Remembering music legend Sam Cooke

Often called the “architect of soul music,” Sam Cooke paved the way for future artists like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Marvin Gaye with his ability to blend gospel, soul, and pop music

Remembering the Soul legend Edwin Starr

In 1968, Starr joined Motown Records, where he achieved his greatest success. His 1970 single “War”, an explosive protest song against the Vietnam War, became an anthem for peace movements worldwide

The Motown Soul classic “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” gives Marvin Gaye his first No.1 in 1968 on the Hot 100

“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” was not initially written for Marvin Gaye, it was rejected as a single by Motown, and only after demanding and heavy airplay on the radio, it was made into a single. Marvin Gaye’s version remains the most acclaimed and popular, it reached No.1 in the Hot 100 on this day in 1968

Remembering the legendary Otis Redding

Looking back at the life of Otis Redding who died at the peak of his career aged only 26 in a plane crash on December 10th, 1967

The legendary Dick Clark was born 95 years ago today

With his TV show American Bandstand, Dick Clark introduced and promoted an impressive number of new Rock, Pop and Soul artists from the 1950’s throughout the 1980’s. He was born on this day in 1929

Legendary Motown’s founder and boss Berry Gordy turns 95 today

Berry Gordy founded Motown in 1959, and it became one of the world’s biggest music labels with acts such as The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations and The Jackson 5 among many others. Today he turns 95

Percy Sledge was born 84 years ago today

The singer of “When A Man Loves a Woman” Percy Sledge had one of the most recognizable soul music voices of all time

Betty Everett was born on this day in 1939

Betty Everett is mostly remembered for her million-selling hit “The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss),” the singer was born 85 years ago today

Ray Charles’ “Georgia on My Mind” peaks to No.1 on the Hot 100 in 1959

First recorded in 1930, it was with the Ray Charles version that “Georgia on My Mind” knew the popularity that stands to this day

Ike Turner was born 93 years ago today in 1931

Despite his controversial personal life, Ike is considered an influential Rock N’ Roll pioneer, with Tina Turner he scored several hit songs during the 1960’s and 1970’s that remain enduring Rock classics

The Supremes goes No.1 on the Hot 100 with “Baby Love” in 1964

The Supremes had an amazing string of hits during the 1960’s that became all time music classics, in 1964 they reached No.1 with “Baby Love” now regarded one of the most popular songs of the late 20th century

Motown’s Eddie Holland turns 85 today

Eddie Holland was a member of the famed Motown songwriting and production team Holland–Dozier– responsible for much of the Motown Sound and hit records by Martha and the Vandellas, The Supremes, The Four Tops, and The Isley Brothers, among others. Today he turns 85

The Four Tops signature song “Reach Out, I’ll Be There” reaches No.1 on the Hot 100 in 1966

One of Motown’s favorites, The Four Tops, reached for the second time No.1 on the U.S Hot 100 on October 15th, 1966, with “Reach Out, I’ll Be There,” a memorable hit for the band

Looking Back at Legendary Soulful Man Ben E. King on His Birthday

One of Soul’s most recognizable voices, Ben E. King had several hit songs that stands the test of time such as “Stand by Me” and “Save The Last Dance for Me,” we look back at his career

Celebrating Ray “The Genius” Charles Birthday

Among friends and fellow musicians, he preferred being called “Brother Ray,” but he was often referred to as “The Genius.” The influential Ray Charles would have been 94 today. We look back at his career

Bill Medley turns 84 today

Bill Medley’s distinctive voice is noted for his bass-baritone voice in songs such as The Righteous Brothers’ “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” “Unchained Melody” and the 1980’s classic “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”

Remembering the Soul legend Barry White who was born on this day in 1944

With songs such as “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything” he sold over 100 million records worldwide throughout his rich career

With “You Can´t Hurry Love” The Supremes hit number one again in 1966

The song marked a shift on The Supremes musical direction as they evolved to singing about more mature subjects appealing that way to a wider audience

Celebrating the life of the legendary Otis Redding

The influential singer and composer Otis Redding was born on this day in 1941, we look back at his life and legacy

Jackie Wilson’s “Reet Petite (The Sweetest Girl in Town)” was released on this day in 1957

Find out why this was the song that allowed Berry Gordy to start Motown

Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” reaches No.1 on the Billboard Charts in 1973

Originally written with a religious theme by co-author Ed Townsend it turned into Marvin Gaye’s plea for sexual liberation

Mr. Dynamite performs “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag”

