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David Nathan

David Nathan

Since arriving in the U.S. in the mid-'70s, David Nathan has established himself as one of the premier music journalists and historians working in the area of black music and culture. The author of the 1999 Billboard book, "The Soulful Divas," the London-born soul man comments that, with his latest venture, "I've stepped up my game!" The renowned R&B expert and award-winning writer – known throughout the music industry and beyond as 'The British Ambassador of Soul' – is referring to the natural evolution of his career from journalist, liner notes writer, reissue producer, media coach, broadcaster and website owner (www.soulmusic.com) to singer, songwriter and now, record producer.


In addition to his two independently-released CDs (2003's Reinvention and the 2007 set, Wistful Elegance, released under the name "Pharaoh's Dream"), Nathan is the co-producer with musical partner Preston Glass of the 2009 Time Life album, Songs 4 Worship-Soul, which features new recordings by such artists as Teddy Pendergrass, Deniece Williams, Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle, Jody Watley, Freddie Jackson, Melba Moore, Evelyn 'Champagne' King and others – many of whom he has known since the start of their own recording careers. "I'm elated to be working in the studio with so many of these great artists," says Nathan "Music is my first love, my lifeblood, my enduring passion. For years, I've been involved with writing about the artists, expressing my appreciation for their incredible and soulful talent. To be a part of creating music with them is the ultimate reward for me."


David's introduction to the music of black America came when he bought albums by The Beatles that mentioned original R&B versions of songs they had recorded. "I remember reading the names of artists like The Miracles, The Shirelles and The Cookies on the back of their LPs and being totally fascinated," says David. "But it was Dionne Warwick whose music I first bought when the song 'Walk On By' came out. After that it was Martha & The Vandellas' 'Heatwave', then Gladys Knight & The Pips, Irma Thomas and then I saw Mary Wells opening for The Beatles at the theater next door to where we lived in London...and I was hooked."


David formed the first British fan club for the great jazz and soul diva Nina Simone ("we called it an appreciation society because Nina was too grand for a mere 'fan club'!") and remembers his first writing assignment for the magazine Rhythm & Soul USA as a feature on Dionne's sister, the late Dee Dee Warwick. Still in his teens, he co-founded Soul City, the very first British record store which sold exclusively the music of black America and later became a combination A&R and publicist for the company's record label.


In 1970, David joined the staff of Contempo International, a multi-faceted enterprise that owned Blues & Soul magazine, ran a mail order for U,S. imports, had its own booking agency and record label. David wore a number of hats for the company ("one minute I was ordering product, next writing a press release!") but his primary interest was in contributing to the magazine which can now claim to be the longest running publication devoted to black music in the world. "I loved writing about some of my all-time favorites," he says, "and I'm proud to say that my first cover story was on Aretha Franklin."


It was his passion for writing that led David to relocate to New York in 1975. "I came over in November of 1974 for a vacation and did interviews with the group Labelle and Ashford & Simpson. I saw Aretha and Blue Magic at Radio City Music Hall and I knew I had to return..." As the main correspondent for Blues & Soul (to which he still contributes), David not only established a presence for the magazine within the U.S. music industry: he conducted literally hundreds of interviews with all the major black entertainers including Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Quincy Jones, Earth, Wind & Fire, Chaka Khan, Al Green, George Clinton, Smokey Robinson, Curtis Mayfield and Luther Vandross.


In 1984, he relocated to Los Angeles, authoring his first book, an illustrated biography on Lionel Richie which was published by McGraw-Hill in the U.S, and Virgin Books in the U.K. David launched his career as a free-lance music journalist in 1985 and his work has appeared in a number of key publications including U.S.A. Today, and Tower Records' Pulse!. Articles on such international stars as Janet Jackson, Sade, Bobby Brown, Anita Baker and Whitney Houston were published throughout the world by the News America/Times Of London Syndicate. In 1987, David began an ongoing association with Billboard magazine, contributing feature articles in a regular basis. From 1987-89, he also wrote for a variety of other trade publications including Black Radio Exclusive and The R&B Report.


Using his body of knowledge as a writer and columnist, David began accepting assignments from various record companies – including Rhino, MCA and Motown – for liner notes for key reissue projects. To date, he has penned notes for well over 100 reissue packages including box sets on Curtis Mayfield, Aretha Franklin and Earth, Wind & Fire. In 1994, David started working as a compilation producer on various reissue projects for his own Ichiban Soul Classics series, MCA and Capitol Records' The Right Stuff label and to date, his impressive list of credits includes over 100 albums on artists such as Lenny Williams, D.J. Rogers, Stephanie Mills, Mary Wells, Cissy Houston, Bobby Womack, The Dramatics, Phyllis Hyman, and Jody Watley.


At the beginning of the '90s, utilizing his background as a music journalist, David was a pioneer in the field by launching his own media and interview coaching service. His clients have included platinum-selling artists such as Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, Toni Braxton, Deborah Cox, Shanice Wilson and Tony Rich.


He has continued his work as a reissue producer and liner notes writer for a variety of companies including Rhino, Motown and RCA and in 1998, David compiled a five-volume series for MCA's Hip-O label entitled The Soulful Divas, featuring a total of 57 female recording artists spanning the spectrum from Diana Ross to Nina Simone. The series also lends its name to David's 1999 book, published by Billboard Books, an imprint of Watson-Guptill. Quotes from the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Ashford & Simpson and fellow author Nelson George are a testament to the book's validity as a first-of-its-kind collection of portraits on such legendary women as Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Nina Simone, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Millie Jackson, Anita Baker, Phyllis Hyman, Roberta Flack, Doris Troy, Esther Phillips and Natalie Cole. A special chapter entitled "The Young Divas" profiles Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson and Toni Braxton.


"I could never have imagined when I was growing up in London that I would one day write a book about many of the women who inspired me as a teenager," says the upbeat author. "As I completed The Soulful Divas I had a chance to reflect on how amazing my life has been. Even though I didn't exactly plan it, I am truly grateful that my passion for R&B has actually become my livelihood. It's true to say that the music of the divas profiled in my book as well as that of the many artists I have interviewed over the years really has formed the tapestry for my life..."


David says that sharing anecdotes about his favorite female artists "was a whole lot of fun! Until I started writing, I forgot about some of the interactions we had over the years. I am excited that readers will get an insight into who these women are behind the scenes and learn more about some of the common struggles they all face as African-American female artists in what is essentially a white, male-dominated industry." With vivid retrospectives on each woman's career, David brings a touch of natural wit and humor to the book which contains his accounts of eating home-made peach cobbler prepared especially for him by Aretha Franklin, a ride home with Janet Jackson, Christmas shopping with Anita Baker, boogey-ing with Patti LaBelle onstage and dancing with Whitney Houston at a London disco!


In 1999, David launched his own website (www.soulmusic.com) which included a free bi-monthly newsletter and a number of rare CDs of R&B reissues available only in Japan and Europe. In early 2007, with business partner Michael Lewis, he launched www.soulmusicstore.com as the e-commerce component of www.soulmusic.com which now features a number of David's classic archived interviews from the '70s and '80s.


In 2004, Sanctuary Books (UK) published, Nina Simone: Break Down & Let It All Out, a book he co-authored with his sister, Dr. Sylvia Hampton and of his work as a reissue producer, journalist, author and now soul music e-tailer, he says: "The men and women who have created the R&B and soul music that's been a part of my life for so long have at times inspired me, brought me solace, got me up on the dance floor and provided the perfect backdrop for more than a moment of romance!" he smiles. "I'm just very happy that through my work, I've had a chance to share my love for the music and its makers."


With the release of his Nefer Music CD Reinvention, David stepped out front: encouraged by musical friends such as Bonnie Raitt and Doris 'Just One Look' Troy to pursue his musical dream and recall great coaching he received from the likes of Roberta Flack, David launched his musical career in earnest in 2003 after doing occasional performances in and around Los Angeles: "The music on the album is like a throwback to another era. When people listen they hear shades of Nina Simone, Esther Phillips, even Billie Holiday. People may be surprised by what they hear on the CD but despite my very sincere and genuine love of R&B music, most of the songs I chose fall into the general realm of jazz/pop standards," says Nathan, whose performing credits include appearances at local Los Angeles clubs as a soloist and on shows with such luminaries as Freda Payne and Jody Watley.


David has also sung with various choirs, sharing the stage with Natalie Cole and participating on recording sessions with Nancy Wilson and the late Peter Allen among others. Reinvention is dedicated to Nina Simone and includes a number of jazz and pop standards along with R&B chestnuts, 'Runnin' Out Of Fools' and the Donny Hathaway classic, 'Tryin' Times'. His 2007 follow-up CD, Wistful Elegance (with covers of tunes such as 'Wild Is The Wind', 'The Makings Of You' and 'When The World Turns Blue' and the quiet storm original 'Who Stole The Moon') featured special guests Kenny Lattimore, Will Downing, Najee, Peggi Blu and Thelma Jones and boasted liner notes by the incomparable Roberta Flack.


David was the first recipient of the Journalist's Award from The International Association of African-American Music. He has been an active member and former L.A. Chapter Governor for The Recording Academy and he is currently serving as Secretary for The Rhythm & Blues Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to preserving the legacy of this vital art from and supporting its constituents through a series of programs providing financial assistance. A graduate of the Landmark Forum and Curriculum for Living, David's personal interests include metaphysics and he has extensively studied the 18th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt.


Nathan returned to living in London in March 2009 and intends to continue his work as a music historian, author and broadcaster (with his own weekly show on Solar Radio, aptly titled Dedicated To Soul), expanding his work as a record producer, singer, songwriter and performer. Future plans include further expansion of www.soulmusic.com (ranked No. 1 for soul music at Google and Yahoo!) and pursuing media opportunities in both radio and television as well as having his first book of soulful poetry published and completing his first semi-autobiograhical novel (Soul-acious: The Confessions Of A White Soul Man); venturing into songwriting for other artists and working on new music.


Contact: david@soulmusic.com

David Nathan online

The Soul Music Store

soulmusic.com

412 articles

List of articles in the library

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Aretha Franklin: Aretha's Artistry

Profile by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, May 1968

THE YOUNG lady who has probably had more effect on the r&b scene in the U.S.A. than anyone else during the past year, who has ...

Aretha Franklin: Lady Soul in London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, May 1968

FRIDAY, MAY 10th, marked the long overdue arrival in Britain of America's first Lady of Soul, the remarkable Miss Aretha Franklin: an event which soul ...

Blue Mink, Booker T & The MGs, Jimmy Ruffin: Booker T And The MGs/Blue Mink/Jimmy Ruffin: Hammersmith Odeon, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, March 1970

THE HAMMERSMITH Odeon has been the scene of great jubilation and triumph for many top r&b/soul artists in the last few years and soul fans ...

Aretha Franklin: Our Queen

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 14 August 1970

THE ARRIVAL in Britain of the Queen of Soul was, naturally, a Red Letter day in the 1970 Soul calendar. After all, this was only ...

Sly & The Family Stone: Lyceum Ballroom, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 October 1970

THE APPEARANCE in London of the much-heralded exponents and instigators of psychedelic soul – only their second ever British date; the first being at the ...

Esther Marrow, The Voices of East Harlem: The Voices Of East Harlem/Estha Marrow: Royal Albert Hall, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 23 October 1970

The Voices That Raised The Roof ...

Garnet Mimms: Reflections On Garnet Mimms

Overview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 December 1970

NEW YORK SOUL '64 TO '67 ...

The Edwin Hawkins Singers/Blue Mink: Royal Albert Hall, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 18 December 1970

IN PRACTICALLY every biography written about today's soul singers, mention is made of how he or she began singing in church; so much so that ...

