Remembering... Music 2012 (cont.)

Continuing with the music portion, these individuals gave so much joy, either through their tireless gift-giving of their talent, or even supplying by making us aware that they have extremely much to offer.  From singers, to variety show hosts and performers, it will truly never be quite the same without them.

Don Cornelius

September 27, 1936 - February 1, 2012

Cornelius, interviewing MLK

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Donald Cortez Cornelius, was a salesman with a vision.  After graduating from high school in 1954, his duty in the U. S. Marine Corps, he became an experienced seller of various entities, such as tires, insurance, and cars, also becoming a police officer.  

Wanting to receive more knowledge in specific areas, he attended broadcasting courses in 1966, taking a chance with only $400.00 in his account.  Upon finishing, he located a job as an announcer, disc jockey and newscaster for WVON in Chicago.  Then, within a year later, Mr. Cornelius became a powerful fixture with WCIU-TV, hosting a news program, A Black's View of the News, having the ability to discuss different topics.   The civil rights movement was very important to him, and he wanted to make a valiant point of proving how gifted we all are, regardless to color.

Interviewing Curtis Mayfield on Soul Train

All of the proficiency, mastering the broadcasting craft, assisted with preparing him for one the biggest move of his career - relative to American Bandstand, yet more geared to the music of African-American youth!  In 1970, Soul Train was introduced, first as a daily local TV show, and due to successful demand, slid into nationwide syndication status.  By 1971, the show traveled west, making a home in California.

The monumental undertaking became the highlight of every young person's Saturday morning, whether in New York, Texas, or Denver.  Mr. Cornelius was able to step into the roles of producer, writer, and host, accomplishing a feat unlike any other, always decked in the most stylish threads.  It was such an amazing moment, filled with excitement, every time we would hear that whistle, while watching the train rock and bounce across the TV screen. 


We could always depend on listening and viewing the best artists ever on the stage, from Gladys Knight and the Pips, James Brown, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, Kool and the Gang, also new music acts, like The Sylvers, to artists from abroad (Elton John, David Bowie).  

In addition, extras such as the Afro/Ultra Sheen advertisements from Johnson Products, "the Scramble Board," and the Soul Train Line, along with the latest fashions or dance steps, kept us on our toes.  I myself would park my tape recorder close so I could tape performances.  It was the one show catered to people like me, enjoying sweet soul music, and Don Cornelius made all of that possible, every week!  

And let us not forget that familiar catchphrase:

 "... and you can bet your last money, it's all gonna be a stone gas, honey! I'm Don Cornelius, and as always, in parting, we wish you Love, Peace and SOUL-L-L!"

1987 presented us an awards recognition, which started as a national syndication, produced and created by Mr. Cornelius.  The Soul Train Music Awards provided music and entertainment accolades, with the African-American in mind.  Stevie Wonder was first to receive the "Heritage Award" for outstanding career achievements.  Dionne Warwick and Luther Vandross were the first hosts, and Whitney Houston, Run DMC and LL Cool J were among the performers.  To date, Janet Jackson has received the most female awards, while Michael Jackson has received the most awards ever.

Another award show creation was The Lady of Soul Awards, in 1993.  The first honorees were Debbie Allen, who received the "Lena Horne Award" for outstanding career achievements in the field of entertainment, and Salt-N-Pepa, who received the "Aretha Franklin Award."
 

We appreciate everything Don Cornelius has done, the dreams he shared, and how determined he was to bring them to fruition.  Having a great work ethic, revealing that anything you want to do, you must envision, believe, seek it out, even if it has never been done before, and put in the work. 

He was 75 years of age.

Dick Clark

November 30, 1929 – April 18, 2012

Born in Mount Vernon, New York, Richard Augustus Wagstaff Clark, Jr. wanted to pursue a radio career at the age of 10, and attended Syracuse University, in Syracuse, NY, graduating with degree in advertising, while minoring in radio.  After graduation, he worked in the mail-room for his father's company.

Utilizing the hook name Dick Clay, he worked for various radio stations and television stations throughout New York, to California, whether playing country music in college, or as a newscaster.  Mr. Clark continued to fine-tune his craft, while learning what it would take to be the best at what you want to do to succeed.

In 1952, he moved to Drexel Hill, PA, accepting a disc jockey job at WFIL radio station, using the name Dick Clark as his handle.  The station began broadcasting new show Bob Horn's Bandstand, and Mr. Clark was instrumental in substituting when needed.  On July 8, 1956, he ultimately became the regular host of the show.  ABC picked up the show, changing the name to American Bandstand, and it was nationally debuted, with Elvis Presley being interviewed on August 5, 1957.

