KGMJ - JUNE 30, 2013

Hey Folks! I know it’s been over a month since I last posted here.  Been busy with many projects so let’s get on with the latest report!

A TRIBUTE TO MOTOWN LEGEND BARRETT STRONG - CUTTING ROOM, NYC (6/22/13)

Legendary composer/singer BARRETT STRONG was honored with a benefit concert that took place here in the Big Apple on Saturday, June 22nd at the Cutting Room. Produced by Motor City rock/blues siren (and Barrett’s protegee) Eliza Neals and emceed by yours truly, performers such as The Fellas, Judd Harris, Danni Gee, Julien, Lizz Kristi, Steven Feifke, Sal Carolei, Tyrone Smith, Jent La Palm, Michael Galante, Shane Visbal, Debra Devi, Paul Orbel, Chris Ams along with Drew Schultz’s Funk Machine and Ms. Neals gave a rousing show highlighting Barrett’s soul classics (“Money - That’s What I Want”, “Papa Was A Rolling Stone”, “Ball Of Confusion”, “Just My Imagination - Running Away With Me”, “I Wish It Would Rain”, “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”).  An audience Q&A took place as well as an award presentation from the R&B Music Hall of Fame Museum, which inducted Barrett this year.  

The show was a near-sell out with all proceeds going towards Barrett’s medical concerns.  A great night that honored a great man of music!

BROOKLYN (NY) CONCERT SERIES

What do GLADYS KNIGHT, TONI BRAXTON, BABYFACE, CHICAGO, HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS, CHEAP TRICK, THE O’JAYS, THE GO-GO’S, TOM TOM CLUB, CHEAP TRICK, SMOKEY ROBINSON, BIG DADDY KANE, RAKIM, MIGHTY SPARROW and MARVIN SAPP all have in common? They’ll be in Brooklyn NY in July and August as part of the BROOKLYN CONCERT SERIES, being held this summer!  Two locations will hold these events - Coney Island and Wingate Field.  And guess what - the shows are FREE!!! Check out the flyer and log onto http://www.brooklynconcerts.com/ for more information as well as directions to the venues. If there’s one place you gotta be in NYC, it’s Brooklyn, baby!!

RAJDULARI AT THE IRIDIUM, SATURDAY JULY 27TH, NYC.

Singer, songwriter and proud-as-hell “curvy girl” RAJDULARI will bring her brand of contemporary R&B/soul and jazz to the Iridium near Times Square in NYC on Saturday, July 27th.  Born in Michigan and raised in Boston, Rajdulari cut one independent release in 2011 (“HoneyWine”) and is working on a new album, “Journey Of A Woman”,  Her latest single, “Natural”, has earned over 4,500 spins on You Tube and is available for download purchase via iTunes.  In addition to earning awards in the area of soul and jazz in her hometown and New England area, Rajdulari is also a successful plus-size model for fashion magazines and runway work.  She’ll be doing two shows at the Iridium on Saturday night (8pm and 10pm) so click the link and make your reservations soon (http://theiridium.com/events/1853/rajdulari/).   Meantime, take a look and listen to her single, “Natural”.

A SOULFUL CONVERSATION WITH MARVIN SMITH OF THE ARTISTICS

During the golden era of Chicago soul (mid-1960s to late 1970s), very few acts from the Windy City had the type of career that MARVIN SMITH had enjoyed. He and THE ARTISTICS cut many solid sides for the Okeh and Brunswick labels such as “This Heart Of Mine” and “I’m Gonna Miss You”. As the latter tune hit the Top Ten of the R&B charts in 1966, Marvin recorded his first solo side, “Time Stopped” -which earned him a guest shot on American Bandstand.  He joins us for this SOULFUL CONVERSATION about his work with the Artistics, producer Carl Davis, the great Curtis Mayfield as well as the solo tunes he has available today.

http://www.mixcloud.com/musicmankevin/a-soulful-conversation-with-marvin-smith-of-the-artistics/

A SOULFUL CONVERSATION WITH AL GORGONI

In 1958, AL GORGONI was hired to produce and play guitar on demos for the Aldon Music Publishing Company, which was co-owned by Don Kirshner and Al Nevins.  He went on to become a top-notch session guitarist, contractor, arranger, composer and producer - working with giants such as Carole King, Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, Cissy Houston and the Sweet Inspirations, Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, B.J. Thomas, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Chip Taylor.  He’s in the process of producing a documentary based on his career and the period of time known to many as The Brill Building Era.  Al took a break from his work to join us for this SOULFUL CONVERSATION about his career, which gives us an inside look at how many great rock & roll classics were created.
http://www.mixcloud.com/musicmankevin/a-soulful-conversation-with-al-gorgoni/

THAT’S ALL…FOR NOW!!!

Tune in next time when I’ll have even more music biz news, info and SOULFUL CONVERSATIONS. Take care, be well and thanks so much for reading!!

KGMJ - MAY 28, 2013

Hey folks! Thanks for checking out this new edition of the KGMJ as we roll from spring into summer. Can’t believe this year has gone by so quick so far!  We’ve got three great audio interviews posted here with Harry Elston from the Friends of Distinction, singer Beverly Bremers and producer/arranger/Chicago soul legend Willie Henderson.  But first, we remember this music great who has left us recently….

TRIBUTE TO A STAIRSTEP - CLARENCE BURKE, JR.

Saturday, May 25th should have been a joyous day for this soul/pop legend who turned 64 years old that day.  Sadly, the following morning, word came from his younger brother, Keni Burke, that this great music man had passed away.

CLARENCE BURKE, JR. of the Five Stairsteps, died on Sunday, May 26th. He was the group’s chief songwriter, lead vocalist and guitarist during their reign on the soul and pop charts.  

While millions of fans remember the Stairsteps for the classic, “Ooh-Child”, their Top 10 platinum pop smash from 1970, what gets obscured by the mainstream media is the songwriting and production prowess of big brother, Clarence, Jr.  For those who have already read and know about his great gifts, forgive the didactic “history lesson” that’s about to take place.

The second oldest of the Burke family from Chicago, Illinois, Clarence, Jr. showed his skills quite early on.  With his school chum Greg Fowler, Clarence penned several tunes that became big R&B hits for the Five Stairsteps between 1966 and 1968.  “World Of Fantasy”, “Come Back”, “You Don’t Love Me”, “You Waited Too Long”, “The Girl I Love” and the moody favorite, “Danger! She’s A Stranger”.  What made these songs so intriguing is that Clarence’s and Greg’s writing reflected a maturity that was not common in many teen-oriented tunes of that time.  Their approach to love and romance with its ups and downs went beyond the “ooh-baby-I-love-you” theme to discuss things such as taking a chance with someone you may not know (“Danger! She’s A Stranger”) to the pull-no-punches “You Don’t Love Me”.   Mind you, Clarence had composed these gems before he graduated from the prestigious Harlan High School in the Windy City.


In regards to Clarence’s vocal delivery, check out the clip of the Stairsteps on Dick Clark’s “Where The Action Is” from the summer of 1966 (where they performed their hits while rocking on a pontoon near a lake).  Yeah, they were lip-syncing but forget that for a minute and see how Clarence delivers his performance.  Talk about smooth! He was definitely channeling the greats while expressing himself in song.  Think Jerry Butler, Smokey Robinson and Sam Cooke all rolled up into one.

Finally, there was Clarence, Jr. the producer. The group’s underrated (and criminally unreissued) 1977 album, “2nd Resurrection” wasn’t the first time he was behind the studio console manning the boards. Clarence did that back in 1968 for the Stairsteps’ second album, “Our Family Portrait” (released on Buddah Records).  He worked closely with veteran arranger Johnny Pate as well as the family patriarch, Clarence, Sr. (a/k/a “Papa Stairstep”), to create a great record.  “Our Family Portrait” was indeed the shape of things to come from Clarence, Aloha, Dennis, James and Kenneth (“Keni”). The guidance he received from Pate, Papa and the late Curtis Mayfield served Clarence well when he went on to produce “2nd Resurrection” as well as the recordings with the Invisible Man’s Band (which, fortunately, are available on CD and for download).

For those who haven’t heard of these works from the mid-late 1960‘s, I highly suggest you pick up the CD collection, “The First Family Of Soul - The Best Of The Five Stairsteps”, that was issued via BMG/Buddha Records over ten years ago.  Another one is “The Complete Curtis Mayfield Years” from the folks at Outta Sight Records, which covers the Stairsteps’ debut album on the Windy C label as well as 1969’s release, “Love’s Happening” (first released on Curtom Records). Songs from “Our Family Portrait” (“Something’s Missing”, “A Million To One”, “Under The Spell Of Your Love”) can be found on various compilations and iTunes.

