September is GOSPEL MUSIC HERITAGE MONTH!!!

What is HERITAGE?

The very word denotes "birthright, tradition, or legacy," which reminds us that we should never forget how we should represent how far we've come, and who came before us.  So many soldiers who walked, struggled, and overcame obstacles to spread the gospel in song.

We know that "Gospel" refers to spreading the good news of Yeshua/Jesus Christ's message of our Heavenly Father.  It also provides true testament of how others came through trials, moments of despair, being unsure as to why we are even here on earth, and WHO has the ability to bring us out of EVERY situation.

In June 2008, Congress recognized September as GOSPEL MUSIC HERITAGE MONTH, observing in its legislation that the message, rhythms, and melodies of Gospel Music "can be traced to multiple and diverse influences, as well as foundations, including African-American spiritual."

Fisk University Jubilee Singers

As far back as I can remember, gospel music has always played a major, vital part in my life, posing as a natural fabric of my being.  I am so thankful to the Father for allowing me to have parents, and even grand-parents, who had the desire to instill great feelings of appreciation for how the Sovereign I AM has kept us, in spite of where, or how we've gone through experiences.  

Music, of a sincere heart, does "sooth the savage beast," and in EVERY situation, there is a song that exists to help us to continue believing that all things do work together for the good, that we are destined, and WILL make it!

All month, I will be reminiscing gospel music at its finest, and trust you will be enlightened, inspired, or even informed with treasured tidbits you were not aware of.

Blessings and peace always, everyone!

A Tribute To Greatness: Dr. Dwight E. Woods

 Dr. Dwight E. Woods

May 16, 1948 - January 24, 2013

I received word Thursday morning, informing me that yet another precious jewel has transitioned, who made an extremely huge impact on my life, initially starting in the 1980s.  

My emotions have deeply fluctuated since finding out, and filled with sadness, knowing that a glowing beacon is physically gone, but continues to shine brightly in our hearts.  

Dr. Dwight E. Woods, was quite instrumental in providing outstanding significance, blessed with incredible foresight,  recognizing esteemed potential.  Opening the doors to countless youth, supplying a "safe haven" in the midst of what could have become a troubled existence, while spotlighting true perspective in the theater arena, introducing the stage.    

A versatile composer and producer of musicals and music, Dr. Woods' compositions and theatrical productions are designed to be both entertaining and inspirational.  He has written for both musical productions and gospel albums.

This individual helped awaken a revival of fond appreciation for the performing arts in me.  I personally recall him being one of the few to give me moving encouragement, when many others would ignore my passionate flair, as it came to artistic expression, lined up with a gospel message.  He even allowed me the opportunity to perform in one of his gospel musicals, as well as going into the recording studio with him. 

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, the tenth of eleven children, t0 a Baptist minister and a homemaker, Dr. Woods learned from his parents that hard work and educational excellence are the keys to success. His parents instilled in all their children the importance of giving something back to their communities.  As a teenager, he was an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement, which he continued throughout his life.  

After graduating from high school, he attended and received a B.A. Degree from Miles College in Birmingham, where he also created their first contemporary gospel choir on campus.  After enlisting and doing a 2-year tour in the United States Army, Dr. Woods moved to Chicago and collaborated on the production of an original musical, entitled "Metamorphosis."  The path was revealed in the direction to Greenville, SC, where he continued to provide inspiration, entertainment and thought-provoking elements in surrounding cities of the state.  

In 1983, Dr. Woods initiated summer workshops at the Phillis Wheatley Community Center. Two years later, he successfully created the development of all-encompassing  musical theater program, identifying and nurturing the talents of aspiring young actors and musicians.  The wonderful thing about the venture is that it is the only youth repertory company in South Carolina to perform statewide and nationally, appearing before audiences from New York to Alabama.  Some of the original musical productions which Woods had developed and directed with the repertory theater are "Til Victory Is Won," "Mary Had A Baby," and "A Night of Stars and Dreams."

Among his most highly acclaimed musicals is "Don't Give Up On Your Dream," a two act anti-drug musical, which has played to packed houses in South Carolina, Florida, Georgia and New York.  The musical and a documentary based on it have been adapted and telecast in South Carolina by SC-ETV.   Audiences have marveled at productions such as "Have We Lost The Feeling'," which played in upstate South Carolina for two years, "Where Everybody Is Somebody," developed by Woods for the 1984 James Cleveland National Music Workshop of America at Atlanta's Fox Theater, and "Let The People Rejoice," which was performed by the nationally known Florida Mass Choir.