The show automatically revealed a historical means for artists, whether up-and-coming, seasoned, or even different forms of rock-and-roll music, providing a stage and audience, up close and personal.  It was also made likeable for both teenagers and parents in mind, in spite of occasionally dealing with those challenging individuals from certain groups.

Once taking over, Clark also ended the show's all-white policy, by featuring black artists such as Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Tina Turner, The Motown Revue artists (Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Four Tops, etc), to name a few.

Due to growing popularity and demand, the show was moved to California from Philadelphia in 1964, spotlighting over 10,000 live performers, most of who were unable to appear on any other TV show, because of the music many of them represented.  However, he set out to give young people what they wanted to see and hear, saying,  

"I played records, the kids danced, and America watched! "Music is the soundtrack of our lives."

I remember every morning trying to wake up to have my breakfast early, and chores done, just so I could watch the show without interruption.  Excited to see the performances, singing and dancing with them, also being exposed to new songs that are being rated by audience members (Rate-A-Record)!  Acts such as the Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, The Jackson 5, James Brown, Jackie Robinson, Aerosmith, The Dave Clark Five - too many to name, making their television debuts, blowing us away!

In 1964, Mr. Clark began broadening his interests in television show producing, creating Dick Clark Productions.  Shows like "10,000 Pyramid," "TV's Bloopers And Practical Jokes," "Where The Action Is," etc., as well as made-for-TV movies (The Birth Of The Beatles, Elvis, Liberace, etc.) and radio shows like "Rock, Roll And Remember" were presented, without receiving any disappointment.  Branded for his continuing youthful looks as "the oldest living teenager," his show Bandstand provided steady entertainment and the latest news off and on until 1989, making it the longest running show for music in TV history.  

"New Year's Rockin' Eve" made it's television debut in 1972, and apparently was such a welcome addition, providing a celebratory incentive for those who would not want to leave their homes, subjecting themselves to crowded areas.

In addition, to his TV projects, Mr. Clark was recognized for his ingenuity, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Radio Hall of Fame, Emmy, and Daytime Emmy Award Lifetime Achievement Award, among others.  

 
Dick Clark has left such an indelible imprint he will be remembered throughout our lives, because he pursued his heart]s desire and never gave up until his dreams came true.  What a landmark to pattern after.  

He was 82 years of age.

Andy Williams

December 3, 1927 - September 25, 2012

Young Andy Williams, 3rd from left, with brothers

Born in Wall Lake, Missouri, Howard Andrew Williams, the youngest child, who started revealing his vocal ability, singing with his brothers in their church choir.  At age 8, the Williams Brothers Quartet voted him in to become one of the members.  

Wide-spread word of their talented quality, and was immediately requested to do radio engagements.  Bing Crosby soon received wind of the brothers' magnificence, and they were asked to provide background vocals on his recording, "Swinging On A Star," followed by others.  

Time past, in 1951, Andy became a solo performer, and highly noticed, that he was given chance to appear on Steve Allen's "Tonight" show, leading to his first recording contract with Cadence.  He was quite recognized, and his work noted as excellent, being nominated for Grammys, blessed with musical show, co-hosted with June Valli.  Doing incredibly well, he moved to Columbia Records, making some of most beautiful, smooth-sounding, easy-listening music.  

I Can't Get Used To Losing You, which became a Top 1o hit for Mr. Williams, and the Henry Mancini-collaboration, "Moon River," placed him in star status, also chosen for the popular film "Breakfast At Tiffany's."  Also, movies requested his expertise, embodying such musical creations as "Days Of Wine And Roses," and "Dear Heart."  And let us not forget the seasonal favorite, "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year," a song that never seems to be left out of the year-end holiday celebration.

Andy Williams

His ultimate TV Emmy-winning variety show in 1962, The Andy Williams Show, brought a sense of class and distinction for years, spotlighting some of the best performers, including not only the Osmond Family, but also a wide array of virtually-talented guests.  From Peggy Lee, Mamas and The Papas, Beach Boys, to The Jackson Five, Aretha Franklin, Elton John and Nancy Wilson.  Even Judy Garland was an honorable guest.

A magnificent gentleman, who provided a stage to as many of the best in entertainment to the audience available.  We appreciate the legacy Andy Williams has left.  He was 84.