Here’s the clip of the Stairsteps performing “World Of Fantasy” from 1966.  Farewell, Clarence - and thank you for the music. 

IN THE GROOVE WITH KEVIN GOINS

A couple of weeks ago, I launched a new Internet radio program devoted to R&B, jazz, soul, pop, dance and Latin sounds for “grown folks” called IN THE GROOVE.  How best to describe it? Simple - music that’s not too fast or slow, just down the middle and all good!  The show is available via Mixcloud and it will be a bi-weekly program.  Check out this recent IN THE GROOVE where I paid tribute to Clarence Burke, Jr., the Five Stairsteps as well as other great acts that I call the groups of “teen soul." Click the link and enjoy! http://www.mixcloud.com/musicmankevin/in-the-groove-tribute-to-clarence-burke-jr5-stairstepsteen-soul/

A SOULFUL CONVERSATION WITH HARRY ELSTON (FRIENDS OF DISTINCTION)

Forty-five years ago, Harry Elston, Jessica Cleaves, Barbara Love and the late Floyd Butler formed one of pop/soul’s enduring vocal groups of the era - the Friends of Distinction.  From the get-go, they scored a hit with their classic version of “Grazing In The Grass” (a #1 pop/soul instrumental for Hugh Masekela).  Other smashes followed - “Going In Circles”, “Love Or Let Me Be Lonely”, “Time Waits For No One” - as well as great album cuts such as “I Really Hope You Do” (Grazin’) and “Lady Mae” (Real Friends).  Actor Will Ferrell included the Friends’ “Grazing In The Grass” in the 2004 hit movie, “Anchorman - The Legend Of Ron Burgundy” and the tune makes another appearance in the trailer for the upcoming “Anchorman 2”.  Harry joined us for this SOULFUL CONVERSATION about the group’s career and successes. http://www.mixcloud.com/musicmankevin/a-soulful-conversation-with-harry-elston-friends-of-distinction/

THE KGMJ REPORT - POP TALK WITH BEVERLY BREMERS

In 1971,while starring in the Broadway smash musical, "The Me Nobody Knows," BEVERLY BREMERS scored a Top 20 hit with “Don’t Say You Don’t Remember”, a tune that was reminiscent of the girl-group sound from the early 1960’S.  While she did score two more smashes after “Remember” hit, Beverly was signed to Scepter/Wand Records, which had just lost two hit makers - Dionne Warwick and B.J. Thomas - to major labels and the company was on the verge of closing their doors for good.  From there, Beverly went to Columbia Records with little to no success but was able to create a new career doing voice-overs and composing.  She hit pay dirt when the music she wrote for Disney’s “Mousercise” album helped the record sell over a million copies.  We caught up with Beverly at her home in L.A. for a POP TALK to discuss her work.
http://www.mixcloud.com/musicmankevin/kevin-goins-music-report-beverly-bremers/


A SOULFUL CONVERSATION WITH WILLIE HENDERSON

Producer/arranger/session leader/sax man WILLIE HENDERSON joins us for a SOULFUL CONVERSATION about his career and work.  The hits he produced for Tyrone Davis ("Turn Back The Hands Of Time", "Can I Change My Mind"), the many sessions that utilized his talents (too numerous to mention here), the Brunswick/Playboy recordings he made and his near-move to Motown Records (yes, Mr. Henderson came mighty close to joining the Sound of Young America in the early 1960’S!) - all covered in one great interview.  Tune in and enjoy!  http://www.mixcloud.com/musicmankevin/a-soulful-conversation-with-willie-henderson/

FINALLY…
One year ago this month (May), I made my transition back to New York City after living in the Northwest Wisconsin/Minnesota area for several years.  It was a move that was needed and not at all regretted.  After some bumps in the road (many moves before settling here in Brooklyn, health issues and a witch of storm named Sandy), things have definitely been on the upswing.  I’d like to thank you all for bearing with me as I finally settled into a groove that is working well. Here’s to the rest of 2013 and tune in next month for another edition of the KGMJ!

