Classic R&B Music Articles | Original Articles on Fanpop

posted by cherl12345

The Apollo Theatre

Alongside the Regal Theatre in Chicago, the Apollo Theatre was the mecca for up-and-coming black entertainers. Located at 253 West 125th Street Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and Frederick Douglas Boulevard in Harlem, the Apollo has been the mecca in black entertainment for nearly 70 years. The Apollo Theater opened its doors to the black community on January 16, 1934; in addition, to showcasing up-and-coming talent among black entertainers such as the Jackson 5, Ella Fiztgerald, Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson. This historical theatre has practically launched the careers of these legendary black entertainers;...

The King And The Princess: A Twist Of Romeo And Juliet

posted by cherl12345

Visiting With Johnnie Cochran Back In 1995

As stated in the 1964 hit song, (Just Like) Romeo And Juliet, Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie's love affair went down in history. Strange as it may seem, Michael and Lisa Marie really other very much, but somewhere down the line things just didn't work out between them. On May 26, 1994, Michael and Lisa were married in the Dominican Republic, but kept it a secret for a couple months until it was the right time to inform the media.

Nineteen years prior to the marriage, Michael and Lisa Marie first met back in 1974. As stated by Michael in their joint interview with Diane Sawyer, Lisa Marie used...

Kenneth 'Babyface" Edmonds: Ultimate Hitmaker

posted by cherl12345

Co-Produced By Babyface

Some may have considered him overrated, but Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds has been in the music for quite a long time. Having written and produced many hits for various recording artists, he's made quite a name for himself in the music industry. Alongside L. A. Reid and fellow collaborator, Darryl Simmons, they've also written and produced for others such as Whitney Houston , Sheena Easton, Toni Braxton and Whispers.

The multi-faceted entertainer has received tons of awards and other forms of recognition for his work in the entertainment industry. As an actor, he made his acting debut as singer...

Johnny Mathis: Honorable Mention

posted by cherl12345

1974 Appearance On "Soul Train"

Having recorded 110 albums, selling 350 million albums worldwide; in addition, to receiving numerous gold and platinum records, legendary singer, Johnny Mathis, definitely deserves an honorable mention in this club. Alongside Sam Cooke, Michael Jackson also considered him another one of his early vocal influences, so he patterned his vocal stylings after these two legendary singers. As stated in an interview in regards to his 1974 appearance on "Soul Train", Johnny wanted to touch base with the younger black listeners by way of making the successful transition in the foray of R&B and soul...

1

Soul Train: The First Groundbreaking Variety Show

posted by cherl12345

"Soul Train"

As stated by one of the commentators, "Soul Train"" was considered a black version of "American Bandstand", the African-American counterpart. Don Cornelius, the creator, producer and host of the iconic musical variety show, who passed on last year, left an extensive musical legacy just like his counterpart Dick Clark. I have so many memories of "Soul Train" I just don't where to start. "Soul Train" had paved the way for black recording artists such as the Jackson 5, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, legendary singer, Johnny Mathis, have all gained national exposure as featured performers...

1

The Untimely Passing Of Otis Redding

posted by cherl12345

1967 Monterey Pop Festival

Co-written with Steve Cropper, "Dock Of The Bay", was a postumous #1 hit on the BILLBOARD Pop charts, just one following his untimely passing on December 10, 1967. En route another engagement in Madison, Wisconsin, and due to severe weather conditions, Otis Redding alongside his backing band, the Bar-Kays, and personal pilot, Richard Fraser, were killed when their plane plunged 40ft in icy the waters of Lake Monona. Their last public appearance was a live performance on the television series, "Upbeat", just prior to their untimely passing. The Bar-Kays, who had major hit with the R&B instrumental,...

Roots Of Soul

posted by cherl12345

1977 K-Tel 3-LP Release, "Roots Of Soul"

Released in 1977, "Roots Of Soul", was one of my favorite classic recordings, which featured some of my favorite singers ranging from Sam Cooke to Wilson Picket. I first heard the 2-volume 8-track set after my family sent for it, by of television advertisement. My parents used to play those 8-track cassettes almost everyday of the week and I would enjoy listening to them. I wish it was re-issued on a C.D., so I can listen to it again. This classic recording contains songs from all the original artists as mentioned on the album, and I just happend to think about it. Being a fan of old R&B music, and I can hear what they're what; in addition, to listening to them sing. This classic recording is so hard to find, and only way to obtain a copy of it is on Ebay. I love this classic recording, and if I had a copy of it,, I would be listening to it to this day.

In my opinion, this the best classic recording of all time; in addition, to not being able to find and make C.D. out of it.

