The King Remix

TNS – The King Remix is a shortened version of  TNS – For the Children of the Dream, released in celebration of the birthday of   Dr. Martin Luther King.

As it turned out, the mix was too long to download, one of my rookie mistakes.  Also, once I showed my sister what I was doing, she urged me to expand my King idea into mixes that included speeches of Malcolm X, Medgar Evers and whoever else’s recordings that were available.  I liked her idea.  However, Black History Month just happens to be the shortest month of the year, and time is getting tight.  So, should I run out of time getting other posts up, I want this one to stand. 

I dedicate this entire section, all the mixes that I intend to include for Black History Month, to my mother, Ethel Mae McKenzie White.  Long before black history was taught in the schools (you remember, textbooks that included only Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver), my mother taught us at home from volumes of The Negro Heritage Library, and with the speeches of Dr. King and Malcolm X on vinyl.  Long before James Brown recorded “Say It Loud (I’m Black and I’m Proud)”, she had us saying it to ourselves so we could repeat it in public (back when being called “black” was considered and insult).  She had a take-no-prisoners ‘pride, don’t hide’ attitude that she passed on to her children, and that I hope I’ve passed on to mine.

TNS – The King Remix includes “I Have A Dream” and “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” in their entirety.  I also included Kirk Franklin’s “My Life Is In Your Hands”  from the soundtrack of  “Get On The Bus”, a movie about another march on Washington, D.C., the Million Man March.

TNS – The King Remix

Playlist

1. We Shall Overcome – The Montgomery Gospel Trio, The Nashville Quartet, and Guy Carawan – We Shall Overcome, Songs of the Freedom Ride [5:35]
2. We Shall Overcome – Martin Luther King, Jr.  – We Shall Overcome [2:27]
3. How I Got Over – Mahalia Jackson – Mahalia Jackson’s Greatest Hits [5:23]
4. Take My Hand, Precious Lord – Mahalia Jackson – Gospels, Spiritual, & Hymns [4:15]
5. Living in the Promiseland – Willie Nelson – Essential Willie Nelson [3:22]
6. I Have a Dream (Washington, D.C. 8/28/63) – Martin Luther King, Jr.  – Greatest Speeches of All Time, Vol. 1 [6:11]
7. A Change Is Gonna Come – Sam  Cooke – The Man and His Music [3:14]
8. We’re a Winner – The Impressions – Anthology 1961-1977 [2:24]
9. People Get Ready – The Impressions – Anthology 1961-1977 [2:38]
10. I’ve Been to the Mountaintop – Martin Luther King, Jr. – Martin Luther King, Jr. Tapes [20:41]
11. Wake Up Everybody – Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes – The Essential Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes [7:32]
12. What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye – Anthology [3:58]
13. Patience – Anika Noni Rose – Dreamgirls [Original Soundtrack] [3:34]
14. My Life Is In Your Hands – Kirk Franklin, God’s Property – Get On The Bus [5:36]
15. America, the Beautiful – Ray Charles [3:36]

Cupid’s Hunt – If You’re Not Back In Love By Monday

Well, I was almost done.  

But, we won’t celebrate Valentine’s Day on a Sunday again for another seven (?) years.  And Millie just wouldn’t let me rest.  Her song, “If You’re Not Back in Love By Monday” has been in my head all night.  Is there more fitting a song for a Monday morning after a Sunday V-Day?  

So, like a true night shift-er, I’ve been up for awhile keeping myself busy.  I’d made a huge pot of chili for dinner, and the family is out cold with ‘the itis’.  Law and Order is on TNT; Angel doesn’t air until 5am.  It’s just me, with Millie and few others who sing of trying to get back what they once had.  

This goes out to all those Cupid Hunters who are back in love this morning.  No promos or intros (I didn’t have much time); just the music, with Millie’s , “Good night, everybody” at the end. 

