Tag Archives: R&B

“When history books are written, I’d like it to be said that I am one of the premiere singers of our time.” Luther Vandross Luther Ronzoni Vandross, one of the finest R&B singers of the last thirty years and indeed one of the “premiere singers of our time,” with a …

With a resolution of the Michael Jackson trial in his favor, the speculators are speculating on how he might revive his once majestic career, which began as a tyke performing with his brothers in the Jackson 5. There are even rumors that the Jacksons might musically reconvene, over 35 years …

A “musicians’ musician” is one known primarily as a virtuoso sideplayer rather than an artist in his or her own right. Though such players are usually not household names, major stars utilize their services, and less gifted musicians – especially those who play the same instrument – hold such individuals …

This is the first regular installment of a bi-weekly review of CDs, performances, news and events that cross my path or strike my fancy. Enjoy! INDIE ROUND-UP for March 24 2005 === Cadillac Moon rocked the house at Cornelia Street Cafe last night in a return engagement. The eight-piece blues …

MYSHKIN’S RUBY WARBLERS: Corvidae This is an unusual fusion of cabaret, singer-songwriter, lounge-jazz and gypsy music, yet it’s not quite any of those things. Myshkin’s promo material says “Gypsy torch punk” but the word “punk” must just be an attention-grabber, because although there are faint hints of anger and brashness …

You know the O’Jays. Even if you don’t think you do, you do. Beginning with “Back Stabbers” in 1972, the group had a string of hits that also included “Love Train,” “Give The People What They Want,” and the dark masterpiece “For The Love Of Money.” Produced by the legendary …

Although I was just a kid, I was a pretty serious student of Top 40 radio from the mid-’60s until I “graduated” to “progressive rock” radio in the early’-70s, which I realize in retrospect actually narrowed my tastes for a time. But I remember ever so vividly being blown away …

Ray: how can we miss you when you won’t go away? Kidding – it isn’t Ray’s fault he made one of the most popular and successful albums of his career just before he died, or that his mastery of virtually every American musical form is perhaps unparalleled and has taken …

"Walk A Mile In My Shoes," one of his two Billboard-charting singles, is one of the greatest soul records ever made.

Norman, what were you thinking? One of Motown’s greatest wongwriters and producers pleaded guilty Tuesday to failing to report more than $2 million in royalty income. He admitted to failing to file tax returns on about $600,000 a year between 1995 and 1999. Whitfield, 64, is scheduled to be sentenced …