When I was growing up I truly realized how fortunate I was to have the parents that I did. Although my Mother and Father divorced when I was 7 years old, the strength of their ensuing friendship remained, and they STILL raised my Sister and I with love, caring and devotion.
One of the things that I'm most proud of is the fact that they learned to appreciate and adapt to the music that we loved...all of it.
I can remember vividly watching my Sister Caroleigh ( who was a gifted musician and singer) strut around the house singing Jackie Wilson's "Baby Work Out," her hips swinging hard to the beat of the music. It used to make my Mom cringe, because she knew about Jackie Wilson's past as a criminal and pimp, and at the time few people knew this but Jackie Wilson had raped singer extraordinaire Patti La Belle.
My Mother was aware of this case because she worked in the Bronx District Attorney's office, so news of that caliber travels...
None the less my Mom kept a watchful eye on us, and still allowed us to form our own opinions about music and who we loved, or liked.
I'm saying all of this to say that every generation has it's share of people that make some of us frown or question young people's tastes, but now more than ever we all need to learn to work with each other.We need to find joy in each other's presence.
Folks my age these days are slightly baffled about some of the "music" of today, I'm the first to admit that I don't get alot of it, but like my Mom did, I'm making a conscious effort to be more open minded, but watchful of the music of the younger folks.
For the Hip Hop generation you too need to understand at least some of the things that we "older folks"are trying to impart to you.We want you to have as much fun with your lives as possible, we want you to fulfil your dreams as much as you can imagine, but we also want you to learn to stand on your own 2 feet and work for the things you desire. We want you to truly realize that all women aren't "bitches and 'ho's, and for the ladies, every man ain't a cash cow, and because you saw him on TV, it don't make him a hottie.
My only true advice is to put Allah (God) in your life first and foremost, and try to be open minded about all generations...in short, let's stay together, because like it or not, or believe it or not at some point you too will reach this age, and I just want you get there lovingly.
We all make our own calendars, a person may die young at 80, or old at 30...Holla !!
Support Live music today tomorrow and always, and support young people's interests.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Fourteen Angels...
This is a reprint of an article that appeared in The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Please read it, and keep the Coal Miners in your prayers.
This was written before the accident in Logan...*Subject:* From Cleveland, Ohio Newspaper*
Bless the guys with the guts to dig the coal*Sunday, January 08, 2006 Dick Feagler*Plain Dealer Columnist*
We often make fun of West Virginia. I was raised to do so. From our fancy,sophisticated perch on the top of Ohio, we saw West Virginians ashillbillies and hicks.When we walked into a diner and saw a woman behind the counter, working hertail off, hair in a beehive, extra polite, spanking-white uniform, speakingwith a drawl, we thought, "West Virginia." And we looked down on that goodwoman. And thought, "hillbilly."Was the makeup wrong? Was the body too thin? Maybe the map on the face toldtoo many hardscrabble stories. People in our part of the state - Italians and Pollocks and Irish and whatever -- have always looked askance at the folks from West Virginia, the same way they once looked askance at each other.But this week, if you walked across the floor to turn your thermostat up,you were risking a coal miner's life. Half of America's energy comes from coal -- much of it from West Virginia mines.A coal miner buries himself alive each day. He kisses his family good-byeand rides a bucket two miles into the earth. There he toils until they pullhim up and he goes home for a hug and supper.I guess we don't think too much about what keeps the lights on. Why shouldwe? We are, after all, so smart. We take so many things for granted. But thepower behind that electricity is those guys in the mines.Almost 40 years ago, I traveled with photographer Ted Schneider Jr. to one of the worst coal mine disasters in history. Farmington, W.Va.Ninety-nine miners were entombed by an explosion. Seventyeight died.Schneider and I talked to the widows. We talked to the local undertaker, aguy named Blaine Toothman, about how he was out of body bags and wasordering more from other towns in the state.We covered all the announcements from the coal company union representative.Bulletins came every four hours. Families went home and slept and then dragged themselves back to a barren room with a microphone at the front of it. The news from the mike was always the same: No news. Still trapped.There weren't as many media then. Now the media outnumber reality -- reality meaning the real people with heartbreak at stake. Media are the people who surround them looking to pick up a sound bite and carry it home to feed a hungry 24-hour format.We have, since those days, smothered reality. We've bent it and shaped itinto something useful. If somebody doesn't cry enough, move the camera to somebody who does. If an overweight mother cries too much, look for her telegenic daughter. In the age of television, we audition catastrophe.Back then in Farmington, we found the principal of a local high school who was furious."We try to teach them," he said. "We do our best to educate them -- to give them a way out. But they all go back down in the same damned mines."Schneider took a photo from a cemetery on a hill. It showed the gravestonesof the miners who had gone to that high school and died in that town. And then we left. But I took a piece of West Virginia with me, and I carry it tothis day. They are tough down there in West Virginia. They are nothing to make fun of.They have pride. They shift for themselves. And they ask for nothing.They are the best of America. After last week's disaster at the Sago Mine,the miners said they wanted to go back underground to work. That high school principal, if he hasn't retired, is probably still frustrated.But I saw some miners interviewed. One of them explained that the mines were in his blood. And that his fellow miners were his brothers. And that you don't just quit.God bless the hillbilly and hicks. They are the pilot light of America.