TNS – If You’re Not Back In Love By Monday 

1. If You’re Not Back In Love By Monday – Millie Jackson – 21 Of The Best 1971-83 (4:52)
2. How Could I Let You Get Away – The Spinners – Very Best Of The Spinners (3:51)
3. I Kinda Miss You – The Manhattans – Greatest Hits(5:15)
4. Since I Lost My Baby [Alternate Version] – Love Songs (2:59)
5. Blame It On Love – Smokey Robinson/Deniece Williams – The Solo Anthology (3:37)
6. Sorry Doesn’t Always Make It Right – Gladys Knight & The Pips – Love Songs (4:12)
7. Oh Girl – The Chi-Lites – Quiet Storm (3:49)
8. Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers – Lean On Me: The Best Of Bill Withers (2:03)
9. Bring It On Home To Me – Sam Cooke(with Lou Rawls) – The Man and His Music (2:41)
10. After The Love Is Gone – Earth, Wind & Fire – All ‘N All  (4:25)
11. Distant Lover [Live] – Marvin Gaye – The Very Best Of Marvin Gaye (6:18)
12. At This Moment – Billy Very & The Beaters – The Best of Billy Very & The Beaters (4:21)
13. Starting All Over Again – Mel & Tim – The Soulful Sound of Stax (3:38)
14. Here We Go Again – Ray Charles/Norah Jones – Genius Loves Company (3:59)
15. Again – Janet Jackson – Number Ones, Disc 2 (3:47)
16. Daddy’s Home – Jermaine Jackson – 20^th Century Masters – The Jacksons (3:08)
17. Crazy – K-Ci and Jojo – X (4:20)
18. Loving Arms – Millie Jackson – 21 Of The Best 1971-83  (3:43)  

Good night, everybody.  I’ve enjoyed hunting with you. 

J

Cupid’s Hunt: If Loving You Is Wrong

 I just couldn’t leave well enough alone.  I’ve already posted two Cupid’s Hunt mixes and managed to stay out of mischief.  Why not just leave it at that?  Well, because while I’m a hopeless romantic, there is still a bit of a devil in me.

When I was a kid, I loved Millie Jackson.  Second only to those Jackson boys in the amount of vinyl I spun, Millie was played by me more often than any other female artist.  The only hitch was that Millie’s frankness, and cheatin’  and “poor me” songs, really annoyed my mother; especially once I learned the lyrics.  But, even she couldn’t stifle a chuckle during the last line of Millie’s The Rap. 

So, with tongue-in-cheek,  TNS – If Loving You Is Wrong is a collection of songs that got an, “Alright, that’s enough!  Play something else!” from my mother.  I’ve also included some newer songs:  George Michael’s “Careless Whisper” and Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me A River” (because their videos were just so cold); Shirley Murdock’s “As We Lay”; Luther V’s “She Saw You” and TLC’s “Creep”.

I want to give a shout out to C. Brown, whose Love Lockdown Mix (for the love hater in you) on Flowlink.com has all but given me permission to speak up for the Cupid hunters who bought Valentine’s Day presents for themselves, and said the presents were from someone else.

TNS – If Loving You Is Wrong

1. Night Shift Cupid’s Hunt Welcome – JBethune – Promos [0:13]
2. If Loving You Is Wrong – Luther Ingram – The Soulful Sounds of Stax [3:33]
3. We’re Getting Careless With Our Love – Johnnie Taylor – Chronicle:  The 20 Greatest Hits [4:04]
4. I’ll Be The Other Woman – The Soul Children – The Soulful Sounds of Stax, Volume 2 [3:37]
5. As We Lay – Shirley Murdock – Slow Jams, Volume 2 [5:53]
6. The Agony And The Ecstasy – Smokey Robinson – A Quiet Storm [4:50]
7. She Saw You – Luther Vandross – Dance With My Father [5:44]
8. Creep – TLC – TLC [4:28]
9. Cry Me A River – Justin Timberlake –  Justified [4:47]
10. Doggin’ Around – Jackie Wilson – The Ultimate Jackie Wilson, Disc 1 [2:53]
11. Doggin’ Around – Michael Jackson – Music And Me [2:54]
12. Careless Whisper – George Michael – Ladies and Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael [5:00]
13. Use Me – Bill Withers – Lean On Me: The Best of Bill Withers [3:41]
14. The Same Love That Made Me Laugh – Bill Withers – Lean On Me: The Best of Bill Withers [3:21]
15. It Hurts So Good – Millie Jackson – 21 Of The Best 1971-83 [3:29]
16. When He Touches Me (Nothing Else Matters) – Peaches & Herb – Love Is Strange: The Best of Peaches & Herb – [3:08]
17. (If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want To Be Right – Millie Jackson – 21 Of The Best 1971-83 [3:30]
18. The Rap – Millie Jackson – Caught Up [5:52]

Cupid’s Hunt: First Dance

When I first read about Cupid’s Hunt, I jumped in with the blind enthusiasm of a novice and wrote eight playlists of songs about longing love, lost love, abusive love, and even cheating love.  My favorite playlists were I Want You – my very first mix – and First Dance.

