| Author | Message | ||
  Jimmy Mack (luke) 6-Zenith Username: luke Post Number: 565 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 152.163.252.200 |
Per EW, Ms Watley and Mr Ritchie turned down VH1 request for reuinions with Shalamar and Commodores on the VH1 band reunion series. Did people see last year's tense Klymaxx "reunion"? | ||
zebop (zebop) 4-Laureate Username: zebop Post Number: 125 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.138 |
Tense? How about almost unbearable. Yes I saw that Klymaxx reunion, good lord. The only one I really liked was Flock of Seagulls, they were the only one to get a spark of what they had originally IMO. The rest... I was a big Commodores fan, Lionel Richie never was that cool again. Shame, people would love to see them. As for Shalamar--eh... | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 2091 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
It seems as though there was some tension within the group that led to their disbanding. Many people don't seem to remember that The Shalamar that blew up from '79 to '84, were not the original lineup. Before Howard Hewett joined, the original lead singer was Gerald Brown. He was replaced by Howard Hewitt in '79. I'm sure that everyone remembers Jeffrey Daniels marriage to Stephanie Mills. Around '84, Jeffrey moved to the UK & hosted a music show & Jody left to go solo. They were replaced by Micki Free (a guy) & Delisa Davis. Howard left in '86 to go solo & Sidney Justin (an ex-L.A. Rams player) took his place. In retrospect, everyone in the group had ndifferent musical worlds that they wanted to pursue. Jeffrey was more into Rock than R&B & was dissatisfied with the groups musical constraints. Jody began singing songs that spoke out against abuse of women. As for Howard, he went Gospel. Given the divergent musical bent of the members, I would guess that the possibility of them ever re-forming would be pretty much nil. | ||
soulseeker (soulseeker) 4-Laureate Username: soulseeker Post Number: 78 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 68.66.110.148 |
Hey! Make that move right now baby! I wouldn't mind seeing Shalamar. Howard Hewitt is a fine talent there. I wouldn't mind seeing the Commodores together again also. But oh well. | ||
Jimmy Mack (luke) 6-Zenith Username: luke Post Number: 569 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 152.163.252.200 |
Wonder what Miss Ross will say!! | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 684 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.58.219 |
I agree with with you said Juice it is a shame there won't be any reunions. I heard that Lionell did a reunion with The Commadores about 5-6 yrs ago in europe, I heard it on entertainment tonight. I don't know if it we're true or not? I heard no coverage about Lionell getting back with the fellas for a reunion tour? I wonder if Michael and his brothers and clan ever did those few shows abroad too, as it was reported? Don | ||
Vickie (vickie) 4-Laureate Username: vickie Post Number: 81 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 198.81.26.46 |
I loved Shalamar's songs, but I love Jody more as a solo singer...I can say the same for Howard.. I loved the Shalamar songs so much, that was my rollerskating years in High School... But Howard and Jody didn't really need each other or compliment each other the way some other groups do...They are great as solo singers... Comodaors, I would like to see that too.. I would also like to see.... Supremes (of course) Abba Honey Cone Three Degrees LaBelle gosh and so many more.. | ||
soulseeker (soulseeker) 4-Laureate Username: soulseeker Post Number: 79 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 68.66.110.148 |
You have a point Vickie. What was that other guys name again? The one that married Stephanie Mills and dogged her? Whatever happened to him? I know he used to dance on Soul Train but I never heard him sing. Never mind. I should have scrolled up. (Message edited by Soulseeker on August 28, 2004) | ||
Jimmy Mack (luke) 6-Zenith Username: luke Post Number: 570 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 152.163.252.200 |
A version of Honey Cone appeared again recently-this time in Vegas--Edna, her daughter and Scherrie Payne. | ||
Soul Sister (soul_sister) 6-Zenith Username: soul_sister Post Number: 1458 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.43.165.74 |
Hey Juice; Good and acurate information on Shalimar! Good going Juice. Sydney Justin is also the lead singer for The Miracles doing all Smokey's parts. S.S. | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 2096 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
Don: It's too bad that these situations seem to be so hard to work out. Then again, Shalamar started out somewhat as a studio aggregate. Back in those early days of Solar it was Shalimar & The Soul Train Gang going for it. As such, they weren't necessarily the best of friends. Soul Sister: Thank you. I didn't know that Mr Justin was still around, much less a Miracle  Soulseeker, Stephanie's husband was Jeffrey Daniels. That situation & his treatment of Stephanie probably won him zero fans. Considering some of Jody's later solo songs & LPs dedicated to abused women, he's probably not in her top ten list of favorite people. | ||
NYC Diva (nyc_diva) 3-Pundit Username: nyc_diva Post Number: 44 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 4.237.221.40 |