Contact Dick Feagler at: dfeagler@plaind.com, 216-999-5757.
Charlie Tee adds:
I feel that I am the luckiest man on Earth to have moved to this state,and from the first day I arrived, West Virginians have welcomed me as one of their own.I married the daughter of a Coal Miner who loves me unconditionally, this is a trait that is exhibited throughout state by everyone.West Virginia teaches the world to sing in perfect harmony.
This post is dedicated to my Father in law, Alvin Suthpin
It is also dedicated to the all of the Coal Miners everywhere, thank you for risking your lives for me...daily.
This was written before the accident in Logan...*Subject:* From Cleveland, Ohio Newspaper*
Bless the guys with the guts to dig the coal*Sunday, January 08, 2006 Dick Feagler*Plain Dealer Columnist*
We often make fun of West Virginia. I was raised to do so. From our fancy,sophisticated perch on the top of Ohio, we saw West Virginians ashillbillies and hicks.When we walked into a diner and saw a woman behind the counter, working hertail off, hair in a beehive, extra polite, spanking-white uniform, speakingwith a drawl, we thought, "West Virginia." And we looked down on that goodwoman. And thought, "hillbilly."Was the makeup wrong? Was the body too thin? Maybe the map on the face toldtoo many hardscrabble stories. People in our part of the state - Italians and Pollocks and Irish and whatever -- have always looked askance at the folks from West Virginia, the same way they once looked askance at each other.But this week, if you walked across the floor to turn your thermostat up,you were risking a coal miner's life. Half of America's energy comes from coal -- much of it from West Virginia mines.A coal miner buries himself alive each day. He kisses his family good-byeand rides a bucket two miles into the earth. There he toils until they pullhim up and he goes home for a hug and supper.I guess we don't think too much about what keeps the lights on. Why shouldwe? We are, after all, so smart. We take so many things for granted. But thepower behind that electricity is those guys in the mines.Almost 40 years ago, I traveled with photographer Ted Schneider Jr. to one of the worst coal mine disasters in history. Farmington, W.Va.Ninety-nine miners were entombed by an explosion. Seventyeight died.Schneider and I talked to the widows. We talked to the local undertaker, aguy named Blaine Toothman, about how he was out of body bags and wasordering more from other towns in the state.We covered all the announcements from the coal company union representative.Bulletins came every four hours. Families went home and slept and then dragged themselves back to a barren room with a microphone at the front of it. The news from the mike was always the same: No news. Still trapped.There weren't as many media then. Now the media outnumber reality -- reality meaning the real people with heartbreak at stake. Media are the people who surround them looking to pick up a sound bite and carry it home to feed a hungry 24-hour format.We have, since those days, smothered reality. We've bent it and shaped itinto something useful. If somebody doesn't cry enough, move the camera to somebody who does. If an overweight mother cries too much, look for her telegenic daughter. In the age of television, we audition catastrophe.Back then in Farmington, we found the principal of a local high school who was furious."We try to teach them," he said. "We do our best to educate them -- to give them a way out. But they all go back down in the same damned mines."Schneider took a photo from a cemetery on a hill. It showed the gravestonesof the miners who had gone to that high school and died in that town. And then we left. But I took a piece of West Virginia with me, and I carry it tothis day. They are tough down there in West Virginia. They are nothing to make fun of.They have pride. They shift for themselves. And they ask for nothing.They are the best of America. After last week's disaster at the Sago Mine,the miners said they wanted to go back underground to work. That high school principal, if he hasn't retired, is probably still frustrated.But I saw some miners interviewed. One of them explained that the mines were in his blood. And that his fellow miners were his brothers. And that you don't just quit.God bless the hillbilly and hicks. They are the pilot light of America.