Nina Simone: Nine Simone: Super Star For 1971

Report by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 January 1971

AS HAS been noted by her many fans and soul people generally, there has been a marked silence from the High Priestess of Soul for ...

James Brown: Royal Albert Hall, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 March 1971

IF ARETHA is the Queen of Soul and Otis was the King of Soul, James Brown must qualify as the Super-King of Funk! On the ...

The Raelets: The Stars Behind The Stars: The Raelets

Profile by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 April 1971

THE ART of vocal back up work – the vocal accompaniment which so often complements and assists the names out front to obtain the exact ...

The Sweet Inspirations: The Sweet Soul Of The Sweet Inspirations

Profile by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 April 1971

IN THE first part of this short series, we covered the role of The Raelets. In this article, the work of the most important group ...

Ike & Tina Turner: The Stars Behind The Stars: Part Three — The Ikettes and Others!

Overview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 14 May 1971

IN THE last part of this series about vocal back-up girls, we'll deal with the numerous ladies who don't belong to any particular group plus ...

Curtis Mayfield: The Speakeasy, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 July 1971

THE ALL-too-brief, spur-of-the-moment appearance of Curtis Mayfield at London's Speakeasy club must surely rank as a historic event in the history of soul music in ...

Dionne Warwicke: Is She The Same Girl?

Comment by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 August 1971

THE RELEASE of four Dionne Warwicke albums by Decca – Soulful, Motion Picture Hits, Promises Promises and Very Dionne has sparked off some renewed interest ...

Tami Lynn: Tam Lynn: Love Is Here And Now You're Gone (Cotillion)

Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 August 1971

IT IS very difficult to analyse a debut album from any artist, since an artist's potential is often judged on their first album as opposed ...

The Jackson 5, Diana Ross: Diana Ross: Diana! (BBC 2)

Film/DVD/TV Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 October 1971

MOTOWN'S MUCH-heralded first independent production centred on Diana Ross, proved to be all it was cracked out to be – and more! Screened on B.B.C. ...

Valerie Simpson: Underexposed

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 November 1971

WITHOUT DOUBT, Valerie Simpson is one of the most important talents to emerge this year. Her debut album, Exposed made some considerable impression on both ...

B.B. King: King O' The Blues

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 December 1971

PERHAPS MORE than any other single entertainer, B.B. King has contributed a good deal to "opening the doors" for the blues and for making it ...

The Supremes: Soulfully Supreme

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 December 1971

2008 introduction: The Supremes were in the UK for their first post-Diana Ross tour with Jean Terrell as the group's new lead singer and Motown ...

The Four Tops, The Supremes: The Magnificent Seven Live: The Supremes and the Four Tops live at the Royal Albert Hall, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 17 December 1971

DUE TO lack of publicity, the International Children's Aid Charity concert on Tuesday November 30 at the Royal Albert Hall was not as well attended ...

Doris Troy, The Roy Young Band: Doris Troy, Roy Young Band: Rainbow Theatre, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 January 1972

Mother Soul at the Rainbow ...

Billy Preston: Working The Way God Planned It!

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 February 1972

BILLY PRESTON has been here all the time, yet he's only just arrived; and after many years of building his way up the bumpy road ...

Bloodstone, Curtis Mayfield: Curtis Mayfield, Bloodstone: Rainbow Theatre, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 February 1972

CONFUSION OVER the starting time of the first Curtis Mayfield performance at a British theatre did not auger well for the evening and the additional ...

Stevie Wonder: A Little Too Far Out?

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 February 1972

ALL IN ALL, 1971 was not a big year for Stevie Wonder in this country, and his appearances in the chart were, in fact, few ...

Esther Phillips: Twenty-Five Years A Star

Profile by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 14 July 1972

A MORE apt title could surely not have been found for the initial Kudu set by Miss Esther Phillips. From A Whisper To A Scream ...

Esther Phillips, Part Two

Profile by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 July 1972

IN LATE 1965, came the American release of her second Atlantic album, simply called Esther, with arrangements by veterans Oliver Nelson and Ray Ellis as ...

Aretha Franklin: Amazing Grace (Atlantic)

Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 September 1972

WHEN I WAS first privileged to hear some of Aretha Franklin's Amazing Grace album when John Abbey brought back from the States several cassettes'-worth of ...

Barbara Lynn

Profile by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 September 1972

BARBARA LYNN is probably best known for her composition of 'You'll Lose A Good Thing', which she recorded herself in 1962 and gained a Gold ...

Doris Troy: Soul/Gospel on T.V.

Film/DVD/TV Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 September 1972

ONE COULD quite justifiably be forgiven for assuming that the week of the recent Bank Holiday was television's 'National Doris Troy Week' for the lady ...

Jackie Wilson: The Rainbow Theatre, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 October 1972

THERE ARE very few performers whose career can span a good fifteen years and continue to be chart names and still draw crowds, particularly in ...

The Marvels, Jackie Wilson: Jackie Wilson, The Marvels, Black Faith: Rainbow Theatre, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Disc, 14 October 1972

CURRENTLY riding the national charts with 'I Get The Sweetest Feeling', Jackie Wilson is something of a veteran of the music scene having enjoyed hits ...

Junior Walker & the All Stars: Junior Walker: Still as popular as ever

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 November 1972

CURRENTLY enjoying very considerable success with his very cleverly put together maxi-single of 'Walk In The Night', 'Right On Brothers And Sisters' and 'Gotta Hold ...

Ray Charles

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 November 1972

TO QUOTE the title of one of his famous Atlantic recordings, a virtually guaranteed event is the annual visit of the Ray Charles revue with ...

The Stylistics: The Sound Of Sweet Soul

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 November 1972

PERHAPS ONE of the most significant 'happenings' this year has been the much-deserved chart success of the sweet-soul-sounding Stylistics who have undoubtedly been hailed as ...

Gladys Knight: Soul Perfection In Person

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 17 November 1972

IT'S A VERY rare treat to meet an artist whose work you admire and whose in-person appearances you find exciting and who on top of ...

Ike & Tina Turner: The Ike and Tina Turner Revue, Fanny: Empire Pool, Wembley, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 17 November 1972

SEXY OR SEXLESS? ...

Bill Withers, Fontella Bass: Bill Withers/Fontella Bass: Hammersmith Odeon, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 December 1972

IN THESE days when it's applied with alarming frequency to practically every new talent that emerges, the word "genius" as with so many other superlatives ...

The Jackson 5, The Sisters Love, Junior Walker & the All Stars: The Jackson 5, Junior Walker, The Sisters Love: Empire Pool, Wembley

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 December 1972

THE FIRST ever visit of Motown's Jackson Five is something which numerous people won't forget in a hurry: the staff at the hotels that the ...

Esther Phillips

Review and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 December 1972

IT'S ALWAYS a very gratifying and rewarding experience to see an artist in whom you have particular faith and in who you strongly believe, finally ...

Martha Reeves & The Vandellas: Martha Reeves: A Lady With A Big Future

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, February 1973

IT WOULD surely be true to say that every fan must have one or two records that they will always treasure – the special one ...

Stevie Wonder: Man Of Today And Tomorrow

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 February 1973

ONE OF THE most rewarding and exciting aspects of taking any serious interest in any field of music is observing the artistic development and progress ...

Eddie Kendricks: Holding On

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 March 1973

2008 intro: Eddie Kendricks had enjoyed critical acclaim with his groundbreaking 1972 People, Hold On album. The former Temptation had to experience a commercial mainstream ...

Arthur Conley, The Supremes: The Supremes, Arthur Conley: Kilburn State, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 March 1973

AWARE OF all the 'changes' that have been going on with the Supremes of late, it was natural to hope that some of the new, ...

Johnny Nash

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 April 1973

"REALLY WEIRD" is how Johnny Nash describes the acceptance and success he's recently received in the States via his major CBS hit 'I Can See ...

Billie Holiday, Diana Ross: Diana Ross: The Lady Is A Winner

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 April 1973

NO ONE is more aware than the lady herself of the totally negative attitude prevalent amongst quite a large number of people when it was ...

Al Green, Margie Joseph, Oscar Toney jr.: Rainbow Theatre, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 June 1973

Al Green is a Killer! ...

Esther Phillips: Ronnie Scott's Club, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 June 1973

NO MATTER which aspect of the music appeals to you everyone has one or two artists who they hold up with great reverence against the ...

Donny Hathaway: Reassessing His Musical Life

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 14 September 1973

2008 intro: Donny Hathaway was in London on vacation after completing work on a new album, Extensions Of A Man and took a brief time ...

Diana Ross: Talking With Diana Ross

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 September 1973

PRE-CONCEIVED notions are always hard to forget and when one has been continually conditioned to a particular notion, time makes it that much harder to ...

Bert Berns, Aretha Franklin, Erma Franklin, Jerry Ragovoy: Erma Franklin: If It Wasn't For Bad Luck...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 October 1973

SOME GUYS (so the latest Persuaders' single on Atlantic would have you believe) have all the luck and that goes for the gals too. In ...

Dionne Warwicke: Just Being Herself

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 December 1973

THAT CERTAIN entertainers decline or prefer not to give interviews is an incomprehensible fact that frequently puzzles both journalists and the public. ...

Aretha Franklin: Aretha: Supersoulstar

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 December 1973

2008 introduction: Aretha Franklin had just enjoyed major success with the Stevie Wonder composition 'Until You Come Back To Me'. She was in contract re-negotiations ...

Ashford & Simpson: Really Somethin' Else!

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 December 1973

OVER THE last five years, the emergence of producers-turned performers has been a phenomenon which brought into the limelight some of the finest creative forces ...

Stevie Wonder: Rainbow Theatre, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 February 1974

IT'S BEEN said before but it's got to be said again: Stevie Wonder is, firstly, one of the most creative talents in the musical world ...

Linda Lewis, The Staple Singers: The Staple Singers/Linda Lewis: Royal Festival Hall, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 February 1974

IF ANYONE ever asked for a definition of soul, the best advice you could give them would be to go to a concert by the ...

The Supremes

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 26 February 1974

PERHAPS MORE than any other female group around today, The Supremes have undergone what seem like almost regular personnel changes and to my mind, it's ...

Love Unlimited, Barry White: Barry White, Love Unlimited: Rainbow Theatre, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 March 1974

Triumph at the Rainbow ...

Gloria Jones: Sharing Her Soul

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 March 1974

HOW MANY times, I wonder, do we hear that old worn out cliché from visiting Americans about how much they dig this country and how ...

New York City: Playboy Club, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 March 1974

SOMETIMES THE atmosphere or the vibes, whatever you want to call it, can have a profound effect on the performance of entertainers and if you're ...

The Real Thing: Gulliver's, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 March 1974

MAKING ONE of their rare appearances in London, Liverpool's Real Thing put on an entertaining performance which demonstrated their vocal capabilities but did not show, ...

Doris Troy: Stretchin' Out and Gettin' Ahead

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 April 1974

AS WE promised in the last 'TALA', we're gonna be checking out a few of the American artists who have decided to make their home ...

Ann Peebles: Hangin' On To Success

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 May 1974

ALL OF a sudden, it seems like the whole world is talking about the talents of a magnificently soulful young woman and she puts it ...

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Edwin Starr, Junior Walker & the All Stars, War: Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes: Hammersmith Odeon; War: Rainbow Theatre; Jr Walker, Edwin Starr: Rainbow Theatre, all London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 May 1974

The thrill is gone ...

Millie Jackson: Sayin' What Comes Naturally

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 May 1974

IF THERE is truly any justice, 1974 will see the final emergence of the magnificent Mille Jackson right at the top of her field, where ...

Jimmy James & The Vagabonds, The Stylistics: The Stylistics, Jimmy James & the Vagabonds: Hammersmith Odeon, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 May 1974

AS PART of their first major tour of the UK. Avco's Stylistics performed at the Odeon, Hammersmith on Saturday May 4th to a pretty full ...

