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

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.

Birthdays in Soul music history.

Sarah Dash, born August 18, 1945. Original member of LABELLE as well as a solo artist.

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.

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"

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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

TEN DAYS OF HAYES- The Movement begins

TEN DAYS OF HAYES, celebrating the life and music of Isaac Hayes from the anniversary of his death on August 10, 2008 to the anniversary of his birth August 20, 1942


The concept of an Isaac Hayes album always contained hypnotizing and very long extended orchestrations with long introductions or a monologue. Often these were cover versions of popular hits often referred to by Isaac Hayes as "bringing it home to Soulsville", "Soulsville" being the Memphis Tennessee base of Stax Records.

Isaac Hayes is responsible for soulful classic covers of "By The Time I get to Phoenix", "Walk On By", "I Stand Accused" and even The Beatles "Something" was recorded just as the "Fab Four" had their own hit song.

For most of these recordings, Isaac Hayes had assembled a group of musicians that included himself as "The Isaac Hayes Movement" and together they provided several soulful DEEP masterpiece grooves that sealed Isaac Hayes as one of the top legends in music.

Here are today's samples.

"Something" from the 1970 album "The Isaac Hayes Movement"


"I Stand Accused"


"By The Time I Get To Phoenix"


"I Just Don't Know What To do With Myself"


"The Look of Love" a classic Isaac Hayes remake that would become his own legend. This rendition used in a few movie soundtracks and sampled by modern recording artists.


"The Look of Love" as it appeared in the movie "Dead Presidents"


"Rain On Me" by Ashanti,sampling "The Look of Love" by Isaac Hayes

TEN days of HAYES (Soul music history)

August 10th in Soul Music History:

Isaac Hayes dies at home near Memphis Tennessee at age 65, just ten days before his 66th birthday which is on August 20th. To celebrate the life and music of the late Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr, THE SOUL MUSIC APPRECIATION SOCIETY on Facebook will feature selections from Isaac Hayes and related artist under the the theme "Ten Days of Hayes". (click on the photo to visit Facebook page)



Born on August 10th

Patti Austin, born August 10, 1948



Aaron Hall, born August 10, 1964



Ronnie Spector, born August 10, 1943



Lorraine Pearson, of the group 5 STAR, born August 10, 1967



Michael Bivins of New Edition and Bell Biv Devoe, born August 10, 1968



New Edition "Is This The End" from 1982. Talk about a Flashback!!!


And one of the "blue eyed soul" legends was born on this date, the late Bobby Hatfield of The Righteous Brothers would have turned 70. He died in 2003

Raw DEAL against YouthPRIDE!

Nathan Deal, candidate for Governor of Georgia in a the republican primary runoff against Karen Handel released this advertisement slamming a wonderful organization that may have SAVED a lot of young lives from destruction. Gay Youth are the most likely segment of society prone to suicide while dealing with coming out and acceptance of their sexual orientation. Atlanta based YouthPRIDE provides support and advocacy for gay youth and is being unfairly targeted with this advertisement.



The line in the commercial saying that YouthPride promotes homosexuality among teenagers as young as 13 is the most despicable but effectively used when political bullies like Nathan Deal want to fool the ignorant and homophobic public into voting for him.

YOUTHPRIDE doesn't promote "homosexuality". They exist for the support and well being of teens and young adults who are already Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and who are Questioning of their sexuality. But homophobic political bullies like Nathan Deal play into the false stereotype that people are "recruited" into "homosexuality". That ignorance infests his political base and commercials like this while damaging to those they attack are likely to give the political bully some votes.

A political activist in Atlanta created this video in response to Nathan Deal's "Last Straw" commercial. It addresses the very issues that the political candidates are NOT discussing while they parade around the state gay bashing with the likes of Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee and Newt Gingrich.

"No Deal"



Since Nathan Deal's advertisement appeared, polls show the gap between him and his opponent Karen Handel narrowing as Georgians return to vote in the primary runoff on Tuesday August 10th.