Contact Dick Feagler at: dfeagler@plaind.com, 216-999-5757.
Charlie Tee adds:
I feel that I am the luckiest man on Earth to have moved to this state,and from the first day I arrived, West Virginians have welcomed me as one of their own.I married the daughter of a Coal Miner who loves me unconditionally, this is a trait that is exhibited throughout state by everyone.West Virginia teaches the world to sing in perfect harmony.
This post is dedicated to my Father in law, Alvin Suthpin
It is also dedicated to the all of the Coal Miners everywhere, thank you for risking your lives for me...daily.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
My Birthday Thoughts...
I'm at a really good place in my life, and in an unusal fashion, I'm actually looking forward to celebrating my birthday.
Although I really miss my Mother, Father and my Sister Caroleigh, and I desperately wish that I could see them again, I do what I can to keep their memory alive in me always.
My family has always been proud of me, and have always supported me throughout my life, yet it took me quite a number of years to realize how fortunate that I am. My life is filled with stories, allegory, and spirituality to help me face any situation and I'm grateful to have had such a loving and caring family.
The family that I've lost have been replaced by my new family, I have a loving caring wife in Vickie, my children and grandchildren are the greatest things that could have happened to me.My younger Sister Lauren is the best. My In laws make my life worthwhile, as well as my family of friends ( co workers, band mates, and my blogging family).
One of my dearest friends on the Earth (who also, is now deceased) once told me that I should write down my story because she said that my life is so interesting and full, and I told her that not one person in the world would wanna hear what I had to say. In 2 seconds they'd be headed for the toilet, or they'd need a stiff drink because it's so boring.
Well here I am years later, I'm telling my tale of trying to be in the music business and people all over the place are sending me e-mails of encouragement, they make comments here on my blogs, they come to see my band play, and on Friday I got the shock of my life...
I went outside of work to pick up library materials from our off-sight book-drops, and while in my vehicle I listened to a local radio station, when all of a sudden they play music from the Carpenter Ants latest CD, and the DJ said that we are a great local band from here in Charleston ( that was enough for me…), but then he mentions my name and said that I work at the St Albans library and that the people down there just think he is the greatest…he actually said that. Well first I was embarrassed beyond belief, then, I cried for about an hour…what an honor !!
You just never know how you affect people, but I am so unbelievably grateful to everyone for all of the kind things that they have done for me and for this band, but mostly for the encouragement toward my dreams.
My birthday thoughts this year are leaning toward the hope of continued desire, and passion about playing music for the masses; and for the few, and to be healthy enough to enjoy it.
To DJ Rick Cochran, you’ll never know how grateful I am for what you said. I’m still in shock!!
To Charisse Campbell, I'm glad that I finally listened to you and started writing...I miss you more than ever.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always…and blow out the candles with you’re favorite bands or singers.
Although I really miss my Mother, Father and my Sister Caroleigh, and I desperately wish that I could see them again, I do what I can to keep their memory alive in me always.
My family has always been proud of me, and have always supported me throughout my life, yet it took me quite a number of years to realize how fortunate that I am. My life is filled with stories, allegory, and spirituality to help me face any situation and I'm grateful to have had such a loving and caring family.
The family that I've lost have been replaced by my new family, I have a loving caring wife in Vickie, my children and grandchildren are the greatest things that could have happened to me.My younger Sister Lauren is the best. My In laws make my life worthwhile, as well as my family of friends ( co workers, band mates, and my blogging family).
One of my dearest friends on the Earth (who also, is now deceased) once told me that I should write down my story because she said that my life is so interesting and full, and I told her that not one person in the world would wanna hear what I had to say. In 2 seconds they'd be headed for the toilet, or they'd need a stiff drink because it's so boring.
Well here I am years later, I'm telling my tale of trying to be in the music business and people all over the place are sending me e-mails of encouragement, they make comments here on my blogs, they come to see my band play, and on Friday I got the shock of my life...
