Old School Friday "RIP Major Harris"

Well Friends, Friday is just about over and I have not posted in a while due to my work hours BUT I could not go to bed without acknowledging the passing of a Philadelphia Great.
I found out a little while ago that MAJOR HARRIS one of the powerhouse voices of the Delfonics. As well as a solo artist has died.  Major Harris born February 9, 1947 died today at the age of 65 from congestive heart and lung failure.
I was talking to a coworker today about how I ABSOLUTELY LOVE Old School music and those of you who have visited my Old School Music spot KNOW that I was raised on music, so I like to celebrate those who were instrumental in my musical journey. Growing up, the Delfonics were (and STILL are) one of my favorite groups, so I am shocked an appalled that the passing of Major Harris was barely mentioned.
So, Major! This post is for YOU!!
To learn more about Major Harris go HERE.  To read the news story about his passing go HERE.

A Hands Down Classic!! Sung by the Original!

Love Won't Let Me Wait - Major Harris



I Believe In Love - Major Harris


Remember the HEY LOVE Cassettes back in the early 80's? YES INDEED I had a copy (Made a baby on that... but anyway...!)
Hey Love - Delfonics


RIP Major Harris! You contributions to the legacy of AWESOME MUSIC will NOT be forgotten!

Smooches,
Regina

Old School Friday - Love Unlimited

HAPPY OLD SCHOOL FRIDAY!!!
 
I was laying across the bed reading a book and listening to Pandora and a LOVE UNLIMITED song came on and I realized I have not done an OLD SCHOOL FRIDAY post in a while!  So I took a break from my book to do some Old School Friday video watching AND who better to focus on than LOVE UNLIMITED!  When I was younger, in my mind Glodean White was more famous for being the wife of Barry White and for having those extra-long, creepy, finger and toe nails then she was for singing.

But Glodean White was one third of the singing group Love Unlimited along with Linda James and Diane Taylor.  Glodean (James) White and Linda James were sisters and Diane Taylor was their cousin.  These ladies were also formerly backup singers for .....  you guessed it, the Maestro, Barry White!  Did you know that Barry White was born in Galveston, Texas??  Anyway, My favorite song by Love Unlimited is "Walking In The Rain With The One I Love" (video below!).

Barry & Glodean White

Walking In the Rain With The One I Love - Love Unlimited


Love's Theme - Barry White (The Maestro!) & Love Unlimited


It May Be Winter Outside - Love Unlimited


I Belong To You - Love Unlimited


Yes, We Finally Made It - Love Unlimited


Happy Old School Friday!!
Smooches All!
Regina

Old School Friday - Nona Hendryx

HAPPY FRIDAY ALL!!! I was trolling the internet and found out that tomorrow (8/18/12) is Nona Hendryx birthday!  You may know her from being one third of the hit group LaBelle from the 70's.  She also had a solo singing career. I was not a big fan of her solo music because she was too much of a Rocker girl for me but the talent is unmistakable!




In The Ghetto - Nona Hendryx


Why Should I Cry - Nona Hendryx


Can I Speak To You Before You Go To Hollywood - LaBelle


Lady Marmalade - LaBelle


Isn't It A Shame - LaBelle


You Turn Me On - LaBelle


Nightbird - LaBelle


Have an AWESOME Weekend All!!
Smooches!
Regina

Old School Friday - Unsung

I have not done an Old School Friday post in a while.  But since I recently finished school I have been catching up with my UNSUNG episodes on the DVR.  Let me just say that I absolutely LOVE Unsung because some of these groups are classic and timeless and definitely Unsung.  However when I watch Unsung I often get teary, heavy hearted, and emotional to see how the enemy has used and abused these people.  Make no mistakes PRIDE and GREED are tricks of the Devil.  Give the enemy NO foot hole, because He can slide in and devastate your life, steal your joy, and taint your gift! If you are not firmly rooted and grounded in God you will be deceived and lost in the music business.
Check out what UNSUNG has going on for the sixth season HERE!

BUT, Moving on to some good old school music. There is no set theme just some favorite artists from recent Unsung episodes. (That means I may jump from decade to decade!)

The Marvelettes
Don't Mess With Bill 


Please Mr Postrman 


Con Funk Shun
Love's Train


Baby I'm Hooked 


Atlantic Starr 
When Love Calls


Am I Dreaming


Circles


Touch A Four Leaf Clover


Send For Me


As you can see from the songs I posted I am partial to the Atlantic Starr group configuration which included Sharon Bryant.  Though Secret Lovers and Always were major hits I felt they were more commercial hits and I personally preferred the sound of Sharon Bryant over the sound of Barbara Weathers who was lead vocals on those two later songs. Which is why Secret Lovers and Always are not featured here.

