Song: Best Part
Artist: Marcus Johnson
Album: Ballads: In My Voice (2019)
Genre: Instrumental
This is a wonderful piece I’ve heard not too long ago. “Best Part” is actually an instrumental cover of a song from a Canadian brotha by the name of Daniel Caesar, and an American female artist that goes by the name of H.E.R. (Gabriella Wilson). I love both versions actually. The original song hit double platinum, and reached #1 on the R&B category. I know you’ll love Marcus’s version, it is the perfect easy listening piece to start your morning off mellow, with some hot coffee.
Song: Juicy Fruit
Artist: Mtune
Album: Juicy Fruit (1983)
Genre: Groove
I don’t remember if I’ve written about them on my old blog, but.. Oh well. With so much music out here, it’s humanly impossible to keep track of everything ?. Growing up, the song “Juicy Fruit,” was one of those must have songs in every barbecue, or every other major Black “get together.” I loved this song. It was unique. It wasn’t fast enough to be a dance club song, but it wasn’t slow enough to be considered a romantic love song. It was smack right in between. The song only reached #45 on the Hot 100 Chart; but hit #1 on the R&B charts; and stayed there for 8 weeks! Awh, charts can be so misleading. By the way, this song was so popular, I read last year that James Mtune sued Sony for the music rights to “Juicy Fruit?” Read it here. The group had other hits, however, “Juicy Fruit” remains my ultimate favorite by them.
James Mtune Sues Sony For The Rights to “Juicy Fruit.”
It was kind of an interesting read that he’s suing Sony. Not that I don’t he has the right to; but from what I can tell, after the group recorded about two albums, they haven’t been active since the mid 80’s. Maybe there’s a hope of a “reboot’ of the song? You know, in many ways, a lot of their songs kind of reminds me of a group called “Parliament,” not sure if my readers are old enough to remember that group. Mtune also had a #2 hit on the R&B charts called “You, Me and He,” which a lot of people liked but….. I personally didn’t care too much for it.
Song: Lean On Me
Artist: Bill Withers
Album: Still Bill (1972)
Genre: R&B
I don’t think there are any words in the English language that exist, that could describe exactly just how phenomenal I feel Bill Withers is. He has produced some of the finest music. He is a unique musician that has produced his own brand of music like no other. The only other famous artist with that same unique genius (I can think), is Al Green, in my opinion. In fact, Bill’s talent is so unique, I had trouble figuring out a category for him. I’m sure most of the music industry has him under R&B; but to me, he’s more Black folk (if there was such a category). By the way, to all the Bill Withers fans, did you get a chance to see his documentary “Still Bill (2009)?” I highly recommend that you watch it if you have not already. It’s very interesting I promise you! One of the things I’ve learned in that documentary was that Bill was a stutterer. What a beautiful voice, I would have never suspected him of having a speech problem. I remembered how he cried sharing what he went through; but don’t worry, the documentary isn’t a tear jerker. At age 81 now, as far as I can tell, his last performance was in France last year. Go head with your bad self Bill!!
“Lean On Me” was the biggest song in his career. It reached #1 on the Hot 100, in 1972. A group called “Club Nouveau” did a cover version of “Lean On Me,” and believe it or not, it also hit #1 in 1987! From the same album, Bill had another super hit called “Use Me,” which peaked at #2. I loved that song, it has sick beat to it, and it matched the attitude of the song. In 1981, he recorded a song with Grover Washington called “Just The Two Of us,” and it reached #2. The dude was smokin’. A lot of artist sampled this song it was so popular. In my opinion, the his albums “Just As I am (1971),” and “Still Bill” are of his best works. However, if you love his music, listen to his “Essential Album.” It has practically all his most popular music, and some nice ones you may or may not have heard before.