I went outside of work to pick up library materials from our off-sight book-drops, and while in my vehicle I listened to a local radio station, when all of a sudden they play music from the Carpenter Ants latest CD, and the DJ said that we are a great local band from here in Charleston ( that was enough for me…), but then he mentions my name and said that I work at the St Albans library and that the people down there just think he is the greatest…he actually said that. Well first I was embarrassed beyond belief, then, I cried for about an hour…what an honor !!
You just never know how you affect people, but I am so unbelievably grateful to everyone for all of the kind things that they have done for me and for this band, but mostly for the encouragement toward my dreams.
My birthday thoughts this year are leaning toward the hope of continued desire, and passion about playing music for the masses; and for the few, and to be healthy enough to enjoy it.
To DJ Rick Cochran, you’ll never know how grateful I am for what you said. I’m still in shock!!
To Charisse Campbell, I'm glad that I finally listened to you and started writing...I miss you more than ever.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always…and blow out the candles with you’re favorite bands or singers.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Open Mouth, Insert Foot...
A few years ago, the Carpenter Ants participated in what was known as "Kanawhapalooza," The Musicians Union's answer to Lollapalooza. The events were held all around the Charleston area, and the intent of the thing was to showcase much of the talented musicians in this area.
Anyway, the venue that we played was located in the Elk River Holiday Inn, at their nightspot called The Dockside.
During a break at our performance, I went to the bar for some water, and a woman came up to me and said "did anyone ever tell you that you look like Al Roker,(of NBC, and Food Network fame)." Well, I hit the roof, I was very insulted, and I was very verbal about it. I realized then as I do now, that the real issue of what upset me so is that I'm struggling with my weight, and have been for years.
Say what you want, but truly it's my own fault that I've gained this much weight, somehow I feel like I've been cheated because I can't live like all the thinner people, so I consume too much food, and don't exercise at all, a deadly combination.
The comments of that woman just opened a bad can of worms for me. I know that her intentions were not meant to insult, but to compliment me on my talent.
The reason that I'm writing about this now is twofold: I just learned of the death of Soul singer Wilson Picket, and I remembered that I wrote a post where I made a pretty disparaging remark about Mustang Sally, and about Freebird. I said in fact: 'don'tcha just wish those songs would go away, or at least wish that someone would open a nightclub especially for people who love those songs... it could be called Mustang Sally's Freebird Utopia.' Really, how stupid of me, and in lieu of the fact that a year or so before that when the Carpenter Ants released our CD "Picnic With The Lord,"one of the reviews that circulated compared my vocal style to Wilson Pickett, and I was truly thrilled and honored by the comparison.
I guess my feelings now are ambivalent because I want to be accepted on my own terms as a musician and singer, but I need to also realize that for people in general, they need to make comparisons.We all do it, in every walk of life, and it's not a bad thing, at least not from this perspective.
My struggle with my weight continues (although I am earnestly trying to do something about it...), and looking forward, I have great plans for myself this year. One of which is to open mouth and insert foot.
Of course I have absolutely no idea who that woman that I argued with is, but if you're reading this please know that I am genuinely sorry for becoming angry, and I feel even lower now that "Wicked Wilson Picket" is gone from our lives. His music, like so many others has affected me positively. I stand in the shadows of music, but I stand on the shoulders of these pioneers, and I'm grateful for the what they have taught me about being an entertainer...sometimes, I have to learn my lessons the hard way !
Wilson Pickett, 1941-2006...goodnight brother
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...and learn to take every comment as a compliment, or as constructive criticism.If people say things that you don't like, learn to channel it into something positive.
Anyway, the venue that we played was located in the Elk River Holiday Inn, at their nightspot called The Dockside.
During a break at our performance, I went to the bar for some water, and a woman came up to me and said "did anyone ever tell you that you look like Al Roker,(of NBC, and Food Network fame)." Well, I hit the roof, I was very insulted, and I was very verbal about it. I realized then as I do now, that the real issue of what upset me so is that I'm struggling with my weight, and have been for years.
Say what you want, but truly it's my own fault that I've gained this much weight, somehow I feel like I've been cheated because I can't live like all the thinner people, so I consume too much food, and don't exercise at all, a deadly combination.
The comments of that woman just opened a bad can of worms for me. I know that her intentions were not meant to insult, but to compliment me on my talent.
