| I will be on www.solarradio.com (and Sky Channel 0129) at 2.00 p.m.G.M.T.?Today, in The Encyclopaedia Of Black Music, we will feature the letter G.
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The Letter G
?Al Green: 'Tired Of Being Alone'
The Reverend Albert Greene was born in?Forrest City, Arkansas, April 13, 1946.?Al met band leader Willie Mitchell in 1969 and, together, they created some of the best soul songs of the seventies, 'Let's Stay
Together' (later a No. 1 for Tina Turner), 'I'm Still In Love With You', 'Here I Am (Come And Take Me)', 'Take Me To The River' (later covered by Talking Heads) and, my favourite, 'Tired Of Being Alone', released in 1971.?In 1976, Al was ordained as a pastor and, for many years, made nothing but gospel, but recently returned to secular music.The Gap Band: 'Outstanding'
The Gap Band are brothers Charlie, Ronnie and Robert Wilson.?The band originally formed in 1967 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.?However, it wasn't until 1980 that they had their first pop hit with the raucous 'Oops Upside Your Head'.?As the decade progressed, The Gap Band became more soulful and, in 1983, they released their greatest track, 'Outstanding', taken from the platinum-selling 'Gap Band IV' album.?'Outstanding' was written by drummer Raymond Calhoun, who later joined Sunfire and wrote 'Young Free And Single'.Vivian Green: 'Emotional Rollercoaster'
Born in Philadelphia in 1980, Vivian started out as a backing singer for Jill Scott, before securing her own deal in 2001.?'Emotional Rollercoaster' is taken from her debut album 'A Love Story'.?She's currently recording a third album and, last year, featured on Guru's Jazzamatazz album.?More of him later.Gwen Guthrie: 'Ain't Nothin' Goin' On But The Rent'
Born in 1950 in Oklahoma but raised in Newark, New Jersey, Gwen Guthrie was closely associated with the club scene that came after disco.?Having started life as a songwriter for people like Ben E. King and Roberta Flack, she then began recording amazing club tracks that were also great songs.?It started with 'It Should Have Been You' in 1982 closely followed by 'Peanut Butter', 'Seventh Heaven', 'Padlock', 'Outside In The Rain' and her biggest hit 'Ain't Nothin' Goin' On But The Rent'.?Sadly, Gwen died of cancer in 1999.Marcia Griffiths: 'I Shall Sing'
Marcia Griffiths is arguably the First Lady of reggae music.?Born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1949, Marcia's first hits were with Bob Andy.?'Young Gifted & Black' was actually a Top 5 UK hit in 1970.?Marcia then became one of the I-Threes; Bob Marley's backing singers, which meant she travelled the world for many years.?Nevertheless, she re-kindled her solo career in the eighties.?'I Shall Sing' is taken from her 1995 album 'Indomitable'.?Gilberto Gil: 'Toda Menina Baiana'
Gilberto Passos Gil Moreira ?was born June 29, 1942 in Brazil.?He is the current Brazilian Minister Of Culture because, for more than four decades, he has contributed immeasurably to latin music and Brazilian culture in general.?Gilberto has released 49 albums and won numerous Grammy awards.?A truly amazing man!