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Song: In The Midnight Hour
Artist: The Silvertones
Album: Treasure Isle Presents: Rock Steady (2012)
Genre: Reggae
The song “In The Midnight Hour,” was another one of many reggae favorites of my late grandfather and I. It was released in 1968, I believe in the U.K. It was a cover of Wilson Pickett’s 1965 version of “Midnight Hour.” Wilson’s version hit #21 on the Top 100. Despite Wilson’s song being almost 55 years old now, Spotify alone has it registered at over 34M plays. Grandpa and I used to listen to both versions all the time. I don’t believe he ever owned a Silvertone album, however, I remember hearing him play their song on his big reel2reel player. Back in the day, poor folk saved soooooo much money on music by taping each others albums. I don’t know what the stats are for Silvertones’s “In The Midnight Hour,” but streaming appears to be less than 60k plays. It certainly was a hit in my house growing up. Lost reggae legends indeed. Check out another favorite of mine, “Young At Heart.”
Song: Alright
Artist: Janet Jackson
Album: Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989)
Genre: Pop
We all know that Janet comes from a family where talent is in their genes. I think it’s safe to say that, there’s no question, for most people, at least half of Janet’s music we love. She’s done house, pop, romance, you name it! Janet has done just about every kind of music except country (that I’m aware of LOL). I’m so glad I hadn’t heard any country songs from her; because back in the day, once a known pop artist come out with a country album, usually it’s a bad sign that your career is dying. Not sure if that’s still true today but… Just sayin’… Out of all my many favorites, “Alright” has been on the top of my list. It may also be because of her music video, the whole “film noir” setting. One thing I’ve always loved about both Janet and Micheal, they always pay tribute (in someway) to classic film. “Alright (1989)” hit #4 on the Hot 100 charts! The entire Rhythm Nation album in my opinion is number one. I think both her Control & Rhythm Nation is her best work. Unfortunately, this single remix album is out of print. However, you can find it on Discogs.
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Song: Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone
Artist: The Manhattan Transfer
Album: Extensions (1979)
Genre: Pop Dance
Boy!! Talk about a forgotten group!!! I actually haven’t heard anything from these guys since a long time. These guys produced one of my favorite pop dance tunes (well technically, it’s more disco now that I think about it) of the 80s. I don’t know how many of my readers know, but are you aware that the cult classic TV show “The Twilight Zone” had it’s own disco theme? Yup!! And The Manhattan Transfer, performed this classic. According to a source I’ve read, the song hit #30 on the US Hot 100 chart. But, this song had to have been bigger than that; because by the time I was old enough to go to clubs (about 5 years after it’s original release date), this song was still being played. I’ve heard so many different versions of this song growing up, it wasn’t even funny. Recently a remix of the song was made. Check out the new remix of Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone.
Song: Close To You
Artist: Maxi Priest
Album: Bonafide (1990)
Genre: Reggae
This is one reggae artist that should not be forgotten. Maxi Priest is so underrated in my opinion. He is a great singer and a phenomenal songwriter. His rise to fame came when he released his massive hit “Close To You” in 1990. The song hit #1 and stayed number one for a week. It’s important to remember reggae artists like him, because he’s one of the few reggae artists that hit number one (at least once) on the American charts. This means their music appeals to a wider audience. In the 90s, Americans played a LOT of Jamaican music, but I can count on one hand artists that registered anywhere on the American Billboard charts. I encourage you to seek out some of his older music. Another well known hit he produced was called “Wild World,” from his album “The Best Of Me (1991),” featuring John Gallon. This was actually a cover of Cat Steven’s Wild World released in 1970. Maxi did a wonderful job reinterpreting this song!
Song: True
Artist: Spandau Ballet
Album: True (1983)
Genre: Pop Ballads
Ok, ok. If you told me that you never heard this song before; I would have said you’re lying (unless you’re under the age of 25-30)! This song was such a massive hit in the 80’s. It was a love song of all love songs back then. No matter if you were young, old, Black, White, everyone was singing this tune. This English group named, Spandau Ballet, took this song to #1 not just in the United Kingdom, but #1 in America (Adult Contemporary), #1 in Ireland, and #1 in Canada! Other countries such as France & Germany, the song was in the Top 10 range. “True,” remains to be one of my most favorite romantic songs ever! The song practically immortalized this group forever. This was their only massive hit of their career. Of all their works after the “True” album, only one song, “Gold,” made its highest peak at #29 in 1984.
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Song: You Wear It Well
Artist: DeBarge
Album: Rhythm Of The Night (1985)
Genre: Pop Music
I’m taking you back to 1985, with one of my favorite groups, DeBarge!! These guys were sooooo talented. I’m really saddened that their lives took such a negative turn. They were one of the few groups, where I always looked forward to hearing their next albums. As far as I can tell, only El is still performing (still sounds wonderful by the way), and Chico is still performing as well (has two great solo albums of his own). Bobby DeBarge is deceased.
There were to huge hits from this album. The first song everyone in my age group instantly remembers from the movie sound track “The Last Dragon (1985),” the song is called “Rhythm Of The Night (1985).” I loved this song. It was one of those happy songs that almost made you dance out in the streets. The second catchy tune from this album was called “You Wear It Well.” I will bet almost any amount of money that half (if not most) people forgot this song! This was a really cute song in my opinion. I just love that distinct 80s sound, it never gets old for me!
Song: Perfect Match
Artist: Lauryn Hill
Album: A Perfect Match (2019)
Genre: Hip Hop
Wow guys!! Maybe I was totally oblivious, but I don’t think I’ve heard anything new (or major) from Lauryn, since her iconic 1998 album called “The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill (1998)!” Ever since that scandal broke out, about her stealing music for “The Miseducation” album, if you haven’t heard about it, you can read it in this Rolling Stones article, despite albums released after that, it kind of felt she was missing in action. I was hoping her daughter wasn’t gonna follow her footsteps, but so far, so good (I guess). “A Perfect Match” is released as a single. She doesn’t come hard like she did on her first album, but the essence of what she represented back in the day, still there. It’s a sweet romantic love song, and I think it really works for her voice. All the tones, tempos, and inflections we heard on her first and only iconic album is undoubtedly present in this song. Only difference is that it’s more laid back.
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Song: Between The Sheets
Artist: The Isley Brothers
Album: Between The Sheets (1983)
Genre: R&B
Oh shit!! Could those pants have been any tighter?! ? The material that was used for many “stylish” clothes for men back in the day, was so uncomfortable and non-flexible. Just trying to sit down was a problem for me. Honestly, I don’t know how I made it through the 70s ? Anyway, I was gonna pick a dance song, until I came across these legends. Surely a forgotten group, as far as I can tell. They’ve had more hits than I can think of. “Between The Sheets” hit #3 on the R&B charts, and has gained the status of “baby makin’ music” in the Black community. If I’m not mistaken, “It’s Your Thing (1969)” was their biggest hit of their career, landing at #2 on the Top 100 Chart. Although, if someone said to me “off the top of your head, think of an Isley song,” I’d probably think of “Between The Sheets” first.
Song: Do Your Thing
Artist: The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band
Album: Together (1968)
Genre: Funk
Ok, I’m really taking it back now! A guy by the name of Charles Wright had an awesome band called “The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band!” What a hell of a long name right? The bulk of their music has been mostly funk, and perhaps a little bit of R&B. I liked a lot of their music growing up. Unfortunately, I’m having trouble finding Billboard information on their music. However, I remember two of their major hits that were burning up the radio stations. The first was a song called “Do Your Thing (1968).” This song was the bomb back in the day. It was hilarious to see adults get down to this song. I mean to watch my elders dance to the point they were down on the floor was a sight to see. This was a song that pretty much allowed you to dance in anyway you like, and not feel awkward or out of place. Simple and steady beats allowed everyone from any age to dance to its music. The second song was called “Express Yourself (1970).” Again, I’m having trouble finding chart information, but from what I remember as a child, it seems that “Do Your Thing” was the biggest hit of their career. Ah, the good ol’ days.
