Wrap Up

I know June is over so that means Black Music Month is over therefore I have about 5 maybe 6 blog posts pertaining the month long celebration that I will be uploading and then I'm done with that. July is going to be exciting as well as August. I know that I may not have many followers but apparently I'm getting a lot of page views so thanks for taking the time to read and support my blog. Peace and Love

Toni La Nae

roger troutman & the zapp band - its gonna be alright (Old School Joint of the Day)

Just Ordinary People

Disclaimer: I'm am going to interrupt my Black Music Month dedication post for a brief moment. It has recently been brought to my attention that June is National Gay and Lesbian Month so this blog post is dedicated all gay and lesbian individuals that are living their lives in a same-sex relationship or marriage. Also the month of October is LGBT History Month.
 As a heterosexual woman I have no problem with supporting my fellow human being as long as he or she is not harming anyone.

Gay Author, Poet, and Writer James Baldwin

As a Broadcasting News major we learned in class about the turbulent decades of the 1960's and 1970's and all that happened during this time period events such as the assinations of JFK, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Bobby Kennedy, Women Rights Movement, Native American Movement, and Gay and Lesbian Rights Movement and one event we learned about was Stonewall Riots in Greenwich Village in 1969. This was a great time to be a journalist.

Images from Stonewall Riot circa 1969

How did this annual month long celebration come about? On June 2, 2000 President Bill Clinton declared June as "Gay and Lesbian Month" although within the last a couple of years 2009-2011 President Obama declared June to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride month; President Obama said “I call upon all Americans to observe this month by fighting prejudice and discrimination in their own lives and everywhere it exists.” The Stonewall Riots sparked a change in Gay and Lesbian community back in 1969 so this annual month celebration commemorates that. The last Sunday in the month is known and celebrated as Gay Pride Day.

Gay CNN News Anchor Don Lemon

How is it celebrated? People in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community celebrate this month with pride parades, picnics, parties, memorials for those lost hate crimes, and other social events.


Lesbian Congresswoman and Civil Rights Activist Barbara Jordan


My Final Thoughts: A few months ago I watched an interview well briefly because it became boring but anyway. Two gay men were talking to straight men about their life and sexuality well they were arguing. On the screen I saw a statistic saying that 11% of the US population is gay actually I think that is false I feel as though that number higher than  what we think I really don't even think people within this community are a "minority" which is a word I despise and I advice others not identify themselves as such. I mean think how many people that we don't know are gay. Its good to know that the people in this community are allowed to celebrate who they are and surround themselves around people that understand them and their world. I titled this post "Ordinary People" because they are just that. One thing I do disagree with is the Rainbow thing I don't feel as though the rainbow should just be a symbol for the gay community I feel as though if a rainbow has different colors then that should represent all people gay, straight, fat, skinny, tall, short etc. That's just my insight.

Turn A Page or Two

In my free time I often read and write and one of my favorite authors is Omar Tyree. One my favorite books in his collection is Flyy Girl. My mother gave me the book in the 7th grade each morning at my middle school we had to read in the morning for 30 to 45 minutes before we began our day. Of coarse it was at least our personal book of choice. I loved reading this book apart of me wanted to be like the character Tracy in middle school I was bullied for having dark skin and not wearing name brand clothes. My only escape was playing basketball, a close friend, and singing and writing songs at home in my room. At the time I didn't understand why mother made me read this book at the time now that I'm older I understand why she wanted to read it.




Author Omar Tyree



So what is it about? Brief Summary........ Tracey Ellis is a young woman born and raised in Philadelphia, PA she was raised in the suburbs in an affluent neighborhood so she has the chance to attend the best schools. In the beginning she lives with both of her parents and the focus is on them eventually the relationship goes sour and her parents opted to separate for awhile instead of divorce one another. So she is primarily raised by her mother and her father's absence doesn't affect her much.  At the age of 13 every begins to change for Tracey she hits puberty rather early and her body is very well developed. Her mother becomes pregnant with Tracey's brother Jason and Tracey becomes interested in sex, drugs, and living life in the fast lane. Tracey knows she is a bad bitch hazel eyes, caramel skin, and all round dime piece as the story progresses she begins to reevaluate her life. Buy it on Amazon.com or stop by Barnes and Nobles.

