Jazz Greats: Rahsaan Roland Kirk

Ronald Theodore Kirk (Aug. 7, 1935– Dec. 5, 1977)

Blind Jazz Multi-instrumentalist, Rashaan Roland Kirk, played multiple Saxophones simultaneously during his live performances. He used the circular breathing technique that allowed him to have continuous takes  of 20 minutes without a "break" and  used homemade and non- musical instruments. His influence touched many genres and he remains highly regarded. Please take a listen here and have a great Saturday: Concerto for Saxophone, Inflated tear, Volunteered slavery and Serenade to a Cuckoo.

Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahsaan_Roland_Kirk

Background information
Birth name	Ronald Theodore Kirk
Born	August 7, 1935 Columbus, Ohio, United States
Died	December 5, 1977 (aged 42) Bloomington, Indiana, United States
Genres	Jazz Hard-bop[1] Soul jazz[1] Post-bop[1] Avant-garde jazz[1] Mainstream jazz[1]
Occupation(s)	Saxophonist, flutist, composer,arranger, bandleader
Instruments	Tenor saxophone, clarinet,stritch, manzello, nose flute,flute, cor anglais, keyboards,percussion
Years active	1955–1977
Labels	King, Chess, Prestige,Mercury, Limelight, Verve,Atlantic, Warner Bros
Associated acts	Charles Mingus, Quincy Jones

Sarah "Fatwoman" Dean

Sarah "Fatwoman" Dean

Sarah "Fatwoman" Dean worked with Freddie Mitchell and released Records in the Blues and early R&B genres. Apart from her songs, there is no information available about her. Please take a listen here and enjoy your weekend: I got your boogie and Long lean daddy

Mento/Calypso Thursdays: Lord Flea & his Calypsonians

Lord Flea & his Calypsonians


Norman Byfield Thomas (1931/32 or 1933/34  – 18 May 1959)

Lord Flea and his Calypsonians helped to increase the popularity of Calypso in the US throughout the 1950's. His music has been covered by Harry Belafonte and others. He died at the peak of his fame in 1959 at the disputed age of 25 or 27. Please take a listen here and Happy Mento/ Calypso Thursday: Calypso Be Bop, Donkey bray, Naughty little flea,, Pretty woman, Mister give me my rent, Monkey and Shake Shake Sonora

Movies: Calypso Joe and Bop girl goes Calypso

Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Flea

Background Information
Birth name	Norman Byfield Thomas
Born	1931/32 or 1933/34 Kingston, Jamaica
Died	18 May 1959 (age 25–27) Miami, Florida, US
Genres	Mento, calypso
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1949–1959
Labels	Calypsodisc, Times, Capitol

Background Information
Band name	Lord Flea and His Calypsonians
Members:  Lord Flea - leader, singer and guitarist Porkchops - banjo Count Spoon - drums and spoons Prince Charles - timbali and tumba percussion Lord Largie - timbali and tumba percussion Fish Ray - washtub base Also known as:  Blue Mountain Caroleers and The Jamaican Calypsonians
Labels	Calypsodisc, Times, Capitol

Poet Groups: The Watts Prophets

The Watts Prophets

The Watts Prophets were forerunners to the Hip Hop Genre, with their blend of Social Commentary Spoken Word and Jazz as far back as 1969. They still remain active mostly through for youth programs. Please take a listen here and have a great Wednesday: The Black voices on the streets in Watts and Rappin' black in a white world

Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Watts_Prophets

Background Information Also known as Watts Prophets Origin Watts, California, United States Genres Rap, Hip-hop, Jazz, Spoken word, Poetry Years active 1967–present Members Richard A Dedeaux Father Amde Hamilton (born Anthony Hamilton) Otis O'Solomon