Slow Jam Saturday: The Jacksons, “It All Begins and Ends With Love”
The Jacksons, a prominent musical family, experienced a recent loss with the passing of Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson earlier this week. As fans already know, Tito was an integral part of The Jackson 5 formation, and his contributions are worthy of our utmost appreciation and respect. I felt it was only fitting to pay homage to him for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday.
Second Listen Sunday: Frankie Beverly & Maze, “Back To Basics”
While the world wasn’t blessed with another studio album from Maze, “Back to Basics” is a solid swan song.
Slow Jam Saturday: Frankie Beverly & Maze, “Family”
The legendary Frankie Beverly of Maze made his transition this past Wednesday. Therefore, showing him some love for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday was only fitting. I went back and forth about what song to pick, but the answer was clear, and I chose “Family.”
Second Listen Sunday: Ruben Studdard, Love Is
Music fans in the DMV area are in for a treat as Season 2 American Idol winner Ruben Studdard brings his Masterpiece tour to America’s Legendary Music Hall, The Birchmere, in Alexandria, VA. The concert will take place next Sunday, September 15th, and will promote his eighth studio album, “The Way I Remember It.”
Slow Jam Saturday: Atlantic Starr, Always
R&B band Atlantic Starr is set to return to America’s Legendary Music Hall, The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA, for two concerts on Saturday, September 21st, and Sunday, September 22nd. In light of this, it seems appropriate to feature one of their hallmark songs, notably the iconic love ballad “Always,” for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday.
Second Listen Sunday: Michael Jackson, “Got to be There”
This weekend is about celebrating the King of Pop, Mr. Michael Jackson, and his legacy. For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to highlight his debut solo album, “Got To Be There,” which was released on January 24th, 1972.
Slow Jam Saturday: Michael Jackson, “Loving You
Fifteen years after his untimely passing, the King of Pop’s music continues to resonate with us, a testament to its timeless appeal. As we honor his heavenly birthday this past Thursday, I wanted to pay tribute to him with ‘Loving You’ for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday.
Second Listen Sunday : Sisqó, Genesis
When we reminisce about the potential of lead singers who could have been iconic solo acts, the name Sisqó immediately springs to mind. The front man for R&B quartet Dru Hill, Sisqó, stormed onto the scene in 1999 with his solo debut ‘Unleash the Dragon.’ The success of the singles ‘Incomplete’ and ‘Thong Song’ propelled Sisqó’s solo debut to sell a staggering five million copies in the US alone, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
Slow Jam Saturday : Raheem DeVaughn, Let’s Fall In Love
Washington, D.C.-based singer Raheem DeVaughn is coming home for two shows later this month at The Legendary Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria, Virginia. So, for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, a segment where we celebrate the best slow jams in R&B, I wanted to give some kudos to one of his new ballads, “Let’s Fall in Love.”
Second Listen Sunday: Marques Houston, Veteran
Former teen idol Marques Houston had successfully transitioned to a credible R&B vocalist with their second solo album, “Naked,” in the fall of 2005. Houston continued to make a name for himself two years later with this third album, “Veteran,” this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday.
Slow Jam Saturday: Heatwave, “Look After Love”
For mainstream music fans, if you ask them to name a song from London disco-funk band Heatwave, the go-to answer is more than likely either “Boogie Nights,” “The Groove Line,” or the iconic ballad “Always and Forever.” So, while I could write a lengthy piece on “Always and Forever” for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to highlight “Look After Love” from the band’s fifth album, 1982’s “Current.”
Second Listen Sunday: Johnny Gill, Still Winning
Like the rest of New Edition, R&B balladeer Johnny Gill had seen ups and downs as a solo artist. While Mr. Gill had enough hits to tour off, his fans clamored for music. In 2011 after fifteen years, he returned to music with his sixth solo album, “Still Winning,” this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday.