Five Inspirational Jams that Lift Me Up

Posted on March 20, 2013 by BuddahDesmond611

Music has always been a constant in my life. During the ups and downs (and all that lies between), music has served as an extension of my moods and emotions. Speaking to me in ways almost like nothing else, the sweet sound of music has inspired me—giving the push I needed to go on. Here’s a list of five inspirational jams that never cease to keep me lifted.

Sounds of Blackness – “I’m Going All the Way” from Africa to America; The Journey of the Drum (1994)

“Now I know better/It’s time to move on/My determination/Is what keeps me strong/Oh I believe in myself/Like never before/Faith is the key/To unlock the door/Whatever it takes to make it/I’m going all the way/I may be down sometimes/But I won’t be down always…”

Africa to America; The Journey of the Drum by Sounds of Blackness, is a moving album with inspiring songs of history, faith, love, and soul. With Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis at the helm, they created inspirational/gospel music without boundaries. Songs like the pulsing, rhythmic single “I’m Going All The Way” proved that inspirational/gospel could be relevant and contemporary without forsaking its message. Fueled by Ann Nesby’s rousing lead vocal, the song channels the reality that life may not always go the way we want it to. But no matter what comes our way, we must go forward. We cannot give up or give on…”We must hold on to [our goals].” We must go all the way.

Mary Mary – “Go Get It” from Go Get It (2012)

“You were made to live a good life and that’s what I believe/So hit the floor say a prayer start working you got to do something/It’s alright to crawl before you walk it’s alright to walk before you run/But if you wanna get what you never got gotta do something that you never done/Go get it, Go Get it, Go get it, Go get it, Go get it/
Go get yo blessing…”

As soon as I heard “Go Get It” on Mary Mary’s We reality series, I was immediately moved by the urgency of its music, vocals, and message. Without a doubt, it’s one of Mary Mary’s best songs. Produced by longtime producer Warryn Campbell, the song tells us that we can’t achieve anything if we do not go after it. We can’t sit around and wait for our lives to change. If we want something we have to make it happen. Count it on faith, if you play your part—the blessings will follow. Whether you’re a Christian believer or not, the message is undeniable.

Whitney Houston – “Step By Step” from The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
“And this old road is rough and ruined/So many dangers along the way/So many burdens might fall upon me/So many troubles that I have to face/Oh, but I won’t let my spirit fail me/Oh, I won’t let my spirit go/Until I get to my destination/I’m gonna take it slowly cuz I’m making it mine/Step By Step (you know I’m taking it), bit by bit (bit by bit, come move),
stone by stone (yeah), brick by brick (brick by brick by brick by brick mmm…).”

“Step By Step” was the second single released from The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack. The album found Houston returning back to her roots. Primarily a Gospel album, The Preacher’s Wife also contained R&B/Soul and Pop tunes of love and inspiration. “Step By Step” is a funky, uptempo tune written by the iconic Annie Lennox. Musically and vocally stellar, the song encourages us to remain faithful, steadfast, and committed while on our journey. We can’t let anything detract or or get to us. We’ve got to keep moving.

Janet Jackson – “Strong Enough” from The Velvet Rope (1997)
“I know that it’s not been easy/Trying to make it in this crazy world/People ’round you try to stop you/Stomp you saying that you don’t belong/…You must remember that/You were born with blood of kings and queens/And can’t be stopped/Stay stronger my brother you can’t be stopped/No, you can’t be stopped/Don’t ever let nobody tell you you ain’t strong enough/Strong enough, don’t let nobody tell you you ain’t/Strong enough, don’t let nobody tell you…”

“Can’t Be Stopped” is the hidden bonus track on Janet Jackson’s critically-acclaimed, artistic triumph, The Velvet Rope. The song is a lush, uplifting jam featuring Ms. Jackson’s assured, layered vocals, socially conscious lyrics, and a soulful sound reminiscent of Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues.” In this life, we may come up against forces designed to try to keep us complacent, down, and out. If we give in, the negative forces will win. But if we proceed and persist, we will be successful. We will be victorious. We will be unstoppable.

