This song must rate as one of the greatest of all doo-wop songs and what is interesting is that it’s not American and it comes along a good 25 years after doo-wop’s heyday. Some say it’s a pastiche — it’s only a reflection of the times with more “knowing” lyrics. This said, the ground had already…
Larry Blumenfeld reports: During a press conference at last year’s Jazz & Heritage Festival, Mayor Landrieu told me, “There is a way to organize culture without killing it.” Those words are either comforting or alarming, depending upon whom you ask. As David Freedman, the general manager of listener-supported WWOZ-FM (self-proclaimed “Guardians of the Groove”), told…
This from OffBeat — yep, especially sad about the Karnofsky store! It’s hard to believe, but when it comes to landmarks from Louis Armstrong’s childhood and his teen years in New Orleans—the years where he learned to play and he formulated his wisdom, ideas, and the great humanity that drove him for the rest of his…
The very excellent Dave Hoekstra discusses the life and career of late soul legend Curtis Mayfield with his wife Altheida, who shares her memories of the man and the artist, his roots in Chicago, his philosophy towards music, and plans for a celebration observing the 60th anniversary of Mayfield starting his music career. Altheida mayfieldCivil…
A little bit of online filler concerning Curtis. Stevie Chick knows his stuff alright and however contentious these list-type articles inevitably are, if they serve to draw you into the genius that is Mayfield, well and good. I’d have “The Makings of You” and “Give It Up” on the list, two very bitter-sweet and tender songs. Stevie…
Remembering one of the great funk meisters (and of course notorious party boy) — the one and only RJ. Aug. 8, 1969: Because of a hangover, skips a party at Sharon Tate’s house — and avoids being killed by Charles Manson’s followers. 1980: At a dinner party, a guest asks to sketch him on a…
The great and blessed one born on this day JazzLouis ArmstrongmusicpopsSatchmo
This on NPR bluesBuddy GuyEric ClaptonLouisianamuddy watersmusicrhythm and bluesrock ‘n rollRolling Stones
Born on this day and still with us. Garth Hudsonmusicthe band
Prima facie, a fantastic collaboration. Ennio MorriconemusicQuentin TarantinosoundtrackThe Hateful Eight
manwithoutqualities 