Oscar Brown Jr.: Man With A Message

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 July 1974

HIT RECORDS are funny things. An artist can go in the studio, work for hours, use the best musicians, spend lots of money and think ...

Rufus & Chaka Khan: Tellin' Something Good

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 August 1974

2008 introduction: The group Rufus had released its first album on ABC in 1973; by the following year, the Chicago-based team was on its second ...

Viola Wills: Struggling For The Truth

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 August 1974

IT CAME as something of a surprise to the lady to learn that her name was already familiar to a hard core following of fans ...

Syreeta: Spinnin' To The Top

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 September 1974

LIVING IN the footsteps is a problem which daunts performers from time to time when they come from a successful musical family – we all ...

Doris Duke: The Other Woman

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 September 1974

THERE ARE but a handful of names that seem to have an almost magical effect on soul folk everywhere. For some, the name is held ...

LaBelle: Tomorrow's Brightest Stars

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, October 1974

2008 introduction: In person interview conducted by David Nathan in the kitchen of Vicki Wickham's apartment in midtown Manhattan. Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx and Sarah ...

Lorraine Ellison: Heart And Soul

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 October 1974

David Nathan talks to the 'Stay With Me' lady, who's set to unleash her talents and become much more than just a singers' singer ...

Ann Peebles: Sweet and Soulful

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 October 1974

David Nathan reports on Ann Peebles' London gigs and talks shop with the delectable lady. ...

Blue Magic, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and the Pips: Aretha Franklin, Blue Magic: Radio City Music Hall; Gladys Knight & the Pips: Empire Room, Waldorf Astoria, New York NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 November 1974

The first ladies of Soul: Aretha and Gladys ...

The Dells, The Main Ingredient: The Dells, Main Ingredient: The Latin Casino, Cherry Hill, New Jersey

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 November 1974

THE LATIN Casino in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, is a fairly plush affair — in some ways like a larger version of London's Talk Of ...

Gloria Gaynor: Her 'Hello' Is Her Goodbye

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 December 1974

2008 introduction: After having some club success with 'Honeybee', Gloria Gaynor was just beginning to get her career in gear when David met her in ...

Labelle: Tomorrow's Brightest Stars ★ ★ ★ ★

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 January 1975

ONCE UPON a time, just about fourteen years ago, four foxy young ladies met up and decided to embark on the path that proverbially leads ...

Ashford & Simpson: Ashford and Simpson: Writin' On

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 February 1975

IT'S PRETTY hard to believe that the young, unassuming couple seated comfortably in their smart New York apartment-and-office are the masterminds behind a whole string ...

Cymande, Kool and the Gang, Oscar Toney Jr: Kool & The Gang, Oscar Toney Jr., Cymande: Rainbow Theatre, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 18 February 1975

THEY USED to say that the day that funky music would grab any kind of attention on this side of the Atlantic would be as ...

Syl Johnson: Truth Teller

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 18 February 1975

ALMOST INEVITABLY, the one line of questioning that any interviewer takes with Syl Johnson involves Al Green, Willie Mitchell and Hi Records. Which is understandable ...

Dionne Warwicke: Right Back On Top

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 March 1975

ASIDE FROM 'Then Came You', her million-selling, Thom Bell-produced duo with The Detroit Spinners which catapulted to the higher echelons of the pop & soul ...

Zulema: Zulema For Real

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 18 March 1975

IT IS EXCEPTIONALLY refreshing and highly unusual in this world full of phoney and plastic people to meet anyone with the honest, sensitive and just ...

The Jimmy Castor Bunch: Jimmy Castor: Boogieing To The Top

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 April 1975

JIMMY CASTOR confesses that, right now, he is feeling elated. And one look at the charts or a few hours listening to nearly every r&b ...

Sister Sledge: A Dynamic Delight

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 April 1975

THE TRULY amazing dynamism of the four lovely ladies who make up Philadelphia's own SISTER SLEDGE are finally getting the kind of recognition which their ...

The Spinners: The Detroit Spinners: Living & Laughing

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 April 1975

IF YOU talk about supergroups these days, it is inevitable that The Spinners will enter your conversation. In the relatively short space of four years, ...

Revelation: B&S debut feature: Revelation

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 April 1975

"POSITIVE THINKING and a high energy level" are, according to Benny Diggs, what make Revelation what they are. If you ever feel that you want ...

The Futures: B&S debut feature: The Futures

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 April 1975

"TO BE a moon, not just a star" is the collective ambition of five, talented young guys from the City of Brotherly Love. Known as ...

Walter Heath: B&S debut feature: Walter Heath

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 April 1975

TALKING WITH Mr. Walter Heath midway during his recent stay in New York on the bill at the Uris Theatre with Seals & Crofts is ...

Al Green: Love, Happiness And Convictions

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 29 April 1975

2008 introduction: Known as the "Prince Of Soul," Al Green had built up a strong audience thanks to a string of hit singles and best-selling ...

Dee Dee Warwick: Back in your life

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 29 April 1975

IT'S BEEN more than a while since we heard from one young lady whose consistently good records seemed to never hit quite as big as ...

Melba Moore: Soulful Sophistication

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 May 1975

LIKE MOST everyone else, you're probably under the impression that the name Melba Moore is more synonymous with Broadway, Las Vegas, supper clubs and Hollywood ...

The Main Ingredient: Reaching Out For New Horizons

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 May 1975

IT IS JUST conceivable that you're one of these people who take The Main Ingredient for granted. They're the kind of group, you figure, who've ...

Johnny Bristol, Allen Toussaint: Johnny Bristol and Allen Toussaint: Producers 'N' Performers

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 May 1975

IT SEEMS that it's an increasingly notable fact that more and more producers, after scoring successfully in that field, are turning their attention to the ...

Major Harris

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 May 1975

WHEN WE all take a good reflective look back at 1975, one of the records which will unquestionably stand out as one of the biggest ...

Van McCoy: The Disco Man

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 May 1975

THERE CAN be very few self-respecting soul fans around who don't own a record which has featured the name "Van McCoy" somewhere along the way. ...

Tavares: Soulful Brothers

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 June 1975

INCREDIBLE AS it may seem, Tavares are only just achieving total record acceptance with their current super-hot smash, 'Remember What I Told You To Forget' ...

The Dells, The Dramatics: The Dells vs The Dramatics

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 June 1975

TWO OF America's top vocal groups were in New York recently for a concert at The Felt Forum and we got the chance to talk ...

Barbara Mason: This Girl Is A Woman Now

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 June 1975

YOUR IMPRESSIONS of Ms. Barbara Mason may well be restricted to the young girl of the tender age of 16 singing her own composition, 'Yes ...

Yvonne Fair: Foxy, Funky and Funny

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 July 1975

IN RECENT times, Motown's roster of artists has undergone several changes — with the departure of some of the performers who had been previously closely ...

Natural Four: Naturally together

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 July 1975

CURRENTLY WOWING audiences on their tour with fellow Curtom recording artists, The Impressions, the four-man Natural Four are creating more than a little impact and ...

Leroy Hutson, The Impressions, Curtis Mayfield: The Impressions: Sooner or later and right now!

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 July 1975

WITHOUT OVERSTATING the fact, you could justifiably say that The Impressions have come a long way! ...

Thelma Houston: The Star's Star

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 July 1975

IT SEEMS that there will always be that small coterie of artists you will always find falling under that elusive category, "the singer's singer". ...

Esther Phillips: The Time Is Now

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 August 1975

CERTAINLY one of the most gratifying experiences is to see an artiste you've admired over a period of years finally get that long overdue recognition ...

Natalie Cole

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 August 1975

BEING THE daughter of such an internationally famous man as the late Nat King Cole could conceivably pose a problem for any budding star. After ...

Earth, Wind & Fire: A Creative Explosion

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 September 1975

TO UNDERSTAND the true power of Earth, Wind & Fire, you have to understand that these are nine people with a message. A universal message ...

Faith Hope & Charity: Faith Hope Charity — And Success

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 September 1975

THE NAME "Faith, Hope & Charity" may well be familiar to avid soul fans who remember their big hit of a couple of years back ...

Bobby "Blue" Bland: Bobby Bland: Moving Ahead

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 September 1975

IN RETROSPECT, when the historians or whoever decide to document the music of the fifties, sixties and seventies, the omission of the name Bobby Bland ...

The Commodores: In Total Command

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 September 1975

CERTAINLY ONE of the most successful teams to grace the Motown stable in recent times has been the Commodores, a group who must take the ...

The Miracles: In A New Bag

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 November 1975

THERE CAN be little doubt that one of the most interesting concept albums to come along in a very long time is the current set ...

Chaka Khan, Rufus: Rufus' Chaka Khan: Golden Lady

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 December 1975

IT'S DIFFICULT to believe that much of the power, strength and soul that you hear when you hear Rufus stems from anyone as petite and ...

Darrow Fletcher: try something new

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 23 December 1975

WE OFTEN hear tell of child prodogies – those rare breed that begin their careers at some more than tender age! Frequently, in the crazy ...

Thom Bell, Dionne Warwick: Dionne Warwick and Thom Bell: Hitting The Road Together

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 23 December 1975

WITHOUT ANY question, one of the most significant musical marriages of our decade was the one that brought the team of Dionne Warwick, Burt Bacharach ...

Stephanie Mills: The Wiz Kid!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1976

"This young lady has gusto, tenderness, sweetness, and Soul... all the qualities to make her more that just another singer – a Star!" David Nathan ...

Margie Joseph: The Real Divine Miss M

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 January 1976

ONE MAJOR criticism which is frequently levelled at the bigger record companies is how, with a relatively large roster, some of their strongest potential stars ...

Maxayn: Ready For Action

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 January 1976

IT'S ALWAYS a pleasure to run into someone who is as warm and real as they are talented. Ms. Maxayn Lewis is one of that ...

The Three Degrees: Three Degrees: Universal Stars

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 January 1976

IN THE realm of female groups today, you would be hard put to name any set of ladies who can emulate the current popularity and ...

Freda Payne: "Wanna Get Re-acquainted?"

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 February 1976

ACCORDING to the lovely lady herself, "the public is just getting re-acquainted with Freda Payne!" and if her latest album on A.B.C. is anything to ...

The Jimmy Castor Bunch: Jimmy Castor: Portrait of an Angry Young Man

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 February 1976

Jimmy Castor's out to revolutionise the business... ...

Lamont Dozier: S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n' o-u-t...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 February 1976

WHEN THE time comes to chronicle the names of some of the top producers and songwriters of the sixties and seventies, there is no question ...

D.J. Rogers: Songs Of Love And Hope...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 17 February 1976

A young man whose West Coast reputation is spreading fast. ...

Gene Page In His Own Right

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 February 1976

He's worked with Barry White, Marvin Gaye, Diana & the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Aretha, the J5, Martha Reeves, and many others. Now it's time to ...

Eddie Kendricks: The Philly Connection starring Eddie Kendricks

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 March 1976

B&S undercover agent probes Soul star's defection to another town ...

Hugh Masekela: Africa's Ambassador To The USA

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 March 1976

Our diplomatic correspondent in Los Angeles talks to Hugh Masekela, one of Africa's favourite sons. ...

Bettye LaVette: Underrated talent of out time

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 March 1976

Soulful lady. 14 years experience, 23 singles and several gems to her credit, seeks opportunity to cut her first album. Apply to: Bettye Lavette ...

The Mighty Clouds Of Joy: Hey, you, get into these Clouds

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 March 1976

HALF A Million Hustlers Can't Be Wrong. That's how many buyers Eddie Drennon attracted for 'Let's Do The Latin Hustle' – in the States alone. ...