Dr. Woods performed, and conducted musicals and theatrical workshops, in several upstate South Carolina school districts: Clemson University, Furman University, University of South Carolina, University of Colorado, The Highlander Research Center in Tennessee, among many others.  

"If I can help somebody as I travel along,

If I can help somebody with a word or a song;

If I can help somebody from doing wrong,

Then my living shall not be in vain! 

My living shall not be in vain, my living shall not be in vain,

If I can help somebody as I'm singing this song

Then my living shall not be in vain!"

His tireless work efforts did not stop at the stage, but Dr. Woods also sought out to devise areas of humanitarian causes, including his organization, "Second Chance," showing with financial and moral support to prison inmates in SC, assisting them positively for life change.  Being an extended father figure to hundreds, his compassionate heart superseded financial gain.  

One of my dear friends, and Dr. Woods' son/prodige', Phillip Boykin, continues to soar magnificently in the theater world, even becoming a 2012 Tony Award nominee for captivating his performance in the Broadway musical revival, "The Gershwin's Porgy and Bess," portraying Crown.  

Below is a performance featuring Dr. Woods and Mr. Boykin, beautifully singing Marvin Hamlisch's "What I Did For Love:"

Dr. Woods' Board Memberships, Affiliations, and Award Recognition, to name a few:

• Minority Arts Advisory Board, SC Arts Commission
• Fine Arts Center Advisory Board, Greenville County Schools
• 1988 Recipient of WYFF Television Jefferson Award
• 1990 Recipient of SCEA Walker E. Solomon Certificate Award
• Winner of 1991 SC Black Male Showcase USA Top Achiever and Talent Award

An adored legend, who is considered a "National Treasure," among his peers, the envisioning of Dr. Dwight E Woods, along with God's purpose in mind, continue to resonate through thousands upon thousands of young people, their parents, upcoming blossomed seeds, who will be mindful of their capability, tenacity, and success, knowing that with God's help ALL things are possible.  Just like his empowering song, or anthem, tells us, "Don't Give Up On Your Dreams!"  

We will always love and miss you, Dr. Woods.  Rest easy now...

Remembering...Music 2012 (cont.)

Wow, this year we saw many musically-endowed individuals bid adieu to the world.  Some we haven't heard from in years, but they still left a huge print in music history.

Maria Cole

Maria Cole

August 1, 1922 - July 10, 2012

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Maria Hawkins Cole had her own career as a singer before her marriage to legendary singer Nat "King" Cole.  After living in North Carolina as a child, Ms. Cole moved to New York to pursue performing in music.  

Being fortunate enough to perform with Count Basie, she also traveled with the incomparable, music great Duke Ellington, after hearing recordings of her singing, hiring her as a vocalist with his orchestra.  She stayed with him until 1946 when she began soloing at the city’s Club Zanzibar as an opening act for the Mills Brothers.  There she met her king, Nat.

Marie, with Nat "King" Cole, daughters Carol and Natalie

In 1948, the two were married at the famous Abyssinian Baptist in Harlem, NYC, which was officiated by U. S. Representative Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.  Mr. and Mrs. Cole spent years performing worldwide, singing and recording for Capitol Records.  Her husband made history, becoming the first black to have a radio show, as well as the first black host of his own TV show.

The couple became parents of three beautiful girls:  Natalie, Timolin and Casey (twins).

She continued to perform after becoming a widow, appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show, and producing plays, among other projects.

Maria Cole participated in various organizations, even creating the Cole Cancer Foundation, and Nat King Cole Generation Hope.

She was 90 years of age.

R. B. Greaves

R. B. Greaves

November 28, 1943 - September 27, 2012

Born in Georgetown, Guyana, Ronald Bertram Aloysius “R. B.” Greaves III, was a singer, born on the U. S. Air Force Base.   

His debut single “Take a Letter Maria,” released under the name R.B. Greaves, had been recorded by both Tom Jones and Stevie Wonder before the author recorded it himself at the insistence of Atlantic Records president Ahmet Ertegün, who produced it.

