In a world filled with smoke and mirrors, it always inspires me to see and experience artists who exude a powerful sense of truth. Their truth is not built with the intent of gimmick-like controversy  but a “need” to be true to themselves no matter the cost. That is the stern virtue that I highly respect in the artistry and legend of Ms. Etta James. With that said, it greatly disappoints me that  in light of her authenticity, this truth has failed to be depicted on the screens of Hollywood. Of course we all saw Beyonce’s “role” in the movie Cadillac Records but unfortunately that role was not the factual life of Etta James. (more…)

This time Ms. James treats us to a duet with Moonglows founder Harvey Fuqua. “If I Can’t Have You” is sincere and heartfelt, but still feels playful as the duo sings,

The way you hug me, The way you squeeze me

The way you kiss me, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, If I can’t have you

In 2000, Mr. Fuqua revealed and he and Ms. James had recorded an entire album that had yet to be released. Hopefully the record label will see not only the need for a resurgence of this type of quality music, but also the level appreciation for Ms. James’ catalog as a sign to finally release the duet album. “If I Can’t Have You” is available on the collection “Essential Etta James“.

From the era where you had to be a master of the Blues as well as the Rhythm. Written in 1960 for Etta by Billy Davis, Berry Gordy and his sister Gwen Gordy. The song was said to be inspired by James’ former boyfriend Harvey Fuqua ironically dating Davis’ former girlfriend, who was Gwen. Gordy and Fuqua later married the same year the song was recorded.

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Producer, mentor to Marvin Gaye and former doo-wop star with The Moonglows, Harvey Fuqua has passed away at the age of 80.

The versatile artist, entrepreneur and executive also shepherded the careers of such acts as Etta James, the Spinners, and Junior Walker & the All Stars.

According to Gaye biographer David Ritz, Gaye considered Fuqua his surrogate father. “Harvey saved my life,” Gaye once told Ritz. (Gaye was murdered by his real father in 1984.)

Fuqua enlisted Gaye in the Moonglows in 1958, and later brought him to Motown. He produced (with Johnny Bristol) Gaye’s duets with Tammi Terrell, including the Ashford and Simpson-pennd “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Your Precious Love.” Additionally they produced and co-wrote (with Vernon Bullock) the duo’s 1967 single “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You.”

– Reuters

You can read the entire article here.

Analysis and commentary from Soul Patrol

Motown Alumni Association

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