Home Author
Author

BELINDA

Belinda is the Founder of BackBeat R&B, an R&B, Jazz, and Lifestyle online publication. Her passion for old school music reverts back to when she was very young. She thanks her Dad because he always loved music and loved to dance. She had the pleasure of interviewing greats like Chi-Lites Marshall Thompson, Manhattans Gerald Alston, Dramatics LJ Reynolds, and Klymaxx's Joyce Fenderella Irby just to name a few. She's covered the Newport Jazz Festival, Capital Jazz Festival Essence Festival, Saratoga Festival, and Temptations and Four Tops Concert! Belinda entertained the idea of blogging for her own personal enrichment after retirement from City and County Social Services. (Total of 33 Years) She is so happy to embark on this new adventure and loves it because she gets to meet new and exciting people in a a field that she has a great passion for!

Who's Touring

12 LEGENDARY ARTISTS WHO ARE STILL PERFORMING STRONG?

by BELINDA
written by BELINDA

Many times we don’t think about our favorite singers until we hear them singing one of our favorite songs on the radio, tv, or at a party.  How many times have you gone to a party and a classic hit song from “Back in the Day is played and you say, I wonder whatever happened to that group or singer?  We know where “Smokey”, “Stevie”, “The  O’Jays” and even “The Temptations are but do you ever wonder where Billy Ocean, Freda Payne, The Dramatics, Tavares, and Bill Withers are and what they are doing.  Well, have I got news for you, those legendary Artist are still performing and going strong as ever.

Of course, their music is played all the time on the radio but, there are still those of us who wonder if they are actually doing live performances.  BackBeat R&B has compiled a list of legendary artists from yesteryear who are on Tour or performing live at different concert venues in the U.S.  If you are interested in seeing their performances just click on the link.  Be sure to check their Social Media pages like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (If they have one)  for other tour information too!

 

Freda Payne   https://www.fredapayne.com/                                Sam Moore (Sam & Dave  ) https://sammoore.net/

Sister Sledge–http://sistersledge.com/ 

Peaches & Herb–http://www.peachesandherb.com/The Spinners-https://www.jambase.com/band/the-spinners

Black Ivory- http://www.blackivory.com

 

 

 

BloodStone-http://www.bloodstone1.com/

Tower Of Power-https://towerofpower.com/                  

Chi-lites-http://www.chi-lites.info/

DENIECE WILLIAMS- https://www.deniecewilliams.com/

After7-  http://after7music.com/

The Three Degrees-http://thethreedegrees.com/

 

 

 

 

 

0 comment
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
FESTIVALS

TOP ELITE JAZZ & MUSIC FESTIVALS FOR 2019 FROM THE US TO THE UK!

by BELINDA
written by BELINDA

March is here everyone and this is the time of year we all start thinking about summer vacations, things to do, places to go and music concerts we want to attend. Generally, Newport, Saratoga, Rehoboth, and Hampton Jazz Festivals come to mind. So, we at BackBeat R&B have put together a list of our favorite music festivals from the U.S to the U.K.

  1. Newport Jazz Festival- Held every summer in the beautiful Ft Adams State Park in Newport Rhode Island. Check out their 2019 lineup.  http://www.newportjazz.org/    
  2. Saratoga Jazz Festival- Also known as Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival. But, if you love great jazz music and having fun you will want to attend.  Their, yearly  Festival features an extraordinary roster of artists, ranging from Upcoming to Jazz Legends.  Here is their 2019 lineup.  /www.saratoga.com/summer/jazz-festival/and https://spac.org/event/freihofers-saratoga-jazz-festival/
  3. Capital Jazz Festival- If you love R&B and Jazz, the Capital Jazz Festival is one of the best music fest to attend because you get a good taste of both. This Jazz Festival which includes R&B  started in 1993 attracts music lovers nationwide.  Old school, New and Upcoming Artists are billed each year, so come and make new friends hear great Jazz and Soul on the planet. Capital Jazz Festival is not just a concert, it’s an Event. Click the link: http://www.capitaljazz.com/fest/2019/
  4. Hampton Jazz Festival- Over half a decade this Jazz Festival has been a hotspot and the reason people come from all over the country to visit Hampton Virginia. They not only gather here for the music but the Hampton Jazz Festival brings family and friends together to share a weekend end of fun and joy. Check out their 2019 lineup:  https://www.hamptonjazzfestival.com/
  5. Rehoboth Jazz Festival- Known as “The Greatest Jazz Festival In The World” where the entertainment is local and the artists are global. The Rehoboth festival has been going strong since 1989 in Rehoboth Beach Delaware. Come to The Rehoboth Beach Jazz Fest for 4 fun-filled days of great fun in the sun and 32 artists performing. Click link:http://www.rehobothjazz.com/
  6. Bath Festival- Is an International Music Festival located in Bath, England. It’s held every year in the Spring and includes many genres of music such as Jazz, Folk, World, and Classical. The Bath Festival is a celebration of music and literature with more than 120 events over a ten-day period. Click link: https://bathfestivals.org.uk/the-bath-festival/
  7. Love Supreme Festival(Photo by DSY Photography) This Festival is where Soul, Jazz, and R&B meet-head-on! Fond memories dominate the stage, so make Glynde, E.Sussex a vacation, get your passport and go. check out their lineup of artists. Click here: https://lovesupremefestival.com/lineup#O874gWEPYeL0Vfae.97
  8. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival- Often known as ” Jazz Fest”, the NOJHF has been the hottest and growing festival in one of the most lively and spirited cities in the U.S. It’s a yearly celebration of music and the culture of New Orleans. Food, Crafts, and Attractions make up this festival which includes many expanded acts and of course, there is a lot of contemporary and traditional Jazz. Click Link: http://www.nojazzfest.com/
0 comment
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
LIFESTYLER&B Places Of Inte...R&B Travel & A...

