James Brown … signing with Federal Records … 1956!
Sometimes I have to pinch myself to see if I am dreaming … how blessed I am to have met, worked with and even became friends with some of my childhood music Icons! It seems like only yesterday that I was watching the likes of James Brown, the Temptations, Four Tops, Supremes. Ben E. King … Read more
A Day with the Marvelettes!
Sometimes I have to pinch myself to see if I’m dreaming … like the memories I have of working with the Marvelettes. Yesterday was Katherine Anderson-Schaffner’s birthday and as I was going through some old photos, I began reminiscing. We were having dinner at my house and talking about the celebration of their first #1 … Read more
Sam Cooke … SAR Records… song writer/producer … SUPER STAR!
Sam Cooke was a singer, a songwriter, producer, businessman, a civil rights icon and a hero to many …me included. A man who used his talent and fame to help others and to create a much-needed social change. (Listen to his song … “A Change Is Gonna Come”). With that said … today is the … Read more
The Steals Brothers … Could It Be I’m Falling In Love!
Melvin and Mervin Steals, twins from Aliquippa, PA just a few minutes out of Greater Pittsburgh. They attended Cheyney State College in Philadelphia, PA where they started their first singing group, the Four Perfections, met Eddie Holman (of “Hey, There Lonely Girl” fame) who introduced them to the Philadelphia Music Scene, and began their song … Read more
Four Aims … Four Tops … Duke Fakir… A Motown Legend!
The Four Aims … a singing group that named themselves to describe their goals of achieving something great! At their first recording session for Chess Records they changed their name to the Four Tops, not to be confused with the Ames Brothers, a popular group at the time. Their early sound was more Jazz than … Read more
Cookin’ and the Johnny Otis Show!
Since I was a young man, I have been a fan of the great Johnny Otis. Maybe because of his lifestyle, his love of music, Rhythm n’ Blues, Rock n’ Roll and Soul Food! I admired this man who is identified as a SINGER, DRUMMER, COMPOSER, ARRANGER, BANDLEADER, TALENT SCOUT, DISC JOCKEY, RECORD PRODUCER, TV … Read more