In Memoriam of Greats

May she rest in peace, at last. Bridging the gap between blues, jazz, rock, gospel, and soul, music legend Etta James tragically passed away on January 20th, 2012. Leaving behind great hits, such as "Tell Mama," "I'd Rather Go Blind," and the classic "At Last," her legacy paved the way for many female artists of today. James began singing in the church at the age of 5 and later found success in her first hit "Dance with Me, Henry" and "Good Rocking Daddy." It wasn't until her debut album At Last! that James found mainstream success in a time of oppression. Infusing blues, soul, R&B, jazz, and some gospel, she became an on-demand concert. Although she did not reach the same success as her debut album, she continued to chart on the billboard charts. However, with every great talent there was some personal issues. James was in and out of rehab and court cases in the 1960's due to a heavy heroin addiction. She was later diagnosed with leukemia and passed away on January 20th, 2012, just four days after her 74th birthday.

"I'd Rather Go Blind"

"Somethings got a hold one me"

"At Last"

"At Last" Christina Augilera

PEACE, LOVE, and SOUL

While working a yesterday morning, one of my coworkers told me that the legend and father of Soul Train Don Cornelius had committed suicide. Thinking that it was a joke or another false "death by Twitter" rumor, I was in disbelief at first until I looked it up for myself. Unfortunately the story was true. 

When I was a kid, growing up in the late 80's and 90's, I was not lucky enough to experience the Don Cornelius era of Soul Train but I do remember the show and the iconic chill host from many comedy skits and parents' talks reminiscing of the old days. 

Born in Chicago, Cornelius later moved to Los Angeles and began Soul Train as a local syndicated show in the mid 1960's. Soul Train, as one of the firsts black hosted and produced shows on television,  soon became a venue for many African-American soul, jazz, and R&B artists to reach out to a larger audience in civil right movement times. It quickly became influential in popular culture by introducing new artists and classic dance moves including the "soul train line." He later stepped down as host in 1993, replaced by Shemar Moore. Although successful, Cornelius committed suicide on the early morning of February 1st by a gunshot wound to the head. Sources close to the late host claim that he was plagued with signs of dementia and early alzheimer's disease.