If you are a GEORGIA registered voter you know that we have an OPEN primary system. Meaning you can select either political party's ballot in the primary regardless of your personal political opinion or affiliation. We don't have party registrations in Georgia.

If you voted in the July primary, you must vote in the same political party in the runoff election. If you did not vote at all in the primary, you can vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary runoff. So if you find yourself angered by Nathan Deal's attack on YouthPRIDE, this is your opportunity to go to the polls on August 10th, select the REPUBLICAN PRIMARY BALLOT and vote AGAINST Nathan Deal so he doesn't have the chance to spew these kinds of lies as candidate for Governor or worse, becoming Governor of Georgia.

Sadly, your only option to vote in the runoff against Nathan Deal is to vote for Karen Handel, who allegedly showed some "support" for gay groups like the Log Cabin Republicans but promptly threw them under the bus for her own political gain proving that the LGBT community has NO friends in higher government positions in this state.

But your vote is your voice in Georgia and you can vote your disapproval for Nathan Deal's attack on YouthPride by voting against him in the primary runoff on August 10th.

If Peaches turned into prunes...A political rant.

If the peaches turn into prunes in the Peach State, it might have something to do with a winking bimbo grandmother from Alaska coming for a visit to stump for one of the political parasites vying to run this state.

We should be very fearful if the former Govenor bimbo from Alaska should run to become a President of The United States of America.

(sorry guys for the pun, but you did name your group President.......etc.)


Someone protect the peaches! Sarah Palin is coming to Georgia to campaign for Karen Handel, one of two republicans running for Governor of Georgia. The state's runoff election is tomorrow August 10th. Nathan Deal is the other Republican candidate in the runoff. He has fellow hyprocrite homophobes Mike Huckabee and Newt Gingrich campaigning for him. Sadly one of the Republicans will face the Democratic former Governor hyprocrite homophobe Roy Barnes in the November General Election for Governor. Even more sad is that one of these three political parasites will be the next Georgia Governor.

If there is a hell below, Georgia is surely going to go.

And Curtis Mayfield was a Georgia resident late in his life. Something tells me he wouldn't appreciate this state's political climate either.

(only listen to this Curtis Mayfield classic if you aren't offended easily)

From "Yes I'm Ready" to "Another Man" beating her time. It's "their" sancticity of marriage.

With the debate about same-sex marriages kicked back into overdive after the ban on same-sex marriages was overtuned in California and the fact that there are many who STILL believe in protecting an illusion they call the "sancticity of marriage" between one man and woman, the songs I am going to post in honor of the birthday of its artist stand as lasting tributes to so-called "traditional marriage". At least what the community of heterosexuals have made of it.

This is in no way in disrespect to Barbara Mason, born August 9, 1947 in Philadelphia. She was a talented performer whos songs started out with the innocence of her youth and grew into the bold and scandalous honesty of how some relationships were as an adult. Relationships and marriages that included adultery and even when one partner turned out to be gay. Listen to the classic songs of Barbara Mason and see how "traditional" relationships have progressed over time.


"Yes I'm Ready" Barbara Mason (1965)
The young woman is ready for love and ready to learn.



"Oh How It Hurts" (1967) as Barbara Mason sings about the hurt of a relationship that failed.



Then Barbara Mason's songs progress from the innocence of a young girl to being the "other woman" in adulterous relationships.

Barbara Mason's 1975 hit "From His Woman To You" was in response to Shirley Brown's "Woman To Woman" where the singer confronts the woman her husband is cheating with.



Then as we enter the 1980's Barbara Mason had a hit song prouldly proclaiming that "She's Got The Papers but I've Got The Man". Again as the "other woman" in a adulterous relationship, this song was released in response to the 1981 hit "She's Got Papers On Me" by the late Richard "Dimples" Fields featuring Betty Wright.