Why do I like the book; Why do I recommend it? Well like I said before apart of me wanted to be like Tracey hell apart still does if I wasn't so responsible I mean we all have an alter ego or perhaps dark side. Although I feel as though there is a main theme and great lesson to be learned just be yourself and content with what you have which is sometimes easier said than done. But if you read this book you can understand those words or just keep living your life and learn this and many other lessons.

Doing It Big Since 2001

Tonight its going down once again the 11th annual BET Awards will be airing tonight hosted by actor and stand-up comedian Kevin Hart. The Lifetime Achievement award will be given to Patti La belle this evening and actor, comedian, author, and radio-talk show host Steve Harvey will be given the Humanitarian Award tonight he has also hosted the annual award show with his close friend Cedric The Entertainer.



What was the purpose for creating the BET Awards? For a longtime African-Americans did not have many award shows to showcase their talents in music, sports, movies, and other forms of entertainment; as well as display tributes to African-Americans of the past that have opened the door for modern performers. So basically the award show celebrates the achievements of these entertainers within the past year categories include Best Male R&B artists, Best Group, Best New Artist, Best Gospel Artists, Viewer's Choice Award, just to name a few. The first annual show was on June 19, 2001 and has getting bigger and better each year. At this point there are several award shows that celebrate the achievements of African-Americans in all fields such TV One's Trumpet Awards,  Soul Trains Awards, NAACP Image Awards just to name a few.



Drake, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Alicia Keys, Cee Lo Green, Kelly Rowland, Beyonce', Jill Scott, and Queen Latifah are performing tonight. I heard Justin Bieber is performing tonight personally that pisses me off he can't sing at all and I don't understand why is he there tonight. Robin Thicke is killing him and Justin Timberlake point blank but anyway. Be sure to watch the show tonight  the BET Awards are known for bringing down the house with great performances. I'm saving it on my DVR box this is my summer ritual  so tune in at 8PM/7C. Here is a clip of a fan favorite BET Awards performance by Destiny's Child in 2005 those infamous lap dances. So many magic moments have happened who knows what in stored for tonight.



Final Thoughts: African-Americans are more than singers, dancers, actors, or athletes we are also lawyers, doctors, and politicians but I appreciate us celebrating one another. Know this you can what you want to be whether its in education, law, business or entertainment if that is your dream and your passion follow it. 

Destiny's Child Cater 2 U Live BET

Solange - I decided LIVE at Fashion Rocks HQ 2008

Birthday Girl.......

Arriving at her birthday celebration in Las Vegas

Solange Knowles recently turned  25 on June 24 and I am dedicating this post to her for two reasons. I just wanted to say Happy Birthday girl and I love her music. Her first album was not successful and I did feel the vibe of the music but the second time around she released her sophomore Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams in Fall 2008. Man I'm so ready for Solange to release another album in a since she reminds of Janet Jackson; Janet had a hard time getting her career off the ground because she was being compared to her successful older brothers especially Michael but by the time her second album Control was released in 1986 things started to change. I feel as though that is exactly what is going on with Solange.

Solange and her son Julez

Also another reason I think she is becoming a star in her own right is because she is just being herself,  she is not trying to be like her big sister Beyonce',the style of music she is singing, and getting married;divorced,and having a child at a young age inspires an individual to write and sing. I mean all kinds of emotions come about. At the moment Solange is raising her son Julez and exploring business ventures. Another thing I have noticed is her voice has gotten stronger vocally and I love that she sings songs that very reminiscent of the Motown sound.

the jackson five - i want you back

Never Can Say Goodbye...........And So Much More

"Michael Jackson was the greatest entertainer that ever lived I just want to be the greatest entertainer living."  Usher Raymond IV





Two years ago on this sad day we lost the legendary Michael Joseph Jackson at the age of 50. He was loved by many, hated by many. I have been a fan of Jackson's solo work as well as all of his work that began with his family back in 1969 when the Diana Ross the Jackson 5 on the Ed Sullivan Show and the rest is history.

