R&B Soul Music: A Fan's View
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About this ebook
Lee G. Edwards
Lee G. Edwards is the author of one prior published work, "Too White To Be Black and Too Black To Be White: Living With Albinism". Mr. Edwards was born December 27, 1961 in Tuskegee Alabama. He is one of five children of and the son of Mr. Marvin Metcalf and Mrs. Margaret Metcalf. Mr. Edwards is a 1980 graduate of Dunbar High School in Dayton, Ohio. In 1989 he earned his associates degree in business from Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. From 1976-1989, Mr. Edwards was a member of Phillips Temple C.M.E. church in Dayton, Ohio. In 1990 Mr. Edwards continued his education at the University of Alabama-Birmingham (U.A.B) earning his bachelors degree in Human Resource Management. He is also a member of U.A.B.'s Trio Alumni Association.
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R&B Soul Music - Lee G. Edwards
Copyright © 2005 by Lee G. Edwards.
ISBN: Ebook 978-1-7960-5751-5
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
ALL PHOTOS ARE USED ONLY FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF THIS WORK .. ..NOT FOR PROFIT!!!
Email Lee G. Edwards
L .Edwards2900@gmail.com
Rev. date: 06/29/2019
Xlibris 1-888-795-4274
www.Xlibris.com
572625
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
About the Author
About the Book
Introduction
Chapter I - 1965- ‘69: Soul Music, At A Glance
Chapter II - 1970s: Soul Music By The Years
Chapter III - 1980s: Soul Music By The Years
Chapter IV - 1990s: Soul Music By the Years
The Artist
The Producers.. .Etc.
Chapter V - Black Radio.. .IT’S OUR RADIO DAMNIT!!!
The DJs
R&B and Black Culture!!!
A Message in the Music!!!
Originals vs. Remakes/Covers
Rap/Hip-Hop
Concert Performances & Music Videos
Conclusion
Appendix
Same Title.. .Different Song and/or Artist: My Favorites
Songbirds & Soul Men
Songbirds & Soul Men
References
Acknowledgements
The Hooks Family- Generations, past, present and future. Our family legacy is one that we can be proud of. May my work add to it and that of Black culture.
Atlanta Fulton County Library- To the staff of Global Access and Instructional Learning Center. Thank you for your support and encouragement.
DJ Chuck- It is an honor knowing that you find my work worthy. You have earned your keep as a soul music historian.
DJ Regina P. Wills- Thank you for sharing your soul music with me. I’m glad that you appreciate it as I do.
In Memory of…
Cleophus Cle
Greenwood-Thank you for sharing your knowledge and appreciation of soul music with me. It was not in vain.
About the Author
Lee G. Edwards is the author of Too White To Be Black and Too Black To Be White: Living With Albinism and Sports: A Fan’s View.
R & B/Soul Music played a key role in connecting Mr. Edwards with Black culture and the Black community which he struggled to find his rightful place.
Moreover, Mr. Edwards believed that through the close of 1999 too many Black artist and had not been given their just due and thus he has produced this literary work form a fan’s view.
About the Book
The book is a fan’s view on R&B/soul music. It expresses an appreciation of soul music and the BLACK artist, songwriters, producers, etc. as this R&B/ Soul Music Junkie is forever grateful for their contribution.
It is a tribute to those who gave us so many memories to close the last 35 years of the 20th century, 1965-1999.
Moreover, in celebration of Black history and the Black experience, this is an invitation to the reader to test one’s knowledge about the artist and their music.. ..ENJOY THE JOURNEY!!!
Introduction
This book is a tribute to the last thirty-five years of contemporary R&B/ soul music in the 20th century, the era that I had the privilege of growing up in.
My intent is to show a true soul music fan’s appreciation…There are still fans like myself who do care and are very appreciative as to what Black artist have contributed to Black culture by expressing it through their musical talents.
