respect 2010...
january to june 2011 respect page
bernard wilson (harold melvin and the blue notes)
b. 1946, North Philadelphia, U.S.A. (a.k.a. Bernard Williams)
d. 26th December 2010, Kresson View Center, Voorhees, New Jersey, U.S.A.
Founding member of the Philly soul ensemble Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Bernard Wilson, died on Boxing Day from a stroke and a heart attack in Voorhees, New Jersey. He was 64.
Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes were founded by Harold Melvin in 1954.
They recorded for several local imprints including Posie, Instant Action, Val-ue and Landa before signing with producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's Philadelphia International Records in 1972.
Bernard was part of the group between 1972-77, recording the No. 1 R&B hits 'If You Don't Know Me By Now', 'The Love I Lost', and 'Wake Up Everybody'.
He left the group in 1977, a year after Teddy Pendergrass' departure.
Teddy passed away in January 2010.
dorothy jones johnson
the cookies
b. 16th May 1934, South Carolina, U.S.A.
d. 25th December 2010, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A.
From complications relating to Alzheimer's Disease
Dorothy was a member of The Cookies ('Chains' and 'Don't Say Nothin' Bad (About My Baby)')
She recorded with Carole King, Bernadette Castro, The Drifters, Neil Sedaka, Tony Orlando, Len Barry, Little Eva, Eydie Gorme, LaVerne Baker, Freddie Scott, Beverly Warren and Bobby Harris.
james moody
by herman leonard 1951
b. 26th March 1925, Savannah, Georgia, U.S.A.
d. 9th December 2010, San Diego, California, U.S.A.
James Moody has died. He was 85.
James was suffering from pancreatic cancer, an illness revealed by his wife just over a week ago, who said that James did not wish to have the aggressive therapy associated with the condition.
He grew up in New Jersey, learning the saxophone (and later the flute), after hearing some of the saxophonists of that era, including Don Byas and George Holmes Tate.
In the Mid Forties he joined the Air Force, performing in the Jazz band on the base (which was segregated at the time).
He left the military after the Second World War, performing with Dizzy Gillespie for a couple of years.
At the end of the decade he had joined Blue Note Records, an association which would last for many years.
Tiring from the racism permeating his home country, James relocated from the States to Europe, living there for a three year period, and recording his first recording of his evergreen 'Moody's Mood For Love'.
He returned to the States in 1952, joining the Prestige imprint.
During the Sixties he recorded again with Dizzy Gillespie.
His later work saw him performing with the James Moody Quartet, also performing with John Faddis and working in Germany and Monte Carlo.
november 2010
harry whitaker
b. 19th September 1942, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.A.
d. 17th November 2010, New York City, New York, U.S.A.
The jazz pianist, Harry Whitaker has died. He was 68. The cause is a suspected heart attack.
Harry collaborated with many artists including, Roberta Flack, Lloyd Price, Stephanie Mills, Terumasa Hino, The Eddie Jacobs Band, Al Cooper, Eugene McDaniel, Gwen Guthrie, The Spinners, Slide Hampton and Roy Ayers.
october 2010
also passed away this month...
jack brokensha
b. John Joseph Brokensha (a.k.a. White Jack), 5th January 1926, Nailsworth, Adelaide, Australia
d. 28th October 2010, Sarasota, Florida, U.S.A.Complications of congestive heart failure. Vibraphones and percussion. He was a member of The Australian Jazz Quartet. Jack worked with The Funk Brothers, Art Mardigan, Matt Michaels, and The Australian Symphony Orchestra.
walter payton jnr.
b. 23rd August 1942, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.
d. 28th October 2010, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.Bassist (Led Snap Bean and Gumbo File). He worked with The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Aaron Neville, Harry Connick Jr., Champion Jack Dupree, Chuck Carbo and Lee Dorsey. Father of trumpeter, Nicholas Payton.
james phelps
b. 2nd April 1932, Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.A.
d. 26th October 2010, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
Soul and Gospel vocalist, James Phelps has died. He was 78.
James suffered complications as a result of diabetes.
He recorded the song, 'Love Is A Five Letter Word', and worked with The Gospel Songbirds, The Holy Wonders, The Soul Stirrers, The Clefs Of Calvary, Lou Rawls and Sam Cooke.
weldon macdougal III
b. Weldon Arthur MacDougal III, 28th October 1936, West Philadelphia, U.S.A.
d. 21st October 2010, Philadelphia, U.S.A.
The producer, performer, songwriter and promoter, Weldon MacDougal III has died from pancreatic cancer, following a lengthy battle with the illness. He was 74.
Weldon was very much involved with the development of many artists at Motown (late Sixties / early Seventies) as well as being involved with the Philly Sound.
He was credited as being a major contributor to the 'Sound Of Philadelphia', and was a founder member and co-owner of the Harthon/Dynodynamics imprints, along with the keyboard player, Luther Randolph and the guitarist, Johnny Stiles.