Then the tables are turned on Barbara Mason. It turned out that now SHE was being cheated on. Her man found himself "Another Man" or as the 1984 hit dance song lyrics go "Another man is beating my time, another man is loving MINE".

Another Man by Barbara Mason


Barbara Mason's song about discovering her man was in a gay relationship was scandalous for its time. It played on some stereotypes and a song like that could not be released today because the modern politically correct world might deem this song "homophobic". But to some "older" folks gay and straight, this song stands as a classic dance song from an old school "diva".

Happy Birthday Barbara Mason, keeping it real musically since August 9, 1947.

And for you in the heterosexual community, when you have those legal papers for your relationships you might want to consider that you have had your exclusive privledge for decades and the legacy many of you left behind isn't really all that sanctified. You need to shape up your own legacy before you accuse the gay community for wanting to "ruin" your traditional privledges of legally recognized marriage.

Lets make California the beginning and overturn same-sex marriage bans across the United States.

Saturday love and a lame duck.

If it's Saturday and you are in love, this is a great day!

Perhaps its a Saturday Love with potential for the rest of the week.

"Saturday Love" by Cherelle & Alexander O'Neal


Or "Saturday In The Park" is something you'll be able to enjoy in areas where you have a beautiful local park that is iconic in your city. Like Piedmont Park in Atlanta or Central Park in New York.

"Saturday In The Park" by Chicago


But now if you are gay and live in California it is possible you may be able to spend that "Saturday In The Park" with not only your "Saturday Love" but the love of your life that you are LEGALLY married to. This is because the TERM LIMITED LAME DUCK Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger along with California Attorney General Jerry Brown has filed motions to resume same-sex marriages immediately after the ruling of that state's voter supported ban on same-sex marriages ("Prop 8") as unconstitutional.

Marriage Equality in California was to be put on hold at least for the short term while the recent ruling against proposition 8 was appealed. But the state's governor who's political career is ending soon and the state's attorney general who is the Democratic nominee for Governor in the upcoming election have found it within their hearts to allow marriage equality in California.

But where were these POLITICANS in 2008 on this issue? This blogger doesn't live in California so California residents are welcome to post comments and enlighten us on where Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown have been on the issue of same-sex marriage. The Governor had the past 8 years, two terms to work for and encourage marriage equality in the state. But only after his state's ban on same-sex marriage is overturned at a time when his approval rating is low and we are reaching the end of his second term where he is not eligibe to run again does he show a desire for same-sex marriages to happen in California.

It is important to note that as you celebrate and walk down the asile in your California wedding that Arnold is doing this as a defeated man with nothing to lose. He doesn't have to face any political fallout from the Republican base that he pandered to over the years when he sought their votes. And Jerry Brown the former Governor and current attorney general is running for election as the DEMOCRATIC nominee. And what better way to get votes from California's gay community (made mostly of DEMOCRATS) than to show support for same-sex marriages to resume. It would be interesting to know where Jerry Brown stood on marriage equality in recent years and if he is elected governor will he continue to stand for LGBT rights in the state or will he be another "friend" during election season and a disappointment after the voters elect him. Sadly that is typical of POLITICIANS like the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC.

As for Arnold Schwarzenegger, now that his political career is coming to an end he is going to need some support should he decide to resume his acting career and we all know that the entertainment community has a large LGBT population. And Arnold is going to need all the friends he can get in Hollywood. At the very least if he becomes an full time resident of Southern California again he may want to get along with his neighbors.

If Arnold Schwarzenegger were up for re-election he would have fought to keep Proposition 8 as if it were another "Terminator" movie. So excuse this blogger if he doesn't give Arnold Schwarzenegger a pass for calling for same-sex marriages to resume in California.

Gotta love lame ducks and their sudden change of heart to give you what you wanted all along.

Let's hope the marriages start soon. And best wishes to those planning to tie the knot.

How about another wedding song. You don't hear much about this talented performer Amanda Marshall. This is her song "Marry Me".

