Ms. Franklin’s reputation for speaking her mind and sometimes shading folks who rubbed her the wrong way, I was more anxious than I usually was when meeting a star. But since she was cordial to us, apparently we passed Aretha’s test. Witnessing her talents in person was incredible enough, but having one-on-one contact with the Queen herself? That was a privilege I will never forget.
Tag: Aretha Franklin
Talking “Honestly” With Lalah Hathaway
When it comes to soul music, categorizing the ‘greats’ at any level has to include the contributions of Donny Hathaway. Thanks to an intuitive knack for musical arrangements, songwriting and his buttery, gospel-flecked vocals, the Chicago-raised Hathaway was an in-demand musician by his early 20s. By the time he left Howard University, Donny was a… Continue reading Talking “Honestly” With Lalah Hathaway
New School Madness: How Old School Truths Can Benefit The Millennial Generation
Ripped denims, fluorescent sweatshirts, jheri curls and gravity-defying styles that soaked up hair spray and compromised the ozone layer. The 1980s was a decade of extremes and eccentricities. It’s understandable why some regard it as an era they would rather forget, but for many who are 40-plus, it was where we came of age. “The… Continue reading New School Madness: How Old School Truths Can Benefit The Millennial Generation
Gerald Levert, A Tribute (1966-2006)
*Stunned, speechless and heartbroken: the minute news of Gerald’s passing hit the internet, I called my editor as the tears rolled down my cheeks and told her that not only did Gerald deserve a tribute, I as another Ohio native needed to be the one to do it and that I owed him that… Continue reading Gerald Levert, A Tribute (1966-2006)
Aretha Franklin’s “Best of Aretha 1980-1998,” ST CD Review
Aretha Franklin – Knew You Were Waiting: The Best of Aretha Franklin 1980-1998 Click on CD cover to listen or purchase “Think.” “Call Me.” “Respect.” “Day Dreaming.” “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman.” Long before I witnessed a live performance and met her backstage in 2008, I’ve recognized and celebrated the magnificence… Continue reading Aretha Franklin’s “Best of Aretha 1980-1998,” ST CD Review