Every year I work at a conference called The Student Diversity Leadership Conference. One of the homegirls on the staff, Priyanka, co-produced this here documentary. Lots of up and coming talent on here and an appearance by The Cool Kids. Watch , enjoy, share, discuss, and think.
Today, we celebrate the birthdays of two people who helped music evolve into the next levels.
First, great guitarist and inventor, Les Paul. Les Paul is extremely important for you to know, because this man revolutionized music by MAKING the solid-body electric guitar. Oh but it doesn't stop there. He also INVENTED: overdubbing, delay effects such as "sound on sound" and tape delay, phasing effects, multitrack recording, and reverb effects. So...because of him, we have Rock N' Roll music. Peep this mini-documentary, made in '05, celebrating his birthday. Take note of some of the cameo appearances too.
AND! Jackie Wilson. This man helped define part of our parents' generation. He was one of the important figures that transitioned Rhythm and Blues music into Soul music. He's often cited by Michael Jackson as one of his influences.
Here's the man himself breaking it down with the song "Lonely Teardrops".
TRIVIA TIME!!!
I have a special prize for you if you can tell me what 80's film this other Jackie Wilson track is featured in. Just type your email address in the comments box if you get it. And no, there is no time limit. And yes, this is an open book quiz! Use your resources!
First, let me take a moment to say an ultra happy belated to songstress Sparlha Swa. I saw her when she came to LA last year and stopped in the Poetry Lounge. The second she hit a note singing, she completely captured the whole room. Her birthday was May 25th, and I didn't know til recently when I hit up her myspace page. PLEASE check her music out. Peep the vid.
Now, back to today. Happy birthdays are in order to the following!:
Mark Wahlberg. Before Mr. Wahlberg was doing his acting thing, rackin up money at the box office and working with reknown directors, he was Marky Mark of Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. Here's his hit, Good Vibrations. SO DAMN 90S! ...I kinda hope this sound does NOT make a come back lol
Next, Freddie Stone, guitar player for Sly & the Family Stone. Co founder of the group, guitarist, and vocalist, and brother of frontman Sly Stone. Legendary group. Peep this gangsta ass video and learn somethin ya bums!
And lastly, and huge power fist soulful birthday shout to BOTH Gold medalist Tommie Smith and Bronze medalist John Carlos. And if those names aren't familiar, then watch this video and learn.
This is a mad late post in the day cause I had so much isht to do. As soon as possible, PLEASE go see Darfur Now. VERY powerful movie. Extremely important to know what's goin on in other parts of the world. If one person isn't free, then we all aren't free.
On to the bidness at hand...
Happy birthday to Gladys Knight! I mean really...she's a legend. What else is there to say?! Peep the bio. I only posted the first 2 segments, you'll have to find the rest on youtube.
Happy Birthday to Prince Buster! Ska music legend from Jamaica! This is a pretty funny song. Peep it!
