Blessed to have grown up in Northampton County, I was influenced and exposed at an early age the wonderful sounds of R&B music. Memories are riding around in my father’s ‘55 Chevrolet (which I still have today) and listening to 8-track tapes of greats such as Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and Little Richard was infused into my “soul” and will stay with me forever. As the son of a high school football coach of a school that was predominantly Africa-American, in the early 70’s I was surrounded by his players and exposed to R&B music of the next generation. Riding home in an Activity Bus after football games was when I first heard “Africano/Power”, “Yearnin’ Learnin” and “Devotion”….. “Soul Music” as they would say. Then and still today, the music of Maurice White, Philip Bailey, Verdine White, Ralph Johnson, better known as Earth, Wind & Fire has transcended and knocked down racial barriers. Since the first time Al Stephenson took me to them in 1982 at Hampton Coliseum, I have been fortunate to have seen the band over a dozen times. Forgive me when I squeal like a little girl at tonight’s concert. As Maurice White would say… So He just felt so, good inside. Watchin people come alive. Throbbin rhythm and it stirs your soul. Melodies of joy unfold. Gives your heart such a special treat. Clap your hands, stomp your feet. As we yearn, so we learn.
Posted on: Thu, 09 Oct 2014 13:25:37 +0000
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