On this day September 1st, 1965, James Brown performed in the popular 60’s music TV Show “Shindig!” his first Top 10 hit “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag”

Edwin Starr achieves to chart with Motown’s protest song “War” in 1970

“War” was first recorded by The Temptations, but it was Starr’s version that became the most memorable and definitive due to the intensity of his performance of the song

“Please Mr. Postman” by the Marvelettes is released in 1961

“Please Mr. Postman” by the Marvelettes is notable for being the first Motown hit reaching the Hot 100 No.1

Isaac Hayes, “the hot buttered soul” master

Creative, talented and controversial, Isaac Hayes was the main creative force behind the Southern soul music label Stax and the winner of an Academy Award in 1972 for the song “Theme from Shaft.” The legendary composer, producer and performer was born on this day in 1942

The Supremes released “You Can’t Hurry Love” on this day in 1966

“You Can’t Hurry Love” by the Supremes remains one of the 1960’s absolute classics and a Motown signature song, it was released on July 25, 1966

Motown legend Martha Reeves turns 83 today

A Motown legend, as part of Martha and The Vandellas, Martha Reeves scored several hits during the 1960’s including “Nowhere to Run” and “Dancing In The Street”, today she turns 83

Remembering the soulful singer and songwriter Bill Withers

Bill Withers’ catalog is rich with songs that resonate due to their simplicity and emotional depth including the timeless hit “Ain’t No Sunshine”

The Soul music legend Eddie Floyd celebrates 87 today

His breakthrough came in 1966 with the release of “Knock on Wood,” a song he co-wrote and that became an instant hit, reaching number one on the R&B charts and number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100

Remembering the Soul legend Jackie Wilson

From his early days with The Dominoes to his solo success with memorable hits such as “Lonely Teardrops” and “Reet Petite,” Wilson’s powerful voice and dynamic performances made him a legendary figure in R&B and soul music

Aretha Franklin peaks to No.1 in 1967 with her feminist driven version of “Respect”

“Respect” was originally recorded by Otis Redding in 1965 but it was Aretha Franklin’s 1967 version that made the song popular. On this day it climbed to No.1

The “Empress of Soul” Gladys Knight celebrates 80 today

Gladys Knight & the Pips sustained success throughout the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s with several chart-topping singles and albums

Ten of the Best Stevie Wonder songs

With a career that has spanned for over 60 years, Stevie Wonder has composed some of Soul, Funk and Pop best songs. The once Motown child prodigy and one of the biggest music composers turns 74 today

Terence Trent D’Arby successfully peaks to No.1 on the U.S Hot 100 in 1988 with “Wishing Well”

With his unique combination of 1960’s Soul and 1980’s Pop, Terence Trent D’Arby was the next big thing between 1987 and 1988

The “Mr. Dynamite” James Brown was born on this day in 1933

James Brown, aka Mr. Dynamite and the Godfather Of Soul, is undoubtedly one of the most influential and respected artists of all time. His music helped to develop genres such as Funk, Dance, and House music while at the same time also influencing Rock acts. He was born 91 years ago today

Remembering the Soul and Motown legend Tammi Terrell

Tammi Terrell’s career soared to new heights when she began collaborating with legendary singer Marvin Gaye in the mid-1960s

Dusty Springfield scores her first and only No.1 in the UK in 1966 with “You Don’t Have To say You Love Me”

You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me” remains Dusty Springfield only No.1 single in the UK. The song, which was a cover of an Italian original, peaked at the top of the UK charts on this day in 1966

The Jackson Five kicks The Beatles out of the US Hot 100 No.1 with “ABC” on this day in 1970

Released on February 24, 1970, “ABC” remains one of the Jackson Five most memorable and signature songs. It reached No.1 on April 25, 1970

The legendary 1964 “T.A.M.I.” The show was released on theaters in the U.K on this day in 1965

“T.A.M.I.” Show (“Teen Age Music International”), was held during two dates on October 1964 at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium and featured acts such as James Brown, Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and Chuck Berry among many others. The film of the concert was first released in theaters in December 1964, and on April 19, 1965

Remembering the Prince Of Soul, Marvin Gaye

The legendary Marvin Gaye was pivotal in taking Soul music to the mainstream during the 1960’s. He released several memorable songs such as “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”, “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology”), “What’s Going On” and “Sexual Healing” among others. His life was cut short at the age of 44 by his own father. We look back at his career on what would had been his 85thbirthday

Remembering the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin

The Queen of Soul with a voice that influenced generations of singers was born on this day in 1942

