UPDATE According to reliable sources, recently departed Whitney Houston’s body was flown from Los Angeles via private plane and is now at rest at a local funeral home in Newark. According to the same sources, Ms. Houston’s family is preparing to have the funeral at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Once we find the timing, we will report.
Prudential Center 165 Mulberry Street Newark, NJ 07102 Newark, NJ 07102 Friday, February 17 Time: TBD Directions
Those who are in the know can recall not too long again when then radio host, Wendy Williams, would simply go in on Whitney Houston for some of the alleged (and later confirmed) drug usage. And to be honest, at that point, we were all wondering how America’s soul pop sweetheart could really be committing the kinds of actions that the tabloids exploited constantly during that time. Anyway, on today’s The Wendy Williams show, Wendy, who has since moved from radio to a daily syndicated talk show, spoke a bit about her relationship with Whitney. She reveals that although she never met Whitney in person, she shared many of the demons that beleaguered the nearly departed diva. Given Wendy’s tears, her tribute and recollections certainly seem heartfelt. Judge for yourself.
Here is Wendy’s previous interview with Whitney from Jan 30, 2003: Part 1
Last night saw the world of music celebrate some of today’s best and pay tribute to the recently departed Whitney Houston, who died on Saturday at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel. The show was replete with the customary performances, many of which left us wanting for the glory days. A few highlights were Bruno Mars’ splendid (albeit slightly annoying) performance, Nicki Minaj’s Halloween inspired Madonna tribute, and of course, Jennifer Hudson’s emotional performance of Whitney’s (and Dolly Parton’s) hit “I Will Always Love You.” It, along with moving tributes by Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and many others made the night a bit more special than it otherwise would have been. However, it was clear that it was Adele’s night, who swept the major categories and tied Beyonce’s record for the most Grammy’s in one night by a female artist.
We really enjoyed L.L. Cool J as the host and we were impressed with his handling of an incredibly difficult and unexpected intro. We were also inspired by Sir. Paul McCartney’s new Valentine inspired ditty and loved the way he closed the show with such classic melodies.
We could have done without as much Chris Brown, however. While his dancing prowess is well documented, he did not even deserve to share a nomination with the likes of Ledisi, R. Kelly or Kelly Price, much less win the category. Please. Someone has clearly got the fix in. No disrespect to this brother or his team, but he simply did not deserve that award for best R&B album and definitely not two performances, the same number as a Beatle? Please!
For all the splendor of the show, it had the air of the 80s shows where there was 1 clear chosen winner (ala Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Prince) and everyone else just knew they were going to lose. The night was clearly owned by Adele, who belted out her mega hit “Rolling in the Deep” with all of the expected revelry. Not missing a note and looking beautiful, she made believers out of any on the sidelines. We went in fans and come out evangelists.
That said, we feel she pales in comparison to Ledisi, who was tucked away in the audience, not even offered a chance to showcase her incredible talent. With one of this years best vocal performances on her Pieces of Me LP, she deserved at least 1 duet in tribute to Whitney. She was robbed and if she is reading this, please know that you will always have a home here for your music or announcement or whatever. Your voice and talent will go down as one of the best voices of our time. When it is all said and done, you, too will go down as one THE VOICES. Kudos on a great year regardless of the awards.
Below are the results of last night’s predictions (list by Wikipedia.com). Our picks are highlighted in Green. Where we missed, the winner will be shown in Green and our answer in Black.
Paul Blair, DJ Snake, Fernando Garibay, Lady Gaga, Robert John “Mutt” Lange, Jeppe Laursen, RedOne & Clinton Sparks, producers; Fernando Garibay, Lady Gaga, Bill Malina, Trevor Muzzy, RedOne, Dave Russell, Justin Shirley Smith, Horace Ward & Tom Ware, engineers/mixers; Gene Grimaldi, mastering engineer
Carlos Franzetti, arranger (Carlos Franzetti & Allison Brewster Franzetti)
Results: 18/40 Overall – Grade F. Yes, we got hosed overall, but did well in some categories. Better luck next year, when we will be staying in our lane.