KGMJ - MAY 21, 2013

Hey folks! Thanks for stopping by this edition of the KGMJ.  Lots to talk about this time around including two new SOULFUL CONVERSATIONS, so let’s get right to it!

ZONGO JUNCTION

This Brooklyn-based band calls their music Afro-Beat.  I say they combine the best of the J.B.‘S, Santana and Tower of Power .  Funky rhythms, cool organ riffs and thunderous percussion anchor a killer six piece horn section and as well as two guitarists.  In other words, their sound is BIG, LOUD and ALL GOOD!!  Zongo Junction just wrapped up a three-week gig at NYC’S Bowery Electric so be sure to check them out when they come to your area.  In the meantime, click the link and enjoy their performance of “TUNNELBAR”.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5NwTmZWOA8

SOULTRACKS’ 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT DROM-NYC (5/25/13)

Ten years ago, Detroit-based venture capitalist Chris Rizik launched a website- SoulTracks.com - devoted to soul and R&B.  It was a passion and a labor of love that within the next few years grew into one of top sites to read and hear about soul music from all corners of the spectrum - classic, contemporary, domestic, international, released by major labels and independent companies.  On Saturday, May 25th, the good folks behind Soul Factory Presents at DROM-NYC in lower Manhattan will pay tribute to SoulTracks.com with performances by the legendary Force MD’S as well as Angela Johnson and Russell Taylor. Check out the flyer for info regarding reservations and click the link to view the SoulTracks site! http://www.soultracks.com/

A SOULFUL CONVERSATION WITH RAHIEM OF THE FURIOUS FIVE

Over 30 years ago, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five brought us hits such as “The Message” and “White Lines”, among others.  The group became the first rap/hip-hop act to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame along with their classic, “The Message”, being entered into the Registry of the Library of Congress as being one of the influential musical pieces that impacted American society.  I caught up with RAHIEM of the Furious Five recently for this SOULFUL CONVERSATION http://www.mixcloud.com/musicmankevin/a-soulful-conversation-with-rahiem-of-the-furious-five/

A SOULFUL CONVERSATION WITH B.G. RHULE

On December 7, 1964, singer Sam Cooke was shot and killed in a Los Angeles area hotel.  It was documented that he was killed in self-defense by the manager of the establishment but through the years many have suspected foul play.  

Author B.G. Rhule has revealed in her latest book, “One More River To Cross - The Redemption of Sam Cooke”, that the music legend’s death was indeed the result of circumstances that point to a certain insider within Mr. Cooke’s camp - a person that was very close to seeing dismissal from their employ.  Never before seen autopsy reports and photos in the book show that Sam was brutally beaten with blows that indicate more than just being hit with a broom by the hotel proprietor.  Check out this SOULFUL CONVERSATION with Ms. Rhule and hear for yourself.  http://www.mixcloud.com/musicmankevin/a-soulful-conversation-with-author-bg-rhule/

MEMORIAL SERVICE HONORING THE LATE DR. DONALD BYRD, NYC (5/7/13)

Musicians, colleagues, loved ones and fans paid tribute to the departed jazz horn legend/educator/leader on May 7th at Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church.  It was a night of excellent music and remembrances from Donald Byrd III, Herbie Hancock, Nat Adderley, Jr., Najee, Bobbi Humphrey, Kevin Toney of the Blackbyrds, Johnny Kemp, Don Mizell, Wallace Roney, Cyrus Chestnut, Maurice Brown, Poogie Bell, Jeremy McDonald, Jimmy Owens, Doc Gibbs, Clifford Adams, Keith Robinson, the Koka Strings Ensemble, Onaje Allan Gumbs, members of the Abyssinian Church Choir, the Reverend Calvin Butts III and the man who organized the whole event, keyboardist/composer Alex Bugnon.  Enjoy the pics!

Herbie Hancock

Bobbi Humphrey

Alex Bugnon

Abyssinian Choir (Johnny Kemp, top row - third from right)

Herbie and Alex

Cyrus Chestnut blowin' his horn

Record label executive Don Mizell, whose late brothers (Larry & Fonce) collaborated with Donald Byrd.

Musicians performing "Places & Spaces"

Najee on the flute

Najee, Bobbi with Jimmy Owens on flugelhorn

The Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts III, pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church

Wallace Roney on trumpet w/Alex 

Wallace, Bobbi, Najee, Jimmy and company

NEXT TIME…..

