Through The Decades (Playlists)
Wow! I just realized it’s been a minute since I’ve shared a playlist with you guys. I think you’ll like this one. This playlist includes Sam Cooke’s “You Send Me (which was my late grandfather’s favorite),” Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl (we don’t hear radio play that song anymore),” and Dusty Springfield’s “Son Of A Preacher Man.” Click to find out the other 27 classic songs are on this playlist! Enjoy!!
Welp! đŸ¤— I had some extra time before bed, and decided to make another overdue playlist đŸ¤£ I know my young followers wouldn’t know what to do with this new playlist. But, for those of us older folk, I know that there are a lot of songs you remember! These songs are perfect for that new boyfriend, or a husband that loves to reminisce on the old music too. This playlist includes artists such as Carla Thomas, Patti Drew, Mary Wells, and Dorothy Moore! Enjoy! Expressing My Love – Volume One
Song: Variety
Artist: Various
Album: The Best Of 1962 Rhythm & Blues (2020)
Genre: Playlist
Hope all my readers are doing well. I decided to create a great playlist today, highlighting some of the most popular Black R&B hits of 1962! As always, this playlist contains a total of 20 handpicked extremely rare and hard to find hits! I think it’s safe to say that my young readers most likely never heard these songs before; but I do hope that you take a listen because they are all a part of our Black music history! The kind of music I think your parents would be proud that you’re now exploring ?
Forgotten Black Music For Sure!!
So, the first highlighted songs on this awesome playlist, is an extremely rare song called “Tear After Tear,” performed by the legendary Pattie Labelle and The Bluebells. They were recorded live at the Apollo, a time when the establishment was at it’s peak in popularity. They sang the shit out of this song! Now, you may say that their music in this era were no different than say, a Mary Wells type music, however, Pattie’s voice gave this song it’s own identity (sort of speak). I hadn’t been born yet when this song was recorded, and I hate to say I never saw Pattie perform live in person before. However, every person who told me they had seen these girls perform before, they’ve all said to me it was a sight to see!
Limbo Rock, Was One Of The Biggest Global Ethnic Songs Ever Made!!
The song called “Limbo Rock,” was one of the most popular songs I remember growing up. It was so popular, it was almost as though, if you were a musician, and you did not perform things song, you weren’t shit! In fact, I dare to say that it was even bigger than what a lot of 30 year olds may remember a song called “The Macarena (1996),” that stayed on the charts for a whopping 60 weeks!! Herb Albert’s genre really isn’t R&B, he’s music is more along the lines of movie score type music. But, I really liked his interpretation of “Limbo Rock.” I think he pulled it off well, since it seems a lot of his music was inspired by Brazilian culture. I think Herb’s reinterpretation of this song was severely underrated. I love his piece because he sort of kept it’s original form. However, Chubby Checker recorded the first vocal version in 1962, and it exploded! Chubby’s interpretation hit #2 on the Top 100 Chart, and although it only stayed number two for only about 2 weeks, the song eventually became a household party novelty. That’s correct! “The Twist” wasn’t the only major hit Chubby was known for.
Limbo Rock, Eventually Became A Household Novelty!!
I love me some Esther Phillips, and “Release Me,” is probably my favorite of all her songs. I would consider her the queen of R&B personally speaking. When I hear her voice, she reminds me a LOT of the late Nell Carter, they both have that nasally type voice (but a good soulful sound rarely heard). You know when I hear songs like Esther’s “Release Me,” I understand why streaming services want to do away with genres, and more towards “mood music (if you will).” Because hearing this for the first time, I hear R&B, but in reality this is a country song. I think it was Ester’s unique voice that turned the song soulful. Check out my playlist. I think you’ll enjoy it.
Song: Playlist
Artist: Various
Album: Amazing Hits From 1977 (2020)
Genre: Various Pop Music
Coming at you with another diverse handpicked playlist. Lots and lots of great music we were exposed to during the year 1977; but only a fraction of those songs made it to my playlist! Oh, no! It wasn’t because I didn’t like the majority of them, it’s because I don’t believe in random song dumping!! You’re getting the best of my personal favorites from the year 1977, in an easily digestible playlist. As I was researching, I realized that 1977 seemed to have been a good year for Rock ‘N’ Roll music. Rock music that I actually liked! And I said before, I am very picky when it comes to rock music.
You know, 1977 Seemed To Have Been An Excellent Year For Rock Music!