The reason that I'm writing about this now is twofold: I just learned of the death of Soul singer Wilson Picket, and I remembered that I wrote a post where I made a pretty disparaging remark about Mustang Sally, and about Freebird. I said in fact: 'don'tcha just wish those songs would go away, or at least wish that someone would open a nightclub especially for people who love those songs... it could be called Mustang Sally's Freebird Utopia.' Really, how stupid of me, and in lieu of the fact that a year or so before that when the Carpenter Ants released our CD "Picnic With The Lord,"one of the reviews that circulated compared my vocal style to Wilson Pickett, and I was truly thrilled and honored by the comparison.
I guess my feelings now are ambivalent because I want to be accepted on my own terms as a musician and singer, but I need to also realize that for people in general, they need to make comparisons.We all do it, in every walk of life, and it's not a bad thing, at least not from this perspective.
My struggle with my weight continues (although I am earnestly trying to do something about it...), and looking forward, I have great plans for myself this year. One of which is to open mouth and insert foot.
Of course I have absolutely no idea who that woman that I argued with is, but if you're reading this please know that I am genuinely sorry for becoming angry, and I feel even lower now that "Wicked Wilson Picket" is gone from our lives. His music, like so many others has affected me positively. I stand in the shadows of music, but I stand on the shoulders of these pioneers, and I'm grateful for the what they have taught me about being an entertainer...sometimes, I have to learn my lessons the hard way !
Wilson Pickett, 1941-2006...goodnight brother
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...and learn to take every comment as a compliment, or as constructive criticism.If people say things that you don't like, learn to channel it into something positive.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Ants in 2006
First let me wish all the Carpenter Ants friends and family a very Happy New Year.This year promises to be one of big things for us...(fingers crossed !!)
Well, after a restful holiday we went back into action at the Empty Glass this past Wednesday, and it seems our little respite did help some things as there were quite a few people at the club and we had some fun.
We started out a bit slow (rusty is more like it...), but time off always does that to folks, so I wasn't too worried, because as usual the band just evolved back to our groovin' selves, save a few mishaps.
I'm still not quite certain what is going on at the Empty Glass, but there seems to be a vaguely weird vibe there anymore, and it bothers me just a little. This club has always been the hub of the best music and the most amount of fun for folks who are strictly into music, but it feels to me like it's lost its edge. Now I know that that happens in the nightclub business, as the saying goes "you're ridin' high in April, shot down in May,"but for some reason the Glass feels like it's getting swallowed up.
My problem is, that I still have so much affection for the club, and it's like watching a stumbling old man, just barely holding on. I wish I knew what to do to help it back on its feet.None the less, I still support it, and still hope that the public continues to love it.
Anyway as I've said I feel like this year will be the year that finally sees the Ants moving forward in the music world. Michael is really putting major effort into connecting us with some people who really want to see us succeed, and it looks as though some of our earlier performances are starting to pay off because some folks are requesting us by name...that's always a good sign.
Individually things are picking up for us as well, we are all getting asked to participate in other people's projects.That especially makes me feel very proud, to be recognized by other musicians.
Personally, I'm working on my list of goals for myself for this year.It has taken me awhile to embrace this concept, but last year I wrote down my goals and read them often, and I found that some of them actually came true...there is something to doing that.
From my standpoint as the lead vocalist and saxophonist of the Carpenter Ants, I am truly looking forward to exploring this year and seeing the possibilites, and I want to invite all of you to vote "Ants in 2006." It's going to be a promising year, come and join us won't you.
Happy birthday Dr. Martin Luther King, your dream is helping mine to come true.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Well, after a restful holiday we went back into action at the Empty Glass this past Wednesday, and it seems our little respite did help some things as there were quite a few people at the club and we had some fun.
We started out a bit slow (rusty is more like it...), but time off always does that to folks, so I wasn't too worried, because as usual the band just evolved back to our groovin' selves, save a few mishaps.
I'm still not quite certain what is going on at the Empty Glass, but there seems to be a vaguely weird vibe there anymore, and it bothers me just a little. This club has always been the hub of the best music and the most amount of fun for folks who are strictly into music, but it feels to me like it's lost its edge. Now I know that that happens in the nightclub business, as the saying goes "you're ridin' high in April, shot down in May,"but for some reason the Glass feels like it's getting swallowed up.
My problem is, that I still have so much affection for the club, and it's like watching a stumbling old man, just barely holding on. I wish I knew what to do to help it back on its feet.None the less, I still support it, and still hope that the public continues to love it.
