"Considering the time period and what conditions black folks were under in those days, Armstrong’s mugging seems a little shuck-and-jivey for me. Sorry for insulting an American institution, but that clip just pushed my militant button."
Louis took a lot of shit from younger jazz musicians for his on-stage demeanor; he was regularly accused of "Tomming it up." But in later years, many of those same critics came to understand that Louis understood racism and prejudice just as well as they did, he simply wouldn't allow it to poison his outlook on life.
Chris X
· 9 months ago
man, you guys are harsh on Joan Jett. Granted, it's not even remotely my favorite of her songs, but it's good for what it is. A simple, anthemic pop song. Agree that she's still a babe. It's because she's vegan :)
And "September" is simply one of the best songs ever, and never fails to put a smile on my face.
Rob
· 9 months ago
Ah, Earth Wind & Fire. You've made my Friday. Perhaps the only group to outperform the Beatles on one of their songs ("Got to Get You Into My Life" anyone?)
We forget how ubiquitous the group's horn section was during the 70s and 80s. Phil Collins, in particular, used them all over his first two solo albums. And never to the great effect that Maurice White and his crew once did.
I remember being called a racist after I wrote a review of Collins' "But Seriously …" in my college newspaper, complaining that Collins should stop putting on blackface and pretending to be a soul singer. I still think he should.
We have to remember that some of Louis' finest albums – yes, even his early more traditional jazz ones – featured his singing. His collaborations with Ella, his take of "Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?" and the great version of the Eubie Blake tune "Memories of You." He was an amazing trumpeter, but singing was almost always part of his repertoire.
Jefferson
· 9 months ago
the followup to "got a hold on me," "love will show us how," is a bit more buoyant, fun and memorable. also made the top 40 but not top 10, while i believe "got a hold..." did. i'm proud to say i owned both on 45 when i was in, what, 7th grade?
All Comments
Louis took a lot of shit from younger jazz musicians for his on-stage demeanor; he was regularly accused of "Tomming it up." But in later years, many of those same critics came to understand that Louis understood racism and prejudice just as well as they did, he simply wouldn't allow it to poison his outlook on life.
And "September" is simply one of the best songs ever, and never fails to put a smile on my face.
We forget how ubiquitous the group's horn section was during the 70s and 80s. Phil Collins, in particular, used them all over his first two solo albums. And never to the great effect that Maurice White and his crew once did.
I remember being called a racist after I wrote a review of Collins' "But Seriously …" in my college newspaper, complaining that Collins should stop putting on blackface and pretending to be a soul singer. I still think he should.
We have to remember that some of Louis' finest albums – yes, even his early more traditional jazz ones – featured his singing. His collaborations with Ella, his take of "Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?" and the great version of the Eubie Blake tune "Memories of You." He was an amazing trumpeter, but singing was almost always part of his repertoire.