Summer music legends, now silenced...

Whoa--in the space of about a week, two music legends, who both helped set the soundtrack for summer and year round--are now no longer with us. First, it was go-go legend Lil Benny, of Rare Essence fame and later, Lil Benny and the Masters, best known for the catchy hit, Cat in the Hat.

Yesterday we lost Marvin Isley, who was for years the bassist and a songwriter for one of the best music groups EVER, the Isley Brothers.

If you watch tv, you've definitely heard one of their major '70s hits, Who's That Lady, as of late played incessantly via Swiffer commercials. Then again, that's life repeating itself, 'cause when an Isley Brothers song becomes popular, it is played constantly.

This definitely happened in the mid-1970s, especially with the song, For the Love of You, which you couldn't get away from on urban radio. Which was a good thing.

Frankly, there are so many good songs from the Isleys, it's hard to choose a favorite. For instance, there's the dreamy classic that Marvin co-wrote, Voyage to Atlantis:


as well as hits like Footsteps in the Dark (which has been sampled silly by the likes of Ice Cube and others),


and Isley renditions of great songs like Todd Rundgren's Hello It's Me (made even greater with that Isley touch),


and my favorite version of the Seals and Croft hit, Summer Breeze. When I saw the Isleys at the Carter Barron years ago, it was the most requested song. No mystery as to why.


Other great Isley tunes include: Midnight Sky, Brown-eyed Girl (NOT the Van Morrison song), Hope You Feel Better Love, Sensuality, Lover's Eve, Lay Lady Lay (the Bob Dylan tune), Make Me Say It Again.

One--with passion--made, and makes, a difference...

The death of Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy, whose tenacity over the decades in pressing to improve the lives of many (civil rights legislation, the current healthcare reform, etc.), though he hailed from a wealthy background, makes you think about the impact one passionate person can make in improving the world.

Of course, we cannot forget his sister, recently deceased Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who helped millions lead lives of dignity, particularly those with mental disabilities. One can only wonder what kind of storied dinner table conversations went on in Joe Kennedy's house that propeled so many of his children (and now, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren) to take such prominent public service roles, whether in government or out.

Photo via Wikipedia.

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Until a couple of years ago, I was unaware of the achievements of the late music pioneer Les Paul, and his instrumental role (pun intended) in the development of the modern electric guitar and studio recording techniques. He played 'til he could play no more, as he had a recurring gig at the Iridium Jazz Club, until recently, sharing his talents with the world until the end. The best way to go.

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Still rocking, hopefully for many years to come!

Local music legend, the godfather of go go, Chuck Brown, recently celebrated his 73rd birthday, and even had a street named after him. How many other people can claim to have invented a genre of music? Not only that, but music listened to by Washingtonians of all stripes, an alternative to the overly synthesized bull that too often passes for music on the radio and in clubs.

Thankfully, he doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon, as he has concert dates scheduled for September. Anyway, if go go music doesn't get you dancing, get your pulse taken, 'cause you must be near dead! You've got to move when you hear jams like Chuck baby...


...or the classic, Bustin' Loose...



...and the classic that's all too appropriate nowadays, I Need Some Money...