Album #2

Album #1

Album #2

Album #3

1977 K-Tel 3-LP Release, "Roots Of Soul"

Michael Jackson

Joe Tex

The Temptations

Janet Jackson

Mary Wells

Teddy Pendergrass

Stevie Wonder

Lisa Stansfield

Betty Everett

Mickey and Sylvia

Ray Parker, Jr.

Donny Hathaway

Christina Aguilera

Alicia Keys

Fats Domino

Otis Redding

Billy Stewart

Corrine Bailey Rae

Stephanie Mills

Adele

Al Wilson

Maurice Williams

Vanessa Willams

Marvin And Tammi: Motown Sweethearts

posted by cherl12345

1968 Motown Release, "You're All I Need"

Between 1967-69, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell had successful string of hits as duet partners on the Motown roster. Although Marvin has recorded duets with Mary Wells and Kim Weston, he gained more exposure when he teamed up with newcomer, Tammi Terrell, as his duet partner. Sadly their musical partnership ended when she passed on in 1970 due to a brain tumor when she was just 24 years old.

When I hear classic duets such as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "If This World Were Mine", "You Precious Love" and "You're All I Need (To Get By)", those were some of the greatest duets in Motown history....

1

R&B Heaven: A Tribute To All The Old School Singers We've Lost

posted by cherl12345

Michael Jackson

If was ever was an R&B Heaven, you know there is going to be some good music playing up there as the they reunite for a good old jam session. I can see Michael Jackson reunited with his longtime idols, James Brown and Jackie Wilson comparing some of their famous dance moves; in addition, to showing Sam Cooke how to do dance and his famous Moonwalk, which made him an overnight sensation in the early-80's. I miss these classic old school R&B singers for the reasons they all passed on, and I can understand what they were saying in their songs.

It would be nice to see them in up in R&B...

The Untimely Passing Of Sam Cooke

posted by cherl12345

1991 Specialty Release, "Sam Cooke With The Soul Stirrers"

Just 45 years later, we were morning the passing of the "King Of Pop" and one of his early admirers, Michael Jackson, but back in 1964 the music was stunned by the untimely passing of soul pioneer, Sam Cooke. Located at 9137 South Figueroa Street, in South Los Angeles, he was brutally murdered in a bizarre incident at the Hacienda Hotel on Friday, December 11, 1964. However, those who knew were inquiring why did he have to, which stills vexes them to this day. Sam Cooke, who had one of the greatest voices in music history; as well, as an astute businessman, who also paved the for other black...

More Known Facts Pertaining To Michael Jackson

posted by cherl12345

Michael was nearly disfellowshipped from the Jehovah's Witness over the "Thriller" video back in 1983.
Attended Princess Diana's memorial service back in 1997.
Michael had drive to succeed.
Like Barry Manilow and Sam Cooke, Michael wrote the songs that made the whole world.
"You Are Not Alone", written by R. Kelly, went to #1 on the "BILLBOARD" Pop charts back in 1995.
Celebrated his "21st" birthday at Studio 54 in New York City back in 1979.
Attended Maurice Gibb's memorial service back in 2003.
Michael was a fan of British entertainers, Benny Hill and Charlie Chaplin.
Michael's version of "Smile"...

1

Another Star

posted by cherl12345

1976 Release, Songs In The Key Of Life

Written by Stevie Wonder

La la la la la lalala la
La la la la la lalala la

La la la la la lalala la
La la la la la lalala la

For you
There might be a star
But through my eyes the light of you is all I see

For you
There might be another song
But all my heart can hear is your melody

So long ago my heart without demanding
Informed me that no other love could do
But listen did I not though understanding
Fell in love with one
Who would break my heart in two

For you
Love might bring a toast of wine
But with each sparkle know the best for you I pray

For you
Love might be for you to find
But I will celebrate our love...

Going In Circles

posted by cherl12345

1994 Release, Songs

Written By J. Peter And A. Poree

I'm an ever rolling wheel
Without a destination real
And I'm an ever spinnin' top
Whirling around 'til I drop

Oh, but what am I to do
My mind is in a whirlpool
Give me a little hope
One small thing to cling to

You got me going in circles
Oh, around and around I go
Going around in circles
Oh, around and around I go
I'm strung out over you,
Over you

I'm a faceless clock
With timeless hopes that never stops... Never, Never
When I feel that way
You know my soul's at stake

Oh, but what am I to do
My mind is in a whirlpool
Give me a little hope
One small thing to cling to

You got me going in circles
Oh, around and around I go
Going in circles
Oh, around and around I go

I'm strung out over you
(I need you baby)
Ugh, I need
(I need you baby)
Call me
(I need you baby)
I need, baby, my baby, my baby, my baby, my girl

Performed By Luther Vandross

First Performed By Friends Of Distinction

Superstition

posted by cherl12345

Written By Stevie Wonder

Very superstitious, writings on the wall
Very superstitious, ladders 'bout to fall
Thirteen month old baby, broke the lookin' glass.