Vesta Williams – “Better Days” from Seven (2013)

“Today it didn’t rain/The sun came out again/The cloudy days seem to be over/It’s like I found a four-leaf clover/And changed misfortunes of mine/Troubles on my heart/Things falling apart/The fight in me was slowly dying/But never did I give up trying/To find my moment to shine/Better days are coming my way/Heaven smiles and I’m still okay/Better times will be yours and mine/And I think it’s going to be just fine…”

“Better Days” is Vesta’s most recent single from her final studio album Seven. The smoothed out groove of the music (straddling the line between R&B/Soul and Contemporary Jazz) and Vesta’s emotive, yet somewhat restrained vocal performance makes this a welcomed addition to any fan’s music collection. Released in the fall of 2012, I was drawn to its message of perseverance and faith through it all. No matter how dark or how long the days get, we must trust and believe that better days are not too far behind. But we must it through the bad days before we can enjoy the fruits of better days.

80’s Albums That Changed My Life (Part 1)

Posted on February 28, 2013 by BuddahDesmond611

There’s something about the music of my childhood that continues to influence, shape, and inspire me. As a child who grew up during the 80s and 90s, I have to admit that the music touched me in ways much deeper than a lot today’s music. Artists seemed to be more motivated by making music that moved them and that meant something. They weren’t so much moved by formulas and record sales. The motivation was their love of music and using their art in innovative ways to share their universal experiences with the world.

For the next few months, I’d like to share some of the albums that changed my life. The first series of posts will focus on albums from the 80s. Maybe some of these albums will be favorites of yours too.

Cherrelle – High Priority (1985)

Cherrelle teamed up again with the legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis on High Priority, the follow-up to her successful debut album Fragile (1984). Their undeniable chemistry, just like with the SOS Band, Janet Jackson, New Edition, Mariah Carey, and Yolanda Adams (to name a few), would generate another bona fide smash in High Priority. Cherrelle gets down on funky tunes like “You Look Good To Me” (#26 R&B) and “Oh No It’s U Again” (#5 Dance), the sexy mid-tempo groove “Will You Satisfy?,” and the infectious, pulsating “Artificial Heart” (#18 R&B/#5 Dance). Other notable tunes include the old-school ballad “Where Do I Run To?” (which Cherrelle co-wrote) and the mega-hit, classic duet with Alexander O’Neal “Saturday Love” (#2 R&B/#26 Pop/#13 Dance). High Priority is memorable not only for its catchy tunes, top-notch production, and Minneapolis-inspired sound, but also because of Cherrelle’s spirited, distinctive performance. Her sassy yet sweet musical persona is one that fans simply couldn’t resist. High Priority is easily one of the best R&B albums of the 80s.

Vesta Williams – Vesta 4 U (1988)

If you didn’t know it when you heard her debut album Vesta (1986), then you knew with Vesta 4 U that Vesta could SANG! Vesta 4 U showcased a powerhouse singer-songwriter who could tackle anything, bluesy numbers like “Best I Ever Had,” funky uptempo tracks like “Here Say” and “How You Feel,” sensual slow jams like “Hunger,” and power ballads like “Running Into Memories” and “Make It With You.” She had the type of voice that made you feel everything she was singing. That’s one of many reasons why she resonated so well with fans, especially on her classic, signature ballads like “Congratulations” and “Sweet Sweet Love.” With its endearing vignettes and interludes, Vesta 4 U also highlighted Vesta’s commendable dramatic and comedic acting chops. She was an all-around entertainer. Vesta 4 U would prove to be one of her most successful albums, with 4 R&B hits “Sweet Sweet Love” (#4 R&B), “Congratulations” (#5 R&B/#55 Pop), “4U” (#9 R&B), and “How You Feel” (#70 R&B). Vesta 4 U is arguably one of the best R&B albums of the 80s and one the best albums of Vesta’s career.