Weldon was also an artist in his own right, singing bass with his group the Larks (not the Don Julian related group), who changed their name to the Four Larks in order to identify a difference between bands.
The Four Larks comprised of Jackie Marshall, Calvin Nichols, Bill Oxendine and Weldon.
Prior to his participation in the Four Larks, Weldon sang with the group The Victors in the early 1950's.
The Four Larks released several sides, including 'Groovin at the Go Go' b/w 'I Still Love You (From The Bottom Of My Heart)' in 1967, a song written and arranged by Thom Bell.
The Four Larks recorded with Barbara Mason circa 1965, and recorded as a unit up until the end of the Sixties.
With Harthon, the Weldon, Luther and Johnny brought the local group, Jo-Ann Jackson and the Dreams, to the label and recorded ‘Georgie Porgie’, the first 45 on the label.
The trio collaborated with the Philly artists, Bobby Eli, Norman Harris, Earl Young and Ronnie Baker, along with the writers and producers, Thom Bell and Eddie Holman amongst others.
Eddie Holman recorded for the label releasing the hit 'Hey There Lonely Girl'.
When Eddie left Harthon, the three owners went their separate ways.
Wendell departed Philadelphia and began working in the promotions department for Motown, where he stayed until returning to Philly in 1972 to work with Gamble and Huff at Philadelphia International.
In 1969, Wendell first hooked up with the Jackson 5, who were performing at a talent show in Chicago (at the High Chapparal club).
He introduced the group to Bobby Taylor, who in turn took the group to Berry Gordy.
Wendell was part of the group's development and helped with tributes and a book ('The Michael Jackson Scrapbook') regarding Michael Jackson following the artists death in 2009.
Although little is written regarding Wendell's endeavour's, he is responsible for a huge body of production work.
One side of interest to Soul fans is the production work on Universal Love's 1977 rare groove classic, 'It's You Girl'.
gregory isaacs
b. Gregory Anthony Isaacs (a.k.a. the 'Cool Ruler' and the 'Lonely Lover'), 15th July 1951, Fletchers Land, Kingston, Jamaica.
d. 25th October 2010, London, England
Reggae singer Gregory Issacs has died from lung cancer. He was famous for the songs 'Night Nurse' and 'Love Is Overdue'.
He died at his London home at the age of 59.
Gregory worked with Winston Sinclair (who recorded 'Another Heartache'), The Concords, Freddie McGregor, Ninjaman, J.C. Lodge and Beres Hammond ('Do This World A Favour').
He recorded his final album in 2008.
marion brown
b. 8th September 1931, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
d. 18th October 2010, Hollywood, Florida, U.S.A.
Alto saxophonist, Marion Brown has died. He was 79.
He had been ill for many years and had not performed publicly during that time.
Marion's recordings included 'Double Talk' and 'The Holy Euphoric Stompers'.
He worked with John Tchicai, Mal Waldron, Harold Budd, Wadada Leo Smith, John Coltrane and Archie Shepp.
He penned the soundtrack music for the film, 'Le Temps Fou'.
b. Norman Johnson, 1st September 1943, Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.A.
d. 13th October 2010, East Point, Georgia, U.S.A.
'General' Norman Johnson, the lead vocalist of the Soul Group, The Chairmen Of The Board, has died. He was 67.
Norman died on Wednesday the 13th of October at his home in East Point, Georgia, said band member Ken Knox. No cause was given.
In February this year, Norman had knee surgery after complaining of knee pain during a show in Charlotte, a show which turned out to be his last live performance.
In September, he had a knee replacement operation, and was recovering when he passed away.
Although born in Virginia, Norman Johnson's career began in Raleigh, North Carolina.
He began singing as a child in the local church choir at the age of six.
Norman was signed to Altantic Records with his group the Humdingers by the age of 12, the group changing their name in 1961, to The Showmen.
The Showmen were signed to Minit Records, where they released the single 'It Will Stand', which charted in 1961 and 1964.
The group released further material for Minit and Swan, including the songs '39-21-40 Shape', later going their separate ways in 1968.
After several solo releases, Norman signed to the emerging Invictus label in Detroit, Michigan.
Under the wings of the Holland-Dozier-Holland team, he enlisted Danny Woods (from the The Showmen), Harrison Kennedy, and Eddie Curtis resulting in the formation of the Chairmen of the Board.
Their debut single, 'Give Me Just a Little More Time' was an instant hit, charting at number 3 on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart in 1969.
Capitalising on this success, further hits followed including '(You've Got Me) Dangling on a String' and 'Everything's Tuesday'.Norman was an accomplished songwriter in his own right, penning 'Pay to the Piper', which was another hit.
