Cicero's Song of the Day: Gospel

Showing posts with label Gospel. Show all posts

Monday, May 5, 2014

Wanda Jackson: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2009

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Jeff Beck w/Rod Stewart: People Get Ready (1985)

Curtis Mayfield wrote this spiritual in the wake of the Civil Rights Movement He employed Gospel and religious themes to create a social and political awareness. Jeff Beck released an amazing cover version in 1985 with Rod Stewart on vocals. Beck played the song with Sting on vocals at the 2009 Rock n Roll Hall of Fame concert.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC_j_dzka

With Sting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOnz2056RGQ

Curtis Mayfield:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nH3fKH10oM

Monday, September 10, 2012

Mahalia Jackson: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1997

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/mahalia-jackson/

"I sing God's music because it makes me feel free. It gives me hope. With the blues, when you finish, you still have the blues."

In 1927, her family moved from the South to New Orleans as part of the Great Migration. She began singing in church and eventually began recording in 1931.

Her signature:

Take My Hand, Precious Lord:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as1rsZenwNc

She signed with Decca in 1937 and Apollo in 1948.

Move Up A Little Higher (1948) sold 8 million copies:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06gAdro-62E

Amazing Grace (1947):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJg5Op5W7yw

Go Tell It On The Mountain (1950):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq5aEwtvdRI

How I Got Over (1951):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRVzOV5ZaLs

She sang at JFK’s Inaugural Ball and at the March on Washington:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TALcOreZi0A

She died in 1972.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Etta James: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1993

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/etta-james/bio/

James met Johnny Otis sometime around 1952 and auditioned. Otis helped James and her girl group obtain a record contract.

The Wallflower (1955):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htpx3opKfKw

She signed with Chess Records and debuted for the label in 1960.

All I Could Do Was Cry (1960):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_i-AI61PEo

Her signature song:

At Last (1961):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZXvLsltu2A

Trust in Me (1961):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMIidaxckeU

She began incorporating Gospel music.

Something’s Got a Hold of Me (1962):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzibSiJv8hc

Stop the Wedding (1962):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giAp973TTbc

Pushover (1963):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIElUwOKtJk

Her career suffered a bit after 1965 until…

Tell Mama (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8pcNIGjJX0

I’d Rather Go Blind (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YApNirMC9gM

Almost Persuaded (1969):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8wnoenztnU

All The Way Down (1973):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOnwNIxo_KM

Leonard Chess died in 1969. She battled drug and alcohol addiction for the next decade. She continued to perform, but never achieved the chart success of the sixties.

There’s Something on My Mind w/B.B. King (1993):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQVNz3HTL5Y

Take Me to the River (1995):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kgogV-AMpo

Take My Hand, Precious Lord w/Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight
(2005):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrxcB6mk0hs

In 2008, she was played by Beyonce in Cadillac Records.

Cadillac Records (2008):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZdMqziDPUU

That same year, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Etta James made her last appearance on Dancing with the Stars in 2009 and died in 2012.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Sam and Dave: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1992

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/sam-and-dave/

The pair began performing together in 1961. They met on the Gospel circuit.

I Need Love (1962):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70ANa7HEQWw

They recorded at Stax from 1965-68.

You Don’t Know Like I Know (1965):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpYLPnYYKs03

They broke through with…

Hold On, I’m Coming (1965):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9iiO-EVb-A

Said I Wasn’t Gonna Tell Nobody (1966):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLnAWwYo8Bo

You Got Me Hummin’ (1967):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLRZJl4FKc0

When Something is Wrong with My Baby (1967):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89ddPhDZgUA

Soothe Me (1967):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8JUN085KZA

Soul Man (1967):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B26ORjxQdNA

In 1968, they moved to Atlantic Records

I Thank You (1968):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLtKYFP-Zso

By this point, they were known as “Double Dynamite” for their live shows.

Soul Sister Brown Sugar (1969):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgzLhbjRnLw

The duo split in 1970, but reformed.

Don’t Pull Your Love (1971):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIKBDSn7fkU

After 1972, they failed to win another record deal, but kept touring.

Why Did You Do It (1977):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7XdE7w1Zcs

The Blues Brothers (1979) led to a resurgence:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1ehMrK3itM

They opened for the Clash in 1979-80. They also opened for Sha Na Na in 1980.

The pair later split for good and did not speak for 13 years.

In 1988, Dave Prater died in a car accident.
Sam Moore performed with Bruce Springsteen in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame concert in 2009:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTplny76s7M&feature=related

Monday, December 19, 2011

The Isley Brothers: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1992

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/the-isley-brothers/bio/

1954: Formed as a Gospel band

Twist and Shout (1962):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTaqn8_gMR0

The band hired Jimi Hendrix to play guitar. He left by 1966.

This Old Heart of Mine (1966):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yiOqTG9Nno

It’s Your Thing (1969):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMimqfJVedE

I Turned You On (1969):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1loKmKz8EE

(Who’s) That Lady (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18C5bGDWmas

Summer Breeze (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T88fbHOmvRk

Fight the Power (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRkw9UnVhug

For the Love of You (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kd2sOqbIcaM

The Pride (1977):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF29wpFkl-I

It’s a Disco Night (1979):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IY8DtmHok0

Don’t Say Goodnight (1980):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj8wufqK59Y

Group split in 1984, but reformed in 1991 From 1991 on, they found success working with R&B and rap artists such as R. Kelly, Puff Daddy, and Lil Kim.