The influential Wilson Pickett was born on this day in 1941

Wilson Pickett was a major figure in the development of American soul music, during the 1960’s he scored several hits including “In The Midnight Hour” and “Mustang Sally”. He was born 83 years ago

Otis Redding posthumously released single “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay” peaks to No.1 on this day in 1968

The song, that Redding intended “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay” to be different from all his previous work, though he didn’t have time to finish it the way he wanted, it became his most popular release selling 4 million copies worldwide after his untimely death in 1967. Read more facts about this classic

Terence Trent D’Arby turns 62 today

Terence Trent D’Arby had a string of hit singles during the late 1980’s including “Sign Your Name” with his acclaimed debut album “Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D’Arby”, today, the singer that has changed his name to Sananda Francesco Maitreya, turns 62

The “plastic soul” of David Bowie album “Young Americans”

Looking back at Bowie’s soul adventure that was released on this day in 1975

“My Girl” earns The Temptations a deserved Hot 100 No.1 in 1965

It’s one of the most recognizable and absolute music classics of all time, “My Girl”, by The Temptations was first released in late 1964

In 1987 George Michael and Aretha Franklin duet “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” peaks to No.1 around the world

On February 7, 1987, the song gave Aretha Franklin her first and only U.K No.1 and was the 3rd for George Michael after “Careless Whisper” and A Different Corner”

The Righteous Brothers classic “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin” became one of the songs of the year on this day in 1965

Written and produced by Phil Spector, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin” by The Righteous Brothers went No.1 on the Hot 100 on this day in 1965. The song is still considered the prime example of Phil Spector’s “Wall Of Sound”

Remembering the talented and influential Etta James born on this day in 1938

Born 86 years ago today, Etta James came to prominence during the 1960’s with songs such as “I Just Want to Make Love to You”

New Song by George McCrae in duet with Lynda Law

Renowned R&B/Soul and Disco sensation George McCrae is about to be heard again on radio and seen on TV with a new song, a duet called “Step Into My Heart”, sung with and also written by Lynda Law. 2024 will mark the 50th anniversary of his smash hit “Rock Your Baby” and George is still going strong with this new song release on July 7, 2023

The Queen Of Rock, Tina Turner 1939-2023

Tina Turner has left. A voice and figure that crossed through several generations in a planetary scale, an example of strength, talent and perseverance, irreplaceable and unique. The sad news arrived on May 24th, 2023. The Queen of Rock left and she leaves behind a valuable and influential body of work, a place that can’t ever be filled by anyone else, anywhere in the world.

Adios, Renée, and thanks…

The Australian music industry was left a poorer place this week with the unexpected and devastating news of the passing of Renée Geyer at the terribly young age of 69. For fifty years, Renée was the yardstick against which other singers could measure themselves and would usually come up wanting. Bold, defiant, nobody’s fool, Renée blazed a trail for others to follow, although few could do so as soulfully and powerfully as she.

The Queen Of Rock Tina Turner turns 83

Miss Hot Legs or the righteous Queen of Rock Tina Turner, was born on this day in 1939. We look back at the legendary, iconic and influential singer and performer life and career

Jace Allen Shares Debut Album Taking Sides Out Now

The LP is a dynamic, multi-genre blend of rock, funk, soul, country and pop that focuses on multiple perspectives of conflict and resolution.

Virginia Soul Artist, Akeylah Simone, Drops First Hip Hop Track “Nonchalant Vibes”

To up and coming Soul Singer and lyricist, Akeylah Simone, success is about embracing who you are. And not just some of it, but all of who you are.

Jace Allen (Jason Mendelson) Releases “Pissed Off at You” as Benefit to COVID-19 Patients & Hospitality Worker Fund

To Jace Allen, music is not only a passion but part of a mission – to connect with others, and to serve community. This effort is the first chapter of a dynamic set of genre-bending releases in 2021, leading up to his album “Taking Sides,” that will serve a common purpose – to give back, and contribute to the hopeful future of our greater good.

50 Essential Albums From 1967

1967 was one of absolute golden years for music. A deeply culturally and socially important year with several changes around the world, on fashion, politics, technology and many other changes that were reflected on the music being made. We gathered together 50 of the best album releases from 1967 with no particular order, all of them are essential and timeless

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin has died

Aretha Franklin, the undisputed “Queen of Soul” who sang with matchless style on such classics as “Think,” ”I Say a Little Prayer” and her signature song, “Respect,” and stood as a cultural icon around the globe, has died at age 76

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin reportedly very sick and struggling

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin is very sick and her death is “imminent,” according to a source close to the singer