GFM Live: Gladys Knight & The O'Jays in Atlanta!!
When you have the opportunity to enjoy a live show from R&B Hall of Fame inductees, The O’Jays and Atlanta’s own Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Gladys Knight, that’s an opportunity you just don’t pass up. The O’Jays brought that familiar Philly soul with hits like “For the Love of Money”, “Let Me Make Love To You”, and “I Love Music” with an energetic groove that kept the crowd on their feet and singing with each song. The incredible Gladys Knight brought her beautiful spirit and flawless voice to songs like “I Don’t Want To Do Wrong”, "I've Got To Use My Imagination" and a touching tribute of Sam Smith’s, “Stay With Me” to her niece, Aaliyah on the 14th yr anniversary of her passing.
Overall, it was a real treat to see both acts. If you’re a fan of true R&B and Soul, you will not want to miss this show when it hits your town. Check out the cool pics from the show too...Read more
#Music History: Chic: "Good Times"
On this day in 1979, Chic went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Good Times', the group's second US No.1. (Thisdayinmusic.com)
New Music Video: Sy Smith Feat. Rahsaan Patterson: "Nights (Feel Like Getting Down)"
Check this very well done cover of "Nights" by Sy Smith featuring Rahsaan Patterson, who puts the special sauce on the jam. Enjoy.
GFM [Rewind] The Significance of Michael Jackson's "Rock With You"!!!
Another hit single from the ingenious duo of writer, Rod Temperton and producer, Quincy Jones, Off The Wall's Rock With You proved to be an illustrating moment for Michael in the early 80's. Echoing the dance floors of Studio 54 with its moving bass line, flowing string arrangements, and synthesized sound of disco, this single captures a sensual playfulness fused with a joyous spirit in Jackson's voice. While released on November 3, 1979, Rock With You became a defining tune for Michael landing him in the #1 spot on Billboard's Hot 100, Pop, and R&B single charts and later becoming the 4th biggest single of the 80's decade. On January 19th, 1980, 39 Years Ago today, Michael began the 4-week streak at No. 1 across the board. From a perspective of resilience, the staying power of this single beneath the backdrop of industry changes due to the declining taste for disco and a resurgence of rock makes its chart topping endurance and multi-platinum certification very impressive.
While Rock With You is almost 40 years old, its ripple effect in song and video is still felt in many contemporary artists like Chris Brown, Kelly Clarkson, Chuck Loeb and many, many others. Here's a couple of examples to show the single's reach and influence:Read more
Song of the Day: Motown: Diana Ross: "Love Hangover"
"Love Hangover" by Diana Ross was released in 1976 as a single AFTER the group The 5th Dimension covered the song. Both versions entered the charts on the same day. Diana's version went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Soul Singles and Hot Dance Club Play charts and won a Grammy. The 5th Dimension's version peaked at number 80. To quote another Motown hit, "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing Baby".
MFSB: "The Sound Of Philadelphia" (TSOP)/Theme From Soul Train
"The Sound Of Philadelphia" by MFSB (Mother, Father, Sister, Brother) featuring vocals by the group The Three Degrees was written by Philly Soul legends Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff as the theme song for the television show Soul Train. The song reached #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the R&B chart in 1974. Although the song was re-recorded in different versions over the different eras of black music ('80s R&B, New Jack Swing, Hip-Hop, Neo-Soul) since 1974, "The Sound Of Philadelphia" remained the show's theme song until the final episode in 2006.
Denroy Morgan - I'll Do Anything For You
Breaking out the vinyl for this 1981 dance classic from Denroy Morgan. Fellas, take the sentiment of this record and share it with that special lady in your life. Then let us know if you aren't on easy street (at least for a while)! You've got college bowl games, NCAA hoops, the NBA kickoff and the NFL playoffs to get ready for. Start now!
Let's just hope he got that other 'situation' taken care of....
Artist of the Month (Song of the Day) - Burn This Disco Out!
Another tune from the songwriting hand of Rod Temperton, Burn this Disco Out was the last cut from the Off The Wall album. Due to the incredible success of 4 top ten hits from this album, which had never been achieved before by a solo artist, this particular cut didn't get as much attention as Rock With You or Don't Stop Til You Get Enough however, in my opinion, it could have easily replaced Girlfriend as the 5th release from the album. Trumpeting it's high energy intro and driving bass line, this song was definitely made for the club, better know as the disco. So move the couch and tables and groove with this funky tune!!!
Fonda Rae - Over Like a Fat Rat/Touch Me
Best known for the club classic, "Touch Me", Fonda Rae sang lead on many disco records and provided backgrounds for others.
I actually didn't realize just how many, until I came across this great interview (2003) from Disco-Disco.com, where she speaks candidly about her history, including not being paid for "Touch Me".
Songs with Rainbow Brown, Kid Creole & the Coconuts, Vickie Sue Robinson and Kurtis Blow.
Of course, hip-hop heads will recall the "Over Like a Fat Rat" sample in the Eric B. & Rakim classic, "Eric B. is President"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQSFlZ2oXCA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjPZAkcMetA
