Saturday, October 25, 2008

Isaac Hayes: The Stax Years


R.I.P. Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr. (1942-2008)

Most people recognize the voice of Isaac Hayes as Chef or the guy who sings Shaft's theme. Little know he was a major force behind the success of Stax Records both as a composer (alongside Dave Porter) and as an incredible solo artist.

Black Moses and Hot Buttery Soul are arguably two of the most influential soul albums of all time. Most people point to these early 70's releases as Hip-Hop and Disco's roots. Just ask the Wu-tang Clan. They simply used Isaac's version of 'Walk on By' (originally composed by Burt Bacharach?) and rapped over it. That's love. Isaac's also got his own raps.

The world is really going to miss Isaac Hayes. I expect his legend to grow in the years to come. Sam & Dave's 'Hold on, I'm Coming' is an excellent example of the mysticism that surrounds this man. Supposedly the song was written during a late night recording session in which Isaac hollered at Sam (of Sam & Dave) to come out of the bathroom and back to the studio. Sam, possible a little tired from the early morning session, snapped back with, 'hold on man, I'm coming' and so legend was born.

There is a lot to Isaac Hayes beyond his Hollywood celebrity or his affiliation to Scientology. His music is amazingly soulful and strong. It is as sexy as is nice. His genius really shines in the middle of Hot Buttery Soul when Ike drops one amazing soul story.




Friday, October 24, 2008

The Story of Satchel Paige


Leroy Robert 'Satchel' Paige was an extraordinary ballplayer. He invented a gang of pitches that he would notoriously name: The Midnight Runner, The Long Tom, The Short Tom, The Four-Day Creeper, and a pitch now outlawed, The Hesitation. He was a legend amongst hitters. One time walking three hitters just to face his rival, Josh Gibson. He struck him out in three pitches.

His talent led him all around the Deep South and Caribbean, playing ball for such clubs as The Birmingham Black Barons and The San Juan Senadores. Of course back then, black ballplayers were not allowed into Major League Baseball. That was until 1947 when Jack Roosevelt 'Jackie' Robinson took the field for The Brooklyn Dodgers. A lot of people thought it should of been Satchel.

Satchel Paige wrote in his autobiography Maybe I'll Pitch Forever, "...signing Jackie like they did still hurt me deep down. I'd been the guy who'd started all that big talk about letting us in the big time. I'd been the one who'd opened up the major league parks to the colored teams. I'd been the one who the white boys wanted to barnstorm against. I'd been the one that everybody'd said should be in the majors. But Jackie'd been the first signed by the white boys and he'd probably be the first one in the majors."

Undoubtably, Satchel was one of the greatest pitchers to take the mound. But breaking the color barrier had more value then stats could ever justify. The name Jackie Robinson prints large in 20th Century history books well Satchel sadly slips through the pages. However, Satchel eventually did make the majors and earned an MVP in the year 1952. He was inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame in 1971.

Check out this interview with Satchel conducted by Jackie Robinson for a radio show back in 1960. May his name live on...

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Soul Story Hour's New Home



Sorry it has been so long since I updated this blog but now that I am in the swing of things posts should come more often. I have finally secured my showtime, every other Weds. from 9-11 pm, Pacific Time. Check out my premier show, it aired October 15, 2008 and it is in two parts: one & two. Post a comment, let me know what you think.