We are so used to seeing and hearing Louis Farrakhan as the powerful, eloquent, charismatic and, yes, sometimes racist Nation of Islam leader that it is somewhat difficult to realize that he has other skills.
Farrakhan — whose birth name is Louis Eugene Walcott — also happens to be a highly skilled classical violinist and on at least one occasion played with the Boston Civic Symphony Orchestra.
Just as surprising, probably more so, is the fact that in the 1950s he worked extensively as a calypso singer, comparable to Harry Belafonte. He called himself “the Charmer” and even made a few recordings.
Hmmm, you just never know.
SPEAKING of other occupations, Marvin Taylor, who for many years was popular WGPR radio personality Marvelous Marv, has worked as a Wayne County sheriff for the last 13 years.
Radio is not something he is interested in now, but he enjoys recalling those days on the airwaves. He and I were doing just that fairly recently in front of the North End post office.
In the course of the conversation we talked about Mojo and, I kid you not, within a few minutes we saw Mojo walking towards us on his way to the post office. He joined the conversation and we had a great time.
Also with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is Donafay Collins, better known as radio personality Don Juan the Lover. He is a19-year Sheriff’s Office veteran and now holds the rank of executive lieutenant.
He is on the Mix 92.3 currently (has been for 10 years) and continues to present the popular “Back Jam” cabarets.
JAY LENO, former “Tonight Show” host, obviously wants to attract a younger audience, as well as his many longtime fans, with his new program, “The Jay Leno Show.” It will air five nights a week at 10 p.m. on NBC. The Sept. 14 debut will feature Jay-Z, Kanye West and Rihanna.
“I Look to You” shows that there is a new huskiness in Whitney Houston’s voice, no doubt due to being older, etc. However, that doesn’t stop the song from being effective. In fact, Billboard magazine said “I Look to You” (written by R. Kelly) “signals the long-awaited return of a true diva.” But I think it sounds too similar to “I Will Always Love You.”
If ever anyone was deserving of praise, it is the Dells. The group is currently celebrating its 57th year! Almost as amazing is the fact that there has only been one personnel change — and that was in 1960! Wow, talk about being serious and in it for the long haul!
The Dells’ biggest hits are “Oh What a Night,” “Stay in My Corner,” “The Love We Had (Stays on My Mind),” “Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation,” “Open Up My Heart,” “There Is,” “I Can Sing a Rainbow/Love is Blue,” “Always Together,” “I Miss You,” “My Pretending Days Are Over” and “A Heart Is a House For Love.”
MAXWELL is all smiles because his “return” album, “BLACKsummers’night,” has been certified Gold for reaching the 500,000 sales mark.
Country music star Tim McGraw’s latest hit is titled “It’s a Business Doing Pleasure With You.” You have to think about that title for a few seconds!
Kristinia DeBarge’s debut album, “Exposed,” has gotten off to a good start on the Pop charts. Here’s hoping that she will completely avoid the substance problems that have pulled down so many members of the DeBarge family.
Kristinia is the daughter of James DeBarge, who was at one time married to Janet Jackson.
It was reported that Gladys Horton, the only original member of the Marvelettes still working, had retired, but she says that is not true. It’s her voice up front on most early Marvelettes hits, including “Playboy” and the classic “Please Mr. Postman.”
BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW …that the legendary Martha Jean “The Queen” Steinberg was as talented in the kitchen as she was on the radio. Being from Tennessee (Memphis), it comes as no surprise that her specialty was southern cooking.
MEMORIES: “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get” (the Dramatics), “Get Down Tonight” (KC & the Sunshine Band), “And I Love Him” (Esther Phillips), “Rock Your Baby” (George McCrae), “Show and Tell” (Al Wilson), “Ring My Bell” (Anita Ward), “Mirror, Mirror” (Diana Ross), “Walk Away From Love” (David Ruffin), “Just Got Paid” (Johnny Kemp), “Don’t Leave Me This Way” (Thelma Houston).
BLESSINGS to Ann Jamerson, Sylvia Quarles, Brenda Franklin, Tyrone Williams, Aaron Foley, Nat Morris, R.J. Watkins, Jill-Day Foley, Huel Perkins and John Collins.
WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Jill Scott: “Just because you have a nightmare doesn’t mean you stop dreaming.”
Let the music play!
(Steve Holsey can be reached at Svh517@aol.com and P.O. Box 02843, Detroit, MI 48202.)
About Post Author
