SoulTracks Lost Gem: The Four Tops “Believed In You And Me” before Whitney did
One of the greatest groups to ever come out of Detroit, the Four Tops (Read the full biography here) consisted of four singers who made history with their music and their longevity, only being separated by death. And while the Tops had literally dozens of hits over three decades of active recording, there were some […]
SoulTracks Lost Gem: Dayton gave us “Hot Fun” on Sly remake
No matter what season it is, memories of a less chaotic childhood awakened thoughts of the now-defunct six-member OH. funk band, Dayton, and their most recognizable hit, a sly (pun intended) and languorous remake of Sly and the Family Stone’s “Hot Fun in the Summertime.” Recalling the glory of lazy mornings, sunlit afternoons and nights that […]
Lost Gem: Stevie Woods slowed it down with “Misty”
For a brief time in the 1980s, Stevie Woods had a real moment. The smooth vocalist signed with Cotillion Records and released Take Me To Your Heaven in 1981. Take Me boasted an A-Team of backing musicians, including Ray Parker, Toto’s Steve Lukather and Chicago’s Bill Champlin, with German producer Jack White at the helm. White had a talent for gathering […]
Lost Gem: Tevin Campbell felt “Safer On The Ground”
In April of 2016, it had been more than a decade since we had heard from former child prodigy and soul music star Tevin Campbell. But the 39 year old singer and stage performer was working on new music, and gave us the pleasant surprise of a single relese, in the form of the Alex Cantrell composition, […]
SoulTracks Lost Gem: Philadelphia’s The Futures saw love in “Silhouettes”
Another of a seemingly endless string of quality soul groups to come out of Philadelphia in the late 60s and early 70s, The Futures never rose to the upper echelon of Soul Music artists, but nonetheless created a number of fine releases. Consisting of Kenny Crew, James King, John King, Harry McGilberry and Frank Washington, […]
SoulTracks Sunday Gem: Yolanda Adams helped us to “Never Give Up”
When Yolanda Adams released “Never Give Up” in 2001, she wasn’t just delivering another gospel single—she was offering a lifeline of hope and perseverance to a world in need. Featured on her Believe album, the song became an anthem for those navigating storms, reminding listeners that faith and resilience are essential for survival. Written and […]
Lost Gem: Crown Heights Affair takes us “Dancin”
Williamsburg Brooklyn, NY is now home to throngs of vapid Midwestern poseurs who like to “think” all the cool bands are in Brooklyn now. All the cool bands have always been in Brooklyn, ask The Tokens, the Jive-Five, Mandrill, Full Force or B.T Express. Or this particular bunch of Suit and Tie wearing Brooklyn bad-asses: The Crown Heights Affair. […]
Lost Gem: “Cosby’s” Malcolm-Jamal Warner teamed with Lalah Hathaway for a musical winner
To many people he will always be known as Theo from the iconic television show The Cosby Show, but Malcolm-Jamal Warner has fashioned for himself a career that incorporates both acting and music, with four albums under his belt as the guitarist and founder of the group Miles Long. “It’s funny, people aren’t so much […]
Lost Gem: The Crusaders and Nancy Wilson knew “The Way It Goes” in brilliant collaboration
When tracing the evolution of female singers from Sarah Vaughn, Dinah Washington and the great jazz vocalists of the 40s and 50s to the modern jazz and soul stylists of artists such as Anita Baker and Diana Krall, all roads run through the late, great Nancy Wilson. Physically beautiful and a uniquely gifted song stylist able […]
SoulTracks Lost Gem: The Persuasions took us “500 Miles” from home
The Persuasions remained a happy mystery in popular music for over five decades. While groups such as the Nylons, Pentatonix and Take 6 made slick, tight a cappella or nearly-a cappella sounds slightly more mainstream, the Persuasions defied every popular convention on their way to near cult status. Eschewing trends, they sang raw, soulful a […]