Look out for the next KGMJ as we kick off the summer featuring a SOULFUL CONVERSATION with Harry Elston, founder of the Friends of Distinction, as well as a KGMJ INTERVIEW with singer/songwriter Beverly Bremers (“Don’t Say You Don’t Remember”) - two best examples of sunshine soul and pop! Until then, share any feedback you have in the comments area below or stop by my Facebook page.  You can even drop me an email to kevingoins@juno.com. Take care, thanks for reading and listening!

KGMJ - APRIL 27, 2013

Hey there! Thanks for checking out this latest edition of the KGMJ! Lots of stuff happening now that spring is in full bloom. Concerts, club gigs, music series - you name it! Before we dive into the posting, I just want to thank all of those who have read the KGMJ and posted your feedback via Facebook, Twitter, emails and phone calls. Greatly appreciate any and all input!

CLAUDETTE ROBINSON (THE MIRACLES)

First of all, I must thank my dear friend and comrade Dillon Fred Gorman for making this happen (his late father, Freddie Gorman, was the man who brought us classics such as “Please Mr. Postman”, “Just Like Romeo & Juliet” and co-founded the Originals of “Baby I’m For Real”/”The Bells”). As many of you know, MOTOWN - THE MUSICAL is running on Broadway here in NYC and has been packing in the house at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater. Prior to its official launch, many Motown folks (correction - a LOT of Motown folks!) were here for the previews so when Dillon called me up so we could meet and catch up, I took the offer (BTW - I haven’t seen the show yet and I’ve heard great things so far about the musical). I walked into Valerie Simpson’s Sugah Bar Restaurant where I saw Dillon, his mother, many of Mr. Gordy’s executives from back in the day, Montez Payton (the son of the Four Tops’ co-founder, the late Lawrence Payton) and THIS legend was at the table! 

Claudette Rogers Robinson co-founded the Miracles in 1957 with Warren “Pete” Moore, Bobby Rogers, Ronnie White, guitarist Marv Tauplin and then-husband Smokey Robinson. Mrs. Robinson recorded and toured with the group until 1965, when she left the road to have a family with Smokey (she still sang on the their recording sessions). After children Berry and Tamla was born, Claudette raised the kids while Smokey embarked on a solo career when he wasn’t at the Motown office (he was the label’s corporate vice-president). Smokey and Claudette were husband and wife until 1987, when the two divorced.

What can be said about Mrs. Robinson? (Pictured here with Smokey, Pete, Bobby and Ronnie in 1971). First of all, she has a great set of pipes as evidenced by the recordings she made with the Miracles. In fact, there are many sides that feature Claudette on lead vocals. Second, she is absolutely stunning! A radiant smile with a warm personality to match. Claudette has seen her share of the good, bad and otherwise in the music biz and I hope that someday she will write a book about her life’s work.


As many of you know, I’ve been a Motown fan ever since I can remember thanks to my elder siblings (they had the records!). To finally meet a legend such as Claudette Robinson was indeed an honor and a privilege. A moment that will always be treasured.

Thanks again to Ms. Claudette Robinson, Dillon Fred Gorman (left) Montez Payton (right), Mrs. Gorman and the many folks there who made this moment a night to remember. Check out Claudette taking lead on this rare Miracles single released on the Tamla label in 1960, "After All" (Video that accompanied this tune assembled by fellow Soulful Detroit Forum colleague, Shelly "SoleMann" King.  Color photos courtesy of Dillon Fred Gorman.  Black and white photo courtesy of Johnson Publications).

SESSIONS @ STUDIO 58 TV

Launched by music entrepreneur Elliott James, this Sunday night series of live, acoustic soul/R&B shows in the Brick City (uh, Newark NJ, that is!) have brought the best performances from today’s great independent acts. So far, artists such as Angela Johnson, Elijah Bland and Grammy Award winner Gordon Chambers have graced the Sessions @ Studio 58 TV stage. The performances are streamed live on the Internet with video clips posted after the shows. We caught up with series founder/producer Elliott James to discuss Sessions @ Studio 58 TV, the artists who appeared and those will be there in the future. Click the link and check out this SOULFUL CONVERSATION with Elliott!
http://www.mixcloud.com/musicmankevin/a-soulful-conversation-with-elliott-james-sessions-studio-58-tv/
　