According to Chaka Khan’s twitter feed, as of an hour before the Grammy Awards began, she revealed that she doesn’t feel up to tonight’s tribute performance which had been rumored to have happened and featured Jennifer Hudson and Chaka Khan. We fully understand why this moment would be incredibly difficult for Chaka and support her decision. Whitney knows you love her chile!
Given the recent passing of soul pop diva, Whitney Houston, we know tonight’s Grammy Awards are going to be even more special than ever especially with the rumored Chaka Khan and Jennifer Hudson lead tribute which has been swirling in social media since the singer’s untimely death.
Below are our predictions for tonight (list by Wikipedia.com). Our picks are highlighted in Green.
Paul Blair, DJ Snake, Fernando Garibay, Lady Gaga, Robert John “Mutt” Lange, Jeppe Laursen, RedOne & Clinton Sparks, producers; Fernando Garibay, Lady Gaga, Bill Malina, Trevor Muzzy, RedOne, Dave Russell, Justin Shirley Smith, Horace Ward & Tom Ware, engineers/mixers; Gene Grimaldi, mastering engineer
We were incredibly shocked to hear this news. According to MSNBC and other outlets soul singer Whitney Houston died today of unknown causes. She has recently been spotted with R and B singer Ray J and it has been reported that she and Ray J were on their way to Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party. However, this rumor has been refuted by Ray J’s PR team. Apparently, Bobby Brown was in Memphis with New Edition preparing for a show when he heard the news. He and daughter Bobbi Christina are said to be crushed and not doing too well, which is understandable.
This is horrible news and we will keep you posted with details as we hear them. Rest in peace Whitney! Your voice and soul will be sorely missed. You changed Black music and the world with your gift.
Here are a few of the songs that made Whitney America’s sweetheart:
Track Listing: 1.Brooklyn’s Finest 2.The Stuyvesant Swing 3.Keep Dreamin’ 4.Bring The Horns 5.Roosevelt Projects Jam Session 6.Nyeemah’s Pocket Groove 7.There’s So Many 8.Soul & Tell 9.Do Anything 10.W.O.M.A.N. 11.Liquid Love (A Sophisticated Meeting Place) 12.Panty Dropper 13.Took Her Curls Out 14.Seldom Seen 15.Greene Ave. Anthem 16.The Fire (Untrue) 17.Oooh Baby 18.Coming Around 19.Hustlers 20.Jefferson Ave. Theme 21.After The Rain 22.Softer Side 23.Breakfast 24.Sunrise In The Stuy 25.Pookie’s Gone
More about the Stuyvesants: “The Stuyvesants” is a collaborative effort between music producer Allan Cole (Algorythm), and record collector Darien Victor Birks (Flwrpt). Both reside in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY. The two wanted to work together on a project where they could incorporate several of their talents, related to music and design. They wanted to do this under a moniker that would pay homage to the ’70s. The collaboration allowed them to do four major things, design, beat dig, produce amazing music, and simply have fun.
Sonically we’re taking you on a completely different journey, however, the distinctive vibe of The Stuyvesants is still very present in the music! We truly appreciate all of the support for our movement thus far, and hope that you will enjoy this soundscape.
Tracklist:
Yearning (For Your Love)
Stoops, Parks & Rooftops
Uptown Bound
Crown Royal (In a Purple Velvet Bag)
Love, It’s Me
Y.E.S.
Interlude
The Second Time Around
Over (Now That She’s Leaving)
More Horns
High Stakes Hustle
Thorough Thread Thoroughbreds
Champagne (On Ice)
Vibe in the Stuy
Sounds of a Dream
Talking Hearts
Mama’s Spirit (Will Always Be With Us)
Summer is Gone
Walk it Off
Outro
More about the Stuyvesants: “The Stuyvesants” is a collaborative effort between music producer Allan Cole (Algorythm), and record collector Darien Victor Birks (Flwrpt). Both reside in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY. The two wanted to work together on a project where they could incorporate several of their talents, related to music and design. They wanted to do this under a moniker that would pay homage to the ’70s. The collaboration allowed them to do four major things, design, beat dig, produce amazing music, and simply have fun.
