Girl Groups: The Gems

The Gems

The Gems were a Group that recorded on Chess Records during the 1960's. They were regarded for their beauty by audiences, whenever they performed, but failed to have great commercial success. They also had Minnie Riperton as a member before she became a huge star. Please take a listen here and have a good Wednesday: I'll be there,  Can't you take a hint and That's what they put erasers on pencils for

Source: http://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-gems-mn0000159035

Background information
Name: The Gems Origin: US Label: Chess, Checker Years active: 1950's - 1960's Members: Jessica Collins, Verdine Harrison, Theresa Washburn,Dorothy Hucklebee, Bertha Watts, Minnie Riperton, Raynard Miner and Billy "Roquel" Davis

Hip Hop Tuesdays: Jaz-O

Jonathan Burks (born Oct. 4, 1964)

Rapper and Record Producer, Jaz-O, has been active since 1986. His Production efforts and earlier recordings has been overshadowed by both him being the mentor of Jay-z and also for his long running fued with Jay-z. His Production credits includes work for Rakim, Kool G Rap, M.O.P., Jay- z and others.  He  remains active; please take a listen here and Happy Hip Hop Tuesday: To your soul, The Originators and Hawaiian Sophie

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaz-O

Background information
Birth name	Jonathan Burks
Also known as	The Jaz   Big Jaz   JazO   The Originator
Born	October 4, 1964 (age 52) Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Origin	Brooklyn, New York
Genres	Hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper   record producer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1986–present
Labels	Kingz Kounty Entertainment Red Line Music Distribution, Inc. Sony   Tommy Boy Entertainment
Associated acts	Jay Z   Sauce Money   The Immobilarie   Neilleon

Tribute Mondays: O.V. Wright

Overton Vertis "O. V." Wright (Oct. 9, 1939 – Nov. 16, 1980)

Southern Soul and Blues Singer, Multi-instrumentalist and Producer, O. V. Wright, was a strong figure in 1960's Soul music. His career started in various Gospel Groups, but he branched off into secular music, where his material has influenced many over the years. He declined in popularity after serving time for narcotics. He died in 1980; thanks for your contribution Mr. Wright, you are appreciated. Please take a listen here and have a sweet Monday:  God blessed our love,  Let's straighten it out, Ace of spades, nickel and a nail, Eight man, four women, Motherless child, That's how strong my love his and You're gonna make me cry

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O._V._Wright

Background Information
Birth name	Overton Vertis Wright
Born	October 9, 1939 Lenow, Shelby CountyTennessee, United States
Died	November 16, 1980(aged 41) Mobile, Alabama, United States
Genres	R&B soul, funk, deep soul,soul blues
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter, musician, producer, instrumentalist, sideman
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, drums, piano/keyboards
Years active	1964–1980
Labels	Back Beat Records, Hi
Associated acts	Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes,Al Green, Bobby Womack,James Carr, Rolling Stones

Eddie Holland

Edward "Eddie" Holland Jr. (born October 30, 1939)

Producer, Arranger and Singer /Songwriter, Eddie Holland, worked as an early Artist for Motown, before joining the Holland-Dozier-Holland team. He is credited as lyricist on 80 UK hits and 143 US hits. It is said that he left performing for behind the scenes work because of stage fright. He remains active; please take a listen here and have a relaxing Sunday: Merry-go round, Take me in your arms, Leaving here, Candy to me and Jamie

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

Background Information
Born	October 30, 1939 (age 77) Detroit, Michigan United States
Genres	Rhythm and blues, funk,soul
Occupation(s)	Producer, arranger, singer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1960s–present
Labels	Motown, Invictus,Hallmark Records
Associated acts	Holland–Dozier–Holland

Jazz Greats: Freddie Redd

Freddie Redd (born May 29, 1928)

Self taught Pioneering Hard-Bop Pianist and Composer, Freddie Redd, is mostly revered for his compositions used in the Play and Movie "The Connection", but his tenure includes both solo and sideman works. He continues to perform; please take a listen here and have a great Saturday: The Thespian and The music from "The Connection"

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

Background information
Born	May 29, 1928 Harlem, New York City, U.S.
Genres	Jazz, hard bop
Occupation(s)	Musician, composer, actor
Instruments	Piano, keyboards, organ, composer
Years active	1948–present
Labels	Blue Note, Savoy, Prestige
Associated acts	Jackie McLean, Tina Brooks, Howard McGhee

Barrett Strong

Barrett Strong (born Feb. 5, 1941)

Rhythm and Blues and Soul Singer / Songwriter and Pianist, Barrett Strong, scored the first Motown Records hit song and continued at the Label as a Songwriter for Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Edwin Starr, Gladys Knight & The Pips and others. He continues to release solo material; he is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Please take a listen here and enjoy your weekend: Misery, Yes, no, maybe so, Rock it easy and Money (that's what I want)

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

Background information
Birth name	Barrett Strong
Born	February 5, 1941 (age 76) West Point, Mississippi, United States
Genres	Rhythm and blues, soul
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter
Instruments	Vocals, piano
Years active	1959–present
Labels	Motown (Tamla), Anna,Epic, Capitol, independent
Associated acts	The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Edwin Starr, The Undisputed Truth
Notable instruments
Vocals, piano