Anyway as I've said I feel like this year will be the year that finally sees the Ants moving forward in the music world. Michael is really putting major effort into connecting us with some people who really want to see us succeed, and it looks as though some of our earlier performances are starting to pay off because some folks are requesting us by name...that's always a good sign.
Individually things are picking up for us as well, we are all getting asked to participate in other people's projects.That especially makes me feel very proud, to be recognized by other musicians.
Personally, I'm working on my list of goals for myself for this year.It has taken me awhile to embrace this concept, but last year I wrote down my goals and read them often, and I found that some of them actually came true...there is something to doing that.
From my standpoint as the lead vocalist and saxophonist of the Carpenter Ants, I am truly looking forward to exploring this year and seeing the possibilites, and I want to invite all of you to vote "Ants in 2006." It's going to be a promising year, come and join us won't you.
Happy birthday Dr. Martin Luther King, your dream is helping mine to come true.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Remembering RIchard Pryor
If you were around in the 70's you can remember vividly the first time you heard him on record (for the CD generation, that was the black dish-like platter that with grooves that displaced sound...).It was the album "That Nigger's Crazy,"and it completely turned our world upside down.
For me, I even remember where I was when I heard it. I'll never forget the feeling either.That was my pot smoking days ( yes, I had a torrid past too, but I've changed since then...markedly !), hanging out in the dorm at West Virginia State College with my roommate Herman, he bought this album, and a bag of "weed," we got seriously stoned and he threw on Richard Pryor. I've never laughed so hard for so long in my entire life.It was so unbelievably funny that I got a headache and got sick.
Richard Pryor did not leave anything to your imagination, the picture that he painted about being Black, longing for sex, getting high and escaping our myopic world were so bold, that I could not for the life of me figure out how he made it funny (in fact, I truly still don't get it).
All that pain rechanneled into humor blows my mind.
In this day and age of political correctness, Richard was an equal opportunity offender; if you were in his path, you were subject to be the brunt of some cold hard humor. Other comedians try but theirs is either wear you down humor (where they keep at it until they get a laugh), or surprise humor (where you have to dig deep and think deep to get the point), but Richard made every aspect of his humor work, the set up, the delivery and the punchline were simply incredibly funny, and you didn't have to be a rocket scientist to figure it out.
The other thing that made him funny is that when he told you a story you could see crystal clearly what he meant.
People like Richard truly only come around maybe once in a lifetime, and I am so thankful that it was in my lifetime, I thank him for making me feel less inadequate about being Black and living in America.
I've said many times that fear can make you do crazy things. My fear of aloneness made me do drugs, almost in the same way that he did.
Richard Pryors' life was one of one of constant upheaval from his birth to his death, but in the process he touched our lives and made us the better for it, because he was honest about it without the sugarcoating.
Good night brother.
Richard Pryor 1940-2005
Support Live music today tomorrow and always, and have a good bellylaugh along the way.
For me, I even remember where I was when I heard it. I'll never forget the feeling either.That was my pot smoking days ( yes, I had a torrid past too, but I've changed since then...markedly !), hanging out in the dorm at West Virginia State College with my roommate Herman, he bought this album, and a bag of "weed," we got seriously stoned and he threw on Richard Pryor. I've never laughed so hard for so long in my entire life.It was so unbelievably funny that I got a headache and got sick.
Richard Pryor did not leave anything to your imagination, the picture that he painted about being Black, longing for sex, getting high and escaping our myopic world were so bold, that I could not for the life of me figure out how he made it funny (in fact, I truly still don't get it).
All that pain rechanneled into humor blows my mind.
In this day and age of political correctness, Richard was an equal opportunity offender; if you were in his path, you were subject to be the brunt of some cold hard humor. Other comedians try but theirs is either wear you down humor (where they keep at it until they get a laugh), or surprise humor (where you have to dig deep and think deep to get the point), but Richard made every aspect of his humor work, the set up, the delivery and the punchline were simply incredibly funny, and you didn't have to be a rocket scientist to figure it out.
The other thing that made him funny is that when he told you a story you could see crystal clearly what he meant.
People like Richard truly only come around maybe once in a lifetime, and I am so thankful that it was in my lifetime, I thank him for making me feel less inadequate about being Black and living in America.
