Tag Archives: Skip Dillard

The Year in R&B

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The winners in R&B for 2012 by Skip Dillard, WBLS Program Director in New York City.

The Winners

Steve Harvey a music executive? Well, in addition to hosting mornings on WBLS (and about 70 other stations), he’s got two TV shows, clothing lines and a model-mentoring program among other ventures. So why not add the ability to hear a “hit” among his many talents.

Steve was the first to play Anthony Hamilton’s “Pray for Me” (and often read the lyrics to his listeners before and after playing it as well). The song became one of the years most spun R&B records receiving over 50,000 radio plays across the Nation in 2012. And John Legend’s R&B smash “Tonight” was featured on the Soundtrack of Harvey’s movie “Act Like a Woman, Think Like A Man”. These were two of the biggest R&B songs in 2012.

R Kelly enjoyed one of his most successful years in quite a while. “Share My Love”, and “Feelin’ Single” followed last year’s hit “Love Letter” and set R Kelly up for a sold-out Nation-Wide Tour.

Other artists finding success in 2012 included Eric Benet, Tamia, Robin Thicke, Usher, Estelle and Rihanna.

The “come-back” of the year goes hands down to Anita Baker. Her single “Lately”, previously recorded by Tyrese, gave us a taste of what hopefully will be a LONG awaited album due sometime before Spring.
What was the #1 R&B song in 2012? Hats off to Beyoncé. “Love On Top” became one of her most successful songs to date.

Saying Goodbye

Where do I begin? There’s no other place to start than Whitney Houston. The most “Googled” name of 2012 left us almost as suddenly as she hit stardom back in 1985. She’ll be always remembered as simply one of the most influential stars in music. Her celebrity/private funeral, aired in its entirety in a one-angle direction on CNN, left many of her fans without closure. And, unlike other artist’s deaths in recent memory, there were no breaking news updates from a hospital, “old age” or long illness to soften the blow.

Donna Summer’s death brought back memories of fun times. Those were great days before AIDS and 9/11 when everyone was dressing their best to come back into the City in attempt to attempt to gain admission to the Copa Cabana, Studio 54 and other top clubs to dance and gaze at the stars who could be seen nightly. Unfortunately Donna Summer was held captive by her “Disco” stereotype and never received the acclaim she deserved. After a post-disco resurgence in 1983 with her #1 hit “She Works Hard for The Money”, Summer spent the rest of her career touring mostly abroad.

Our own Hal Jackson kicked open the doors for African-Americans in broadcasting and broadcast ownership. At 97, he was a pioneer having hit the airwaves in the mid 1940’s at a time when African-Americans couldn’t cast a vote in many parts of our Country. The co-founder of Inner-City Broadcasting and WBLS/WLIB was a Blessing to everyone who met him.

Etta James, who’s unforgettable voice found resurrection in a 1990’s Jaguar Auto commercial was a true example of what happen when blues, jazz and rock n’ roll came together. Beyoncé played her in the fiction/non-fiction movie “Cadillac Records” in 2008.

Don Cornelius created an empire from almost nothing. After taking courses at a Chicago broadcasting school and doing a little on-air work, Cornelius aspired to start a TV program to locally showcase Black music and culture. “Soul Train” is remembered today as one of the most successfully syndicated music programs in the history of television. The careers of singers, bands and even comedians were made through appearing on his show. Given the joy he brought to millions every Saturday morning (or afternoon depending on where you lived), it’s still hard to believe he would wind up taking his own life in 2012.

Dick Clark, a former radio DJ, grew his American Bandstand pop music show into the powerful “Dick Clark Productions” which included various syndication projects, a New Year’s Eve special and the American Music Awards. Clark’s company lives on, purchased in September by an investor group including Guggenheim Partners and Mandalay Entertainment.

Other notable artists and industry luminaries gone in 2012 include Fontella Bass, Herb Reed (Platters), Brian Carter (WBLS/Philly personality), Chris Lightly, Major Harris, Natina Reed (Blaque), Chuck Brown, David Peaston and Jimmy Castor.

The Doors of the Church Are Open

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Rev. Jack Bronnar

A 2010 article in the Los Angeles Times; “Harlem’s New Political Elite”, outlined the changes that have defined a new generation of leadership in North Manhattan.  The days of the “Gang Of Four”; David Dinkins, Basil Patterson, Charles Rangel and our own Inner-City Founder the late Percy Sutton, were reminders of the political machine which powered African American influence in our region for the past half century.

In contrast, today’s Black leadership appears less interested in any form of politics that include “running for office” even though they may consult a campaign for someone who is seeking an elected office.   These young African Americans are highly educated and may be found working in the arts and other non-profit sectors.  Perhaps they’re in finance, banking, real estate, Ministry, or own a small franchise.   While their political aspirations may be dimmed for a variety of reasons, they’re still motivated to make a difference in today’s Greater New York City and beyond.