Song: Hope Your Satisfied
Artist: Ken Parker
Album: Hope Your Satisfied (c. 1965)
Genre: Reggae
I have got to say that, Jamaican reggae singer Ken Parker, has got to be one of my most favorite old-time reggae legends, forgotten reggae legends! In my opinion, he made some of the most beautiful romantic reggae music. Ken grew up in the church, and started his career singing religious reggae music. I mostly gravitated more towards his love songs, such as “Hope Your Satisfied.” I also absolutely loved his cover of Sam Cooke’s “Change Gonna Come.” Damn!! That’s a sweet reggae gem right there! It appears that a lot of his oldies have been digitally re-released, so I am unsure or the original publishing dates for these songs. Oooh, oooh, you’ve got to checkout another favorite classic of mine. He did a cover of a song called “Chokin’ Kind,” I believe it was originally performed by American singer Joe Simon. I love both versions of this song.
Song: We Got Our Own Thang
Artist: Heavy D. & The Boyz
Album: Big Tyme (1989)
Genre: Hip Hop
Yes.. I think even the biggest classic music fans has forgotten about Heavy D. & The Boyz. And I definitely have not heard their music on classic radio stations! Sad part is, they were one of the very few hip hop artists that produced music that appealed to a wider audience. A lot of people loved and admired this groups. In addition to my favorite “We Got Our Own Thang,” you should also check out my other favorites. ” Now That We’ve Found Love (1991),” and “Somebody For Me (1989).” Such a shame we lost Heavy D. so early in his career. Not only was he talented lyrically, he also could dance his ass off. Not many “overweight lovers” could dance the way he did.
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Song: Margaritaville
Artist: Jimmy Buffett
Album: Changes In Latitude, Changes In Altitude (1977)
Genre: Country
Most definitely, this artist’s music is truly obscure. Despite a lot of country fans loved his music, I wasn’t really in to him. “Margaritaville” was the only popular song I really liked from him. I guess largely because it was a very catchy tune. It’s the first “tropical” like country song I’ve ever heard! ? The song reached #8 on the Top 100 Chart. As far as I can tell, Margaritaville remained the biggest hit of his career. At age 72, not only is he still performing, he’s also get a few restaurants in Florida. You’ll never guess what it’s called? Well, Margaritaville Cafe” of course! ?
Song: Love Overboard
Artist: Gladys Knight & The Pips
Album: All Our Love (1987)
Genre: Pop Music
I think the last generation took for granted just how many hits Gladys Knight & The Pips actually had (beyond their “Imagination (1973)” album) back in the day. Fans immediately zero in on their iconic songs like “Midnight Train To Georgia,” and “If I Were Your Woman.” However, “Love Overboard” was the sh*t too back in the day. The song peaked at #13 on the Top 100 charts. This was the perfect dance love song. At the time, this song was huge, because it was their first top 40 hit in quite a few years.
Song: Pick Up The Pieces
Artist: Average White Band
Album: Average White Band (1975)
Genre: Funk
Let me tell you…. This was no ordinary Average White Band ? ?. These guys had more funk and soulful feeling in their music, than any other blue-eyed soul band I can think of at the moment. I mean, when I was a kid, I thought they were all Black when I was listening to their music. Actually, I dare to say they’re probably more diverse as a group than “Heatwave.” They really made some good music back in the day. Having said that, once again, I am blown away about the low ranking for their (arguably the most popular) songs “Pick Up The Pieces.” When it came to groove music, this hit the spot. This became another “must have” in many barbecue gatherings when I was growing up. Yet it only reached #45 in Adult Contemporary. WTF??? ? BTW, I couldn’t resist in thinking, if this band would have came out today, the politically extreme left would have crucified the band for their chosen name.