A good example of some good rock ‘N’ roll hits that came out of 1977 was Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way.” The song peaked at #10 that year. Although the song was already a popular hit, I don’t think it really became more well known, until they hooked up with rap legends Run-DMC. It was a big deal, because Run-DMC became the first rap group to merge hip hop and rock. A year before, they had an even bigger hit I’m sure most of my readers remember, called “Dream On (1976)” that peaked at #6 on the Top 100 Chart. You know, a lot of people make fun of Steven Tyler’s looks. But, the fact of the matter is, that man has an exceptional voice that was made for rock music, and has pumped out a lot of hits for the band.
Run-DMC Was The First Rap Group To Merge Rock With Hip Hop!
The song “I Wanna Get Next To You,” by legendary band Rose Royce, in my opinion, is one of the most romantic and sexiest music that ever came from an all Black band. Back when I was growing up, we called this kind of music, “Baby Makin’ Music.” ? The song reached #10 on the Top 100. Yesssss!!! Surprise!! They’ve got other hits besides “Car Wash.” Although, it appears that their album “Car Wash,” seemed to be their one and only best album (comparatively speaking at least).
We Called It, Baby Makin’ Music Back In The Day!
Another great song I’ve added to this playlist is called “The Rubberband Man,” by the legendary group, The Spinners!! I’m not sure the hell why, but every time I heard this song, it always reminded me of The Harlem Globtrotters. The song has absolutely nothing to do with them, but I have no idea why my mind is associating this song to the legendary Harlem Globtrotters. Perhaps it was used during one of their games? Maybe, I don’t know ?. I loved The Spinners. They’ve had hits after hits, after hits. Highly recommend that you look up their music. I’ve chosen 20 amazing hits for this playlist. I do hope that it jars some memories for you guys. Enjoy!
Song: Assorted
Artist: Various
Album: Playlist – The Very Best Of 1984 (2020)
Genre: A Variety
It’s been quite awhile since I’ve made a playlist, huh? I think I need to make more of an effort to create them. Putting together a quality playlist can be just as much work as writing an article (believe it or not) ?. It takes a lot of thought, research, and knowing how to blend songs that go with one another. Anybody can copy and paste random stuff; but a bloggers playlist is the one you’re more then likely to enjoy. I’m not quite sure why I picked the year 1984 for today’s playlist. However, it happens to be one of the best years for memorable pop music. It’s funny, the 80s has made such an impact for many of us of this era, but I can’t even remember what I was doin’ when each of these songs came out.
Can You Remember What You Were Doin’ When These Songs Came Out?
Now that I think about it, in the 80s I considered myself a club kid. So, I can associate dance music with a club I might have went to back in the day (because I was physically there). For all other music genres, perhaps I was listening to them during mundane activities ?. Well, I didn’t realize there were a LOT of hits that came out of 1984. However, I had to narrow them down to 30 amazing songs in this playlist. Pretty mixed genres in this new playlist (you know how I do).
I Just Know That Most 80s Babies Will Love This Playlist!
So, let me talk a little bit about what’s on this playlist. One 1984 song that was an absolute must for this playlist, is a song by one of my most favorite 80s pop band. The Miami Sound Machine’s “Dr. Beat,” a wonderful mix of disco infused pop! By the way, did you know that Gloria Estafan has a new album coming out? She released a single for the album called “Cuando Hay Amor.” It is a Brazilian inspired album. According to an article I’ve found, the full album is expected to be released on August 13th. Another great song I have on this playlist is “Careless Whisper,” by the late George Michael. I’m telling you, with all the hits that man pumped out, I think “Careless Whisper” is the one song people will forever remember him by.
Side Note: Gloria Estefan Has A Brand New Album Coming Out Soon!
Then I have “It’s Raining Men,” by two vocal powerhouses called, The Weather Girls!” Marsha Wash, and the late Izora Armstead, were hot in the 80s. “It’s Raining Men,” was not only a great and fun song, it seemed to appeal to everyone! Whether you were young, old, gay, or straight, on any given day you can usually catch someone singing this song while walking down the street! Another favorite of mine on this list is a song from Elton John, it’s called “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues.” You know, Elton is the only performer I can think of, that can turn a song that would normally be sad as hell, and make it upbeat and desirable to listen to. He truly has that gift of music. For more songs, click on my playlist above, and enjoy!!