Artist: The Stuyvesants Title: The Finer Things, Volume 1 Release Date: October 17, 2011 Duration: 35:44
We are totally blown away by these cats who are literally down the street from the soulhead headquarters. To quote The Weeknd, we are “lovin’ the crew” for real. With a vibe reminiscent of Oddisee’s Rock Creek Park (mostly instrumental) joint, this is a must listen for any self respecting soulhead. Brooklyn soul lives!
Check this quote from the Stuyvesant’s site:
Sonically we’re taking you on a completely different journey, however, the distinctive vibe of The Stuyvesants is still very present in the music! We truly appreciate all of the support for our movement thus far, and hope that you will enjoy this soundscape.
Tracklist:
I Care (More Than Words Can Say)
Ready
Girl, He Ain’t Me
Strollin’
Gut Check Soul
Spank Love
Good & Evil (Thoughts of the Mind)
Sound of the Stuy
Ewww (LaLaLa)
Church Chants (Tabernacle)
Interlude
Sunny 78
Down Halsey Street
Tough Love (Because Love is Tough)
Midnight Moves
This Good
Thinking Back (Those Days from the Past)
Ragtop Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Victory
Outro
Cop this NOW!!! These cats are really doing what needs to be done.
More about the Stuyvesants:
“The Stuyvesants” is a collaborative effort between music producer Allan Cole (Algorythm), and record collector Darien Victor Birks (Flwrpt). Both reside in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY. The two wanted to work together on a project where they could incorporate several of their talents, related to music and design. They wanted to do this under a moniker that would pay homage to the ’70s. The collaboration allowed them to do four major things, design, beat dig, produce amazing music, and simply have fun.
Kudos to our friends over at GiantStep for this really awesome show. Here are the details:
On February 28th, Giant Step presents Robert Glasper Experiment’s Black Radio album release show with special guests Chrisette Michele, DJ ?uestlove, Lalah Hathaway and more surprises to be revealed, at Highline Ballroom, NYC.
The first full-length album from the Grammy-nominated keyboardist’s electric Experiment band, Black Radio features many of Glasper’s famous friends, including Erykah Badu, yasiin bey, Bilal, Lupe Fiasco, Lalah Hathaway, Shafiq Husayn (Sa-Ra), KING, Ledisi, Chrisette Michele, Musiq Soulchild, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Stokley Williams (of Mint Condition). Robert Glasper is on his US tour now through April.
Robert Glasper Experiment with Special Surprise Guests Tuesday, Feb 28th Highline Ballroom, 431 W. 16th St. Doors at 7 PM / Show at 9 PM
ROBERT GLASPER’S US TOUR 2/9 – Olin Arts Center, Lewiston, ME * 2/10 – Jazz Bistro, St. Louis, MO * 2/11 – Jazz Bistro, St. Louis, MO * 2/16 – Mansion at Strathmore, Bethesda, MD (solo) 2/17 – Yardbird Suite, Edmonton, AB ≈ 2/19 – West End Cultural Center, Winnipeg, MB ≈ 2/23 – Black Box Theater, Baton Rouge, LA ≈ 2/24 – Montreal Highlights Festival, Montreal, QB ≈ 2/27 – WNYC Soundcheck, New York, NY ≈ (with Bilal) 2/28 – Highline Ballroom, New York, NY ≈ (with guests) 2/29 – CBS Late Show With David Letterman, New York, NY ≈ (with Lupe Fiasco & Bilal) 3/1 – World Café Live, Philadelphia, PA ≈ 3/2 – Kessler Theater, Dallas, TX ≈ 3/3 – Red Cat, Houston, TX ≈ 3/4 – Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA ≈ (with Chrisette Michele) 3/6 – Regatta Bar, Boston, MA ≈ 3/8 – Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH ≈ 3/9 – Charles H. Wright Museum, Detroit, MI ≈ 3/10 – Double Door, Chicago, IL ≈ 3/11 – Minglewood Hall, Memphis, TN ≈ 3/17 – The New Parish, Oakland, CA ≈ (with Bilal) 3/18 – Brick & Mortar, San Francisco, CA ≈ (with Bilal) 3/20 – Anthology, San Diego, CA ≈ (with Bilal) 3/22 – The Exchange, Los Angeles, CA ≈ (with Bilal) 3/23 – Neumos, Seattle, WA ≈ (with Bilal) 3/30 – Casbah Durham @ Duke Performances, Durham, NC * 3/31 – Casbah Durham @ Duke Performances, Durham, NC * 4/3 – Warner Theatre, Washington, DC ≈
* = with Robert Glasper Trio ≈ = with Robert Glasper Experiment
This video premiere comes to us courtesy of fellow soulhead and renaissance man Shawn Peters, who is the owner of Soul Rebel Music, home of rock soul singer Martin Luther. We are very pleased to bring you this truly inspired and visually stunning piece of work from two of our favorite artists. Kudos to everyone involved!