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Song: Boogie Oogie Oogie
Artist: Taste Of Honey
Album: A Taste Of Honey (1978)
Genre: Disco
I’m pretty sure most people under the age of 40 barely remember (if any at all) the group Taste Of Honey. Let me tell you, these women were some badass bitches (in a good way)! To watch them perform, be it live or on TV, was a sight to see. There are very, very few female musicians who could pick a guitar like these women. The only other Black female (long before this group) I can remember off hand that could beat the hell out of a guitar like that was Rosetta Tharpe. Unfortunately, as talented as this group was, they only produced two major hits (although iconic). The first was “Boogie Oogie Oogie,” which hit number #1 on the Top 100, and “Sukiyaki (1981),” which hit #3. Also check out “Rescue Me (1980).” Does the beat sound familiar to you? I’ll give you a hint “I Got A Man (1992)!”
Song: Breakout
Artist: Swing Out Sister
Album: Swing Out Sister (1987)
Genre: Pop Music
Do you guys remember a really old eighties group called “Swing Out Sister?” The group consists of Andy Connell & Corinne Drewery. I have to be honest, I wasn’t really in to their music. I only loved one songs= from them, and that was “Breakout.” It’s a really fun song that kind of still reminds me of my party days. It’s not necessarily a “club song,” probably more like a song you’d play at a teenage barbecue. But, never the less, it’s very entertaining and danceable. The song hit #6 on the Top 100, and #1 in Adult Contemporary. This was a pretty huge hit around the world. They also did a cover of Barbara Acklin’s “Am I The Same Girl (1992).” The song hit #45 on the Top 100. This song has such a great melody that it seems you’re almost virtually guaranteed you’ll wind up somewhere on the charts. Breakout was their biggest hit of their career.
Song: We Must Be In Love
Artist: The Impressions
Album: Check Out Your Mind (1970)
Genre: R&B
You know how sometimes we discover a classic on the radio we had not heard for ages, and then you’re moved to find your copy of that album hidden somewhere, and all of a sudden you realize you can’t stop playing the record? That was me with this classic Impressions song! I could be wrong, but.. Sometimes I think that Curtis Mayfield’s music was and still is really under rated. He’s written and performed some phenomenal music! He was one of the very few artists where I loved his music both before and after he gone solo. However, it just seems to me that most people don’t remember his music beyond his iconic “Superfly (1972)” soundtrack. “Superfly” might be dated, but it’s still a great album to listen to, even today!
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Song: Don’t Let Me Down
Artist: Marcia Griffiths
Album: Play Me Nice & Sweet (1974)
Genre: Reggae
Wow! Talk about sweet reggae music? This is a great one right here!! I know I probably say this all the time, but, I think this is one of my most favorite reggae songs by a female. “Don’t Let Me Down” is both danceable and very romantic. I highly recommend this song for weddings/reception. Marcia has taken this 1969 Beatles song to a whole different level. Now, to be honest, I’m almost certain that most Americans don’t know anything about Marcia Griffiths. However, Americans may remember her for her smash hit “Electric Boogie (1990).” The crazy thing about this song is that, growing up, this song was almost a requirement to any Black party. I mean, before an end to every barbecue, someone will demand that song to be played. Almost every church function I’ve been to as a child played this song before the function was over. The dance to this song looked very much like “The Bus Stop.” Yet, the Top 100 Charts has this song positioned at #51! WTF??????????
Song: Dancin’ In The Key Of Life
Artist: Steve Arrington
Album: Dancin’ In The Key Of Life (1985)
Genre: Pop Music
Wow!!! Talk about nostalgia!! Talk about “Black in the day!” Do you guys remember Steve Arrington? Stop lying! No you don’t!! ? ? ? “Dancin’ In The Key Of Life,” was my sh*t back in the day! This was my all purpose song! You can dance to it, exercise to it, clean the house to it, anything you needed to do, this song was a great song to play to start your day. Another beautiful thing about this song was, everyone of all ages were grooving to amazing composition. Shockingly, the song only made it up to #68 on the Top 100 Charts ?. However, in the dance category it reached #2. As popular as I remembered this song was, I’m stunned that it was at such a low position on the main chart. Another great dance hit you should check out is “Feel So Real,” which happens to be on the same “Dancin’ In The Key Of Life” album. This song reached #5 on the Billboard Dance Charts. To my understanding, Steve started his career being a former drummer for the group called Slave.
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