Well, just because Lionel said no to reuniting with the Commodores for the VH-1 series doesn't mean that it won't happen. They may not want it to be on TV, and knowing Lionel, this is probably the case. He's a private kind of guy and doesn't go for the "reality show" thing. He for damn sure doesn't want to be on one! But Lionel did say just a few months ago that a Commodores reunion is in the works, but he has a grueling three month European tour this fall and he is obligated to do that above anything else. If there is a Commodores reunion, it is very possible that it'll tour the US...look for it next year or in 2006. (Message edited by nyc_diva on August 29, 2004) | ||
the crazy dutchman (andreas) 4-Laureate Username: andreas Post Number: 89 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 212.142.33.101 |
Well said Juicefree20. I fully agree with you! | ||
Jimmy Mack (luke) 6-Zenith Username: luke Post Number: 572 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 152.163.252.200 |
Thanks Diva--now we get more a full pic!That show does seem a bit sleazy. | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 691 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.167.159 |
I think Jeffery Daniels did I recall him doing a solo lp in the early or mid 80's and I think another euro-dance style disk. All I can say is I wasn't buying much lp's and cd's by these times, mostly alot of stuff was given to me, like store owners I use to work for and their families and DJ's wanting me to listen to their latest purchases. No, I never owned any of Jeffery's solo projects, I do remember hearing them. I don't recall the lyric and beats contents cause it's been a long time. His 80's stuff kinda reminds me when he was in Shalamar a bit. At the time I didn't like it, not because of his mistreatment of Ms. Mills neither. Don | ||
NYC Diva (nyc_diva) 3-Pundit Username: nyc_diva Post Number: 47 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 4.236.195.14 |
Luke: You're welcome. I sincerely think that Lionel has wanted this for quite sometime now, but there were hard feelings involved. After all, his departure from the group was not on the best of terms. To appear on a reality show and have all those hard feelings publicly displayed is not anything any of those guys want. Lionel doesn't even watch his own daughter's reality show, so that says a lot! I was told that during the rehearals of "Motown 45", that Lionel got the chance to sit down and talk with Walter Orange and William King and decided that this is something that they might want to do...so we'll see. I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this, because people have been asking both Lionel and the Commodores for years when they were going to get together again...and I think this time around it may happen. | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 712 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.177.246 |
Before Lionell split from The Commadores, I couldn't fathom a R&B/Funk band going all the way pop. I think the Commadores R&B/Funk grooves and midtempo songs became rather to me very lackluster and was treated 3rd rate. I can't listen to alot of some lp's that I have left, it sounds terrible and awful. Somehow I got the feeling that Lionell would go off into songwriting career, nor did I have the faintess idea he would be that as it may a solo artist. I can't see him doing the tunes he did in the beginning or newer tunes with the fellas. It took me a short while to get use to him as an solo artist, I like what I heard I admit it. I have to give the man credit for being one of the great songwriters since Lennon & McCarthy, Dylan, Smokey, Stevie, Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway, Eugene Record, Isaac Hayes, Berry White, with all the greats it goes with saying I rate Lionell up there among the greats. Don | ||
Reese (reese) 4-Laureate Username: reese Post Number: 154 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.15.168.241 |
Actually, there were two lead singers in Shalamar before Howard Hewett. The first was Jeffrey Mumbry (?). He sang on their first album UPTOWN FESTIVAL. When he left, he was replaced by Gerald Brown, who had previously been a member of the group The Soul Train Gang. I think he led TAKE THAT TO THE BANK. When Gerald left, Howard stepped in. | ||
SDF (handsome) 6-Zenith Username: handsome Post Number: 487 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 170.118.158.14 |
Reese, Reese, Reese! What do you know about the group, "Soul Train Gang"? :o) I have the theme song from 1975 they did on a 45. I believe it was 5 of them...3 guys & 2 ladies. Handsome | ||
Reese (reese) 4-Laureate Username: reese Post Number: 159 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.15.168.241 |
Handsome, During that time, the surefire way to find out about stars was to read RIGHT ON! magazine. There were so many people in there that had records that I never, ever heard. But I remember the titles because they were in the magazine, and I read it religiously. I still remember when it cost only fifty cents. Re: The Soul Train Gang. I know they were on the Soul Train label, and they had a popular record called OOHCHA. One of the women was Judy Davis (I think), who later went on to sing background for Lou Rawls, among others. I remember one Soul Train episode where the group came on at the end, and performed the Soul Train theme over the credits. | ||
DyvaNaye (westside314) 6-Zenith Username: westside314 Post Number: 822 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 209.212.74.198 |
Im putting together my chant materials and consulting with the highest spritual consultants for a COMMODORES reunion; Oh how I LONG for that to happen. I guarantee you that there is not a bigger fan than I of the Commodores... | ||
Jimmy Mack (luke) 6-Zenith Username: luke Post Number: 582 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 64.12.116.138 |
U go Dyva--can u do for the Supremes as well or is all hope gone??? | ||
