Jerry Butler & Debra Henry — “Don’t Be An Island”

Happy new week to everyone!

Battle of The Groups at the Apollo 1985

I had to share this one! It made my day. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.

Goodness! That Tempts line up was fantastic. 

What a mood mender … 

 

A Candle for Robert Gordon (March 29, 1947 - October 18, 2022)

When it comes to big voices, the female singer that instantaneously comes to mind is Timi Yuro. 

Her rendition of “It’s Only Make Believe” never fails to touch me. The other day, I came across a different version of the song by an artist I didn’t know up to now. Well, his genre was not one I am drawn to. Nevertheless, his voice fascinated me, especially because I thought Timi’s version almost paled against his. 

It was only yesterday when I sent that song to my sister. We had a great conversation about the power of music and how it can help in healing/overcoming all types of pain. (Our mother died Oct. 15th, 2003.) My sister looked Gordon up and found out that he had just died on the same day we were talking about his voice that reminded us somehow on Elvis Presley’s. 

Okay, here we go. 

RIP Robert Gordon

 

 

The Chocolate Buttermilk Band -- "Ain't No Way"

 

This song is from a group that was founded by Larry Akles in 1971 in Fayetteville, NC. According to Traxsource.com, they’ve been mostly active as a “cover and backing band.” Sadly enough, they never were successful outside the Southern US. 

In the 80’s, they released a few singles which are mostly heavy funk and can be found on Past Due Records. 

The only track I really, really love is today’s post. But, hey go and check the compilation of their songs out  on Youtube or at Traxsource. 

 

Arthur Adams & BB King -- "For The Long Haul"

 

  Some days are perfect to be dedicated to the blues ... 

The Isley Brothers — “Make Me Say It Again, Girl”

And here comes another master piece. It's from The Isley's 1975 album The Heat Is On.

    

The Dramatics — “Do What You Want. Be What You Are” (1978)

Hello everyone! This crazy summer just won't quit. It's still 86 F here. My yard yearns for some serious loving care, but I am not ready yet. There's actually not much I really want to do. So, today's track is desctiptive of my mood -- so to speak. What I am doing: not all that much; what I am: lazy. Nevertheless, this is one of those songs that define the golden era of modern music, in my opinion. Orchestration and singing at their best. Add the classy lyrics and you have a true master piece. My favorite line from the song would be, "The strong give up and move on. The weak give up and stay." Enjoy!

 

Those Good Tears ...

Today, I came across one of those XYZ "Reacts to a Song" videos on Youtube while I was ironing. (Yes, I am old school in regard to my wardrobe, too.) There was that young man trying to describe his emotional reaction to Elvis Presley's "If I Can Dream." I think his name was Jim ... He kept reiterating the fact that he didn't know anything about Elvis's life story, and that now he's heard this song, he has to find out more about him. He should do it, if only to get a better understanding of what the American Dream is all about. 

So, here goes ol' Raggedy with tears in her eyes because "If I Can Dream" does that to her, and she tries to think of a song or voice that never fails to do the same. And guess who I immediately thought of? It was Levi Stubbs. Yes! The song: "Walk Away Renee."  Of course, I looked for the song, but on my way there, I came across this little gem that also made me cry. I guess, once an emotion has been triggered, it is hard to stop. I consider these tears good ones, though. 

This video apparently shows the last time Levi Stubbs sang for his (and, of course, The Four Tops') fans. Goodness, his voice was still all Levi. Theo Peoples, the ex Temptation, sang lead in this video. As always, Theo is doing a perfect job. And the Tops still had the moves. Simply splendid. 

The description of the video says: "Levi Stubbs briefly sings for his fans .... if you listen carefully you can hear him start singing in 2:13 of the video." It definitely was a great performance anyway, but seeing and hearing Levi again was so touching. 

Here we go

 

 

And here's one of my favorite Four Tops songs

   

WRAG Radio Raggedy “Slow, Soft and Deep”

Here comes a WRAG Mix Cloud post from 9 years ago … I love each and every title from this set. 

It’s just unbelievable that I have been doing this for such a long time. 

Just goes to show ,though, that good music never gets old or sounds less wonderful as it ages. 

Enjoy!

 

The O’Jays — “Stairway To Heaven” (very) live

This is a fantastic video of the O'Jays live on Soul Train. I am watching it over and over and ... again.

I know it's useless to wish and hope that the entertainment industry will bring back artists like these. They had class and style -- and actually knew their "trade", so to speak. Not only could they sing, but they also made a song come alive. 

