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! 

Clarence Gatemouth Brown — “The Blues Ain’t Nothing”

“ Whatever you do, don't refer to multi-instrumentalist Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown as a bluesman, although his imprimatur on the development of Texas blues is enormous. You're liable to get him riled. If you must pigeonhole the legend, just call him an eclectic Texas musical master whose interests encompass virtually every roots genre imaginable.”

(Allmusic)

Soul Stirrers (Eddie Huffman) -- Lord Remember Me

There is a time for everything; and the time for prayer is now.


 

James Brown -- "Dancing Little Thing"

Do not let all the problems keep you from enjoying a happy moment or two. Music helps to keep your spirits up. Brooding and over-worrying wreaks havoc on not only your psyche but also the immune system.
Keep moving, dance a little, smile a lot ... defy the gloom.

Marva Whitney -- "Unwind Yourself"

... Great advice!

John Edwards -- You, Trouble And Me

This is another song I truly love. A true Deepie sung from the heart. No frills, no fluff -- just good musicians and a convincing voice.

When The Going Gets Tough ...

I hope each and everyone of you stays healthy and will not be seriously affected by the health crisis. We all will have to sacrifice habits that are dear to us -- but if we want to get through this, we can't afford to be selfish. Yours old Raggedy wishes you all the best.

 

... " As long as you've seen something being born
As long as you keep something living warm
You'll know the feeling soon enough I'm sure
The feeling of weathering the storm"

L. J. Reynolds -- "Key To The World"

Theo Peoples -- "Listen To Your Heart"

Now, this is one of my favorite "non-original-five" Temptation. Theo's voice wasn't really a Tempts voice, though, in my opinion. It's hard to explain, but I think he sounded too young for the guys. His voice was absolutely gorgeous though (as were his looks). Unfortunately, his solo career didn't result in the success he definitely deserved.

And just because I love his voice ... here's more of it!

 

The Temptations -- "If I Gave You My Heart"

 I just can't help it, but whenever I don't know what songs to listen to I automatically turn on some Tempts music. Old habits ... This one is from their excellent Phoenix Rising album (Motown, 1998).

I will listen to the entire album again. It definitely is a great release.

The line-up: Terry, Bo, Otis, Ron, and Harry.

... and since I am an old-school woman I give the album 3 out of 3 hearts. Stars just won't do it!

John Edwards -- "Walls That Separate Our Love" and "You Were Made For Love"

There's hardly any other song that is more touching and beautifully delivered than John Edwards' "Walls That Separate Our Love." I love this song so so much. Its sheer beauty of sound and lyrics is almost impossible to match.


And because John Edwards deserves so much more attention for the fantastic songs he gave us, here is another one. "You Were Made For Love" is from his 1973 album "John Edwards." If this song doesn't melt a woman's heart no other song will ...