For me THIS will always be ATLANTIC STARR!


Peace & Love All!
Regina

Old School NOT Friday! Angela Bofill

Hey There Everyone!

I have not done an Old School Friday post in a few weeks, so I figured today was a good day for one! YES, I KNOW TODAY IS NOT FRIDAY!!! That is just a technicality!  ANY DAY is a god day for music! Actually, late last night I was watching the television show "UNSUNG" and the show was spotlighting  the incomparable Ms. Angela Bofill.  This Cuban and Puerto Rican born percussionists, musician, and songstress suffered to debilitating strokes and is still full of love and life. I think there is no better person to showcase, what an amazing story and amazing woman! So, yea, I just had to feature her today!  If you have no clue who Angela Bofill is find out more about her HERE and HERE!

So today I spotlight Ms. Angela Bofill!

I Try - Angela Bofill


I'm On Your Side - Angela Bofill (The 80's at it's BEST)


This Time I'll Be Sweeter - Angela Bofill



Angel Of The Night - Angela Bofill





Under The Moon And Over The Sky - Angela Bofill


One Love!
Regina

Ahhh, When I Found Love!

Man, FRIDAY, AT LAST!!  Yesterday was the birthday of none other than his Purple Majesty "PRINCE Rogers Nelson"!  OoooohhhhhLALA!!!  Yes sir, I am a Prince fan and have been since the late 70's! Prince helped me find LOVE!!! Prince, born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958, is a musician, composer, singer, songwriter ....uh calling him an actor is questionable (You know you watched Purple Rain, Under The Cherry Moon, and Graffiti Bridge, LOL!)!  But we over look his bad acting, and his eccentricity, because we ABSOLUTELY LOVE his singing!!
I was working in a group home for people with developmental issues on Farmers Blvd in queens NY. I was about 16-17 and dating a guy named Jake who was a coworker and also in the Army. I thought I was grown and I knew I was in love!!  I actually was NOT in love with Jake, I was in love with the IDEA of being in love! For that I blame Prince!! When the clients went to bed I used to sit in a chair on the fire escape and play this one Prince song over and over on my Sony Walkman.  That song was "ADORE"! And even though I had a boyfriend downstairs who was flirting with all our coworkers, who hated me because I was dating Jake, I wanted to spend time alone with Prince crooning in my ears!  My mind was not on Jake, my mind was a million miles away dreaming of the day when I would find a love who would say to me ...

Until the end of time, I'll be there for you
You own my heart and mind, I TRULY ADORE you.
If God one day struck me blind, Your beauty I'd still see,
Loves to weak to define
Just what you mean to me......

Yep, while I had the boyfriend who was the envy of my coworkers, I was dreaming of something deeper, better, MORE! Happy Old School Friday!
Happy Birthday, Prince!!  Thank you for years of musical enjoyment and for awakening a desire for true love in me!  To learn more about Prince go HERE, and HERE! (I know that Prince absolutely hates YouTube but I will try to post videos anyway and hope I don't get a cease and desist order!)

I had this picture hanging on my wall when I was younger!

Under The Cherry Moon Intro


Diamonds and Pearls - Prince

See all music videos Prince

I Wish You Heaven - Prince


Money Don't Matter Tonight - Prince



Kiss - Prince

See all music videos Prince

Happy Birthday PRINCE!!

Happy Old School Friday!!!
Smooches,
Regina

Old School Friday "RIP Donna Summer"

Happy Friday All!  This is the end of a long work week for some, the end of a tiring week for me, and time to slip into relaxation mode.  Unfortunately yesterday was the passing of a music icon.  Donna Summer, the Queen of Disco sadly succumbed to cancer on Thursday, May 17, 2012.

Donna Summer, born LaDonna Adrian Gaines (December 31, 1948- May 17, 2012), received numerous awards such as 5 Grammy Awards, 6 American Music Awards, an NAACP Award, and many more.  Donna summer set the 70's disco era on fire with hits like, "Love To Love You Baby", "Hot Stuff", and "Bad Girls".  Her music was part of the soundtrack of my life, so I dedicate today's Old School Friday to Ms Donna Summer!!  Rest In Peace Donna Summer, you will be missed!  To learn more about Donna Summer go HERE, HERE, and HERE.




















