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.

  

Blues Thursday: Joe Bonamassa -- "Evil Going On"

This is the kind of Blues that doesn't make you feel blue! 

I saw Joe at the Majestic in San Antonio a while back. He was fantastic. (The sound system was pitiful, however. ) 

 

When I first saw this video, I was a bit skeptical, I admit. Nevertheless, I gave it a chance and a listen, so to speak. And it's really not bad! It's actually pretty darned good ...

 Of course, no one comes close to the mighty Wolf. That much is clear. On the other hand, it feels so, so good that this masterpiece is still being played -- and by no one less than Joe Bonamassa.  

And here is the master himself.

 

Commodores -- "Nightshift"

Aw!  The guys so stylish and classy and attractive.  The sound so full and lush and enchanting ...

Those were the times. 

Lionel Richie -- "I Am I Said" Tribute to Neil Diamond and "Still"

Lionel Richie never ceases to impress me. His rendition of the Neil Diamond song "I Am I Said," is simply amazing. He conveys in his rendition of the song the same sincerity I love in "Still," which is one of my all time favorite songs. No fluff, no frills ... just true words.

 

Reggae Monday! Laurel Aitken -- "Who Say"

   

Just try to love even those Mondays -- they may love you back! 

Wilson Picket v. John Edwards -- "It's A Groove"

I just found John Edwards' version of one of my favorite Wilson Picket songs. I love both, though Wilson, in my opinion, added a little more "urgency" to the song -- which is his undisputed trade mark.

John Edwards' take on the Bobby and Linda Womack composition is from his 1973 album "John Edwards" (Aware). Wilson released it in 1968 (Atlantic) on his album "Midnight Mover," which according to Allmusic was "a monster of an album." 

 

Wishing you all a wonderful Sunday!