Black Music Month: Artist of The Day: Michael Jackson

MICHAEL JACKSON--ANOTHER PART OF ME!

Of course any list of great black music artists would be incomplete without Michael Jackson's name on it. Performing for most of his life, he's a master story teller and one of the most exciting performers. There's no one who has done more for the evolution of modern music today as Michael Jackson. As one of the pioneer artists who helped launch MTV to what it is today, Michael's video performances speak for themselves.

Musically, he experimented with all forms of the genre including pop and rock, but it a testiment to his roots of being mentored by Motown and the great Berry Gordy, that his best music by far continues to be his soul and R&B recordings.
Here is one of those songs--"Another Part Of Me".

Black Music Month Artist of The Day: Luther Vandross

Gone too soon but certainly not forgotten, Luther Vandross's voice defined the soul sound in the 80s and 90s. Whenever people think of soul music and songs that identify soul only one name comes up, Luther. Here is his first hit, "Never Too Much".

Black Music Month Artist of the Day - Day 22: The Ojays

THE OJAYS--LOVE TRAIN

This was a universal song that inspired a lot of dancing. Although their hit, "For Love Of Money" has gained popularity recently as the theme for Donald Trump's reality show The Apprentice, "Love Train" is one of the band's most recognizable and requested song. Here is a fantastic performance of the classic song.

Black Music Month Artist of the Day - Day 18: Al Green

Al Green's "Let's Stay together" was the first song I remember everyone in my neighborhood loving. My parents, my aunt who lived next door and even my mom's friends loved it. A typical Saturday afternoon in Indiana was the same, moms would be talking, kids would be playing kick the can, dads would be mowing lawns, teenage girls would be braiding each others hair for the summer, all just going about their day. Then this song would be playing on the radio of a car passing by and suddenly every radio within a 5 mile radius would catch on and start playing it. Soon Al Green would be playing in surround sound on Deodar Street.

Those were the days. There aren't too many songs or artists today that could have everyone stop, listen, sing or dance to all at once, no matter the age. Al Green's
"Let's Stay Together" is one of those songs. The fact that he could unite a neighborhood in a common theme for even 4 minutes at a time, makes him the Black Music Month Artist of The Day.

Black Music Month Artist Of The Day: Day 16

The spotlight artist of the day, is Rufus, featuring Chaka Khan. Highly popular in the 70's and 80's, Rufus was synonymous with helping to define the R&B/Soul sound. Chaka Khan, a diva in her own right, began her career with the band. Blending dance songs with soulful ballads makes Rufus the artist of the day. Here's one of my favorite songs: Sweet Thing.

Black Music Month Artist of the Day - McFadden and Whitehead

June is Black Music Month
Day 15
McFadden and Whitehead

I am sure you heard the song but most don't know that they were songwriters for Philadelphia International Label. They wrote hits you know today such as and Backstabbers by The O'Jays and Wake Up Everybody by Harold Melvin & The Blue notes just to name a few.
This song is still a classic after all these years.
We lost both of them recently R.I.P. Their music will live forever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuHxZWeQOC4

Black Music Month Artist of the Day- Teena Marie

June is Black Music Month
Day 14
Teena Marie

One of the best female singers in the business. One of my all time favorites. Not only can she sing, but she also writes, produces and plays most instruments on her recordings.Teena started in the music business when she was 16 years old, hired as a songwriter for Motown. Rick James wanted to produce and write for her. The rest is history. Listen to this track and you will see why she is on the list and a long time favorite.

Black Music Month Artist of the Day - Ready For The World

June is Black Music Month
Day 13

Ready For The World

One of my favorite groups from the 80s. Ready for the world are six men from Flint, Michigan who wrote & performed all their songs. They are best known for their number one song" Oh Sheila", but this band also knew how to produce a great ballad. Here is a look at their ballad Love You Down. RFTW are touring this year so get ready for them to do it all again.

Black Music Month Artist of the Day- Prince

June is Black Music Month
Day 12

Prince
need I say more...... A musical genius

Black Music Month Artist of the Day- Anita Baker

June is Black Music Month
Day 11

Anita Baker
talent at it's finest with a voice that gives you chills. Enjoy this clip of one of her best songs live...