Ashford & Simpson: Ashford and Simpson: At Peace With The World And Themselves…

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 March 1976

Ashford and Simpson are back in business after a lengthy sabbatical. Here they expound on their new album – how it reflects the changes they've ...

Ashford & Simpson, Graham Central Station, Larry Graham, Leroy Hutson, The Impressions, Al Jarreau, The Staple Singers, Dionne Warwick: California Soul Hits The Big Apple

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 April 1976

A special report by David Nathan on the on-stage and behind-the-scenes activities at Warner Brothers' special "California Soul" series of concerts during end of February ...

The Crusaders: Crusaders have their fingers on the pulse of crossover potential

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 April 1976

Since dropping the "Jazz" tag from their name, the group have made their mark in many musical areas. David Nathan talks to drummer Stix Hooper... ...

Al Jarreau: Look Out, Al Jarreau's On His Way

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 April 1976

IT SEEMS like but a short time since we last spoke to a talented gentleman who has been hailed by many of his peers and ...

The Crusaders: Crusaders Have Their Fingers On The Pulse Of Crossover Potential

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 April 1976

Since dropping the 'Jazz' tag from their name, the group have made their mark in many musical areas. David Nathan talks to drummer Stix Hooper... ...

Curtis Mayfield, The Staple Singers: The Staple Singers: doin' it again with Mister Mayfield

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 April 1976

ONE OF the most welcome sights of recent months has been the re-appearance in the pop and R&B charts of that much-loved and extra-soulful family ...

Graham Central Station: The Graham Standing at Platform 3 Will Call At All Stations

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 20 April 1976

"Constant change is the key these days," says Larry Graham of Graham Central Station. Having recently made inroads into the 'crossover' market, they're now striving ...

Jermaine Jackson: Just Jermaine!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 20 April 1976

Having experienced the whole J5 explosion, how are things with Jermaine Jackson since goin' out on his own? Well, seems things are pretty fine, as ...

The Impressions: Imps In The Mood For Love

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 April 1976

With everyone into disco music, the Impressions concentrated on a love mood for their Loving Power set. And that move seems to have paid handsome ...

Hampton and Banks caught in the act!

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 May 1976

'Caught In The Act' happens to be the title of Carl Hampton and Homer Banks' initial single for Warner Bros. When it comes to writing ...

Melba Moore: Okay Melba, this really IS it...!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 18 May 1976

No messin' this time – the lady means business! Ms. Moore's Peach Melba album paved the way and now she's really cracked it with her ...

The Manhattans: Kiss And Say Hello To The Manhattans

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 25 May 1976

The Manhattans have been kinda bubbling under for a long time. Now destiny has caught up with them and their new osculatory single is currently ...

The Isley Brothers: Reflections Of Love And Life

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 June 1976

The Brothers Isley are really tuned in to life around them and this awareness is the prime source of inspiration in their music. Eavesdrop as ...

Nancy Wilson: Nancy A Woman Of Today...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 June 1976

Talented. Aware. A warm and sincere human being. That's Nancy Wilson. She's achieved a great deal already but aims to fulfill many more dreams, both ...

The Sylvers: Rappin' with the Sylvers

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 June 1976

WHEN PAT, Angie, Olympia, Edmund, Leon, James, Ricky and Foster (with Charmaine off sick that day) were seated around the table in Capitol's conference room, ...

Marvin Gaye, the Sylvers: Westchester Premier Theatre, Tarrytown NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 June 1976

Marvin in top form... ...

Al Green, Willie Mitchell: Willie Mitchell: Changing Sounds In Memphis

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 June 1976

Willie Mitchell's distinctive Memphis sound has been the driving force behind many golden hits over the years. Now he feels it's time for a change. ...

The 5th Dimension: The Times They Are A Changin'

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 29 June 1976

ALMOST SINCE their inception a decade ago, The Fifth Dimension have become almost a musical institution. Not necessarily one to everyone's taste because for the ...

Al Green: Soul Minister Al Aims To Get Next To You

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 July 1976

Right now, Al Green's planning his future lifestyle. He wants more than hit records. He aims to show folks the key to divinity. Heavy stuff? ...

Luther Vandross: Luther Are Good For The Soul

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 July 1976

2008 introduction: "Luther are three girls and two guys whose debut single for Cotillion is attracting a lot of attention. They are not headliners yet, ...

Philly Devotions: A Story Of Patience And Dedication

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 July 1976

Everything comes to he who waits, they say. Well, these guys are hanging in there with the confidence that success will come when their talent ...

Melba Moore: Rappin' with Melba Moore...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 August 1976

Okay folks, this is it....the lady gives her views on the music biz, artistic temperament, women in business, hit records, coping with success, and other ...

Albert King an' where he's comin' from

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 August 1976

Been stood up by your girl? Low on cash? Behind with your payments? Then you must know the blues. They'll be around as long as ...

Earth, Wind & Fire: Soul & Inspiration

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 August 1976

Earth, Wind & Fire is all about inspiration, says bass player Verdine White... about saying something relevant to the people. And, despite their huge success, ...

Margie Joseph: Haven't I Paid Enough Dues?

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 17 August 1976

Though Margie Joseph feels she still has a lot more promise to fulfill, she thinks she's already done enough to be up there in the ...

The Emotions: Happiness Is…

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 August 1976

Happy days are here again for Wanda, Jeanette and Sheila. They learned a lot from the quiet times and that knowledge is serving them well ...

C.M Lord: This Lord's A Lady

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 August 1976

C. M. Lord offers a diverse range of talent...a little bit of everything. But the little lady aims to avoid being pigeonholed when a hit ...

B.B. King: Keepin' The Blues Alive

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 September 1976

THE WORD "blues" has become almost synonymous with the word "king", be it Albert, Freddie or B.B. The blues as a musical form has existed ...

Thelma Houston: Thelma's Heading For The Silver Screen

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 September 1976

IT'S BEEN said time and time again but one of the most underrated female vocalists around is Ms. Thelma Houston. When Thelma first hit the ...

Roy Ayers: The 35 Year Success Story

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 September 1976

Mr. A's been in the biz for 3 decades and right now he's enjoying more success than ever. Black music is the heart of American ...

Blacksmoke

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 October 1976

CURRENTLY CREATING much excitement and interest throughout the States with their own brand of music are a group of young men known as Blacksmoke. ...

Brothers Johnson, Quincy Jones, Lou Rawls: Quincy Jones, Brothers Johnson, Wattsline Singers, Lou Rawls: Felt Forum, New York NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 October 1976

Mr. Q hits the spot! ...

The Spinners: Rappin' with the Spinners

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 October 1976

David Nathan talks of this 'n' that with Henry and Pervis of the Atlantic supergroup... ...

Al Wilson: Something For Everybody

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 October 1976

Mr. W. doesn't regret not putting all his eggs in one basket. Because he's been able to adapt, he's kept working, as he explains to ...

B.T. Express: Rappin' with B.T. Express

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 October 1976

David Nathan gets the feedback from leader Bill Risbrook on how the band view things now that they're off and running with CBS. ...

Carol Douglas: The much-travelled Ms. Carol Douglas

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 October 1976

'Doctor's Orders' created a big demand for Carol in Europe and she still has a heavy working schedule. The lady took time out to bring ...

Bobby Byrd: Past Present And Future

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, November 1976

WITH MR. Bobby Byrd, currently set for a tour of the U.K. (November 19 thru December 5), it seemed an appropriate time to get with ...

Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band: Dr Buzzard's Original Savannah Band: Really Something Else

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, November 1976

David Nathan spends an enlightening few hours with five very intelligent but pretty crazy people who are really shaking the industry up ...

The Whispers're Getting Louder

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, November 1976

CURRENTLY ENJOYING, by their own admission, the most successful period in their career (in fact, as we write this article, radio station WBLS in New ...

Wild Cherry: Ripe 'n' Funky

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, November 1976

Wild Cherry used to be into heavy rock. Now they play that funky music and their hit single has gone platinum... ...

Johnnie Taylor: The Original Johnnie Taylor!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 November 1976

Originality is the thing that succeeds above all else according to Mr T. He's currently working on a number of diverse projects which will spotlight ...

Billy Butler: On The Right Track

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, December 1976

AFTER many years in the background, it seems that Curtis Mayfield has persuaded Billy Butler (brother of Jerry) to step out front and put his ...

Billy Davis and Marilyn McCoo: Very Much Together

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, December 1976

AFTER ALMOST ten years with The Fifth Dimension, Billy Davis and Marilyn McCoo announced in November of last year that they'd decided to go it ...

Bobby Womack

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, December 1976

Bobby's now with Columbia Records and he's brim full of confidence to conquer the world. An' the good news for U.K. fans is that he's ...

Brass Construction

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, December 1976

IT WAS with a great deal of anticipation and curiosity that everyone waited patiently for the second Brass Construction album on U.A. Perhaps no one ...

Aretha Franklin, Leroy Hutson, Curtis Mayfield, The Staple Singers: Curtis Mayfield: The Creative Mastermind

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, December 1976

TO TRY and describe Curtis Mayfield's enormous contribution to the music world would take far more adjectives than we have at our disposal. ...

Ralph Johnson

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, December 1976

AFTER a couple of years working The Impressions, Ralph Johnson decided earlier in the year to move on. Rather than just making a bid for ...

The Ritchie Family: The Best Ritchie Family In Town

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, December 1976

TRULY IN the vanguard of the disco set of entertainers are the three ladies who make up The Ritchie Family. No, they are not sisters ...

The Originals: Down To Hitsville

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, December 1976

David Nathan talks to Freddie Gorman, once a single act and writer with Ric-Tic, who has been churning out hits with the Originals for 12 ...

Earth, Wind & Fire, the Emotions: Madison Square Garden, New York NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 14 December 1976

EW&F: simply magnifico! ...

Brothers Johnson, Quincy Jones: Brothers Johnson: Good To Ya, Good For Ya

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 December 1976

ONE OF the success stories of 1976 in terms of 'newcomers' on the scene is concerned must involve George & Louis Johnson. Although they'd worked ...

The 5th Dimension, Blue Magic: Blue Magic, Fifth Dimension: Westbury Music Fair, Westbury NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 18 January 1977

OPENING MID-week at a sparsely-filled Westbury Music Fair, Blue Magic gave a good if somewhat average show as opening act for The Fifth Dimension. ...

The Jacksons: Look out! The Jacksons are back!

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 February 1977

The Jackson boys take time out from recording their TV series to talk to B&S U.S. scribe, David Nathan ...

Thelma Houston: Rappin' with Thelma Houston

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 February 1977

YOU'VE HEARD it before so we'll spare the space and time it takes to tell you that for as long as she's been recording, Ms ...

The Dynamic Superiors: Superiority Complex

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 February 1977

David Nathan raps with the Dynamic Superiors about this, that 'n' the other...an' particularly their new album, You Name It. ...

L.T.D.: LTD: Love Togetherness And Devotion

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 March 1977

David Nathan talks to L.T.D.'s Billy Osborne, who traces the group's history and explains their philosophy ...

Syreeta today!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 March 1977

David Nathan catches up with the lovely lady and reports that she's feelin' on top of the world. And there's news of her upcoming album ...

The Chambers Brothers: High Energy Encapsulated

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 March 1977

AFTER A fairly lengthy absence from the charts – although they've by no means been absent from the music scene in general – The Chambers ...

The Dramatics: "We're still singin' like we're starvin'!"

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 March 1977

Starvin' they ain't, but the Dramatics still put every ounce of effort into their work. Over the years, they've scored heavily with singles but now ...

Walter Jackson: Feelin' Good an' He Does Ya Good

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 March 1977

FOR ALL those deep soul folk who've been treasuring their collection of his Okeh records, the news that Mr Walter Jackson is really back and ...