The Jacksons Childhood Home in Gary, Indiana

Born on August 29, 1958 to Joseph and Katherine Jackson he was the 8th of 9 although technically 10 children his elder brother Brandon Jackson died at birth he was the twin of Marlon Jackson. All together Joseph and Katherine raised Rebbie Jackson, Sigmund "Jackie" Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Torijano "Tito" Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Michael Jackson, Stephen Randel "Randy" Jackson, and Janet Jackson.



The Jacksons are affectionately known as the first family of soul as well as popular music. In the 1970's the sorry attempt for competition the Jackson 5 had was the lame ass Osmond's. I say this because they tried to be like the Jacksons and even use their choreography and singing style but did not have the talent.


Michael released his first solo album was released 40 years ago in 1971 and he would not release another solo album until 1979 Off the Wall which he only won one Grammy Award for the album was modestly successful. His sister Latoya said after that Micheal was determined to win more awards and deliver a much better album by this time he was working with Quincy Jones. In the early 1980's went on successful tours with his brothers they were still selling out arenas and releasing great albums. The Victory Tour has been their best selling tour to date and was created and put together by their father Joe Jackson. We all know Micheal was an incredible musician and a philanthropist at this point I am going to express my feelings about him outside of the music.



Did He Really Molest Those Boys? No, I do not believe that he committed those crimes for a number of reasons. I also actually don't believe he was a homosexual either.  One factor was people took his kindness for weakness and unfortunately he fell for the trap.  Actually  alot of his words were taken out of context in interviews. I will say this even if he did do it I blame the parents or guardians; why would you allow your child to be around a pop star although he is an adult and a complete stranger. Yes I saw the Katt Williams special "Pimp Chronicles 2006" but I'm still a fan of his work I just disagree with one thing I have nothing against him. Anyway why is Micheal innocent?


Information on the Accusers.... The family have a history of extortion. In 1998 Gavin and Star were caught shoplifting some clothes. Caught red handed the mother insisted the boys were planning to model the clothes for the store, even though there was no contract or evidence to support this.




Outside the store Janet Arvizo the boys mother became involved in a scuffle with 3 of the stores security officers. Rather than spend the money on prosecuting the store dropped the charges.






Soon after Janet filed a lawsuit against the department store for the equivalent of 1.6 million. She claimed she and the boys had been viciously beaten by the 3 store detectives one of whom was a woman.






During the litigation a psychiatrist was hired and found Janet to be "schizophrenic" an delusional.






2 years later Janet added a new sensational charge claiming the 2 male security guards had "sexually fondled her breasts and pelvic area for up to 7 minutes.






In subsequent depositions Janet, Gavin and Star also claimed they suffered broken bones in addition to there mothers sexual assault. Although they were never treated at a hospital.






Ultimately rather than face the damaging publicity from a lawsuit the store reached a settlement for the equivalent of 73,000 days before the scheduled trial in 2001.






The abuse they claim committed by Michael Jackson did not start until after the airing of the documentary "Living with Michael Jackson" in which Michael Jackson innocently admitted he did sometimes allow children to sleep in his room. Around this time its possible that the mother Janet saw the opportunity and download files readily available on the internet from the Smoking Gun website detailing the abuse alleged by Jordy Chandler. She then read these statement allowed to her 2 sons thereby programming them and soon they came up with there own stories. Janet then went to fond a lawyer, not any lawyer but Larry Feldman the same attorney who represented Jordy Chandler and who received 500,000 for the settlement of that case. Feldman arranged for the boy to be interviewed by Dr Stan Katz who treated also treated Jordy Chandler in 1993.






Now for those of you who don't know anything about the first case, that to had a huge argument in the favor of Michael Jackson in from which I highlight this comments from the author of the article It is, of course, impossible to prove a negative -- that is, prove that something didn't happen. But it is possible to take an in-depth look at the people who made the allegations against Jackson and thus gain insight into their character and motives. What emerges from such an examination, based on court documents, business records and scores of interviews, is a persuasive argument that Jackson molested no one and that he himself may have been the victim of a well-conceived plan to extract money from him.