I've said many times that fear can make you do crazy things. My fear of aloneness made me do drugs, almost in the same way that he did.
Richard Pryors' life was one of one of constant upheaval from his birth to his death, but in the process he touched our lives and made us the better for it, because he was honest about it without the sugarcoating.
Good night brother.
Richard Pryor 1940-2005
Support Live music today tomorrow and always, and have a good bellylaugh along the way.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
On your mark, get set, click: The Soul of Us.
It's an odd title I know but hopefully when you arrive there you'll see that it is a labor of love...
Well it looks like my friends and I are getting started with our collaborative project called "The Soul of Us."
In an earlier blog piece, I told you about my pals who are fellow bloggers, who decided that we all might take a chance and write some things together.I explained that at our blog will be 5 people writing about one topic, or occasionally 1 or 2 folks writing and the rest of us may provide commentary (the reason for that aspect is, there may be times when we're busy personally, so someone will keep the ball rolling).
None the less we're up and running, and although there aren't any posts as of this writing, soon we will be posting for your enjoyment and edification. So on your mark, get set, click read and enjoy, The Soul of Us.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...and don't forget, that while you're standing in the shadows of music reading Joel's Bloggy, you'll meet a girl named Michael. Sit on the porch swing with her after the bridge that you'll cross together.
Well it looks like my friends and I are getting started with our collaborative project called "The Soul of Us."
In an earlier blog piece, I told you about my pals who are fellow bloggers, who decided that we all might take a chance and write some things together.I explained that at our blog will be 5 people writing about one topic, or occasionally 1 or 2 folks writing and the rest of us may provide commentary (the reason for that aspect is, there may be times when we're busy personally, so someone will keep the ball rolling).
None the less we're up and running, and although there aren't any posts as of this writing, soon we will be posting for your enjoyment and edification. So on your mark, get set, click read and enjoy, The Soul of Us.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...and don't forget, that while you're standing in the shadows of music reading Joel's Bloggy, you'll meet a girl named Michael. Sit on the porch swing with her after the bridge that you'll cross together.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Carmen Loretta Tuitt
I actually started writing this on her birthday, but didn't get to finish it until now.
My first post of 2006 is for my Mother...
I look at my life sometimes and marvel at the fact that I have such a great outlook about life, considering the fact that like many people life hasn't always been a crystal stair. None-the less, I'm not cynical, but rather, in awe of the way things work in the world, and how we come to be who we are.
I truly owe my view ( narrow or wide as it may be) to a person who is my biggest, strongest and greatest inspiration: Carmen L. Tuitt, my mother. Today (September 12th) would have been her 84th birthday.
I know that many people had great mothers who were inspiring and etc., but my Mom took these things to such great levels that it's hard for me to paint a total picture of this very unique woman in one sitting.
If ever one could say truly that God blessed them with someone special, that someone would be me shouting from the rooftops about how great my Mom was. Aside from being a real parent, Ma was the kind of woman rarely knew a stranger,and she was always eager to meet people half way.
She had many mottos that were like mantras to her and she lived her life fearlessly and with dignity in the face of oftimes deep sorrow and pain. Among the mottos was one that I liked alot..."every cloud has a silver lining." For that statement she equated that the sky is not always filled with clouds and sometimes you have to travel to find out where yours lie, meaning that if you want something bad enough you must keep looking up and looking forward, and keep trying until that lining shows itself...I'm still looking.
Once when I was in college, I went home for Spring Break, when it was time to return she saw me off at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan. While we were waiting, there was an older gentleman standing near the gate with a look of sheer panic on his face ( he was actually crying), my Mother asked what was wrong and he said that he had been ripped off out in the street, and what's more he had been in New York to bury his sister. Now here he was in a strange city, no money and no way home. As luck would have it, he too was traveling back to Charleston as I was, so Mom whips out her checkbook and bought him a bus ticket, plus gave him $50 dollars to eat with. Then she instructed me to make certain that when we got back to Charleston that he got home safely.
She told me years later that she did that because first "it's a damn shame, that he came all that way to her city, and someone would do this to this kindly guy," secondly, if that would have been her son she would hope that someone would be kind enough to extend the same favor."
It's so ironic that my entire family is musical except my Mom, but she provided us with the means to further our love for music, she would even take us to events that she didn't even especially like such as opera (which is one of my truest loves still today).Carmen felt that if it was useful to you then by all means you should be there in the front row.