Other General Johnson songs included the Grammy Award winning 'Patches' (a hit for Clarence Carter and the Chairmen)
At Invictus Records, he wrote for the group Honey Cone writing 'Want Ads', 'Stick Up', 'One Monkey Don't Stop No Show', and 'Bring the Boys Home' for Freda Payne.
As the Seventies progressed, Norman recorded solo material, releasing a self titled album in 1979 for the Arista imprint.
The Chairmen later reformed and began performing on the beach music circuit.
In 1993, the group released the album 'What Goes Around Comes Around', marking a renaissance within Soul Music circles.
In recognition of the contribution that Norman Johnson has made to American popular music, the Virginia General Assembly designated the 9th of June 2001 as General Johnson Day in Virginia.
Norman Johnson was named General after his father.
He didn't start using the name professionally until a record executive told him it was a good professional name.
Norman is survived by his wife, Julia, two sons, and a daughter.
solomon burke
b. James Solomon MacDonald, 21st March 1936, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
d. 10th October 2010, Schipol Airport, Amstersdam, Netherlands.
Solomon Burke has died. He was 74.
Reports state that Solomon died at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport, as he arrived for a gig with the Dutch group De Dijk at the Paradiso Club in the City on Tuesday.
Solomon penned the classic song 'Everybody Needs Somebody to Love', which featured in the movie 'The Blues Brothers'.
Solomon Burke was born in Philadelphia, becoming a preacher and hosted a gospel radio show during his lifetime.
In the early 1960s, he signed with Ahmet Ertegun's Atlantic Records and recorded his first hit record 'Just Out Of Reach'.
In 1962, he released 'Cry To Me', which was utilised as part of the film 'Dirty Dancing'.
Solomon's 1964 song, 'Everybody Needs Somebody to Love', was later recorded by various artists including The Rolling Stones and Wilson Pickett, and later became internationally famous following the version recorded by Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi in the 1980 film 'The Blues Brothers'.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and won a Grammy in 2003.
Solomon is survived by 21 children and 90 grandchildren.
http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/Solomon Burke
albertina walker
b. Albertina Walker, 29th August 1929, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
d. 8th October 2010, RML Specialty Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
The 'Queen Of Gospel Music', Albertina Walker has died. She was 81.
Albertina was was rushed to the RML Specialty Hospital hospital in Chicago, on the 29th of August, her 81st birthday, having long suffered from emphysema.
She took the time to issued a statement thanking all those praying for her.
Albertina was singing at the age of 4, participating in the West Point Baptist Church choir in 1932.
Greatly influenced by Mahalia Jackson, she was taken under her wing during her teenage years, and taken on tour.
In 1951, she formed the group called The Caravans, whose line-up included singers from The Robert Anderson Singers (including Ora Lee Hopkins Samson, Elyse Yancey and Nellie Grace Daniels), and were known on the circuit, as the career makers.
The group line-up varied across the years, and at various times included the likes of James Cleveland, Bessie Griffin, Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, Inez Andrews, Loleatta Holloway, Cassietta George, and Delores Washington.
The Caravans went their separate ways in the late 1960's.
The late Reverend James Cleveland and Rev. Jesse L. Jackson,Sr., gave her the name 'the Queen Of Gospel Music' during the early 1970's.
In the mid 1970's, she signed various imprints including Savoy Records, Benson Records, Word Records, A&M Records, along with many other labels.
Albertina recorded her first solo release entitled 'Put A Little Love In Your Heart' in 1975, following which she recorded with the Reverend James Cleveland.
Her releases included 'Please Be Patient with Me', 'I Can Go to God in Prayer', 'Work on Me', 'Joy Will Come', and 'I Won’t Be Back'.
Since 1975, Albertina ecorded over 60 albums and has sung for United States Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, and also for the South African President, Nelson Mandela.
In 1995, she collaborated with Thelma Houston, CeCe Peniston, Phoebe Snow, recording 'Good News In Hard Times', under the group name of The Sisters of Glory.
President Bush honoured Albertina for her contribution to Gospel Music on the 31st of May 2002, the ceremony held at the White House declaring the month of June as Black Music Month.
In 2006, she recorded a reunion album with the Caravans, entitled 'Paved The Way', whose line-up featured Dorothy Norwood, Inez Andrews, and Delores Washington.
The album was nominated for a Grammy, Dove, Soul Train Music Award and two Stellar Awards.
During her lifetime, Albertina lent her support to various charitable causes including The United Negro College Fund, The American Cancer Society, The National Council of Negro Women, The Nation of Islam's 'Million Family' March, One Voice 'A Fight Against AIDS', The NAACP and Operation Push.
She also appearred on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show', 'Good Morning America', and 'The Travis Smiley Show'.
Thursday 14.10.10 - Viewing from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at West Point Baptist Church, 3562 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Chicago, IL. (773) 538-7590
Thursday 14.10.10 - A musical tribute - 7 p.m. at Apostolic Church of God, 63rd and Dorchester, Dr. Byron T. Brazier, Pastor
Friday 15.10.10 - Visitation - 10 a.m. Friday at West Point Baptist Church, Pastor Dr. L. Bernard Jakes.