In summary on page 8 she states: And what became of the massive investigation of Jackson? After millions of dollars were spent by prosecutors and police departments in two jurisdictions, and after two grand juries questioned close to 200 witnesses, including 30 children who knew Jackson, not a single corroborating witness could be found. (In June 1994, still determined to find even one corroborating witness, three prosecutors and two police detectives flew to Australia to again question Wade Robson, the boy who had acknowledged that he'd slept in the same bed with Jackson. Once again, the boy said that nothing bad had happened.) The sole allegations leveled against Jackson, then, remain those made by one youth, and only after the boy had been give a potent hypnotic drug, leaving him susceptible to the power of suggestion.


Not to mention one of Jackon's accusers admitted that his parents forced him to lie so they could recieve an out of court settlement. He later committed suicide after hearing about Micheal's death. He had people surrounded by him that did not have his best interest at heart and the media has lied about many things and deatils with regards to Micheal. As for the money and estate actually he did leave his family behind with money including his father Joe who Micheal did talk about the abuse as a child but later forgave and had an annual Joe Jackson day on his Neverland Ranch. One thing I have realized is Micheal was always being himself and like Al Sharpton said what he had to deal with was strange. The same people that brought him up tore him down. Either I am entitled to my own opinions I love him and miss dearly rest in peace Mr. Jackson.

On This Day..............

I'm buildin' me a home



This earthly house is gonna soon decay


And my soul gotta have some place to stay

( Lyrics from the Old Negro Spiritual  "I'm Building Me a Home")
 
On this day June 19, 1865 the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that all slaves were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger's regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.

 
One General Granger's first orders was to read to the people in the state of Texas the following:" The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer."
 

 
What Was The Aftermath? While many lingered to learn of this new employer to employee relationship, many left before these offers were completely off the lips of their former masters - attesting to the varying conditions on the plantations and the realization of freedom. Even with nowhere to go, many felt that leaving the plantation would be their first grasp of freedom. North was a logical destination and for many it represented true freedom, while the desire to reach family members in neighboring states drove the some into Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Settling into these new areas as free men and women brought on new realities and the challenges of establishing a heretofore nonexistent status for black people in America.
 

 
How Is It Celebrated and Remembered?  A range of activities were provided to entertain the masses, many of which continue in tradition today. Rodeos, fishing, barbecuing and baseball are just a few of the typical Juneteenth activities you may witness today. Juneteenth almost always focused on education and self improvement.
 
 

 
 
Thus often guest speakers are brought in and the elders are called upon to recount the events of the past. Prayer services were also a major part of these celebrations. Dress was also an important element in early Juneteenth customs and is often still taken seriously, particularly by the direct descendants who can make the connection to this tradition's roots. During slavery there were laws on the books in many areas that prohibited or limited the dressing of slaves. During the initial days of the emancipation celebrations, there are accounts of slaves tossing their ragged garments into the creeks and rivers to adorn clothing taken from the plantations belonging to their former masters.






My Thoughts and Insight: This day should always be celebrated and many generations of African-American men and women should be informed about this portion of their history. It is evident that I am a descendant of people who have had very humble beginnings in the United States of America.  I will do my best to always teach my peers my children, grandchildren, so on and so forth about historic events such as this one. I posted the brief lyrics to I'm Building Me a Home because many of the slaves sang these songs as a form of therapy as well as communication. I will be honest we are still  not treated and created equally in America I'm proud of Barack Obama for being the nation's African-American President I'm sure many slaves and other people had hopes that something like that could happen. Although that has not solved all of our problems and I wish more of my fellow African-Americans would embrace our culture and take the time to study our history.
 
 
But for what it worth many free African-Americans owned slaves in America as well which is very disturbing but there was also slaves  in Africa as well and people brought to America and Caribbean Islands for gold, salt, ivory, and sugar cane. My main point is learn your history and never be ashamed of your culture and identity.

