are aware of include...
"Don't Stalk Us!" as in don't stalk the hosts of the show. So if you happen to see Derek Hartley riding the commuter train to his suburban home somewhere in Stepfordville north of the city where he would then drive his old BMW or his Nissan Mini Mom mobile up the hill to his house, or if you happen to be driving along the highways of New Jersey where Mom Romaine Patterson may be driving her brand new mom mobile out to her farmhouse where bears and squirrels eat the peaches off of her trees, DON'T BOTHER THEM! Leave them alone and RESPECT their privacy. It might creep them out if you said hello.
Other rules include letting Derek and Romaine do the drinking while YOU do the driving.
These are fairly easy rules to follow. But one rule I wasn't aware of I discovered today as an occasional caller to the show. You are only allowed to call the show ONE time per day. I had called during the first hour when the hosts were discussing a current news topic, then I called three hours later during one of their popular segments "Despairately Fucking Angry" where callers can call in and rant about anything. And I had a rant ready for the show. But when I called in, Derek & Romaine's VERY POLITE AND WONDERFUL producer "Mistress Sam" informed me of the one call per day rule and said she was sorry that she couldn't allow me to go onto the air.
I was ok with that. Rules are rules and "Mistress Sam" was very nice and polite about it. So we both said thankyou and hung up. But then I thought about it for a minute. I am not in any way one of their best callers or even that frequently a caller. But Derek & Romaine have a few frequent and fabulous callers who occasionally do call in twice during the show. The "one call per day" rule had been broken a few times. But probably when others are screening calls. I don't know and that isn't my issue.
BTW: I don't really have an issue I just want to bitch about it like Derek Hartley would bitch about something...just for the hell of it.
But one rule of the show that is CONSTANTLY IGORNED and given way too much slack on is when callers, new and old as "how are you doing" at the beginning of the call. Some callers may be nervous and asking "how are you doing" is their automatic icebreaker. But if rules are rules, like the rule about calling only once per show are to be enforced, then why not enforce ALL of the rules?
Hey Derek & Romaine, even some callers have reminded you time and time again about the people get away with breaking the "don't ask us how we are doing" rule. You continue to let them slide. It is a simple rule that THIS listener found easy to follow and there is NO reason that others cannot follow this rule. Hang up on their ass a few times one millesecond after they ask "how are you are doing" might offend them but the point will get across and people will learn. So stop being WIMPS about it and ENFORCE THE RULES....ENFORCE ALL OF THE RULES!
Just in tonights broadcast where I had to obey the rule that I could only call one time per show, I recall that more than three times someone broke the "don't ask us how we are doing" rule and while a listener did detect a reaction of frustration from the hosts, the callers were allowed to continue. HANG UP ON THEIR ASSES!
Now speaking of rules, Derek Hartley has frequently ranted on the show about the rules of public ettiquette especially when it comes to parking lots. Longtime listeners of the Derek & Romaine show know that Derek absolutely hates when shoppers at a supermarket leave shopping carts in the parking lot instead of placing them in the designated area or returning them to the store itself.
The two images below are dedicated to Derek Hartley! Just because I followed the rules of the show by calling and not being placed on the air a second time but several people were not disconnected from the show for asking the hosts "how are you doing".
I went shopping late last night after listening to the show and left the cart right in the middle of the parking lot.
Even worse, I left it on the lines of the adjacent handicapped parking space. How rude was I in breaking these rules of Derek Hartley?
HAHA! Well it felt good for a minute.
Enjoy Derek and Romaine, and even with the minor faults they have a great radio show and I encourage anyone reading this to tune in to Sirius channel 109 and XM channel 98. Also call the show at 1-866-305-6887, ONE TIME PER SHOW and DON'T ASK THEM HOW THEY ARE DOING!
As a loyal listener you are familiar with some rules of the show. If you listen to many talk radio shows you hear caller after caller repeat lines that can easily irritate the hosts and other listeners. Phrases like "Longtime listener, first time caller" irritate me to no end. But one of the main rules of the Derek & Romaine show is to not ask the host how they are doing.
Other rules of this fun radio show that listeners are aware of include...
