The Empress:The Gilded Hickory of Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight’s voice is much like a “Linus blanket” I carry with myself. From childhood to now in my mid 30’s, her voice still offers comfort, safety and understanding. Few other voices feel so essential, interwoven into the fabric of my existence. I’m pretty sure, minus her Fury, Vee-Jay and Maxx years, her discography with…

Joanie Sommers “Never Throw Your Dreams Away” (Columbia 43567, 1966)

Joanie Sommers “Never Throw Your Dreams Away” (Columbia 43567, 1966) As the year winds down to a close, more of the song-intention setting that I do for myself comes to mind. Popular Music in particular is chockful with affirmations worth of a lifetime of Oxygen network self help programming. Thankfully, at 3 1/2 minutes maximum, I can…