The Reunion of Whitney Houston and Clive Davis

Clive Davis, the music executive that developed so many incredible artists under his watch, has died at the age of 94. Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, and many others prospered by his visionary leadership. He told some of many tales in his decade old book, The Soundtrack of My Life.

From the expected stories around Whitney to the very unexpected ones about many others, the book is an eye-opening glance at the music industry.  Good, bad, and very, very ugly.

Clive's story is finished. If you're reading this, yours is not.  Each of us will have to give an account to God what how we've lived, what we've done, and who we believe in. Are you ready?

(Top photo by PurePeople.com)

The Soundtrack of My Life: Clive Davis' Victory Lap

How can a decade old book be such a fascinating read for a hardcore music fan? Easy! Fill it with behind the scenes stories are great pop artists from the 1960s forward. Clive Davis' The Soundtrack of My Life reads like it was written for my life, and probably yours too. From the expected stories around Whitney Houston to the unexpected ones about Bruce Springsteen and Aretha Franklin, the book's a joy to read. A totally fascinating look at the excesses and successes of the music industry. Find a copy. You'll be glad you did!

Who's Zoomin' Who?

Aretha Franklin was ahead of her time! I thought of this song today, and thought I'd try my hand at making a meme for my family. The answer to the question? In this season, everyone is zooming someone...

Aretha Franklin Still Gets Respect

The legendary Aretha Franklin. One year after her death, the woman is still often imitated, but no one comes close to her power, her passion, and her sass! 

The 1960's and 1970's were her strongest years, producing mega hits like Respect, Chain of Fools, Rock Steady, Spanish Harlem, A Natural Woman, and more. Of all these hits, it's the charming and warm Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do) that still gets to me after all these years. It's a Stevie Wonder composed gem.

Aretha still had many chart hits after those glory years. Freeway of Love comes immediately to mind, although she had many songs on the R&B charts that ranked significantly higher there than on the Billboard Hot 100. (Is it just me, or does Billboard now seem to be less about the music and more about politics these days?) 

In many ways, the music of the 80's and early 90's was instantly dated- and this song may be one of them- but I totally groove on her duet, "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me". He may be somewhat of a cliche by now, but George Michael (may he rest in peace as well) is great on the song- and even though he can't hold his own with Aretha, he brings in a strong performance.

With a family rooted in the true Gospel of Jesus Christ and a strong commitment to the authority of the Bible, Aretha may be gone from this earth, but her enduring love for and faith in Jesus means she's rocking the heavenly realms as we speak. Glory Hallelujah!

Take Off Delayed

With the best of intentions, a guy can still get delayed! I often write these blog articles in advance of them being published, but under the current workload, there will be a delay. Still pondering the death of Aretha Franklin and how to put her legacy into words, continuing to write my posts on the last two days of our trip to Walt Disney World, how I accomplished a day of 26 attractions at the Disneyland resort, and put into words some personal transformation that's happening. Sorry for the delay, and I hope these are worth the wait.

Let's Hear It For the Ladies (A)

 

With my i-pod really tripping out today, I was treated to a variety of musical selections, beginning with the letter "A". So what was Linda Ronstadt doing at the beginning of the alphabet? Crooning the absolutely show-stopping "The Very Thought of You" with Aaron Neville. (Of course, yesterday I listened to "Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind", her almost half album full of duets with him. What a great disc! Including background vocals by Beach Boys mastermind Brian Wilson on the chilling "Adios".)

Akiko Kobayashi. The name should be familiar to anyone who has followed Richard Carpenter and his production efforts post- Karen.   Her album, City of Angels, is a solid effort. One day, I may do a full review of the disc as it is chock full of great selections. Her voice is warm and inviting, uniquely her own, and she's a fairly good songwriter as well. Should you ever want a glimpse of where Richard might have taken the Carpenters in the late 80's, just give a listen to the intoxicating "Only the Angels Know". 

She may be the first breakout star from Christian Contemporary to mainstream Pop, but Amy Grant is certainly no flash in the pan! Her classic smash "Baby Baby" popped on, and I grooved along. The album Heart in Motion holds many great memories for our family and our road trips. As do many of her albums before and since.

I remember A&M's then promo guy Jon Konjoyan working hard on this- and to good result. He relayed to me that he had been to Amy's home for a barbecue, recalling she was one of the nicest people he'd ever met. 

The Beatles are a very tough act to cover, but may I say that Anne Murray's remake of "You Won't See Me" still remains one of my very favorites? There's a "lift" to the tune that's irresistible. She's pretty quiet nowadays, and that really is a shame.

Annie Lennox. Sweet dreams are made of this! Her voice rocks- and I love her remake duet of Sting's "We'll Be Together". However, it was her remake of The Clash's classic Train in Vain that was rocking my world. Totally different arrangement and 100% just as powerful.

Last but certainly not least, the legendary Aretha Franklin. The woman is often imitated, but no one comes close to her power and sass! In so many ways, the music of the 80's and early 90's was instantly dated- and this song may be one of them- but I totally love "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me".  He may be somewhat of a cliche by now, but George Michael is great on the song- and even though he can't hold his own with Aretha, he comes pretty close.

One day, I'll cover the "B's" on my player, but for now, I'm enjoying the "A Team". What about you?

Diva

Annie Lennox never fails to surprise.

Pairing with Dave Stewart as the Tourists but later finding fame as the Eurythmics, Annie crafted some of the most haunting songs of the era: "Sweet Dreams", "Would I Lie to You?" and "Here Comes the Rain Again" to name a few. Just when we think we've got her figured out, Annie makes us hear her afresh, dueting with Aretha Franklin- and easily holding her own with the Queen of Soul.

Her solo career is also full of the unexpected: It's a gutsy move to cover the Clash's "Train in Vain" and change it into a new pop masterpiece, add new emotional depth to Paul Simon's "Something So Right" or a sing along vibe to "Walking on Broken Glass". Previewing an inspired concert pairing, she and Sting brought new life to his classic "We'll Be Together". With both of them working it out, it's a brand new song.

Her voice strong yet vulnerable, her songs choices bold and inspired, and her image ever transforming, Annie Lennox has carved out a place in pop history- one that will not be easily replaced.