"Don't Stalk Us!" as in don't stalk the hosts of the show. So if you happen to see Derek Hartley riding the commuter train to his suburban home somewhere in Stepfordville north of the city where he would then drive his old BMW or his Nissan Mini Mom mobile up the hill to his house, or if you happen to be driving along the highways of New Jersey where Mom Romaine Patterson may be driving her brand new mom mobile out to her farmhouse where bears and squirrels eat the peaches off of her trees, DON'T BOTHER THEM! Leave them alone and RESPECT their privacy. It might creep them out if you said hello.
Other rules include letting Derek and Romaine do the drinking while YOU do the driving.
These are fairly easy rules to follow. But one rule I wasn't aware of I discovered today as an occasional caller to the show. You are only allowed to call the show ONE time per day. I had called during the first hour when the hosts were discussing a current news topic, then I called three hours later during one of their popular segments "Despairately Fucking Angry" where callers can call in and rant about anything. And I had a rant ready for the show. But when I called in, Derek & Romaine's VERY POLITE AND WONDERFUL producer "Mistress Sam" informed me of the one call per day rule and said she was sorry that she couldn't allow me to go onto the air.
I was ok with that. Rules are rules and "Mistress Sam" was very nice and polite about it. So we both said thankyou and hung up. But then I thought about it for a minute. I am not in any way one of their best callers or even that frequently a caller. But Derek & Romaine have a few frequent and fabulous callers who occasionally do call in twice during the show. The "one call per day" rule had been broken a few times. But probably when others are screening calls. I don't know and that isn't my issue.
BTW: I don't really have an issue I just want to bitch about it like Derek Hartley would bitch about something...just for the hell of it.
But one rule of the show that is CONSTANTLY IGORNED and given way too much slack on is when callers, new and old as "how are you doing" at the beginning of the call. Some callers may be nervous and asking "how are you doing" is their automatic icebreaker. But if rules are rules, like the rule about calling only once per show are to be enforced, then why not enforce ALL of the rules?
Hey Derek & Romaine, even some callers have reminded you time and time again about the people get away with breaking the "don't ask us how we are doing" rule. You continue to let them slide. It is a simple rule that THIS listener found easy to follow and there is NO reason that others cannot follow this rule. Hang up on their ass a few times one millesecond after they ask "how are you are doing" might offend them but the point will get across and people will learn. So stop being WIMPS about it and ENFORCE THE RULES....ENFORCE ALL OF THE RULES!
Just in tonights broadcast where I had to obey the rule that I could only call one time per show, I recall that more than three times someone broke the "don't ask us how we are doing" rule and while a listener did detect a reaction of frustration from the hosts, the callers were allowed to continue. HANG UP ON THEIR ASSES!
Now speaking of rules, Derek Hartley has frequently ranted on the show about the rules of public ettiquette especially when it comes to parking lots. Longtime listeners of the Derek & Romaine show know that Derek absolutely hates when shoppers at a supermarket leave shopping carts in the parking lot instead of placing them in the designated area or returning them to the store itself.
The two images below are dedicated to Derek Hartley! Just because I followed the rules of the show by calling and not being placed on the air a second time but several people were not disconnected from the show for asking the hosts "how are you doing".
I went shopping late last night after listening to the show and left the cart right in the middle of the parking lot.
Even worse, I left it on the lines of the adjacent handicapped parking space. How rude was I in breaking these rules of Derek Hartley?
HAHA! Well it felt good for a minute.
Enjoy Derek and Romaine, and even with the minor faults they have a great radio show and I encourage anyone reading this to tune in to Sirius channel 109 and XM channel 98. Also call the show at 1-866-305-6887, ONE TIME PER SHOW and DON'T ASK THEM HOW THEY ARE DOING!
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Happy September!
OK, I fell off track and haven't blogged in a couple weeks. I neglected my responsbility and I apologize.
I do have things to say and share on current topics and I will do my best to keep it fresh.
This month begins Georgia's GAY PRIDE season, with pride events and marches in Savannah and Valdosta closing out the season with Atlanta Pride in October. For me this means I will be busy busy busy and every moment will be worth the effort for me. So look to see plenty of posts about that.
With this blog one of the main focuses is about my favorite music and what better way to begin The Rainbow Soul Journal's September with a couple songs named "September"?
Like Barry White's "September when I First Met You" from 1978.
You will see more Barry White this month as we celebrate the anniversary of his birthday.
But today's other "September" song is the Earth Wind & Fire classic also from 1978
The Earth Wind and Fire song inspired this from gospel recording artist Kirk Franklin. I am not a fan but I like this.