So, so great and so, so (a)live!

John Edwards -- “Spread The News”

Enjoy another beautiful song by John Edwards!

I am hibernating here; it’s too hot to do much … But this song needs to be shared!

 

 

Candles For William Hart of the Delfonics (January 17, 1945 - July 14, 2022 )

Here comes another heartbreak. William Hart, lead singer and founding member of the Delfonics, has died July 14, 2022. According to his son, he succumbed to complications from surgery at age 77. 

May his soul rest in eternal peace. 

The Chi-Lites -- "Try My Side Of Love"

The Chi-Lites going funky disco sound ... Not bad.

Loleatta Holloway -- This Man's Arms

This title has been released in the UK by Kent in 1995 for an Anniversary Special. It is the B side of John Edwards’ “Aint It Good Enough”.

 

Lee Fields -- "You Made A New Man Out Of Me" and "Meet Me Tonight"

Soultaker's last Mixcloud post reminded me of this great performer. I've blogged about him a few times, though, starting in 2009.

Lee Fields' music is funky through and through and James Brown's influence is quite obvious. That's why Lee's nickname is Little JB. A great example of Fields' funk supreme is You Made A New Man Out Of Me from his 2002 Album Problems. 

Meet Me Tonight, however, leans more in the direction of Deep/Southern Soul, and I l.o.v.e it. 

 

Pool Party 2022

We have record temps here in Texas. I stay holed up in the house all day long, but when that crazy old sun finally gets ready for bed I am outside by the pool. The music is playing and the world is alright again ... It doesn't matter if there's no one else but me around. A pool party doesn't need many people -- me and my music is all it takes. And there goes ol' Raggedy having a party. 

Pool Party 2022

Intro

Temptations — Ain’t Too Proud To Beg

Archie Bell & The Drells — Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love

Eliminators — Loving Explosion

The JB’s — Gimme Some More

Clay Hammond — Dance Little Girl

Jackie Wilson — Higher and Higher

Clarence Murray —Dancing To The Beat

The Spinners — Working My Way Back To You

Val Martinez — Someone’s Gonna Cry

Tyrone Davis —Get On Up

Ohio Players — A Little Soul Party

Exportations — Fell In Love Too Late

Johnny Nash — I’m Leaving

Dave Barker — Do Your Thing

Outro

WRAG-Radio Raggedy: Philly Sound Galore

I was in the mood for a heavy dose of Philly Sound. So I put some songs together I came up with off the top of my head. I do hope you all love them as much as I do!

Enjoy!

Intro

TSOP - MFSB

Dirty Old Man — Three Degrees

Bad Luck — Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes

For The Love Of Money — The O’Jays

I Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love) — Stylistics

Don’t Give Up On Me Baby — Billy Paul

Me And Mrs. Jones — The Dramatics

It May Be Winter Outside — SAL SOUL Orchestra

Everything’s Coming Up Love — David Ruffin

Love Epidemic — Trammps

Here Comes The Hurt Again — The Manhattans

The Hustle — Van McCoy

Outro

    

Philly Sound Galore

Billy Young -- 'Have Pity On Me" and "Nothing's Too Much"

Oh my! I am doing the Deep Soul thing again. Can't help it. 

Billy Young was born in Daingerfield, TX in 1941, and he died in TX on August 19, 1999. 

For more info about this artist, please go to Sir Shambling's website for an interesting read -- and more music by Billy Young.

And yes! There is a heavy dose of Otis Redding's signature style in these songs. 

David Ruffin -- "A Little More Trust"

This track is from his 1973 album David Ruffin. 

Here are the tracks from the album:

		The Rovin' Kind	3:10
		Common Man	2:59
		I'm Just A Mortal Man	2:47
		(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right	4:14
		There Will Always Be Another Song To Sing	2:47
		I Miss You (Part 1)	3:40
		Blood Doners Needed (Give All You Can)	6:15
		A Little More Trust	2:57
		Go On With Your Bad Self	2:30
		Day In The Life, Of A Working Man

The background vocals on the album are by the Andantes. 

 

 

Spencer Wiggins -- "I'd Rather Go Blind"

 

There are songs that have been covered by a lot of artists, and each and every cover of it, seems to be fantastic. Spencer Wiggins' take on "I'd Rather Go Blind" is one I do love. It's powerful and as soulful as Deep Soul can be.

Spencer Wiggins was born January 8, 1942 in Memphis, TN. In the mid 60's, he started recording for Goldwax and Fame. 

