Skip Mahoney -- "Wherever You Go"

What could be more soothing and relaxing than a string section caressing the soul?

The Invitations — “I Didn’t Know”

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A Handful Deepies

Click on the R to listen to the set.

Tody Tucker -- "What's Wrong With Our Love" and "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart"

I tried to find out a little something about this artist, but there seems to be nothing available online.
Is there anyone out there who knows who this artist was?

Marlene Dietrich --"Where Have All The Flowers Gone"

Among all the recordings of this songs. Marlene's version will always be my favorite. She deals with the subject matter-of-factly. No sugary, folksy emotionality.

So, to honor those who gave their lives in whatever war they were sent to fight in,  I am posting this song for Memorial Day 2020.

The Intruders -- "She's A Winner"

On a hot Sunday afternoon here in San Antonio, nothing is more soothing than a round of Philly Soul.
And what's even better is to watch a video from way back in time. This Soul Train video is from 1974. I can't believe it's been that long. Sweet music, smooth moves, polished performers -- and talent galore!

Two of those great talents, Gamble & Huff, landed yet another winner with todays's pick.

(Kenneth Gamble, left. Leon Huff, right)

The Valentines -- "Gotta Get Yourself Together"

Happy Sunday everyone! Yours old Raggedy is sitting on her back porch again, enjoying life. This song just came up, and it fits the occasion perfectly.

The upbeat tempo with a touch of Latin rhythm instantly caught my ear. It's a little too early to drink ... but after dinner tonight, I'm going to listen to this track again, and I'll be sipping on a glass of smooth red wine.

The Valentines formed in 1966 in Nashville, TN. In this 1969 recording, original founding member Charles Myers sings lead.

 

Teddy Pendergrass — “When Somebody Loves You Back”

And here comes the happy music. This is another song packed with emotionality. Contrary to yesterday’s heavy heart inducing tune, “When Somebody Loves You Back,” however, creates a love your life mood with me.

It is also one of the songs that causes me to turn up the volume in the car and makes me want to speed.

Original and Cover "Walk Away Renee"

I've always loved this song because of it's emotionality. It is one of those compositions that reach deep, deep into the realm of feelings one does not want to experience: The forlornness, pain, anguish that comes with losing someone you deeply love.

Even after decades of listening to such heart-wrenching songs, I don't understand why I like them so much. The human psyche is a mysterious thing...

Also, after all the years listening to the Four Tops version of "Walk Away Renee," I just found out that the original was by a group from New York named Left Banke. The group's lead singer Michael Brown co-wrote the piece.

I think the Four Tops did the right thing to keep their rendition as closely as possible to the original.
Although I love both versions, Levi's voice, though, is the key to make the song the classic it became.

Major Harris -- "Just A Thing That I Do" and "Sweet Tomorrow"

These are two more perfect songs to play on a summer evening on the patio. They are from his 1974 album My Way (Atlantic). This was his first solo album after he had left the Delfonics.

G.C. Cameron — “A Night Like This”

The sun is getting ready for bed here, and I am sitting on my patio, relaxing after another busy day of  getting my backyard back into summertime shape. Also, for the first time since March 12, I have been out and about walking among people wearing face masks and keeping a safe distance from each other. Even for a homebody like me, seeing people doing such mundane things like shopping for potting soil or flower pots is necessary to stay mentally healthy — if you know what I mean.

This song was playing earlier while I was sipping on some very nice red wine, and I thought it would be the perfect post on a Tuesday evening like this.

Enjoy!

Dennis Landry -- "Sing My Song"

Hi everyone! How's the Sunday going? This is the first post from my beloved patio on a wonderful SUNday here in Texas. It feels as if sunshine kicks frustration and boredom to the curb -- just like that. And, of course, some of ol' Raggedy's funky music further improves the pleasant experience.

 

New Mix Cloud Post by Soultaker

... head over to listen to some gems from Soultaker’s  treasure chest 

on mixcloud

Terry Collins -- "I L.O.V.E You"

I couldn't find much info on Terry Collins. Apparently he was a song writer and singer. He released several singles beginning in 1973. Today's pick was released on Kwanza in 1973. I like this track because it is a nice piece of Philly sound and because  his voice sounds like a perfect mix of David Ruffin and Teddy Pendergrass. It combines Ruffin grittiness and Pendergrass masculinity -- sort of.