Pharoahe Monch ‘W.A.R. (We Are Renegades)’ is out now through W.A.R. Media / Duck Down Music.
Here is some new behind the scenes footage from the NodFactor.com:
All the real soulheads know that this party will be more than a party. It will be one of the most anticipated EVENTS in recent memory. The Prince and Michael Experience, brought to you by Dave Paul, San Francisco Bay Area music legend and proprietor of hip hop label Bomb Records.
Here is a quote from Dave:
“Hoping you can put that 9 to 5 upon the shelf and enjoy yourself at Brooklyn Bowl! Join me and my special guests Maine Anders (as Michael) and Dame Cuchi Frita (as Prince) go-go dancing as we celebrate the music of Prince and associated artists and Michael and the Jackson family.”
This event has been making its way across the country for the past 8 years and we are so excited to finally have it arrive in our backyard. Replete with lookalike go-go dancers and some of the best music of any generation, The Prince and Michael Experience is sure to deliver! We are super excited to reunite with our West Coast potna Dave! Well done sir!
Here is a writeup of the event from the SF Weekly:
Prince and Michael Jackson fans go toe-to-toe on the dance floor as dj’s mix album cuts, remixes, rare tracks and hits from the two artists as well as cuts by such ancillary acts as Sheila E., The Jackson 5, The Time and Janet Jackson. The music is far from the only thing happening at this party, there’s theme dancing, a face-off between guests repping The Purple One or The King of Pop, and much, much more. This is the perfect night out to lounge with your friends, make some new friends, get your drink on, dance your ass off and have the time of your life.
Collectively, Prince and Michael Jackson helped define the early-’80s era of MTV, revolutionized both R&B and popular music, and influenced thousands of musicians worldwide. The Prince and Michael Experience is meant to celebrate the music of two of the biggest pop cultural icons of our generation. It is done with love and mutual respect for both artists. The experience is presented by bombhiphop.com who have successfully produced over 100 of these events in San Francisco as well as Seattle, Portland, Chicago, Oakland, Los Angeles, Bend, Vancouver and Honolulu.
“For EIGHT years now, Dave Paul (proprietor of hip-hop label Bomb Records) has hosted and DJ’ed at the brilliant “Prince vs. Michael Jackson” parties. As selections of hits, rarities, and remixes from both artists are presented over the course of the evening, audience members square off in funky battle, holding signs bearing the mug of their favored entertainer to judge which one is the true king of pop. This sure ain’t the place for cynics, but Darling Nikki’s and Dirty Diana’s are all welcome to participate.” – SF WEEKLY
Here is more information:
A DJ/Dance Party Tribute To The Purple One & The King of Pop:
THE PRINCE AND MICHAEL EXPERIENCE
Featuring go-go dancing by The Maine Attraction as MICHAEL & Dame Cuchi Frita as PRINCE
ADVANCE TICKETS TO THIS EVENT ARE SOLD OUT. THERE WILL BE A LIMITED AMOUNT OF ADMISSIONS RELEASED ON THE NIGHT OF THE SHOW STARTING AT 11:00 PM. ALL ADMISSIONS WILL BE FIRST COME FIRST SERVE, $10 AT THE DOOR, CASH ONLY.