DyvaNaye (westside314) 6-Zenith Username: westside314 Post Number: 823 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 209.212.74.198 |
yah yah hey ya hey ya....Commodores and Supremes reunion - nah...yah yah heya heya... (For you Jimmy Mack, LOL.) | ||
Jimmy Mack (luke) 6-Zenith Username: luke Post Number: 583 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 64.12.116.138 |
LOL Dyva-youre the best. Lets get Flo on it too.! | ||
Jimmy Mack (luke) 6-Zenith Username: luke Post Number: 584 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 64.12.116.138 |
PS Dyva--they could tour together--one article at the time of the attempted Supremes reunion in 2000 said they were trying to get the Jacksons to tour with the Supremes. | ||
DyvaNaye (westside314) 6-Zenith Username: westside314 Post Number: 825 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 209.212.74.198 |
Oh then I must pull out the 'change the weather, climate, earth moving' chants.... (Sung to the tune of I Put a Spell On You) I PUT A SPELL ON YOU....CAUSE YOU MINE!!!!! ooooooooooWHAT"S UP?!...We need you! YOU ALL SHOULD GET BACK TOGETHER AND MAKE US HAPPY...I Dont care if you dont want to get together, WE WANT YOU TO...;CAUSE YOU MINE!!!!!!!!Waaaaawaaaaaoooooo hhhhohhhhhh....oh you mine..... Heyaheayheyaheyaheya...Jackson s,Supremes,Commodores,Shalamar -rah... heyaheyaheyaheyaheya...... (Come on Jimmy Mack, you chanting too?!) | ||
Eli (phillysoulman) 6-Zenith Username: phillysoulman Post Number: 1467 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.236.25.141 |
"Why can't we all just get along"?--R. King- 1994 | ||
Jimmy Mack (luke) 6-Zenith Username: luke Post Number: 585 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 64.12.116.138 |
LOL Dyva--get those divas and divos back together--nanananananananahey hey back together. | ||
DyvaNaye (westside314) 6-Zenith Username: westside314 Post Number: 827 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 209.212.74.198 |
Eli: 'There's a Message in the Music' - Gamble and Huff ...and then we can all 'get along' :-) | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 2100 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
Reese: As regards Shalamar, you are correct. Gerald was on the first LP. Gerald came along for the Disco Gardens Lp, which featured "Take That To The Bank", after which Howard replaced him. Handsome: I have the first two LPs by the Soul Train Gang. The first LP was titled: "Don Cornelius Presents The Soul Train Gang". It came out on Soul Train Records (Dist. by RCA) & was produced by Dick Griffey. This Lp had some heavy hitters behind it. The Whispers rhythm section played on it. Gene Page arranged the strings & horns, Stevie Wonder arranged a song (Baby Open The Door)on the LP & Carolyn Willis arranged the vocal accompaniments. Don Cornelius & Dick Griffey arranged the tracks. The lineup for this debut LP was, As they appear on the front cover: Gerald Brown, Judy Jones, Hollis Terry Brown, Patricia Williamson & Hollis Pippin. This Lp featured "Soul Train '75" (which was the theme song for the show that year), Fairytales & the gorgeous ballad, "Searchin' For Another Love". If you haven't heard this song, you are really missing out on something special! This song is a classic Soul ballad!!! I'll be back with the info for the second LP.   (Message edited by juicefree20 on August 30, 2004) | ||
Eli (phillysoulman) 6-Zenith Username: phillysoulman Post Number: 1472 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.236.25.141 |
We did some Soul Train gang stuff in Philly. Is any of that stuff on those lp's , Juice? | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 2103 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
What's up Bobby!! Aww man!!! You blew the surprise I'm in the midst of photographing the 2nd LP, where indeed one Roberto Of Eli is listed as one of the guitarists!!! I was hoping to beat you to that one I'll post the picture in a few minutes. I'm still cutting & pasting all of that PBS video & snatching photos from them. | ||
NYC Diva (nyc_diva) 3-Pundit Username: nyc_diva Post Number: 49 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 4.237.222.69 |
Don: Lionel still does perform Commodores' tunes in concert. He gets a great reaction from the audience when he does the old songs. The last time I saw him was just last month here in NYC when he did the Good Morning America concert series, and thanks to him, I was on his VIP list, so I got to be right in the front. I've met him before, so we are kind of acquainted with one another. After the program went off the air he performed a Commodores medley: "Brick House", "Fancy Dancer" (I nearly went nuts because that is my favorite Commodores song and I was told he rarely ever sings it...but someone put a bug in his ear...and he sang it for me! ), "Sweet Love" and "Lady (You Bring Me Up)". I believe him when he says that a reunion is in the works, because he never mentioned it before, not in all the years since he left the group. On two occasions this year I've heard him say that a reunion is very possible, so I'm going on that. (Message edited by nyc_diva on August 30, 2004) | ||
NYC Diva (nyc_diva) 3-Pundit Username: nyc_diva Post Number: 50 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 4.237.222.69 |
DyvaNaye! You're gonna have to get in line behind me...because I ADORE the Commodores, have since '75! I can't think of anyone who loves those guys more than I do. I even have the albums they did without Lionel and Tommy McClary's solo album. Now that's love. LOL. I have been PRAYING for years that these guys will work out their differences and get back together. It looks like they've made that first step, now for the next phase... (Message edited by nyc_diva on August 30, 2004) | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 2113 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
