The Rainbow Soul Journal focuses on issues in the LGBT community but also recognizes the favorites of this blogger's classic soul music collection. Its an unusual mix but a fine indulgement. So this post is to remember the late Rick James, born James Ambrose Johnson in Buffalo New York on February 1, 1948 and died August 6, 2004.
Rick James career began in the 1960's under many assumed names working in Canada and eventually in Detroit with Motown. But the bulk of his career was with his own recording contract with Motown from the late 1970's through the late 1980's.
His first hit song was in the summer of 1978 with "You and I"
Followed by his anthem to Marijuana, "Mary Jane"
Rick James biggest album with the most legendary hits was "Street Songs" from 1981 and featured the signature hit "Superfreak"
The song "Superfreak" also made famous for being sampled by rapper MC Hammer ten years later on "U Can't Touch This"
Another great hit song for Rick James was 1983's "Cold Blooded"
And a favorite Rick James song and album of this blogger is "Glow" from 1985
Rick James would have a few minor hits through the remainder of the 1990's.
Throughout the height of his own career, Rick James wrote and produced music for other acts including the comeback hits for The Temptations and it was Rick James that introduced Teena Marie and The Mary Jane Girls with fantastic productions. And the launching of a super talent in the likes of Teena Marie who very quickly in her career was writing and producing her own material and becoming a legend in her own right.
This blogger chooses to ignore one music blunder on the part of Rick James. That being the Eddie Murphy song "Party All The Time" from 1986. It can only be said that the drugs must have been good in order to believe that Eddie Murphy could sing.
Rick James had problems in his life. Drugs and domestic issues led to his serving a couple years in prison and possibly caused him to have stroke. Shortly after Rick James rehab from his stroke, this blogger saw Rick James in concert in February 2002 at an event for the Tom Joyner Morning Show in Macon Georgia. It was to be part of Rick James comeback and while it was a thrill to see Rick James perform, his voice and behavior was not ready for public view as he appeared to struggle in his recovery from his stroke. He worked it as hard as he could though.
He continued to make appearances and each time appeared determined but it was sad to watch as a result of his stroke. He would be found dead on August 6, 2004 at the age of 56.
The "Superfreak" left a great library of danceable "funk" and smooth slow jams. His album cuts that were not released as singles were often provocative and raunchy. Some lyrics in his music had homophobic slurs. It was acceptable for the time. I know it doesn't make it right but at least none of the songs with possible offensive lyrics were released as singles and you would have to listen carefully to hear the offending words.
Despite that, Rick James is missed. The type of original sound is missed and like MC Hammer said in the song where he sampled Rick James material, "U Can't Touch This". Meaning you can't touch the type of music legacy left behind by Rick James.
RIP Rick James (February 1, 1948- August 6,2004)
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