Janet Jackson – Control (1986)

Singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and producer Janet Jackson stepped completely out of her family’s shadow and became one of the most influential (and successful) entertainers in music history with her third studio album Control. A breakthrough personally, musically, and artistically, Control served as a testament of Ms. Jackson’s independence, perseverance amidst personal struggles, pride, and self-actualization. With its ingenious mix of R&B/Soul, funk, hip-hop, pop, and dance music and its innovative use of digital instrumentation, Jackson, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis ushered in “the sound” of contemporary R&B music in the 80s and laid the groundwork for what would become New Jack Swing (and later Hip Hop Soul). A major crossover success, Control went on to sell over five million copies in the States and over 14 million copies worldwide. The album produced several enduring hits, “What Have You Done For Me Lately” (#1 R&B/#4 Pop/#2 Dance), “Nasty” (#1 R&B/#3 Pop/#2 Dance), “When I Think Of You” (#3 R&B/#1 Pop/#1 Dance), “Control” (#1 R&B/#5 Pop/#1 Dance), “Let’s Wait Awhile” (#1 R&B/#2 Pop) and “The Pleasure Principle” (#1 R&B/#14 Pop), and made Jackson the first female artist to chart six top 40 hits from one album on the Billboard 100. Control has been regarded as one of the best albums of all-time.

Michael Jackson – Bad (1987)

Fans and critics alike were waiting anxiously to see how Michael Jackson would follow-up such a monster, game-changing, mega-selling album like Thriller (1982). Well, Jackson didn’t disappoint with Bad, his seventh studio album. Coming with a harder edge in sound, style, and image, Bad was another artistic triumph. Teaming again with the iconic Quincy Jones, Jackson delivered an innovative set of tunes which, like Thriller, effortlessly blended R&B/Soul, rock, funk, and pop. Jackson took even more creative control over the direction of his music, writing nine of the album’s 11 tunes and serving as the album’s co-producer. Sonically and visually, Jackson solidified himself as one of the most extraordinary, creative, and visionary forces in the entertainment industry. Bad produced several hit singles, “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” w/ Siedah Garrett (#1 R&B/#1 Pop) “Bad”(#1 R&B/ #1 Pop/#1 Dance), “The Way You Make Me Feel” (#1 R&B/#1 Pop/#1 Dance), “Dirty Diana” (#8 R&B/#1 Pop), “Man In The Mirror” (#1 Pop), “Another Part Of Me” (#1 R&B/#11 Pop), and “Smooth Criminal” (#2 R&B/#7 Pop/#10 Dance). Jackson became the first artist to garner five No. 1 singles from one album on the Billboard 100. Going on to sell over eight million copies in the States and over 30 millions copies worldwide, Bad has been cast on numerous lists as one of the best albums ever released.

Phyllis Hyman – Living All Alone (1986)

It would be three years between the release of Goddess of Love (1983), Phyllis Hyman’s sixth studio album (and final album for Arista Records), and her seventh studio album Living All Alone (her first release on Philadelphia International Records–PIR). Hyman joined forces with legendary Philly Soul producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff for what many consider one of her finest albums. Full of soulful contemporary R&B and jazz-oriented torch songs, Hyman provides a passionate soundtrack to love, loss, hope, faith, and resilience. While somewhat melancholy and somber in tone, Living All Alone–like much of her music–paints a realistic, relatable picture of life, love, and relationships. You couldn’t turn on urban adult contemporary radio between 1986-1987 without hearing “You Just Don’t Know,” “Ain’t You Had Enough Love” (#29 R&B), and her signature tunes “Old Friend” (#14 R&B), and “Living All Alone” (#12 R&B). Hyman’s vocal performances are stellar and serve as further proof of her status as one of the most revered vocalists and performers of all-time. After 27 years, Living All Alone remains a contemporary R&B/soul mainstay.

Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston (1985)

Whitney Houston’s self-titled debut album was a monumental, global crossover success. It was a success I’m sure, even in 1985-1986, that was uncommon for a black female artist–especially in the early stages of her career. Houston broke barriers and paved the way for many singers, like Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, Deborah Cox, Brandy, Monica, and Melanie Fiona. Whitney Houston was the world’s introduction to “The Voice.” Houston’s voice was rich, sensual, angelic, soulful, melismatic, and powerful. An instrument of such effortless control, wonder, and emotive, interpretive skills, her voice put her in a class all her own. She delighted on uptempo dance tracks like “How Will I Know (#1 R&B/#1 Pop/#3 Dance)” and “Thinking About You” (#10 R&B) sexy, soulful grooves like “You Give Good Love” (#1 R&B/#3 Pop), inspirational tunes like “Greatest Love Of All” (#2 R&B/#1 Pop) and spine-tingling ballads like “All At Once,” and “Saving All My Love For You” (#1 R&B/#1 Pop). Whitney Houston went on to become one of the most successful debut albums by a female artist in history. Spending 14 weeks at No. 1 (Billboard 200) and spawning three consecutive No. 1 singles (Billboard Hot 100) — “Saving All My Love For You,” “How Will I Know,” and “Greatest Love Of All,” Whitney Houston was the first debut album and first album by a female artist to accomplish such a feat. Selling over 13 million copies in the States and over 25 million copies worldwide, Whitney Houston is regarded as one of the best albums of all-time.

Jody Watley – Larger Than Life (1989)

Jody Watley has always been a trendsetter, whether it be in fashion, dance, music, or videos. Never one to rest on her laurels, Watley continuously challenges herself and strives to take her artistic vision and expression to new heights. Larger Than Life, the follow-up to her solo debut album Jody Watley (1987), proved to be no exception. Reuniting with producer Andre Cymone, Watley co-wrote and produced 11 of the album’s 12 tunes. Larger Than Life incorporates a hypnotic blend of R&B/Soul, dance, funk, Latin, pop, and hip-hop music. Watley serves up her A-game with sassy, funky, aggressive (almost industrial-sounding) tracks like “Once You Leave,” “What ‘Cha Gonna Do For Me,” “L.O.V.E.R.” and “Real Love” (#1 R&B/#2 Pop/#1 Dance), New Jack Swing tracks like “Friends” Featuring Eric B. & Rakim (#3 R&B/#9 Pop/#7 Dance), and passionate, sparse ballads like “Everything” (#3 R&B/#4 Pop/#11 AC), “Only You,” and the beautiful, Latin-tinged “Precious Love” (#51 R&B/#87 Pop). Watley’s influential single “Friends” is most notable for being the “first multi-format crossover hit to introduce and pair the custom and specialized 16 bar verse with a rapper and singer in Pop music in 1989” (Jody Watley’s Bio). And Watley’s video for “Real Love,” directed by David Fincher, received seven MTV Music Video Award nominations, making it then one of the most nominated videos in history. Larger Than Life went gold in the States and sold over four million copies worldwide. Larger Than Life is one of Watley’s top albums and is one of the best albums from the late 80s.

Vesta Williams’ Final Album, Seven, Set for March 2013 Release

Posted on November 4, 2012 by BuddahDesmond611

Image courtesy of the Urban Bridgez site.

Good news for all Vesta Williams: Her final album, Seven, will be released in March 2013! According to SoulTracks, Urban Bridgez, and Radio Facts, the official release date for Seven is March 26, 2013 via Stimuli Music/Bronx Bridge Entertainment. Seven, executive produced by Edwin Nicholas, Devon V. Collins and Kahlil I. Pedizisai, features her new single “Better Days.” The single was officially released October 21, 2012 and is available on iTunes and Amazon.