If You Were There (1984): WHAM! Cover:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f8f2ndBXOU

Contagious (2001):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qnSz6Lh5pY&ob=av2n

Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Impressions: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1991

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/the-impressions/bio/

Official Site:

http://the-impressions.com/

Their career in links.

They formed in 1958. Originally called The Roosters, they delved into R&B, doo-wop, gospel, and soul. Their work served to inspire the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

For Your Precious Love (1958):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brKeKWod_G0

Jerry Butler left the group for a solo career. Curtis Mayfield became the lead singer.

Gypsy Woman (1961):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wd4tlX5t-Q

It’s All Right (1963):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMWlhErzOPo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnZ9wOlDxG0

Mayfield decided to explore black nationalism.

Keep on Pushing (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfGsTx3xtdI

Amen (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j37aGQh2-ZA

People Get Ready (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTL9myUqLMs

Woman’s Got Soul (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aADMrUiSXQ

We’re a Winner (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HKoOYdhkq0

There is a definite musical transition to the 70s going on here:

Choice of Colors (1969):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNV1Y01xNk8

Message songs continue…

Check Out Your Mind (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HxvRoqDefI

Mayfield left the Impressions after 1970.

Finally Got Myself Together (I’m a Changed Man) (1974):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiS5L-WCthQ&feature=related

Sooner of Later (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsoxFAl3pUQ

Same Thing Took it Over (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpSepMzM_pY

Loving Power (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbdL85lh96M

Sunshine (1976):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJAYTYfrCUY

This Time (1976):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zawBxPuYDyk

I Ain’t Gonna Stand for It (with Eric Clapton and Billy Preston) (2001):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkgEZa7lDHw&ob=av2e

Sunday, August 28, 2011

The Soul Stirrers: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1989

Their career in links.

Rock Hall Bio:
http://rockhall.com/inductees/the-soul-stirrers/bio/

Official Site:
http://soulstirrers.com/

The Soul Stirrers created “Quartet” Gospel, which eventually led to Doo Wop, Soul, and Motown.

They formed in 1935. In 1950, Sam Cooke joined the band. He left in 1957.

Lord, Remember Me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ij3HxwmtdQ

Wonderful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjtcOh4hmyE

Stand By Me Father:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioYx-ZgM4Ps

Ben E. King turned “Stand By Me Father” into “Stand By Me.”

The band’s biggest hit:

Jesus Gave Me Water (1951):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slFSzUzI8c8

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Aretha Franklin: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1987

Her life and career through links:

Rock Hall Bio:
http://rockhall.com/inductees/aretha-franklin/bio/

Her first hit single (#10 R&B charts-1960):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1CyBVoWIJk

Aretha struggled and decided to change labels moving to Atlantic.

In 1967, she hit the big time:

Her breakthrough hit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kn9WF4oLRE

Respect:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0XAI-PFQcA

Baby I Love You:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bScWLXAN1v8

You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi6dqhi8Ptw

Chain of Fools:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGAiW5dOnKo

By the end of the sixties, Aretha was the Queen of Soul.

1970s:

Rock Steady:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXJx2NnnxA0

From 1972’s Amazing Grace:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIX6btGIn8w

Aretha struggled for most of the seventies and made a comeback in the eighties.

The Blues Brothers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poBGgBKpqQw

Freeway of Love (with Clarence Clemons):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip_pjb5_fgA

Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves (with Annie Lennox):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Pu0Fn1oRN4

I Knew You Were Waiting for Me (with George Michael):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuU0cJ_iW8w

1990s and Beyond:
A Rose is Still a Rose:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtMUQbnT_Lo

The Obama Inauguration hat caused a stir:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/alltherage/2009/01/inahttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtMUQbnT_Lougural-hat-t.html

Health Scare:

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/aretha-franklin-opens-up-about-her-health-scare-on-wendy-williams-20110301

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Bruce Springsteen: O Mary Don't You Weep (2006)

"O Mary Don't You Weep" dates to before the Civil War. It's an old slave song which contained coded messages of hope and deliverance. The slaves use the Biblical stories of liberation including Lazarus, Exodus, and the Flood. It was first recorded in 1915 for posterity. The song experienced a resurgence with the Civil Rights Movement.

Springsteen version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tebjshm7f_I

Gospel Version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVwhBendHds

Aretha Franklin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ditHPMxHATg

Monday, April 25, 2011

Ray Charles: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1986

Ray Charles life and career in links:

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/ray-charles/bio/

Official Site: http://raycharles.com/

First time on the charts 1949:

Confession Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBeWcoN5D9s

He changed the words of Gospel songs and added R&B to became a star:

I Got A Woman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsC4cH-v3ns

Charles wrote this in the middle of a concert:

What’d I Say: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAjeSS3kktA

First #1:

Georgia On My Mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thls_tMuFkc

Other #1‘s:

Hit the Road Jack: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8Tiz6INF7I

I Can’t Stop Loving You: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSvKWA7v6TM

Released in 1963, he was convicted of heroin possession in 1966:

Busted: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLWoiC-3b60

In the Heat of the Night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOOrtKIYyS0

1970s:

Booty Butt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUwlCVd3YTI

America the Beautiful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRUjr8EVgBg

1980s:

The Blues Brothers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN5V-6yCbpg

He died in 2004. The biopic Ray starring Jamie Foxx is released the same year:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2a1nzAciMc

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