Posts Tagged ‘My Mt. Rushmore of R & B Music’

My Mt. Rushmore of R & B Music

Posted: July 24, 2015 in Inspiration, Music, R & B, Things I Love
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This is the second installment of my Mt. Rushmore’s of Stuff. My first was My Mt. Rushmore of Alternative Music, but my Mt. Rushmores won’t be limited to music, kids. I plan to have Mt. Rushmores of everything from sports to TV to movies to historical figures to people I hate. Just kidding about that last one. Maybe.

Anyway, as you see from the title up there today’s blog includes my Mt. Rushmore of R & B Music. Remember, this is my personal list, including the guys who have been the most influential and impactful to me. So, there’s no James Brown, Otis Redding or some of the other greats. Don’t judge me, people.

Let us proceed:

AL GREEN

When I listen to The Reverend Al sing “Let’s Stay Together” I swear it almost always brings tears to my eyes. Such a soulful, emotional voice. One of the items on my Bucket List is to attend his Full Gospel Tabernacle Church in Memphis and hopefully hear him sing some gospel. Al Green, man.

MARVIN GAYE

Marvin Gaye was the epitome of smooth. Don’t believe me? Watch this video and listen him sing “What’s Going On”. He had such a style that nobody has ever been able to come close to replicating it. Like I said, s-m-o-o-o-o-t-h. He was killed by his own father in 1984. So sad.

SMOKEY ROBINSON

Smokey had that high tenor that could sing a love song like no other. He’s also the man behind one of my all-time favorite songs, “Tears of a Clown“. As former lead singer of the Miracles, Smokey was a major voice in the soundtrack of my youth.

RUSSELL THOMPKINS, JR.

This choice just might be a bit of a surprise, but if you’ve never heard this man sing you’ve missed out. As a matter of fact, I’d rank him at #1, above all others. As lead singer of The Stylistics, his voice is unmistakable. Give a listen to “Betcha By Golly Wow” and tell me if I’m lyin’.

Again, I realize that leaving out James Brown, Ron Isley, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding and others. Oh, and I’m not being sexist. The R & B ladies Mt. Rushmore will be coming soon.

Enjoy your weekend.