So HAPPY SEPTEMBER to everyone! Hoping your summer was a great one, time now to get back into the normal work and school groove. And time to cool off. I know many of us are ready for cooler temps.
I do have things to say and share on current topics and I will do my best to keep it fresh.
This month begins Georgia's GAY PRIDE season, with pride events and marches in Savannah and Valdosta closing out the season with Atlanta Pride in October. For me this means I will be busy busy busy and every moment will be worth the effort for me. So look to see plenty of posts about that.
With this blog one of the main focuses is about my favorite music and what better way to begin The Rainbow Soul Journal's September with a couple songs named "September"?
Like Barry White's "September when I First Met You" from 1978.
You will see more Barry White this month as we celebrate the anniversary of his birthday.
But today's other "September" song is the Earth Wind & Fire classic also from 1978
The Earth Wind and Fire song inspired this from gospel recording artist Kirk Franklin. I am not a fan but I like this.
So HAPPY SEPTEMBER to everyone! Hoping your summer was a great one, time now to get back into the normal work and school groove. And time to cool off. I know many of us are ready for cooler temps.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
In a New York Jazzy State Of Mind.
The Rainbow Soul Journal would like to be a frequently updated blog with the latest information and updates on many things that hit the news this week. But lets face it, this blogger has to pay bills and blogging doesn't exactly do that. So off to work one must try to go. Anyway this blog hasn't completed the "Ten Days of Hayes" celebration of the life and music of Isaac Hayes in honor of his birthday August 20th. That will happen soon. But after a long work day one needs to unwind and with that must be some laid back cool jazzy music, a good drink (non-alcoholic for this blogger) and a late dinner.
Musically we are in a NEW YORK STATE OF MIND, and each of these songs have something about New York in it's title. Enjoy the grooves.
"We Live in Brooklyn Baby" by Roy Ayers
"Harlem River Drive" by Bobbi Humphrey (1973)
"3 Days in Manhattan" by Down To The Bone
"Brooklyn Heights" by Down To The Bone
"Dreamin A Dream" by Crown Heights Affair
"Native New Yorker" by Odyssey (1977)
"New York State Of Mind" by Carmen McCrae
Musically we are in a NEW YORK STATE OF MIND, and each of these songs have something about New York in it's title. Enjoy the grooves.
"We Live in Brooklyn Baby" by Roy Ayers
"Harlem River Drive" by Bobbi Humphrey (1973)
"3 Days in Manhattan" by Down To The Bone
"Brooklyn Heights" by Down To The Bone
"Dreamin A Dream" by Crown Heights Affair
"Native New Yorker" by Odyssey (1977)
"New York State Of Mind" by Carmen McCrae
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Ten Days of Hayes: Duets, Chocolate Chips and Movie scripts
The Ten Days of Hayes celebrating the life and music of Isaac Hayes between the anniversary of his death August 10th and the anniversary of his birth August 20th.
THE DUETS
Isaac Hayes recorded duets with Dionne Warwick and Millie Jackson during the mid and late 1970's.
"Body Language" with Dionne Warwick
"Do You Wanna Make Love" with Millie Jackson
"Dark and Lovely" with Barry White
CHOCOLATE CHIP, THE ALBUM
While Isaac Hayes continued to crank out music with a popular mid 1970's album "Chocolate Chip", he was also involved in film and television with roles in the 1974 movie Truck Turner and the popular TV series "The Rockford Files"
WARNING, this clip from "Truck Turner" includes violence, language and slurs that may be offensive to some. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
"The Rockford Files" episode 14 from season 2 (1975) "The Hammer of C Block" where Isaac Hayes guest starred as "Gandolph Fitch", a former cell mate of Jim Rockford.
Includes "Gandy's Theme", played at the beginning of the episode, sung and written by Isaac Hayes.
Selections from the album "Chocolate Chip" (1975)
"Chocolate Chip"
"Body Language"
"Come Live With Me"
After "Chocolate Chip", the big hit songs of Isaac Hayes began to wane but it didn't really slow his career. Isaac continued his recurring guest role on The Rockford Files, starring in episodes with actor Louis Gossett Jr and with his then duet partner Dionne Warwick.
