| Author | Message | ||
  Soulaholic (soulaholic) 5-Doyen Username: soulaholic Post Number: 342 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.41.40.105 |
Hello All: I am going to attempt to describe the occasion as close as possible to the actual events and emotions that happened today. Please indulge any sentimentality or emotions that where displayed during this event. They where true and very human, I am not going to apologize to anyone who was at the grave site today who felt that their emotional reactions should not be shared. We are all human and we share a common belief, that love, a loss of that love and the sorrow we feel due to that love is what makes us human. July 17th, 2004 Detroit Memorial in Warren Michigan. A hot humid afternoon in Detroit as leaden skies hung low over the horizon at the cemetery. The air was thick with anticipation and emotions as we slowly gathered to pay respects to Darrell Banks. It took a while for everyone to get together and for those who where early there was trepidation as to what was going to happen and how this would unfold. Lowell was first at the cemetery, as I pulled up he was efficiently snapping photo�s of the grave site and had prepped the area, the artist�s in him could not allow for nothing less. Thank-you Lowell for your effort and dedication to this memorial. I was next and we exchanged the hellos and the stone looked great small talk. In my mind I was thinking will this go well? Will I say the right thing; will this be respectful to the memory of Darrell? Well time marched on and the next person to show up was, Edward Phillips he was not from the Soulful Detroit web site. Edward had learned of the occasion form the newspaper and TV exposure we had over the last couple of days. He was just a fan who had loved Darrell�s song and had felt moved to show up at the gravesite. In my minds eye I felt better that people who where from Detroit had at least heard the word and had a chance to pay respect. All the work and effort from many people had returned a result, someone cared enough to come. Thank-you Lord. Time ticks on, Leo B drives up and makes his hellos to all and we again stand around making small talk. Leo B was quite and I am sure we felt the same emotions, you could see it in the eyes of all that where there. Harry and David show up next, looking anxious and tired. A round of introductions and hellos to all and a little background on who is who is passed around between all. During this time all admire the gravestone and Lowell tells the history and the help that was extended to get it erected. Yet no one will touch it, as pictures are taken and people talk about the day and the history of Darrell. Next to arrive are Cyril Clark from the Majestic's and Charlie (Charlie Dollar) Evans of the Five Dollars. Forgive me gentleman for the use of the term. But both men where seasoned citizens and had come out to pay respects to a fellow comrade from the day. Imagine it had been 34 years since Darrell had passed, 34 years it is hard to believe that. The stories from back in the day and who had done what for just the love of singing was very touching. Class act both of these gentlemen, personally when Cyril mentioned he would want the same type of stone. It struck me as to how poignant this event could be to both of them. A contemporary of theirs, some one who had sang with and had been part of their lives was being recognized, be it 34 years late it was still their world we honored today. Once again the polite introductions and who was who and what people do and had done was the conversation. I took out the portable turntable and Darrell�s 45 and we took photos and talked about him his tune and what had happened with it. Personally, I felt that I could not play it until everyone was there. Some how in my mind I felt it would not be right. That Darrell�s soul had waited 34 years to be set free from the unmarked grave he had laid in and all those who where their to share this moment had to be present. Even now as I write these words tears come to my eyes for a man I only knew about from the site and his records. Believe me as I tell you this experience, I know that I was not alone in the feeling of respect and sorrow I felt for this poor soul who had had his life taken from him as it had only truly began. Sis D and her friend Zetty arrive and once again there are the hugs and hellos to all. A few small jokes and laughs, which seemed to be subdue as we knew the time had come. Sis D did what she does best, she made everyone feel at easy and welcome and relaxed. Her smile and that of Zetty's was a comforting reassurance for all, especially David and Harry, David asks what do we do, what is right and Edward mentioned that a prayer and some word should be spoken. A few people agree and we all seemed nervous as a group. I speak up and say that a word of prayer and respect to the Lord has always seemed to help guide people. So Edward begins and we bow our heads in respect. Please forgive me for not being able to remember the words that where so eloquently spoken by him this day. But they did reflect belief in the supreme maker and the crosses we face and how we face them and the accountability of how we conduct ourselves during this life and how it affects others. Edward went on to explain how Darrel had reached out and touched many individuals no matter who they where or where that had comed from in this world. That he had brought together many individuals in the beliefs he had sung about in his music. There where tears and emotions expressed by those at the grave site. Thank-you Edward for the words of love expressed today. David was next and was full of emotion and asked me to read the history of what had lead up to us being there today. So I read the following: Welcome to one and all�� We are gathered here today to pay tribute to one of Soul Music�s finest singers with the dedication of a memorial bench on his formerly unmarked grave, made possible through the