08/20/2008
Remembering Pervis Jackson, original member of The Spinners
The soundtrack to the 70’s would have been a little dimmer, a little quieter, and a lot less fun if not for The Spinners. The Foundation extends its deepest sympathy to the friends and family of Pervis Jackson, a member of the Spinners throughout the decades.
One of the founding members of the group, he was the solid, soulful bass that provided a foundation for the early hits “I’ll Always Love You” and “It’s A Shame” while the group was part of the Motown family. In 1972, The Spinners moved to Atlantic Records, and released the album that made them international stars. “I’ll Be Around”, “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” and "One of a Kind (Love Affair)” all were on their label debut, all held down by the smooth lines of Pervis Jackson. Later, on the hit single “Games People Play”, Pervis got his starring role with the simple lines “12:45” and “I took my time”, and they became his signature for years in live performances.
Mr. Jackson is survived by his wife, Claudreen, four children, and eight grandchildren. But his music, and his memory, live on…
08/15/2008
The Rhythm & Blues Foundation shares the sadness of family, friends, and fans in the passing of Jerry Wexler
Gerald "Jerry" Wexler (January 10, 1917 – August 15, 2008) was a music journalist turned music producer, and was regarded as one of the major record industry players behind music from the 1950s through the 1980s. He coined the term "rhythm and blues", and was integral in signing and/or producing many of the biggest acts of the last 50 years, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin, Wilson Pickett, Dusty Springfield and Bob Dylan. Wexler was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
During his time as an editor, reporter, and writer for Billboard Magazine, Wexler coined the term "rhythm and blues." He became a partner in Atlantic Records in 1953. There followed classic recordings with Ray Charles, the Drifters and Ruth Brown. With Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegün, he built up Atlantic Records into a major force. In 1967 he was named Record Executive of the Year for turning Aretha Franklin's career around.
He also cultivated a tight relationship with Stax Records, was an enormous proponent of the then-developing Muscle Shoals Sound and founded the fortunes of Muscle Shoals Sound Studios and the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. His work in this decade put Atlantic at the forefront of soul music. (From Wikipedia.com)
The Foundation honors his memory, and mourns with you in his passing.
08/11/2008
The Rhythm & Blues Foundation shares the sadness of family, friends, and fans in the passing of Isaac Hayes
If you only knew Isaac Hayes as a radio personality, and the voice of “Chef” in “South Park”, you didn’t know half of the talent and history that was lost yesterday when he passed, too young, at the age of 65. A talented musician and composer, Isaac Hayes was an accomplished hitmaker even before he won multiple Grammies and an Oscar for his seminal soundtrack to “Shaft” in 1972. He had already teamed with co-writer David Porter to write songs that stand today among the greatest to come from the era, among them “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’”. And, as a solo artist, he had already become a major success with his LP, “Hot Buttered Soul”, which featured an 18-minute version of Jimmy Webb’s “By The Time I Get to Phoenix” that became known for Isaac’s extended “rap”. “Phoenix” became a late-night staple of the free-form FM radio that had become popular in the late 60’s, and this underground hit launched a solo career that would span 40 years.
Truly a Pioneer, Isaac Hayes was honored as such by the Foundation in 1999. We, along with all of you, honor his memory and mourn his passing.
08/11/2008
MEDIA ONLY: 2008 Pioneer Awards
08/01/2008
This Month in R&B History
Given that it may be the quintessential “summer song” it’s hard to imagine that “Dancing In the Streets” didn’t conquer the airwaves until August. But in the Summer of ’64 when Martha and the Vandellas asked us if we were ready for a brand new beat, the response was overwhelming...
06/21/2008
2008 PIONEER AWARDS TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!
Join the Rhythm & Blues Foundation on Tuesday, September 9th for Philadelphia’s most soulful celebration. The 2008 Pioneer Awards will be an unprecedented gathering of R&B royalty as the Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary. Dionne Warwick, Bonnie Raitt and Jerry Butler will host the evening as legends Chaka Khan, Bill Withers, Teena Marie, Donny Hathaway, Kool and the Gang, the Whispers and others are honored.
General tickets are $55-$85 and available through the Kimmel Center Box Office. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click the link "BUY TICKETS NOW" below or contact the Kimmel Center Box Office at 215.893.1999.
Gala ticket packages are available for $175, $250 and $500. Please click the "2008 Pioneer Awards Information" link for gala ticket descriptions and options. We hope to see you in September!
YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS EVENT!
06/03/2008
The Rhythm & Blues Foundation shares the sadness of family, friends, and fans in the passing of Bo Diddley
R&B legend Bo Diddley left us yesterday, June 2, 2008 at the age of 79. A true innovator, he was the creator of a rhythm and a sound that inspired the development of generations of musicians. Honored by NARAS with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Bo Diddley was also a R&B Foundation Pioneer Award recipient, honored in 1996.
His work inspired the entire spectrum of rhythm-based music, and his early fans included The Beatles and The Rolling Stones; his signature groove remained the backbeat of hundreds of hit recordings, used by artists ranging in styles and eras from Buddy Holly to George Michael. And none of us may live long enough to see his influence diminish, so strongly is his imprint woven into the fabric of the music.
The Foundation honors his memory, and mourns in his passing.
04/23/2008
In the beginning...
…there was The Groove. It came up from the earth, and from the heart, and in the souls and the voices and the rhythm and the blues. And it was good.
And there was Ruth Brown, and there was Solomon Burke. And there was Jackie Wilson and there was Otis Redding and there was Laverne Baker and there was Ben E. King. And it was very good. And there was Aretha Franklin and there was James Brown and there was Little Richard. And it was BAD… in a good way. And the people danced and forgot their troubles, thanks to The Groove and the artists that brought it to life...
03/19/2008
R&B Foundation newsletter
03/03/2008
R&B Foundation receives generous donation from the Argus Fund!
Thanks to the efforts of Board Member Judy Tint, the R&B Foundation received a generous $100,000 donation from The Argus Fund! The funds will be used to support the foundation’s operations, replenish the Doc Pomus Fund and renew Performance Grant opportunities.