Millie Jackson’s first taste of singing in front of an audience occurred one night at the famed nightclub Smalls Paradise. Sitting in the audience with friends, Jackson heckled the lady onstage and, when dared to do better, she stepped up to belt Ben E. King’s “Don’t Play It No More.” Jackson was hired for another gig within two weeks, but didn’t get paid. A gentleman by the name of Tony Rice took her to a venue in Hoboken, NJ, a couple of weeks later and then on to Brooklyn, NY, to perform for a nominal fee.
Born in Thompson, GA, Jackson lived with her grandmother prior to moving to Newark, NJ, to live with her father in 1958. She grew up influenced by the sounds of Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, and later, the O’Jays. Her first single to chart was 1971′s deceptively titled “A Child of God (It’s Hard to Believe),” which many thought was a gospel track. Due to its heated lyrical content, the single was canceled, but still managed to peak at number 22 on the R&B charts. In the spring of 1972, Jackson had her first R&B Top Ten single with “Ask Me What You Want.” She kept busy performing in nightclubs and enjoyed her second consecutive Top Ten single with “My Man, A Sweet Man” in August of 1972; it peaked at number seven. (Ironically, the song was not one of Jackson’s favorites.) A year later, Jackson, whose vocal texture is similar to one of her idols, Gladys Knight, had her third Top Ten single with the moderately paced “Hurts So Good,” which peaked at number three on the R&B charts and made the pop Top 40. The single bore the title of her album and was also featured on the movie soundtrack for Cleopatra Jones. Jackson produced the album with Brad Shapiro. However, she was only given credit for the album concept. In Jackson’s own words, “…that’s when they (label owners) met the real Millie Jackson.” Thereafter, she was given credit for her efforts.
In January of 1975, Jackson released the album that would introduce what would later become her trademark rap style of racy, raunchy language; her audience loved it. The album was Caught Up and the featured release was “If Loving You Is Wrong I Don’t Want to Be Right,” for which she received two Grammy nominations. Jackson openly admits that she never had singing lessons and never thought she could sing. Consequently, she began to talk (or what was commonly known at the time as rap) on her songs in a blunt, candid manner to make up for the shortcoming and had her fourth Top Ten single with country singer Merle Haggard’s “If You’re Not Back in Love by Monday” (Billboard country charts number two). Jackson’s version peaked at number five on the R&B charts. Over the next ten years, Jackson had numerous Top 100 singles for Spring Records. In 1986, she signed with Jive and released her fifth and sixth Top Ten singles in “Hot! Wild! Unrestricted! Crazy Love” and “Love Is a Dangerous Game, both respectively peaking at number nine and six on the R&B charts. In addition to her impressive music career, Jackson wrote the play Young Man, Older Woman; the play toured for four years. Her attention, though, has turned to the broadcast booth as a radio program host on the afternoon radio show in Dallas, TX. According to Billboard, Jackson is one of the top R&B acts to ever record or step onto a stage and is still giving her fans what they want as a radio host and a performer.
What a fitting tribute it was to see hoards of afro wearing, bell bottom sporting lovers of soul music and the legacy of Don Cornelius. As planned, at 4:00pm, the theme to Soul Train began playing and 2 long lines of revelers began the funky procession. The crowd was a who’s who of New York’s music and cultural communities including Nelson George and dream hampton among many others. It was truly a site to see. Over the weekend, more and morelove has been shown to the music and cultural icon who died recently. Congrats to DJ Jon Quick and all of the organizers who pulled this together! We are once again reminded of the incredible power of the internet and community when used for the right purposes. Kudos fellow soulheads!
We are so excited and happy to see such a show of support and love for this great man, whose contributions changed not on the music landscape but the social one as well.
R.I.P. Don Cornelius
Wishing you everlasting Love, Peace, and SOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUL!!!
We just got wind of an amazing tribute event to be scheduled tomorrow, Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the TKTS Booth in Times Square in New York City. A group of fellow soulheads is making this happen in tribute to the life of Don Cornelius, who died earlier this week of self inflicted gunshot wounds. Let’s all come out to support this effort and get ourselves into the Guinness Book of World Records. Well done Chicago for being on top of it!