?Goodfellaz: 'Sugar Honey Ice Tea'
A classic one-hit-wonder from 1996: written and produced by The Family Stand.?Note the initials of the song title!Goldie: 'Inner City Life'
Clifford Joseph Price, better known as Goldie was born in Walsall on December 28, 1965.?He started out in the hip hop scene (mainly as a dancer and graffiti artist) but, by 1991, he'd got into breakbeat, and then became part of the drum & bass scene.?With vocals from former 52nd Street member Diana Charlemagne, Goldie's debut single 'Inner City Life' became the first drum & bass track to crossover into the pop charts.?Goldie also acts and appeared in the films 'The World Is Not Enough' and 'Snatch'.?He has dated Bjork and Naomi Campbell (not at the same time, of course) and his life story was immortalised in an autobiography in 2002, but something tells me he's got a lot more life to lead!Dobie Gray: 'Drift Away'
Dobie Gray was born in Texas on July 26, 1940, although there is some dispute as to his real name.?Dobie Gray's first big hit was '(I'm In With) The In Crowd' in 1965 (also a hit for Bryan Ferry in 1974) but it wasn't until 1972 that Dobie recorded his signature song 'Drift Away', which was actually never a hit in the UK, but still gets played on the radio every day and has appeared on a million soul music compilation albums.Groove Theory: 'Tell Me'
Groove Theory were formed in 1991.?They were rapper Bryce Wilson and singer Amel Larrieux.?They signed to Epic in 1995 and 'Tell Me' was their debut single and an instant hit.?They recorded one album and then Amel went solo, and has since released four solo albums, and also guested on the Sweetback album, created by the members of Sade's backing band.Billy Griffin: 'Hold Me Tighter In The Rain'
Billy Griffin was born in Baltimore, Maryland on August 15, 1950.?In 1971, when Smokey Robinson left The Miracles, Billy was his replacement and sang on such hits as 'Love Machine'.?In 1983, Billy went solo and his debut album produced this huge hit record, 'Hold Me Tighter In The Rain'.?Billy's based in Hollywood now and, if you check his the internet page, you can see he's still writing and producing.Marvin Gaye: 'What's Going On?'One of the most important people in soul music history, Marvin was born in Washington DC on April 2nd, 1939, and passed away the day before his 45th birthday in 1984.?He was one of the first stars of Tamla Motown, and co-wrote hits for many other artists.?After a decade of amazing love songs, his 1971 album 'What's Going On?' was more profound than any political speech of the day and influenced a generation of music makers.?Returning to love and sex, he released the classic 'Let's Get It On' in 1973 and the even more explicit 'Sexual Healing' in 1982.?Amazingly, it was Marvin's own father that shot and killed him, allegedly, over a business matter.?Between 1963 and 2001, Marvin had 60 Top 40 R&B hits.?To this day, Marvin's music can be heard daily on radio stations and in bedrooms all over the world!Galliano: 'Long Time Gone'
Galliano were formed in 1988 and were the first signings to the Talkin' Loud label.?They released seven albums between 1991 and 1997.?'Long Time Gone' is taken from their 1994 album 'The Plot Thickens'.?Lead singer Rob Gallagher is now known as Earl Zinger.GQ: 'Make My Dream A Reality'
GQ were four guys from the Bronx area of New York.?Their sound was a fusion of traditional soul and disco.?They had a No.1 R&B single in 1979 with 'Disco Nights' and followed it up with this gem, 'Make My Dream A Reality'.?The band were such big fans of R&B singer Billy Stewart, they covered two of his songs 'I Do Love You' and 'Sitting In The Park'.Macy Gray: 'Finally Made Me Happy'
Macy Gray was born Natalie Renee McIntyre in Canton, Ohio on September 6, 1967.?Her first album 'On How Life Is' was released in 1999, and turned quadruple platinum in the UK off the back of her Grammy award-winning single 'I Try'.?She has since released three albums, and 'Finally Made Me Happy' (featuring the legendary Natalie Cole on backing vocals) is taken from her 2007 album 'Big', executive produced by Will I Am from the Black Eyed Peas.Ginuwine: 'Pony'
Ginuwine was born Elgin Baylor Lumpkin in Maryland on October 15, 1970.?He is named after the famous basketball player, Elgin Baylor.?He was discovered by Missy Elliott and Timbaland and they produced his 1996 debut hit single 'Pony'.?His first two albums went double-platinum, his third went platinum, his fourth went gold, and his last two albums have failed to set the charts alight.?Ginuwine has recently formed a group with Tank and Tyrese called TGT.Jaki Graham: 'Rhythm Of Life'
Jaki Graham was born in Birmingham in 1956.?Following a Top 5 duet with former Linx singer David Grant a cover of the Detroit Spinners' 'Could It Be I'm Falling In Love' Jaki then embarked on a series of four Top 20 singles.?She also recorded the original version of 'Heaven Knows', later covered by Lalah Hathaway.?Jaki then became a huge star in Japan and recorded an amazing album in 1996 entitled 'Rhythm Of Life', produced by Errol Henry. |