As I struggled to find my place within the Black community, soul music was a great inspiration and comfort to me. I will never be able to express my gratitude to Black artist but writing this book is a start.
I can’t emphasize enough what the music written, produced and performed over the last four decades of the millennium has meant to me.
After years of listening to both live and studio music, I am taking this opportunity to show my appreciation and critique an intricate part of black culture.
This is my way of saying thank you to the hundreds of Black artist and songwriters who have contributed to such a remarkable and incomparable entity.
This book also serves as an educational medium for black history. There are so many Blacks especially young Blacks who are not aware that so many songs that are being played as new
music are remakes, and it seems that so many DJs are not aware or do not give a damn and thus original artists are not being recognized. Therefore, I invite the reader to take a lesson in black history as I show my appreciation and gratitude to those artists and writers for making soul music something that is in a class by itself. L.Edwards2900@yahoo.com
Chapter I
1965- ‘69: Soul Music, At A Glance
10139.pngI was too young to realize that I was being exposed to one of the great art forms associated with Black history and Black culture—R&B/soul music. Initially, listening to the radio and records was for entertainment only.. .but that would change.
The foundation that had already been cut in stone was only going to be solidified as the ‘60s came to a close.
The recordings that I remember before I was seven years of age are very few such as Knock on Wood
by Eddie Floyd and It Tears Me Up
by Percy Sledge but the best was yet to come. Knock On Wood
was one of the first singles to grow on me. The more it was played, the more I liked it.
In the mid ‘60s as I was growing up I recall sitting at the kitchen table as my mother was serving my siblings and me dinner. The radio was playing R&B/Soul music. At that time I did not realize how significant and what a big part of my life R&B would become. The countless times my two older sisters played records will always stay in my mind; from James to Aretha oh how sweet the music.
James Brown’s Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud
was more than just words, it was and still is an anthem for African- Americans. It instilled
a sense of pride and power. It expresses a way of life, it gave Blacks a sense of hope as we struggled and fought for our civil rights in a white man’s world.
Aretha Franklin-the QUEEN OF SOUL- not only asked for but demanded Respect
and it gave Black females an anthem of their own
*1965… My Favorites
7077.png1966. My Favorites
7085.png1967. My Favorites
7096.png1968…All things considered it was a normal year within my household. My only complaint at the time is that my mother brought home a new baby girl instead of a boy. That took place in June of ‘68. However, for Black America and Americans things would change forever. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
In recent years I’ve pondered as to why Dr. King’s death was not a topic of discussion within my household or the neighborhood for that matter. Perhaps it was due to our parents trying make life normal through such a traumatic event.
The one thing that was normal and consistent was the enjoyment of listening to music by Black artist.
To maintain continuity, songs listed as My favorites from 1968-’99 are based on the year that they charted per radio weekly countdowns and Jet Magazine as these where the primary medium that I had access to.
Songs that were not released as singles are listed based on year of albums release.
1968.. .My Favorites
7103.png1969.. .The Black Power movement was in full bloom. The Civil Rights movement was still holding its own. Saying: I’m black and I’m proud
was something that I could relate to even as a seven year old. My brother and I were two of only three Blacks in the school we attended. My love for soul music continued to grow as it enabled me to identify with, and appreciate the black culture even more.
The soul music industry would open its doors and welcome what would be the most celebrated family of musicians ever in the Jackson 5. Their loyal fan base would grow fast. To get an idea of how fast, I needed to look no farther than to observe how my older sisters Sabrina and Peggy would embrace their music. The Jackson 5 were bigger than life. Furthermore, my peer group would now have artist that we could identify with. Now soul music was for all ages.
1969…My Favorites
7110.pngChapter II
1970s: Soul Music By The Years
10926.pngThe Decade
Soul music was improving in quality and sound. There were numerous artist that one could choose to listen to. The concert performances were bigger than life.
