Queen Diva of Soul Aretha Franklin (March 25, 1942 - August 16, 2018)

This past week has been a rough one for the music world. We have lost one of the greatest vocalists of our time. Aretha Louise Franklin born in Memphis, Tennessee was one of the most recognized soul singers of this modern era. Growing up singing in the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan where her father C.L. Franklin ministered, Aretha wowed the congregation with her beautiful voice.

Aretha started singing gospel music at age 12, traveling with her father as he went on his ministry to various churches. Her father helped her to sign here first record deal in 1956 with J.V.B Records.
She made the switch from gospel to secular music in 1960 at age 18 signing with Columbia Records. Her first secular album was released in 1961. From 1961 to 1966, Aretha recorded with Columbia then decided to sign to Atlantic Records. She recorded with Atlantic from 1967 to 1979 where she recorded hits such as "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" , "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" and the number 1 R&B chart topper "Something He Can Feel". Aretha left Atlantic for Clive Davis' Arista Records in 1980 where she recorded a duet with one of my favorite guitarist George Benson "Love All the Hurt Away". She was with Arista until 2007.

With for decades of music, there is no denying that this woman was and is the Queen Diva of Soul. This angel has impacted the world with her sultry voice. We are all blessed with the archives of music she has left for us. I have been listening to her music a lot lately. I am so thankful for this amazing woman. Peace and love to you all.

Anita Baker- Whatever It Takes

When I think of Anita Baker, I think of a beautifully unique voice that gives me goosebumps when I hear it. She is truly a great example of a woman. Listening to the songs from this songstress helps me to understand things from a woman's perspective. With that jazzy, soulful voice Anita Baker expresses every note with feeling. She's a wonderful artist and I am very grateful that I grew up on her music. Check out her website here: http://www.anitabaker.com/

Jon B.

Jon B is one of my favorite artists. Although he is not as old school as some of the artists featured on this blog, he is an artist that I listened to as a teenager. He is somewhat old school because he has at least 10 years under his belt as a major artist.
He made his way on the scene when he did a song called "Someone to Love" with Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds in the mid 90's. He also has a song with the late great Tupac Shakur called "R U still down". He has written and produced songs for Toni Braxton, After 7, and Color Me Bad.
Jon B was born Jonathan David Buck in Rhode Island in 1974. His father was a music professor and his mother was a concert pianist. His family was deeply rooted in classical music. He learned to play piano at age 9. He moved out to California at age 5 where he frequented his grandparents music store. There he heard artists such as Earth, Wind and Fire, the Bee Gees, and Donna Summer. As he got older some of his musical influences include Stevie Wonder and Babyface. Jon did not choose to go down the classical path. He liked music with a beat. In addition to the piano Jon B. plays the drums and bass guitar. After his success with "Someone to Love", labels didnt know how to accept him because he was a white guy who sang traditionally black music.
My perosnal favorite album is Cool Relax. Today Jon B is back with a new album and his own label. The album is called Hopeless Romantic. He has set the precedents for others who are now doing what he was doing 10 years ago. When asked his opinion on Robin Thicke he said "-they always ask me what do I think about his success, and I tell them straight up, I'm not worried about another grown man."
Check out the Interview!