Powerhouse Radio Newsletter
Return to the list of newslettersDiana Ross Loves You
January 31, 2007
This issue includes...
1) Diana Ross "Loves You"
2) Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme
3) 6th Anniversary of Powerhouse Radio
4) Music News: February Grammy Grab Reunites the Police
5) Concert Dates: Who's on Tour?
6) Visit The Classic Soul R&B Music Jam
7) Your Feedback via email to King at Powerhouse Radio
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1) Diana Ross "Loves You"
I wrote a long review of the new Diana Ross release, "I Love You," for a new baby boomer website that will launch very soon. "I Love You" was released on January 16, 2007.
You can read my October 5, 2006 preview, "Diana Ross Drops Love Power Pick," in the Classic Soul R&B Music Jam blog at PowerhouseRadio.com.
Until I'm at liberty to link to my full review, and mention the new website, here are my second impressions of the CD.
I listened to "I Love You" a third time, and talked with some other music professionals about the album.
Diana tackles familiar turf by choosing hit songs you know..."Always and Forever," "Lovely Day," "You are So Beautiful," "I Want You," "This Magic Moment, and more.
Although she doesn't hit the high notes the way she used to, her measured performances make for a mellow love fest.
Out of the 15 songs, she nails some, misses on others, and renders the rest with style.
Ms. Ross still has the gusto. One song I missed on the first two passes was "The Look of Love." I remember the older versions by both Sergio Mendes and Dusty Springfield.
Diana's version sparkles with crisp contemporary instrumentation complementing her arousing read.
"I Love You" contains only two truly uptempo songs: "More Today Than Yesterday," and "This Magic Moment," 60's hits from Spiral Starecase and Jay and the Americans respectively.
The rest of this Diana Ross collection rolls down memory lane with some charming and subtle material handled elegantly, but without much creative character.
That said, I like the CD. There's one new song, the title cut, "I Love You," ballad bliss that sticks to the orchestrated middle of the road safety zone.
We are currently playing 6 tracks from "I Love You" on Powerhouse Radio.
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Written by King for the Powerhouse Radio Newsletter
https://powerhouseradio.com
2) Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme
Recently, Motown great Smokey Robinson slammed the movie "Dreamgirls" for depicting "false information."
When Mary Wilson, one of the original Supremes, saw the Broadway production of "Dreamgirls" over 20 years ago, she says she was crying by the second act.
"I knew in my heart that this story rang far truer than the producers could have imagined."
"I was awed at the powerful influence of the Supremes legacy. And I was more determined than ever that the real story be told."
With so much controversy surrounding the authenticity of the Dreamgirls movie, (even though it is fiction loosely based on fact), let's examine Mary Wilson's side of the story the way she remembers it.
In 1986, Mary wrote "Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme." She begins with an anecdote about the Motown 25 Special, sharing some unflattering comments about the scene stealing antics of Diana Ross.
Mary ends her version of "Dreamgirl" with emotional reflections revealing her grief over the tragic passing of original Supreme Florence Ballard.
Despite some clear finger pointing at Diana Ross as the source of competitive tension within the group, once success called, Mary, Diana, and Flo all contributed their share of "diva madness," with each lady requiring some high maintenance "hand holding."
The notion that any of the three ladies could have been the ideal lead singer for the group is a theme that Mary focuses on throughout her story.
Ironically, it wasn't until 1964's "Where Did Our Love Go" featuring Diana that the Supremes brought home a hit.
They signed with Motown in 1961, initially floundering with songs that failed to click with fans. Most of these tracks were without Diana as the lead vocalist.
Overall, Mary has good things to say about Motown founder Berry Gordy. The "beyond business" relationship between Gordy and Diana Ross is tastefully told.
Wilson provides interesting biographical tidbits about each Motown personality mentioned in the book.
Mary debunks myths about Motown's "Artist Development" department, the folks responsible for grooming, etiquette, and stage polish for the label's acts.
Wilson claims that attendance in "Artist Development" was never mandatory.
By today's standards, some of the Supremes "charm school" "Artist Development" guidelines seem silly. I got a big laugh when each girl was instructed what to do if another "accidentally picked up her chicken with her fingers."
Mary hammers home first and foremost her belief that the Supremes were a group. Not every member of the quartet (later to become a trio) thought the same way.
Strong egos driven by lead singer ambitions strained the professional relationship between Mary and Diana, and Diana and Flo.
However, these teenage friends from Detroit who would rise to become the dominant female group in the world during a 5 year period had some strong bonds that not even international success could destroy.
Mary talks of a strong friendship with Florence Ballard. Wilson indicates how Diana Ross drifted away from very tight spiritual connections with her and Flo Ballard. Wilson isn't exactly an angel. We get the scoop about her relationship with Duke of the Four Tops, (who moved into her house while he was separated from his wife).
As a matter of fact, the hanky panky going on among the various Motown artists is dizzying, as couples pair off during tours, after performances, and after recording sessions.
Mary practically boasts of her long lasting love affair with the married Tom Jones. Further, she's proud to state, "I had a boy friend in every town, all around the world. I couldn't wait to meet new people and really enjoy myself."