Bobby, Handsome & Reese, Here's the info on The Soul Train Gangs' 2nd LP. It was released on RCAs' Soul Train imprint in 1976. The LP was produced by "The Harris Machine" Norman Harris. The songs from the LP that charted R&B were: "Ooh Cha", which entered the chart on Nov 20, 1975. It remained on the chartas for 6 weeks, peaking at #62. The other charting single was "Soul Train Theme". It entered the chart on Oct 11, 1975. It remained on the charts for 16 weeks, peaking at #9. The rest of the LP was no slouch either. It contained the excellent ballads: That Certain Way, All My Life & If It Takes All Night & the Disco cut, Country Girl. There was a lineup change for this LP. Denise Smith replaced Judy Jones. On this LP, they shared leads. Denise Smith sang lead on Ooh Cha. After this, I would assume that they disbanded. I am a bit puzzled about their lack of chart action. They had heavy hitting Don Cornelius behind them & always had some of the best musicians supporting them. They made excellent songs, so I can't understand their lack of success. I wish that someone could find out from Don or Dick Griffey, exactly what happened. Their music deserved a better fate. Here's the front cover:  Here's the rear cover. Clockwise from top left, they are: Terry Brown, Pat Williamson, Hollis Pippin, Gerald Brown & Denise Smith.  Here's a little shout out to the boys in the band. One name will be just a wee bit familiar to us  | ||
Eli (phillysoulman) 6-Zenith Username: phillysoulman Post Number: 1474 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.236.25.141 |
Wow, Thanks Juice!! | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 2120 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
No problem Bobby Thed funny thing about it is that until the question was posed here, I never knew that you & the Philly Connection had any involvement with them. I just played the music & listened to the songs. Not once, did I ever look at the LP credits. The things you discover by accident! That's why this forum is great. Through mere happenstance, all sorts of knowledge comes out | ||
1wicked (1wicked) 5-Doyen Username: 1wicked Post Number: 249 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.126.64.72 |
Yo Juice: Howard Hewitt never "went gospel". At some point he made a conscious decision to include at least one gospel/message on all of his recordings...and he has done one or two of "THOSE" plays...but that doesn't necessarily mean he "went gospel". If he could get a record deal, he'd probably sing the classifieds or the Denny's menu. Re: The Commodores Though I doubted that anything would ever happen...2-3 years ago it was rumored/reported that Lionel & The Commodores had signed with Fantasy (or whichever label had just signed The Dramatics & were concentrating on Classic R&B artists). It had always seemed that Walter Orange was holding a grudge because Lionel became the star of what HAD been *his* group...and he was relegated to singing *his* only hit lead..."Brickhouse". Aside from that...he was JUST the drummer. (LOL) Another thing to consider is the fact that it's sometimes emotionally hard to have a reunion when group members have passed away. NYC Diva: Of course Lionel is gonna perform Commodores songs !! He was primary writer & without some Funk & Groove, he'd bore the audience to tears !! (LOL) Now...back to you Bro. Juice: On the scan of the Soul Train Gang's 2nd LP credits, Ahaguna Sun and Warner Schuchner are listed as percussionists. (1)What was the name of the group they fronted (on Capitol, I believe) and (2) Who did Ahaguna Sun later play with ? Let the "Jeopardy" music begin.... (Message edited by 1wicked on August 31, 2004) | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 2139 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
Ahhh Wicked my friend!!! It is just like you to come up with such a challenge at 2 A.M. when my brain is fried, dyed & laid to the side. Okay, let's see. There was an relatively obscure funk group named Sunbear that the gentlemen were members of. In 1978, Mr Sun replaced a drummer by the name of Joe Provost. The group was a pretty good group by the name of Frankie Beverly & Maze. The two gentlemen in question currently have a group named Big Advice. | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 2140 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
Regarding Lionel re-joining The Commodores, I would think that's a no-brainer. I believe that such a re-union would be huge & the rewards would be great. The Commodores can still bring it. Their performance of Brickhouse on the PBS special was vibrant & they updated that song & made it fresh as a daisy. Ecomonically, this would be one smart move & mutually beneficial for all involved. I think that it will happen eventually. It makes perfectly good sense for all. | ||
1wicked (1wicked) 5-Doyen Username: 1wicked Post Number: 253 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.126.64.72 |
Juice: I hatechu, I hatechu, I hatechu !!! (LOL)Next time I'll come up with something a lil more challenging ! | ||
Charise (mistrivia1) 6-Zenith Username: mistrivia1 Post Number: 469 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 198.81.26.46 |
I was going to speak on the origins of Shalamar, but alas, you all beat me to the punch! Reese Juice Eli That was my group! Juice a thought produces another thought or memory, "Searchin' For Another Love-What'cha know about that?????? My mom had the 45. I always loved that song.... And Garbage Can!!! THe Disco Garden lp was a killer album!!! "Stay Close To Love" & "Lovely Lady" were my favorite Smooth Grooves! | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 2143 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