For a wonderful and detailed bio of this artist, please visit Derek's Music Blog.

Rockie Robbins -- ""After Loving You" and "For The Sake Of A Memory" (Repost)

Two of the most beautiful love songs ever.

Rockie Robbins is yet another outstanding vocalist who never got the recognition he deserved. 

Todays tracks are from his second album "You And Me" which was released in spring 1980. The title song reached # 9 on the R&B charts.

If these love ballads sound a bit like Jeffrey Osborne songs, it is because Rockie Robbins worked with Osborne's producer.

Rockie Robbins ist eine meiner Neuentdeckungen. Die Titel, die ich hier vorstelle sind von seinem zweiten Album "You And Me", das im Fruehjahr 1980 erschien. Der Titelsong erreichte # 9 in den R&B charts.
Wenn seine Balladen sich etwas nach Jeffrey Osborne anhoeren, so liegt das daran, dass Rockie mit dem gleichen Produzenten arbeitete.

   

Tavares -- "Never Had A Love Like This Before"

 

Don’t you love this intro?     

The Four Tops -- "Left With A Broken Heart"

The year was 1964 ... 

This track from The Four Tops album was written by Marv Johnson who was one of Motown's pioneers and helped create the typical Motown sound. He decided, however, to continue his career in the UK and Australia where his music was in high demand. 

He died in Columbia, SC on May16, 1993. 

There are acoustically better versions of the song on Youtube. I decided to post this one because of the great picture. This is Motown pure. 

"Left With A Broken Heart," however, never enjoyed the appreciation it deserved. 

 

You all have a wonderful weekend!     

The Temptations -- "Bluebird"

David Ruffin, better known as My David, was an amazing vocalist. We all agree, I am sure. But his German pronunciation in this song is quite amazing, too. I wonder who taught him the German words to this song. It's not necessarily a masterpiece, but quite pleasant to listen to. It's also interesting to hear David's young voice. The grit is missing, but his unmatched soft high notes are as beautiful as they would be for the rest of his life. 

He was the greatest.

 

WRAG-Radio Raggedy: So What? It’s Monday (Repost)

Every day is just what you make of it -- even Monday!

 

It's Monday. So What? by Radio Raggedy on Mixcloud

Ray Charles -- "A Song For You" live

I’ve heard so many different versions of this jewel of a song, but Ray’s is the unique one. 

Johnny Taylor -- "As Long As I Don't See You"

Happy weekend everyone! 

"Little" J.T. Recorded this funky track in 1972. 

 

Johnny Adams -- "A Shoulder To Cry On"

Friday is my day! 

Johnny Adams is one of my favorites -- my all-time favorites. The "Tan Canary" from Louisiana stole my heart when I first heard his "Love Me Now." His singing was simply amazing. 

Todays track, however, fascinates me because of the beautiful wailing, sobbing guitar that accompanies Johnny's vocals. Interspersed between the two is the soft sigh of a Hammond organ. Music couldn't be more expressive.

   

Here's the song I usually put on repeat -- just in case there's someone who doesn't know "Love Me Now."

 

Jimmy and David Ruffin -- "Turn Back The Hands Of Time"

The Ruffin Bros. should have recorded more albums than this one together. I like the contrast Jimmy's soft and creamy voice provided for David's gritty one. This track makes any day perfect -- even one of the week's two step children Tuesday and Thursday. Step children because everybody is crazy about Fridays,Saturdays, and Sundays. Most of us consider Monday the worst day of the week. Wednesdays we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel ... Tuesday and Thursday are -- well the drab ones.

Hump Day's Out. Bump Day it is ...

Why not rock the boat today?

   

 Since I am in the mood for more of that sound, here's another song by The Hues Corporation.

   

 I add this one for free lol because I loved to bump back in the day ... double bump especially. Crazy, crazy times. 

TSOP Jam Session … "I Love Music"

I told you this will be a great week ... 

I was looking for some O’Jays music and found this video. It’s the perfect music to spruce up a dull Tuesday. The fascinating part of it is the message: if we all play together, we can come up with something truly fantastic. 

Now, let’s board the Love Train and start jamming … 

The guys still have that TSOP flame burning!

 

Here's the real deal. 

 

Roy Brown — "Ain't Got No Blues Today”

I have a feeling the week will be great -- at least in musical terms. Roy James Brown was born in Louisiana on September 1o, 1925. He passed away in California on May 25, 1981. He was quite a prolific musician who, according to discogs, "was consistently on top of the R&B charts between 1947 & 1953." I will definitely check out more of his work.