His recorded version of the song stayed in the Billboard chart for 15 weeks, selling a million copies with the gold record on 11 December 1969. By 1970 sales of the record totaled 2.5 million.

In addition, Greaves also recorded various other tunes, including a Top 40 single a year later with “Always Something There to Remind Me.”

He was 68.

Etta James

Etta James

January 25, 1938 - January 20, 2012

Born in Los Angeles, California, Jamesetta Hawkins, was best known for the song everyone took a chance at trying to mimic, and noted to be one of the popular songs for weddings.

Etta James was a gospel prodigy, singing in her church choir, and on the radio at the age of 5.  When she turned 12, she moved north to San Francisco, where she formed a trio with her two church friends, and was soon working for bandleader Johnny Otis (who, incidentally, passed on January 19, 2012).

In 1954, along with the Otis band, she moved to Los Angeles to record "The Wallflower" (a tone-down alternative for the provocative title "Roll with Me Henry").  That same year, her name was changed to Etta James (her first name shortened), and her vocal group was dubbed The Peaches (which was also Etta's nickname).  Soon after, James launched her solo career with such hits as "Good Rockin' Daddy" in 1955.

Once signing with Chess Records, Ms. James' career took off like a rocket, recording such top hits, such as "All I Could Do Was Cry," "Trust In Me," and one of the biggest, memorable recordings, "At Last."  She continued pulling out more powerfully-vocalized tunes, such as "Something's Got a Hold On Me" in 1962 and "In The Basement" in 1966.

Ms. James is in both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Blues Hall of Fame.  In 2003, she released Let's Roll, which won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album.  Her sons, Donto and Sametto James, served as producers on the recording, along with Josh Sklair.  They regrouped for her next effort, Blues to the Bone (2004), supplying Ms. James with her third Grammy Award, in the Best Traditional Blues Album category.

She was 68 years of age.

Jimmy Castor

June 23, 1940 – January 16, 2012

Born in The Bronx, New York, James Walter Castor was known as an incredibly talented musician, songwriter, and innovator, providing cutting-edge approach, during the 1960-70s.  Was instrumental in accomplishing amazing strides for future various genres.

Noted for conceptualizing the familiar phrase:

"What we need to do is go BACK...WAY BACK...BACK INTO TIME!"

Jimmy Castor and the Juniors

Like so many others, Mr. Castor began singing doo-wop on the streets of The Bronx.  He composed song "I Promise to Remember," which he recorded with one of his first groups, Jimmy and The Juniors, in 1956.  The same song later became a huge hit for friend, Frankie Lymon, with the Teenagers.  Castor would handle lead vocals whenever needed as stand-in, and briefly became a member of the group, after Mr. Lymon left to pursue solo career.  Upon graduation, he attended in City College of New York for two years, majoring in accounting, but minoring in music.  

Jimmy Castor

In 1960, Castor began putting his musicianship into focus, mastering the saxophone.  Accompanying artists, like Dave Cortez, assisting in studio on hit "Rinky Dink."  During the 1960s, Castor gained recognition for his version of the Latin soul sound that emerged as Puerto Ricans joined blacks in Upper Manhattan.  1966 brought about a solo hit for Mr. Castor with "Hey Leroy, Your Mama's Callin' You," in which he melody was calypso-inflected, the groove was Latin and the liner notes were bilingual. 

Jimmy Castor Bunch

In 1972, Castor followed through with successfully attempting yet another culture, by forming the funk-infused group, The Jimmy Castor Bunch, in 1972.  Their successful album, It's Just Begun, introduced two top ten chart-busters for several weeks: gold record-status "Troglodyte (Cave Man)," featuring the famous slogan that has been sampled in the rap/hip-hop arena for decades, and the title track, "It's Just Begun," also used as background music for breakdance battle, during movie "Flashdance."

 

As the 1970s continued, Castor set trends with tunes like "The Bertha Butt Boogie," later recording "E-Man Boogie," "King Kong," "Bom Bom," and "Potential."  His solo period, from 1976 until 1988, he had one of his bigger hits in many years with a 1988 revival of "Love Makes a Woman," which paired him with disco diva Joyce Sims.

   

In addition to his music group and solo efforts, Castor had a record label he established, Long Distance. 

