Ron Paul & Barney Frank's Joint Venture

An unlikely pair? Ron Paul and Barney Frank.

From GPB News-Reps. Ron Paul (R-TX) and Barney Frank (D-MA) are set to introduce a bipartisan bill today that would remove the federal prohibition on marijuana. The bill would instead let states legalize, regulate and tax marijuana.

The bill is co-sponsored by Reps. John Conyers (D-MI), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Jared Polis (D-CO), and Barbara Lee (D-CA).

If Rick James were still alive I think he'd agree.

"Pass The J" From 1981's "Street Songs"


"Mary Jane"

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)