His personal life, however, was a sad mess. According to Bobby Eli, one of the founders of MFSB and its lead guitarist,  

"Tery was one of the most talented people that I have worked with but unfortunately he was his own worst enemy and continuously got himself involved in "R. Kelly-itis" and wound up incarcerated on several occasions and I could not continuously keep bailing him out. The last time I heard from him was over a dozen years ago when He wrote me from jail once again attoning for his sins. Several years ago I heard from one of the Marcels who told me that Terry was "on the sreets" in Pittsburgh where he is originaally from.  What a waste of natural talent."     (Soulfuldetroit.com)
 

Dee Dee Sharp -- "Touch My Life"

Today's track is from Dee Dee sharp's 1975 album happy about the whole thing (TSOP). 

Timmy Willis -- "Easy As 1-2-3"

Here's why I love Mondays: A new week ahead; new possibilities; new discoveries.




Sounds like Otis Redding ... I do love this song.  what a great tune to start the week with.
Check out some more tracks by Timmy Willis here

The Techniques -- "Man Of My Word"

Lou Courtney -- "The Common Broken Heart"

The Originals --- "Suspicion"

Bill Wright -- "A Man In Love" and "Tomorrow May Be Your Time"

David Oliver -- "Who Are You"

This track is from Mind Magic (Mercury Records, 1978).
David Oliver had four albums released between 1977 and 1980.

Little Walter -- "Walter's Jump" live

The O'Jays -- "We're In This Thing Together" (and more)

1977! TSOP at its peak. The O'Jays as smooth as ever. This was the sound of an era of positivity.





And because I just love the O'Jays, I will post another one of their songs.




 ...and just one more. This is from the 1979 album Identify Yourself.

 

Happy Easter! The Edwin Hawkins Singers -- "Oh Happy Day"

I am wishing everyone a happy Easter.

Bob Marley -- "Everything's Gonna Be Alright"

... this is what I keep telling myself  over and again. Holed up in the house for almost a month now, I have learned to appreciate freedom in a new way.

A Post of Silence

Remembering my sister who passed three years ago on this day. She lived in a world of silence, and I hope her soul now is able to hear the music her ears never allowed her to.

May the angels treat her to the sweetest sounds in heaven!

Delegation -- "Oh Honey"

The perfect song to light a candle, open a bottle of that great red wine, and enjoy a trip down memory lane ...


 

'Double Soul -- "Blue Diamonds"

Time for a deepie!




This is the only release by Elmore Morris and Charles Cooper  under the name The Double Soul. Both, however,  released other material either as soloists or together with other artists. 

Black Nasty --- "I Have No Choice"

... and I thought there was really not much left to discover in the world of soul music. But I found this  song from a 1973 STAX release, Talking To The People, by a Detroit group named Black Nasty, a.k.a Nazty.

Billy Paul -- "My Head's On Straight"

This track is from the 1975 album Got My Head On Straight (PIR). I  just rediscovered the album when I was looking through my library for Bill Withers songs. The album is pretty good, I think. I just love "Billy's Back Home" and "July, July, July, July." Then again, how could one not like that mix of smooth, mellow, jubilant, lighthearted tunes that made the Philly Sound what it was.
If you have the time, go listen to this album ... You will not regret it.

A Candle For Bill Withers July 4, 1938 - March 30, 2020

Bill Withers died on Monday, March 30,  at age 81. USA Today reported that he died from heart problems.

I vividly remember the day I heard his "Ain't No Sunshine" for the first time ... And  I remember, too, that I thought I would never need someone to lean on when "Lean On Me" came out. That's how you feel when you're young and strong.

Being older and wiser now -- and having been through some lecturing by life -- I feel that "The World Keeps Going Around" is the most important thing I've learned.

The world has lost a wonderful poet, composer, and musician who left his mark on the world and many a mind. Thanks for the beautiful time and music you gave us.

RIP Bill Withers!

Bobby Taylor -- "Love Train"

This is a lesser known version of the O'Jays' classic. I just love the not-so-smooth sound.




Let's all take the love train and show that we care for each other, no matter where we are.

Archie Bell and the Drells -- "Tighten Up"

Some fancy shirts, some fancy foot work, and some great music.

Judy White -- "Satisfaction Guaranteed"

Is there anything more beautiful than the sound of a guitar and an organ hovering in the background? No way. Add blue skies over Texas, roses in full bloom, trees dressed in fresh green— and life is good.

Luther Vandross — “This Is For Real”

One of Luther's finest pieces, in my opinion. It's from the 1977 album This Close To You. The album is the second one Luther Vandross recorded as a member of a group of five called Luther -- plain and simple -- before he went solo. The first album, titled Luther, was released in 1976. Both albums were not successful, though.

Btw., this was my 1111th post on this blog!