Friday 15.10.10 - Service of Celebration - 11:00 a. m. - West Point Baptist Church 3562 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Pastor L. Bernard Jakes Officiating
Burial - Oak Woods Cemetery - 1035 E. 67th St., Chicago, IL.many thanks to Kirkland Burke for his assistance with this piece
september 2010
ed wiley jnr.
b. 14th March 1930, Houston, Texas, U.S.A.
d. 27th September 2010, Wakemed Hospital, Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.A.
Saxophonist and vocalist Ed Wiley Jnr has passed away following a fall. He was 80.
Ed recorded ' Cry, Cry Baby' and 'Young Generation' and collaborated with Big Joe Turner, Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown, Michael Peay, Johnny Sparrow, Avery Ross, Clyde Patterson, Rufus Nance, Ray Charles, Milt Hinton and Teddy Pendergrass.
Ed was married to the singer, Maye Robinson.
dick griffey
b. Richard Gilbert Griffey, 16th November 1938, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A.
d. 24th September 2010, Rehabilitation Center, Canoga Park, California, U.S.A.
S.O.L.A.R. Records founder, Dick Griffey, died on Friday the 24th of September in Canoga Park in California, from complications following quadruple bypass surgery undertaken in 2009. He was 72.
Originally a co-owner of a black nightclub in Los Angeles, Dick hailed from Tennessee, where he was born in 1938.
He was educated at Tennessee State University, and later served in the Air Force.
Dick created S.O.L.A.R. Records (Sound Of Los Angeles Records) in 1977, following from a close liaison with Don Cornelius at Soul Train Records (a label formed as a result of the television show of the same name).
The label's roster boasted the likes of Shalamar, The Whispers, Dynasty, Lakeside, (his wife) Carrie Lucas (Griffey), Calloway, Collage, The Deele, Midnight Star, Klymaxx, amongst lesser known acts such as Cat Miller.
Dick spent the last 10 years of his life in West Africa involved in commodities and international trade.
Mr. Griffey’s Home Going Service will be private and reserved for immediate family.
A public memorial is being organized and details are forthcoming.
Dick is survived by his wife, Carrie Lucas Griffey, daughters Regina Hughes and Carolyn Griffey, sons Lucas Griffey and Che Scelsa, five grandchildren, Curtis, Devin, Paula, Reggie, and Kennedi, and adopted son Haile Williams.
other notable people who have sadly passed away this month...
(abbreviated section, with the help of Prince Jones from Memphis. Many thanks, Prince)
Buddy Collette
b. William Marcel Collette, 6th August 1921, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., d. 19th September 2010, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
Saxophonist, clarinetist and flautist. He worked in an orchestra for Groucho Marx, and worked with Chico Hamilton, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Nelson Riddle, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Count Basie and Charlie Parker. Buddy was the son of pianist, Willie Collette and the songstress, Goldie Marie.
Arrow Cassell
b. Alphonsus Celestine Edmund Cassell, 16th November 1949, Montserrat, West Indies. d. 15th September 2010, Montserrat, West Indies.
He suffered with complications from brain cancer. Arrow recorded 'Hot, Hot, Hot' and 'Dance With Me, Woman'. Worked with his brother, Justin Cassell.
alline (left)
Alline Bullock
(b. Ruby Alline Bullock, 1st December 1936. d. 4th September 2010, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.)
Sister of Tina Turner. 73 years old. Wrote Ike & Tina Turner's, 'Funkier Than A Mosquito's Tweeter'
King Coleman
(Carlton Coleman), b. 20th January 1932, Tampa, Florida, U.S.A. d. 11th September 2010, Miami, Florida, U.S.A.)
Singer and drummer, who worked with Nat Kendrick And The Swans ('(Do The) Mashed Potatoes'), B.B. King, Jackie Wilson and The Creepy T's.
Hadley Caliman
(b. 12th January 1932, d. 8th September 2010, U.S.A.)
Saxophonist and flautist. Worked with Pete Christlieb ("Comencia" and "Gala"), Carlos Santana, Patrice Rushen, Phoebe Snow, Joe Pass, The Grateful Dead, Joe Henderson, Ray Draper, Earl Hines, Elvin Jones, Mongo Santamaria, Bobby Hutcherson, Jon Hendricks, Freddie Hubbard and Earl Anderza.
august 2010
robert wilson
b. Robert Lynn Wilson, 21st December 1956, Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.A.
d. 15th August 2010, Palmdale, California, U.S.A.
Robert Wilson, the bassist for the funk group, the Gap Band, has passed away. He was 53.
Robert suffered a heart attack at his home in California.
