Jazz Greats: Nat King Cole

Nathaniel Adams Coles (March 17, 1919 – February 15, 1965),
Stage Name: Nat King Cole

         If ever there was a special Jazz Great, it would be Nat King Cole; with that special voice and style of piano playing he had the World of Music at his feet in his day. He had an extraordinary skill when it came to writing Songs and his Masterpieces have become Standards. Have a listen here, make this Saturday a good one: Nature Boy , When I fall in love , Mona Lisa , Straighten up and fly right , The Christmas Song and Unforgettable

 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nat_King_Cole

Background information
Birth name	Nathaniel Adams Coles
Born	(1919-03-17)March 17, 1919 Montgomery, Alabama, United States
Died	February 15, 1965(1965-02-15) (aged 45) Santa Monica, California, United States Interred: Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California
Genres	Vocal jazz, swing, traditional pop, jump blues, vocal
Occupations	Singer-songwriter, pianist
Instruments	Piano, Vocals, guitar
Years active	1935–1965
Labels	Decca, Capitol
Associated acts	Natalie Cole, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin

Great Singers: Tammi Terrell

Tammi Terrell (born Thomasina Winifred Montgomery; April 29, 1945 — March 16, 1970)

        The talented Tammi Terrell didn't live long enough to show us her true potential, but the body of work she left behind is so amazing. She passed away at the age of 24; such a great loss, but Miss Terrell is Absolutely one of the Best Singers of All time. Please take a listen here and have a nice weekend: Ain't nothing like the real thing , Ain't no mountain high enough , You're all I need to get by . The onion song , I can't believe you love me , If This world were mine , If you see bill , If I could build my whole world around you and Your precious love

 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tammi_Terrell

Background information
Birth name	Thomasina Winifred Montgomery
Born	(1945-04-29)April 29, 1945 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Died	March 16, 1970(1970-03-16) (aged 24) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Genres	R&B, soul, pop
Occupations	Singer, songwriter,
Years active	1959–1970
Labels	Scepter/Wand Try Me Checker Motown Tamla
Associated acts	James Brown, Marvin Gaye, David Ruffin

Reggae Thursdays: Gregory Isaacs

Gregory Anthony Isaacs (15 July 1951 – 25 October 2010)

       

            The Classic Vocals laid down by the Legend Gregory Isaacs, Can upstage any Genre of Music. This Reggae Artist is a Trademark of the Genre: with numerous Albums in his Catalog and hits that will live on forever, he is truly an inspiration to any new Reggae Artist who needs guidance from a true Singer. All the Watered Reggae Music Should Be placed in a Bag and hidden from the human ear, because it is doing great harm. Take a listen here and have a Happy Reggae Thursday: Tune in , Red rose for Gregory , Rumors , My only lover , My number one , Love is overdue and Night Nurse

 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_Isaacs

Background information
Birth name	Gregory Anthony Isaacs
Also known as	Cool Ruler Lonely Lover
Born	(1951-07-15)15 July 1951 Kingston, Jamaica
Died	25 October 2010(2010-10-25) (aged 59) London, England, UK
Genres	Reggae
Occupations	Singer-songwriter
Years active	1968–2010

Great R&B Groups: The Supremes

Diana Ross and The Supremes

         The Ultimate Female Group, The Supremes, Accomplished 12 No.1 Singles, when it actually meant something; they were not bought by the Record label. These three talented ladies gave us dreams mixed with reality in their amazing offerings released from Motown. Please add them to your Collection and have a wonderful Wednesday. Take a listen here: Where did our love go , Someday , You can't hurry love , Baby love , Stop! in the name of love , You keep me hangin' on , My world is empty without you , Reflections , Come see about me , Love Child, Love is here and now you're gone , Back in my arms again and Reach out and touch (Somebody's hand)

Diana Ernestine Earle Ross (March 26, 1944)   





 ^{Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana_Ross}

Background information
Birth name	Diana Ernestine Earle Ross
Born	(1944-03-26) March 26, 1944 (age 68) Detroit, Michigan
Genres	R&B, soul, disco, jazz, pop, dance
Occupations	Singer, record producer, actress
Years active	1959-present
Labels	Lu Pine, Motown, RCA, EMI
Associated acts	The Supremes, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie

Mary Wilson (born March 6, 1944)



 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Wilson_(singer)

Background information
Born	(1944-03-06) March 6, 1944 (age 68) Greenville, Mississippi, United States
Genres	R&B, pop, disco, dance-pop
Occupations	Musician, author
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1959 - current
Labels	Motown (1961-1980), Nightmare/Motorcity (1981-1991), CEO Records (1991-1992), H-D-H Records (2009 – present)
Associated acts	The Supremes, Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, Cindy Birdsong, Jean Terrell, Lynda Laurence, Scherrie Payne, Susaye Greene

Florence Glenda Ballard Chapman (June 30, 1943 – February 22, 1976)

Source of image: The Supreme Florence Ballard - Wikipedia



 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Ballard

Background information
Birth name	Florence Glenda Ballard
Also known as	Florence Chapman
Born	(1943-06-30)June 30, 1943
Origin	Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Died	February 22, 1976(1976-02-22) (aged 32) Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Genres	R&B, rock, pop, soul, show tunes
Occupations	Singer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1959–1976
Labels	Lu Pine, Motown, ABC
Associated acts	The Primettes, The Supremes, Diana Ross, Mary Wilson

