The music world has lost 3 greats recently, and I'd like to pay tribute to them here:
Teena Marie passed on boxing day last year. She was widely regarded as Motown's most successful white solo act and was a protege of funk legend Rick James. Teena, to me, helped dispelled notions of colour in music, soul was no longer "black" music. She paved the way for Caron Wheeler, of Soul II Soul, to announce in the 1990s "You can't distinguish between colour any more – it's just people." Amen.
Here is my personal favourite-
Last week, Gladys Horton, singer with Motown's first successful female vocal group The Mavelettes, died. Ive posted a clip of Mr Postman, my personal favourite. Also covered by a small band from Liverpool in the 60s- Messrs Lennon and co. You cant really get fans bigger than that.
John Barry, a legend of the Film World. He was best known for his work on the Bond films however he also scored music for films such as midnight cowboy.
It was on the Bond themes that Barry was able to stamp his own mark. Without those lush string sounds i doubt the films would have had the same impact. David Arnolds scores for the recent films have had a very Barry-esque sound to them.
Jack White and Alicia Key's theme for Quantum, paid more than a passing homage to Barry's orchestral scores. Something bond film regulars have now taken for granted. A reason why Madonna's effort for Die another day didn't really cut it.
Here's my favourite bond theme- On her majesty's secret service. Sampled by the Propeller Heads 30 years later for the soundtrack to Tomorrow Never Dies.
I will be playing tracks by all of the above in tribute over the next few weeks at my nights.
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