But in 1979, Isaac Hayes like many SOUL and POP artists took a stab at a DISCO song. Not many were able to pull it off but Isaac Hayes scored his biggest hit in years and probably his last "big" hit song on the US music charts with the song "Don't Let Go", a song that would appear with him on future television series.
Isaac Hayes would continue to act in movies and make guest appearances on television series like "Miami Vice" and "The A-Team" where he guest starred with Rick James.
"The A-Team" episode starring Rick James and Isaac Hayes in 1985
Isaac Hayes finished he 1980's with a couple albums that achieved minor notice and one of those included an update of his 1970 hit "I Stand Accused" I cannot find an example of the late 80's update of that song but in 1987, "Ike's Rap" followed by a remake of the classic song "Hey Girl" reflected the trying times of urban life and relationships.
And that is it for now. On the TENTH day of this honoring of Isaac Hayes on his birthday we will remember Isaac Hayes the radio personality and his return to fame and downfall as "Chef".
Prepare your Chocolate Salty Balls and stay tuned for the final installment of THE TEN DAYS OF HAYES.
THE DUETS
Isaac Hayes recorded duets with Dionne Warwick and Millie Jackson during the mid and late 1970's.
"Body Language" with Dionne Warwick
"Do You Wanna Make Love" with Millie Jackson
"Dark and Lovely" with Barry White
CHOCOLATE CHIP, THE ALBUM
While Isaac Hayes continued to crank out music with a popular mid 1970's album "Chocolate Chip", he was also involved in film and television with roles in the 1974 movie Truck Turner and the popular TV series "The Rockford Files"
WARNING, this clip from "Truck Turner" includes violence, language and slurs that may be offensive to some. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
"The Rockford Files" episode 14 from season 2 (1975) "The Hammer of C Block" where Isaac Hayes guest starred as "Gandolph Fitch", a former cell mate of Jim Rockford.
Includes "Gandy's Theme", played at the beginning of the episode, sung and written by Isaac Hayes.
Selections from the album "Chocolate Chip" (1975)
"Chocolate Chip"
"Body Language"
"Come Live With Me"
After "Chocolate Chip", the big hit songs of Isaac Hayes began to wane but it didn't really slow his career. Isaac continued his recurring guest role on The Rockford Files, starring in episodes with actor Louis Gossett Jr and with his then duet partner Dionne Warwick.
But in 1979, Isaac Hayes like many SOUL and POP artists took a stab at a DISCO song. Not many were able to pull it off but Isaac Hayes scored his biggest hit in years and probably his last "big" hit song on the US music charts with the song "Don't Let Go", a song that would appear with him on future television series.
Isaac Hayes would continue to act in movies and make guest appearances on television series like "Miami Vice" and "The A-Team" where he guest starred with Rick James.
"The A-Team" episode starring Rick James and Isaac Hayes in 1985
Isaac Hayes finished he 1980's with a couple albums that achieved minor notice and one of those included an update of his 1970 hit "I Stand Accused" I cannot find an example of the late 80's update of that song but in 1987, "Ike's Rap" followed by a remake of the classic song "Hey Girl" reflected the trying times of urban life and relationships.
And that is it for now. On the TENTH day of this honoring of Isaac Hayes on his birthday we will remember Isaac Hayes the radio personality and his return to fame and downfall as "Chef".
Prepare your Chocolate Salty Balls and stay tuned for the final installment of THE TEN DAYS OF HAYES.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Ten Days of Hayes: From Black Moses to Wattstax
THE TEN DAYS OF HAYES, remembering the music and life of Isaac Lee Hayes JR between the anniversary of his death August 10, 2008 and the anniversary of his birth August 20, 1942. "Never Can Say Goodbye" a hit from his 1971 album "Black Moses",the second of THREE BIG hit versions of the song written by Clifton Davis, who also had fame as an actor on TV sitcoms "That's My Mama" & "Amen".
The song "Never Can Say Goodbye" was also a hit by the JACKSON FIVE and GLORIA GAYNOR.
The success of Isaac Hayes "Black Moses" and the soundtrack of "Shaft" pretty much proved that Isaac Hayes was the superstar soul man of the early 1970's. He began to tour regularly and by 1973 was one of the headliners in the concert film "Wattstax"
Along the way there was another soul superstar by the name of AL GREEN, with his monster hit "Let's Stay Together". And like many fantastic popular songs, Isaac Hayes had his own take on it with this 1972 instrumental.
