Category Archives: 101 Days Project

Day 69: Angela Bofill

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 Image courtesy of the Smooth Jazz New York site.


Supreme.  Heavenly.  Soulful.  Passionate.  Angelic.  Gifted.  Beautiful.  Those are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think of Angela Bofill.  An extremely talented singer, songwriter, and musician, Bofill was one of the best vocalists to enter the music scene in the late 1970s.  Combining Latin rhythms with Jazz, R&B/Soul, Dance, and Pop, she created a hypnotic sound and style that set her apart from her peers and has rarely, if ever, been rivaled.  

From her first release Angie (1978) to her most recent release, Live From Manila(2006), it’s evident that Bofill gives her all with each and every performance.  Though technically gifted vocally, Bofill’s emotion always rings true, especially on poignant, heartfelt ballads like “I Try,” “I’m On Your Side,” “Gotta Make It Up To You,” “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter,” “Tonight I Give In,” “Time To Say Goodbye” and “Still In Love” (which was beautifully remade by Vanessa Williams on her 1991 album The Comfort Zone).   Like any versatile performer, Bofill can get down with the best on percussion driven, mid- and up-tempo grooves like “Too Tough,” “Something About You,” “Angel Of The Night,” “Love You Too Much,” and “Is This A Dream.”

Bofill has faced some challenges in recent years, suffering two massive strokes in 2006 and 2007—which left her unable to speak, sing, or walk—and fighting depression.  After years of speech and physical therapy, Bofill is speaking, walking, and playing music again.  In 2010, Bofill began telling the story of her life and career with The Angela Bofill Experience.  This critically acclaimed tour has featured vocalists Maysa, Phil Perry, Melba Moore, Jeanie Tracy, Grammy winning flautist Dave Valentin, and Bofill’s original band.  It’s provided an excellent way for Angela Bofill to reconnect with her fans (and make new ones). 

One thing Bofill hasn’t done publicly yet is sing.  But we hope and pray that as her health continues to improve that we will be blessed to hear that beautiful voice again.  But if not, we are quite happy with the catalog of music she’s recorded.  Given the circumstances, Bofill has remained steadfast, faithful, and strong.  She’s a fighter.  And a legend.  

Bofill was recently featured in season 6 of TVOne’s “Unsung” series.  

Day 68: The Comeback

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They waited for you to fall.
They prayed for your influence and success to end.
They wanted nothing but to laugh in your face and watch you wither away.

While they had their moment to make you the laughing stock of the industry,
     You didn’t give in;
     You forged ahead,
     And came back–literally–like nothing ever happened.

Back on top (where you belong);
On everyone’s best-of lists.
Several number one singles and millions of album sales later—you did the unthinkable:
     You trumped the critics and the haters;
     Made everyone fall in love with you all over again.
In fact, you gained some new fans—
     And inspired a new generation of up-and-coming stars.

With your convictions and faith you came out of the storm unscathed.
If that’s what they call a comeback—
     Then you’ve rewritten history.

© BuddahDesmond

Day 67 – Remembering Luther Vandross

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As of this month, it’s been 7 years since Luther Vandross’ death.  And I think I can speak for many of his beloved fans (myself included) by saying that we still miss him dearly.  His catalog of music is rich, vast, and seemingly more relevant now than ever.  A true balladeer, Vandross sung about love and relationships with such passion, tenderness, and intensity.  His music touched a cord with many, because there was a soulful sensitivity and vulnerability within his voice that made him immediately relatable.  Like Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross was in a class all by himself.  There never will be another like him.  We will forever sing his praises.

Below, I’ve include a poem featured in my book Prevail written in tribute entitled, “Luther is Love.”

Luther Is Love

Luther—
Or Loofah, as some of us called you—
Still in denial about your passing on,
Doesn’t seem real.
Gone too soon,
But never, ever forgotten.

Luther—
The silky smooth voice,
Flawless,
Full of passion and emotion,
Consummate artistry and professionalism.
A rare commodity,
Especially in the world of contemporary music.
You will remain in a class all your own!

Luther—
Exemplifying class and grace on and off the record.
Media seems to want to “out” you now,
But whatever your sexual orientation, it wasn’t and isn’t an issue.
Media also seems to want to make a big deal about your weight,
But that was just as insignificant with us as well.
It’s the contributions you made that matter;
It’s who you were as a person that matters.