TARGET: "Smiling Faces Sometimes" are "Backstabbers" against Marriage Equality?

The news about the discount retailer TARGET supporting right-wing anti-gay politics appears to have gone on for a while as news on August 6th is that the retailer made donations to support California's Proposition 8, the 2008 ballot measure that was approved by voters banning same-sex marriages in the state.

One day after Proposition 8 was overturned in a lawsuit came the discovery that employees of TARGET made more donations to proponents of same-sex marriage bans than to those who support marriage equality in California and Arizona.

This news comes as the retailer faced strong opposition and even boycotts from the LGBT community after the corporation itself donated $150,000 dollars to political action groups with strong anti-gay records. For which they "apologized".

IN 2008 when California's Proposition 8 and Arizona's Proposition 102 were on the ballot, corporations were limited in the amount of donations they were allowed to make in political concerns, so it is important to note that it was Target employees reported to make the anti-gay political donations. But due to a supreme court ruling in early 2010 corporations are now allowed to make unlimited financial donations to political interests.

But regardless of how the laws were set in 2008 and now in 2010, it is CRYSTAL CLEAR that the percieved gay friendly retailer is more of a backstabber. Say what you will about Walmart as many especially within the gay community tarnish the image of Walmart. The Undisputed Truth is your "friends" at the more polished Target "Smiled in your face" and stabbed you in the back.

I dedicate two old school songs to the Target corporation. These songs should be playing on your store's muzak system.

"Smiling Faces Sometimes" by The Undisputed Truth (1971)


And "Backstabbers" by The O'Jays (1972)

Remembering Rick James part 3: Rick, the legend and EF's favorites

In this final installment of remembering the music career of the late Rick James, a familiar line in a few Rick James songs was "Temptations Sing". You heard The Temptations sing backup on a few Rick James songs and Rick James was a big part of the "Reunion" of the Temptations in 1982.

"Standing On The Top" by The Temptations from 1982



Rick James also had a huge hit with another Motown legend, Smokey Robinson

"Ebony Eyes" from 1983


Also Rick James appeared on the 1980's TV series "The A-Team" with another music legend that will be honored on this blog in a few days, the late Isaac Hayes.


The appearance on "The A-Team" originally aired in the fall of 1985 and also featured Rick James song "Glow" and Isaac Hayes then 6 year old song "Don't Let Go".


Other favorite selections by this blogger from the Rick James catalog.

"Dream Maker" by Rick James (1978)



"Big Time" from 1980



"Give it To Me Baby" from 1981



"Make Love To Me" from 1981


And that is The Rainbow Soul Journal's first full acknowledgement of a Soul music legend on the 6th anniversary of the passing of Rick James, February 1, 1948 - August 6, 2004.

Remembering Rick James part 2: His Protege's

As the Rainbow Soul Journal remembers Rick James on the anniversary of his death (August 6, 2004), this post acknowledges the protege's of Rick James.

TEENA MARIE, born Mary Christine Brockert came onto the scene in 1979 and one of her classic songs was written by Rick James.

"Deja Vu (I've Been Here Before)" from 1979


And two years later, Rick James and Teena Marie had the legendary hit duet "Fire and Desire"


During the same time Rick and Teena had their monster hit song, Teena Marie had her classic song "Square Biz" in which you will hear a little Rick James backgound vocals.



Rick James and Teena Marie tried to recreate the magic of "Fire and Desire" with another duet called "Happy" from Rick James 1982 album "Throwing Down". It is a fan favorite despite not being a huge hit.


Then in 1983, Rick James introduced THE MARY JANE GIRLS to the world with songs he produced like "Candy Man" and "All Night Long"

"Candyman" by The Mary Jane Girls


"All Night Long" by The Mary Jane Girls (1983)


"In My House" by The Mary Jane Girls (1985)



THE Mary Jane girls only lasted a few albums and hit songs between 1983 and 1986. The sound was distinctly Rick James and stands as some of his best material. While his influence on Teena Marie was a great foundation in which her career blossomed and still blooms today.