Hi Re Re, Sorry 'bout that. I liked both of these groups & I always loved Shalamars slow jams. Now, the Disco Garden LP is the only classic Shalamar Lp that I don't own. I used to have it, but.... Now, as you can see, I have the Soul Train LPs & as you can see from my comments, I LOVED Searching For Another Love. I have a slow jam tape from '78 or '79, with it on there. It is a forgotten lost soul classic & it deserved to be a hit on merit. Why this song isn't better known is beyond the scope of my understanding. There are two words that caused me to reject the idea of being a Radio DJ when the National School Of Broadcasting was trying to recruit me.... PROGRAM DIRECTORS!!!! The idea of having to play someones rigid playlist just didn't appeal to me. There was just too much good music that wasn't being played on the radio & it only got worse. I could have never survived playing that way. I'd have had a job for two days tops. I only wonder if people are truly aware of how much excellent music they never got to hear over the years because of those damn playlists??? | ||
Charise (mistrivia1) 6-Zenith Username: mistrivia1 Post Number: 470 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 198.81.26.46 |
Juice, I second that Emotion!!!! I was just talking to a co-worker Sat, about that same thing. I hate that! They will play a certain artist, this artist has many hits, but they will only play the ones the got played the most. Can we hear the more obscure ones please??? Hello!!!!! It's not like the old days(like I was really around then-LOL) but I've heard the stories about DJ's back in the day, who did not have such a tight reign on them, as they do now, because it's all about the "Business", so to speak. They would play the song that was supposed to be the single, which would be good, but then they would flip it over and play the B-side which would be even bigger!!!!!!! They really need to go back to that method!!! I hate when an artist comes out with a real good album, with many good songs and they don't get any airplay! You're playing the darn record at home and wondering why isn't getting played on radio! Instead they play this manufactured crap. You are right about the Soul Train Gang, another song I have not heard in ages! It's funny alot of people don't know about it or forgot about it, not me!!! BTW- I saw the F. Ajaye album at Gemm, as well as Disco Gardens | ||
NYC Diva (nyc_diva) 3-Pundit Username: nyc_diva Post Number: 55 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 4.237.20.14 |
1wicked: What are you talking about? All the Commodores are still alive and well! Ronald, Milan and Tommy are just not active in the business, but they are STILL here. They are all in their 50s now. On Walter (Clyde) and Lionel's relationship: I think there was some friction between the two of them, and yes, in the beginning, he was the lead singer and Lionel was just the saxophonist who stayed in the background...but Clyde will probably tell you himself that they all ENCOURAGED Lionel to sing more...it ain't easy making a drummer a focal point in a band which is why they had backup musicians to handle Clyde's drumming duties when he sang lead when they were on tour. Now Clyde knew this, which is why he agreed with the others that Lionel should share the leads with him...I guess he never thought that the Commodores would cross over as big as they did and that Lionel would emerge as the star of the group. Do I think there was some jealousy involved? Yes, I do believe there was some jealousy, and I personally know of an occasion when Lionel and Clyde came close to having it out, but someone broke up the fight. This, however, was during the last year or so of Lionel's being in the group and the fight was more about Lionel's solo aspirations and neglecting the group than Clyde being jealous of him...besides Lionel had done something that was totally out of character for him...which is what got Clyde so upset with him. Now don't get me wrong, because I have always had a thing for Clyde. LOL But when you look at the most successful songs that the Commodores had...Lionel Richie was writer or co-writer of those songs and I believed he deserved the credit. I just didn't agree with all the pop stuff that Motown willingly decided to push on the Commodores after 1978, and you could not blame Lionel for decisions that Motown made in regards to what material from their albums to release. What was Lionel supposed to do, stop writing? I agree with Juice. From a monetary standpoint, it is worth considering, because people WANT this to happen. Both parties have thought long and hard about it and I think they have put their differences behind them. It may have taken years, but by them sitting down and agreeing to talk about it is the most news I've heard about it since Lionel left. (Message edited by nyc_diva on August 31, 2004) | ||
Eli (phillysoulman) 6-Zenith Username: phillysoulman Post Number: 1486 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.163.19.128 |
Len Barry, who Ive been a friend of for as long a I can remember,was , as we al know the lead singer of the Dovells, who had a number of big hits on the Parkway label. many years ago, for some unexplained reason he and several members of the group had a "falling out", more than likely for some petty stuff and to this day refuses to sing with them. I was approached several times by some very influential tv people to try and be a "mediator" and try to have them do a reunion, even just for one or two nationwide tv shows, and Lenny flat out refused. imo,it would have been a big shot in the arm to their careers. | ||
