Tribute Mondays: Cootie Stark

James Miller or Johnny Miller (December 27, 1927 – April 14, 2005)

Legally blind Pledmont Blues Guitarist, Cootie Stark, worked the street corners for most of his career and released his debut Album in 1999, though he was active since the 1930's. Thanks for your contribution, Mr. Stark, you are appreciated. Please take a listen here and have a great Monday: John Henry ft. Neal Pattman

Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cootie_Stark

Background Information
Birth name	James Miller or Johnny Miller
Also known as	Blind Johnny Miller[1] King of the Piedmont blues[2]
Born	December 27, 1927 Abbeville, South Carolina,United States
Died	April 14, 2005 (aged 77) Greenville, South Carolina, United States
Genres	Piedmont blues, songster[3]
Occupation(s)	Guitarist, singer, songwriter
Instruments	Guitar, vocals
Years active	Late 1930s – 2005
Labels	Music Maker

Matt "Guitar" Murphy

Matthew "Guitar" Murphy (born December 29, 1929)

Blues Guitarist, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, was a member of Howlin Wolf's Band in 1948 and did session work for many notable Artist ( Muddy Waters, Etta James, Chuck Berry, etc.). He continues to work on a limited basis after suffering a stroke. Please take a listen here and have a relaxing Sunday: Matt's Guitar Boogie (America Folk Blues Festival 1963)

Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Murphy_%28blues_guitarist%29

Background information
Also known as	Matt "Guitar" Murphy
Born	December 29, 1929 (age 85) Sunflower, Mississippi, United States
Origin	Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Genres	Blues
Instruments	Guitar
Years active	1948–present
Associated acts	The Blues Brothers, Howlin' Wolf
Notable instruments
Cort Signature model

Jazz Greats: Will Vodery

Will Vodery (October 8, 1885 - November 18, 1951) 

Composer, Conductor, Orchestrator and Arranger, Will Vodery, influenced and mentored Duke Ellington and others. He wrote pieces for Broadway Musicals (Show Boat, 1927) and Films (most time uncredited), but is mostly unknown to this generation. Please take a listen here and have a great Saturday: Shuffle Along Overture (Eubie Blake; Will H. Vodery)

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Vodery

Background information
Birth Name' Will Vodery Born: Oct. 08,1885 Died: Nov. 18, 1951 Origin: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Tony Clarke

Ralph Thomas Williams (April 13, 1940 – August 28, 1971) 

Tony Clarke was a Soul Singer/Songwriter that wrote for Etta James and also had a solo career. He was killed by his estranged wife in an alleged break in. Please take a listen here and Enjoy your Weekend: Landslide and The Entertainer

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Clarke_(singer)

Background information
Birth name	Ralph Thomas Williams
Also known as	Tony Lois, Thelma Williams
Born	April 13, 1940 New York City, New York,USA
Died	August 28, 1971 (aged 31) Detroit, Michigan, USA
Genres	Soul
Occupation(s)	Musician, singer, songwriter
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	?–1971
Labels	Chess

Reggae Thursdays: Lorna Bennett

Lorna Bennett (born 7 June 1952 in Newton, Saint Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica

Lorna Bennett is a Reggae Singer that scored hit singles in the 1970's. She left music to practice Law, but returned after a 27 year break. Please take a listen here and Happy Reggae Thursday:  Dancing to my own heartbeat, Chapel of love and Breakfast in Bed

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorna_Bennett

Background information
Birth Name Born	Lorna Bennett 7 June 1952 (age 63)
Origin	Newton,St. Elizabeth, Jamaica
Genres	Reggae
Occupation(s)	Singer, lawyer
Years active	Early 1970s–1974, 2001–present
Labels	Trojan, Island, Taxi

The Nicholas Brothers

The Nicholas Brothers

The Nicholas Brothers were talented Tap Dancers that introduced new techniques and innovations to the world of dance. They taught famous Dancers in their later lives ( Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Debbie Allen, etc. ) and are regarded by many as the Best Dancers of all time. Please take a listen here and have a nice Wednesday: Down Argentine way. The Nicholas Brothers, . Chattanooga Choo Choo with Glenn Miller & His Orchestra ft Dorothy Dandridge & The Nicholas Brothers and Jumpin Jive (with Cab Calloway) in Stormy Weather

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_Brothers

Background information
Born Fayard Antonio Nicholas October 20, 1914 Mobile, Alabama, U.S. Died January 24, 2006 (aged 91) Los Angeles, California, U.S. Occupation Choreographer, dancer, actor, singer Years active 1935–91 Spouse(s) Katherine Hopkins (2000–2006) Barbara January (1967–1998) Geraldine Pate (19??–1942) Awards Hollywood Walk of Fame

Background information
Born Harold Lloyd Nicholas March 27, 1921 Winston-Salem, North Carolina Died July 3, 2000 (aged 79) New York City, New York Occupation Theatre director, dancer, choreographer Years active 1932–1999 Spouse(s) Dorothy Dandridge (1942–51) Rigmor Newman (19??–) Children Harolyn Suzanne Nicholas Melih Nicholas

Hip Hop Tuesdays: Big L

Lamont Coleman (May 30, 1974 – February 15, 1999)

Big L was a respected Rapper that had huge underground success. He is remembered as an underated lyricist that died before his time. He also had a formidable mainstream career, but died before reaching his true heights. Please take a listen here and Happy Hip Hop Tuesday: Yes you may (Remix) with Lord Finesse, Put it on, Street Stuck and Ebonics

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_L

Background information
Birth name	Lamont Coleman
Also known as	Corleone Mr. MVP (Most Valuable Poet)
Origin	Harlem, New York City, New York, United States
Genres	Hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1991-1999
Labels	Columbia, Flamboyant,Rawkus
Associated acts	Children of the Corn, D.I.T.C.,Gang Starr Fat Joe Jay-Z

Tribute Mondays: Shakey Jake Harris

James D. Harris (April 12, 1921 – March 2, 1990)

Chicago Blues Singer/Songwriter and Harmonicist, Shakey Jake Harris, recorded 5 Albums in 25 years, but is remembered by many. He toured during the Blues Revolution of the 1960's and worked with many of his peers during that period. Thanks for your contribution, Mr. Harris, you are appreciated. Please take a listen here and have a good Monday: Call me if you need me and Mouth harp blues

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakey_Jake_Harris

Background Information
Birth name	James D. Harris
Also known as	Shakey Jake
Born	April 12, 1921 Earle, Arkansas, United States
Died	March 2, 1990 (aged 68) Forrest City, Arkansas, United States
Genres	Chicago blues[1]
Occupation(s)	Singer, harmonicist, songwriter
Instruments	Vocals, harmonica
Years active	Late 1940s–late 1980s
Labels	Artistic, Bluesville, World Pacific
Associated acts	Magic Sam