Hope For Haiti Now, the telethon and organization put together by George Clooney and MTV has raised over $58 million dollars for the Haiti relief effort to date. All of the songs from the broadcast are available on iTunes (Hope For Haiti Now album) and it is currently #1 in 21 countries around the world. All proceeds will benefit the victims of the earthquake.
This was a great use of influence, technology and talent by all parties in coming together to make this event a tremendous success. Please continue to donate to the organization of your choice, as the need will be present for years to come. You can check out some of the clips from the event after the break.
Intro: In our final entry for the series we take on a slightly different subject matter than the redemptive nature of last week’s focus. Yes, we are poised to deal with all the lasciviousness of a rather un-saintly nature. But honestly, not all of the messages that we will feature today will put you on the express to you know where. As always, we start with the now and when we compare it with the then, we focus on the connection that what’s being said is absolutely nothing new. The delivery, the audience, and possibly the reactions may change but sentiment operates in the realm of the eternal.
This week’s topic: Material Boys and Girls
Blame It-Jamie Foxx feat. T-Pain/Let The Good Times Roll-Louis Jordan
The Message
The message is pretty clear in both of these songs…a good time, although “Blame It” takes a more dionysian approach in its heavy reliance on alcohol and subsequent abdication of all responsibility. Where this pair fits into our material theme is that they squarely fit the old adage “You have to pay to play“.
The Music
“Blame It” see: auto-tune. “Let The Good Times Roll” generally credited(and rightfully so)as the bridge between the swing era and rhythm blues and rock and roll. Louis Jordan’s “jump blues” was primed for dancing, and Jordan set the standard for many an entertainer to follow his suit in the decades to come.
There are some incredible tributes, mixes, blog posts and personal recollections being shared all around the web. We’ll be updating this for some time with the best of what we find. If you know of others, please leave us a comment and we’ll update with those as well. Check back often, as we continue to update this post.
Quincy Jones:
“I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words. Divinity brought our souls together on ‘The Wiz’ and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the ’80s. To this day, the music we created together on Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all…talent, grace, professionalism and dedication. He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.”
Diana Ross:
“I can’t stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking,” Ross says in a statement. “I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family.”
‘I am shocked and saddened by Michael’s passing,” Turner says. “I, along with his millions of fans, looked forward to seeing him tour one more time. Now, may he rest in peace.”
Beyonce’s cover of Etta James’ “At Last” will lead the soundtrack for “Cadillac Records,” due Dec. 2 from Columbia. Beyonce stars as James in the film, which chronicles the rise and fall of iconic label Chess Records.
“I realized that Etta James was so unapologetic, bold and strong that playing her was a big risk for me,” Beyonce recently told Billboard of the experience. “It gave me the confidence and the push to challenge myself a little more with my music.”
The soundtrack, which will be available in both single- and double-disc editions, also includes tracks from Mos Def (portraying Chuck Berry), Jeffrey Wright (as Muddy Waters), Columbus Short (as Little Walter) and Eamonn Walker (as Howlin’ Wolf).
Raphael Saadiq, Beyonce’s sister Solange, Mary Mary, Nas, Buddy Guy and Elvis Presley also have songs on the album.
“Cadillac Records” opens Dec. 5 in U.S. theaters. “People will be most surprised that the glamorous Beyonce allowed herself to be seen in the desperate straits that Etta went through, including her heroin addiction,” says Sony BMG Music Entertainment chairman Andrew Lack, who produced “Cadillac Records” with Sony BMG Films executive VP Sophia Sondervan. “That’s a Beyonce I don’t think anyone’s seen yet.”