Luther Van Dross-Dance With My Father Again

Happy Father's Day

Daddy!
Dad!
Pops!
Old Man!
Whatever you call him tell him you love him and do something special. Much love and respect to all the fathers that are just trying to live right and handle their responsibilities.

Father: "To father" means to procreate or to sire a child from which also derives the gerund "fathering".

Any man can have sex with a woman and create and a baby but it takes a real man to raise that child and help mold their character and be apart of his or her life. I respect a man that provides for his family and spends time with his family.

King of Neo-Soul

I came wrong, you were right
Transformed your love into life
Baby believe me, I'm sorry I told you lies

"Pretty Wings" Maxwell Summer 2009

The neo-soul genre came about in the mid to late 1990's. and early 2000's. With artists like D'Angelo, Eyrkah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Raphael Saadiq just to name a few. But one man that I have been in love with besides Usher and Ginuwine since I was a kid in the 90's was Maxwell. He bursts onto the scene with his debut single in 1996 Ascension (Don't You Ever Wonder) and released albums such as Embrya, Now, and took a seven year hiatus and released BlackSummersNight in July 2009 which is the first part of a triology.

Born in Brooklyn,NY on May 23, 1973. His father was a Pentecostal man raised in Vie ques, Puerto Rico and his mother grew up a devout Baptist in Haiti. Maxwell always had a passion for music but was bashful  about it his talents. In one interview he said that he would stay in his room sing and write song lyrics in his room while listening to music.

He began working with songwriter Leon Ware to work on his debut album he was signed to Columbia Records although the label was skeptical about his style of music so his album was shelved from 1994 until 1996 although audiences didn't catch on until the release of Ascension ( Don't You Ever Wonder.) He was nominated for many Grammys but did not win any Grammy awards until 2010.



Why Do We Love Him? Ladies such as myself swoon over his voice and the way he looks very handsome. I admit I was a little sad to see that he cut his afro off but hey people always need a fresh start. He looks handsome with his facial hair coming in.


Favorite songs: "Whenever, Wherever, Whatever" "Fortunate," "This Woman's Work," "Lifetime," " Pretty Wings," "Bad Habits," and "Fistful of Tears."

I'm glad Maxwell is back in the game he puts me in the mind of Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke he can blow. Like this post if you support talent. In my personal opinion he is the King of Neo-Soul.

Ahead of His Time; California Love

Ahead of His Time

"Reality is wrong. Dreams are for real."



Tupac Shakur

Jada Pinkett now Jada Pinkett Smith and Tupac as teenagers

Lesane Parish Crooks who later become known as Tupac Amaur Shakur was born on in East Harlem on June 19, 1971. His mother was Afeni Shakur and his father Billy Garland were active members of The Black Panthers Party for Self-Defense. By 1986 his family relocated to Baltimore, Maryland. He briefly attended Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and transferred to the Baltimore School for the Arts where he met future actress Jada Pinkett and they developed a close friendship until his death in fact they actually dated each other. Most people don't know that honestly if Tupac wasn't dead in time she would have married him. Two years later his family moved  to Marlin City, California where he would finish high school at Tampalais High School. He began attending poetry classes of Lelia Stein berg in 1989.


The Beginning...... Also that same year in 1989 he participated in a concert organized Lelia Steinberg featuring his rap group Strictly Dope after this he was signed by Atron Gregory who helped give Tupac a job as a "roadie" aka backup dancer with young alternative rap Digital Underground known for songs such as "The Humpty Dance" and " Kiss You Back."

Foot in the Door.........He began his rap career officially in the early 90's by appearing on the track "Same Song" which was a Digital Underground hit and he also appeared in the music video as well as film with the same. He appeared on another Digital Underground before his 1991 debut album 2Pacalypse Now and it did not do well on the charts or spawn any top ten hits but it has a breakout single "Brenda's Got a Baby."


His second album Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z. was released in '93 and had hits such as "I Get Around" and " Keep Ya Head Up." After Tupac's career went on to the fast track although he also had trouble with the law. He appeared in many movies cult favorites among black audiences with films such as Juice, Above the Rim, and Poetic Justice.


