The Rondelle55 Chronicles

Wednesday 31 May 2017

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 thereCan'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 

Tuesday 30 May 2017

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 nameJonathan Burks
Also known as
  • The Jaz
  •  
  • Big Jaz
  •  
  • JazO
  •  
  • The Originator
BornOctober 4, 1964 (age 52)
BrooklynNew York, U.S.
OriginBrooklynNew York
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)
InstrumentsVocals
Years active1986–present
Labels
Associated acts

Monday 29 May 2017

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 loveLet'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 nameOverton Vertis Wright
BornOctober 9, 1939
Lenow, Shelby CountyTennessee, United States
DiedNovember 16, 1980(aged 41)
Mobile, Alabama, United States
GenresR&B soul, funkdeep soul,soul blues
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, musician, producer, instrumentalist, sideman
InstrumentsVocals, guitar, drums, piano/keyboards
Years active1964–1980
LabelsBack Beat Records, Hi
Associated actsOtis ReddingIsaac Hayes,Al GreenBobby Womack,James CarrRolling Stones

Sunday 28 May 2017

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
BornOctober 30, 1939 (age 77)
DetroitMichigan
United States
GenresRhythm and bluesfunk,soul
Occupation(s)Producerarrangersinger
InstrumentsVocals
Years active1960s–present
LabelsMotownInvictus,Hallmark Records
Associated actsHolland–Dozier–Holland

Saturday 27 May 2017

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
BornMay 29, 1928
HarlemNew York City, U.S.
GenresJazzhard bop
Occupation(s)Musician, composer, actor
InstrumentsPiano, keyboards, organ, composer
Years active1948–present
LabelsBlue NoteSavoyPrestige
Associated actsJackie McLeanTina BrooksHoward McGhee

Friday 26 May 2017

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 nameBarrett Strong
BornFebruary 5, 1941 (age 76)
West Point, Mississippi, United States
GenresRhythm and blues, soul
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
InstrumentsVocals, piano
Years active1959–present
LabelsMotown (Tamla), Anna,EpicCapitolindependent
Associated actsThe TemptationsMarvin GayeGladys Knight & the PipsEdwin StarrThe Undisputed Truth
Notable instruments
Vocals, piano