We get many ‘first’ dances in our lives.  Whether we’re teens, on the crowded floor of a basement blue-light party; or newlyweds, after the floor has been cleared;  or parents, when only the music and a dance quiets a fussy newborn; a first dance can be a sweet memory. 

When I asked a few friends about their first dances, I heard stories about first dates; parents’ anniversaries; proms, weddings and receptions; and late-night baby dances.  I included the favorite songs from those dances in this mix, along with some of my favorites:   Soul Generation’s “That’s The Way It’s Got To Be (Body and Soul)”, my first dance with a young man in blue at a basement blue-light party; Earth, Wind & Fire’s “I’ll Write A Song” and Sade’s “By Your Side”, first dances with my newborn daughters; and Natalie Cole’s “Unforgettable”, a song my son, Robert, and I had to use to learn the box step for a debutante ball. 

The two most important of all my favorite first dance songs are also included, and they are the reason I’ve been working to get this mix out before Wednesday.  On February 10, 1979, as Greg and I were married as my sister-in-law sang Smokey Robinson’s  “Wedding Song”; and we danced our first dance to LTD’s “We Both Deserve Each Other’s Love”.

So, with our 31^st anniversary just days away, I dedicate this mix to Gregory T. Bethune, Sr., who has made every dance since feel like our  first one.

Cupid’s Hunt: TNS – First Dance

Playlist – Title – Artist – Album [Time]

1. With You – Tony Terry – Tony Terry [5:06]
2. Night Shift Cupid’s Hunt Welcome – JBethune – Promos [0:13]
3. At Last – Etta James – Her Best [3:00]
4. Even If My Heard Would Break – Aaron Neville, Kenny G – The Bodyguard [4:58]
5. Walkin’ in the Sun – Rufus – Rags To Rufus [3:01]
6. Cupid’s Hunt All The Right Places – TGrundy – Promos Cupid’s Hunt 2010 [0:07]
7. The Lady In My Life – Michael Jackson – Thriller [5:00]
8. You Put A Move On My Heart – Tamia/Quincy Jones – Ultimate Collection [6:13]
9. A Smile Like Yours – Natalie Cole – A Smile Like Yours [4:23]
10. Unforgettable (Duet with Nat King Cole) – Natalie Cole – Unforgettable: With Love [3:31]
11. This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole – The Natalie Cole Collection [2:51]
12. Cupid’s Hunt Best Music – TGrundy – Promos Cupid’s Hunt 2010 [0:08]
13. I’m Yours – El Debarge/Quincy Jones – Ultimate Collection [4:16]
14. I’ll Write A Song For You – Earth, Wind & Fire – All ‘N All [5:24]
15. My Reason To Be Is You – Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. – Wedding Songs [4:41]
16. That’s The Way It’s Got To Be (Body and Soul) – Soul Generation – Beyond Body and Soul [3:08]
17. I’d Still Say Yes – Klymaxx – Wedding Songs [4:41]
18. By Your Side – Sade – Lover’s Rock [4:35]
19. Cupid’s Hunt Romantic Moments – TGrundy – Promo – Cupid’s Hunt 2010 [0:19]
20. Here And Now – Luther Vandross – [5:22]
21. We Both Deserve Each Other’s Love – Jeffrey Osborne – Ultimate Collection [3:07]
22. Wedding Song – Smokey Robinson – A Quiet Storm [3:35]

I’d like to send a shout out to an old and dear friend, Todd Grundy, of  RIBS: Rhythms in Black Satin for the promo drops.  Be sure to check RIBS out, along with other members of the Music Podcast Consortium.  Visit their site on Facebook and become a fan!

If you missed any past posts or mixes, feel free to visit The Archives.  If there are any problems with the links, mixes or pages; if you have found another cool music blog; or if you have a music request, please drop me a comment or an email.

For the Children Of The Dream: The King Mix

I must apologize that this post is so late.  I originally wanted to have it ready in time for Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday; and when I didn’t, I thought I’d abandon the project until the anniversary of his death.  However, April 4 is my mother’s birthday, and I have something a little more festive in mind for Mom.

I remember a hot August day in 1963.  I was too busy thinking about starting first grade in less than two weeks to realize that what I was watching history unfold on the television.  I saw thousands of people on the screen, and knew  that my father was among them.  I saw faces of celebrities that I recognized from the movies and from The Ed Sullivan Show.

And, I saw Dr. King. 

I didn’t understand much of what he was saying that day.  I remember that he said he had a dream; and that he mentioned his children.  I learned the significance of  “I Have A Dream” in the years since from my parents and through my experiences outside the home.  However, I was always keenly aware that Dr. King had children the same ages as my friends and myself, and that we all were  the beneficiaries of his dream. 

