Edwin Starr’s version of “War” was a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970, and is not only the most successful and well-known record of his career, but it is also one of the most popular protest songs ever recorded Continue reading
Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson, the successful songwriting duo and recording artists, met at Harlem’s White Rock Baptist Church in 1964. Their careers as songwriters, producers and powerhouse performers spanned more than forty-five years. On August 22, 2011 Ashford passed from throat cancer. He is survived by wife of 36 years Valerie and their two daughters Asia and Nicole. Continue reading
Ebony Eyes by super freak Rick James and Motown balladeer Smokey Robinson for the Gordy (Motown) label. The song was first featured on James’ album Cold Blooded. Continue reading
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, the R&B classic, written by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson in 1966. The composition was first successful as a 1967 hit single recorded by Motown recording artists Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. The Gaye/Terrell version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, and is regarded today as one of the most important records ever released by Motown. Continue reading
Heat Wave is a 1963 single penned by the Holland–Dozier–Holland songwriting team and made popular by the Motown group Martha and the Vandellas. It was released as a single on July 9, 1963. Continue reading
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough was written in 1966 by Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson prior to joining Motown. Simpson recalls “We felt like that could be our entry to Motown. Nick called it the ‘golden egg’.”The care-free, danceable, and romantic love song that became the signature duet between Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. The song set the tone for a string of Ashford and Simpson hits, which many consider the crown jewels of the Motown discography. Continue reading
Marvin Gaye approached Berry Gordy What’s Going On, Gordy took a profound dislike to the song, calling it “the worst thing I ever heard in my life”. Gaye responded by going on strike from recording anything else for the label unless Gordy relented. Gordy also felt the song was too political for a radio hit and too unusual compared for popular music, or commercially successful. Continue reading
Missing You, written, composed, and produced by Lionel Richie as a tribute to Marvin Gaye, who had died earlier that year. The video includes, as well as still photographs and tribute clips of Gaye himself, tribute clips of former Supremes singer Florence Ballard and of Paul Williams of The Temptations, both Motown artists who had died in the 1970s. Continue reading
Lady Sings the Blues is the story of jazz singer Billie Holiday and is loosely based on her 1956 autobiography. Holiday took its title from one of her most popular songs. Continue reading
Ghanaian artist Paa Joe has brought some of New York City’s most iconic motifs to life. As part of Superhouse NYC’s inaugural “Celestial City” exhibition, the multidisciplinary artist served up a handful of lifesize sculptures of the city’s signature signage, including pizza boxes, taxi cabs, bagels and of course, rats. 120 Walker Street, 6RGhanaian artist Paa Joe has brought some of New York City’s most iconic motifs to life. As part of Superhouse NYC’s inaugural “Celestial City” exhibition, the multidisciplinary artist served up a handful of lifesize sculptures of the city’s signature signage, including pizza boxes, taxi cabs, bagels and of course, rats. 120 Walker Street, 6R
The Dance of the Village Elders are back ! This time we exercise, dance and just have fun through the zoom platform or in-person at R.A.I.N. Nereid 
The Dance of the Village Elders are back ! This time we exercise, dance and just have fun through the zoom platform or in-person at R.A.I.N. Nereid 