| Jaki then became a huge star in Japan and recorded an amazing album in 1996 entitled 'Rhythm Of Life', produced by Errol Henry.Ghost Town DJs: 'My Boo'
A huge underground club hit in 1996, 'My Boo' was part of a movement that was known as the Miami Bass sound.?Two prime examples of this sound are 2 Live Crew's 'Me So Horny' and Sir Mix-A-Lot's 'Baby's Got Back'.Guy: 'Tell Me What You Like'
Formed in Harlem in 1987, Guy were Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall and Timmy Gatling, later replaced by Aaron's brother Damion.?Producer Riley was right at the forefront of the New Jack Swing a.k.a. Swing Beat sound, and also produced New Edition, Heavy D & The Boyz and even got the call from Michael Jackson.?He later went on to form Blackstreet.?'Tell Me What You Like' is taken from the 1994 soundtrack album of the TV series 'New York Undercover'.Brian Green: 'You Send Me'
Brian Austin Green was born on July 15, 1973.?He began his career as an actor, starring in such shows as 'Knots Landing' and 'Beverley Hills 90210', but he was always a big hip hop fan and, in 1996, had his first album 'One Stop Carnival' produced by Tre from The Pharcyde.?The album contained cool tracks such as 'You Send Me', but the album was not received well, and Green returned to his day job.Martine Girault: 'Revival'
Martine Girault was born in Brooklyn and began her career in musical theatre, appearing in such shows as 'The Wiz'.?Her travels brought her to London, where she met legendary soul producer Ray Hayden and, in 1991, they unleashed the classic 'Revival'.?Visit Martine's the internet for the frank and very honest tale of what happened next.?There were some dark days for Martine but she is finally back with a new album entitled 'If', again produced by Ray Hayden, which tells her story.?Make sure you check it out!Michelle Gayle: 'Happy Just To Be With You'
Michelle Patricia Gayle was born on February 2, 1971.?Having attended stage school, she was part of the cast of 'Eastenders' between 1990 and 1993, but left to pursue a singing career.?She had 7 Top 30 hits between 1993 and 1997, and then got dropped.?Nevertheless, she's kept herself busy since, singing and acting.?She was married to footballer (now football pundit) Mark Bright, but they split amicably.?And, yes, I've already applied for that vacant position!Gang Starr: 'Jazz Thing'
Gang Starr are Houston-born DJ Premier, Boston-born rapper Guru, and they formed in New York in 1987.?Their debut album came out in 1989 but it wasn't until 1991's 'Step Into The Arena' that they really exploded, with the hit singles 'Just To Get A Rep', 'Who's Gonna Take The Weight?' and 'Love Sick'.?'Jazz Thing' is taken from Spike Lee's 1990 film 'Mo Better Blues'.Taana Gardner: 'Heartbeat'
Taana Gardner was born in Newark, New Jersey.?She is named after the Taana River in Nairobi.?She got her start singing backing vocals for an act called the Aural Exciters, later known as Kid Creole & The Coconuts.?She signed as a solo artist to influential New York dance label West End Records and her defining moment 'Heartbeat' was released in 1981.?It has subsequently been used in many other hit records, most notably Ini Kamoze's 'Here Comes The Hotstepper', De La Soul's 'Buddy' and SWV's 'You're The One'.Gabrielle: 'Forget About The World'
Louise Gabrielle Bobb was born on April 16, 1970 in London.?Her debut single 'Dreams' topped the UK charts in June 1993.?Originally pressings of the song actually featured Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car' but the sample couldn't be cleared, so the record came out without it.?Her debut album went gold, her second platinum, her third triple platinum and, in 2004, a Greatest Hits went quadruple platinum.?Unbelievably, Gabrielle is now without a record deal.?'Forget About The World' is taken from her eponymous 1996 album.Bobby Glover: 'It's My Turn'
Bobby Glover was originally a member of the late, great Roger Troutman's band Zapp, but released his one and only solo album in 1984 entitled 'Bad Bobby Glover', and it featured the unmistakable talents of his Zapp family.?This collectable item featured two amazing tracks: 'Your Spell' and 'It's My Turn'.?Guinn: 'Open Your Door'
Guinn were a seven-piece act, six of whom were called Guinn and were brothers and sisters from Philadelphia.?They had previously released material on the Phillyworld label under the name New Experience, but then got signed to the Motown label and released just one album in 1986, which featured the hit single 'Open The Door'.Johnny Gill: 'My My My'
Johnny Gill was born on May 22, 1966 in Washington DC.?He made three albums for Atlantic between 1983 and 1985, he then replaced Bobby Brown in New Edition in 1987, but it wasn't until he got to Motown that his solo career really took off.?His debut Motown album, released in 1990, featured 'Rub You The Right Way', 'Wrap My Body Tight' and the amazing 'My My My'.Guru Ft. Dee C. Lee: 'No Time To Play'