Happy Friday All!
Regina

Old School Friday "Happy Birthday Nick Ashford"

Happy Friday All!!
Another week has come and gone and I pray that you were productive this week and successful in reaching your weekly goals!  Now it is time for the weekend. Some relaxation, some entertainment, or just some good music!!
Today would have been the 71 birthday of Nick Ashford.  Nick Ashford native of Fairfield, South Carolina, was one half of the power writing, producing , and singing duo of Ashford and Simpson.  This power husband and wife team were active in the music business from 1964-2011!  Ashford and Simpson wrote hits for people like Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Teddy Pendergrass, and Amy Winehouse, as well as writing a slew of Motown Hits.  Ashford and Simpson also sang their own hits such as "Solid", "Is It Still Good To Ya", "It Seems To Hang On" and others.  Ashford and Simpson have written numerous songs for television series, and movie soundtracks.  Nick Ashford died August 22, 2011 from complications of throat cancer.  He leaves behind, wife Valerie and two daughters.  Rest In Peace Nick Ashford, your phenomenal contribution to the world will never be forgotten! Find out more about Nick Ashford HERE and HERE.

Send It - Ashford & Simpson (my FAVORITE Ashford & Simpson song!)


It Seems To Hang On - Ashford & Simpson


Somebody Told A Lie - Ashford & Simpson



Solid - Ashford & Simpson (Their biggest commercial hit)


Peace & Love All!
Tell Your Loved Ones that you love them, tomorrow is not promised to any of us!
Regina

Happy Friday...The Thirteenth!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!  Yes, This is Old School Friday but since it is also Friday the 13th, I have decided to go a different route. I purposely waited until evening time to get you in the mood!! I am going to post some trailers from a few of my favorite scary movies!  (By the way I was born on Friday the 13th ..... explains a lot doesn't it?!?!)
Enjoy! Mwhuahahahah

Pet Sematary - Trailer


1408 - Trailer



A Nightmare On Elm Street - Trailer


The Sixth Sense - Trailer


Invasion Of The Body Snatchers - Trailer


The Shining - Trailer


It - Trailer


Misery - Trailer


Good night.... Sleep well!
Regina

Old School Friday - Maxine Brown

I don't know why but I am in a mood.  I feel the need to go way, way, back!  But I am feeling me some Maxine Brown today.  I love finding these lesser known gems, the real unsungs of music history.  The wealth of talent wasted or lost is phenomenal and to think today's "singers" have less than half the talent that was ignored in the 50s & 60s.
Read more about Maxine Ella Brown HERE and HERE!

We'll Cry Together - Maxine Brown



All In My Mind - Maxine Brown


Oh No Not My Baby - Maxine Brown


Coming Back To You - Maxine Brown


Funny - Maxine Brown


Be Blessed
Regina

Old School Friday - Birthdays!!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!! I am in a very MUSICAL MOOD!!!  So what should we spotlight today? I am in a mixed bag, random type of mood so I don't know. Guess I'll just go to you tube and see what turns up....

~~ 1 Hour later~~ 

I almost forgot to come back!! Sorry I have been jumping through musical genres and musical decades and still have not focused on anything! But there are a lot of birthdays today! Here is a sample of what I have been listening to this morning! ...

Happy Birthday Norah Jones
Come Away With Me - Norah Jones (ABSOLUTELY LOVE this song!)


Happy Birthday Tracy Chapman
Fast Car - Tracy Chapman


Happy Birthday Eric Clapton
Tears In Heaven - Eric Clapton


And last but not least
Happy Birthday MC Hammer
2 Legit 2 Quit - MC Hammer


Well Happy Friday All!
Tell Someone that You Love them today and MEAN IT!
Smooches!
Regina

Old School Friday - Soul Train

Happy Friday!
I am having a flash back to my childhood moment! They just do not make television the way they used to. So just come along with me!  Today is all about a few of my favorite SOUL TRAIN MOMENTS!

What you know about this right here!?!?!?!?!
SOUL TRAIN


Other than the host Don Cornelius, what EVERYONE remembers most is those Soul Train Dancers! Like them, Love Them or Hate Them, you have to smile or Laugh Out Loud at some of this mess!!
Soul Train Line (1974)


Now for the music!!
Summer Breeze - The Isley Brothers (1973) (LOL! Go on Mr. Bigs aka Ronald Isley!)


Lady Marmalade - La Belle (1974) I wonder if Ms Patti looks back on this and shakes her head!!


