Music History: Michael Jackson Premieres The Moonwalk on Motown 25

On March 25, 1983, Motown 25 was taped before a live studio audience at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California. Michael reunited with his brothers Jackie, Marlon, Jermaine, Randy and Tito on stage for the first time in eight years for a medley of their greatest hits, "I Want You Back," "The Love You Save," "Never Can Say Goodbye," and "I'll Be There."As the other members of the Jackson 5 left the stage, Michael transitioned dramatically into his own solo spot. Widely hailed as Michael's breakthrough performance as a solo artist, he performed "Billie Jean", which at the time was in the middle of a seven-week run atop the Billboard Hot 100 music charts. This was also the first time he performed the famous, signature move, the moonwalk.  This was a pivotal performance in Michael's career and it cemented him as force to be reckoned with. So here is the clip of Michael wowing us with his Moonwalk for the first time enjoy!

Source: Wikipedia



the Jackson 5  - Live Motown 25 - by papafonk

More Legends of Black Music

Yesterday I posted some influential Black artists. Well, I'm keeping my word and posting some more today. Below is Miles Davis, Little Richard, The Supremes and Marian Anderson.

Miles Davis was an American jazz musician. He was a trumpeter, bandleader, composer, and a major influence on jazz in the 1940s.

Little Richard is a singer, composer, and musician. A rock stride pianist, Little Richard's hit songs of the mid 1950s were defining moments in the development of Rock & Roll.

The Supremes were a music group that gained tremendous popularity with a broad audience and made it's members among the most successful groups in the 1960s. The Supremes were the flagship act of Berry Gordy's Motown Records.

Marian Anderson was an opera singer and one of the finest contraltos of her time. Anderson broke the color barrier by becoming the first African American to perform with the New York Metropolitan Opera.
(Source: Biography.com)

February is Black History Month!

Yes, I know I'm posting this with a week left of Black History Month, but everyone knows that Black History should be celebrated year round. Make sure to stay updated on Black History in general, but since I love music I figured I would share some great artists with you. Below are some clips of Sam Cooke, The Staple Singers, Dinah Washington, and Nat King Cole. I want to post some more artists later this week, but I can't make any promises. Enjoy!!!!!

Sam Cooke was a singer and songwriter. He is a major figure in the history of popular music and one of the most influential black vocalists of the post World War II period.

The Staple Singers were one of the most successful gospel to pop cross-over acts ever. They collected several top 20 hits in the early 1970s.

Dinah Washington was a blues performer who was widely noted for her excellent voice control and unique gospel-influenced delivery.

Nat King Cole was hailed as one of the best and most influential pianist and small group leaders of the swing era.
(Source: Biography.com)

"We Are the World" Was Recorded Today in 1985

"We Are the World" is a charity single originally recorded by the USA for Africa, which brought together some of the most famous artists in the music industry, such as Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Lionel Richie. It was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and co-produced by Quincy Jones.  The song was released on March 7, 1985, and was a worldwide commercial success, and became the fastest-selling American pop single in history. It was also the first ever single to be certified muli-platinum, recieving a 4x certification by the Recording Industry of America.  It won three Grammy Awards, one American Music Award and a People's Choice Award. The song raised over $63 million for humanitarian aid in Africa and the US.
Wikipedia
Here is the original video that was recorded today 26 years ago.


USA For Africa - We Are The World
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Gladys Horton, member of Motown group The Marvelettes, has died

Glady's Horton was a founding member of one of Motown's first girl groups, The Marvelettes. She died in a nursing home in Sherman Oaks, Calif.  She was 66 years old.
The Marvelettes were signed to Tamala records a division of Motown. They earned Motown it's first number one hit on Billboard's Hot 100 chart with the song, "Please Mr. Postman." Horton continued to perform until 2009.

Rest In Peace Teena Marie

R&B soul singer, Teena Marie passed away Sunday at the age of 54. Marie was found dead in her home by her daughter and is said to have suffered a seizure last month but it is not known what triggered it.

On Christmas day, Marie tweeted on twitter stating to her fans: "May Gods Light always shine on you and your family! May you have the most joyous Holiday season ever! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"

Facts about Teena:
Teena Marie was born Marie Christine Brockert. She rose to fame in the 70's and 80's when she signed with Motown and became  funk legend Rick James' protegee.

James produced her 1979 debut album, Wild and Peaceful, which went gold and featured her first hit single, a duet with James called I'm a Sucker for Your Love. 

Teena Marie's photo did not appear on this album, as Motown apparently thought black audiences might not buy it if they knew the songstress was white. But her second album carried her picture after fears of a rejection of a white singer proved unfounded.
She subsequently won a huge following in the black community, and was dubbed the "Ivory Queen of Soul" by black fans.

"Overall my race hasn't been a problem. I'm a black artist with white skin," she said in an interview with Essence.com last year. "At the end of the day you have to sing what's in your own soul."

In 1982, Teena Marie quarrelled with Motown over royalties and fought to be released from her contract. She sued the label, and the legal battle resulted in the landmark Brockert Initiative, named for her, which makes it illegal for record labels to keep artists under contract without releasing their music.

Teena Marie has garnered four Grammy nominations. She released 13 studio albums, six of which went platinum on the US R&B chart. She also had six albums to go gold. 

I recently saw Teena Marie at the Cincinnati Music Festival in August. This was my second time seeing Teena Marie live. The first time was when I was very young, so I didn't it appreciate it as much, but this time I had a ball! I knew all the words to the songs and Teena made you feel like you were just chilling with her in her backyard just hanging out jamming. It was such a good experience. Since Michael Jackson passed, I sort of have myself on a mission to see all the old school greats I can before they pass away. I had been trying to see Teena and Charlie Wilson when they came to Chicago but I missed them twice. So when I heard about them being in Cincinnati I couldn't let the opportunity pass and I am so glad I didn't. When I heard of her passing I just thanked God that I was able to see her talent first hand. 

Here's some Teena for you guys and God Bless.

 

The Experience with El DeBarge

Tonight I had the privilege of attending an event held at the Harold Washington Cultural Center in Chicago. The event was held to promote El DeBarge's new album "Second Chance." There was an interview that consisted of questions about his motivations for his previous work as well as the new. There was also a mini performance where El performed some of his hits from his days with DeBarge, such as "All This Love," "I Like It," and "Stay With Me." The night ended with a CD signing. This was my first time seeing El DeBarge live and I was very excited. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. El spoke of his faith in God that brought him through trials such as his drug addiction, which he stated started at the age of 25 just out of curiosity. He was very soft spoken and down to earth. He kept the crowd on their feet, especially the women, when he talked (quite frequently I might add) about how a man should treat a woman. Listening to him perform live as well as listening to the album as I write this moment, I must say that El is still quite blessed. His talents are still very apparent and he seems to be using them to the fullest. I have to say that I am glad El took advantage of the second chance he was granted, so that I was able to witness a talented artists that I admire first hand. If you haven't bought his album, do so. It's soulful, beautiful, and reflects the hard work that was put into it.