Despite my memoirs of hip hop or its eventual marriage with R&B, there are certain moments when my spirit calls for a particular feeling. Whether cooking a Sunday dinner or if the skies are colored with a cloudy disposition, I just want to cuddle close with a song that charms my thoughts and delights my mood. One of those songs is Jackie Wilson’s “Stop Doggin’ Me Around”. Admittedly, the first time I heard this song was through the group, Klique back in 1983. However, when I later discovered Wilson’s version I couldn’t help but find a magnetic element. His voice had an ache and longing that was potently beautiful.  Coupled with the playful piano riffs and the extended plead in Jackie’s tone, it remains a cherished favorite in my list of classics.

Plus, I can see why all the women fell hard for him as well.

Considered by Rolling Stone as the 9^th greatest artist of all time, gracing the cover of prestigious publications like TIME Magazine and being the summoned voice of President Clinton and Obama, Aretha Franklin doesn’t just sing the song Respect, she commands it front and center. Raised in the southern Baptist tradition of gospel through the guidance of her father C.L. Franklin, Aretha’s beautifully executed riffs and soulful tone has not only been the influence of Whitney Houston and Adele but the pop/soul style of George Michael and rock icon, Freddie Mercury of the group, Queen. While Franklin is noted greatly for her voice, you would be remiss to ignore her skills as a songwriter with hits like Daydreaming, Rock Steady and Call Me.

Monday evening, the Fox Theatre was blessed by the sovereign soul of “the Queen” herself, Ms. Aretha Louise Franklin. Gracing the stage in a green and shimmering silver gown, Ms. Franklin effortlessly crooned the Jackie Wilson tune, (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher as the crowd cheered upon her arrival. With raised hands of applause and the expressive styling of Aretha’s voice, it was definitely a night to remember.

Check out GFM’s exclusive pictures from her show in Atlanta.

This was originally posted on August 29, 2010

Now you know I had to do a special edition in honor of Michael on the anniversary of his birth. Please enjoy the selections and please feel free to post your thoughts about these gems.

Cover Information-Original Artists

1 Bill Withers
2 The Beatles
3 Stephanie Mills, Hinton Battle, Tiger Haynes & Ted Ross
4 Wings
5 Carole Bayer Sager
6 Jackie Wilson
7 The Supremes
8 The Temptations
9 Johnny Mathis
10 The Stylistics
11 Bobby Day
12 Charlie Chaplin
13 The Miracles
14 Carole King

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