The Gap Band were originally known as the Greenwood, Archer And Pine Street Band (G.A.P.), who later changed their name to the abbreviated version, scaoring several dancefloor hits including 'Ooops, Upside Your Head', 'Outstanding', 'Early In The Morning' and 'You Dropped A Bomb On Me'.
Formed in 1967, Charlie formed the group with his brothers Charlie and Ronnie.
Charlie Wilson stated:
'My brother Robert was a bad boy on the bass and shared a bond as brothers, musicians and friends. I loved him and losing him is difficult for both Ronnie and I. The music world has lost a very talented man'.
Robert was scheduled to perform at the Tulsa Timeless Music Festival later this August.
He is survived by his wife Brenda and two daughters, Robin and Latina Wilson.
http://www.myspace.com/390170049
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Gap-Band/105491452818905
abbey lincoln
b. Anna Marie Wooldridge, 6th August 1930, Chicago Illinois, U.S.A.
d. 14th August 2010, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A.
The singer and actress, Abbey Lincoln (also known as Gaby Woolridge, Anna Marie and Gaby Lee) has died. She was 80.
Abbey recorded the songs 'Afro-Blue' and 'The World Is Falling Down' and worked with Benny Carter, Sonny Rollins, Wynton Kelly, Eric Dolphy and Max Roach (Who she had been married to at one time, divorcing in 1970).
in 'the girl can't help it'
As an actress, she also appeared in the films, 'Nothing But A Man', 'For Love Of Ivy' (with Sidney Poitier and Beau Bridges) and 'The Girl Can't Help It' (the latter film wearing a dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in the film 'Gentleman Prefer Blondes').
Born in Chicago and raised in rural Michigan, Abbey was influenced greatly, by the singer Billie Holiday, meeting Billie in Honolulu during the 1950's.
In 1956, she recorded her first album, 'Affair ... a Story of a Girl in Love' for the Liberty imprint, followed by 'That’s Him', released on the Riverside label in 1957.
She was actively involved in the civil rights movement, recording 'We Insist! - Freedom Now Suite', after which she became involved in the political struggle to a greater extent in the following decades.
Abbey's career waned in the 1970's and 1980's, following her divorce from Max Roach in 1970.
She began recording on small independent labels, and realised a renaissance during 1990 when she signed with Verve Records and released 'The World Is Falling Down', an album featuring the pianist Hank Jones and the trumpeter Clark Terry.
Abbey, later, starred in the Spike Lee movie vehicle 'Mo Better Blues', later receiving the National Endowment for the Arts NEA Jazz Masters Award in 2003.
Her singing career remained consistent right up until her time of passing, even after undergoing open heart surgery in 2007 (from which she never really recovered fully).
Abbey is survived by her brothers, David and Kenneth Wooldridge, and her sister, Juanita Baker.
herman leonard
herman leonard with dizzy gillespie in 1950
b. Herman Leonard, 6th March 1923, Allentown, Philadelphia, U.S.A.
d. 14th August 2010, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
The Jazz photographer, Herman Leonard has died. He was 87.
Herman was very well known, by Jazz afficianado's, for his pictures of Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Quincy Jones, Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, along with many others.
Perhaps his most famous collection of images were realised in his book 'The Eye Of Jazz'.
Quincy Jones once said of Herman, 'I used to tell cats that Herman Leonard did with his camera what we did with our instruments. Looking back across his career, I’m even more certain of the comparison: Herman’s camera tells the truth, and makes it swing. Musicians loved to see him around. No surprise; he made us look good'.
Herman's jazz photographs are now collector's items, and are a unique record of the jazz scene of the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's.
sarah vaughan by herman leonard 1956
His collection is now in the permanent archives of American Musical History in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.
'catfish' collins
b. Phelps J. 'Catfish' Collins Jnr., 17th October 1943, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1944, U.S.A.
d. 6th August 2010, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.A.
The older brother of bassist Bootsy Collins, 'Catfish' Collins, has died after a long battle with cancer. He was 66.
Phelps was a rhythm guitarist with the P-Funk collective.
He was born eight years before Bootsy, who gave him the nickname 'Catfish' because he thought he looked like one!
He was 'enthusiastically' protective of his family, once threatening to kill his father with a butcher knife if he saw him hurt their mother again.
Often overlooked, in favour of his younger brother, Bootsy Collins, Phelps played on several records by Parliament, Funkadelic, and Bootsy's Rubber Band.
In 1968, the siblings, along with Kash Waddy and, ex. Detroit Spinner, Philippe Wynne, formed a group called The Pacemakers.
James Brown subsequently hired the group as his backing band, later becoming known as The J.B.'s.
As the J.B.'s, they recorded many funk evergreens including 'Super Bad', 'Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine', 'Soul Power', and 'Give It Up or Turn it Loose'.
By the start of the Seventies, Phelps and the rest of the J.B.'s left the James Brown entourage.