The Supremes


 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana_Ross_and_the_Supremes

Background information
Also known as	The Primettes; Diana Ross & the Supremes
Origin	Detroit, Michigan, United States
Genres	Pop, R&B, soul, psychedelic soul, Motown, doo-wop, disco
Years active	1959–1977
Labels	Lu Pine (Primettes), Motown (Supremes)
Associated acts	The Temptations, Four Tops, The Marvelettes, Martha and the Vandellas, Mary Wells, The Velvelettes, Stevie Wonder, Mary Wilson
Past members
Mary Wilson Diana Ross Florence Ballard Betty McGlown Barbara Martin Cindy Birdsong Jean Terrell Lynda Laurence Scherrie Payne Susaye Greene

Hip Hop Tuesdays: Busy Bee Starski

Busy Bee Starski (also known as Chief Rocker Busy Bee) born David Parker on October 26, 1962, in the Bronx, New York 


Photo Source: Busy Bee | Discography | Discogs

        The Rapper, Busy Bee Starski, used is comedy infused lyrics to do battle Rap in the early stages of Hip Hop Music, He did Hip Hop From as early as 1977 and worked alongside the Founding Fathers of Hip Hop Music  to introduce this Genre of Music to a critical audience. Though not as commercially Successful as most of his pair, he was and still is an integral part of the Culture. Please   take a listen here: Making Cash money , Runnin' Thangs , School Days , Busy Bee's Groove , Rappin" all over  and Express 

Source: Busy Bee Starski - Wikipedia

Basic Information
Birth name	David James Parker
Also known as	Chief Rocker Busy Bee Busy Bee Starski Busy B
Born	October 26, 1962 (age 59) Bronx, New York, United States
Origin	Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Genres	Old-school hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper
Years active	1977–present
Labels	Strong City/Uni/MCA Records Pandisc Records

Tribute Mondays: Barry White

Barry White, born Barry Eugene Carter ((1944-09-12)September 12, 1944 – July 4, 2003(2003-07-04))

          Barry White has that bass to get your girl in the mood; that distinct sound sends shivers down their spines. Also a talented Writer and Producer in his own right, he helped launch the career of the Girl Group Love Unlimited (Walking in the rain with the one I love). Please take a listen here: You're the first the last my everything , Just the way you are , Never, never gonna give you up , It's ecstasy when you lay down next to me , What am I gonna do with you , Love's theme , Practice what you preach and Can't get enough of your love babe

 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_White

Background information
Birth name	Barry Eugene Carter
Born	(1944-09-12)September 12, 1944 Galveston, Texas, U.S.
Died	July 4, 2003(2003-07-04) (aged 58) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	Soul Disco Funk R&B
Occupations	Singer-songwriter Record producer Arranger Musician
Instruments	Piano Keyboards Vocals Drums/>recorder
Years active	1960–2003
Labels	20th Century Records Unlimited Gold Records Casablanca Mercury Private Music/BMG A&M Eagle Records
Associated acts	Love Unlimited The Love Unlimited Orchestra Isaac Hayes Gerald LeVert, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, The Banana Splits

Real R&B: Smokey Robinson and The Miracles

Smokey Robinson and The Miracle

 

William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. (born February 19, 1940
 

        Smokey The Man; Great Vocals, Songwriting that is above par and Leader of one of the Most Important Groups in R&B History, The Miracles. It would be disrespectful to try and describe their  Accolades in this tiny Blog, But I will say this, if someone went back in time and prevented The Miracles from embarking on their journey; Today's R&B Industry wouldn't exist, even though that would be a plus (being rid of the ridiculous crap they now call music), we are thankful there is a choice because of the hard work Smokey Robinson and The Miracles put in. Thank you all, you are loved. Please take a listen here and have a relaxing Sunday: The tears of a clown , One Heartbeat , Cruisin , Let me Be The Clock , Being with you , The tracks of my tears , I second that emotion , Ooo baby baby , You've really got a hold on me , Baby that's backatcha , Quiet Storm and Just to see her

 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smokey_Robinson

Background information
Birth name	William Robinson, Jr.
Born	(1940-02-19) February 19, 1940 (age 72)
Origin	Detroit, Michigan, United States
Genres	R&B, soul, pop, adult contemporary
Occupations	Singer, songwriter, record producer, record executive
Instruments	Vocals, piano
Years active	1955–present
Labels	Motown, Universal, SBK, Liquid 8, Robso
Associated acts	The Miracles, The Temptations, Mary Wells, Marvin Gaye

 The Miracles


 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Miracles

Background information
Also known as	The Matadors, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
Origin	Detroit, Michigan, United States
Genres	R&B/soul
Years active	1955–1983; 1993–present
Labels	End, Tamla/Motown, Columbia
Members
Robert "Bobby" Rogers Claudette Rogers Robinson Dave Finley Tee Turner Mark Scott
Past members
William "Smokey" Robinson Ronald "Ronnie" White (deceased) Warren "Pete" Moore Clarence Dawson James Grice Emerson "Sonny" Rogers Marvin "Marv" Tarplin (deceased) Billy Griffin Donald Griffin Carl Cotton Sidney Justin Alphonse Franklin