Luther—
You sang in a way that made us feel like you were singing only to us,
Expressing all that we were feeling.
It was a musical connection that became deeply personal and spiritual.
You’ve touched us in so many ways.
For you, we are forever grateful.

Luther—
You spoke of love in all of its splendor.
You are the balladeer of love,
One of the greats.
Your music and spirit will continue to move us eternally.
You will always be loved,
For you are love.

Luther is love!

© 2012 BuddahDesmond

Day 66 – Happy Birthday Phyllis Hyman!

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Today would’ve marked the 63rd birthday of legendary singer, songwriter, actress, model, and entrepreneur Phyllis Hyman.  A serious void has been left since her untimely death in 1995.  A singer’s singer, she was one of the greatest interpreters of song to grace the stage.  She had a larger-than-life voice, personality, and presence.  Hyman was a star in every sense of the word.

Born in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Hyman was the eldest of seven children.  Inspired by Nancy Wilson, Dionne Warwick, Minnie Riperton, and James Brown, Hyman said she didn’t know she could sing.  But anyone who heard her voice then or now would tell you differently.  Hyman perfected her chops by performing on the club circuit in the early 70’s with groups such as New Direction, All the People, The Hondo Beat, and The P/H Factor.  After leaving The P/H Factor, she moved to NYC and relaunched herself as a solo artist and became the talk of the town.  She initially recorded songs like “Leaving The Good Life Behind” and “Baby (I’m Gonna Love You)” for the Roadshow Records/Desert Moon imprint.  However, it was her work with Norman Connors on his You Are My Starship (1976) album that brought her major mainstream attention.  Their remake of the Stylistics’ “Betcha By Golly Wow” was a major Jazz and R&B radio hit.  The Starship album also united Hyman with Michael Henderson for the first time on their duet “We Both Need Each Other,” another radio hit.

Hyman and Henderson would later have a top-ten R&B hit with their classic duet “Can’t We Fall In Love Again” in 1981 (from Hyman’s album of the same name).  Between the years of 1974 and 1991, Hyman released 8 studio albums (Phyllis Hyman, Sing A Song, Somewhere In My Lifetime, You Know How To Love Me, Can’t We Fall In Love Again, Goddess Of Love, Living All Alone, and Prime Of My Life), starred in 4 films (Lenny, Too Scared To Scream, School Daze, and The Kill Reflex) and appeared on Broadway in Sophisticated Ladies, where her role earned a Tony Award nomination.  Two albums were released posthumously in 1995 (I Refuse To Be Lonely) and 1998 (Forever With You).

Hyman made an indelible mark on the industry and with fans by singing realistic, heartfelt love/torch songs.  She wore her heart on her sleeve.  If she couldn’t feel or relate to the music in some way, she couldn’t sing it.  With songs like “Living All Alone,” “Old Friend,” “Meet Me On The Moon,” “When You Get Right Down To It,” “Somewhere In My Lifetime,” “You Know How to Love Me,” “Obsession” (with Lonnie Liston Smith), and her lone #1 R&B hit “Don’t Wanna Change The World,” Hyman captivated her audience with her signature style and one-of-a-kind voice.

Throughout her life, Hyman battled with bipolar disorder and suffered from alcoholism, along with drug and food addictions.  Hyman’s songs like “Living All Alone,” “Living In Confusion,” “The Sunshine In My Life,” and “I Refuse To Be Lonely,” offered a glimpse into the troubles Hyman had been experiencing.  In Jenice Armstrong’s article “Hyman’s Demons” from the Philadelphia Daily News, Jason A. Michael, author of Strength of a Woman: The Phyllis Hyman Story, said that Hyman ‘”fought so hard to remain in control, but the truth is that she wasn’t…She would get so nervous. She would get so scared. She had a great fear of success because, deep down, she didn’t feel that she really deserved it.”‘  Sadly, Hyman took her life several hours before she was to perform at the Apollo Theatre on June 30, 1995.

She left behind a beautiful legacy of work.  While she may no longer be with us, her spirit will continue to live on in her family, friends, fans, and music.  Happy Birthday Phyllis Hyman!  We miss you!  Goddess of Love, rest in peace!

Check out my previous Phyllis Hyman Posts:

Have a great weekend!

Day 65: Get Free

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Until you’ve freed your mind from the people, situations,
     and other assorted bullshit that ties you down—
     You’ll never truly know or be able to experience freedom.

If you can’t act independently,
     think independently,
     live independently,
     or just be independent—
     You’ll never be free.