Bootsy and Phelps Collins, along with Kash Waddy formed the group the House Guests, later joining Funkadelic, featuring on their album 'America Eats Its Young. Four'.
Bootsy then joined Bootsy's Rubber Band, whose line-up included Waddy, Joel 'Razor Sharp' Johnson (on keyboards), Gary 'Muddbone' Cooper (on drums), and Robert 'P-Nut' Johnson (on vocals), additionally featuring The Horny Horns.
Phelps was the gfeatured rhythm guitarist on several sides, including the 1978 Parliament dancer 'Flash Light'.
Phelps also featured on releases by the likes of Deee-Lite, Freekbass, Snoop Dogg, Black Eye Peas, A Tribe Called Quest, Digital Underground, Big Daddy Kane, 2Pac, Biz Markie, Kurtis Blow, Hammer, Grandmaster Flash and H-Bomb.
On his early recordings, Phelps utilised a Vox Ultrasonic guitar with built-in sound effects.
bobby hebb
b. Robert Von Hebb, 26th July 1938, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A.
d. 3rd August 2010, Centennial Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A.
The singer, Bobby Hebb, who is probably best remembered for his Sixties hit song 'Sunny', has died. He was 72.
Bobby had been suffering from a long battle with lung cancer, and died at the Centennial Medical Center, in Patterson Street, in Nashville.
Bobby was born in Nashville to two parents, William and Ovalla Hebb, who were both blind.
He joined the Navy in 1955, played the trumpet in a jazz band, and later played and danced with Roy Acuff's country band, the Smoky Mountain Boys.
He was one of the first black musicians to perform on the Grand Ole Opry show in Nashville, and sang background vocals on Bo Diddley's tune 'Diddley Daddy'.
sunny - 1966 / bobby with the beatles - 1966
'Sunny' was a song covered my many other artists, including Georgie Fame, Boney M, Cher, Johnny Rivers, Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, The Four Seasons, The Four Tops, James Brown, Les McCann, Wes Montgomery, Dusty Springfield, Nancy Wilson, Classics IV, Marvin Gaye, Jose Feliciano, Earl Grant, Jimmy Smith, Mary Wells, Johnny Mathis, Chris Montez, Oscar Peterson, War, Dave Pike, Wilson Pickett, Musiq Soulchild, and even Leonard Nimoy (Spock from Star Trek), amongst many others.
Bobby often told the media that 'Sunny' was a response to the killing of his brother (Harold Hebb) outside a Nashville nightclub along with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which occured a few days prior to the incident.
When the song was a hit, it led to a touring schedule with the Beatles at the time.
Bobby penned songs for other artists including Lou Rawls, who received a Grammy for the song 'A Natural Man', which was penned by Bobby and Sandy Baron.
As an artist in his own right, Bobby had hits with 'A Satisfied Mind' in 1966 and 'Love Me' in 1967.
love games - 1970 / that's all i wanna know - 2005
He released a couple of albums, including 'Love Games' in 1970, and 'That's All I Wanna Know' some 35 years later.
More recently Bobby had his own publishing company and label called Hebb Cats, and still continued to write music, touring in Japan in 2008.
Bobby is survived by a daughter and four sisters.
http://www.myspace.com/sunnybobbyhebb
july 2010
al goodman
b. Albert Willie Goodman, 31st March 1946, Jackson, Mississippi, U.S.A.
d. 26th July 2010, Hackensack Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey, U.S.A.
The ex-Vipers, Corvettes, and most notably, vocalist for the group the Moments, (and later, Ray, Goodman and Brown), Al Goodman has died. He was 64.
Early reports state that Al had been battling liver disease, and died of heart failure during surgery to remove a tumor at Hackensack Medical Center in New Jersey.
Al been in poor health for the last month, however, he had performed as recently as the 14th of June at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, and was seen attending church on Sunday, a day prior to his passing.
Al was featured, singing baritone, on several Moments/Ray, Goodman and Brown hits including 'Special Lady', 'Who's Gonna Make The First Move', 'Stay', 'Another Day' and 'Take it to the Limit'.
Al was married to Henrietta Goodman, and had 5 children, Rhonda, Linda, James, William and Brandon.
Al Goodman's funeral is planned for early next week at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey.
Arrangements for Mr. Albert Goodman
Service: Monday, 2nd August 2010
Location: John Harms/Bergen PAC Theatre
30 North Van Brunt
Englewood, NJ 07631
Phone: 210-816-8160
Service Hours:
Wake: 9AM - 11AM
Service: 11AM- 1PMThe Moments webpage at Soulwalking is here
Ray, Goodman and Brown's webpage at Soulwalking is here
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=690060061
harvey fuqua
b. 27th July 1929, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.A.
d. 6th July 2010, Detroit Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
The singer, songwriter and record producer, Harvey Fuqua, has died. Fuqua was 80.