One such “new” leader is Reverend Jack Bomar.   The Tennessee native came from  Pastoral study and work in Chicago to Washington Heights as the first Pastor to replace the legendary Minister Reverend Frederick Eikerenkoetter II, known to the World as “Reverend Ike”, founder of the United Palace Cathedral.

Rev. Ike’s 44-year run at United Palace until a few years before his death in July 2009 is the stuff of legend.   He was controversial, considered among the first Preachers with a message of “prosperity”.  Rev Ike also became among the first African American Pastors to discover the power of radio/TV syndication, mail order and eventually even the internet.   We’ll talk more about Reverend Ike later.

My talk with Reverend Jack Bomar comes as he continues to celebrate his “official”  installation as Pastor of United Palace Cathedral after arriving at the Church almost 2 years ago.   Reverend Bomar caught my attention for being a Pastor coming into a huge and heritage congregation with a message directed at the entire community surrounding it’s block long campus.   Reverend Bomar is young, a graduate of numerous schools including his recent Masters of Divinity at Chicago Theological Seminary, and is currently working on his doctorate.   Among numerous affiliations, he was inducted into Morehouse College’s Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers in 2008.

(Q) Reverend Bomar, how does one replace such a historic figure while working to address the current needs of United Palace and it’s members.  Certainly this is no small feat?

(A)Rev Bomar: First, I can assure you that the legacy of Reverend Ike lives on.   Our goal is to build a bridge between the Church and our surrounding community while working to grow our membership.   There are many challenges especially given our Church went for some time without a direct Pastor.  This left the congregation in need of lots of love and attention.   Among our goals now are to continue Reverend Ike’s mission of building both Church and Community.  We have a calling to engage our youth, their parents, our seniors and local business.   We have an entire block in Washington Heights and there’s a lot here that must be addressed.  I am really excited about the relationships I’ve been able to work to establish with the local community to date.

(Q) What steps have been taken recently to build that bridge?

(A) One of our initiatives is a monthly “neighborhood” fellowship to engage both residents and local business owners to work together to bring positive change.  This is a heritage community.   Unlike other areas in the region, many of our Washington Heights residents have lived here 30, even 40 years.  I found it amazing that many didn’t even know our Church existed.   Some thought our Church was a theater, the original use of our property.   It’s a Blessing to see more of our neighbors knowing who we are.  And don’t forget, a large number of our residents are Dominican and some speak little or no English.   These are lessons I had to understand in order to better serve the needs of both our congregation and surrounding neighborhoods.

(Q) I’ve noticed you’ve written quite a bit about the role of today’s Church.

(A) As always we must be a beacon of hope, light and encouragement.  We must share the news that God loves God’s children.  I teach and preach a message of love.   Coming from social justice organizations in Chicago, I realized that the Black Church used to be a true “anchor” and many Churches have failed at that in recent years.  Social issues are rooted in the teachings of Jesus, which calls for us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and set captives free.  Unfortunately we’ve focused on larger facilities and larger congregations.  While I’m not knocking this, the Church must be an anchor partnering with people and other institutions of faith as well.  For us, whether it’s rent regulation or immigration; we must find dialogue, hope and concern within our own house.

Locally in Washington Heights we’re currently dealing with a rash of school closings.  We’re seeing more kids on the streets in an area with an already super high illiteracy rate.   United Palace recently upgraded both our tutoring and mentoring programs with a goal of removing barriers to learning.   Our numbers have increased greatly in these programs because in addition to fewer area schools we’ve also had some non-profit youth-oriented organizations close due to lack of funding.   This means we’ve also added additional programs for students including music, karate, theatrical arts and language classes.  We’re seeing increased grades from the kids we’re working with and that’s really something I’m very excited about.

Another area I’m passionate on is rent regulation.   We have seniors being forced out of housing here.  As I mentioned, we have a lot of long-term residents including many who are 1st generation Americans directly from the Dominican Republic.   I understand the talk of gentrification but the Church must do more to protect our residents in these heritage communities.  We’ve recently started a seniors program called our “Golden Youth Ministry”.  Seniors don’t want to be classified as “old”.  We feature guest speakers for our “Golden Youth”, listen to their concerns and offer assistance on health, diet and more.  This is one Ministry our congregation and I look forward to growing.  We want to make more services available to our Church and community.  It’s great to serve a meal but something else to develop entire programs that benefit more and more people.

(Q) Tell me about your early challenges in becoming Pastor of this Historic Church.

