A Labor of Love
By Larry Buford
When my friend and brother Cornelius Grant told me he was venturing into some new and exciting entertainment arenas, I asked him to count me in for whatever I could do to support the effort. He has kept me informed along the way, and now with the rollout of his new and improved website, it is evident he is set to get the show on the road!
Cornelius and I often talked about all the wasted, unrecognized, and underappreciated artists and musicians who are still around who do not have a venue to reach broader audiences; people who just10 or 15 years ago could earn and enjoy a comfortable living doing what they do best. I would challenge Cornelius that it would take someone of his stature - whose music and fame are known world-wide – to pull off such an endeavor in this day and time. And it looks like the time is now!
I salute Cornelius for his endurance and tenacity to bring about meaningful and purposeful cultural enrichment. It’s been a labor of love for him. As God blesses his effort, so will the lives of so many people be blessed, and the effort will not be in vain.
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SMOKEY ROBINSON: THE SONGWRITER’S SONGWRITER!
By Larry Buford
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) chose to honor living legend Smokey Robinson on a major televised network (NBC, January 26th). Unlike any other major televised tributes to Robinson like the Grammy’s, and American Music Awards, where the spotlight is shared with many others, this airing focused on the man, and his music that has become ingrained in the very fiber of the American experience, not to mention the global impact.
Even at the height of Motown’s golden era of the 1960’s, blacks were given limited exposure on major networks and magazine covers. If the fetes Robinson accomplished back then were done now in this media-frenzied age, his name and reputation would be all over the place! Fortunately, his songs have remained a testament to his brilliance, and a new generation can now know the source of songs like “My Guy” and “My Girl” (back to back hits for Mary Wells and the Temptations respectively) that they hear and sing along to everyday.
The show opened with Stevie Wonder performing Robinson’s first national hit “Shop Around” as the honoree, seated next to Berry Gordy, mused like a prince seated on a throne. There were many acknowledgements throughout from the likes of Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Tom Joyner, Condoleeza Rice, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Debbie Allen, and others. The inimitable Nancy Wilson (ever so classy) performed after receiving the UNCF Founder’s Award. But the amazing thing was the smorgasbord of performers who were able to take one of Robinson’s well-crafted songs, and interpret it their own way effectively. They sang songs that have been covered by so many performers over the years that it’s hard to count. Singer Joss Stone performed “Who’s Lovin’ You”; John Legend, “Quiet Storm”; Heather Headley sang “My Guy”; Chris Isaac performed “My Girl” with acoustic guitar; Anita Baker sang “More Love” and “Tracks of My Tears”; Macy Gray, “You’ve really Got A Hold On Me”; Yolanda Adams, “I Second That Emotion”; and Stevie Wonder appeared again for a rendition of “Tears of a Clown” which he co-wrote with Robinson.
Upon receiving the UNCF Award of Excellence, Robinson himself sang “Ooo Baby Baby”.
This was a befitting tribute to one whom Bob Dylan once referred to as “America’s greatest living poet”. Said Gordy, “…his songwriting made him the world icon that he is today”. Hopefully now, this generation will finally be able to connect the dots, and understand what real songwriting is all about.
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WHAT A GOOD TIME
TO LIVE IN SOUTH LOS ANGELES!!
(Hollywood celebrities and County officials pay a visit to the ‘hood)
By Larry Buford
It’s not that community leaders and dignitaries never come here, but I just experienced a spectacular event in South Los Angeles; formerly known as South Central!
It was the 29th Annual “Living Legends” Series held at the A C Bilbrew Library located on El Segundo Blvd. near San Pedro (just blocks from where I live). Presented by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the County of Los Angeles Public Library the ceremony was well-attended by a standing-room-only crowd. Local news stations were on hand. The streets were blocked off as people gathered from all around to see what was happening!
Actor William Allen Young, Master of Ceremonies, and Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke shared equal time at the podium introducing and giving accolades to the honorees: actresses Sheryl Lee Ralph and Angela Bassett; actress/singer/minister Della Reese; and Alfre Woodard (who could not attend). And for just as many acknowledgements as Burke gave out, she received even more in return as one by one the podium guests, including Councilman Bernard Parks, spoke of her influence and inspiration that helped shape their lives.
Living Legend awards were given to former black press columnist Brad Pye Jr., and Jacquie Stevens, News and Public Affairs Director for KJLH radio.
Singer Tata Vega whose voice is best known for songs on the soundtrack of “The Color Purple” performed a soul-stirring-foot-stomping-hand-clapping gospel tune, after a spectacular performance by the group Trilogy. Singer/musician Kenny Latimore and his wife Chante Moore also brought the audience to its feet with a duet. Perhaps the highlight of the entertainment was a song Sheryl Lee Ralph performed before her acceptance speech. She is deeply involved in the fight against AIDS.
Among the many acknowledgements was that of County Librarian Margaret Donnellan Todd who gave library cards to each of the honorees. Said Bassett, “in this age of the internet…I still like to touch it [a book], feel it, underline it, and read passages over and over again.” She said she and her siblings used to spend hours at the library when they were children. The family of the late library founder A C Bilbrew, a black woman, was also acknowledged.
There were many comments that pointed to the importance of Black History Month. Said Pye, “I’m proud of people like Supervisor Burke who truly understands it’s the character that makes the difference, and color never made a woman or a man.”
The ceremony ended with a book signing of Bassett’s new book.
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Larry Buford is a freelance writer residing in Los Angeles. His new Book/CD, “Things Are Gettin’ Outta Hand” is available online at Amazon.com, and locally at Eso Won book store.
www.editorialbylarry.com;
(213) 220-8101
