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  Satipe (satipe) 1-Arriviste Username: satipe Post Number: 1 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.50.137.38 |
I am a teacher from Toronto and in 1990 (which was my first year of teaching), I invited Marshall Thompson to visit my school as kids loved MC Hammer and "Have You Seen Her" but had no clue as to who were the Chi-Lites. Marshall visited the school and it was a great success so I started a program called "A Salute to Our Musical Heritage" so students could learn about those who paved the way for today's artists. Since then, we have been BLESSED as "my kids" have met and/or telephone interviewed only original artists such as: B.B. King, Gladys Knight and her big brother Bubba, Mavis Staples, Mary Wilson, Kat Schaffner (our best friend EVER!), Bobby Rogers, Smokey Robinson, Otis Williams, Blue Lovett, Ken Kelly, Gerald Alston (not an original Manhattan but he was an integral part), Martha Reeves, Billy Paul, Otis Clay, The Velvelettes, Pookie Hudson, The Persuasions, Al Green, Eugene Record, Funk Brothers, Freda Payne and many others. We have lost a few people who were very kind to us: LaVern Baker, Melvin Franklin, Harold Melvin, Jr. Walker and our Grandpa who was a Funk Brother, Thomas "Beans" Bowles. Am I trying to show off? No! I am writing this note to get your help so that "my kids" can speak with artists who helped pave the way for today's garbage. If any of you can help, please let me know. I would give you my e-mail but the last time I did this, I received a virus so I don't know what means to correspond with me. You let me know... | ||
Kevin Goins - KevGo (kevgo) 4-Laureate Username: kevgo Post Number: 97 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 64.115.136.66 |
Satipe: I had the pleasure and honor to know & work with Marshall Thompson during my years at Brunswick Records, the label that released their hit "Have You Seen Her". He and his late wife Connie would visit our office in NYC every time the Chi-lites toured through the area during the 1990s. Marshall is very supportive of our nation's education system and has encouraged youngsters to pursue their studies, become more computer savvy and achieve their dreams. What you are doing in Toronto is by all means excellent work. Our kids should know where a lot of music comes from (especially with songs being sampled knowadays)and the folks who helped create the music. In addition, your work is proof that these artists are not inaccessible. Many love to speak to young kids in schools, recreation centers and the like as a way of reaching out to kids and share their history. Please keep up the excellent work. Since I am connected myself with many folks who also work (and have worked) behind the scenes in the music biz (i.e. - record producer Carl Davis, the man who signed the Chi-lites to Brunswick Records in 1968; Eddie Thomas, the co-founder of Curtom Records with the late Curtis Mayfield, let me know what I could do to possibly help you. Also, please reach out to those here in the Forum - there are many who made great music who would probably love to help you. I can be reached at kevingoins@juno.com. Be well and best of luck! Kevin Goins - KevGo |
