THE SOUL OF SOUND

Music transcends.

Music heals.

Music is expression.

Music is happiness.

Music brings people together.

I was one of those folks at 6:30am on Saturday waiting on BTS Comeback Live on Netflix. Just when I was thinking about letting go of my Netflix subscription. Similar to how I only kept STARZ to watch POWER when a season was running. Anyway, BTS was away due to military service and though we were able to see some solo projects which were amazing, there is nothing like the guys coming back together.  I love what they create in Korean, Japanese and English. I like the fact that they are diverse and they do not perform just one genre of music. They are writers, producers, musicians, poets, dancers, and true stage performers. They have other interests and skills that blend into their work and what they deliver. So, that made my day, as I still battled the flu and a respiratory infection. At least for an hour or so, I was relieved from my illness.

Now, I am and will ALWAYS BE a diehard New Edition fan. My first concert was New Edition when I was around 13 or 14 years old. One of the best days of my teenage life. Even though days before something happened that almost derailed me from going to the concert but knowing that I was going to see New Edition helped me get through an extremely negative time in my life. I had every album. I still have the wax packed away. I had every cassette tape. Of course, their songs are on more than one Spotify playlist. That includes their individual work. And yes, even at 54, I still remember many of the dance steps. One of the things me and one of my favorite cousins liked to do was dance and learn those steps.

Unfortunately, I missed their recent concert in Cleveland. I still feel distraught about it but hopefully, I will be able to see them in concert again.

When my son was young and appreciated doing things with me like going to see the Cleveland Indians and going to concerts, we went to see B2K twice. I could not get him to go a third time. He was young but older and felt like it was more for females. LOL  Full circle as a man, he appreciates them again and see them as fellow men doing their thing since their return tour. I am glad they are back and performing together again. Hopefully, they will drop a new album.

I love Mint Condition. A true band. I have seen them up close and personal about three times. My son went with me one time and it was amazing to listen to them play and hear the voice of Stokely. There are very few real bands today.

Prince. What can I say? I was fortunate to see Prince a few times. In a large venue and in a more intimate setting. I have no words. Ahead of his time. A genius. He is missed.

I saw Patty Labelle and O’Jays back in the day at the Front Row. Do you remember the Front Row, with the turning stage and no matter where you sat, you would have an awesome view. I went to many concerts there. Priceless.

So, what else is on my playlist…

Lauren Hill, Motown artists, the Temptations, classical music, DeBarge, Earth Wind and Fire, Cardi B, Bruno Mars, The Bee Gees, Al Green, Simply Red, SisQo, Jodeci, Usher, The Dells, 50, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Troop, Christina Aguillera, Whitney Houston, Baby Face, Shai, Chris Bender, Micheal Anthony, Dru Hill, TuPac, Soul of Afrika, Teddy Swims, Silk, Az Yet, TI, Chris Brown,  Carrie Underwood, Eminem, Yelawolf, Snoop, Chicago and so many more. Whatever sounds good to me.

Music is so impactful. It gets many of us through the challenging times and it is also there to help you celebrate the wonderful times. I cannot imagine a world without music.

So, what are you listening to?