Throwback Thursday Vol. 4: Mahalia Jackson

This past Tuesday, January 25th, was my late grandmother's birthday, so I decided to post this gospel tune called "Move On Up A Little Higher" sung by Mahalia Jackson. This same tune was a favorite of my grandma and also requested for her to sing by members of her church. Outside of listening to the stories, getting laughs and history I got from my grandma, the many times I've heard her sing this song is the amongst fondest of memories I have of her. I miss you "Big Momma".

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.

Throwback Thursday Vol. 1: Faze-O

I decided at the end of last year to do a "Throwback Thursdays" to feature old school classics. I was surfing Youtube and came across an interview of Keith Harrison of Faze-O conducted by a guy named Jon. In this interview Harrison breaks down how the funky spaced out "Riding High" track came about. Faze-O membership also consisted of Frederick Tyrone Crum, Ralph Aikens, Robert Neal, Jr. and Roger Parker. "Riding High" was produced by Clarence Satchell of the Ohio Players.

This track is on my first installment of the For The Love of The Groove mixes done by me. The Hip-Hop duo EPMD sampled this tune for their "Please Listen To My Demo" single back in 1988.