Here we are, winding down the mixes and the decade that brought them to life. For the penultimate mix in the old format, we’re gonna go with voices that have brought me the most joy over the years. In our current world, people aren’t really allowed to ‘play favorites.’ I’m sorry. But not. I do….
The Candy Bowl: 31 Flavors of Men to Savor
As I head towards the finish line of mixes, I do realize that my homage to women in music history through the mid-century and beyond has dominated the proceedings. I am also a queer that loves a good man. Whether that’s one that’s easy on the eyes or easy on the ears (preferably both) I’ve…
The Second Heaven of ’67: 42 Gems from the Sunset of the 60’s
It’s complete. With this particular mix, I can call conclusion to a journey that started 4 years ago. Yes, oddly, 1967 is the hole in a series of not so much hits for those Misses of Soul Music (here’s 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968 & 1969 for reference). As we head into…
The Classy Concoctions of Clyde Otis
There’s many names that easily get buried as time passes and history becomes more dense. In the music industry there’s many pillars that held it up. Musicians from prominent drummers, pianists and saxophonists worth noting their shining work on records. Of course there’s our favorite singers. We don’t do much with the legacy of prolific…
More Gems From The Jewelbox: Forgotten Kisses From The Many Mrs. of Motown
Motown was a house built on the labor of Women. Particularly Black Women There’s no way to really debate this. It started with the labor of understanding music, publicity, marketing and legal concerns Berry Gordy picked up from his sisters, Anna, Gwen, Esther and Loucye. It continued with the financial success that women like Mary…
Popcorn & Poetry: The Forgotten Perfection of Luther Dixon
There’s so many people that crafted and created the legacy of mid 20th Century music that, basically, I keep sustaining my ability to write and pull together such a wealth of material to share with you year after year. It’s one of the joys that I give myself, educating myself even further and then sharing…
To The Lady In The Spotlight – A Midsummer’s Nightingale Playlist
There’s a long tradition in vocal stylings in which people aspire to being as great in a field as their predecessors. Notably, years of women that birth’d Jazz loved those Blues and Gospel singers that gave them the extra edge over some people that weren’t exactly naturals to the style. Some of those Jazz singers…
Sister Side of ’66 – 40 Gems For Your Summer Spirit
Y’all. A long time goal of mine is starting to wrap up as we close out the second decade of this century. If you’ve been with me, following and listening, you know that heart & soul of what I love doing is highlighting the efforts by women, primarily Black Women, that crafted and created music…
Mickey’s Mojo: The Extensive Talents of Motown’s A&R Magician
As Motown continues to roll out celebrations of its 60th anniversary, it’s extremely curious who doesn’t get attention for their hard work and extraordinary talents getting the label underway. There’s plenty of names that get lost today behind the glittering legacy of Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson and the mourning of Marvin Gaye. Indeed if it…
What’s Your Sign, Baby? 25 Tunes To Study Your Charts To
Once upon a time, about 15 years ago, a particular Sagittarius Sun, Scorpio Moon gifted me a massive Astrology Book for my 22nd Birthday. Realistically he used it as a passive aggressive gift to explain and excuse his horrible behaviors since, well, he “couldn’t help it, it was written in the stars!” Realistically it wasn’t…
