
It’s another PINCH ME moment. How often does one have the opportunity to sit and talk with two Rhythm n’ Blues, Rock and Roll Icons? Well as many of you know I had the pleasure of singing with the great Bill Pinkney, one of the original members of the Drifters and I had the honors of sitting down and talking with the legendary Ruth Brown … but the pinch me factor came when having a private moment with Ms. Brown and Mr. Pinkney … talking about music and the early days of their careers. Well today, is Ruth Brown’s Birthday and as I was getting ready to post a birthday blast on my Facebook page, I began reminiscing, something I do a lot more as I get older. The above photo was taken years ago at a cocktail party and the memory is one of my favorite moments in my music career. This particular moment in time was a special moment, a moment that did have a topic of music history, but it was more of a moment of friends just being real, regular people. Ruth Brown of course was the “Queen of R&B”, she was referred to and known for her contributions to Atlantic Records, “the house that Ruth built” … a play on the old Yankee Stadium nickname of Babe Ruth’s house. With all of her fame and notoriety she was just a regular, beautiful person, willing to take time and talk to me as a friend. And as I sat there looking at these two Atlantic Record Treasures, I thought about the hurdles they had to jump to bring us the music and the memories we all have. They made me appreciate music even more than I already have, they enlightened my perspective of Stars, Icons, Celebrities as just appreciative, God Loving people … people who have contributed and care. Both Ruth Brown and Bill Pinkney have passed on to their great reward, but their music and memories carry on to this very day. Thank you to Ruth Brown and Bill Pinkney … and thanks again for the music and the memories!