(A) Becoming Pastor of United Palace Cathedral was a delicate approach. I’m currently writing my doctoral thesis looking at the “succession” of a Pastor.  Today we have larger, even Mega-Church communities.  There has to be a plan in place so a successor can be successful.  I’m working on a model for succeeding after a charismatic leader.  We’ve seen both success and declines in these type situations in recent years.   Having to lose members along with selling facilities and assets are an example of some of the latter.  When it comes to Churches, money and power are key issues in conflicts.
Coming into United Palace, Rev Ike’s son Bishop Xavier and the Church Board were instrumental by inviting me to provide leadership early.  I enjoyed the benefit of one on one meetings with not just administration, but members.   This way I was able to learn from the people of our Church before making decisions and changes.  And I’ve worked hard to engage the community as well in my conversations while ultimately seeking to be true to the Voice of God.

(Q) Rev Ike had a message that resonated with many while causing controversy and even angering others.  Where does his message stand today?

(A) Today we continue Rev Ike’s message as a life of “wholeness”.  For us today this includes spirit, mind and body.   It covers everything from your finances to relationships.   In light of that, we do teach prosperity.  It’s not limited however to currency.   We seek a metaphysical approach looking for Spiritual/hidden meaning in Scripture that leads to transformation.

Rev Ike came up during a time, especially in the rural South, when Black people were told mostly what they “could not” have.   There seemed to be nothing but roadblocks for our people at every turn.  Even those around Rev Ike when he was starting out were struggling.  Rev Ike told our people to have what you want to have, be who you want to be; there’s power in you.   Don’t let anyone define what you can and can’t have.   Look for what God reveals to you.  What’s ironic here is many who first criticized Rev Ike later went on to preach the same thing.

It is wonderful Rev Ike was able to raise-up a generation of individuals to believe.  And while there’s much work to do, so many great things have happened for our people in his time.

(The United Palace Cathedral remains in the same location it’s occupied since 1969 in a former historic theater/movie palace at 4140 Broadway, Washington Heights.  Visit the Church at unitedpalacecathedral.org )

Whitney: We’ll Always Love You

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Some things in life are beyond understanding.   February 2012 is turning out to be one of ups and downs.  From the death of Don Cornelius to a Giants Super Bowl win.  And now we deal the death of Whitney Houston.
Just this past week blog sites were buzzing with pictures from an LA club of a Whitney Houston we’d come to know all too well.   At times she looked confused, then suddenly ready to party with fans swarming her as she exited the venue.   Her leg appeared cut due to what looked to be drops of blood smeared below the hemline of her dress.

Ms. Houston was in Los Angeles celebrating the Grammy Awards and attending the annual pre-Grammy Party hosted by music mogul Clive Davis.   Since I got the news I’ve been haunted with reminders of the day Michael Jackson left us.
At 48 years old, Whitney Houston hadn’t been the hit-machine superstar with World Wide tours, movies and platinum albums since the late-1990’s.  Since that time her legacy was smeared with a barrage of set backs including a Wendy Williams interview that would prove any publicist’s worst nightmare, over the top reality show cameos on “Being Bobby Brown”, divorce, and numerous tabloid drama.
In 2009 everything seemed to change as media frenzy hit surrounding a new album and public appearances.   The first single from the album of the same title “I Look To You”, featured lyrics describing a Houston that, at rock bottom, saw God’s Grace and could now carry on.  The CD listening premiere at an invitation only Clive Davis event at Jazz at Lincoln Center in which Ms. Houston spoke, gave everyone hope for a comeback by an artist who dominated R&B and pop charts through much of the 80’s and 90’s.

But limited engagements, including a shaky Good Morning America Central Park performance, signaled trouble.   Was she healthy?  Were her vocal chords damaged?   A tour beginning in Europe failed and was immediately postponed.  Rumors of illness and continued substance abuse quietly reappeared in media reports.  And on the afternoon of February 11th in Los Angeles we lost an icon.
Why do people with so many gifts fall so hard?   After all, Whitney Houston was raised in a Newark Church, with an award winning Gospel singing mom.   What is it about talent and success that sometime overwhelm?
Whitney Houston joins the ranks of so many before her.  Michael Jackson, Sam Cooke, Donny Hathaway, Teena Marie, Rick James, Marvin Gaye, Jimmy Hendrix, Frankie Lymon and too many others who left us young and with no warning.
Perhaps we put too much pressure on those who are creative, gifted, yet at times fragile, insecure and overworked.   Sometimes those who have the most fans and followers don’t feel they have true “friends” to lean on when times get tough.

