Tomorrow is Mother’s Day, so I wanted to pick a song for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday that pays homage to moms. So many women have played a part in my life’s journey, whether it was a grandmother, an aunt, a friend’s mom, or even a boss.
Naturally, the popular choice would be “A Song For Mama by Boyz II Men. But you know me better than that, so I had to take it back with The Spinners and the timeless classic, “Sadie.” At age twelve, I first heard the song in a cover version by an incarnated and disgraced R&B singer who shall remain nameless. My mom pointed out to me that The Spinners first recorded the song, and she hipped me to their album “New and Improved.”
The song was written and produced by Joseph B. Jefferson, Bruce Hawes, and Charles Simmons and featured the production talents of the legendary Thom Bell. Philippé Wynne sang lead on the song with a distinctive vocal that still resonates today.
“Sadie” is a heartfelt tribute to a beloved mother figure. The song reminisces on the beautiful qualities of Sadie, a devoted mother who sacrificed her needs to ensure her children received an education and learned the holy stories. Despite life’s challenges, Sadie remains strong and supports her family with boundless love. She teaches her children the value of love, happiness, and kindness through her simple songs and unwavering smile.
“Sadie” celebrates the power of love and the enduring memory of a mother who had a lasting impact on those who knew her. The chorus repeats that Sadie is loved and cherished, and no one can replace her in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. The lyrics reveal that the memories of Sadie continue to inspire a love that transcends money and material possessions, proving that the most valuable thing in life is the love and affection we share.
At forty-one years old, it’s a blessing to have my mother, grandmothers, mother-in-law, aunts, and others who still provide daily inspiration. So to all of you and every mother in the world, Michelle Obama said it best “There is no limit to what you, as women, can accomplish.
Final Grade: A
“Sadie” by The Spinners is available on all streaming platforms.
For their second single, the group presented a ballad entitled “Feels Like The First Time.” Once again, Greene handles the lyrics, while Neville Hodge is responsible for production duties. Greene begins the song with robust energy, proclaiming his love for the lady. Greene’s group members provide stellar work on the background vocals, and the songs eschew nineties R&B without going into crass vulgarity.
The ballad was composed by Michael Masser and lyricist Gerry Goffin, and it was first recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1981. Eight years later, Natalie Cole covered the song, shortening the title. It became the fourth single from her twelfth album, “Good to Be Back.”
Braxton’s vocal talent is perfect on the standards “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” However, like any good R&B Christmas album, it is the soulful yuletide bops where Braxton truly shines. The album’s first single, “Snowflakes of Love,” is instrumental of Earl Klugh’s “Now We’re One”. Braxton’s lush vocals encapsulate the warmth and joy of romantic love amidst a wintery backdrop.