I have always know about Malcolm X since I was a child, but didn’t really know much beyond him being a strong Black leader, in the same era of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As I have gotten older, more specifically, the last 5 years, I have grown to LOVE everything about Malcolm X. From his struggle in his adolescent years, to the wise beyond his years man we all knew. It’s hard not to feel in your soul, the entire story behind who Malcolm X is, and how he became Malcolm X in the first place. Read More
R.I.P. Doug Banks
It’s interesting how as we get older, and major life changes such as death occur, we’re reminded how influential many people have been in our lives. Some of these people we’ve never even met before, but we can remember certain points in our lives when their presence, however they presented themselves, changed our emotions and maybe even our lives.
I say this because reading the news about Doug Banks passing away this morning truly broke my heart. Growing up in the surrounding Chicago suburbs I remember listening to the Doug Banks Radio Show daily, on v103, in middle and high school. As if his voice and laugh weren’t memorable on their own, his sense of humor and ability to connect with his audience are what made him one of the legends of radio personalities. I remember going through the typical teenage drama back in the day and feeling like his jokes and music selections were specifically picked for me and my issues at the time. I’ve also always been raised listening to and appreciating old school music. His show allowed me to hear the best old school music on a daily basis without having to search and listen to it myself.
Since reading about his passing this morning, I’ve been reading the captions and comments on the photo memories of Doug Banks, and I’ve learned that he made A LOT of people feel like the friend they never met, but always knew what to do and say to make life better. A lot of people are already missing hearing him on their after work commute.
I will pray for Doug’s family and their healing throughout the process. Thanks for the great memories, quality personality and radio, and more importantly the laughs.
R.I.P. Doug Banks.
Brie <3
[04.11.16]
Happy Birthday, Billie!
Today, Billie Holiday a.k.a. Lady Day, would have been 101 years old. I have always liked Jazz music, but my love for Jazz music really bloomed about 5 years ago. Naturally, Billie became one of my favorite jazz singers, ever. There is something about her music where you can feel the passion and/or pain in her voice, but she makes it sound like the most beautiful sultry voiced passion and/or pain you have ever heard. I am only 27 years young so Lady Day was well before “my time” as the older folks like to say lol, but quality music knows no age. I wish I could say I got to see a legendary musician such as Billie perform live, but I thankfully have her collection of beautiful music to listen to until the end of time. I will share my favorite Billie Holiday song with you called, Good Morning Heartache, below. I’m sure I’ve probably shared this song before at some point in time of my blogging history, but you can never have too much Billie in your life, especially this song. 😉
Happy birthday, Lady Day! I hope you’re resting easy.
Brie <3
[04.07.16]
“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”
I saw a preview for the new movie called “Amy” a few weeks ago, coming to theaters sometime this month. Today, is actually the 4 year anniversary of her untimely death in 2011. Although she had many demons, her battle with alcoholism is the one that ended up killing her. Despite her troubles, Amy was one of the greatest artists of my generation, in my opinion. I actually did not catch on to her music in-depth until after she had already passed away, and I’m still upset it took me that long to realize how amazing she was, musically. However, the beauty of music is, it lasts forever. Amy had a truly unique voice that is hard to find these days. I would like to share my favorite Amy song with all of you. It was never a popularly played one, most likely because it is a remake, but it’s for sure my go to Amy song that puts a smile on my face, and makes me sing my heart out.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
R.I.P. Amy
Brie <3
[07.23.15]
Rest In Peace, B.B. King.
When I first heard “Blues Boy” a.k.a. B.B. King had been placed in a hospice a little over a week ago, I became sad and nostalgic. B.B. King was huge part of my childhood, especially in elementary school. I am sad, because we are in a time where so many great icons, legends, and heroes of their time (and ours), are passing away at a fairly steady rate. All of the original trailblazers and trendsetters are up in age, and becoming past tense. It honestly makes me want to cry considering these people are definion of Kings and Queens. On the other hand, I know it sounds strange for a 26 years young woman to tell you B.B. King reminds you of her childhood, so I will now explain to you why he does.
When I was little, one of my all time favorite books was called, “Rainy Day Blues” with the narrated cassette tape. I listened to it every single night before bed, sometimes multiple times. The book was narrated and the music was sung by, Mr. B.B. King, himself. I was fairly young when I first read/listened to the story and I continued to do so for some time. I have no clue where my book or cassette tape disappeared to, but there is no telling in all the moving I did when I was younger. Since last week reminded me of my love for this book I searched for a copy to order from Amazon for my own daughter. I was extremely happy to find one and it was delivered two days ago. I can’t wait to read it to her!
I remember one of the first times I actually learned what B.B. King looked like in real life. He was on an episode of “The Cosby Show” when my Grandma pointed out to me, “that is the man who sings on the ‘Rainy Day Blues’ tape we listen to.” He didn’t look anything like I had imagined he did, but I loved my book so much he was already a legend in my mind.
B.B. King is the face of blues music, even to those who don’t listen to the blues. There is such a poetic and heartfelt sound to his gritty voice that you can’t help but love. I will leave you with my top 3 favorite B.B. King songs. Although I have a top 3, the song “Sweet Sixteen” is my favorite by a long shot. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Rest easy Mr. King. I hope they bury Lucille with you. I will be praying for your family during this tough time.
I wonder if the blues sound better in Heaven?
Brie <3
[05.15.15]
“Quimbara”
I have always loved Celia Cruz, and this is my favorite Celia Cruz song. Always gets me dancing no matter where I am. It’s also a great warm-up/workout song.
R.I.P. Celia!