Les McCann: Musical philosophy and stimulation for the walking dead...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 March 1977

Les McCann feels strongly about the apathy and inadequacy that engulfs people today. His River High, River Low album pinpoints a lot of human problems, ...

Willie Hutch: Rabbiting with Mister Hutch

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 March 1977

David Nathan talks to an all-round talent with that special human touch ...

Tower Of Power: Ain't Nuthin' Stoppin' 'Em Now

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 29 March 1977

EVEN THOUGH some people feel that their artist roster may just be too large to enable any act to 'happen' in a big way, CBS ...

Ashford & Simpson, New York Mary: Bottom Line, New York NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 April 1977

So, so satisfyin' ...

The Spinners: Today and Tomorrow

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 April 1977

David Nathan talks to the boys as they unfurl the dawning of a new era with the addition of John Edwards to replace lead singer ...

Carl Davis: Doing His Own Thing

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 26 April 1977

WHEN YOU talk about Chicago in a musical way, there are some names that spring to mind instantly. Curtis Mayfield, Chess Records, The Chi-Lites, Chaka ...

Loleatta Holloway: Soulfully Yours, Loleatta...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 26 April 1977

WITH ALL the current trends taking everyone from Melba Moore to Eddie Kendricks and Thelma Houston into the 'disco' arena, it should come as no ...

GC Cameron: Rappin' with G.C. Cameron

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 26 April 1977

PERHAPS ONE of Motown's most underrated artists must be Mr. G. C. Cameron. With the release of several singles and now with two albums firmly ...

Tavares: Kickin' Up A Storm Internationally

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 26 April 1977

The guys say a big thank you for their B&S award and talk about their hectic schedule in coming months...records, tours, a movie. They've really ...

Kool and The Gang: The Gang's Still Kool Baby

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 May 1977

Kool & the Gang have been through a period of transition recently and undergone personnel changes. But in continuing with their Disco-Funk material they're still ...

Michael Henderson: Here There And Everywhere

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 May 1977

ALTHOUGH YOU'RE probably totally unaware of it, there's probably been some point in your musical 'life' when you've heard Michael Henderson! ...

Grover Washington Jr: The importance of being Grover...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 May 1977

The Life, Times and Philosophy of Grover Washington Jr. "Communication is the key," he says... ...

Junior Walker & the All Stars: Time Out With Junior Walker

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 May 1977

ONE OF the most consistently popular Motown artists of all time has to be Jr. Walker. His ratio of chart records may not be what ...

Dexter Wansel: Wansel's Dexterity!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 May 1977

OVER A relatively short period of time — "a year", the gentleman actually suggests, Mr. Dexter Wansel's name has appeared on the credits of several ...

Earl Klugh: mellow music from a mellow man...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 May 1977

"It's nice to see the good guys makin' it", says our N.Y. scribe, David Nathan. In this instance he's referring to the up-and-coming Earl Klugh. ...

Phyllis Hyman: This Lady's Got Star Karma

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 May 1977

"This lady's got star karma...The buzz about Phyllis Hyman started amongst the superstar elite. It hasn't taken long for the word to get around..." ...

Rufus: They're Rufusizing Buckingham Palace

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 May 1977

....and Chaka Khan's going down with Alice! Or, to be less obscure, June 11 will see Rufus and Chaka Khan playing one of the Queen's ...

Arthur Prysock: Arthur Socks It To Ya

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 June 1977

AS RECENTLY noted in B&S' review of Mr. Arthur Prysock's 'When Love Is New', the time seems right for a number of gentlemen who've been ...

Candi Staton: sweet as ever, but "I van run producers up the wall!"

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 June 1977

Ms. Staton was well pleased with her B&S award for '76's Record Of The Year. She's very self-critical and tries to look at everything she ...

Jean Carne: Jean Carn: Philly's First Lady

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 June 1977

Stints with the likes of EW&F, Norman Connors and Duke Ellington provided Jean with a wealth of experience. Now, with Gamble and Huff in Philadelphia, ...

Anglo-Saxon Brown: Evolving

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 June 1977

ANGLO-SAXON Brown. A brand of shoes? A new company brewing beer? Tailors? No, just eight very talented people who, after several years of standing in ...

Philippe Wynne: Philippe solo: he's a Wynner

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 June 1977

IT'S UNLIKELY that anyone would disagree that the soul world has seen its fair share of changes in recent times. Not only the music itself ...

Slave: Chained To The Charts

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 June 1977

IT WOULD hardly take much research to see that there is a whole new core or breed of musicians and groups who are breaking through ...

Aretha Franklin: Aretha Still Rules Okay

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 July 1977

A rare and exclusive interview with David Nathan. Aretha tells B&S about her new album, her movie and tour plans, and life on the West ...

Ralph MacDonald: King Of The Skins

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 July 1977

Ralph McDonald, the leading session percussionist and now a recording star in his own right. ...

The Facts of Life: The B&S Guide To The Facts Of Life

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 July 1977

Hey, hold on friends, we ain't about to explain all about naughty parts! No, no....this is the Facts Of Life group who are currently burnin' ...

The Nobles: New and Exciting

Profile by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, August 1977

WE RECENTLY got the opportunity, alongside some of CBS' top executives, to check out a group recently signed to the company through a production deal ...

Aretha Franklin: Queen Aretha #1 – From Detroit to The Columbia Years

Retrospective by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 August 1977

An appreciation of the career of Aretha Franklin ...

The Trammps: Best Dressed Trammps You Ever Did See

Interview by John Abbey, David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 August 1977

"WE FEEL that maybe this one is going to go straight to the top!" exclaims Harold 'Doc' Wade, one member of the five-member Trammps who ...

Garnet Mimms: Mr. Mimms Comes Truckin' On Back

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 August 1977

Garnet Mimms, already assured of a place in Soul's Hall of Fame, is back in business after a two-year lay-off spent cooling out and reflecting ...

Marlena Shaw : Marlena Shaw: Sweet Beginnings

Interview by John Abbey, David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 August 1977

Re-united with producer Bert deCoteaux at Columbia, Ms. Shaw has really started to blossom. David Nathan and John Abbey gather th' fax from th' lady… ...

Shirley Brown: Counting Her Blessings

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 August 1977

ALL THOSE folk who dug the soulfully classic sound of Ms. Shirley Brown when the lady literally broke the charts up in 1974 (yes, it ...

The Hitchhikers: These Hitchhikers are motorin' along...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 August 1977

WITH THE increased number of albums being released by record companies generally and with so many of the albums being of such an increasing high ...

Aretha Franklin: Queen Aretha #2 – The Golden Years

Retrospective by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 August 1977

"THERE WAS a great zest, love and feeling for the music," states Jerry Wexler and when pressed further on the subject of that first session ...

Bob James: A Profile Of Mr Low Profile

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 August 1977

FIRST, there was One. Then Two. Naturally, then, Three And now there's Four. ...

The Brecker Brothers, The Crusaders, Les McCann: Crusaders, Brecker Brothers, Les McCann: Palladium, New York NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 August 1977

Jazz Reigns ...

George Duke, Shotgun, Stuff: Stuff: Bottom Line; George Duke: Bottom Line; Shotgun: Barney Google's, New York NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 August 1977

NO, THE three above-named acts did not appear together in any kind of mammoth concert but we lumped them together because our reviews on each ...

T-Connection: The Nassau Connection

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 August 1977

Meet T-Connection, another slab of talent from funky Nassau. Their 'Do What You Wanna' is disco dynamite, but they plan to develop the serious side ...

Aretha Franklin: Queen Aretha #3 – Into the '70s

Retrospective by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 August 1977

1969 IS GENERALLY acclaimed as the year that saw something of a decline on Aretha's part. The decline was, in a sense, inevitable. The ridiculous ...

Brothers Johnson: Those Prolific Brothers Johnson

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 August 1977

With their 'Strawberry Letter 23' smash, George and Louis have consolidated their sensational breakthrough of last year. David Nathan caught up with them in New ...

Minnie Riperton: 'Minnie Bird', The 5 - Octave Soprano Is Back

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 August 1977

MINNIE RIPERTON'S press bio reads: "The lady with the five and a half-octave coloratura soprano voice is a star". Without taking away from her talent ...

Randy Crawford: The Coming Of Age Of A Star

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 August 1977

PROVIDING ONE of the highlights for a recent sell-out concert in New York which featured Grover Washington Jr., was a young stylist who is quickly ...

Tornader: Blowin' Up A Storm

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 August 1977

David Nathan traces the background of the rock, roots and reggae duo. ...

Aretha Franklin: Queen Aretha #4 – The Brand New Aretha

Retrospective by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 September 1977

Part 4 of an appreciation of the career of Aretha Franklin, by David Nathan... ...

Vernon Burch, Betty Wright: Betty Wright, Vernon Burch: Bottom Line, New York NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 September 1977

Betty Wright: super soul! ...

Betty Wright: The Final Ascent To Those Dizzy Heights

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 September 1977

David Nathan gets up-to-date with the lady and prophesises big success for her in coming months ...

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass: Rappin' with Teddy Pendergrass

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 September 1977

CURRENTLY fulfilling all the promise he's ever shown when with Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes with a flourishing solo career, we took a little ...

Aretha Franklin: Queen Aretha #5 – The Future

Comment by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 September 1977

David Nathan concludes his in-depth appreciation of Aretha Franklin ...

Nona Hendryx: Nona's Found Her Piece Of The Rock

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 September 1977

Nona Hendryx talks about her first solo album since the break-up of Labelle ...

The Blackbyrds

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 September 1977

David Nathan hears from Keith Kilgo and Joe Hall how the group plan to pass on their hard-earned experience to newer up-and-coming acts... ...

Graham Central Station: Undiscovered Pioneers

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 October 1977

David Nathan talks to a true innovator, Mr. Larry Graham ...

The Emotions, Gloria Gaynor, Thelma Houston, Grace Jones, The Salsoul Orchestra, Andrea True Connection: The Billboard Disco Convention: Disco Is Here To Stay

Report by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 October 1977

David Nathan reports from New York on the Billboard Disco Convention 1977. ...

Jon Lucien: The Unique Mr Lucien

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 October 1977

"IT'S IN a developing stage. My career is moving to another level," are Jon Lucien's opening remarks the day before his New York appearance with ...

Gary Byrd: The Communicator

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 25 October 1977

David Nathan talks to Gary Byrd, one of New York's top deejays, lyricist for Stevie Wonder, and a young man with a mission or two ...

The Isley Brothers: Go for your guns, amigo. Them thar Isleys are due back in town with a new album...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 25 October 1977

Go For Your Guns Amigo: Them thar Isleys are due back in town with a new album... ...

Sun A Shining

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 25 October 1977

WHEN the sun shines, it shines on everybody. Similarly, that's what the group bearing the same name want their music to do... ...

Cameo: Still Going Strong After Rigor Mortis Has Set in

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 November 1977

B&S raps with the funky, funky 9-man band who play some pretty arresting music ...

Roy Ayers: The Ambidexterous Mind Of Roy Ayers

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 November 1977

IN AMONGST that unending list of people who've been patiently waiting in the wings for that catapult into the realms of superstardom is a gentleman ...

Grace Jones: The New Dahling Of The Disco Set

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 November 1977

Jamaican-born Grace began as an actress and model in New York and Paris. Now she's fast building a reputation as Disco Queen. ...

Tamiko Jones: John Abbey and Tamiko Jones: A Soulful Wedding In Atlanta

Report by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 November 1977

CERTAINLY one of the most exciting events of this year (might even qualify for the decade!) was the soulful wedding of our esteemed editor, Mr. John Abbey to the ...

