Recently a friend mentioned something in the middle of a conversation and I didn't have the chance to comment on it or even enquire. It was a little vague to me and I haven't been in touch with that person since then so I'm still clueless. I don't want to jump to conclusions or accuse anyone of being a racist and that is why I will not mention that person's name but I believe the comment was anti African-American and if it was meant to be that way then I will find it offensive. I'm against any kind of discrimination and I am totally sure that if it wasn't for African-American musicians, American music wouldn't have been as good or as influential as it is. Trust me although I would never recommend that but there's a very long list of African-American superb artists, whose works changed music all over the world. They also invented, jazz, soul, gospel, blues, rhythm and blues, funk, disco, rap, hip hop and of course rock 'n roll, which later branched into numerous kinds of rock it is the origin of all rock styles we have today. I still haven't mentioned “Motown”. Some might not be familiar with that name, but it's one of the best in music industry. A man called Berry Gordy formed it in Detroit and chose the name “Motown” because Detroit is known for being very influential in the automotive industry and they called it Motor Town and as you have guessed “Motown” is a shorter version of that name. Of course Berry is African-American like the brilliant artists who released their epics under the name “Tamla” (his first company) or “Motown” (his second). Some of the artists Gordy's companies gave us are the Miracles, led by Smokey Robinson, the Supremes, fronted by Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations and the Commodores, led by Lionel Richie. The list also includes Jackson 5, which later became the Jacksons and introduced a young Michael Jackson to the world. More artists who were given a shot by the same record companies are the Pointer Sisters, Billy Preston, the Detroit Spinners, Mary Wilson, DeBarge, Erykah Badu and my personal favorites Boyz II Men. This doesn't mean I don't look up to many of the legends mentioned above. Before I conclude this point, let me add the names Brian McKnight Queen Latifah, Shanice and Tony! Toni! Toné! Berry also introduced many white artists who enjoyed big success like Charlene, the woman who had a US number one with “I've Never Been to Me”. Apparently the woman had no sense of direction whatsoever! Among these white artists there was one Bruce Willis yes he had a couple of hits in 1987, namely “Under the Boardwalk” and “Respect Yourself”. Both tracks were cover versions of songs originally recorded by the Drifters and the Staple Singers, respectively. I guess that proves that Berry is not a racist in anyway. Now let's talk about titles who is the Queen of Soul? Undoubtedly she is Aretha Franklin. What about the Queen of Rock ‘n Roll? Of course she is Tina Turner. Some might not remember the title the Queen of Disco, but it was given to Donna Summer years ago. Does anyone know who the King of Pop is? I'm sure everyone will say “Michael Jackson”. Last but surely not least, the Godfather of Soul is James Brown. What do they all have in common? They are (or were) African-Americans. If we go really back in time we will know that artists like Chuck Berry and Little Richard were the ones who invented rock ‘n roll. However, because some white racists didn't find it appropriate for their kids to listen to the “devil's music”, this genre didn't become hugely successful until white artists like Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis started playing it.As for Jazz, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Louis Armstrong made an impact no one can deny on a genre invented by African-Americans. We will always remember the exceptional talents of artists and bands like Earth, Wind & Fire, the Stylistics, Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Toni Braxton and many more. Their amazing voices and singing techniques are incomparable. It's ironic that one can instantly know that the person singing is African-American because they sing in a way that is very hard for a white vocalist to imitate. I remember I was suggesting Chris Brown's version of the timeless “Try A Little Tenderness” to a talented singer to include it in his repertoire and he said “it's amazing but I can't sing that way. I'm not Chris Brown African-American”. I'm sure I must have forgotten many of the names I wanted to mention but it's impossible to remember them all on the spot. I will impose on you a song I wrote about being different, whether in colour, religion, nationality, gender or whatever. I just wanted to say that we should accept the others. I could have said that from the start instead of writing a whole article! Different We're so different you & I Still I think you should accept me We'll never see things eye to eye But I believe you should respect me I've done you no harm & I'll never ever hurt you No need to be alarmed Let's just talk it through Maybe you can understand what this is all about We don't have to be close friends but we shouldn't scream & shout Every time we meet You might see different as bad Because you're not used to it & it really drives me mad When with people like you I don't fit Give yourself the chance Come on give me a break Be someone who comprehends There's nothing much at stake Maybe you can understand what this is all about We don't have to be close friends but we shouldn't scream & shout Every time we meet You're taking it for granted That whatever you say or do Will always be accepted So don't deny me the same right too Maybe you can understand what this is all about We don't have to be close friends but we shouldn't scream & shout Every time we meet Send me Motown songs to: [email protected]