As mentioned earlier, Guru is one of the two members of Gang Starr.?Keith Edward Elam was born in Boston in 1966 and, in 1993; he stepped away from Gang Starr to launch the 'Jazzamatazz' concept, which was him and different celebrity singers and musicians.?'No Time To Play' features Ronny Jordan on guitar and former Wham and Style Council member Dee C. Lee on vocals.Eric Gable: 'Process Of Elimination'
Eric Gable released two albums on Orpheus Records (through EMI): 'Caught In The Act' in 1989 and 'Can't Wait To Get You Home' in 1991, but it wasn't until he signed with Epic in 1994 that he really hit his stride and released the sublime 'Process Of Elimination'.Junior Giscombe: 'Morning Will Come'
Norman Giscombe Jr. was born on November 10, 1960.?His debut single 'Mama Used To Say' was a Top 10 pop hit in 1982.?He also wrote and produced for others, notably that brilliant debut album by Paul Johnson in 1987.?He recorded four albums for Phonogram before moving to MCA, and his 'Stand Strong' album of 1991 featured the beautiful 'Morning Will Come'.?Junior was one of the original presenters on Solar Radio and, to this day, records and releases great music on his own label.Walking On Sunshine: 'Eddy Grant'
Edmond Montague Grant was born in Plaisance, Guyana on March 5th, 1948.?His parents came to London, settled in Kentish Town, and Eddy went to school in Tufnell Park.?The first band he formed were called The Equals and they had a No. 1 hit in 1968 with one of his songs 'Baby Come Back'.?In 1979, he had his first solo hit with 'Living On The Frontline'; he later relocated to Barbados and began having even bigger hit records, 'I Don't Wanna Dance' and 'Electric Avenue'.?My favourite Eddy song is 'Walking On Sunshine' from 1979, later a No. 4 hit for Rocker's Revenge in 1982.Rosie Gaines: 'Good Times'
Rosie Gaines comes from the Bay Area of California; the youngest of ten children.?Many people just know her as a member of Prince's band and the other voice on his big hit 'Diamonds And Pearls', some people just know her as the singer of the UK Garage hit 'Closer Than Close', but she was actually signed to Epic Records in 1985 and 'Good Times' is taken from her 1987 debut album 'Caring'.Joanna Gardner: 'Pick Up The Pieces'
Joanna Gardner was born in Philadelphia in 1962.?Taking a part-time job in a jeweller's store, she met up with Loose Ends, who were in town working with Philly producer Nick Martinelli.?Once Nick had met Joanna, she was signed to Phillyworld Records within five days and they recorded her 1985 debut album.?'Pick Up The Pieces' is the killer cut from that album!Grey & Hanks: 'Now I'm Fine'
Chicago residents Len Ron Hanks and Zane Grey were writing songs for Jerry Butler but, in 1976, decided to move to LA to seek their fortune.?There they wrote for LTD, Norman Connors, Tavares, Millie Jackson and Lenny Williams, before landing a solo deal.?They made two albums for RCA, and 'Now I'm Fine' is taken from their 1980 'Prime Time' album.Benny Golson: 'I'm Always Dancing To The Music'
Benny Golson was born on January 25, 1929 in Philadelphia.?Most of his career was spent writing, arranging and playing tenor saxophone with the likes of John Coltrane, Art Blakey, Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie but then, in 1978, Benny decided to create this two-step classic called 'I'm Always Dancing To The Music', and we will always be grateful to him for that!Grace Under Pressure: 'Love Under Pressure'
Grace Under Pressure were a super group containing producer Bruce Forest, guitarist John Themis, keyboard player Andy Whitmore, and singers Beverley Skeete and Derek Green, and they created this one amazing album for Belgian label ARS in 1992, and I am lucky enough to have a copy; it's amazing!Cuba Gooding: 'Happiness Is Just Around The Bend'
Cuba Gooding Sr. was born on April 27, 1944 and is the lead singer of The Main Ingredient, who had huge hits in 1972 with 'Everybody Plays The Fool' and 1974 with 'Just Don't Want To Be Lonely'.?After a solo career at Motown, he found himself signed to New York indie Streetwise Records in 1983 and released the epic 'Happiness Is Just Around The Bend'.?And, of course, he is the father of Cuba Gooding Jr.
?Grandmaster Flash: 'Adventures Of Grandmaster Flash On The Wheels Of Steel'
Sylvia Robinson is the 'Sylvia' behind the 1973 soul hit 'Pillow Talk', but she's also the same Sylvia that was one of the founders of Sugarhill Records.?When she signed Joseph Saddler a.k.a. Grandmaster Flash, she gave him a pile of Sugarhill's latest release and the three biggest dance records in town, and told him to go away and create a new record.?This was the glorious result! |
| This was the glorious result! |
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