donations by fans of his music from around the world. His name was Darrell Banks. Darrell was born Darrell Eubanks in Mansfield, Ohio on the 25th of July 1937. Within a few years his family moved to the East Side of Buffalo, New York, where he was raised in the Gospel tradition. In the mid-sixties he met up with local dentist and music fan, Doc Murphy who gave him a chance at Club Revilot in downtown Buffalo. Spotting that Banks was a special talent, Murphy, who was now Darrell's manager, linked him up with Lebaron Taylor who had formed Solid Hitbound Productions with Don Davis in Detroit. Darrell�s first song called �Open the Door to Your Heart� was penned by himself and fellow Buffalo resident Donnie Elbert. It gave the label an astonishing chart debut in July 1966, reaching #2 in the R&B Charts. After one more release on Taylor�s Revilot imprint, Darrell moved to Atco/Cotillion, and finally to Volt records in Memphis who issued the highly respected �Here to Stay� album, which was recorded in Detroit�s United Sound Studio. Several weeks after his Volt release the front page of the Michigan Chronicle carried this shocking story. "A bullet fired by an off-duty policeman ended the life of singer Darrell Banks, who made history amongst his peers in the entertainment field several years ago, when scoring a million-seller hit with "Open the Door to Your Heart". �Banks was taken to New Grace Hospital where he was declared dead at 12:10pm on 24th February 1970.� After the funeral, some of Detroit's top performers, including Motown's Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, staged a benefit for Bank's family. The Chronicle reported that it "drew a turn away crowd". This was a tragic end to a promising career, but it was not the end of Darrell�s story. In England, the underground Northern Soul scene continued to play the music of Darrell Banks, and his contemporaries, and 33 years later several fans, from Scotland, England, Ohio and New York came to pay their respects at his grave in Detroit Memorial Park. Tragically when searching for the grave they had to seek the help of DMP employee James Norman, as there was no marker to be found at Section 6, Plot 539. James paced out the grave from the edge of the nearest marker and found a small identifying disc lying inches beneath the grassy surface. The stunned group decided at that moment that something must be done to properly commemorate someone who had given so much pleasure, to so many people, around the globe. Within a few weeks the funds were secured via an appeal on the Forum Members of Internet website SoulfulDetroit.com. The response came from Australia, Finland, Scotland, England and the United States and a memorial bench was installed by US Memorial Day, 2004, 34 years after his passing - a truly international salute. Today, Saturday 17th July 2004, we are gathered to formally dedicate this memorial bench and say a final farewell to this astonishing talent. After that I said a few words that thanked David, Harry and Lowell for the efforts they had extended and all of the Soulful Detroit members that had expressed support through the site with post�s or donations. I spoke a little bit about how today was really a gathering of individuals that had the commonality of the belief in love. Darrel had created something that reached out and touched each of us at a very basic level. As I looked at those who where gathered I saw young, old, male, female, black, white and all where the same in what they believed. It was a very emotional, some cried, some stood quite, some bowed their head. Yet all knew what the other felt. It was the same today. We played Darrell�s song and it was silent in the cemetery, no wind, no birds, and no cars. Then this rhythm and that voice lifted it self above the deafening silence and transcended the moment and was truly moving to all who where there. I personally felt that the door to the next place had been opened and his soul was free to be at peace. For Darrell to have this day it took a song he loved to be written and made. Then a bunch of young teens in the Northern Soul scene to recognize and love what he had said to them. From this a passion grows in a country far away from Detroit for it�s African American artistic community and what it has to say to the world. So in 2003, 33 years later a couple of dedicated Scot�s come to Detroit on a holiday to rediscover that moment in time that most Americans had forgotten and start a series of events in motions that awakens a city and the world to the dreams and passion of what Darrel Banks stood for and the city that allowed him to fulfill that dream. The song played today.. Open the Door to your heart set many hearts free today as it had done those many, many years ago as we in our youth played Darrel�s record and made it an important part of our world then. Personally. I would like to thank all of those who made this memorial possible and to Darrell Banks, your love will be felt by me until I join you in the promises of tomorrow. (Message edited by soulaholic on July 18, 2004) | ||
Tony.C. (tonyc) 3-Pundit Username: tonyc Post Number: 40 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 195.93.33.10 |
SOULAHOLIC,That was a superb account ,i,ve just come in from a 12 hour nightshift and thought i,d just check the s.d.forum,to see if there were any posts re; the ceremony.At lunchtime yesterday i was thinking of you all in the Motor City and i went to my music room and played-Open The Door,Somebody Somewhere Needs You,--your post is extremely poignant and at least makes me feel at least part of me was with you.God Bless.-Darrell Banks-R.I.P. one more time.Love and stuff to all Tony.C. | ||
~medusa~ (~medusa) 5-Doyen Username: ~medusa Post Number: 318 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 68.79.91.155 |
WOW, that was very nice, wish I could ve been there, (but I had to work 12 hours yesterday)...That was a wonderful gesture. I'm sure his family would've appreciated it. Well DOne Folks of SoulfulDetroit.UK.com | ||