I’ve heard audio clips in which a very tired Jimmy Hendrix said if he could have anything, it would be “8 hours of uninterrupted sleep”.   Many remember the interview of girl R&B group TLC who had to admit after selling millions of albums that they were “broke”.   A Michael Jackson who spent a good part of his amazing, yet at times tragic life trying to relive the childhood he lost along with so many other stories of success gone wrong.
I don’t know about you but at this point I don’t want to hear about the end of Whitney Houston’s life.  The tabloids, blogs and Hollywood gossip TV shows can take a hike as far as I’m concerned.   I prefer to remember the Whitney Houston I had a crush on in college, an unstoppable Whitney Houston of HUGE, proud accomplishments including:
*2 Emmy Awards
*4 Number One albums in America
*6 Grammy Awards
*11 number One songs
*22 American Music Awards
*Roles in hit movies including the Body Guard, Preachers Wife and Waiting To Exhale.   (she also recently completed filming for a role in the remake of the 1976 film classic, “Sparkle”).
*The music video icon with some of the most watched “premieres” in the history of MTV.
*Whitney Houston’s rendition of the National Anthem in 1991 during “Superbowl XXV”, considered by many to be among the greatest “Star Spangled Banner” performances ever.  It was re-released after the September 11th 2001 attacks and hit top 10 on both the U.S. and Canadian charts.  Ms. Houston donated her share of the proceeds and royalties to the firefighters and families of the victims of 9/11.

During this time the best thing we can do is remember the gifts Ms. Houston left all of us through her music.  She made many people in the music industry and around her materially wealthy but we her fans were the most fortunate.   And, Bobbi Christina, Cissy Houston and the Houston/Brown family must remain in our Prayers!

 

The Legacy of Don Cornelius

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In our present day world of YouTube, Vevo and a wireless Universe of audio, video and written word, I find it all too easy to forget the days when we looked to Soul Train for what was sometimes our first look at that new artist or band moving up the R&B charts.  In fact, one of the first shows I really was excited to view with our home’s first color TV was Soul Train.   The fact that any syndicated show could run for over 35 years is a testament to the relevance, demand and need for Soul Train.

Regardless of the reason a legendary figure in his middle 70’s would choose to take his own life, what’s hard to deal with is how such a sad end could come to a man who brought so much joy to so many.

Don Cornelius saw a need and filled it.  He did not have the backing of television networks and millionaires as his rival Dick Clark and American Bandstand did with ABC behind them.   Cornelius started his show with Black hair products and worked his way up to larger sponsors like McDonalds.   In fact, given the little he had to work with, his contributions surpassed many others who received more fame and popularity.

While a proud, confident person, perhaps Don Cornelius didn’t know how gifted a marking guru he was.   I remember as a child going to visit relatives and always seeing a Soul Train 8 Track, cassette or CD representing a specific year or “best of” compilation from the show.  And Don’s features including the World Famous “Soul Train Line” or “Scrabble Board” helped influence our culture ranging from high school dances to the fashion industry.

Soul Train was also “all inclusive”.  In the early 70’s as the Civil Rights struggles of the 60’s were just beginning to cool, Cornelius welcomed people of all colors including artists ranging from KC & The Sunshine Band to Elton John.   As long as Black people were “grooving” to it, you’d find it on Soul Train.   Cornelius’ Soul Train also was among the very first entertainment media to embrace hip-hop, welcoming artists who were considered by others to be a “fad”.   Cornelius also occasionally featured young, African American comedians helping to launch the careers of non-musical talents including Arsenio Hall.

As for artists old and new; just about everyone in R&B over the age of 40 has Don Cornelius to thank.   From Prince, to Rick James, to Jody Watley, Atlantic Starr to New Edition, if you wanted to be seen as well as heard; Soul Train was the “You Tube” of the 70’s, 80’s and much of the 90’s.    And when MTV wouldn’t air videos by Black Artists when it launched in 1980, Soul Train “chugged along” capturing R&B lovers of all races across the globe.

Don Cornelius was born Donald Cortez Cornelius in Chicago on September 27th 1936.   After high school he served 18 months in Korea as a U.S. Marine.  After fulfilling his duties, Cornelius returned home to Chicago holding numerous jobs ranging from selling automobiles to a stint as a Chicago Police Officer.   After taking a broadcasting course, Cornelius landed a job at Chicago station WVON where he served as a DJ and news announcer.   Soul Train began as a local TV show fulfilling Don’s dream to have a “soul review” where artists of color could showcase their music.  Don served as host eventually syndicating his show Nation-wide in 1971.   Soul Train made history as the longest running syndicated TV show ending in 2006.

Don Cornelius’ legacy will live on through an unmatched archive of music and memories spanning almost 40 years.   Finally, Don Cornelius may rest knowing he is now receiving the recognition and appreciation in death that seemed to elude him in life.