Release the chains.
Get free!

© BuddahDesmond

Day 64: The Good Ole Days

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The chatter never ceases when being flooded by joyful memories of a bygone era.
You’re in a trance when nostalgia captures you:
Wide smile, happy, sparkling eyes—
A lift in the tone of your voice,
so evident in the jubilant recap of your experiences.

There’s nothing wrong with reminiscing about the past.
The chapters in the book of the past made way for the books of the present and the
     forthcoming books of the future.
It’s important that we look to our past because it’s our personal history.
When we’ve learned from our history, there are slim chances of blocking the blessings of 
     the future.
We just have to remember not to dwell too long in the past.

Can’t bring back what we had then.
But we can reexamine our lives now,
and figure out what it will take to create the good ole days of today—
To make them just as memorable, just as impactful as they were then. 

© BuddahDesmond

Day 63: Black Music Month – BuddahDesmond

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For the last day of Black Music Month, I’ve decided to be a little selfish. It’s all about me! Jazz is one of my favorites genres of music to sing. Anytime I have the opportunity to exercise and enhance my chops, I’m taking it! Here’s a throwback performance from the RIT days of “Georgia On My Mind” featuring Jamil Khan on the keys. Hope you enjoy it! 😀

Day 62: Black Music Month – Syleena Johnson

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Syleena Johnson is a Grammy-nominated vocalist, songwriter, and producer.  The daughter of legendary Blues/Soul singer, songwriter, and musician Syl Johnson, she’s proved to be one of the most promising R&B/Soul singer-songwriters in the industry.  She’s a soul singer – point blank. You can’t help but be moved by her powerful, sexy, gritty, and emotional voice.  She has old school sensibilities that flourish in a contemporary soul environment.  Her style can, at times, be reminiscent of of Betty Wright, Millie Jackson, Mavis Staples, and Tina Turner (to name a few).  Since 1999, she’s released 6 albums.  Her most recent release, “Chapter V: Underrated” (2011), was released on her own label—Aneelys Records.  It’s her most ambitious and satisfying album to date.  This summer, Johnson will be featured along with Faith Evans,  Nicci Gilbert (of Brownstone), Keke Wyatt, and Monifah on TV One’s “R&B Divas.”  Shot primarily in Atlanta, the show chronicles their true personal and professional lives as women in the music industry and their tight bond as friends (through it all).

 

Day 61: We Need You

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To us–you are our everything.
We depend upon you for our way of life.
We need you to nurture us, guide us, and protect us.

Even though we sometimes go about our days as fearless as can be,
We need you,
Sometimes more than you know.
That’s why it hurts us so when you don’t hear us,
When you don’t see us,
When you aren’t listening or paying attention to how we feel or what we’re trying to say.
And we internalize it, thinking it’s something that we did to make you act this way,
not knowing–or always aware—that what happens or has happened to you
or what affects your mood and how you treat us often has nothing to do with us.
But how can we know when you don’t know how or are scared to talk to us openly and freely?
We may not be grown but it doesn’t mean we won’t understand.
And if we don’t, we can at least try.

What we often don’t understand is why we get hurt so
when we don’t get what we need from you,
Or when we get taken advantage of.
It’s a whirlwind that can leave us lost;
Some of us sadly never find our way back home.
But those of us that do successfully breakthrough.

You may not fully comprehend how much we need you or how much you need us,
But one without the other simply isn’t right.
If you would only think about the great impact you have on us–so much would change in this world.
Just imagine, this world could become the world we’ve always dreamed of.
And what a world that could be.   

© BuddahDesmond

Day 60: Black Music Month – Adriana Evans (Redux)

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There’s something about Adriana Evans. Listen to any of her five studio albums and you will be spellbound by her rich musical landscape. Her music is an intoxicating mix of classic soul, funk, hip-hop, jazz, rock, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian rhythms. Her voice—an instrument that is reminiscent of the preeminent jazz vocalists of our time—is the soulful, sweet, sublime element that brings everything together. Evans made her self-titled debut album (featuring the singles “Seein’ Is Believing” and “Love Is All Around”) back in 1997 with music that was then being dubbed “neo classic soul.” But even then, it was clear that there was so much more to Evans and her music than that. Her most recent album was 2010’s “Walking With The Night.” If you haven’t already, give Evans music a spin. It won’t be long before you can’t get her hypnotic music out of your mind.