Soul music would stand the test of time. White musicians would attempt
to get that soulful sound in an effort to blend with our culture or better yet, TRY AND STEAL IT!!!…contaminating soul music with disco etc. However, there would be no substitute for the Black voice. I understood the importance of it all. The controversy surrounding "Wicked’ Wilson Pickett and Tom Jones, who is White, was enough to make my blood boil. I did not appreciate Jones trying to imitate Wilson Pickett and/or sound Black I was insulted to the highest degree.
It can be argued that 1970 had the greatest introduction of R&B/music in the last thirty years of the 20th century. Leading the way was a group of young men who called themselves the Jackson 5 burst on the scene. Their first three singles went to number one (Cdnow.com).
I only needed to observe my two oldest sisters love for J5’s music. Their impact on young teens was phenomenal. My sisters were in line to buy albums and singles that were produced or rumored to be released. The J5 was number one in fan appeal almost exclusively.. .there was nothing like it.
I became more familiar with the music of the Four Tops. While they still had a loyal fan base with Ain’t No Woman Like The One I Got
, but from my view nothing compared to their ‘60s powerhouse hit ‘Reach Out, I’ll Be There."
There were still more talent and more music to enjoy. The Ebonys, The Soul Children, The Dells, and of course The Dramatics. Before long would be two groups staking claim to the name Dramatics. Thus, The Dramatics and Ron Banks & The Dramatics.
Being able to see black talent perform on television made the ‘70s even sweeter. The TV show Soul Train hosted by Don Cornelius became a must see venue that showcased Black talent. Don Cornelius is an icon to whom soul music fans will forever be in debt to. He showcased black talent like never before. Soul Train and American Bandstand had my eyes glued to the TV every Saturday. I’ll never forget anticipating the performance of Sylvia (Robinson) as she would sing her hit Pillow Talk.
The Midnight Special would be another show that featured Black talent but not as main featured acts. It was not Soul Train by any means but my sibling and I were glad to see the few Black artists perform. If we had to suffer’ through listening to the country music or watch the clock in anticipation of Black performers, we did not care. We wanted to see
our people.. .
our entertainment."
By the mid ‘70s Earth, Wind & Fire would have the greatest three year run in soul music history, 1975-’77. They produced four fabulous albums:
That’s The Way of The World,
(1975) Gratitude
(1975)
Spirit,
(1976) and All ‘N All
(1977)
1976 would have at the least been a respectable year for male solo artist but, Stevie Wonder Songs in The Key of Life
album, Johnny Taylor’s Disco Lady,
Michael Henderson’s You Are My Starship,
and Marvin Gaye’s I Want You
alone made it phenomenal.
Female solo artist and groups continued to prove themselves as the decade unfolded. More often than not they did prove that they belonged as Betty Wright, and The Honey Cone and The Supremes-post Diana Ross- earned their keep.
By the Mid ‘70s the sweethearts of soul music³AThe Supremes³Agave way to The Emotions, The Three Degrees, The Jones Girls and Sister Sledge. The soul music vault was safe despite the changing of the guard.
I did not realize how important the movie industry was to soul music until recent years. I thought about the scores that artist wrote, produced and/or performed for hit movies such as Shaft,
Superfly,
The Mack,
and Claudine
to name a few.
The message of more power for the people was in the music: The Ojay’s, Chi-lites, and Isley Brothers did the honors.
1971….Give More Power To The People
1975…Give the People What They Want
1975..Fight The Power
The radio stations were just as important as the music. I had the privilege of having access to three R&B stations while living in Alabama compared to the lone one in Dayton, Ohio when I resided there.
By the close of the decade, not even a psychic could have predicted such incredible success for the soul music industry.
10933.png1970…It was the beginning of a decade that would take on its own personality and it would do so with an attitude courtesy of soul music.
Soul music had been dominated by adult musicians but that would change as the Jackson 5 would earn their share of fan appeal. Five of their records released during the year would chart on Jet’s Soul Brother’s Top 20. Their eventual impact meant that music was not just for adults, but also for the next generation.
