Happy Birthday: Bill Cosby

I think I may be the biggest Bill Cosby fan walking the planet. I own several of his albums on vinyl, have a collection of his various shows on DVD and so on. Outside of the many hats he wears for television and comedy, many people have no idea that Mr. Cosby is also a musician who plays drums, piano and bass. He's also produced and collaborated for several music albums with Quincy Jones. Here's "Martin's Funeral" off the 1971 release titled Badfoot Brown & the Bunions Bradford Funeral & Marching Band where he's playing electric piano. The Record Realm salutes you on your 75th Mr. Cosby!

Throwback Thursday Vol. 2: Big Maybelle

Mabel Louise Smith
(May 1, 1924 – January 23, 1972)
Professionally known as "Big Maybelle"
My favorite tv show of all time is The Cosby Show, which makes it extra sweet for me to post this week's "Throwback Thursday" tune. Some of you may remember hearing this tune on the "A Touch of Wonder" episode that featured Stevie Wonder. After the family visit Stevie during a studio session and return home, Cliff attempts to turn in early while Claire is wanting him to stay up a little longer with her. After Cliff walks upstairs to their bedroom, Clair walks over to the record player and says..."I don't know what to say....but I do know what to play.", and puts on "Candy" recorded by Big Maybelle on Savoy Records in 1956. The hit single received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999.