The Dells' Silver Jubilee

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 November 1977

Twenty-five years continuous success… and with the original line-up still intact. Dave Nathan files this exclusive interveiw with Chuck Barksdale. ...

Dorothy Moore: More gold from Ms.Moore

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 December 1977

David Nathan catches up with chart-topper, Dorothy Moore, a very happy lady ...

Bobbi Humphrey: Bobbi Means Business

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 20 December 1977

Ms. Humphrey knows that talent isn't always enough to achieve success. Thus, she's formed her own management company and now stands or falls on her ...

Earth, Wind & Fire: Musical Giants

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 20 December 1977

ONE OF the gratifying success stories of this musical decade belongs unquestionably to a group who have literally become giants in the music world. We ...

Lamont Dozier: The Hitmaker Supreme Who Can't Read Or Write Music

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 20 December 1977

....but he's got a good ear and keeps cookin' up the goodies! David Nathan investigates the art of culinary composing, according to Lamont Dozier. ...

ZZ Hill: ZZ and The Making Of A Soul Classic

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 January 1978

'Love Is So Good When You're Stealing It' is one of '77's most soulful sides. David Nathan talks to ZZ Hill about his earlier days ...

Millie Jackson: In Tune With The People

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 17 January 1978

Soul's upfront lady makes sure she stays on target by taking time and trouble to talk to the people and staying in touch with what's ...

Roy Ayers, Idris Muhammad: Avery Fisher Hall, New York NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 17 January 1978

Ayers/Muhammad: funk in the snow ...

Shirley Caesar: The First Lady of Gospel

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 17 January 1978

IT'S LONG been acknowledged that some of the very finest black performers around today have their roots squarely and firmly in the gospel field. Everyone ...

The Controllers: Four Young Men With A Soulful Message

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 17 January 1978

ALMOST EVER since the term "soul music" was coined – and it might be interesting to find out just who coined it first! – there ...

Brenda & The Tabulations: Brenda and The Tabulations: Coming Back For More

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

After five years of turning out soul classics, Brenda 'retired' to become a housewife. But now she's back in business and rarin' to go.... ...

Cissy Houston In Her Own Right

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

Cissy has sung behind countless superstars, from Elvis to Aretha, particularly during her stint as leader of the Sweet Inspirations. She's now out front again ...

Eddie Kendricks: The Two Sides of Eddie Kendricks

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

There's the man who goes on stage to work and the guy off-stage who's just a member of the public. "It's important those two people ...

Hot: When You're Hot You're Hot

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

ONE OF the biggest international hits of 1977 belongs to three, very attractive, very intelligent young women who go by the name of Hot. ...

Patti Austin: The Jingle Queen Breaks Out

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 14 February 1978

David Nathan talks to a soulful lady whose dulcet tones can also be heard on numerous American TV commercials ...

Gladys Knight and the Pips: The Pips: A Solo Album But No Split With Gladys

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 February 1978

After twenty-five years together, Gladys Knight and The Pips have become virtually a musical institution. Now, a new chapter is opening in the history of ...

Roberta Flack: Flack's Back

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 March 1978

Roberta Flack – the Star who likes to hang out just like everyday folks ...

Al Green: Crosstalk With Al Green

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 May 1978

HE'S NOW acquired the tag "Minister of Soul" and "Love And Happiness" continues to be his message. He's racked up several millions in sales world-wide ...

Harvey Mason: Have Funk Will Travel

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 May 1978

ONE OF the most interesting developments in recent years on the contemporary music scene has been the recognition and attention paid to those folk who ...

Henry Allen, Cerrone, Mass Production, Sister Sledge, Slave, Philippe Wynne: Henry Allen and Cotillion Records: One Of The Pioneers Of The Development Of The Contemporary Black Music Industry

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 May 1978

Since its revival a couple of years back, Cotillion Records has underlined Atlantic Records' commitment to black music. With pioneer Henry Allen at the helm, ...

Peabo Bryson: the sky's the limit...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 May 1978

With Reaching For The Sky as his newest album on Capitol, it's obvious that Mr. Peabo Bryson has lofty ideas! Fortunately, everyone seems certain that ...

Evelyn "Champagne" King: Broady's, New York NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 23 May 1978

Evelyn "Champagne" King: promising start... ...

Funkadelic, Parliament: Parliament/Funkadelic

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 23 May 1978

After nearly twenty years together under the able guidance of Mr. George Clinton, Parliament and Funkadelic and associated entities have finally begun to receive the ...

Funkadelic, Mother's Finest, Parliament: Parliament/Funkadelic, Mother's Finest: Capitol Center, Landover MD

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 23 May 1978

Parliament tear the roof off Washington ...

Raydio: Tune in to Raydio

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 23 May 1978

One of the biggest records of 1978 belongs to a new group known simply as Raydio. With 'Jack & Jill' topping charts across both sides ...

Chic: How Chic's Bootlegged Single Became A Disco Smash…

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 June 1978

REGARDLESS of whether you happen to be one of the many millions of people who now frequent discos on what has become a vast international ...

Cuba Gooding Comes In From The Cold

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 June 1978

The former lead singer with The Main Ingredient has been away from the recording scene for just a year. In between, he's been busy preparing ...

Mandre: 'Soular' Soul From Outer Space

Profile by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 June 1978

ACCORDING TO Motown Records' press release: "Unknown to but an enlightened few until now, we have been visited many times by denizens from the other ...

Village People: The Macho Answer To Women's Lib

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 June 1978

With a debut album that proved to be a big disco item in 1977 and a new album already making strong headway, the six guys ...

Bunny Sigler: Bundino Sigalucci, Reluctant Songwriter

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 July 1978

With a couple of albums under his belt from his days with Philly International and his hit of '67 'Let The Good Times Roll' behind ...

Evelyn "Champagne" King: Bubblin' Over

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 July 1978

Currently the recipient of numerous accolades and predictions is the young lady known as Evelyn "Champagne" King. She certainly deserves all the praise she's getting. ...

Patti LaBelle: Going Straight

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 August 1978

For her new album, Tasty, Patti has adopted a whole new approach. She tells David Nathan how she accepted the challenge of showing people another ...

The 5th Dimension: The Fifth Dimension

Overview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 August 1978

AFTER A period of time out of the recording limelight, The Fifth Dimension are back – with a new album ("Star Dancing"), a new record ...

Average White Band: AWB Aim To Spread Their Wings

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 August 1978

Having signed an international deal with RCA records, the band plan to take their music around the world ...

Teddy Pendergrass

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 29 August 1978

Teddy talks to David Nathan about his professional plans and personal philosophies ...

Aretha Franklin: The Aretha Franklin Interview...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 29 August 1978

In one of the very rare interviews she grants, Lady Soul gave this in-depth story to B&S' David Nathan at her beautiful Encino, California home. ...

Betty Wright: Wright on

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 October 1978

Thirteen years on in her career, Betty Wright has finally begun to gain acceptance outside of just R&B circles. David Nathan reports... ...

Gloria Gaynor: The First Lady of Disco

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 November 1978

Although she may not have been scoring as consistently on the charts in recent times, Ms. Gloria gaynor — the acknowledged "Queen of Disco" — ...

The Sylvers: Golden Sylvers Look To The Silver Screen

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 November 1978

Edmund Sylvers tells David Nathan about the group's new record affiliation, their aims in the film world and plans for a European tour.   ...

Loleatta Holloway: Queen Of The Night

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 November 1978

The 'Cry To Me' lady talks to B&S about her new disco following... ...

Mtume: Not Just Funnin', Mtume Mean Real Business

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 November 1978

Mtume's jumping off point came when two of the guys wrote a hit for Roberta Flack, but they are more than just a songwriting team ...

Chic, Norma Jean Wright: Norma Jean: The girl from Chic with that certain something...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 November 1978

One of the brightest new stars on the horizon is a young lady whose voice has already been heard across the world. As lead singer ...

Odyssey: The Native New Yorkers Hit The Road

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 December 1978

Odyssey held back from touring after their 'Native New Yorker' smash. But now, with their new single and album, they are eager to get out ...

Quazar: Outta The Woodshed An' Into The Charts

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 December 1978

The group spent some 6 years woodshedding (preparing themselves to face the public.) Now, as David Nathan reports, their hard work is paying handsome dividends... ...

Cheryl Lynn: Cheryl's Trip Down The Yellow Brick Road

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 January 1979

"I'M JUST excited about the whole thing!" bubbles Ms. Cheryl Lynn and she has every reason for feeling that way. Her debut Columbia album and ...

Jean Carne: Jean Carn: Happy Is The Only Way To Fly...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 January 1979

Jean's second album, Happy To Be With You, is winning friends with R&B and jazz fans alike...and happy also sums up the way she feels ...

Sarah Dash: Putting It Together Again

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 January 1979

After 16 years with the now legendary team of Patti Labelle & The Bluebelles (who after selling their hearts to the junkmen and disappearing over ...

Chic: A Day In The Life Of Chic

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 January 1979

So what actually happens when you have the No. 1 pop, r&b and disco record in the nation? How does an average day transpire and ...

Dobie Gray Is Driftin' Back...

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 January 1979

"PEOPLE TEND to think that if you're not on the top of the charts, you fall flat on your face," states Dobie Gray. "Well, I've ...

Peaches and Herb: On A Groove Thing...

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 January 1979

THEY'RE BOTH agreed: Peaches and Herb state almost unanimously that working on their latest album with producer Freddie Perren (the album is on Freddie's own ...

Al Jarreau: Days Of Future Past...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 January 1979

Since the release of his debut album three years ago, Al Jarreau has firmly established himself as a creative talent of the first order. He ...

Cameo: Sitting Pretty With Their Ugly Ego

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 January 1979

If the group's second album was two steps ahead of their debut set, then the new one is five steps ahead of either, they feel. ...

Chanson: There's No Holdin' 'Em Back

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 January 1979

James and David have worked as session musicians on countless hits but now, with their debut on Ariola, they've become an instant success in their ...

Peabo Bryson Comes Into His Own...

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 January 1979

With his debut album for Capitol, already certified as gold, Mr. Peabo Bryson is truly "reaching for the sky". His newest album, 'Crosswinds' looks set ...

Donny Hathaway: A Tribute to Donny Hathaway

Obituary by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 February 1979

THE TRAGIC news of the death in mid-January of Donny Hathaway no doubt shocked the gifted singer-songwriter's many admirers across the world and it was ...

Rufus: Best of Both Worlds

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 April 1979

Still maintaining their link with the departed Chaka Khan – Rufus now find their diverse talents sprouting in all directions.... ...

GQ Present 'Gentlemen's Funk'

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 April 1979

David Nathan talks to the GQ quartet, currently scoring with their 'Disco Nights (Rock-Freak)' opus and finds that they label their music as 'gentlemen's funk'. ...

Lakeside's talent survives the knocks...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 April 1979

HAVING THE strength and belief to stay together as a unit in the face of adversity is surely one of the tests that determines exactly ...

Tavares: Tired Of That Flip Flop Music...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 May 1979

UNTIL THEY got caught up in the mad disco scramble – though admittedly they were one of the trendsetting groups in that category – the ...

Bell and James

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 May 1979

CURRENTLY PROVING to be one of 1979's hottest records is a tune which has literally exploded on the pop and r&b charts almost simultaneously. ...

Bruce Hawes: Bruces Hawes: Young Gifted Determined

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, June 1979

Perhaps one of the most encouraging signs in the black music field right now is the slow but sure emergence of a whole crop of ...

Amii Stewart: Amii's knockin' on stardom's door

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 June 1979

B&S talks to the very talented Ms. Amii Stewart ...

Black Music Association: A Singular Voice For The Black Music Industry

Comment by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 June 1979

The Black Music Association has just celebrated its first anniversary. B&S outlines its concept and success as a vehicle to preserve, project and further Black ...

Grover Washington Jr: The Man

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 June 1979

By way of many fine recordings and countless live performances, Grover has become acknowledged as one of the decade's most talented musicians. But what of ...

James Brown: The original Disco Man

Report by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 June 1979

'People are doing what I was doing ten years ago and calling it Disco' ...

Mary Wells: Back On The Right Track

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 June 1979

Showing every sign of being ready to get right back into the swing of things, we recently had the opportunity to rap with Ms. Mary ...

Minnie Riperton, Stevie Wonder: Minnie Riperton: How Minnie's cooking tempted Stevie Wonder

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 June 1979

2008 introduction: This interview was David's second face-to-face conversation with Minnie; at the time, she was dealing with health challenges – in 1976, she had ...

Chic: An Interview with Nile Rodgers

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, July 1979

David Nathan talks to Nile Rodgers, co-founder of the fabulously successful Chic, whose new album is being tipped as another world-beater. ...

Earth Wind and Fire: Earth, Wind & Fire: Progress Is The Key

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, July 1979

THERE SEEMS TO BE absolutely no question that in terms of consistency, universal and international acceptance and popularity, Earth, Wind & Fire have no peers. ...

The Emotions: Emotions Laid Bare

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, July 1979

The girls divulge how they came to duet with EW&F on 'Boogie Wonderland' and talk at length about their songwriting activities... ...

Dionne Warwick: The real Dionne Warwick

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 July 1979

David Nathan provides a penetrating and objective insight into the evergreen Dionne Warwick – an artiste of undisputed pedigree and longevity... ...

Terry Callier's Poetry In Music

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 August 1979

Terry Callier is currently reaping the rewards of his considerable talents. But, save for a series of telephone calls from Elektra Records, it might have ...

Candi Staton: The Four Phases Of Candi

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 September 1979

"It's about time that people realized that we can do more than change diapers and wash up dishes!" ...

Five Special: Something Special

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 September 1979

THERE'S NO doubt that having a famous brother as your producer can certainly help you get the foot in the door, but these days with ...

Mary Wilson: No One Can Sing "Baby Baby" Like Mary...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 September 1979

"I'D REACHED a point where, in order to maintain the level we had reached with the original Supremes, I'd have to do something myself. I ...

The Crusaders: In Their Prime

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 September 1979

With 25 successful and productive years already accomplished, the Crusaders have only just begun! Drummer, Stix Hooper explains their formula for success and longevity, and ...

Bonnie Pointer: Pointer view

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 25 September 1979

Leaving a successful group for a solo career can prove to be a daunting challenge, but Bonnie Pointer looks to have made the right decision. ...

Teddy Pendergrass: The Sex Symbol Of Seventy Nine

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, October 1979

Teddy continues to fill the major stadiums across the States and now he tells David Nathan what it'll take to tempt him to Europe... ...

Deniece Williams: A portrait of Niecy...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 October 1979

David Nathan takes a look behind the public image of Deniece Williams and reveals other aspects of the diminutive songstress... ...

Chic: The Art of Being Chic

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 October 1979

On the eve of their departure for their British concert dates, David Nathan talked to Chic about the chemistry that makes up their hit sound ...

Ashford & Simpson, Diana Ross: Ashford & Simpson: Nick and Valerie's Hit Cure

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 November 1979

With the success of their recent albums and the ensuing singles hit, Ashford and Simpson have truly arrived. David Nathan finds out what makes them ...

Rufus and Chaka Khan: The Beat Goes On

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 December 1979

ANY CONFUSION you may have had about the exact status of the group Rufus should now be pretty much clarified in your mind – we ...

Shalamar Hit A Sylvers Lining

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 December 1979

JEFFREY DANIEL, Jody Watley and Howard Hewett have quite a few good reasons to feel good right now. As the members of hit group Shalamar, ...

Gloria Gaynor: Come What May, '79 Was Going To Be Gloria's Year!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 18 December 1979

SO YOU thought Gloria Gaynor was still just the original Queen of Disco? You figured she might not be able to repeat the phenomenal success ...

Jupiter Beyond Another Philly Breakout David Nathan

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 18 December 1979

CURRENTLY CAUSING quite a stir on the U.K. soul singles' chart is a record that's literally come out of left field to make a strong ...

Chic, Sister Sledge: Sister Sledge: Sisters In Soul

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 25 March 1980

Just a year or so back, the sisters Sledge were considering going their separate ways. Happily, 1979 was a fantastic year for the girls and ...

Patti LaBelle: Patti Kicks Out!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 April 1980

David Nathan catches up with Patti LaBelle, and finds she has plenty to say about the state of her career... ...

Gary Bartz, Miles Davis, Phyllis Hyman, Reggie Lucas, Stephanie Mills, Mtume: Mtume and Lucas on song...

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 July 1980

Having first met as members of the Miles Davis Band, Mtume & Lucas immediately sparked a mutual creative change which has resulted in a plethora ...

Aretha Franklin: Lady Soul Cooks!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 October 1980

David Nathan drops in on Aretha at home in Los Angeles to talk about her debut album for Arista and her first movie role.... and ...

Eumir Deodato, Kool and the Gang: Cruisin' with Deodato

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 October 1980

Eumir Deodato's interests have always spanned the whole musical spectrum, as reflected in his 1973 smash hit, 'Theme From 2001'. Currently, he's in the spotlight ...

Keni Burke, The Five Stairsteps: Keni Burke, One Step Ahead

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 14 July 1981

As a member of the Five Stairsteps in the mid-sixties, Keni worked on a number of Soul gems. Now, with his second solo album, he's ...

Lamont Dozier, Future Flight, Zingara: Lamont Dozier: Me an' my piano...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 July 1981

Despite a proven track record, the multi-talented writer, producer and artist, continues to strive for success, and STILL spends 4-5 hours every day sitting at ...

Dionne Warwick: Hammersmith Odeon, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 31 May 1983

PLAYING THE second of three concerts at the Odeon at the start of her three-week long British tour, Dionne Warwick proved why she has stood ...

Earth, Wind & Fire, Barbra Streisand, Maurice White: Maurice White: White in Flight

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 September 1984

Maurice White talks to B&S — about EW&F's pause for thought, about his own solo album, about his productions for Barbra Streisand, and about some ...

Angela Bofill, O'Jays: The O'Jays, Angela Bofill: Beverly Theatre, Los Angeles CA

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 May 1985

OCCASIONALLY, it's possible to witness a show in which the opening act is more impressive than the headliner. It doesn't happen too often — and ...

Rick James, The Mary Jane Girls, Process & the Doo Rags, Teena Marie, Val Young: The Rick James Interview: The Buffalo Man Takes Aim...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 July 1985

David Nathan conducts a very sober and enlightening interview with the former Wild Man of Funk whose drug and alcohol abuse took him to the ...

Patti Austin, Change, Cherrelle, Flyte Tyme, Thelma Houston, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Howard Johnson, Klymaxx, Cheryl Lynn, Prince, The SOS Band, The Time: Minneapolis Magic: The Jam and Lewis Story

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 July 1986

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are currently the hottest producers in soul and here B&S goes back in time with the two men to discover ...

Anita Baker: Good songs, that's what count!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 February 1987

The limelight has never been brighter for 'the songstress' Anita Baker but she always has time for a chat with B&S, David Nathan strikes up ...

Michael McDonald: The Heart and Soul of Michael McDonald

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 14 April 1987

'Sweet Freedom' re-established Michael's R&B profile and here he explains to David Nathan why it has always been there. ...

Anita Baker

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 May 1987

YOU MIGHT assume that after winning two Grammies, a couple of Soul Train Music Awards and having a two million-plus-selling album, Anita Baker would hear ...

Tony! Toni! Toné!: T! T! T! Who?

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 June 1988

  LET'S START with a little quiz: what's the name of an old gospel song that became a mid-Sixties hit for a major instrumentalist and has ...

The World of Black Music

Report by David Nathan, Billboard, 18 June 1988

The Youth Wave Advances, Dance Enhances, and Rap Romances Pop Consumers ...

Siedah Garrett: S★I★E★D★A★H

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 July 1988

  SINGER-SONGWRITER Siedah Garrett hasn't exactly had herself a bad year by anyone's reckoning. Aside from duetting with Michael Jackson on 'I Just Can't Stop Loving ...

The Deele, Keith Sweat, Teena Marie: Teena Marie, Keith Sweat, The Deele: The Forum, Los Angeles, Calif.

Live Review by David Nathan, Billboard, 23 July 1988

WlTH ITS strong lineup of urban contemporary talent on display and its billing as "the hottest show of the summer," this event could hardly have ...

Bobby Brown: Late Edition!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 August 1988

  THE FORMER New Edition lead vocalist Bobby Brown began his solo career last year in fine style with a No. 1 black music hit, 'Girl ...

Shirley Murdock, Roger Troutman: Shirley Murdock: Sheer Murdock

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 August 1988

Sheer ability, sheer quality and sheer hard work has seen Shirley Murdock move up from the ranks of backing singer to the edge of major ...

Paula Abdul: Fresh: Paula Abdul

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 August 1988

AS HER Virgin Records' biography so accurately states, Paula Abdul has the distinction of having won music awards before her first single ('Knocked Out') was ...

Gerald Albright, Phyllis Hyman, Pieces of a Dream, Bill Withers: Phyllis Hyman,
 Bill Withers, Pieces Of A Dream,
 Gerald Albright: Greek Theatre,
 Los Angeles

Live Review by David Nathan, Billboard, 3 September 1988

BILLED AS A quiet storm concert (a reference to urban radio's popular mellow late-night programming), these four strong acts provided a full evening of entertainment ...

Brenda Russell: Universal Amphitheater, Los Angeles CA

Live Review by David Nathan, Billboard, 24 September 1988

OPENING FOR Billy Ocean for the past 2½ months on her first national tour, A&M artist Brenda Russell has provided near-capacity audiences with a show ...

Laura Nyro: Mayfair Theater, Santa Monica CA

Live Review by David Nathan, Billboard, 1 October 1988

BACK ON tour after a lengthy hiatus, innovative singer/songwriter Laura Nyro has been reminding audiences that she is a unique and exceptionally gifted artist. At ...

Morris Day, Miki Howard, Freddie Jackson, Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Whispers: Morris Day, Freddie Jackson, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Whispers, Miki Howard: The Forum, Los Angeles, CA

Live Review by David Nathan, Billboard, 15 October 1988

THE SECOND Budweiser Superfest to play Los Angeles in the last two months didn't generate anywhere near the same excitement as the first, even though ...

Luther Vandross: The Heat Is On!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 25 October 1988

Now considered THE pre-eminent soul singer of the '80s, Luther talks to David Nathan about living with success, his new material and The Heat tour ...

Anita Baker, Luther Vandross: Luther Vandross, Anita Baker: Capital Center, Landover, MD

Live Review by David Nathan, Billboard, 29 October 1988

ON A TOUR appropriately billed The Heat, the inspired teaming of two of contemporary black music's hottest names can hardly miss. And judging from this ...

Etta James

Review and Interview by David Nathan, Billboard, 17 December 1988

"SHOW BUSINESS became a lifestyle for me from the beginning," says legendary vocalist Etta James. "The road became my home – I was almost like ...

Cherrelle: The Start Of The Affair

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 20 December 1988

"A LOT OF artists just lie, as if they don't go through the same problems everyone else has. That's ridiculous: my album is about life, ...

Tony! Toni! Toné!: Exclamations From Tony! Toni! Toné!'s

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 May 1990

IF YOU'RE a young group and you hit first time out with your debut album achieving gold status, the big question is bound to be: ...

