Category Archives: Happy Birthday

Thank You, Langston Hughes!

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hughes1Image courtesy of Travalanche.

Today is not only the first day of Black History Month, but it’s also the birthday of poet, novelist, playwright, and activist Langston Hughes (1902-1967).  Hughes is one of the reasons why I write poetry today.

Growing up, I spent countless hours in the library losing myself in Hughes’ masterful poetry.  His poetry was jazz.  It was blues.  It was filled with so much spirit and life.  He captured the richness of our culture and history so eloquently.

Even given the social ills of the day, his work was evidence of his hope for a world where unity and equality trumped racism, inequality, and injustice.  Though the times may be (somewhat) different, the relevance of his writing remains strong.  The same can be said for the influence and inspiration of his artistry.

Thank you Langston Hughes for not dimming your light.  We honor you for your greatness and the blessings of your many contributions.  Here’s to you!

I, Too, Sing America by Langston Hughes

I, too sing America.

I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.

Tomorrow,
I’ll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody’ll dare
Say to me,
“Eat in the kitchen,”
Then.

Besides,
They’ll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed—

I, too, am America.

Happy Birthday Maysa!

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Maysa has been a musical fixture in my family since the early 90s.  Growing up I remember many weekends waking to the sounds of Incognito and Maysa’s solo music.  Nothing beats waking up to music, especially when it nurtures your soul.  Songs like “Deep Water,” “Still A Friend Of Mine,” “What About Our Love,” “Sexy,” “All My Life,” “Got To Be Strong,” “Center Of The Sun,” “J.F.S,” and “Shade Of Blue” have a special place in heart because they represent a time when music became such a strong force in my life.  Come to think of it, Maysa’s music has been nurturing my soul for 20 years now.  There’s something about it that just enraptures you immediately.  And her voice, instantly recognizable, takes you away. 

Maysa’s most recent release, “Blue Velvet Soul” is her tenth solo album and is a perfect description of her music.  Her music is smooth yet powerful, soulful, lush, hypnotic, ethereal, and eclectic.  There’s a warmth and intensity to it that keeps you in sync, yearning for more.  Maysa’s voice, a beautiful, distinctive instrument, is much the same.  She’s a singer’s singer and one of the best in the industry today.  She, like Nancy Wilson, Angela Bofill, and Phyllis Hyman, is a uniquely gifted song stylist and interpreter.  She’s able to use music to connect with her audience on a much deeper level.  There’s an endless love of her art that flows through her music.  You cannot help but be touched by it, especially when you experience her live.

Maysa realizes the power of music and the role she plays as a singer-songwriter-producer.  She says, “I am a storyteller, a counselor and a friend that helps others through the good times and bad through my music. It’s important for me to connect with the audience because it’s my God given job.”  And she does it, effortlessly, with each album and every performance.  Every ounce of her heart and soul goes into her music.  There’s nothing phony or contrived about it.  It’s honest, authentic music.  And it’s a testament to her 20+ years in the industry and the love and loyalty of her fans and peers.  

Happy Birthday Maysa!  May there be many more years of life, love, prosperity, and enchanting music!  We thank you for blessing us for so many years with your amazing gifts.  Here’s to you! 

Chaka Khan, A Birthday Tribute to the Queen of Funk-Soul

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Image courtesy of Centric.
They tell me I’ve loved Chaka Khan since I was a baby.  Whenever her music was played, I’d apparently get excited, get up in my crib and start dancing.  Even then I was enchanted by this fiery, bold as love, soul sista.  As I got older, my love, respect, and admiration for her and her talent only grew.  She is and will always be one of my all-time favorite singers.   
Through the fire, to the limit, to the wall/For a chance to be with you/I’d gladly risk it all/Through the fire/Through whatever, come what may/For a chance at loving you/I’d take it all the way/Right down to the wire/Even through the fire ~ Chaka Khan, “Through The Fire,” I Feel For You (1984)
I’ll never forget the first time I got to see Chaka Khan live.  It was late November 2011 at The Birchmere in VA.  I was with my partner, mother, and grandmother.  And was it an experience!  While I knew Chaka would bring it like no other, I had no idea the show would impact so deeply.  Within the first few minutes, I was in tears.  Entranced.  Enraptured.  Captivated.  Spellbound.  I was emotionally and spiritually overwhelmed.  Here I was, sitting in the audience being serenaded by someone who I loved all my life.  Her soulful wail pierced my core and I was rendered helpless.  I surrendered to the Queen of Funk-Soul.