Love and Happiness - Al Green (1973)


Let Me Make Love To You - The O'Jays (1975)


Gloria - Enchantment (1977)


Wildflower - New Birth (1974)


As you can see, I can do this all day long!! Gotta LOVE Soul Train and Old School Music!
Have an Awesome music filled weekend!
Peace, Love, and Soul!
Regina

Old School Friday - Karen Carpenter

Happy Friday!!  Today is the birthday of Karen Anne Carpenter.  Karen Carpenter was a Caucasian American, singer and drummer, she was also the female half of the singing sibling duo "The Carpenters".  Karen was born on March 2, 1950 in New Haven Connecticut and she died on February 4, 1983 in Downey, California from heart failure.  Karen's heart failure was a direct result of her long time fight with anorexia nervosa.  She was 32 years old when she died.  Karen along with her brother Richard, had several major hits in the 1970's, such as "We've Only Just Begun" and "Close To You".  In the early 1970's the Carpenters received two Grammy Awards.  To learn more about Karen Carpenter go HERE and HERE.

We've Only Just Begun - The Carpenters


Close To You - The Carpenters


Superstar - The Carpenters


Though this last song was a mild hit for the Carpenters it was a bigger hit by Luther Vandross.

Superstar - Luther Vandross


Be Blessed Today!
Regina

Old School Friday "Happy Birthday Roberta Flack"

HAPPY FRIDAY ALL!!!  I am having an AWESOME day, and I pray the same for you!  Happy Birthday to the unsung diva Ms. Roberta Flack!  My childhood is full of fond memories of beautiful music and Ms. Flack is one of those memories.  Ms. Flack has one of the most melodious voices I remember.  I was going through my music play list yesterday and was looking for something smooth to listen to.  I have a lot of smooth men like Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, and some newer cats like Kem, but my smooth female section was lacking.  I have some Nancy Wilson and other females in other categories but I need more SMOOTH! Since my hard drive was updated I do not have the music I used to, so I think it is time to hit up the old CD crate and upload some more oldies but goodies and rest assured Roberta Flack is in the list.
Anyway, moving on, yes today is Roberta Flack's birthday.  Roberta Flack was born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, on February 10, 1937.  Due to her proficiency in classical piano she was awarded a full scholarship to Howard University at the age of 15!  She graduated from Howard University at the age of 19.  Roberta Flack was the first African-American student teacher at an all White school in Maryland.  Roberta is an accomplished folk, jazz, and soul songstress.  Roberta Flack has been nominated for many awards and has won four Grammy awards.  She is famous for numerous musical hits including the duet "Where Is The Love" with (now deceased) Donny Hathaway!  They sure do not make them like this anymore!!  Learn more about the LEGENDARY Roberta Flack HERE and HERE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBERTA FLACK

February 10, 1937 - Present

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack


Feel Like Making Love - Roberta Flack


The Closer I Get To You - Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway


Happy Black History Month!
Peace & Love All!
Regina

Old School Friday - Let's Get High!

IT'S FRIDAY and you don't have nothing to do so I'm gonna get you HIGH TONIGHT!!! (Said in my best "Smokey" from Friday voice)  I of course mean high on MUSIC because that is what Old School Friday is all about!

So since I am talking about a MUSIC HIGH today, what type of song gives YOU that euphoric feeling?

Of course when I think of the word HIGH this song immediately comes to mind...
Natural High - Bloodstone


Of course I could also go this route...
Higher Than This - Ledisi (Yes, I know this is not old school!)


Of course when others think of getting high and songs, this probably immediately comes to mind...
Mary Jane - Rick James


What gives you that musical high?


Smooches!
Regina

Old School Friday RIP Etta James

WOW!! This is my first Old School Friday post of 2012!  I watched 2 episodes of Unsung that I had on the DVR. One was Bobby Womack and the other was Atlantic Starr.  So my OSF post was going to be about them but then I woke up this morning to the news that Ms. Etta James had passed away, so I guess you know today is all about Ms. Etta!!  A legend is gone but her music will live on and on and on!

Etta James was born Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25, 1938 in Los Angeles, California.  The SIX TIME Grammy winner and music legend died on January 20, 2012 from leukemia.  Ms. James was also diagnosed with hepatitis C and dementia.  To read more on the INCOMPARABLE Ms. Etta James, read HERE and HERE.

So today's Old School Friday post is dedicated in loving memory to Ms. Etta James!

This first selection is my absolute favorite Etta James song!
I'd Rather Go Blind


A Sunday Kind Of Love


Misty


Nobody Loves You Like Me


And last but certainly not least.   The quintessential wedding song!
At Last

Rest In Peace Etta James

January 25, 1938 - January 20, 2012