Everything came to an end on September 13, 1996 when he was shot 4 times on the Las Vegas strip after altercation in a lobby. He was there to see a Mike Tyson fight on this same night Suge Knight told me not to wear his bullet proof vest. He was taken to the University Medical Center, where he would die 6 days later of respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.

Tupac and Janet Jackson in 1993 film Poetic Justice

Why We Loved Him and Interesting Facts......... Tupac was always honest and said what was on his mind and possibly sometimes that got him into trouble but people can appreciate a celebrity who is real for the most part. Tupac was voracious reader and was also inspired by writers such as William Shakespeare, Alice Walker, Maya Angelou, Khalil Gibran, Niccolo Machiavelli just to name a few. Also he did not get his driver's licence until he was 21.


Personally this  is what I loved about Tupac as a young kid in the 90's and my mom was huge fan as well.  ( Besides the fact he was very attactive)Tupac's music and philosophy comes from American, African-American, and World entities, including the Black Panther Party, Black nationalism, egalitarianism, and liberty. Tupac could address any subject  because he was intelligent and versatile and had meaningful things to say whether he was being aggressive or charming.



More Facts......
Many analyst have described him as a deist. Let's not forget about that name he was named after Tupac Amaur II, a Peruvian revolutionary who led an indigenous uprising against Spain and he was executed for his efforts. Did this name foreshadow his own life and personality? Honestly I believe it did. But his mother gave him the name Lesane Parish Crooks to protect him from being attacked by her enemies.

Tupac and Shock G formerly of Digital Underground

Tupac never wanted to really sign with Death Row Records but at this point he was between a rock and a hard place the people at Interscope Records felt as though they could not control him yet they made money off him. There is no doubt in my mind he is dead the man was shot, stabbed, shot, after awhile you can't survive stuff like that. I miss you and I hope that you are at peace. If you think about it Tupac like Tammi Terrell was living fast because he had a feeling his days were numbered. He was only 25  when he died and today on this day he would have been 40 years old.

Hey LITTLE WALTER

Hey Little Walter

Disclaimer: June is Black Music Month and I am dedicating my post to African-American artists from the past and present. I am also shedding light on "Unsung" artist as well as Motown Artists, Chess Records, and Stax Records just to clarify things.

My baby don't stand no cheatin', my babe


Oh yeah she don't stand no cheatin', my babe

Oh yeah she don't stand no cheatin',

She don't stand none of that midnight creepin'

My babe, true little baby, my babe

(Lyrics From Little Walter's song My Babe which was stolen by Elvis Presley not covered but stolen)



Marion Walter Jacobs also known as Little Walter was born May 1, 1930 in Marksville, Louisiana although he was raised in Alexandria, Louisiana the same place where he first learned how to the play the harmonica. He stop attending school by the age of 12, he left the rural part of Louisiana he worked odd jobs and hustle on the streets of New Orleans, Helena, Arkansas and St. Louis. He honed his musical skills with Sonny Boy Williamson II, Sunny land Slim, Honey boy Edwards.

Off to the Windy City...  By 1945 he relocated to Chicago which would become the home of the legendary Chess Records a label that Walter was signed to. Occasionally he found work as a guitarist but received more praise and attention for his excellent harmonica skills. Little Walter's first recording was an unreleased demo recorded soon after he arrived in Chicago on which Walter played guitar backing  Chicago blues men  Floyd Jones. Little Walter became frustrated with having his harmonica drowned out by electric guitarists, and adopted a simple, but previously little-used method: He cupped a small microphone in his hands along with his harmonica, and plugged the microphone into a public address or guitar amplifier. By doing this he was able to compete with any guitarists volume. Little Walter purposely pushed his amplifiers beyond their intended technical limitations, using the amplification to explore and develop radical new timbres and sonic effects previously unheard from a harmonica, or any other instrument.


Life Change....Success........... In 1948 Little Walter joined Muddy Waters band and 2 years later he was playing acoustic in other terms umaplified harmonica on Muddy Water's recordings for Chess Records. As the 1950's rolled on he was apart of countless recording sessions as a guitarists and harmonica player. His debut session recording was "Juke" it was significant because it a hit song featuring a harmonica. Other songs that reached the Billboard charts with his harmonica with songs such as "Off the Wall", "Roller coaster," and "Sad Hours." By 1955 "My Babe" was released which was his biggest song to date since "Juke."

