George Clinton was born on this date in 1941. A handful of his work with Parliament/Funkadelic is on today’s playlist.
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Tunes Du Jour Presents 1981
As the new decade dawned, 1981 emerged as a year of significant musical transformation. The eclectic mix of songs that defined this period reflected a music industry in flux, with established genres evolving and new sounds emerging to captivate listeners across the globe.
Rock music continued to hold its ground, adapting to the changing times. The Rolling Stones proved their enduring relevance with the gritty “Start Me Up,” while Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” became an arena rock anthem that would stand the test of time. Bruce Springsteen’s “The River” showcased his storytelling prowess, and Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight” introduced a new dimension of atmospheric rock with its iconic drum break. George Harrison’s “All Those Years Ago,” a touching tribute to John Lennon, marked Harrison’s first U.S. top ten single in eight years, demonstrating the lasting appeal of the former Beatles.
New Wave and post-punk sounds flourished in 1981, pushing boundaries and incorporating electronic elements. Talking Heads’ “Once in a Lifetime” demonstrated the genre’s art-rock leanings, while The Go-Go’s brought a pop sensibility to new wave with “Our Lips Are Sealed.” Duran Duran’s “Girls on Film” hinted at the new romantic movement that was gaining traction. The Psychedelic Furs’ “Pretty in Pink,” with its blend of post-punk edge and pop accessibility, showcased Richard Butler’s distinctive vocals and would later inspire and lend its name to a defining film of the ’80s.
The year also saw the emergence of hip-hop as a force in popular music. Blondie’s “Rapture” became the first song featuring rap vocals to reach number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, fusing new wave with hip-hop influences. Meanwhile, Grandmaster Flash’s innovative “The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel” was one of the first records to extensively use sampling, laying the groundwork for hip-hop’s future.
Dance music was evolving beyond disco into new, exciting forms. Grace Jones’ “Pull Up to the Bumper” blended funk, new wave, and reggae influences, pointing towards a more eclectic and experimental future for club music. Taana Gardner’s “Heartbeat” helped define the emerging genre of garage house with its stripped-down beat and soulful vocals. Kool & the Gang’s “Celebration” remains a party staple, bridging the gap between disco and contemporary R&B.
In the realm of R&B and funk, Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much” marked the acclaimed background vocalist’s first hit under his own name, showcasing his smooth, sophisticated style. Rick James pushed funk to new heights with “Super Freak,” incorporating rock elements and a memorable synth line that would be sampled for years to come. The Pointer Sisters’ “Slow Hand” kept R&B smooth and soulful.
1981 also witnessed the continued rise of synth-pop and electronic music. Heaven 17’s politically charged “(We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang” and New Order’s “Ceremony” showcased the genre’s range from danceable pop to moody post-punk.
As some artists embraced new sounds, others used music to comment on social issues. The Specials’ “Ghost Town” reflected the urban decay and racial tensions in Britain, while Black Flag’s hardcore punk anthem “Rise Above” railed against societal norms. Prince’s “Controversy” challenged listeners both musically and lyrically, blending funk, rock, and new wave while tackling taboo subjects and questioning social norms, hinting at the boundary-pushing artist he would become.
From the chart-topping pop of Kim Carnes’ “Bette Davis Eyes” and Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical” to ABBA’s emotionally charged ballad “The Winner Takes It All,” 1981 was a year of contrasts and transitions. It was a time when established stars adapted to new trends, emerging artists made their mark, and genres blended in exciting ways. This rich musical landscape set the stage for the diverse and innovative sounds that would define the rest of the decade, making 1981 a pivotal year in the evolution of popular music.
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Tunes Du Jour Presents Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson is one of the most influential and beloved figures in the history of American music. He is not only a legendary singer, songwriter, and producer, but also a humanitarian who has used his fame and fortune to support various causes.
William “Smokey” Robinson was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1940. He grew up in a musical environment, listening to the likes of Nolan Strong, Hank Ballard, and Jackie Wilson. He formed his first vocal group, the Five Chimes, while in high school, and later changed their name to the Miracles. He met Berry Gordy Jr., the founder of Motown Records, in 1957, and became one of his first artists and collaborators. He also suggested the name Motown, in honor of the Motor City.
The Miracles gave Motown its first number one hit with “Shop Around” in 1960, and went on to score many more classics, such as “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” “I Second That Emotion,” and “The Tears of a Clown.” Smokey Robinson was the lead singer and the main songwriter of the group, as well as a prolific producer for other Motown acts, such as Mary Wells, the Temptations, the Supremes, and the Marvelettes. He wrote and produced some of the most iconic songs of the Motown era, such as “My Guy,” “My Girl,” “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” and “The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game.”
Smokey Robinson left the Miracles in 1972 to pursue a solo career, and continued to create hits, such as “Quiet Storm,” “Cruisin’”, “Being with You,” and “One Heartbeat.” He also became the vice president of Motown, and helped to nurture the careers of new artists, such as Lionel Richie, Rick James, and Teena Marie. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, as a solo artist and as a member of the Miracles. He also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a Kennedy Center Honor, and a Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for his contributions to popular music.
Smokey Robinson has written and sung some of the most romantic songs ever. He has also shown his love for humanity by supporting various charities and causes, such as the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation, the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation, UNICEF, and the United Negro College Fund. He has also invested in his hometown of Detroit by donating to the Motown Museum and supporting arts and music programs for young people.
Smokey Robinson is a living legend who has enriched our lives with his music and his love. He is a role model for aspiring artists and a source of inspiration for generations of fans. He is a treasure of American culture and a gift to the world. Let us celebrate his legacy by listening to thirty of his best songs as a vocalist, which are featured in the playlist below. Enjoy!
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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 5-13-23
Learning that Jeff Beck was a fan of his, Stevie Wonder invited the guitarist to the studio to jam with him. Beck played on Stevie’s composition “Lookin’ For Another Pure Love,” recorded for what was to be Wonder’s next album, Talking Book. As a thank you, Wonder wrote a song for Beck to record: “Superstition.” Wonder told Beck he can release his version prior to Wonder’s version, which would appear on Talking Book.
Motown heard Stevie’s recording and knew it would be a hit single. Stevie wanted his song “Big Brother” to be the album’s first single, but he hadn’t finished recording it by the time Motown needed a 45 to release in advance of the full-length record. Stevie begged Motown to not put out a “Superstition” single, as he promised it to Beck, whose album release was delayed. Motown ignored their superstar’s pleas. The label released the single, and scored Stevie a number one single on the US pop and r&b charts.
Beck wasn’t too happy about that turn of events, though the two men eventually sorted things out, playing the song together at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 25th-anniversary ceremony.
Stevie Wonder turns 73 today. He is well-represented on today’s playlist.
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