When you believe in things that you don't understand,
Then you suffer,
Superstition ain't the way.

Very superstitious, wash your face and hands,
Rid me of the problem, do all that you can,
Keep me in a daydream, keep me goin' strong,
You don't wanna save me, sad is my song

When you believe in things that you don't understand,
Then you suffer,
Superstition ain't the way, yeh, yeh.

Very superstitious, nothin' more to say,
Very superstitious, the devil's on his way,
Thirteen month old baby, broke the lookin' glass,
Seven years of bad luck, good things in your past.

When you believe in things that you don't understand,
Then you suffer,
Superstition ain't the way, no, no, no.

Superstition On 45 RPM

1973 Appearance On Sesame Street

Stevie Talking With Grovet

Live Performance Of The Song On Soul Train

1973 Appearance On Soul Train

Breakin' Away

posted by cherl12345

Written By Jay Grayson, Tom Canning And AL Jarreau

Look what you've done for me
You're makin' more fun for me
Troubadour me, destined to be
Set in my ways-stuck in my daze

You were the butterfly, winkin'
at me
Makin' my fires fly
Brought me romance, taught me
to dance-
Makin' me win, makin' me grin,
Schoolin' me

Breakin' away, your love has
open-end eyes that couldn't see
Breakin' away, your beacon in the
night discovered me

Show me some parachutes (Away,
today, sail away)
As long as I'm here, bring me
some climbing boots
Open the door, give me sl
some more

Fasten the pin-loosen the pin
Pull for me

Breakin' away, your love has
opened eyes that couldn't see
Breakin' away, your beacon in the
night discovered me

1981 Release, Breakin' Away

Old School R&B Music: Why I Like It So Much

posted by cherl12345

Whitney Houston

When I hear old school R&B singers like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin, and I've come to the conclusion that classic R&B music is long-forgotten, and the singers I listen to today just don't hold a candle to the old school singers from way back. Ne-Yo, Mariah Carey, Chrisette Michelle, K-Jon and the rest of the R&B singers we hear on the radio today are all right, but nothing compares to old classic R&B music from way back. Those are the kind of singers I like to this day especially Michael Jackson.

However, there some singers who are just as...

Sam Cooke: The Man And His Music

posted by cherl12345

Having read a biography pertaining to Michael Jackson, I surprised to learn that he had patterned his vocal stylings after early musical influence and R&B legend, Sam Cooke. Alongside Michael Jackson, Sam Cooke is another one of my favorite old-school R&B singers; as well,as astute businessman like Michael. Sam Cooke came on the scene in the early-'50's as lead vocalist of the gospel group, The Soul Stirrers, and one of the most the greatest voiced in the history of Rock and Roll. As lead singer, Sam has recorded numerous classic gospel recordings, which he wrote or co-wrote, such as...

1

Michael And Janet: Two Legendary R&B Music Icons

posted by cherl12345

1993 Grammy Awards

Having come from a successful showbiz family, Michael and Janet Jackson were of the most successful siblings in the entertainment industry; in addition, to being the first black entertainers to have a successful variety show on network television during the mid-70's. As stated by Michael in an interview, Janet would pattern some of his famous showbiz choreography, and incorporated them in some of her live performances. The were so close Michael once referred to Janet as his twin sister, and one of biggest allies alongside their other family members. The main reason why they were so successful...

Love On A Two Way Street

posted by cherl12345

First Recorded By The Moments In 1970

Written By Sylvia Robinson And Burt Keyes

I found love on a two way street
And lost it in a lonely highway
Love in a two way street
And lost it on a lonely highway

True love will never die
So I've been told, but now I must cry
It is finally goodbye, I know

With music softly playing
His lips were gently saying
I love you

He held me in desperation
I thought it was a revelation
And then he walked out

How could I be so blind
To give up love the very first time
To be fooled is a hurting pain
To be loved and fooled
Is a crying shame
While I bear the blame
As he laughs my name

With music softly playing
His lips were gently...

Love Letter

posted by cherl12345

2010 Release, Love Letter

Written By R. Kelly

Did you get my card?
Did you read my love letter?
Did it touch your heart?
When you read my love letter

Sunny day, smiling face
Spirit filled, heaven praise
Memories in my mind
Reminiscing of the time
Miracles so amazed
So just far away
It makes me ask the question,
babe

Did you get my card?
Did you read my love letter?
Did it touch your heart?
When you read my love letter
(When you read my love letter)

Weekends and birthdays
Celebration holiday
Love making history
Sweet dreams, butterflies
Holdin' hands, side by side
Best friends, families
Reminds me
Did you get my card
(Did you get my card, girl)...