The Motown Alumni Association stated Harvey died of a heart attack on Tuesday the 6th of July 2010 at a Detroit hospital.
Harvey Fuqua, was born in 1929 in Louisville, Kentucky.
He created the doo-wop group, the Moonglows (along with Bobby Lester (b. 13th January 1930, d. 15th October 1980), Alexander 'Pete' Graves (b. 17th April 1930, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.) and Prentiss Barnes (B. 12th April 1925, Magnolia, Missourri, U.S.A.), and whose line-up also included Marvin Gaye at one time).
This group were originally known as the Crazy Sounds around 1952 (featuring Bobby Lester, Harvey Fuqua, Prentiss Barnes and Danny Coggins).
The Moonglows first release was for, the deejay, Alan Freed's label, Champagne Records, in 1952, entitled 'I Just Can't Tell You No Lie' b/w 'I've Been Your Dog (Ever Since I've Been Your Man)'.
They recorded several sides for the Chance imprint between 1952 and 1954, before relocating to Chess Records that year, with Harvey fronting the group, however, he dissolved that version and enlisted the group called the Marquees, including Marvin Gaye.
This version of the group was called Harvey and the Moonglows, a line-up which Harvey was a part of before his departure in 1959.
The Moonglows were mentored by Alan Freed, appearing on his radio show, amongst other media projects.
It was Freed who originally changed the group name from the Crazy Sounds to the Moonglows.
Leonard Chess then suggested he should work at the Anna imprint in Detroit, where he began working alongside Anna Gordy, Billy Davis, Lamont Dozier and Johnny Bristol.
Harvey introduced Marvin Gaye to Anna's Gordy's brother, Berry, and then married their sister Gwen Gordy.
He then set up Tri-Phi Records and Harvey Records in 1961, (whose roster included the Spinners, Junior Walker and Shorty Long), however, on being offered a role at Motown, he left the labels to work at the company, heading up the Artist Development department.
Harvey took the Spinners, Tammi Terrell and Johnny Bristol to the imprint.
In 1971, he departed Motown and signed with RCA Records as a producer, enlisting the likes of the Nitelighters and New Birth.
Harvey was instrumental in the emerging career of the Disco vocalist Sylvester, and also was Smokey Robinson's road manager for a while.
In 1982 he worked with Marvin Gaye again, producing Marvin's album 'Midnight Love' album (which included the single ('Sexual Healing').
In 2000 he set up his own Resurging Artist Records imprint, releasing the album 'T.V.O.X" (The Voice of Experience)'.
He was also a trustee of The Rhythm and Blues Foundation.
Previously, the Moonglows reunited temporarily in 1972 (with the line-up of Harvey, Lester, Graves, Doc Williams, and Chuck Lewis for RCA Records), and later were were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March 2000.
More recently he lived in Concord, North Carolina.
june 2010
garry shider
b Garry Marshall Shider (aka Diaper Man and Starchild), 24th July 1953, Plainfield, New Jersey, U.S.A.
d. 16th June 2010, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, U.S.A.
Guitarist and singer for the group Parliament, Garry Shider, has died from complications relating to lung and brain cancer at his home in Maryland. He was 56.
Garry had been diagnosed with brain and lung cancer in late March 2010.
Garry was also a member of United Soul (who recorded, 'I Miss My Baby' and 'Baby I Owe You Something Good'), as well as Parliament (who recorded 'Party People', 'Mothership Connection' and 'Aqua Boogie (A Psychoalphadiscobetabioaquadoloop)').
He was also a member of Funkadelic (who recorded 'Maggot Brain' and 'One Nation Under A Groove').
He also collaborated with the likes of Shirley Caesar, The Five Blind Boys, The Mighty Clouds Of Joy and The Black Crowes, and was a musical director for The P-Funk All-Stars.
As a child Garry and his brothers played and sang behind many gospel artists and was a regular customer at the Plainfield barbershop owned by George Clinton.
When he was sixteen, Garry and his friend Cordell 'Boogie' Mosson formed a funk/rock band called United Soul.
After being recruited by George Clinton in 1971, George produced several tracks by United Soul with help from members of Funkadelic.
After a couple of single releases, Codell and Garry joined Parliament and Funkadelic.
Garry was known for appearing in a diaper, making him a feature on stage, earning him the nickname 'Diaper Man'.
He was later to receive many awards and become a regular television personality.
Garry Shider was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 as a main member of Parliament and Funkadelic.
'Thank you, Garry for all you have done. Forever funkin' on!' George Clinton posted in a message on his website.
Barbara Thomas, part of a group that is raising money to help Garry's family cover his medical bills, said she was 'truly heartbroken' over his death.
She said upcoming benefit concerts in New York and New Jersey would go on as planned.