RIP Rick James (February 1, 1948- August 6, 2004)

Remembering The Superfreak Rick James part one

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)

"Here Comes the Judge" Elena Kagan

August 5th 2010, Elena Kagan confirmed as a new Supreme Court Justice.

She is the 112th Supreme Court justice and the FOURTH female appointed to the bench and for the first time there will be THREE women serving on the Supreme Court.

Whether you agree with this newest appointee or not, at least the balance of gender serving on the Supreme Court is beginning to balance a little. One third is better than having just one.

Congratulations Justice Elena Kagan



As for the "soul" side of this, here is another MOTOWN classic. The Funk Brothers on the beat, Shortly Long on the vocals.

"Here Comes The Judge" by Shorty Long (1968)

After the Prop 8 ruling, How strong is YOUR marriage?

The day after California's proposition 8 was ruled unconstitutional, those who oppose same-sex marriages are expressing their dismay and some with the usual comments about the "sanctity of marriage" between one man and one woman.

There are many couples who's relationships grow stronger every day. Some of those couples I know are GAY and LESBIAN couples who have been together for 2 years, 17 years, 26 years, 28 years, 40 years! But some MARRIED one man, one woman couples feel threatened because of the Prop 8 ruling. Threatened by what, the gay couple across the street? If they got married THAT would pose a threat to your marriage? Perhaps your "marriage" isn't as strong as you might think.

How strong was Rush Limbaugh's 4 marriages? How strong was one of Newt Gingrich's marriages? Larry King's? Elizabeth Taylor, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson? How strong were their marriages? Were any of them as strong as the 60 years my grandparents had til death did they part? Or the 34 years of one couple I know who are dismayed that their gay son cannot enjoy the same privilege?

Perhaps the "sanctity of marriage" isn't as strong as you might think.

"We're Getting Stronger" by Loleatta Holloway (1976), a song that may be known more to GAY couples as many are still fans of Disco music and its performers. And as their relationships grow stronger as they stay together, its long overdue for those relationships to be treated equally.

Georgia reacts to Prop 8 Ruling

From the GA Voice, an Atlanta Georgia based LGBT news outlet. They show Atlanta's public rally in celebration of the August 4th ruling of California's Proposition 8 UN-CONSTITIONAL!


(Description from GA Voice's YouTube channel)
Atlanta LGBT community leaders and activists gathered on the corner of 10th Street and Piedmont Ave. on August 4, 2010 to rally in support of the overturning of California's Proposition 8. Georgia Equality's Jeff Graham, Outwrite Bookstore and Coffeehouse owner Philip Rafshoon and others discuss the ruling's impact on gay marriage across the country.

For more information, please visit http://www.thegavoice.com

"Look At California" They had a victory for marriage equality!

California's voter approved proposition 8 was overturned in a judicial ruling from a a lawsuit filed after the proposal to ban same-sex marriages won in a 52-48% vote in November 2008. That vote (Prop 8) overturned a law that approved Marriage Equality (same-sex marriages) in the state then 18,000 same-sex couples were married during the months that it was legal. Gay marriage opponents immediately moved to have a public vote to have the marriage law overturned and as of August 4th 2010, that law has been turned back toward Marriage Equality.

But the fight is far from over. Today's ruling will be appealed and this could reach the US Supreme Court. But today's ruling could have an effect on marriage bans across the country.

But think about this very carefully! It is also an election year and this ruling will surely make gay marriage a major campaign platform especially for those who OPPOSE same-sex marriages. Add that to the upcoming changes in the United States supreme court and the probability that conservatives may become the majority again in congress. You had better recognize that today's ruling IN CALIFORNIA does NOT mean the road to Marriage Equality is going to be either short or smooth.

But today we can "Look At California" and be happy that Proposition 8 was overturned today.


