From The One: βAll these black people were standing around the door waiting to get a seat on the βwhite onlyβ side. Most of βem looked like they might be college kids, and there were a few whites with them,β Brown wrote in his autobiography, … Continue reading James Brown – Mr. Dynamite – Final of 3
James Brown defining ‘soul’ – “It’s the word ‘can’t’ makes you a soul singer. ‘Can’t. That one thing that’s made the Black man more heavier for soul coming from the States is because of the fact that he’s had extra-hard knocks and he lived with … Continue reading James Brown – Part Two – The Hardest Working Man in Show Biz
Do you like good music? Huh, that sweet soul music Just as long as it’s swinging Oh yeah Oh yeah Peter Guralnick is arguably the most important, best writer we have on American roots and soul music. He wrote the two-volume series on Elvis Presley’s … Continue reading Book Review – Sweet Soul Music – Peter Guralnick
“Ray Charles is the only genius in our business.” – Frank Sinatra. “Soul is when you take a song and make it part of you – a part that’s so true, so real, people think it must have happened to you… It’s like electricity- we … Continue reading Ray Charles – Part III – Busted
Cigarettes and smack (heroin) are the two truly addictive habits I’ve known. You might add women,” he said. “My obsession centers on womenβdid then (when young) and does now. I can’t leave them alone.” – Ray Charles Once again Ray was on the move. One … Continue reading Ray Charles – Part II – Life on the Road
For several years now, the Music Enthusiast has done a series on a notable artist at the end of the year. Previous years have included Elvis, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, my tour with the Allmans I’ve done almost nothing about Ray Charles. Time to rectify … Continue reading Ray Charles – Part 1
“Probably my favorite guitarist of all time. You can’t think of a time when he really ripped off a hot solo but he just plays perfectly.” – Peter Buck.Β When asked what he thought of Cropper Keith Richards said, “Perfect, man.” Wikipedia: Steven Lee Cropper … Continue reading Steve Cropper – Journeyman
“We never ever do nothin’ nice and easy.”- Tina Turner Wikipedia: “Tina Turner (born Anna Mae Bullock; November 26, 1939) is a singer and actress, originally from the United States and now a Swiss citizen. Turner rose to prominence as part of the Ike & … Continue reading A Six-pack of Tina Turner
(Pictured – Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes) Periodically I do a Shot of Blues post. What about, I sez to myself, a shot of Soul? This is that good old fashioned stuff you don’t hear anymore. Or maybe I’m just not clued in … Wikipedia: … Continue reading Soul Time
I found a station on SiriusXM called Soul Town and it was a welcome break from my usual rock/blues/jazz fixation. One thing led to another and I eventually heard these guys. And I said, oh yeah. Long overdue for a post. I’ll provide a little … Continue reading A Six-Pack of Earth, Wind & Fire – Yow!
Music Enthusiast - At the junction of rock, blues, R&B, jazz, pop,and soul 