A SOULFUL CONVERSATION WITH BRUCE HAWES

Composer, arranger, producer, engineer. These are just a few of the many hats worn by the great Bruce Hawes. Based in Philadelphia for several years until he relocated to Florida, Bruce co-wrote many hits such as the Spinners’ classics “Sadie” and “Games People Play (They Just Can’t Stop It)”. Bruce learned from the best - his music teachers in school - and worked with music’s finest (Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, Thom Bell). He’s also worked alongside artists such as the late jazz violinist, Noel Pointer. Currently, Bruce is putting the finishing touches on his autobiography that will also serve as a great how-to book on how to succeed in this business of music. Click the link and enjoy our SOULFUL CONVERSATION with Mr. Hawes!
http://www.mixcloud.com/musicmankevin/a-soulful-conversation-with-bruce-hawes/


A SOULFUL CONVERSATION WITH WAYNE JACKSON (THE MEMPHIS HORNS)

Fifty-two years ago, a teenage Wayne Jackson co-wrote and blew his funky horn with the Mar-Keys on the Top 5 pop/soul smash, “Last Night”. From there, the adventure began for this legend - cutting tracks as a session man and Mar-Keys member for Stax Records, working alongside legends from Otis Redding to Sam & Dave, touring Europe and then the Monterey Pop Festival, forming the Memphis Horns with sax great Andrew Love, jetting between Memphis and other major cities for gigs, goin’ Country in Nashville with Marty Robbins, leading the horn section on Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” all the way to earning the Lifetime Achievement Grammy with his lifelong friend Mr. Love (pictured here, circa 1968).

Mr. Jackson has a three-volume set of memoirs (In My Wildest Dreams - Take 1, 2 & 3) that he and his wife Amy have published (and yes, his story DOES warrant three books!!). We caught up with Wayne recently for this SOULFUL CONVERSATION (click the link and enjoy!)
http://www.mixcloud.com/musicmankevin/a-soulful-conversation-with-wayne-jackson-memphis-horns/

SPRING INTO REISSUES!

Here are two new CD reissues now available, each with liner notes penned by yours truly.

FREDA PAYNE "SUPERNATURAL HIGH", released in 1978, was the sophomore Capitol album by the femme fatale who brought us the hit classics "Band Of Gold", "Bring The Boys Home" as well as "Deeper & Deeper".  As she indicated in the interview for the liner notes, Ms. Payne enjoyed cutting this release for it allowed her to venture into rousing disco ("Happy Days Are Here Again/Happy Music"), ballads ("Just The Thought Of You And Me Together - Supernatural High") and R&B/soul - all produced by Skip Scarborough.  The liner notes feature great insights from both Freda and sister Scherrie Payne (who penned "Storybook Romance" for the album and later recorded it with Susaye Greene on Motown). Click the link and check out one of the tunes from this fine album. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3ygcwQds94

G.C. CAMERON “LOVE SONGS AND OTHER TRAGEDIES” was the first ever Motown long-player (released in 1974) from Mr. Cameron after his tenure with the Spinners (“It’s A Shame”) and a bunch of solo singles on the Mowest subsidiary. Chock full of great tunes written and/or produced by Stevie Wonder, Willie Hutch as well as the Muscle Shoals’ production team of Terry Woodford and Clayton Ivey, the album was indeed tailor-made to show off G.C.’s versatility. The liners feature quotes and commentary from interviews with G.C., Terry Woodford, composer/producer Pam Sawyer, Motown engineer Bob Olhsson as well as input from Deke Richards of The Corporation prior to his passing a few weeks ago. The CD contains the original album plus G.C.'s Mowest singles from 1972-74.  Click the link for a taste from the disc. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9ni_umo-c0

These reissues are courtesy of SoulMusic Records - co-owners are the legendary David Nathan (the British Ambassador of Soul from Blues & Soul Magazine fame) and longtime record executive Michael Lewis.

THAT’S ALL FOLKS!

Thanks again for checking out the KGMJ as we enter into the month of May! Look out for more music reports to come (lots of stuff happening soon!) and by all means any feedback is greatly appreciated. Take care and be well!

