The Dynamics -- "Somewhere"

Before they became known as the Dramatics, Rob Davis, Ron Banks, Larry Reed, Robert Ellington, Larry "Squirrel" Demps, and Elbert Wilkens called themselves The Dynamics. From their time as The Dynamics is today's title.
Not too bad, in my opinion.

The O'Jays -- "Love Train"

This is my idea about Martin Luther King day. Celebrate love and what we as humans have in common.

Let's join that train again -- as we did in the 70's.

WRAG Radio Raggedy -- The Harder You Love

Playlist: The Harder You Love 1/19/2019

Intro

The Spinners – Head Over Heels

J.J. Barnes – The Harder You Love

Sandra Wright – We’re Gonna Make It

Bill Brandon – Hands Full Of Nothing

Fred Towles – Too Much Monkey Business

Eddie Houston – That’s How Much I Love You

Lou Bond –That’s The Way I’ve Always Heard It Should  Be

David Porter – This Song Has No Name

Ella Washigton – We Paid The Price

The Dells – Till I See You Again

Tyrone Davis – Undying Love

Betty Harris – What A Sad Feeling

Outro

Albert King -- "Heart Fixing Business"

Just listening to Albert King playing fixes a lot of aches and pains ...

Just in case ...

... you haven’t listened to Soultaker’s Treasure Chest podcast yet, here’s the link to his last one from November 2018.

Soultaker’s Treasure Chest November 2018

Have fun!

Otis Clay -- "Is It Over"

Otis Clay's unforgettable voice always makes me say to myself: "This is  S.O.U.L."

John Lee Hooker -- "Rainy Day"

The sun is shining even when it rains -- the clouds just hide it.

James Brown — “There Was A Time”

James Brown, in my opinion, deserves a medal — heck, a few medals even — for his achievements. He is an American icon; no one comes close to his creativity and talent. Also, through his music, he achieved more than any fancy-name organization ever did to bringing us together by emphasizing what connects us as men and women: the wish to be happy and unburdened for a few hours.

I wish I could come back, let’s say in a100 years, and I bet James Brown’s music will be considered classical. It’s being played in many movies, for instance, to portray the spirit of the sixties.

Hard to believe he’s been dead for 12 years now.

Percy Sledge -- "My Special Prayer"

I never saw this video of my first soul-love Percy Sledge before. I was speechless. Percy in a sexy orange outfit ... Dang! His voice, way, way back opened my heart to a totally new world of music. I will always love him for it.

Clarence Murray -- "One More Chance" and "Dancing To The Beat"

I found this one one Sir Shambling's. Ever so often, I get a hankering for some good old Deep Soul piece and then I visit his wonderful site.
According to Sir Shambling, Clarence Murray sang with the Dixie Jubliers, The Glorious Kings and the Swanee Quintet" before going solo. I love his voice  and thought I should share this gem with you all.



When I heard "Dancing To The Beat," I was wondering why Clarence Murray never was as successful as he definitely deserved to be. Listen yourself!

Teddy Pendergrass -- This Gift Of Life

Listen carefully! Teddy knew what he was singing about ... Don't take all the good things in your life for granted. Things can change in just minutes -- and your life will never be the same again. So, first of all, take good care of yourself. And, second, take good care of the things and people who bring you joy and happiness. That said, I wish each and everyone a wonderful 2019!

It's Christmas Time Again!

It wouldn't be x-mas without my favorite Temptations song playing ...

A Candle for Aretha Franklin (March 25, 1942 - August 16, 2018)

I am sure Aretha rests in sweet heavenly peace. She brought, through her voice, so much joy, consolation, elation, thoughtfulness in many a life. 
 Her music was part of my youth, and I will always love to remember both with all my heart. 

Rest in Peace !

Radio Raggedy Special Edition: Birthday Wishes Across the Big Pond ..

Songs from a great time my sister and I spent together dancing and being just young and happy!

Happy Easter To Everyone

This is a very special Easter for me. My prayers, and those of my friends and family, have been answered.

Now, I hope and wish that others will be as lucky as I was. To all those waiting for relief from one problem or another, Desmond Dekker's advice is right on point.

Happy Easter!

Eddie Floyd — “Girl I Love You”

I was listening to some Youtube clips while preparing dinner, and I just got all happy when I came across Eddie Floyd’s “Girl I Love You.” That song just made me turn up the volume — I mean turn it   Uppppp!
The horn section, the easy guitar, the pleasant vocals ... what else do you need in a song?

Raggedy is quite happy!

A Candle For Dennis Edwards

Another sad day. Sad enough, actually, for me to interrupt my “retirement” from blogging. Dennis Edwards is dead. Dennis Edwards, the Temptations’ lead singer with the most powerful voice, has passed.

There are so many well known songs he sang with and without the Tempts — and sang fantastically — but one of my all time favorites by him is from his solo album “Don’t Look Any Further.” Unfortunately, the instrumentation is, to be honest, pathetic. But Dennis’ voice makes up for all the shortcomings of a cheap production.

So, here’s my favorite Dennis Edwards song to say good-bye to one great singer whose voice brought so much joy to so many of us.

Thanks, Dennis! Rest in peace.

WRAG Radio Raggedy -- For Old Times Sake

It's been a long and eventful summer. The days all appeared to be in a hurry. They just had time enough to stop by for a quick "Hello!" And gone they were ...
The only thing that stayed and liked to linger was the music from back in the day. So, here is a new playlist of songs that belong to a time where time seemed to pass a little slower than it does nowadays.


Tracks

For Your Precious Love -- Elgins
A Song For You -- Temptations (Louis lead)
You Forgot To Remember Me -- G.C. Cameron
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother -- Donny Hathaway
For Old Times Sake -- Dorothy Moore
Perfect Lover -- Double Exposure
Ocean of Thoughts and Dreams -- Dramatics
Got To Make A Comeback -- Eddie Floyd
Sweet Fools -- Essence
Let Somebody Love Me -- David Ruffin
Walls That Separate Our Love -- John Edwards
Until You Came Into My Life -- Ann Peebles

Enjoy!

The Futures -- (Love Lives On A) Windy Hill

Music from a time when peace and harmony ruled.

Ali Ollie Woodson

I was left speechless when I heard this recording by Ali Ollie. At first, I didn't quite believe it was really Ali singing, but when I heard his high notes, I knew it was him. Amazing how his voice aged to perfection.