As most long-time music fans know, early rock and roll was filled with examples of cutting-edge music being reissued in less 'threatening' versions, the intent being to make them accessible to a wider audience. Even though there were sometimes other factors, the key component in the process was usually the race of the performers. One … Continue reading Sh-Boomin’ Up The Charts
Tag: R&B
In Search Of Tweedle Dee
Taking into account the recent success of the 3D remake of Alice In Wonderland, most would assume that the title of this piece refers to the roly-poly twins -- Tweedledee and Tweedledum -- who were featured in that story. But we're mostly about music here, and my focus is actually on a silly but memorable … Continue reading In Search Of Tweedle Dee
The Musical Side Of Orlon
Recently I ran across a picture of myself as a teenager (so it had to be an old one, right?) and noticed that I was wearing what I seem to remember was one of my favorite sweaters. Keeping in mind that my memory is often uncharted territory, I think that it was Orlon and I … Continue reading The Musical Side Of Orlon
Keeping Up With The Tymes
Sorry about the title of this piece, but I couldn't resist. For those who might have forgotten, the Philly-based R&B group known as the Tymes made a big splash in the early 1960s, hitting the top of the charts with "So Much In Love." Original members Donald Banks, Albert Berry, Norman Burnett, and George Hilliard … Continue reading Keeping Up With The Tymes
Jimmy Ruffin’s Turning Point
A familiar name in the history of R&B music is that of the Temptations, a singing group with many years of success and countless adoring fans. But what you might not know is the story of Jimmy Ruffin, who turned down a chance to sing in the group and instead recommended his little brother, but … Continue reading Jimmy Ruffin’s Turning Point
Minnie Riperton – A Voice Stilled Too Early
I've written many times about musical performers who died before they could enjoy the kind of long career that their talent deserved. In a lot of cases their own self-destructive behavior led to a tragic end, but some were brought down by fate. The incredible voice of Minnie Riperton was stilled at just age 31 … Continue reading Minnie Riperton – A Voice Stilled Too Early
Workin’ Hard – The Delta Rhythm Boys
To paraphrase one of James Brown's best-known descriptions, you could make a good case that the Delta Rhythm Boys were 'the hardest working close-rhythm singing group in show business'. Of course, there have been many combos that could make the same claim, but it would be difficult to top the longevity, versatility, and wide range … Continue reading Workin’ Hard – The Delta Rhythm Boys
The Tragedy Of Little Willie John
Tragic stories have always been a part of music history, and have played out in almost as many varieties as there are performers who've lived them. But one of the most most poignant types of tragedies is when a performer throws away his opportunity, and that would be the case with R&B pioneer Little Willie … Continue reading The Tragedy Of Little Willie John
Reconsidering Roy Head
It probably isn't that unusual for someone to turn in outstanding performances in several types of music and still fall short of sustained stardom. But it is a little surprising that someone as talented as Roy Head, who conquered everything from rock to traditional country to blue-eyed soul, topping the charts with his unforgettable "Treat … Continue reading Reconsidering Roy Head
Earl Bostic – Taking Jazz In A New Direction
As much as I've always enjoyed the traditional big band sound of guys like Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, and Glenn Miller, I've also had a certain amount of admiration for those who came along with something a little different. A good example of that would be the bebop revolution of the post-war years, when guys … Continue reading Earl Bostic – Taking Jazz In A New Direction
Geezer Music Club 