Chaka took us on a musical journey, singing a wondrous selection of her greatest hits and covers of tunes by some of her favorite artists.  The concert was as eclectic and vast as her rich catalog.  She sounded and looked better than ever.  It was quite clear to me that Chaka could put many of her peers (past, present, and future) to shame after this concert.  I didn’t want it end (and neither did anyone else).  It was musical bliss.  We could’ve easily spent the rest of the night calling Chaka and her band back for more encores.  But that’s what dreams are made of, right? 

Make my journey, make it short in space/Let me lose this hardness that I got now, Lord/Water, wash away all traces of hate/I will do what you say/If you just show me how, river/…Roll me through the rushes like Moses/Roll me through the rushes/Just like Moses on the Nile ~ Chaka Khan, “Roll Me Through The Rushes,” Chaka (1978)

2013 marks two major milestones for Chaka Khan:  her 60th birthday (March 23, 2013) and 40 years in the entertainment industry.  Chaka will be unveiling a series of projects to commemorate these milestones.  Following the release of the March 16th “Stars Tribute” issue of Billboard Magazine, Chaka launched the 100 Days of Chaka campaign.  Introduced via an Augmented Reality app, the 100 Day of Chaka campaign “marks the 100 days from her birthday (March 23) to the anniversary of the release of her first recorded album with Rufus, Rufus (July 1, 1973) 40 years ago. This timeline will highlight daily, a series of historic moments in Chaka’s career, mixed with celebratory current events.  The 100 Days of Chaka culminates with the release of The iKhan Project: Alive! The Commemorative Edition, in stores July 2″ (Soul Talkin’ With Chaka).  

Later this year, Chaka will release The iKhan Project: Jazz, an album produced by renowned musician and composer Robert Glasper.  Fans can also look out for the I’m Every Woman Tour; television specials; an updated version of Through The Fire, Chaka’s memoir; the relaunch of www.chakakhan.com; the relaunch of Chakalates, her signature gourmet chocolates; the launch of her Khana Sutra candles, and much, much more.  I must say, 2013 is gearing up to be a celebration fit for a legend!  Chaka deserves every moment of it (and then some).

A mama’s cryin’/’Cause another young man has gone and died/He’s not some statistic/He’s another awesome destiny denied/So I’ve got to stand tall/I’m gonna live a super life/For the rest of my life/I’m gonna live a super life/Super life, super life, yeah ~ Chaka Khan, “Super Life,” Funk This (2007)

Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary, Chaka Khan!  Thank you for sharing your spirit and your boundless gifts with us.  We will forever be moved.  Here’s to a fabulous 2013 and beyond! 

 
Related Post:
Day 47: Black Music Month – Chaka Khan

From V-Day to My B-Day (A Birthday Reflection)

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After yesterday’s major lovefest, I celebrate the anniversary of my birth today.  The greatest gift for me on this day will always be the gift of life.  And what a precious gift it is!  So many of us complain about getting older.  I don’t complain.  It’s a blessing to see these numbers each year.  Let them keep coming!

The older I get the less I value the superficial and material offerings that often accompany birthdays.  That’s not what it’s about for me.  What’s most important for me is being able to spend time with those that I love and being able to express how grateful I am to have them in my life.  What’s most important is taking time to reflect on all that’s happened in the last year, thinking about what I want in the year ahead, and putting a plan in place to make it happen.  What’s also important is doing all that I can to be happier, healthier, and better than I was last year.

On our birthday it’s important that we do exactly what we want to do.  This is one day where we shouldn’t feel guilty about being selfish.  We’ve earned it.  We deserve it.  And whether we want the celebration to last for a few days or for an entire month, it’s okay.  I’m a shameless advocate for the month-long birthday celebration.  (I recommend it to everybody!)

On this day, I am happy to be one year older, wiser, and better than I was last year.  I am thankful for this life.  I am grateful for my family, friends, mentors, supporters, and all the many blessings The Creator has brought my way.  Let there be many more blessings to come!

~ BuddahDesmond