Soul Music

The Rhythm & Blues Foundation announced today that “we are saddened by loss of our friend and R&B Legend Teena Marie.”

A recipient of the R&B Foundation’s 2008 Pioneer Award, Teena considered the acknowledgment to be one of the greatest honors of her illustrious career.

Upon accepting her award in 2008, a tearful Marie said, “Everything I ever asked God to give me, he gave me, and I have to give him the glory. I asked my heavenly father to take my poetry and let me set it to music, and he did.”

A statement from Damon Williams, Chairman of the R&B Foundation reads: “Teena was a true Pioneer of R&B music and a Musical Bridge Builder. She brought people from all walks of life together under the banner of soulful, heartfelt music.

Bernie Wilson, baritone vocalist in the classic lineup of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, died early yesterday from undisclosed medical complications at Kresson View Center in Voorhees, NJ, Philadelphia International Records has announced.

Wilson joined Melvin, Teddy Pendergrass, Lawrence Brown and Lloyd Parks in the world-renowned lineup that was signed to Philadelphia International Records in 1972, the beginning of a four-year string of hits for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes that were integral in defining the Sound of Philadelphia.

The Chicago-Tribune reports today (December 22,1976) that R&B star Gene Chandler was convicted for his role in a heroin sale in May and June of this year.

The “Duke of Earl” was convicted on three counts in U.S. District Court in Chicago for selling a total of 462.9 grams of the drug to federal undercover agents on May 9 and June 8 of 1976.

Dec. 14th, 1968 Ad For Atlantic Soul Artists GROUCHY GREG