A website has been set up to help raise funds:
http://www.garryshidermedicalfund.com/
marvin isley
b. Marvin Isley, 18th August 1953, Cincinatti, Ohio, U.S.A.
d. 6th June 2010, Seasons Hospice, Weiss Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
Marvin Isley, the bassist for the family group, the Isley Brothers, has died. He was 56.
He was suffering from diabetes and, as a result of complications from the illness, passed away at the Seasons Hospice within Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.
Born in Cincinnatti, and the youngest son of O’Kelly and Sally Isley, Marvin Isley grew up in Englewood, New Jersey and graduated from Dwight Morrow High School in 1972.
In the late-1960s, he formed a trio with older brother Ernie and brother-in-law Chris Jasper.
This group became a part of the larger family unit, towards the end of that decade, performing mainly as the unit's instrumental team.
The ensemble officially merged in 1973, resulting in the band's '3+3 album'.
Later, Marvin played bass on various songs including 'Fight the Power (Part 1 & 2)', 'For the Love of You (Part 1 & 2)', 'That Lady', 'Summer Breeze', 'Voyage to Atlantis', and 'Between the Sheets'.
In 1976, Marvin graduated from C. W. Post College on Long Island, with a degree in music.
The Isleys divided into two groups in 1984, with the original Isleys carrying on as the Isley Brothers, whilst Marvin, Ernie and Chris formed the trio Isley-Jasper-Isley.
The group achieved an international hit with the song 'Caravan of Love' (later covered by the group the Housemartins).
In 1991, Marvin Isley rejoined the main Isley Brothers group, reuniting him with Ronald and Ernie up until 1997, when Marvin developed diabetes.
Sadly, he was to have both legs amputated.
Marvin was inducted, along with his brothers, to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
Marvin Isley died on the 6th of June 2010.
He is survived by his wife, the former Sheila Felton, a son, Corey, and two daughters, Sidney and Jalen.
Northern Soul DJ Blue Max dies aged 67
may 2010
ali-ollie woodson
b. Ollie Cregget, 12th September 1951, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
d. 30th May 2010, Woodland Hills, Los Angeles County, California, U.S.A.
Former Temptations lead singer Ali-Ollie Woodson has died from leukaemia. He was 58.
Ali was the lead vocalist in The Temptations between 1984 to 1986, and from 1988 to 1996.
He co-wrote, co-produced and sang lead on the 1984 Temptations single 'Treat Her Like a Lady', which was a number 2 hit on the U.S. R&B charts.
The last album he recorded with the Temptations was 1995's 'For Lovers Only'.
When Ali was 19, Bill Pinkney gave him a job as a musician and then vocalist for his Original Drifters line-up in the early 1970's.
He returned to lead The Original Drifters' recording the gospel song 'True Love' in 1996 on the CD 'Peace in the Valley'.
Post 1996, he recorded solo material, including sides for the U.K. Expansion Records imprint.
He toured under the name of Ali-Ollie Woodson & the Emperors of Soul and in 1997, he guest starred on an episode of The Jamie Foxx Show as a patient in a mental hospital.
Ali also acted in various movie vehicles during this period.
He later toured with the Temptations again in Japan in 2002 when member Barrington 'Bo' Henderson was unable to accompany the group due to visa problems.
Ali also sang 'Walk Around Heaven All Day' at Bill Pinkney's Homegoing service in July, 2007.
He later toured with Aretha Franklin in 2008.
Ali-Ollie Woodson also recorded alongside Natalie Cole, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Al Green, Smokey Robinson, Patti Austin, James Brown and Lou Rawls, during his career.
little benny
b. Anthony Harley, 26th September 1963, Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
d. 30th May 2010, Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
Little Benny, from the group, Little Benny and the Masters, has died. He was 46.
He, is reported to have passed away in his sleep at his brothers home.
Little Benny and the Masters were a big group on the Eighties Go Go scene, recording the hit song 'Who Comes To Boogie'.
Born Anthony Harley, he was an accomplished trumpet player and vocalist, and was part of the group Rare Essence, performed with Chuck Brown (Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers) and was the son of the Go Go Hall Of Fame inductee, Frank Harley.
He grew up in Southeast, attending rehearsals of his father's singing group, Frank Harley and the Bell Chords.
His father gave him a guitar, however, Little Benny did not take up music seriously until he was 12.
Anthony was a student at Ballou Senior High School in Southeast.
With Rare Essence, the group performed up to six times a week at venues in and around Washington who led the band's vocals, sometimes playing two trumpets at the same time.
Anthony left Rare Essence in the mid-1980s and formed Little Benny and the Masters.
Later, he played with the go-go band Proper Utensils and reunited several times with original members of Rare Essence.
He, also worked in other area's of employment, including installing alarm systems, owning a removals company and working as a cable technician.
Anthony was given the nickname 'the Helicopter' because he often played at several venues in one evening.
Recently, he had been playing regularly with Chuck Brown, including a show in Capitol Heights the night before his passing.