Vesta Williams was a multi-talented singer, songwriter, actress, and comedienne whose solo career spanned over 25 years. Prior to her passing on September 22, 2011, Vesta released six albums. Some of her most popular tunes include “Once Bitten Twice Shy,” “Don’t Blow A Good Thing,” “Sweet Sweet Love,” “Congratulations,” and “Special.”

Troubles on my heart/Things falling apart/The fight in me was slowly dying/But never did I give up trying/To find my moment to shine. ~ Vesta Williams, “Better Days” (2012)

Vesta’s latest single is an inspirational, mid-tempo track that lives comfortably between R&B/Soul and Contemporary Jazz. Vesta’s voice is warm, endearing, passionate, and angelic. She (re)assures us that no matter what we’re going through, everything will get better. Considering the struggles many of us are facing today, these are words we need to hear.

Even though Vesta has passed on, “Better Days” (and the forthcoming album I’m sure) is proof that her legacy will encourage, inspire, and move us forever. (Check “Better Days” out on YouTube.)

Be sure to purchase a copy of Vesta’s “Better Days” today and request it from your local Urban, Urban AC, and Contemporary Jazz radio stations. And don’t forget to pre-order/purchase your copy of Seven as soon as it’s available.

Posted on September 26, 2012 by BuddahDesmond611

Image courtesy of the Karen Vaughan site.

The first time I heard Vesta Williams’ voice I had to be around 4 or 5 years old. It was most likely on the radio one morning while my mother and I were getting ready for work and school. WKYS (93.9) and WHUR (96.3) were the stations of choice then. They played some of the best in classic and contemporary R&B/Soul music. It was during this time, between 1986 and 1989, that I fell in love with Vesta’s music, along with Phyllis Hyman, Miki Howard, Meli’sa Morgan, Regina Belle, Stephanie Mills, and Anita Baker. During this period of R&B/Soul music, real vocalists still reigned supreme. Though, we could see the glimmer of the industry’s future with the rise of videos—where image began to be everything and talent became an after thought. As we know, Vesta (along with the aforementioned powerhouse vocalists) had ample talent. She could sing like nobody’s business. She said you have to be an actress to properly tell the story and convey the emotions of a song. And what an actress Vesta Williams was.

At the age of 4 or 5, I probably couldn’t verbalize or understand it completely but there was something about Vesta’s voice that left me enraptured. It spoke to me. It captivated me…touched me. It was similar to the feeling I get when listening to Chaka Khan (who was one of many artists Vesta sang backup for in her early years). In terms of vocal characteristics, Vesta and Chaka Khan’s voices were similar in terms of timbre, color, phrasing, and agility. Not to mention the fiery, playful, seductive qualities of their voices.

Like the vocal greats before her, Vesta was a song stylist and interpreter. When listening to her music, disbelief was suspended instantaneously. There’s no doubt that she knew and felt what she was singing about. You weren’t alive if you couldn’t feel a Vesta tune, especially the ballads. You felt Vesta’s heartbreak and thought the guy that did her wrong was a creep after hearing “Once Bitten Twice Shy.” Because Vesta seemed like the type of woman who gave everything her all, you’d wonder why any guy would screw up after listening to the funky “Don’t Blow A Good Thing.” You felt the longing and hope in Vesta’s search for love on “Somebody For Me.” When Vesta gets to the chorus of “Congratulations,” your heart sinks just thinking about the notion of the one you truly love getting married to someone else, and the growth it takes to be able to let them go. And if real, true love was embodied in the form of songs, the tender “Sweet Sweet Love” and “Special” would be at the top of the list.

Image courtesy of the Billboard Music site.

