"Lean on Me,"  a classic soul music song that has been covered by many, was written and first performed by Bill Withers (on his 1972 album, Still Bill).  It is one of those songs that it's really hard not to sing along with;  it seems to have a certain spell that draws in its listeners, and if they aren't singing, they are spell-bound, silently enjoying this song's sounds as well as its message. 

Here it is, performed in New York City on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, by the doo-wop group "Acapella Soul."  

Doo-wop is a style of vocal based rhythm and blues music that emerged in the 1950's in many major U.S. cities. Singers would perform on street corners or in subways, in groups of 3 to 6 performers, taking turns doing lead vocals or background harmonies.

The Acapella Soul group began over 10 years ago, and regularly sings in the streets and subways, as well as being in demand for entertainment at weddings, parties, and other special events.  They have also  performed at Harlem's famous Apollo Theater in recent years. They have released 3 albums, which are available on their website.

I loved watching this video, and seeing the enjoyment of the crowd and passers-by who were there, and wanted to share this song with you . . . please keep it moving forward!

I'm in a soul music groove right now.  I just finished writing and recording a gospel-soul song called "The Master's Card", and I'm learning to sing "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" and have been listening to Mahalia Jackson's version of it.

So it's only fitting that I write a blog post about Curtis Mayfield's song, "People Get Ready."  It's a classic!  And I came across a fantastic performance of this soul music anthem, sung by English singer-songwriter, James Morrison.  Watching and hearing him sing it makes the song come alive for me.  This video was recorded just last year.

"People Get Ready" reached #3 on the Rhythm and Blues charts and #14 on pop charts in 1965, the year of its release, and played an important musical part in the civil rights movement.

Here is the evergreen original version of the song, sung by The Impressions in 1965 , with Curtis Mayfield as the lead singer:

Are you ready?  Let's get on board . . .

When I was in first grade, I heard black soul music every Sunday morning at the church my family attended . . . complete with hand clapping and a little bit of dancing in the aisles (it was a Pentecostal church).

This was a far cry from the Lutheran church we had previously attended, that had a quiet liturgical service.  My parents were adventurous, and they were excited about this new worship style.  Me?  Well, it was a bit confusing and unsettling to have such a radical change . . . but I carry in my heart some wonderful memories from this Pentecostal church with lots of African Americans and lots of hippies (it was the 60's after all . . .)  My favorite thing about this church, when I look back, is "the music."  That's also my favorite thing about the liturgical Lutheran service -- lol!

So in the 70's when Stevie Wonder hit the music scene full force with his own blend of blues and jazz, there was a familiar ring to his sound, to me.  I bought his album, Songs in the Key of Life, in the early '80's and sometimes would turn it on in my cassette player.  My very favorite song from this album is one that was also a favorite for LOTS of people-- it was #1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 songs chart for 14 (nonconsecutive) weeks in 1977. That song was a tribute to some influential giants of jazz-- Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and one he called "the king"-- Duke Ellington.

Wonder is not Stevie's real name;  Stevie isn't, either-- his name is "Stevland Morris."  His first stage name was "Little Stevie Wonder"-- and he was truly a wonder;  an amazing harmonica player and singer, he was signed as an artist with Motown Records at age 11.  Little Stevie Wonder was the youngest artist in history to take first place in the Billboard Hot 100-- at age 13, with his song "Fingertips" (1963).  If you'd like to see and hear a short video of this incredible song, see this YouTube video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3ubgVjp3CY

The song I'd like to feature here was recorded 14 years and 22 albums later . . . "Sir Duke."

A few months ago, I had the privilege of helping with refreshments at a jazz concert at my daughter's college, and got to hear an instrumental version of this song.  You could see people all over the room moving to the music and toe-tapping (including me).  After they finished the piece, the director said, "If that song doesn't make you happy, you need to check your pulse."  And he was right.  So, for your listening happiness, here is a video with
"Sir Duke."  This one has no images-- just the words to the song (the video was created by Kieran Heatley-- thanks, Kieran!)  I found it interesting to follow along while listening; when I've heard it before I haven't understood all the words.  Also, since Stevie Wonder has been blind since just after birth, maybe this is more how he would experience the song (just a dark background-- he wouldn't read the words, but he already knows them ) . . .