Such a tremendous, creative talent, whose rhythmic and melodic ingenuity remains indelible, transcending for generations.  He was 71 years of age.

Music Remembered... 2012 (cont.)

 

Listening to a tune, whether in a movie theater, on a stage, or even watching TV during a night at home, it seems to provide such a sense of joy, placing a smile on an otherwise dismal-looking day.  Taking a look at music, we lost some of the most incredible lyricists in the world this year.  However, they left us some creatively artistic music expressions that will last a lifetime.  

Richard Adler

 

Richard Adler

March 3, 1921 - June 21, 2012

Born in New York, NY, Richard Adler composed many tunes for various genres, including Broadway shows, and motion picture musicals, like "The Pajama Game."  Collaborating with Jerry Ross, many songs became desirable for recording, by such legendary performers as Rosemary Clooney, Pattie Page,  Sammy Davis, Jr., Sarah Vaughn, and The Shirelles.  Mr. Adler was 90 years old.

Memorable songs, composed, to name a few:

• 1.  Rags To Riches
• 2.  Hernando's Hideaway
• 3.  You Gotta Have Heart
• 4.  Steam Heat
• 5.  Baby Be My Toy
• 6.  Whatever Lola Wants
• 7.  Everybody Loves A Lover
• 8.  Hey There

         

Hal David

Hal David

May 25, 1921 - September 1, 2012

Born in New York, NY,  the lyricist who composed some of the most loved songs, especially during the 1960s and 70s.  Collaborating with Burt Bacharach, they wrote a vast number of beautiful melodies, helping to fill my youth and young adult years, many that I personally still love to this day.  


Singers who gave amazing life to the duo's magnificent work, making you want to pattern after their vocal ability - Dusty Springfield, Jackie DeShannon, Tom Jones, and B. J. Thomas.  Of course, one in particular, Dionne Warwick's smooth resonant voice showed us how easy she made it performing their works of art.  When I first heard her tackle "Don't Make Me Over," it sent warm fuzzies through me, and I wanted to project notes just like her.  She recorded more than sixty of their hits, nine of which became Top 40 charted.  I loved every one she handled, and after that, each movie I attended that introduced another Bacharach/David tune, would send me that much closer into orbit.  

Even greats like Aretha Franklin, The Carpenters, Herb Alpert and The Fifth Dimension proved that recording one of their love treats would be gold-struck. 
 

Among the more memorable songs:

1.  Walk On By
2.  Alfie
3.  I Say A Little Prayer
4.  (They Long To Be) Close To You
5.  Raindrops Keep Fallin' From My Head
6.  What The World Needs Now Is Love
7.  There's Always Something There To Remind Me
8.  The Look of Love
9.  What's New, Pussycat?

10. Promises, Promises 

11. This Guy's In Love With You

He was 91.

Marvin Hamlisch

Marvin Hamlisch

June 2, 1944 - August 6, 2012

Born in New York, NY, Marvin Frederick Hamlisch was a child prodigy who attended Julliard School Pre-College at the tender age of 6 1/2.  Instrumental in co-writing Leslie Gore's 1965 hit song, "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows."  Was responsible for composing very familiar tunes that continue to be heard regularly, all over the world.  Devised movie scores, Broadway-stage tunes, etc.  One of two individuals to win Tony, Grammy, Oscar, Emmy, Pulitzer AND Golden Globe awards.  

Hum-along melodies, like Barbra Streisand's bellowing "The Way We Were" from the movie title, "Nobody Does It Better," recorded by Carly Simon, from The Spy Who Loved Me, which he co-wrote with Carole Bayer Sager.  Even the Broadway hit "One" that always reminds me of my daughter's first dance concert, where she performed that great number. 

Not a stranger to movie show-stoppers, as he wrote several. His list of film score achievements:

1.  The Chorus Line
2.  The Way We Were
3.  The Sting (adaptation of the great Scott Joplin's ragtime music)

4.  Sophie's Choice

5.  Three Men And A Baby
6.  Ordinary People

Mr. Hamlisch was also an incredible orchestra conductor, working across the country with the National, Seattle, Dallas, Pasadena Symphonies, as well as The Buffalo Philharmonic, for decades, continuing to spread the harmonious sound of beautiful music everywhere. 

He was 68 years old.