Let's Say a Prayer...
This year the music world has lost it's share of icons but for anyone in our generation it is a sobering thought to realize that Whitney Houston's voice is silenced. As her close family, friends and colleagues prepare to lay her to rest we the general public should say, (loosely based on LL Cool J intro at the Grammys). Thank you for allowing her to spend so time in this form and sharing her GIFT with all of us.
We realized in listening to some of the songs during the last week that there was a message in each and everyone. We also realize that through some of her personal struggles they are lessons to learn and as admirers of her body of work, we are obligated to show the ultimate respect during this period.
To Her Family:
We share your lost with you and hope that from this you receive some solace in the fact that she was universally loved and will always be.
The JUNO Nominees Announced
The nominees for Canada's highest annual music awards were announced today (February 7, 2012) a full list is available on the their website. We are going to focus on the category of music that stems from the Caribbean Diaspora community which is Reggae. This year is extremely special considering that the island nation from where this music originated will be celebrating its golden independence anniversary therefore the nominees this year should be specially remembered and given a the golden stamp of approval for sustaining this cultural influence at this caliber. Here is the lists and do remember to check-out their music and support your favour artists.
Reggae recording:
Seeds of Love & Life ft. Luciano, Dubmatix;
Bleaching Shop, Exco Levi;
Lover's Paradise, Jay Douglas;
Woman, Steele;
Rescue Me, Tanya Mullings.
Honorable mention needs to go to Jully Black in the RB/Soul Recording of the Year and Kardinal Offishall for Rap Recording of the Year.
Yet Another Icon Has Transcended
2012 is 33 years old and it seems as thought we are loosing many of the people who have set the trends, standards and opinions in our time. Yesterday as most of us were going about our business the news was released that Don Cornelius was dead. In that same moment I am very sure that we all remember our Soul Train moment whether it was from the original shows or from the various movies that pay homage to the indeliable moment of the "Soul Train Line". People from all around the world thank him for his vision and salute his life as a public servant by showcasing our talents in a classy, fun and professional manner. Once again he will be missed but never forgotten!
"At Last" She's No Longer Here....
January 20th, 2012 the sassy, out spoken and always dignified Etta James passed away. Reading through a biography of her life shows that she has had her struggles but instead of giving into them she used them to make her who we all grew to love. "At Last" is one of those songs that allows the listener to loose themselves in the moment and not leave anything for interruption. She has inspired many of our soulful singers in this era and will continue to inspire no matter where she is. Here is an interview done by Tavis Smiley with Ms. James please take the time to hear her story in her own words.
I Am The Greatest
Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. better known to us as Muhammad Ali consistently reinforced that concept with is enigmatic ego and prowess. Now as we see Muhammad Ali at 70 is seems to be a former shadow of what we remember but may we suggest to that he is possibility even more powerful now than he was then. Simply for the following reasons, he has been able to endure a disease that we do not completely understand, one that is not generally associated with people of colour and he has surpassed his life expectancy due to his former career. Most importantly he has done it all with the dignity and decorum that fueled his ego in his younger life. We believe that Ali has set an example that will be hard to duplicate but always will be revered by many.
So, 70 years into this journey his verbal silence speaks volumes and we sincerely hope that young people are listening. You continue to be the greatest for many, many years to come!
News Flash
After great success with her recent movie release it is sad to see the following story reported by the Jamaican Gleaner on December 13, 2011.
The name Dwight Arrington Myers may not ring a bell when your first hear it but when we hear "Overweight Lover or Heavy D" as he was known to us this conjures up memories of some lasting tunes. The other thing that we tend to forget is that Heavy D was a member of the Caribbean Diaspora, Jamaican by birth and American by choice. After looking back at some of his lyrics today I can safely say you have INSPIRED! Not only with your music but with your persona as you wore you size well and help define an era that would never be revisited.. R.I.P
This interview was done by Charles from his blog talk radio show.
Mr. Marley's thoughts on life, food and music are very inspiring. Have a listen!
Listen to internet radio with Thediabeticyou on Blog Talk Radio
Here's the Launch for the 50th Anniversary Celebration supplied by Caribbean Vibrations.
Here something we thought may interest you:
Taking a Historical Trip
While browsing the net we came across this piece written by Joel Selvin back in 2008 and though it would be an interesting piece of information to share with our readers. A Brief History of Ska.
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