Despite the presence of the upstarts from Indiana, The Godfather of Soul, James Brown and The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin would still maintain their claim to fame.
As a listener to soul music I was still being introduced to some of the sounds that closed out the ‘60s such as Reach Out I’ll Be There
by the Four Tops. Even as a youngster I was convinced that it could not get any better than that for them. It was definitely one for the ages. The only thing that would have made it better would be an improvement in the quality of sound i.e. that stereo sound that would belong to the ‘70s.
A goddess by the name of Freda Payne produced a voice wrapped in a band of gold…Band of Gold
was the perfect song for her. The melody flows so smoothly and brings out the best of her vocal ability. It only took my brother and me one listen to be hooked on the song. To put the icing on the cake we were both intrigued by her beauty.
Artists from the ‘60s would be put to the test to see if they could change with the times. The Temptations passed with flying colors with Ball of Confusion
and Psychedelic Shack.
They adjusted very well thank you!!!
A new decade meant new challenges as was the case with King Floyd. He broke all of the rules as he went beyond singing about being in love. He went as far as focusing on making love with Groove Me.
As I look back I find it hard to believe that my teachers would let some of my fourth grade classmates sing the song.
I admired how my sisters collected every album and 45 records that the Jackson 5 released. They had a true love and appreciation for soul music and rightfully so. In no time at all their interest became, I began listening to the J5 as much as they did if not more. From I Want You Back,
The Love You Save to
ABC." When their cartoon series came on the air, it was a Saturday morning event for me as long as the show lasted.
Stevie Wonder’s Heaven Help Us All
was the first record by him that caught my attention. I would listen to the radio anticipating it being played. It was a song that we needed to hear then and forever more.
The success of The Jackson 5 would not come without competition and comparison. The Osmonds, the great white hope
from Utah, were tabbed to unseat the stars from Indiana. ..it would not happen. I highly commend the A African American community for standing by the J5. Their fan base was awesome and you can believe I was a part of it.
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles had my ears open with Tears of A Clown
had my ears open. I was crazy about the song. My sister, Peggy, bought the single and she had to remind me over and over that it was not mine. This was an indication that I had fallen in love with soul music for the rest of my life and I wanted to have my own record collection.
Artist did not lose sight of how powerful and special a medium R&B soul music was to address political and social issues that impacted Black America.
Mr. Edwin Starr took advantage by sending a message to the powers that be in addition to getting the attention of Black Americans with War.
His lyrics asked the question: War! What is it good for? Absolutely Nothing!!!"
Being able to close the year with a memory maker is icing on the cake. Gladys Knight & The Pips did so with If I Were Your Woman.
And as the lyrics suggest, I’m sure they would agree with me stating that: IT’S LIKE A DIAMOND (SHINE) NEVER TREAT IT LIKE GLASS.
DITTO FOR R&B/SOUL MUSIC!!!
1970… My Favorites
7494.png7502.png7510.png1971 …By now the ’70S sound was in full force as the music that carried over from 1969 was replaced by new music and for the most part new talent. However, Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul
served notice that she still held serve as she put the soul into Simon & Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Trouble Waters.
It was the classic example of giving a song a face lift. You talk about hearing a record every hour of on the hour. That was the case.
I can honestly say that artists put their hearts into a song and I was almost willing to bet that they were actually singing about what they had been or were experiencing. Frederick Knight had me convinced that he was lonely for so long.
…Itfeels like rain drops over my head, everybody’s throwin’ rocks in my bed. Just can’t seem to get ahead in life, nothin’ I do ever turns out right. Won’t somebody help me please? ‘Cause I’ve been lonely for so long.
Yes, I know what it’s like to be lonely, to have your friends turn you back on you, yes, I’ve been lonely.
From my view, the song became more humorous than sad.
Ms. Freda Payne had captured my heart and the hearts of many with her beauty and talent. However, she proved that she was a strong sista as she sent a political message to the powers that