The song "Look At California" is from MAZE Featuring Frankie Beverly (1977)

Boycotting Target & Best Buy? "Where are your friends"

The Human Rights Campaign, a LGBT rights organization offers a list of corporations that are considered Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, transgendered (LGBT) friendly through its "Corporate Equality Index". Among the companies that scored 100% are two companies currently embroiled in controversy and outrage over their corporate support of political candidates with strong ANTI-GAY beliefs. Those companies are the favored retailers TARGET and BEST BUY.

Both retail corporations are favorites of the LGBT community for its known employment policies and community support. For many in the LGBT community, especially gay men, Target is favored over other "big box" retailers for the style selections for household goods are more attractive and have an "upscale" feel.

To be honest, I know a lot of people in the LGBT community that despise Target's arch rival WALMART for the illusion of Walmart being much lower class because of its retail base, locations and selections are considered "downscale". And there are the many political beliefs about Walmart being anti-gay, anti-union and they pay their employees low wages. I won't go into those "issues" today because the "target" (pun intended) today is the retail corporations many in the LGBT community considered to be friends of the community.

Both Target and Best Buy are based in the state of Minnesota and thanks to a recent supreme court decision that overturned laws prohibiting large corporate donations to political concerns, both corporations made donations of $150,000 and $100,000 dollars respectively to a political action group (PAC) called "MN Forward" (Minnesota Forward). This political group is working to elect TOM EMMER, a Republican running for Governor of Minnesota and who is opposes gay marriage and other LGBT friendly concerns. In addition Target's CEO and his wife each donated $5,000 to Tom Emmer's campaign, the maximum amount allowed to donate to a political campaign under current laws.

News of these political donations angered the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community. Many feel betrayed and are now engaged in a boycott of both retailers.

Talk about this boycott brings this question for the LGBT community. Where are all of our friends? For years, people have suggested that we never support Walmart and I have friends in urban areas who would very easily disparage shopping and the people who shop at Walmart. Many also have the belief that we should only support LOCAL businesses and I agree with supporting LOCAL businesses. But if people are concerned about a retailer's political support, are you as concerned about the LOCAL "Mom & Pop" business? Do we know how much of the money you spent at a local business was donated to a political campaign or religious organization that you may not agree with? Think about that.

IN the area where I live, it is very likely that a locally owned business will support political campaigns and religious institutions that also support ANTI-GAY policies including the opposition of gay marriage. It is also more likely that a locally owned business will not offer the type of LGBT friendly benefits that large corporations like Target and Best Buy mainly because of the cost of offering benefits and very likely because the owner of the local business may have his or her personal beliefs. I see a lot of local businesses who post campaign signs and those signify to me where their political support leads. And some local businesses are VERY vocal in their political support, some even forbid political expressions by their employees if they differ from management. This was proven true in my town with a mayoral campaign last year. And I no longer patronize that local business because of their action toward an employee whos political support differed from the owner of the business.

So as there are many social network groups and lots of people calling for a boycott of Best Buy and Target and you may find yourself struggling with the decision as to where to shop,ask again WHERE ARE OUR FRIENDS? The answer is the same as in politics itself. THERE ARE NO "REAL" FRIENDS. A retailer or politician is only your "friend" when you are willing to give them your dollar and your vote. After you leave the store or the polling place you are only left with hope, as in I hope I didn't waste my money or my vote. And sadly, when it comes to business and definitely when it comes to politics DEMOCRATIC and REPUBLICAN alike, your satisfaction is rarely guaranteed or realized.

The classic soul song in this blog offers a story of one who had friends when his wallet was open and his generosity was strong. But after sharing with others he finds that his "friends" really didn't give a damn. And the truth is that TARGET,Best Buy, Walmart, or the local "Bubba's haberdashery and hardware" store may not give a damn about you as much as they do your wallet either.

"Where Are All My Friends" by Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes (1974)
Lead Vocals by the late Teddy Pendergrass.