Major Lance sang so many terrific songs. They were all so upbeat -- and everybody was singing along. He performed songs written by Curtis Mayfield (remember "The Impressions"?), Laura Nyro, and was always a transistor radio sensation. When you heard Major Lance singing, he just made you feel great inside and you just had to sing along.
Although he's probably known best for "Do The Monkey," and "It's Alright" [which was covered beautifully by by Huey Lewis decades later] the most soulful sensation in RadioDAZZ' estimation was this one: "Um Um Um Um Um Um." Gents, fellows, and homies, let me warn you... if you don't do right by your woman, you'll be sitting on a park bench (try to find a spot that the pigeons haven't gotten to first) singing this song.
Listen to it twice -- once to just be DAZZled by it, and the second time to listen carefully to those great lyrics. Curtis Mayfield wrote this song when he was only 20 years old. So, click on the link or on the YouTube video player ['s up, Player?] and treat yourself to something great. Both the writer and the performer have passed, but they're immortalized in vinyl.
A fellow commenting on this You Tube video made this wonderful observation:
"I graduated from H.S. in 1965 and thanks to Major Lance,
Curtis Mayfield, The Impressions and numerous other singers & groups
~ the music of this time was the absolute best. It put a joy into your
heart, and your feet, that was magical. The Major was my favorite and
this song, written & sung, by high school buds Lance & Mayfield,
was my favorite recording by Major Lance. I might not have been black
but I still thought it was the best rhythm, the best beat and the best
sound of my youth."
Just as "Love Don't Love Nobody," music has no color. Black, white -- good music touches every soul regardless of its container. Don't forget. RadioDAZZ
A fabulous inspired and inspiring song from Bill Withers, a 1970s sensation with such hits to his credit as "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone" and "We All Need Somebody To Lean On." Bill Withers' soulful voice was a magnificent instrument. When he spoke -- he stuttered -- when he sang, his voice was clear and pure and true.
This song, in the key of E Major, is the perfect morning energizer. And as a fellow I once did some yard work with once said, "aint no man can hold a note like Bill Withers, son."
Listen for yourself, as Bill Withers brings up the morning sun and holds a note (an 'E') to resonate with your joy. Every day brings with it a chance at redemption. I'm still trying hard to get it right; but maybe one fine day I just might.
*And a truly great observation and commentary (unedited for grammar and spelling... ), which made me feel like my little baby blog is sort of like a calling for me to share with the world (bless lollieboy29, the writer):
this song is just unexplainable , today , I think was the
worst day in my entire life . But i come home and get on my pc ,
stumble upon this song and i forget every little care i ever had in my
life , it is really a trance-inducing song that embues you with an aura
of melodic energy ! Bill Withers is a true master of music.
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Most of us grew up with very little self-respect. It was as if the moment that we were told about rules -- and severely chastened when we violated them. What was just a bit worse when we were conditioned by relentless external influences that we were, no matter what, always in violation of one rule or another.
Some of us turned out to be institutionalized, stunted robots. Others grew up to be so conflicted between what we were and what we were expected to be, that our insides shattered and we were drawn into the maelstrom of dropping out, suicide or sociopathy.
Let RadioDAZZ tell you this, and tell it true. You are the most valuable possession that you've got. And you've got to be true to your innermost feelings. You are unique in this world, and it wouldn't be the same without you. Your are an exquisite work of engineering and art. So get up, look in the mirror, and be fascinated and admiring of the person you see.
Stand for yourself. Speak for yourself. Protect yourself. But most importantly, lift your head up high and respect yourself.
Don't live a life of quiet desperation -- make a joyous noise as you make you own singular but significant mark upon this world and the people in it. Remember - RESPECT YOURSELF!. Anyone tries to advise otherwise, tell 'em that your uncle, the guy from RadioDAZZ says that their opinion is as unqualified as it is unsolicited. Then, smile and say (as the oppressor's jaw drops), "It's a damnable shame the way you must be feeling about yourself to carry on like that. You have yourself a great day. Maybe even pay someone a compliment. Make someone smile. Try it. It's for YOU."
As Joe South once said, "To hell with hate," and "walk a mile in my shoes." Let's get our own houses in order before we sit on the throne and judge. Let's stop the bullying and start spreading the love (Ever Hear Take Six perform their immortal a capella plea: Spread Love? - you ought to).
Listen to this soulful, funk-filled, from-the-gut musical sermon from the fabulous Staple Singers:
Just click on the hyperlink or YouTube VideoPlayer Below and I'll Take You There. Jus' follow me. Play this loud!!! No matter what your color, your challenges, your burden -- listen loud. PLAY this over and over, and make sure -- darn REAL sure -- that your friends, brothers, sisters, and strangers who just want a room for the night in the inn... give this their attention:
Thank you, all of my fellow (and lady) music lovers, for reading me, digging me, re-tweeting me, and for giving me another reason to carry on for another day. Have Happy, healthy holiday, and may 2013 be our very best year together - the start of a fabulous forever! With my love,
Just as "Love Don't Love Nobody," music has no color. Black, white -- good music touches every soul regardless of its container. Don't forget.
RadioDAZZ