And then Isaac Hayes goes to the movies. That will be the next post as The Rainbow Soul Journal celebrates the life and music of Isaac Hayes up until his Birthday August 20th.
The song "Never Can Say Goodbye" was also a hit by the JACKSON FIVE and GLORIA GAYNOR.
The success of Isaac Hayes "Black Moses" and the soundtrack of "Shaft" pretty much proved that Isaac Hayes was the superstar soul man of the early 1970's. He began to tour regularly and by 1973 was one of the headliners in the concert film "Wattstax"
Along the way there was another soul superstar by the name of AL GREEN, with his monster hit "Let's Stay Together". And like many fantastic popular songs, Isaac Hayes had his own take on it with this 1972 instrumental.
And then Isaac Hayes goes to the movies. That will be the next post as The Rainbow Soul Journal celebrates the life and music of Isaac Hayes up until his Birthday August 20th.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Birthdays in music history.
August 15, 1951, Bobby Caldwell
"What you won't Do for Love" (1979)
August 16
James "J.T." Taylor of Kool and The Gang, born 1953
"Fresh" from 1984
Ketty Lester, born August 16, 1934. Fans of television's "Little House On The Prairie" will remember Ketty Lester as "Hester Sue"
Madonna, born August 16, 1958
"Angel"
August 15, 1951, Bobby Caldwell
"What you won't Do for Love" (1979)
August 16
James "J.T." Taylor of Kool and The Gang, born 1953
"Fresh" from 1984
Ketty Lester, born August 16, 1934. Fans of television's "Little House On The Prairie" will remember Ketty Lester as "Hester Sue"
Madonna, born August 16, 1958
"Angel"
Friday, August 13, 2010
Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes Where Are All My Friends
Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes asking a good question. One that I find myself asking on Friday August 13, 2010.
I know there are a few friends out there. VERY few!
When it comes down to cold hard reality it doesn't matter what you do or how you do it or how much you try to do it or even if you do it right or wrong. The number of real friends is always a very very low count. And even then, sometimes you have to ask yourself twice for confirmation.
I know there are a few friends out there. VERY few!
When it comes down to cold hard reality it doesn't matter what you do or how you do it or how much you try to do it or even if you do it right or wrong. The number of real friends is always a very very low count. And even then, sometimes you have to ask yourself twice for confirmation.
TEN DAYS OF HAYES- A Bad Mother doing his thing.
With this post during the TEN DAYS OF HAYES, celebrating the life and music of Isaac Hayes, simply feel and enjoy a masterpiece. An Academy Award and Grammy winning movie soundtrack, "Shaft"
Watch this and get a feel for the groove as its being created.
And after watching the video above, watch the opening sequence of the 1971 film with the vision of the late Gordon Parks set to the music of Isaac Hayes.
In the fall of 1971, "Theme From Shaft" quickly rose to the top of the pop and soul charts for multiple weeks each and stands today as the signature song for Isaac Hayes.
One of the BEST ways to hear Isaac Hayes "Theme From Shaft" is to hear it performed LIVE with what became a tradition of extending the song for an ab-libbed ending that mesmerizes the crowd. WATCH THE MAESTRO AT WORK!
And now enjoy some of the full songs heard on the movie soundtrack. A pleasant listening experience from Isaac Hayes directing The Bar-Kays and his "Movement".
The "Shaft" soundtrack included some priceless instrumentals, many of which became popular as originals and with cover versions within the "smooth jazz" genre.
This blogger's personal favorite of all of Isaac Hayes recordings is the instrumental "Cafe Reggio's"
"Ellie's Love Theme"
"Early Sunday Morning"
"Bumpy's Lament"
"Soulsville"
"A Friend's Place"
And the second hit song from the soundtrack, "Do Your Thing" split into two parts, the original Album version runs almost 20 minutes long.
PART ONE
PART TWO
Next as the TEN DAYS OF HAYES continues, Isaac Hayes takes off from Shaft to "Black Moses", movies and television.
Remembering Isaac Lee Hayes Jr, August 20, 1942- August 10, 2008.
Watch this and get a feel for the groove as its being created.
And after watching the video above, watch the opening sequence of the 1971 film with the vision of the late Gordon Parks set to the music of Isaac Hayes.
