Friday, June 5, 2015

Black Music Month ...

Bill Withers is a master storytelling poet.  The year was 1977 and Disco was all the rage.  Withers usual role in music, was that of a political activist for change and struggle in Black Culture.  He released his 'Menagerie' opus which was a feel good dance album, with sensual groove after groove, proving that he could hang with the 'fade' music of the era.  To this day when you hear his 'Lovely Day' classic, you can't help but smile and nod your head to the beat.  His next single was a direct hit for the bedroom 'I want to spend the night' tells what happened next.  A star studded musical lineup with Ray Parker Jr, Keni Burke, Clarence MacDonald, Jerry Knight, Ralph McDonald with backing vocals from Pat Hodges, Jessica Smith and Denita James.

Menagerie peaked at #16 on the R&B chart and #39 on the Billboard 200.

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