Soulsauce (soulsauce) 1-Arriviste Username: soulsauce Post Number: 3 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.42.166.88 |
You have to wonder if the average VH1 viewer would even know that Jody Watley was part of a group and I seriously doubt that most of their audience would know much about Shalamar or their music. And unlike Lionel Richie, Jody Watley wasn't really the "star" of Shalamar, so I'm not sure if how that would have worked on the "Bands Reunited" show. Frankly, I'm surprised they even approached her. Howard Hewett has one of the most distinct voices in R&B/Soul music. It's too bad he's had trouble obtaining/maintaining a record deal, but in today's music environment I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. I have heard him on several "soft jazz" cuts over the years and he always sounds great. I saw him perform back in '94 and he gives a great show. He really knows how to pull the audience in. I really liked some of his solo stuff. "For the Lover in You" will forever be an R&B classic. Second Time Around, Night to Remember, I Don't Wanna Be the Last to Know, Make that Move, Somewhere There's a Love.... Man, I think I need to locate those records! | ||
soulseeker (soulseeker) 4-Laureate Username: soulseeker Post Number: 92 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 192.94.3.10 |
I like Howard Hewitt's solo song Show Me. That is one romantic song. It came out around the time After 7's Ready or Not came out. That was a pretty cool era in R&B music. | ||
Kdubya (paladin) 5-Doyen Username: paladin Post Number: 252 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 206.185.64.23 |
Dam I could't get a word in edge wise because you guys have said it all : 1. Yes I think they should do A reunion 2. Clyde was as Funky as they come....in addtion to his "hit" Brickhouse I loved Painted Picture. The Thing I loved about the Commodores was that they could make a slow jam funky. 3. Once again I was turned off by all the saccharin sugar sweet LR tunes because these guys lost their funk. Guess Rick James took care of that for Motown huh ? 4. Lionel Ritchie is a very talented performer and I like a fair amount of his material(Penny Lover/Love has Found Its Way) but after a while every dam song started sounding like Hello, except for the pop tart Dancing on The Ceiling. You're my Fancy Dancer...yeah...what a song...and I Feel Sanctified.....oh man.... Oh yeah, Howard Hewitt is another great act that we dont talk about enough, in additon to Show Me, he croons Crystal Clear with a stunning falsetto intro and of course paired with Stanley CLark and George Duke on Heaven Sent is just about the perfect record not unlike when the Tempts did Just My Imagination. After Seven....whew !!!...this post has to cover a lot of territory...another group who just ddin't hang together long enough. These guys were good.....Their record "Can He Love You Like This" sounded so much like Gerald and The Manhattans that I was fooled. I have most of their material and they could sang.....gotta take a break.....talk at ya'll soon... Kdubya | ||
soulseeker (soulseeker) 4-Laureate Username: soulseeker Post Number: 93 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 192.94.3.10 |
Slippery when its wet and machine gun are two pretty funky cuts. On the ballad side, Just to be close to you, High on Sunshine, This is Your Life and Sweet Love are all beautiful without the sap. Although I do love the sappy ballad Still. (Kdubya, I got the Bobby Womack DVD. I'm lovin' it. Thanks for recommendation.) (Message edited by soulseeker on September 01, 2004) | ||
Kdubya (paladin) 5-Doyen Username: paladin Post Number: 255 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 206.185.64.23 |
No problem Soulseeker, I told you it was good, Bobby was in his element and havin fun.....and as for the Commodores their "Girl I think The World About You".....they had it going on.....plus This is your life was a smoker......gonna have to dig them out the crates........ and the band played on........ | ||
DyvaNaye (westside314) 6-Zenith Username: westside314 Post Number: 849 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 209.212.74.198 |
KDUBYA Says: "4. Lionel Ritchie is a very talented performer and I like a fair amount of his material(Penny Lover/Love has Found Its Way) but after a while every dam song started sounding like Hello, except for the pop tart Dancing on The Ceiling." DYVANAYE: Ha! it did though! I love Lionel but it seems he got 'stuck on the ceiling!' LOL! | ||
Charise (mistrivia1) 6-Zenith Username: mistrivia1 Post Number: 477 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 198.81.26.46 |
I do hope that the Commodores make it a reality as soon as possible!! I would like to see them in concert for the first time!!! I love so many of their songs: Midnight Magic Sail On Why You Wanna Try Me Lucy Heroes Jesus Is Love Machine Gun Easy The Bump Too Hot To Trot Many more, I won't list them all, but I have to list this one with Walter Orange on lead vocals SATURDAY NIGHT- they kill that song right THERE!! | ||
soulseeker (soulseeker) 4-Laureate Username: soulseeker Post Number: 94 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 68.66.110.148 |
Charise you've never seen them in concert? I thought they were good but I sat next to a disgruntled fan who kept screaming "sing high on sunshine" through the whole show. When they didn't sing it she cussed everybody out, LOL! I didn't know Lionel Ritchie didn't sing Brickhouse until that concert. First the music started w/the bassline and then all of a sudden you see this little short guy (no offense) step from the back with mic and start to sing. I thought that was pretty funny. They sang the heck out of Zoom. They must have played it for 20 minutes. | ||