Ms. Wilson tells many amusing stories, including the Beatles surprise at how "straight laced" the Supremes appeared during a private gathering in the fab four's room at the Warwick Hotel in New York City.
Another great tale is about how two of Diana Ross' dogs munched on some poison outside of the Supremes dressing room at the Latin Casino in Cherry Hill, NJ (June, 1969).
When the dogs started throwing up, Diana wanted to cancel the two week sold-out Supremes engagement.
Mary Wilson succeeds in telling a balanced story about how things really were in the world of the young Detroit dreamgirls.
They blossomed as "the Primettes," and exploded as "the Supremes," reaching new heights in popular music.
Between the cat fights, the early struggles, the affairs, the hits, the negative trappings of success, and the fun times on the road, "Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme" according to Mary Wilson clarifies many of the melodramatic assumptions some say are wildly exaggerated in "Dreamgirls," the movie.
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Review written by King for the Powerhouse Radio Newsletter
https:/powerhouseradio.com/newsletters
visit Mary Wilson's website:
https://marywilson.com
"Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme" written by Mary Wilson
St. Martin's Press
Get Mary Wilson's Book now...
Dreamgirl: My Life As a Supreme
3) 6th Anniversary of Powerhouse Radio
In February, 2007, Powerhouse Radio celebrates its 6th anniversary, (5th as a commercial-free online Internet radio station).
We started in March, 2001. During our first year, we did air commercials in several station breaks each hour.
Our peak listening hours are during the USA 9 AM to 5 PM workday, as your friends from nearly 100 countries are also enjoying the non-stop music.
When listener demand is very high, you may hear a message as you first connect to the stream that says, "this station is unavailable," meaning that we've reached our very high preset quota of simultaneous listeners.
The good news is that you'll always have a guaranteed slot to listen to us, even when others get that announcement, "this station is unavailable at this time," by becoming a V.I.P. member, (administered by our streaming partner, live365).
V.I.P. members always get connected.
Please support Powerhouse Radio by becoming a V.I.P. member now and celebrate the beginning of our 7th year as a leader in online "classic soul" and "classic R&B" music radio. (2021 Update: support link removed)
4) Music News: February Grammy Grab Reunites the Police
February Grammy Grab Reunites the Police
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On Sunday, February 11, the 49th Annual Grammy Awards roll into the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Trounced in the ratings by American Idol last year on a weeknight, the move to a Sunday (without football) makes sense for the number one music awards show.
Mary J. Blige leads the pack with 8 nominations and could walk away with an armful of new awards for her trophy case.
Mary J., Beyonce', Mariah Carey, Natalie Cole, and India.Arie are all nominated in the Best Female R&B vocal performance category.
Jonh Legend, Ne-Yo, Prince, Lionel Richie, and Luther Vandross all have songs singled out for the Best Male R&B vocal performance.
Last year, Sly Stone's brief appearance drove the pre-Grammy buzz. This year, 80's band the Police will be making a reunion - featuring members Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland.
Eddie Murphy does a famous bit spoofing their song, "Roxanne."
Look for Stevie Wonder, Queen Latifah, Chris Rock, and Golden Globe winner Jennifer Hudson to be among the award presenters.
Prince Salutes James Brown
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Headliner Prince is scheduled to include a salute to the late James Brown during the halftime show at Super Bowl 41, Sunday, February 4.
5) Concert Dates: Who's on Tour?
India.Arie
Thursday, February 1, 2007
The Grove of Anaheim
Anaheim, CA
8:00pm
23rd "International Blues Challenge"
Thursday, February 1 - Saturday, February 3, 2007
150 blues acts from around the world compete for industry
recognition and money.
Blues Foundation,
Memphis, TN
Joss Stone
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Bowery Ballroom
New York, NY
8:00pm
New Edition
Friday, February 16, 2007
Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH
8:00pm
Patti Austin
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Celebrity Theatre
Phoenix, AZ
8:00pm
Jamie Foxx
"An evening of comedy and music"
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Vancouver, BC, Canada
7:30pm
6) Visit The Classic Soul R&B Music Jam
Check out "The Classic Soul R&B Music Jam blog
Several times a week, King from Powerhouse Radio will share...
1. Interesting updates and profiles about music artists from the world of classic soul, classic R&B, and related genres.
2. Announcements about tours and concerts compiled directly from the music artists.
3. The stories behind some of the soulful songs we all love.
4. His personal opinion, thoughts, and insights about many topics related to the world of classic soul and classic R&B.
While you are there, sign up to receive notification when new articles are posted.
7) Your Feedback via email to King at Powerhouse Radio
Some recent unsolicited shoutouts...
from Wayne W.: "I think your radio station is the best yet."
Art offers: "This station keeps me Jammin! at work. I can't come into my office without Powerhouse radio. My day is not the same. Thanks for such a powerhouse radio station."
A comment from Rodney V.: "I have never heard that donna summer B streisand cut before when did they make that?"
King's reply:
"No More Tears" was the number one song in the USA according to the Billboard chart for two consecutive weeks: November 24, 1979, and December 1.
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Published by PowerhouseRadio.com.
Editor: King
Copyright 2007 by Powerhouse Radio
All rights reserved
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