In the fall of 1971, "Theme From Shaft" quickly rose to the top of the pop and soul charts for multiple weeks each and stands today as the signature song for Isaac Hayes.
One of the BEST ways to hear Isaac Hayes "Theme From Shaft" is to hear it performed LIVE with what became a tradition of extending the song for an ab-libbed ending that mesmerizes the crowd. WATCH THE MAESTRO AT WORK!
And now enjoy some of the full songs heard on the movie soundtrack. A pleasant listening experience from Isaac Hayes directing The Bar-Kays and his "Movement".
The "Shaft" soundtrack included some priceless instrumentals, many of which became popular as originals and with cover versions within the "smooth jazz" genre.
This blogger's personal favorite of all of Isaac Hayes recordings is the instrumental "Cafe Reggio's"
"Ellie's Love Theme"
"Early Sunday Morning"
"Bumpy's Lament"
"Soulsville"
"A Friend's Place"
And the second hit song from the soundtrack, "Do Your Thing" split into two parts, the original Album version runs almost 20 minutes long.
PART ONE
PART TWO
Next as the TEN DAYS OF HAYES continues, Isaac Hayes takes off from Shaft to "Black Moses", movies and television.
Remembering Isaac Lee Hayes Jr, August 20, 1942- August 10, 2008.
Remembering Dan, Joe and Don Ho.
This day in music history.
August 13, 1982, Joe Tex dies 5 days after his 49th birthday.
This was his last big his song from 1977. A song that would be so politically incorrect today. Which is why I love it so much.
But born on August 13 1930, the late Don Ho (d. April 14, 2007)
And the late Dan Fogelberg born August 13, 1951. (d. December 16, 2007)
August 13, 1982, Joe Tex dies 5 days after his 49th birthday.
This was his last big his song from 1977. A song that would be so politically incorrect today. Which is why I love it so much.
But born on August 13 1930, the late Don Ho (d. April 14, 2007)
And the late Dan Fogelberg born August 13, 1951. (d. December 16, 2007)
Thursday, August 12, 2010
TEN DAYS OF HAYES- "To Be Continued"
The Rainbow Soul Journal continues with TEN DAYS OF HAYES, celebrating the life and music of the late Isaac Lee Hayes JR, born August 20, 1942 and died 10 days before his 66th birthday on August 10, 2008.
IN 1970, Isaac Hayes released his album "To Be Continued" and Isaac Hayes was releasing an average of two albums a year, each one containing what would be an legendary fan favorite. But there were some other gems on these albums. Songs that were cover versions that were given the Isaac Hayes treatment.
Like this version of the Ruby and The Romantics classic from 1963
"Our Day Will Come" (1970)
Or the Burt Bacharach/Hal David composition "The Look Of Love". I know it was featured in the previous post but its good enough to listen to again.
The album "To Be Continued" also featured what would become another Isaac Hayes tradition, "the rap" or a monologue with a soulful lush orchestration provided by Memphis musicians like The Bar-Kays, The Memphis Horns and the Memphis Symphony Orchesra and The Isaac Hayes Movement. Isaac Hayes was a detailed task master and the result is classical PURE SOUL.
"You Lost That Loving Feeling"
The talents developed from Isaac Hayes being a songwriter and producer for the likes of Sam & Dave, The Soul Children, The Emotions and others then with several album concepts of his own lead to his 1971 Academy Award and Grammy winning masterpiece.
And tomorrow's post during the TEN DAYS OF HAYES will feature the work that became the signature recording by Isaac Hayes. Please take the time to listen and enjoy greatness.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Welcome Home Derrick Martin. Welcome back to Georgia.
This blog post is open letter to Derrick Martin, President of PROJECT LifeVest, 2010 Graduate of Bleckley County High School in Cochran Georgia, now Freshman college student at Georgia Southern University.
Photo courtesy of Arturo Beeche' and posted on the Facebook Group supporting Derrick Martin
WELCOME HOME! Welcome back to Georgia. Many here are proud of you for everything you have done, your plans for the future and for launching PROJECT LIFEVEST to build a legacy of helping gay youth. You took a tough personal situation and are turning it into a trimuph for others and inspiring so many along the way.
We came to know you as a high school student who followed the rules to get your prom date approved only to face unfair challenges. But your strength, courage and demeanor blessed and taught us valuable lessons and many are happy to know that you have found a family, gained an army of new friends and the respect of the community worldwide.