Charise (mistrivia1) 6-Zenith Username: mistrivia1 Post Number: 482 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 198.81.26.46 |
Soulseeker, how ya doing? There are many, many acts that I have never seen in concert!! But I would pay money to see them!! Their live album is BAD!!!! Ooooh, I hope she did not ruin it for you-LOL, cussin' at folks too-that's bad. Although, that is a bad song too, I couldn't think to put that one on my list, as well as ZOOM ! | ||
soulseeker (soulseeker) 4-Laureate Username: soulseeker Post Number: 95 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 68.66.110.148 |
Hey Charise! Actually that disgruntled fan was my best friend. I'm thinking that was around 1978 or 1979 (I think). I was just teasing her about that not too long ago. Of course she had no recollection. | ||
Charise (mistrivia1) 6-Zenith Username: mistrivia1 Post Number: 485 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 198.81.26.46 |
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let me guess, "I did that, I don't remember doing that!" | ||
Kdubya (paladin) 5-Doyen Username: paladin Post Number: 256 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 206.185.64.23 |
Like most of Motown 45, I was embarassed for him when he sung that god awful song......as I was watching the show (gack) I wondered to myself what next ...Disco Duck....no it couldn't be that classic...it wasn't on Motown....... Kdubya | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 2179 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
I will admit that I got absolutely turned off & aggravated with Lionel after Endless Love & Truly. However, I felt that his best solo song was one that had more of a Jazzy/Soulful feel to it. That song would be Love Will Find A Way. It showed me that he could re-visit his roots somewhat & succeed, without all of that Pop styled music. Lionel & Kool & The Gang were two of my biggest musical disappointments. It seemed to me that they both aspired to try to cross-over & ended up coming across as lounge acts. There's nothing wrong with chasing the dollar bill, one must pay the rent. However, I feel that they could have made a few more of the funky songs that gained them their acceptance in the first place. Lionel & Kool both need to get rid of that Hollywood/Vegas bullshit & get back to some serious funk every now & then. That is, if they still know how to. So far, Leonard Nimoy is still in search of their funk & he still hasn't found it. America's Most Wanted hasn't found it yet either. If anyone has found their funk, would you please return it. A nation of Soul/Funk fans will be eternally grateful to you & yes, THERE IS A REWARD!!! | ||
soulseeker (soulseeker) 4-Laureate Username: soulseeker Post Number: 99 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 192.94.3.10 |
Until they do Juice, they will be sampled to death by the Rap/Producers. Kill me now. thanks for the info on Jeffrey Daniels. | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 2180 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
Hey Soulseeker, Given the state of the music scene, as well as the incessant sampling, it can drive one crazy. I love it when they use an obscure song & give it new life. In that sense, it gives exposure to music that some of us never heard before & that's good. But to rip a song note for note.....that's laziness. But my problem is exacerbated when I see some of our Soul icons on concert specials. When I think of how funky folks like Earth, Wind & Fire & Kool & The Gang were in their primes, then see their Vegas styled shows, with all of the flourishes, it drives me crazy. I've seen both of these acts on specials & they all have this Vegas styled act & it's nauseating to me. It seems forced, fake & far removed to the shows that they did in their glory days. When I see them perform, I keep waiting for Jon Lovitz' character from The Wedding Singer, to jump out & scream: "CHAKA KHANNNNNNNNN!!!!". I'm just not feeling them like I used to. It seems as though they forgot those glorious performances of their past. It's as though they've graduated from a school for lounge lizards. CHAKA KHANNNNNNN!!!!! | ||
soulseeker (soulseeker) 4-Laureate Username: soulseeker Post Number: 101 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 68.66.110.78 |
I agree. I've seen EWF live so many times when I was coming up, it aint funny. It nearly broke my heart the first time I saw them singing with (ugh) dancers in spandex. EWF was my favorite band because their shows were so unbelievably off the hook. Everytime they came to town they topped themselves with something out of this world. Kool and the Gang kinda lost me with Celebrate. But Jungle Boogie, Hollywood Swinging and Summer Madness will certainly live on many a rap sample. I agree with you, its not too bad when a producer samples a song and its buried in the backbeat somewhat like Dre did for Snoop's gin and juice. It took me a long time to figure out what sample he used. But the note for note rip-off (Puffy) is just horrific. Although I must admit if its an Artist who's songs aren't really played that much I'm kind of happy to hear it sampled. For instance There are 3 current samples out now of Eddie Kendricks songs that are album cuts. None of these songs were hit singles but if you know Kendricks' music you know these songs. | ||
NYC Diva (nyc_diva) 3-Pundit Username: nyc_diva Post Number: 60 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 4.236.156.180 |