If you had the chance to see her perform live (in-person or videotaped), you could understand why other singers would be pissed or scared to perform after her. She owned the stage, giving high-energy yet moving performances. She could dance her ass off too. Her video for the single “Do Ya” is proof of that. Vesta was also a natural comedienne, which added to her charm and magnetic, addictive personality. I have wonderful memories of watching her on The Arsenio Hall Show and BET’s Video Soul (as she was a frequent guest on both), and losing it because she was so funny. Her impersonations of Tina Turner and Chaka Khan (amongst others) were spot-on. She’d also had memorable performances in the Mario Van Peebles film Posse (1993) and a recurring role on the TV sitcom Sister, Sister during the 1998-1999 season. I’d always hoped to see her doing more on TV and in film. Could you imagine if she’d had her own show? It would’ve been sidesplitting. For a time, Vesta was a radio personality and co-hosted a morning radio on KRNB, a Dallas/Fort Worth station. Oh what joy it must’ve been hearing Vesta cut up on the radio in the morning!

Vesta lent her horn-like, four-octave voice to TV theme songs for the ABC miniseries The Women Of Brewster Place and the UPN sitcom Malcolm and Eddie. She also did jingles for a variety of brands such as Nike, Revlon, Diet Coke, and Exxon. One of her infamous spots was a commercial for McDonald’s where she sang with another vocal legend, Al Jarreau. Trading rhythmic vocal lines, scats, back and forth—it was an event. They sang their faces off! The performance was so divine it made you want to go against your constitution and have a Big Mac (or two, or three, or four).

No matter what happened in her career, Vesta never strayed too far away from the music. Between albums or periods when she wasn’t signed to a label, she toured and went back to session singing–guesting on a number artists albums like George Duke, Phil Perry, Howard Hewitt and Najee. Most notably, she appeared on the remix to Norman Brown’s remake of SWV’s “Rain.” The oft-requested tune was an instant favorite amongst fans. The first time I heard the song was while I was on break from college. I remember being pissed because the version of Norman Brown’s album that we had, Celebration (2002), didn’t have the remix with Vesta on it. I rejoiced years later when I found this version of the song for sale on iTunes.

Image courtesy of the TVOne site.

Vesta was fighter. Even when faced with challenges, she never gave up. She dealt with record executives who didn’t know what to do with her (A&M Records) and said they couldn’t promote her because she was too fat. This was typical at a time when executives were putting image over everything (as discussed previously). The label eventually dropped her, but she continued performing and making music. Vesta battled with an addiction to cocaine that she successfully conquered in the 1990s. Not too long after the release of her Everything-N-More album, Vesta lost 100 pounds (which she kept off). She attributed her weight loss to changing her lifestyle (eating healthier and exercising more). Her weight loss also inspired her to become an advocate for juvenile diabetes and childhood obesity.

TVOne gave a fitting tribute to Vesta in January 2012 with an episode of its Unsung series. It was one of the last projects she worked on before her passing. I can’t believe that as of September 22, 2012, it’s been a year since her death. I, like many others, miss her presence dearly. Though she’s no longer with us, there’s joy in knowing her beautiful spirit and musical legacy will continue to enrich our lives and the lives of those who come after us. Vesta’s final album, Seven, was scheduled to be released in May 2012 via Bronx Bridge Entertainment. Though there’s been no updated information, there’s still hope that Seven will see the light of day in late 2012/early 2013. I’ll be one of the many fans looking forward to its release. I’m sure it will be another soulful chapter in Vesta’s storied career.

Vesta was a multi-talented, multifaceted woman. She exuded confidence and a belief in her herself and her talent that was inspiring. There will never another like her.

Vesta—the dynamic diva who gave her all—may your soul rest in peace.

Vesta releases: Vesta (1986), Vesta 4 U (1988), Special (1991), Everything-N-More (1993), Relationships (1998), and Distant Lover (2007).

Buddah Desmond

Author of Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics

Category Archives: Vesta Williams

Five Inspirational Jams that Lift Me Up

80’s Albums That Changed My Life (Part 1)

Vesta Williams’ Final Album, Seven, Set for March 2013 Release

Running Into Memories: A Tribute to Vesta Williams (1957-2011)