KGMJ - APRIL 2, 2013

Hey folks! Had to take some time off from the blog so I could handle some other business. Some exciting things happening soon and I will let y’all know as matters are finalized. We lost some mighty big legends in the past few weeks - The Temptations’ Damon Harris and Richard Street, Spinners lead singer Bobbie Smith, producer/engineer extraordinaire Phil Ramone and the following gentleman whom I had the honor of meeting many years ago when I participated in the Soulful Detroit Forum webpage. Read on about him…..

REMEMBERING DEKE RICHARDS

His name should be familiar to anyone who bought a Jackson 5 single or album between 1969 and 1973, among the many achievements he had while at Motown Records. DEKE RICHARDS was the captain of the production team known as The Corporation - four men brought together by label founder Berry Gordy to create songs for the five young brothers from Gary, Indiana. Deke - along with Fonce Mizell, Freddie Perren and Mr. Gordy - hit it out of the music biz ballpark when they scored three consecutive #1 hits for the J-5. “I Want You Back”, “ABC” and “The Love You Save” as well as the Top 10 smashes, “Mama’s Pearl” and “Sugar Daddy”. They also co-authored several album tracks that remain fan favorites - “I Found That Girl”, “Can I See You In The Morning”, “I Will Find A Way”, “She’s Good” and the non-album b-side, “I’m So Happy” (“Sugar Daddy” was the a-side).

Deke Richards - who passed away last week after battling esophageal cancer at the age of 68 - accomplished much while at Motown, besides working with the Jackson 5. Born Dennis Lussier in California, Berry Gordy hired him in 1966 as one of many folks to work at the label’s west coast office (which became the company’s headquarters in 1972). Yet, Deke wasn’t confined to Los Angeles - when Motown needed to come up with a hit for Diana Ross & the Supremes in 1968, Deke (along with colleague Frank Wilson) flew in to the label’s base of operations in Detroit to participate in a brainstorming session at the Ponchetrain Hotel with R. Dean Taylor, Pam Sawyer and Mr. Gordy himself. A couple of days later, Taylor, Sawyer, Wilson and Richards came up with the demo of “Love Child”. After handing the tape to BG, here’s what happened next, in Deke’s own words (courtesy of the Soulful Detroit Forum)…..

“When I arrived at the mansion. Berry was playing the tape, singing some melodies, etc. He told me he how much he liked the guitar licks and wanted to hear more of them. ‘Well ‘, I said, ‘did you decide on a progression you like the best?’ ‘Let's just play around with them for a bit. Plug in your guitar’, he said. So we went over the different changes, moving things around, etc….We used pretty simple chords, so it was easy for Berry to actually learn the progressions, and play along on the piano. I helped just feeding him the chords verbally, till he was comfortable. When we finally stuck with the composite progression we both seemed to like the best, we gave it a try together. It felt right and the order of the chords went together fine. We sang some melodies back and forth. Then, I played the tape we had made at the Ponchetrain earlier. ‘OK‘, I said, ‘Now see if you like this.‘ When it came to one of the sections we had decided to use, I played more of the 'Duane Eddy-ish' guitar licks at the changes. 'Great‘, he shouted. ‘That's it!‘ Well, THAT did it. (Berry) was definitely hyped up and ready to roll. ‘Call (the writers) and tell them to get over to the hotel RIGHT NOW!’ I got on the phone and passed on the word. I reached Frank in his room. I could hear the TV in the background. I said, ‘You sound like you're kicking back. Well, get your shoes on, It's time to go back to work. I'm here with BG at the mansion. He wants us to meet at the Ponchetrain now. We're going for the kill!’"

And did they ever. “Love Child” became a #1 hit for Diana, Mary and Cindy in 1968.

Deke went on to produce Chris Clark’s second album, “C.C. Rides Again” which was scheduled for release on a “progressive rock” Motown subsidiary, Weed Records (no, this is not a joke!). Then came the formation of The Corporation which spearheaded the successful run for the Jackson 5. In addition, Deke ran the boards for Diana Ross’ sophomore solo disc, ‘Everything Is Everything” (he felt that the label rushed into doing her second album too soon after the first solo release) as well as Sammy Davis Jr.’s sole Motown disc, “Something For Everyone” (which earned a thumbs up from Sammy, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin - long story there!).