Hoping your summer was a fabulous as you deserve, many of us here in Georgia welcome you back to the Peach state as you begin your college career in addition to the work and activism that will enrich so many. While this blog post was written by one person and isn't intended to speak for all of the community, know that many may share the opinion and feelings of great pride and admiration for your becoming a part of our lives. Your story, your strength and your mission has and will continue to provide blessings for all.
Thank you for what you do and please remember to reach out to your fellow Georgian's for help. From Savannah to Macon, to Albany and Atlanta. Many of us are here for you as a friend, supporter and family. Our community is stronger while working together and because of you.
All the best to you!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HERE ARE SOME VIDEOS WITH DERRICK MARTIN.
Macon Georgia Equality Rally for Derrick Martin & Deonna Sage, April 9th 2010. The rally was organized to support both Derrick and Deonna Sage who faced public discrimination at the same time. Derrick because of his prom date and Deonna, a local drag performer for the appearance at a local community festival event.
After the prom and graduation, Derrick Martin travelled to California for several appearances.
Derrick Martin speaks with his boyfriend at his side during the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco on June 5, 2010. For more information about GLAAD's work, please visit http://www.glaad.org, http://facebook.com/glaad, and http://twitter.com/glaad.
Photo courtesy of Arturo Beeche' and posted on the Facebook Group supporting Derrick Martin
WELCOME HOME! Welcome back to Georgia. Many here are proud of you for everything you have done, your plans for the future and for launching PROJECT LIFEVEST to build a legacy of helping gay youth. You took a tough personal situation and are turning it into a trimuph for others and inspiring so many along the way.
We came to know you as a high school student who followed the rules to get your prom date approved only to face unfair challenges. But your strength, courage and demeanor blessed and taught us valuable lessons and many are happy to know that you have found a family, gained an army of new friends and the respect of the community worldwide.
Hoping your summer was a fabulous as you deserve, many of us here in Georgia welcome you back to the Peach state as you begin your college career in addition to the work and activism that will enrich so many. While this blog post was written by one person and isn't intended to speak for all of the community, know that many may share the opinion and feelings of great pride and admiration for your becoming a part of our lives. Your story, your strength and your mission has and will continue to provide blessings for all.
Thank you for what you do and please remember to reach out to your fellow Georgian's for help. From Savannah to Macon, to Albany and Atlanta. Many of us are here for you as a friend, supporter and family. Our community is stronger while working together and because of you.
All the best to you!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HERE ARE SOME VIDEOS WITH DERRICK MARTIN.
Macon Georgia Equality Rally for Derrick Martin & Deonna Sage, April 9th 2010. The rally was organized to support both Derrick and Deonna Sage who faced public discrimination at the same time. Derrick because of his prom date and Deonna, a local drag performer for the appearance at a local community festival event.
After the prom and graduation, Derrick Martin travelled to California for several appearances.
Derrick Martin speaks with his boyfriend at his side during the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco on June 5, 2010. For more information about GLAAD's work, please visit http://www.glaad.org, http://facebook.com/glaad, and http://twitter.com/glaad.
Steven Slater didn't care anymore! I hear ya!
I have to be honest. I don't like dealing with the public. I could never work in a job situation where I would have to be a service agent and enforcer of the rules at the same time. So you'll never see me as a flight attendant, hotel desk clerk, waiter/server or anything that would require my basically kissing some one's ass for an extended period of time. And that brings me to a man who obviously couldn't take dealing with the public anymore and snapped. His name is Steven Slater.
The man is a hero to many for he had enough of the hassles of dealing with people, told them off in fine fashion and made his grand exit. Some say he "snapped", some suggest he may be mentally unstable. Most of us want to give Steven Slater a high five and chant "right on".
So what happened was Steven Slater was a flight attendant and while the airplane was approaching the terminal a passenger DISOBEYED normal airline rules by leaving her seat to open the overhead luggage compartment and retrieve her bag. Steven the flight attendant told the woman she needed to remain seated, words were exchanged, the passenger used profane language toward the flight attendant and within the struggle the flight attendant was hit with either the compartment door or the bag falling out of the compartment.
Steven Slater's response was to go on the aircraft's PA system, announce a few profanities of his own dedicated to the passenger who insulted him in what sounded like he was quitting his job. Then he didn't waste any time departing the aircraft. He opened the door causing the emergency slide to open, grabbed his bag and a couple beers and got the hell out of there.