Eli (phillysoulman) 6-Zenith Username: phillysoulman Post Number: 717 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.236.9.173 |
Kudos to Brian for a very eloquent and poignant account of the event. | ||
Ralph Terrana (ralph) Moderator Username: ralph Post Number: 417 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 209.240.205.63 |
Very nice Brian. Thank you. | ||
David Meikle (david_meikle) 5-Doyen Username: david_meikle Post Number: 246 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 69.3.251.208 |
Brian Wonderful account of events at DMP yesterday. It was a powerful occasion and one which literally took my breath away. Many thanks to Sis who is one very special Lady. David | ||
Leo B (leo_b) 2-Debutant Username: leo_b Post Number: 30 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.41.108.65 |
Brian, Thanks for the great written account and your eloquent recitation of Darr ell's story at DMP. I am very glad I made the time to attend. It was a good cross section of people whom Darrell's life had touched. Edward Phillips' impromptu invocation was amazing and stunningly heartfelt. It was truly a fan's offering to honor an Artist that has gone on to greater rewards. Whether you believe in Karma, an afterlife or reincarnation, one thing I believe is true; No one really dies as long as they are remembered.... Leo B | ||
SisDetroit (sis) 5-Doyen Username: sis Post Number: 383 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.42.211.240 |
Brian words cannot express the emotions and feelings that were running so high at the event atDmp yesterday. David, Harry and Lowell I thank you for all the effort and time you have taken out of your lives so that Darrel can finally be at rest. For those who missed this event and this WHOLE week you really missed something that will forever be in my heart the rest of my life. Zetty | ||
Carl Dixon (carl_dixon) 3-Pundit Username: carl_dixon Post Number: 56 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 82.44.203.80 |
Excellent Soulaholic. I took time out yesterday around 6pm UK time to play my Darrell Banks CD � loudly. It reminded me of our visit last year to the cemetery and indeed the first time I ever heard one of his records back in 1974. It is thrilling to know that so many people care and accomplished this. I look forward to seeing the memorial for real, the next time I visit the city. | ||
Lowell (admin) Board Administrator Username: admin Post Number: 73 Registered: 1-2004 Posted From: 69.3.251.208 |
 Soulaholic reading the eulogy. After the reading he added some wonderful comments. It was regrettable that we did not think to record it which, along with an eloquent prayer offered up by surprise visitor Edward Phillips, had to combine to finally put Darrell Banks at peace. | ||
Lowell (admin) Board Administrator Username: admin Post Number: 74 Registered: 1-2004 Posted From: 69.3.251.208 |
The only marker for Darrell Banks was this formerly overgrown plot 539 marker adorned on this day by wild morning glories that were blossoming all over the cemetery.  | ||
Lowell (admin) Board Administrator Username: admin Post Number: 75 Registered: 1-2004 Posted From: 69.3.251.208 |
Darrell Banks' great hit "Open the Door to Your Heart" was heard again over his grave and its new memorial bench.  | ||
Lowell (admin) Board Administrator Username: admin Post Number: 76 Registered: 1-2004 Posted From: 69.3.251.208 |
SD partners, and sons of Scotland, Lowell and David. [Okay only half Scot Lowell - nobody's perfect.  ]  | ||
Soulaholic (soulaholic) 5-Doyen Username: soulaholic Post Number: 343 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.41.40.105 |
Hello All: Thank-you for your kind words of support. I am going to post a few photo's from yesterday.     | ||
Soulaholic (soulaholic) 5-Doyen Username: soulaholic Post Number: 344 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.41.40.105 |
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Soulaholic (soulaholic) 5-Doyen Username: soulaholic Post Number: 345 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.41.40.105 |
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GO_GET_GONE_GIRL (gogogirl) 5-Doyen Username: gogogirl Post Number: 177 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 69.1.9.65 |
Greetings All, Great job guys. David and Lowell - I am so glad this tribute and dedication worked out great for you all. Kudos! Great job Soulaholic. I'll make a donation soon. | ||
Vonnie (vonnie) 5-Doyen Username: vonnie Post Number: 211 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.139 |
What a truly beautiful tribute. I have tears in my eyes just thinking about the wonderful tribute that was bestowed upon Darrell Banks. | ||
GrahamD (grahamd) 2-Debutant Username: grahamd Post Number: 27 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 62.254.0.32 |
Beautiful just Beautiful! Rosy and me are sat here huggin each other and crying after viewing the great tribute to Darrell! Thank you every one concerned!your Efforts will allways be remembered and forever in our hearts. God Bless. Graham&Rosy Dexter Uk. | ||
SisDetroit (sis) 5-Doyen Username: sis Post Number: 389 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.42.211.240 |
"I hung my head and cried."   While at Detroit Memorial, I visited the grave of Florence Ballard, and my son, Ali Shakeer. Norman, standing at Florence's marker, is the yardman who found the grave of Darrell Banks.    | ||
Lowell (admin) Board Administrator Username: admin Post Number: 78 Registered: 1-2004 Posted From: 69.3.251.208 |
Forgotten by all is that we did sing one song at the gravesite. It was when we were breaking up. Happy Birthday Soulaholic wafted across the meadow! | ||
SisDetroit (sis) 5-Doyen Username: sis Post Number: 395 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.42.211.240 |
That's right Lowell, we did. We were all in harmony. It was great. We should make a recording. |