Lionel actually made an excellent R&B album in the mid '90s called LOUDER THAN WORDS that no one paid any attention to, and that's a shame. IMO it was the best thing he did since he left the Commodores. He worked with Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Babyface and James Carmichael, his old producer from his Commodore days on it, and each and every track is tight....has a contemporary jazz/R&B feel to it. I think it was an attempt to win back his black audience, and I think if they had given it airplay he might have succeeded...that is if they could find it in their hearts to forgive him for all the sappy pop stuff he recorded before he got the imfamous beatdown from Brenda. I recall only hearing one song from it on the radio ("Don't Want To Lose You") and it was strictly Quiet Storm material because you never heard it any other time. The song is one of my favorites by Lionel. As far as the Commodores and Kool and the Gang go, I think they were just following the trends...funk was kind of dying out at that time and they needed to revamp their whole act....the Commodores had been doing it anyway, reluctantly I might add, and Kool and the Gang was next. So they got J.T. and we know the rest....but even though Kool and the Gang had their most successful streak of hits after he joined the group, that was when I stopped liking them. It was like they did a total 180...I don't want to call them sellouts because they are in the business to make money. But the '80s stuff, with the exception of "Ladies Night" and "Too Hot", sucked!! | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 2190 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
Soulseeker: I agree with your assessment. It's great to see a crafty producer lift a sample from a lesser known song & make it shine. Now, in some instances, a straight rip is cool. For example, Teena Marie's use of Al Green's, "What A Beautiful Thing Love Is" on her song, "Still Lovin You". That was one of Al's best songs ever, but it was relegated to being an LP cut. It was great to hear it revived & she did it justice. That's when sampling is alright, as it brings attention back to the original & maybe in the process, introduces a whole new generation to the music of the past. NYC Diva: I would say that Ladies Night was Kool & The Gang's last excellent LP containing funk. Celebration wasn't a bad LP, unfortunately, that was the LP that led them away from funk & into crossover dreams. The success of Celebration & its link as the anthem for the freed Iran Hostages, sealed their fate. Ironically, it's massive POP success turned the page on their funk days forever. They were now AMERICAN IDOLS!!! It's not that they're sellouts, I wouldn't call them that. What I will say is that they could have succeeded just as well by making music for their funk fans as well. There have been singers like Ray Charles, who made Pop records, yet, never turned his back on the Soul. I would say that he was pretty successful & accepted by both sides of the spectrum. Proof that you don't have to alienate your core audience, in order to acheive mainstream success. | ||
soulseeker (soulseeker) 4-Laureate Username: soulseeker Post Number: 102 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 68.66.110.78 |
NYC Diva: I remember when louder than words came out. And you're right it was ignored. That kind of surprised me but I think the mid-nineties was when Hip-Hop emerged as the dominant music genre and R&B as we knew it began its downward spiral to what it has become today. If I recall correctly he had a video for the single you mentioned. He did sound good. Juice: Celebration just worked my nerves. I remember when JT first joined Kool and the Gang. Ladies Night was newly released and they were judging a Gong Show contest in East St. Louis, Ill of all places. JT was really really shy and didn't look at all comfortable. But I can't say I really blame him due to the location, LOL! But in the next couple of weeks Ladies Night blew up and Kool and the Gang was reborn. | ||
1wicked (1wicked) 5-Doyen Username: 1wicked Post Number: 263 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.126.64.72 |
It was THEIR product being heard...but I blame Eumir Deodato and the "suits" for what Kool & The Gang evolved into. I know that the group wanted a hit as much as anyone else...but it seems that the people "upstairs" were calling the shots on this one... | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 2198 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 56.0.103.24 |
Wicked, That's quite ironic when you think about it. Deodato & Kool & The Gang were cut pretty much from the same cloth. Deodato was quite a Jazz man in his own right. Somewhere while dreaming those crossover dreams, he lost his way just a bit. That's kinda sad, as Kool & The Gang should have had enough juice to handle their business. When you think about it, the die was cast when they hired J.T. Back in their prime, they basically chanted their lyrics & the background singers were great. With groups like The Commodores & The Ohio Players breaking through with the distinctive voices of their lead singers, I guess that Kool & the boys wanted an identifiable singer of their own. Still, they took it all just a little too far. Even now, when they do live shows & can pretty much determine their fate a little better, they're heavy on the "Celebration" tip & deficient on the "Funky Stuff". In my opinion, they have regressed into a lounge act. CHAKA KHANNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!! | ||
Jimmy Mack (luke) 6-Zenith Username: luke Post Number: 655 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 152.163.100.74 |
I just read that Lionel does want to do a Commodores reunion. |
