Category: Motown

Spending Saturdays Listening to Stevie Wonder

Post author By iamgurujay
Post date February 13, 2016

BY: GURU JAY

As Valentine’s Day nears, the air we breathe smells fresher and lovelier. Stevie Wonder puts it well, “There’s a ribbon in the sky for our love.” The snow falls and love accumulates- making this a special time of the year.

Stevie Wonder’s love songs come at a premium price. I Just Called To Say I Love You, My Cherie Amour, and Isn’t She Lovely are just some of his many masterpieces on the subject of love. No one- not even Bruno Mars– makes a better love song than Stevie Wonder.

Who can touch Wonder’s pure musical abilities and creative genius? Without question, the Master Blaster influences generations of musicians. He can take that harmonica, keyboard, or virtually any instrument and create passionate music. Let’s not forget his unforgettable/ unbelievable vocals as well.

How about spending Saturdays listening to Stevie Wonder? His music can easily be found on iTunes, YouTube, Spotify, and Pandora. The whole world should hear his songs.

I grew up listening to the Motown legend. I’ve heard numerous stories from people who knew him. They speak very highly of him. Whenever I drive pass Hitsville U.S.A. I think about how the legend of Stevie Wonder was born. I picture Diana Ross, Berry Gordy, and Smokey Robinson making hits with the 25 time Grammy award winning wonder.

Even though he is blind, Wonder’s songs generate amazing imagery. I recommend buying his Inner Visions album to experience the thrilling sensation of his music. From Fingertipsto right now, Stevie Wonder’s prolific career has been exemplary.

Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

Living For The City is one of my theme songs. Aside from love, Stevie has a strong understanding about life. Imagine being blind, black, and poor. I encourage others to become more familiar with Stevie’s story.

In 1973, the musician almost lost his life in a car accident and went into a coma. The doctors didn’t know whether Wonder would be able to survive- let alone perform again. This shows that life is so fragile. That’s why I appreciate every moment, and take nothing for granted.

I am Guru Jay launching into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!

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When Mya and Ashanti Ruled Supreme

Post author By iamgurujay
Post date February 21, 2015

BY: GURU JAY

Long before rap and hip-hop, Diana Ross and the Supremes sang rhythm and blues (R&B). Mya and Ashanti dominated R&B when I was younger. And they’re still kicking it tonight like Xscape.

There’s no doubt in mind that Motown’s beat influenced Mya’s sound. Independent since 2008, Planet 9 founder Miss Mya is building her throne one golden brick at a time. I want Mya to reach the level, where she’s producing other music artists.

Is Mya’s brand durable? Let me say she’s in good company. Like Mya, billionaire Mark Cuban competed on Dancing with the Stars along with multi-millionaires Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Mario “Slater” Lopez.

Mya’s sweet and gentle voice soothes the pain. She keeps up a Paula Abdul type/ good girl image. But, is she really a bad girl like Rihanna?

What are your favorite Mya songs and albums?

I thoroughly enjoy Ridin’ from Liberation. What is more, Mya is a fine actress and versatile entertainer. Did you know she was a highly trained tap dancer?

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Everyone will always remember Ashanti for her collaboration with Ja Rule. Nowadays, chemistry and entertainment don’t mix. Ashanti and Ja Rule should reunite for music’s and Pete’s sake.

Ashanti holds the record for fastest selling

debut album. Overwhelmingly, 2002 belonged to Ashanti musically. Ashanti’s Foolish video featured none other than Empire’s Terrence Howard.

I admire Ashanti for following her dreams. If she started her career today, she would be bigger than Jupiter. Skillfully, Ashanti is tremendously gifted in the dramatic arts. Moreover, the entertainer’s vocal abilities are perfect for Broadway.

In Rain on Me, Larenz Tate plays Ashanti’s cheating husband. Clearly, the rain symbolizes the fogginess of marriage and relationships. Her performance conveys a range of feelings and emotions.

Mya and Ashanti were ahead of their time, while Beyoncé and Alicia Keys had perfect timing. Still, Mya and Ashanti climbed to the top of the charts. Let’s remember when Mya and Ashanti ruled supreme.