TNS – For the Children Of  The Dream includes “I Have A Dream” and “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” in their entirety.  I also included Kirk Franklin’s “My Life Is In Your Hands” from the soundtrack of  “Get On The Bus”, a movie about another march on Washington, D.C., the Million Man March.

TNS – For the Children of the Dream

Playlist

1. We Shall Overcome – The Montgomery Gospel Trio, The Nashville Quartet, and Guy Carawan – We Shall Overcome, Songs of the Freedom Ride [5:35]
2. We Shall Overcome – Martin Luther King, Jr.  – We Shall Overcome [2:27]
3. How I Got Over – Mahalia Jackson – Mahalia Jackson’s Greatest Hits [5:23]
4. Take My Hand, Precious Lord – Mahalia Jackson – Gospels, Spiritual, & Hymns [4:15]
5. Living in the Promiseland – Willie Nelson – Essential Willie Nelson [3:22]
6. I Have a Dream (Washington, D.C. 8/28/63) – Martin Luther King, Jr.  – Greatest Speeches of All Time, Vol. 1 [6:11]
7. A Change Is Gonna Come – Sam  Cooke – The Man and His Music [3:14]
8. Choice of Colors – The Impressions – Anthology 1961-1977 [3:17]
9. We’re a Winner – The Impressions – Anthology 1961-1977 [2:24]
10. Keep On Pushing – The Impressions – Anthology 1961-1977 [2:34]
11. People Get Ready – The Impressions – Anthology 1961-1977 [2:38]
12. I’ve Been to the Mountaintop – Martin Luther King, Jr. – Martin Luther King, Jr. Tapes [20:41]
13. Wake Up Everybody – Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes – The Essential Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes [7:32]
14. What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye – Anthology [3:58]
15. Patience – Anika Noni Rose – Dreamgirls [Original Soundtrack] [3:34]
16. America, the Beautiful – Ray Charles [3:36]
17. My Life Is In Your Hands – Kirk Franklin, God’s Property – Get On The Bus [5:36]
18. Happy Birthday – Stevie Wonder – Hotter Than July [5:57]

Checking in, Night Shift friends…

It’s beautiful here in Central Texas; it feels like the hard freezes may be over.

Two activities begin here when the hard freezes end – spring cleaning and yard work – and I can’t motivate myself to do either without some background music pumping me up.  My spring mix is for inside work.  Heavy on the funk, if it doesn’t make me get up and dance, at least it will make me get up and dust.  My garden mix, for the outside work, is smoother, with lots of Motown and Stax during the day, sprinkled with a little Whispers and Manhattans as the evening sets in.  I like it for pacing myself while puttering around, or just sitting out there with a tall drink and taking in the day (or night).  

Coming up…Make My Funk the P-Funk:  The Spring Mix.  I’ve included some of my favorite tracks by George Clinton, Parlaiment/Funkadelic and Bootsy Collins.  I also included one track by ‘sons of the P’, Digital Underground; and an updated version of Atomic Dog by George Clinton and several of today’s artists. 

Some of these tracks take me back to the summer of 1976.  Greg was living in Connecticut, and I would visit with the family every few weeks or so.  My future brother-in-law, Pete, who was barely 13, would stay up with me until well past midnight while we waited for Greg to get home from work.  Pete was a little Funkateer.  Pete, I may have to rip some vinyl; but this one’s for you.

TNS – Make My Funk the P-Funk

Playlist

1. P. Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up) – Parlaiment – Tear the Roof Off: 1774-1980 [7:43]
2. Atomic Dog – George Clinton – Greatest Funkin’ Hits [9:57]
3. Give Up The Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker) – Parlaiment – Tear the Roof Off: 1774-1980 [5:58]
4. Up For the Down Stroke – Parlaiment – Tear the Roof Off: 1774-1980 [5:10]
5. Flash Light – Parlaiment – Tear the Roof Off: 1774-1980 [10:44]
6. I’ll Bet You – Funkadelic – Out of Sight [6:11]
7. One Nation Under the Groove – Funkadelic – Young Soul Rebels [7:31]
8. Cosmic Slop – Funkadelic – Cosmic Slop [5:21]
9. Stretchin’ Out (In A Rubber Band) – Bootsy Collins – Stretchin’ Out In Bootsy’s Rubber Band [6:51]
10. Same Song – Digital Underground – No Nose Job: The Legend of Digital Underground [6:30]
11. Atomic Dog – George Clinton – Greatest Funkin’ Hits [4:21]