 

The Versatiles -- "Push It" Desmond Dekker -- "Israelites" live footage from 1970

Give me that beat

Wow! … 

Reggae is what I needed now.  😂 

Add an ice cold glass of Grigio and 

Straight to music heaven I go. 

Have a wonderful Sunday!

The unforgettable Desmond Dekker in 1970 live ... The live footage starts at 0:55 and is a treat.

Those girls are letting loose. I just love to see the fun everyone had. 

Al Green and Chicago live -- "I'm So Tired Of Being Alone"

What a great combination!

 

Randy Crawford -- "One Day I Fly Away"

This is a song that reaches deep into the corner of the heart where all the painful experiences are gathering dust. Most of us probably wished at some point in their lives they could just leave a failed relationship, an unfulfilling job or leave sorrow and grief behind.

The piece was written by Joe Sample an Will Jennings, and there seems to be no better voice than Randy Crawford’s to sing it. 

 

 

The Spinners -- "As Long As We Have Love"

Haven't heard this beautiful tune in a long time. Still love it! I guess old love(s) never die. 

George Jackson -- "Greasy Two by Four"

 

 

Now, what in the world, is a greasy two by four? Is it a gun? Does anyone know? 

Delegation -- "Welcome To My World" and "Where's The Love (We Used To Know)"

I fell in love with this song at first listen. The instrumentation, the vocal harmonies — one smooth velvety soft experience. 

To my surprise the group formed in Birmingham, not Alabama, but England. Them Brits have soul too. *smiles “Welcome to my World” was released in 1980 on the Mercury label. They started out in 1976 and were active until 1983. 

One of their better known singles was “Where Is The Love (We used to Know", a great Disco tune. 

(I think the guys copied the Manhattans in regard to the suits they wear in the video.) Those were the times ...

James Govan -- "These Arms of Mine" and "Ain't No Sunshine" with Boogie Blues Band

 I don't know what to say -- but this voice is so full of soul ... true old school soul that just can't be found any longer. I just stumbled upon this beautiful cover of Otis Redding's "These Arms of Mine." And again,  yours old Raggedy is surprised that she has not heard of James Govan before. Just goes to show, though, that there are quite a lot of under appreciated artists to be discovered. 

Unfortunately, James Govan is no longer with us. He died July 18, 2014. May he rest in peace. 

James Govan was known as "Little Otis" because his voice definitely resembled that of the great Otis Redding. And he actually did some wonderful covers of Otis Redding's famous songs. According to Discogs, George Jackson discovered James's talent in 1967 which opened the door to FAME recordings for him.

From 1989 through 2014, he performed at Beale Street in Memphis. Starting in1994, James Govan and The Boogies Blues Band and became stables at the Rum Boogie Cafe. 

"...They were named the Best House Band on Beale Street three times by the Beale Street Merchants Association, and they headlined the BSMA awards for the 2002–2004 Awards Ceremonies. 
The Mississippi-born, Memphis-bred soul singer and Beale Street fixture also performed numerous times at the Porretta Soul Festival, becoming a hugely popular figure among European audiences." (Discogs)

Place your hand over the heart ...

We owe them the respect they deserve -- no ifs or buts. So, with your hand over the heart, say a honest Thank You. 

Memorial Day Poem by Annette Wynne

Memorial Day

Is it enough to think to-day
Of all our brave, then put away
The thought until a year has sped?
Is this full honor for our dead?

Is it enough to sing a song
And deck a grave; and all year long
Forget the brave who died that we
Might keep our great land proud and free?

Full service needs a greater toll—
That we who live give heart and soul
To keep the land they died to save,
And be ourselves, in turn, the brave

(Annette Wynne)

Paul Kelly v. Leslie West--"Don't Burn Me"

Texas heat is on with temperatures in the 90s. Nobody's out walking their dogs or jogging. No cars either.  The only sound outside: AC compressors buzzing ... 

The other day, I came across an old favorite of mine by Paul Kelly and thought this would make for a perfect post today. One of the comments on Youtube mentioned a cover version of the song by Leslie West. I was not familiar with the artist. So, I looked him up and must say I missed some great music.

Okay. Here's Paul Kelly's unrivaled version. 

 

 And here's Leslie West's cover version from his album "The Great Fatsby" lol 

  

I am going to listen to more Paul Kelly now. I need something COOL like old school music today.