For his stunt, Steven Slater was later arrested and faces charges for his illegal departure from the airplane. He didn't seem to care.
Honestly, the passenger who ticked Steven the flight attendant off should be charged. She disobeyed the rules of the aircraft which was to stay in your seat until the plane reaches the terminal and parks at the gate. And she caused minor injury. But it is Steven Salter who gets the attention. Good attention from fans who appreciate what he did and bad attention from legal authorities. There are Facebook groups showing support for Steven Slater.
All of this could have been avoided if more people had a sense of common courtesy and a respect for rules and procedures. But increasingly more people only care for themselves and some of those people feel they are above any rules and even more above people who work in any form of service industry.
There is a false saying in business that should be abolished. That saying is "The Customer is always right" because that is bullshit. The customer is not always right, sometimes the customer is unaware or uncaring about basic courtesy and rules that exist for the safe and orderly operation of a business. Sometimes , OFTEN times the customers are abusive. Sorry but just because one is there to serve you in business doesn't mean they should have to endure your abusive and rude behavior.
But because of the "customer is always right" bullshit most people just take whatever is handed to them or what smacks them upside the head like that passenger's bag. It may or may not be ok to respond to the abuse, but as Steven Slater proved recently, sometimes you just don't care anymore and you let the "Mother F***er's" have it. (some of Steven Slater's words)
Go Steven Slater! May you gain many riches for deciding to not take it anymore. Flight attendants and others who sympathize are with you. Maybe this example will force some people to learn how to behave.
Songs dedicated to the Steven Slater story....
"I Don't Care Anymore" by Genesis/Phil Collins
"Take This Job and Shove it" by Johnny Paycheck
The man is a hero to many for he had enough of the hassles of dealing with people, told them off in fine fashion and made his grand exit. Some say he "snapped", some suggest he may be mentally unstable. Most of us want to give Steven Slater a high five and chant "right on".
So what happened was Steven Slater was a flight attendant and while the airplane was approaching the terminal a passenger DISOBEYED normal airline rules by leaving her seat to open the overhead luggage compartment and retrieve her bag. Steven the flight attendant told the woman she needed to remain seated, words were exchanged, the passenger used profane language toward the flight attendant and within the struggle the flight attendant was hit with either the compartment door or the bag falling out of the compartment.
Steven Slater's response was to go on the aircraft's PA system, announce a few profanities of his own dedicated to the passenger who insulted him in what sounded like he was quitting his job. Then he didn't waste any time departing the aircraft. He opened the door causing the emergency slide to open, grabbed his bag and a couple beers and got the hell out of there.
For his stunt, Steven Slater was later arrested and faces charges for his illegal departure from the airplane. He didn't seem to care.
Honestly, the passenger who ticked Steven the flight attendant off should be charged. She disobeyed the rules of the aircraft which was to stay in your seat until the plane reaches the terminal and parks at the gate. And she caused minor injury. But it is Steven Salter who gets the attention. Good attention from fans who appreciate what he did and bad attention from legal authorities. There are Facebook groups showing support for Steven Slater.
All of this could have been avoided if more people had a sense of common courtesy and a respect for rules and procedures. But increasingly more people only care for themselves and some of those people feel they are above any rules and even more above people who work in any form of service industry.
There is a false saying in business that should be abolished. That saying is "The Customer is always right" because that is bullshit. The customer is not always right, sometimes the customer is unaware or uncaring about basic courtesy and rules that exist for the safe and orderly operation of a business. Sometimes , OFTEN times the customers are abusive. Sorry but just because one is there to serve you in business doesn't mean they should have to endure your abusive and rude behavior.
But because of the "customer is always right" bullshit most people just take whatever is handed to them or what smacks them upside the head like that passenger's bag. It may or may not be ok to respond to the abuse, but as Steven Slater proved recently, sometimes you just don't care anymore and you let the "Mother F***er's" have it. (some of Steven Slater's words)
Go Steven Slater! May you gain many riches for deciding to not take it anymore. Flight attendants and others who sympathize are with you. Maybe this example will force some people to learn how to behave.
Songs dedicated to the Steven Slater story....
"I Don't Care Anymore" by Genesis/Phil Collins
"Take This Job and Shove it" by Johnny Paycheck
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