Fast forward on this post...
It's now 1 something in the morning in January 2006, a brand new year to start fresh, try again, gain fervor, and to breathe new life, and I'm sitting here lost in thought about all that I have, all that I hope to have, and the changes I must make to see my goals to fruition.
I've truly and finally made up my mind to lose my weight this year and take control of my health. I've been overweight for too long and it's gonna kill me...but not without a fight.
Among my strategies is to enlist the help of my daughter Kendra. She is going to teach me how to exercise properly and make the most of my time to lose the weight. Secondly (which really is first...) I am going to emplore the help of Allah (God), for without him there's no reason to do anything.
I'm sharing this with you because it was my Mom who introduced me to good health in the first place, so I have the knowledge, now in her memory I'm going to do my level best to move myself from standing in the shadows of music to standing in the light of good health and music.
I want to wish everyone a happy new year this year and hope that as Ma said you find that silver lining whatever and wherever it may be.
This new post in the new year is dedicated to my Mother, Carmen L.Tuitt
If she were alive she would join me and say...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
My first post of 2006 is for my Mother...
I look at my life sometimes and marvel at the fact that I have such a great outlook about life, considering the fact that like many people life hasn't always been a crystal stair. None-the less, I'm not cynical, but rather, in awe of the way things work in the world, and how we come to be who we are.
I truly owe my view ( narrow or wide as it may be) to a person who is my biggest, strongest and greatest inspiration: Carmen L. Tuitt, my mother. Today (September 12th) would have been her 84th birthday.
I know that many people had great mothers who were inspiring and etc., but my Mom took these things to such great levels that it's hard for me to paint a total picture of this very unique woman in one sitting.
If ever one could say truly that God blessed them with someone special, that someone would be me shouting from the rooftops about how great my Mom was. Aside from being a real parent, Ma was the kind of woman rarely knew a stranger,and she was always eager to meet people half way.
She had many mottos that were like mantras to her and she lived her life fearlessly and with dignity in the face of oftimes deep sorrow and pain. Among the mottos was one that I liked alot..."every cloud has a silver lining." For that statement she equated that the sky is not always filled with clouds and sometimes you have to travel to find out where yours lie, meaning that if you want something bad enough you must keep looking up and looking forward, and keep trying until that lining shows itself...I'm still looking.
Once when I was in college, I went home for Spring Break, when it was time to return she saw me off at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan. While we were waiting, there was an older gentleman standing near the gate with a look of sheer panic on his face ( he was actually crying), my Mother asked what was wrong and he said that he had been ripped off out in the street, and what's more he had been in New York to bury his sister. Now here he was in a strange city, no money and no way home. As luck would have it, he too was traveling back to Charleston as I was, so Mom whips out her checkbook and bought him a bus ticket, plus gave him $50 dollars to eat with. Then she instructed me to make certain that when we got back to Charleston that he got home safely.
She told me years later that she did that because first "it's a damn shame, that he came all that way to her city, and someone would do this to this kindly guy," secondly, if that would have been her son she would hope that someone would be kind enough to extend the same favor."
It's so ironic that my entire family is musical except my Mom, but she provided us with the means to further our love for music, she would even take us to events that she didn't even especially like such as opera (which is one of my truest loves still today).Carmen felt that if it was useful to you then by all means you should be there in the front row.
Fast forward on this post...
It's now 1 something in the morning in January 2006, a brand new year to start fresh, try again, gain fervor, and to breathe new life, and I'm sitting here lost in thought about all that I have, all that I hope to have, and the changes I must make to see my goals to fruition.
I've truly and finally made up my mind to lose my weight this year and take control of my health. I've been overweight for too long and it's gonna kill me...but not without a fight.
Among my strategies is to enlist the help of my daughter Kendra. She is going to teach me how to exercise properly and make the most of my time to lose the weight. Secondly (which really is first...) I am going to emplore the help of Allah (God), for without him there's no reason to do anything.
I'm sharing this with you because it was my Mom who introduced me to good health in the first place, so I have the knowledge, now in her memory I'm going to do my level best to move myself from standing in the shadows of music to standing in the light of good health and music.
I want to wish everyone a happy new year this year and hope that as Ma said you find that silver lining whatever and wherever it may be.
This new post in the new year is dedicated to my Mother, Carmen L.Tuitt
If she were alive she would join me and say...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
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