After listening to this audio from an interview with Tony Cornelius, son of Don Cornelius, the creator of Soul Train who died this week, and Tom Joyner, celebrated morning drive disc jockey and “the haaaardest working man in radio”, our sadness gave way to anger. In the 7 minute conversation, Tony reveals that his father told him ““…I don’t think Imma be here for long.”
How can a man who has given so much to our collective lives have felt so alone and out of options to take his own life? Weren’t any of the artists who graced the Soul Train stage or any of the dancers or even his contemporaries around to help this Brother? Apparently not.
In addition, Tony Cornelius spoke with CNN and offered the following:
“The family is saddened as we mourn the loss of Don Cornelius,” he says in a statement to CNN. “At this time, we respectfully ask that you allow our family and friends the privacy necessary to get through this difficult time.” Read complete story here.
Freddie Jackson To urban contemporary listeners, Freddie Jackson was one of the biggest stars of the latter half of the ’80s, dominating the R&B charts seemingly at will. Jackson’s forte was sophisticated, romantic soul ballads aimed at adult audiences, but he was also capable of tackling urban contemporary dance fare and even the occasional jazz tune. Yet unlike many of his peers — Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, Peabo Bryson, etc. — Jackson never managed to cross over to the pop charts, where none of his R&B smashes even breached the Top Ten. As new trends like hip-hop altered the urban contemporary landscape, Jackson gradually faded from view during the ’90s.
Jackson was born October 2, 1956, in Harlem, and like so many soul stars, he was trained as a gospel singer from an early age, singing at the White Rock Baptist Church. There he met Paul Laurence, who would later become his producer and songwriting partner. After completing school, Jackson joined Laurence’s group LJE (Laurence-Jones Ensemble) and played the New York club scene. During the early ’80s, Jackson moved to the West Coast and sang lead with the R&B band Mystic Merlin, but soon returned to New York to work with Laurence at the Hush Productions company. He sang on demo recordings of Laurence’s compositions, and also served as a backup singer for Melba Moore after she caught his nightclub act.
In 1985, Jackson landed a record deal with Capitol and issued his debut album, Rock Me Tonight. The Laurence-penned title track stormed the R&B charts, spending a whopping six weeks at number one, and made Jackson an instant sensation on urban contemporary radio. “You Are My Lady” gave him a second straight R&B chart-topper, and also proved to be his highest-charting single on the pop side, peaking at number 13. With “He’ll Never Love You (Like I Do)” and “Love Is Just a Touch Away” also hitting the R&B Top Ten, Rock Me Tonight topped the R&B album charts and went platinum. Jackson wasted no time issuing a follow-up set; Just Like the First Time appeared in 1986 on the heels of a number one R&B duet with Melba Moore, “A Little Bit More” (from her album A Lot of Love). Another platinum-seller, Just Like the First Time continued Jackson’s incredible dominance of the R&B singles charts; “Tasty Love,” “Have You Ever Loved Somebody,” and “Jam Tonight” all hit number one, while “I Don’t Want to Lose Your Love” went to number two.
The pace of Jackson’s success slowed to less superhuman levels with the 1988 release of Don’t Let Love Slip Away, which nonetheless featured another R&B chart-topper in “Hey Lover,” plus further hits in “Nice and Slow” and “Crazy (For Me).” The title track of 1990′s Do Me Again duplicated that feat, and “Main Course” just missed, topping out at number two. Even so, Jackson’s early placings in the lower reaches of the pop Top 40 had long since disappeared, and some critics charged that his albums were growing too similar to one another. Perhaps it was a lack of distinctiveness in his material that hurt Jackson’s chances for a pop breakthrough; whatever the case, 1992′s Time for Love failed to duplicate the crossover success Luther Vandross was belatedly enjoying, despite a hit cover of the soul classic “Me and Mrs. Jones.”
Seeking a new beginning, Jackson parted ways with Capitol in late 1993, and signed with RCA. His label debut, Here It Is, appeared the following year, with diminished commercial returns — in part because his straightforwardly romantic ballad style was increasingly out of step with the sexually explicit new breed of R&B crooner. Following a Christmas album, Jackson recorded Private Party (1995) for Scotti Brothers; its biggest single, “Rub Up Against You,” reached the Top 25 of the R&B chart. From then on, Jackson recorded independent albums with a modest level of commercial success. These releases included Life After 30 (number 81 R&B, 1999), It’s Your Move (number 45 R&B, 2004), the covers set Personal Reflections (did not chart, 2005), Transitions (number 26 R&B, 2006), and For You (2010).
“Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius was found dead at his Sherman Oaks on home Wednesday morning. Law enforcement sources said police arrived at Cornelius’ home around 4 a.m. He apparently died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the case was ongoing.
The sources said there was no sign of foul play, but the Los Angeles Police Department was investigating.
In a 2010 interview with The Times, he said he was excited about a movie project he was developing about “Soul Train.”
“We’ve been in discussions with several people about getting a movie off the ground. It wouldn’t be the ‘Soul Train’ dance show, it would be more of a biographical look at the project,” he said. “It’s going to be about some of the things that really happened on the show.”
According to a Times article, Cornelius’ “Soul Train” became the longest-running first-run nationally syndicated show in television history, bringing African American music and style to the world for 35 years.
Cornelius stopped hosting the show in 1993, and “Soul Train” ceased production in 2006.
Growing up Soul Train was a staple must watch each Saturday. The dancing, the rawness and the soul will never be duplicated. We owe an incredible debt of gratitude to Don Cornelius for his vision and execution which paved the way for modern Black music. Rest in Peace my brother. Like many including The Roots’ ?uestlove, we just wish that the events which lead to your death could have been avoided. Please know that we will truly miss you but your legacy will live on forever!
Here are some of our favorite Soul Train moments with brother Don:
Soul Train Theme Song – TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia) – MSFB (Mother Sister Father Brother)
Full Force was one of the most underrated groups of the 80s and even into the 90s. These muscle bound harmonious cats with the juiciest curls from NYC put it down with a string of ballads and club bangers unrivaled by most. Check this full ep including some of the last footage of the late Don Cornelius.
Full Force rose to prominence in the mid-’80s, writing and producing popular R&B hits for Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam before embarking on a moderately successful solo career that ultimately led them back to production work in the late ’90s. The six-man collective — featuring Paul Anthony, Bowlegged Lou, B-Fine, Baby Gerry, Shy Shy, and Curt-t-t — originated in Brooklyn, NY, where they originally met up with Steve Salem in the late ’70s, a business-savvy individual who functioned as their manager. With a manager in place and plenty of talent between the various group members, Full Force struggled throughout the early ’80s to find a label willing to sign them. Eventually they got a break when they wrote and produced fellow Brooklyn group U.T.F.O.’s “Roxanne Roxanne,” a rap song that would attain a certain level of fame thanks to a series of answer records. In early 1985, the single peaked at number ten on Billboard’s R&B charts, proving a substantial hit for both the rap group and the production team. From there, Full Force moved onto their next major success with Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, a dance-pop group led by a 16-year-old singer named Lisa Velez. Originally Velez had auditioned for the production team, who then went ahead and recorded “I Wonder if I Take You Home” with her, releasing the single under the moniker Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam With Full Force on an indie New York label, Personal. The song scored success initially overseas before eventually being released by Columbia in the U.S. after getting immense play in New York clubs as an import single. Almost overnight, the song topped Billboard’s dance chart and went on to peak at number six on the R&B chart by summer 1985. Thanks to the momentum surrounding the hit single, Full Force signed a deal with Columbia to release solo material. Though they scored some minor R&B hits on their own (“Temporary Love Thing,” “Unfaithful So Much,” “All in My Mind”), their biggest success continued to be as a production team for Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam (“All Cried Out,” “Head to Toe,” “Lost in Emotion”). In 1988, Full Force produced James Brown’s I’m Real, scoring a substantial hit for the struggling legend with the album’s title track, and worked with a number of late-’80s dance-pop stars: Jasmine Guy, Cheryl Pepsii Riley, and Samantha Fox, among others. Throughout the early and mid-’90s, the production team remained relatively quiet before again churning out a number of late-’90s R&B-flavored pop hits with Selena, Backstreet Boys, and LFO, among others.