Whitney Houston: An Interview with Whitney Houston

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1991

SO MUCH HAS BEEN written and said about Whitney Houston since she burst on to the recording scene in 1985 with 'You Give Good Love', ...

Anita Baker: Anita & the Killing Machine

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 January 1991

The straight talking Anita Baker delivers her verdict on the state of R&B and the double standards applied by the U.S. music business. David Nathan ...

Will Downing: Turn Left for Musical Paradise

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 March 1991

AN ARTICLE inspired by Will Downing's landmark new album A Dream Fulfilled requires a somewhat profound opening line, so here goes: there comes a time ...

En Vogue: No. 1 Out of the Box

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 April 1991

Having secured an almost unprecedented acceptance with their first LP, En Vogue intend to continue their high flying success story ...

Johnny Gill: Four Times a Winner

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 April 1991

B&S poll scoop, US tour, new LP and the President's balls! ...

Chaka Khan, Rufus: The B&S Hall of Fame: Rufus & Chaka Khan

Retrospective by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 May 1992

"I've been to hell and back... in a limousine!" (Chaka Khan) ...

El DeBarge: Storm Warning

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 May 1992

FLASHBACK: it's 1989 and El DeBarge is sitting in a conference room at Motown Records discussing his then new album, Gemini (his first in three ...

Sounds of Blackness, Ralph Tresvant, Luther Vandross, Caron Wheeler: Jam & Lewis: Future Perspectives

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 June 1992

Jam & Lewis have been voted the best songwriters in the B&S poll of the second year in succession. However, in a chaotic year, the ...

Sounds of Blackness: S.O.B. Story!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 June 1992

Gospel soul aggregation Sounds Of Blackness, having secured two major awards in the B&S Poll, intend to keep their music and their beliefs in harmony ...

Guy: Teddy Riley: The Life of Riley

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 June 1992

Poll winner Teddy Riley talks to B&S about the Guy split, Michael Jackson, his new record label and technology. ...

Will Downing: Willpower

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 June 1992

Confirmed anglophile Will Downing cements his ongoing love affair with the British public by picking up three Poll category awards. The ever genial Mr. D ...

Loleatta Holloway: No More Free Samples

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 June 1992

Having been sampled to distraction by all and sundry and having suffered her fair share of rip offs, Loleatta Holloway is back with a new ...

Ephraim Lewis: Wolverhampton Wanderer

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 July 1992

Wolverhampton to Beverly Hills is a long old trek to take but, Ephraim Lewis has made it, taking with him his distinctive brand of British ...

Brian McKnight: The Life of Brian

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 25 August 1992

He sings, he writes, he plays, he's just released his debut solo album and he's only twenty-two. Wow! ...

Freddie Jackson: Dinner Time With Freddie

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 September 1992

David Nathan dons his best bib and tucker and joins Freddie Jackson for dinner in LA, to discuss his new Time For Love album and ...

Erma Franklin: Ad Infinitum!

Retrospective and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 December 1992

Thanks to their inclusion in TV ads, a number of soul classics have enjoyed new leases of life and seem destined to remain firm favourites ...

Regina Belle: Pride and Passion

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 March 1993

It had been three years since Regina's last album, but then she found herself topping the charts with her movie duet with Peabo Bryson. Now ...

Sade: Universal Amphitheatre, Los Angeles

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 March 1993

THEY CAME, they saw, they conquered! Hot on the heels of the two million US sales for Love Deluxe, their latest album, UK group Sade ...

Kenny G: A breathless encounter with Kenny G

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 May 1993

It's questions and answers time for the chart-topping saxman as David Nathan catches up with him prior to his UK concert dates supporting Michael Bolton. ...

Tina Turner, Ike & Tina Turner: What's Love Got To Do With It? (Dir.: Brian Gibson, Buena Vista Pictures)

Film/DVD/TV Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 20 July 1993

Tina: a legend in her own time ...

Brenda Russell: Talkin' Proud and Sayin' Something...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 20 July 1993

BRENDA RUSSELL, singer/songwriter extraordinaire, is sitting in the tasteful living room of her house, tucked away from the madness of LA at the end of ...

George Benson: Labour of Love

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 20 July 1993

TRYING TO please all of the people all of the time is no easy task and when you're a multi-faceted music man you run the ...

Judy Clay: Judy's private number rings at last!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 14 September 1993

When David Nathan rang Judy Clay, he was amazed to learn that he would be conducting her first-ever full-out interview with any publication, despite her ...

Prince, Mavis Staples: Mavis Staples: A Voice Like No Other...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 September 1993

Times were tough for Mavis Staples in the years when she and her family didn't have a deal... and then along came Prince and signed ...

Mary Wells: Dear Lover, The Atco Sessions

Sleeve notes by David Nathan, liner notes, 1994

CONSIDERED, for good reason, one of the top black female vocalists of the early to mid-Sixties, the late Mary Wells' initial recordings for Motown Records ...

Aretha Franklin: The Columbia Years

Discography by David Nathan, Goldmine, 8 July 1994

IN AN EFFORT to glorify the outstanding work that she did at Atlantic Records (1967-1979), musicologists and music industry pundits frequently refer to Aretha Franklin's ...

Barbara Lynn: Barbara Lynn: The Atlantic Sessions

Sleeve notes by David Nathan, ammended, for Ichiban Soul Classics, September 1994

WHILE THE ANNALS OF R&B music history are filled with artists whose initial impact is never surpassed, there are more than a few men and ...

Mary Wells: Dear Lover - The Atco Sessions

Sleeve notes by David Nathan, revised, for Ichiban Soul Classics, Fall 1994

Mary Wells: The Soul Queen Who Quit Motown. Considered, for good reason, one of the top black female vocalists of the early to mid-'60s, ...

The Sweet Inspirations: The Best Of The Sweet Inspirations

Sleeve notes by David Nathan, Liner Notes, Fall 1994

THAT HITMAKING FEMALE vocal groups from New York City existed in abundance throughout the early to mid-Sixties is without dispute. But while the Ronettes, the ...

Stevie Wonder (1995)

Interview by David Nathan, Rock's Backpages audio, 21 March 1995

Mr Wonder talks about why he started to write socially conscious songs: the Vietnam War, inner city unrest and deprivation; being empowered by Marvin Gaye's What's Going On; his relationship with Motown; his new album Conversation Peace — its title, and key songs and on lyrics as poetry.

File format: mp3; file size: 47.8meg, interview length: 49' 47" sound quality: **½

Lenny Williams, Tower of Power: Lenny Williams

Sleeve notes by David Nathan, Ichiban Soul Classics LP, September 1995

These liner notes were originally written for the now out-of-print 1995 Ichiban Soul Classics CD Lenny Williams: 'Cause I Love You: The Best of Lenny ...

The Supremes: Berry Gordy on the Supremes (2000)

Interview by David Nathan, Rock's Backpages audio, 2000

The Motown boss looks back at signing the then-Primettes; Diana's "sparkle"; the difficulty in getting the first hits; breaking through with 'Where Did Our Love Go'; going on the road and stealing Smokey's act; hitting internationally with 'Baby Love'; the Motown assembly line and backroom team; playing the Copa and the need to broaden their audience, and their legacy.

File format: mp3; file size: 52.9mb, interview length: 55' 06" sound quality: ***

Fontella Bass

Interview by David Nathan, SoulMusic.com, Spring 2001

SOMETIMES, IT really, really pays to listen to your colleagues. ...

Erma Franklin: A Tribute to Erma Franklin

Obituary by David Nathan, Rock's Backpages, October 2002

I DID THE FIRST of my two interviews with Erma Franklin and although it’s been twenty-nine years since, I can remember with vivid detail. ...

Patrice Rushen

Interview by David Nathan, SoulMusic.com, 2003

AS I HAVE often commented, one of the wonders of the modern age was the invention of the compact disc. Not only has it revolutionized ...

Nina Simone 1933-2003

Obituary by David Nathan, Rock's Backpages, April 2003

FOR PEOPLE THE world over, the passing of the great, legendary Dr. Nina Simone on April 20, 2003 will be met with much sadness. ...

Teena Marie

Interview by David Nathan, SoulMusic.com, 2004

SHE IS quite simply, one of a kind, a phenomenon of sorts in the world of soul music. For an amazing twenty-five years – since ...

Bettye LaVette: Finally...

Interview by David Nathan, SoulMusic.com, 2005

THERE ARE any number of R&B songs we could use as a cliché for the title of this article on the super-soulful Ms. Bettye Lavette. ...

Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff (2005)

Interview by David Nathan, Rock's Backpages audio, 2005

The making of The Sound of Philadelphia: Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff on the Philadelphia International label, and working with the diverse likes of Wilson Pickett, Dusty Springfield, Jerry Butler and Laura Nyro.

File format: mp3; file size: 31.5mb; Interview length: 24' 24"; sound quality: ***

Teena Marie

Interview by David Nathan, SoulMusic.com, 2006

IT TAKES a certain 'something' to maintain a career with any sort of longevity in the music industry – more now than ever. Long gone ...

Chaka Khan: Back...From Back In The Day

Interview by David Nathan, SoulMusic.com, October 2007

LOS ANGELES, October 11, 2007: I've been talking to Chaka Khan since 1974. Through the years, I've been a witness to her through-the-fire-days, her almost-have-it-together-days, ...

Isaac Hayes: Remembering Isaac Hayes

Obituary by David Nathan, Stax 50th Online Blog, August 2008

IT MIGHT be easy to simply consider Isaac Hayes as Black Moses, as the distinguished winner of an Oscar for 'Theme For Shaft', as the ...

Aretha Franklin, Jerry Wexler: Remembering Jerry Wexler…

Comment by David Nathan, Stax 50th Online Blog, 1 September 2008

I'M NOT sure the first time I saw Gerald Wexler's name on an album. ...

Al Green: Soul Deep

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, November 2008

IT'S A TOUGH CALL for most legendary soul music artists: how do you make a new album that will appeal to a contemporary audience while ...

Aretha Franklin: Some Things Are Sacred: A Jubilant Appreciation of The Music Of Aretha Franklin

Overview by David Nathan, SoulMusic.com, December 2008

YOU JUST have to know that some things are sacred. ...

Jody Watley: A New Makeover

Interview by David Nathan, Soul Music, 2009

IN 2006, Jody Watley released The Makeover, the fourth album on her own Avitone Records. In 2009, she worked out a global deal for the ...

Teena Marie (2010)

Interview by David Nathan, SoulMusic.com, January 2010

Teena picks her favourite seven tracks from her own back catalogue, and selects three by other artists that mean the most to her.

File format: mp3; file size: 72mb; Interview length: 1h 18' 39"; sound quality: ***

P.P. Arnold (2010)

Interview by David Nathan, SoulMusic.com, 26 September 2010

From Ike & Tina Turner to Roger Waters, via Immediate Records, 'The First Cut Is The Deepest, jammin' with Jimi, theatrical work, and putting the soul into late-'80s Brit dance music: the fantastic P.P. Arnold reveals all.

File format: mp3; file size: 89.4mb, interview length: 1h 33' 05" sound quality: ***

El DeBarge (2010)

Interview by David Nathan, SoulMusic.com, 29 September 2010

El DeBarge on the post-prison come-back trail with Second Chance album, talking about where he's at today(ish – he's fallen off the wagon again since this was taped), and recording with Jam & Lewis et al.

File format: mp3; file size: 23.1mb, interview length: 25' 15" sound quality: ** (phoner)

Jennifer Holliday (2011)

Interview by David Nathan, SoulMusic.com, 2 March 2011

The Dream Girls star on her relocation to Atlanta, AIDS awareness, the reissue of her I'm On Your Side album and her breakthrough single, 'And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going'.

File format: mp3; file size: 58.7mb, interview length: 1h 04' 04" sound quality: * (phoner)

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