If I were to pick a favorite among the many tunes Deke and the Corporation had created, it’s “Maybe Tomorrow” - the title track of the Jackson 5’s fifth Motown album. Released as the follow-up to the smash, “Never Can Say Goodbye”, the song “Maybe Tomorrow” reflected the J-5’s admiration and respect for Philly soul, especially the works of the Delfonics and producer/composer/arranger Thom Bell. Deke admitted to me in a couple of direct conversations that colleague Freddie Perren’s piano licks (especially the intro of “I Want You Back”) were inspired by the keyboard work of Leon Huff. After cutting three tunes from the Delfonics catalogue - “Can You Remember”, “La-La Means I Love You” and “Ready Or Not, Here I Come” - The Corporation created a great song that captured the essence of those classics.

The last time I had spoken with Deke was last August, when I needed quotes for the G.C. Cameron liner notes I authored for the reissue of his album, “Love Songs And Other Tragedies” (The Corporation produced his single, “I’m Gonna Get You”). Although Deke wasn’t feeling well, he did contribute information I needed to complete the writing assignment and said, “I wish we had more time to work with folks such as G.C. Cameron as well as Martha Reeves & the Vandellas (their 1971 single, “Bless You”, was another production by The Corporation). But you know we had five other priorities, and their names were Michael, Marlon, Jermaine, Tito and Jackie!” Even with his illness, Deke’s humor and way with words was shining through.

Deke Richards joined his colleagues Fonce Mizell (left) and Freddie Perren (right) in the land above the clouds. To all of them, thank you for making a hell of a contribution to music. You will never be forgotten.

Click the link and enjoy the Jackson 5's "Maybe Tomorrow", composed and produced by The Corporation, arranged by Gene Page.

SOULFUL CONVERSATIONS

A Detroit recording studio owner/Motown executive, a composer of great lyrics and a jazz pianist beyond compare are the focus of this new round of SOULFUL CONVERSATIONS. Listen and enjoy!

 

RALPH TERRANA

Founder of the Motor City’s Terra-Shirma Studios, RALPH TERRANA shares his recollections of having pop music folks such as the MC5 cut their controversial classic “Kick Out The Jams” and Isaac Hayes’ “Hot Buttered Soul” platinum album at his facility. He went on to become Motown’s Studio Manager in Detroit during the 1970s and produced acts such as The Power Of Zeus as well as the duo Stoney and Meatloaf.  Click the link and enjoy the interview!

http://www.mixcloud.com/musicmankevin/a-soulful-conversation-with-ralph-terrana/

　

VINNIE BARRETT

All you gotta do is mention three songs - “Sideshow”, “Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely” and “Love Won’t Let Me Wait”. Composer/lyricist VINNIE BARRETT talks about her move from our nation’s capitol to the City of Brotherly Love, which resulted in writing hit songs that sold millions of records, many of these tunes she co-authored with the equally great Bobby Eli (pictured here with Vinnie, circa 1975). 

She even hints as to who and what inspired her to pen the lyrics for “Love Won’t Let Me Wait” (hmmmm….). Listen in and enjoy!

http://www.mixcloud.com/musicmankevin/a-soulful-conversation-with-vinnie-barrett/

　
ALEX BUGNON

During the late 1980s and through the 1990s, keyboardist ALEX BUGNON ruled the contemporary jazz scene with his mix of modern sounds and traditional piano work. His albums were best-sellers and he continues to make great music today. Alex’s upcoming album carries on the theme of his recent effort, where he honors the sounds of acoustic jazz that was popular in the 1960s. He also talks about his uncle, the late jazz legend Dr. Donald Byrd, and announces an upcoming tribute to Dr. Byrd that will take place in Harlem within the next few weeks.  Click the link for our conversation.

http://www.mixcloud.com/musicmankevin/a-soulful-conversation-with-alex-bugnon/

　

A FINAL NOTE….

The passing of Deke Richards was yet another reminder for this blogger as to why I do what I do - which is to help music folks get their stories documented and told so that they will always be remembered. At the same time, Deke did just that over ten years ago when he posted his many adventures with The Sound Of Young America. If you want to know more about the works that Deke, Fonce, Freddie, Berry Gordy and others at Motown had created during the time period of 1968 and 1973, click onto the link - http://soulfuldetroit.com/archives/3838/1748.html?1042799727 , page down to where you see his name and read on. There’s a lot of great tidbits and information he shared, enough to write a book, indeed.

Thanks for checking out the blog and I’ll catch up with y’all later!!

Best regards always,

　

Kevin