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Kanye West and 60s/ 70s Music

Post author By iamgurujay
Post date February 15, 2015

BY: GURU JAY

I was born in the eighties but I still listen to music from the 60s and 70s. With Woodstock, the world’s nuclear proliferation of music climaxed at the height of the Vietnam War. During this time musicians revolutionized radio, while President Nixon secretly recorded Oval Office conversations.

Born in 1977, Kanye West listened to the Motown sound. Also, Chicago native Curtis Mayfield heavily influenced Kanye’s earlier work. From the beginning, West spoke his mind. And his big mouth got him into trouble after saying George Bush doesn’t care about black people.

The Champion rapper soon realized the power of free speech. Big Brother Jay Z treated Kanye as a son. That’s why West walks around calling himself Yeezus.

Apparently, the whole world’s fascinated with inflation. West’s claim to fame is his big ego. And Kim Kardashian built a big butt enterprise. Keeping up?

Hip-Hop fans know Kanye West samples 60s and 70s songs. I gotta find my Jackson 5 album. Who remembers the Beatles first tour to the states?

It seems everyone was doing drugs. That’s why your parents lose their trains of thoughts and car keys.

Every music artist should pay homage to Bob Dylan, Brue Springsteen, and the Rolling Stones. Before this technological explosion, musicians like James Brown worked hard for the money. Have you seen the Get On Up movie?

The music industry has changed for the better. Although we can’t bring John Lennon back to life, we can choose to acknowledge music pioneers. Greats like Joe Cocker rejuvenated countless souls. Appreciate dynamic artistry while you can.

Back then, albums held true value. Remember Stevie Wonder’s Inner Visions and Marvin Gaye’s Inner City Blues. There is a high chance your favorite rap song contains musical content from this period.

Whether you like Kanye West or not, he has an excellent ear for music. West respects the legends from the 60s and 70s. Give him a break.

Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

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Why Marvin Gaye Was the Eighth World Wonder

Post author By iamgurujay
Post date January 15, 2015

BY: GURU JAY

Photo By: Wikimedia Commons

Do musicians serve a purpose? Should their songs make you feel good? Are they suppose to make you dance?

The legendary Marvin Gaye gave his blood, sweat, and tears to Motown. Gaye’s songs still spark imagination and inquiry. Music gave him a platform to deliver and spread his peace loving message.

Every man must discover his calling. There’s a plan in order for everyone. Find your love and passion. Then, pursue your destiny.

Marvin Gaye was destined for greatness. The legend’s music strongly influences society and popular culture. ‘What’s Going On?’ remains relevant because Gaye understood the meaning of struggle and progress. Isn’t he an inspiration?

Marvin Gaye composed soulful lyrics. That’s why his music is timeless. The man was larger than life.

Imitation is the best form of flattery. Robin Thicke flatters the great Marvin Gaye. Gaye’s family has actually sued Thicke for copyright infringement. Thicke stole Marvin’s music, moves and mannerisms.

Also, Usher credits Marvin Gaye. And if you listen to Beyoncé’s ballads more closely, you’ll hear an element of Marvin. From John Legend to John Mayer, music artists pay homage to his mastery.

Gaye’s smooth style and calm demeanor were natural. The charming musician created classics. Music lovers cherish the beloved musician’s albums.

It is virtually impossible to watch a season of ‘American Idol’ or ‘The Voice’ without hearing a Marvin Gaye rendition. The entertainer went beyond the scope of music. He was a heavyweight.

Late at night, I might play ‘Sexual Healing’ or ‘Let’s Get It On.’ When I’m ready to see other people, I spin my ‘Heard it Through the Grapevine’ record. Of course I keep his duets with Tammi Terrell spinning in my head. You see Marvin Gaye was not a one hit wonder. Marvin Gaye was the Eighth World Wonder.

There wasn’t a mountain high enough, a valley low enough, or a river wide enough to keep him from fulfilling his purpose driven life.

Photo By: Wikimedia Commons

I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!