Little Walter, Muddy Waters, and Bo Diddley

Jacobs was frequently utilized on records as a harmonica sideman behind others in the Chess stable of artists, including Jimmy Rogers, John Brim, Rocky Fuller, Memphis Minnie, The Coronets, Johnny Shines, Floyd Jones, Bo Diddley, and Shel Silverstein, and on other record labels backing Otis Rush, Johnny Young, and Robert Nighthawk.

Coming to an End..... Jacobs suffered from alcoholism and had a notoriously short temper which led to a decline in his fame and fortunes beginning in the late 1950s, although he did tour Europe twice in 1964 and 1967.

Columbus Short as Little Walter in Cadillac Records

Although he left behind a wonderful legacy he is widely credited by blues historians as the artist primarily responsible for establishing the standard vocabulary for modern blues and blues rock harmonica players. Little Walter died at the age of 37 in February 15, 1968. He was portrayed by Columbus Short in the 2008 film Cadillac Records he did an excellent job portraying Little Walter if you know anything about the history of Chess Records than as a music lover you can enjoy the film because it was so accurate although I will say its a real tearjerker.

In 2008 he was inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame 40 years after his death; which made him the first and only artist to be inducted specifically for his work as a harmonica player.

Sam Cooke - A Change Is Gonna Come

The Ladies Man

I remember listening to his music when I would ride down the South for family reunions with my grandparents and my mother told me how she has a crush on this man. Who is he? He is none other than Sam Cooke known for his beautiful voice and his southern gentleman like qualities women loved him and men wanted to possess his swagger. Sam most memorable song which was released right before his death was "A Change Is Gonna Come" a song that became apart of the soundtrack for the Civil Rights Movement. This is by far one of my favorite songs by Sam Cooke besides "Cupid", "You Send Me" and "What A Wonderful World."

Born as Sam Cooke on January 22, 1931 in Clarksdale, Mississippi his father was Baptist minister and his mother was a domestic woman he was one of eight children. His family moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1933.  Sam began his music career in a gospel group with his siblings called The Singing Children. Eventually he would become known as the lead singer of the group Highway QC's as a teenager.  He would later song with the group The Soul Stirrers and the group with Speciality Records  and recorded many gospel singles.


Sam Cooke wanted to become a secular artist but there was a stigma at this time for gospel singers to become secular singers. So to avoid the verbal backlash he used the alias Dale Cook and recorded his secular debut Love able released in 1956. Although all of his peers knew that is was Sam.  His success would continue with songs such as "Chain Gang", "Bring it Home to Me," "Another Saturday" just to name a few. By 1963  he released the LP Night Beat and in 1964 his critically acclaimed album Ain't That Good News was released and spawned 5 singles.


Facts: Sam Cooke is considered to be one of the pioneers of the Soul Music genre. He was also the first modern black artist to attach to business to his career he owned a record label and publishing company.

In his personal life tragedy struck when his 18 month old son Vincent Cooke drowned after he wandered away from his mother's supervision. He drowned in the pool in front of their home and this caused more trouble in their marriage. Because had many extra martial affairs and the death of son made him depressed and caused to remain distant from his wife; Sam began to work every chance he had to avoid thinking about it he was deeply depressed.



On December 10, 1964 Sam was shot and killed at the age of 33 by hotel manager in Los Angeles, California the woman claimed Sam attacked her and it would be ruled as a justifiable homicide. Sam career was short and brief but he gave us wonderful music that is timeless and inspired many Male R&B Singers after him.

Following his death Motown had the Supremes do a tribute album in honor which was a cover of all his songs. In 1986 he a charter member inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, in 1999 he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Grammy's and  in 2004 Rolling Stone magazine ranked him number 16 on their 100 Greatest Artists of All Time list, and four years  later the magazine ranked him the 4th Greatest Singer of All Time.