BACKBEAT R&B PICKS YOU CAN DO FOR VALENTINES DAY!

by BELINDA
written by BELINDA

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and what are your plans for that special someone in your life?  There are so many things that you can do. Who doesn’t love an affordable elegant night to share, and intimate evening with some great food, music, and dancing! Come enjoy a night of love and romance with live entertainment.

If both of you love Travel, Food, Jazz and R&B, here is a list of things you can plan to do.  Valentines Days starts the weekend of Friday the 14th to the 16th. These are a couple of BackBeat R&B  picks.  Have fun love birds.

 

  1. FEB 16- VALENTINE’S WEEKEND BOAT PARTY-HORNBLOWER CRUISE NEW YORK CITY
  2.  FEB 10-  Valentine’s Brunch Day Party- Edgewater Hall, Staten Island, NY                                              https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentines-brunch-day-party-tickets-54808596989?aff=eac2   
  3. Feb 14- Valentines Day Dinner- LaBoucherie by Intercontinental Los Angeles   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentines-day-dinner-at-la-boucherie-tickets-54988496072?aff=ebdssbdestsearch                                                                                                                         
  4. Feb 14-The Valentine’s Day Jazz Concert Music of Love- St. John’s in the Village, NYC   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentines-day-jazz-concert-the-music-of-love-tickets-54494074243                                                                                                                            
  5. Feb 11 to Feb 15- Cruise With your Valentine, Long Beach Terminal, Long Beach Calif.    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cruise-with-your-valentine-tickets-46852913325?aff=ebdssbdestsearch                      
  6. Feb 9th to Feb 18- Valentine’s Packages @ Viana Hotel and Spa, Westbury, New York                                                        http://www.vianahotelandspa.com/valentines-packages/                                                                                                          
  7. Feb 14 to Feb 18, 2019 – Venetian Resort Las Vegas,  Las Vegas, Nevada                                                                                   https://www.venetian.com/                                                                                                                                                            
  8. Feb 17 – Tropicana Hotel Atlantic City, Valentine’s Soul Jam with The Stylistics, BloodStone, Harold Melvin’s Bluenotes, and The Manhattans!                                                                                                                                                         https://tropicana.net/events/valentines-soul-jam-the-stylistics-bloodstone-the-manhattans-and-harold-melvins-blue-notes/
0 comment
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Did You Know

DID YOU KNOW???????

by BELINDA
written by BELINDA

1. President Jimmy Carter is a half-second cousin of producer Berry Gordy. His great-grandfather James Thomas  Gordy had a child with Esther Johnson, a black woman. Their son, Berry Gordy, was the grandfather of music producer Berry Gordy.

2.   The “Main Ingredient” formed in Harlem during the ’60s  and their name came from a  Coca Cola bottle?

3.   Freddie Gorman lead singer of R&B group “The Originals”(Baby I’m For Real”, “The Bells”) co-wrote the song “Please Mr. Postman” by The Marvelettes. The song had been a huge hit and was not recognized for decades. He was also a  US Postal Carrier.

4. “The Four Tops”  were originally “The Four Ames”. But in 1956 they changed their name to avoid confusion with “The Ames Brothers”.

5.    Soul Train was originally a traveling Caravan show at local Chicago high schools. The show’s host  Don Cornelius caught the attention of WCIU-TV in the early ’70s and was given the opportunity to go from the road to television. Soul Trains first episode featured Jerry Butler, “The Chi-Lites” and “The Emotions”.

6.    Singer, songwriter Johnny Bristol (known for “Hang On In There Baby”) was the male voice on the Supremes version of “SomeDay Will Be Together” in 1969 and he spotted the group Jr. Walker& The All Stars.

7.   Even though he had been recording since the 60’s “I’ll Do Anything for You” was Denroy Morgan only successful hit song!  His five children comprise the reggae group Morgan Heritage.

8.  Stevie Wonder’s “Songs In The Key Of Life Album was a tribute to Jazz Legend Sir Duke.

9.  Bootsy Collins is credited with giving Baby Face his stage name.

10.  Randy Cain left the Delfonics to branch out on his own in 1971, and in 1973 he hired Theodore Mills to write songs for the singing group ‘Shades Of Blue’. The group signed with Atlantic Records, Mills became part of the singing team, and the expanded ‘Shades Of Blue’ adopted a new name called “Blue Magic.”

 

MORE TO COME SOON!

 

 

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
News

A TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY “NANCY WILSON”

by BELINDA
written by BELINDA

The Legendary Nancy Wilson a three-time Grammy-winning vocalist passed away at her home after a lengthy illness on December 13, 2018.  It is so hard to believe the lady who preferred to be called a “Song Stylist” has transitioned on.

She will truly be missed by all who appreciated her seductive expressions as she sang hits like “Guess Who I Saw Today”, “Save Your Love For Me”, and (“You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am”.  Ms. Wilson collaborated with some of the best musical artists in the world and in 1967, she got her own show called “The Nancy Wilson Show”.    

Beautiful and multi-talented, Ms. Wilson definitely proved herself to be an excellent entertainer. She moved on to movies and television as an accomplished actress. In 1986, she was dubbed the Global Entertainer of the Year by the World Conference of Mayors. She was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1999.

Nancy Wilson’s records were so successful, Capitol Records issued her five albums in two years. During the course of her career, she embraced Jazz and moved away from Rhythm & Blues.

In 1962 she collaborated with the late great Cannonball Adderly on their breakout hit, “Tell Me The Truth” which skyrocketed her career. One year later, she performed at The Coconut Grove in New York and became a Star.

During the 70’s Nancy continued to record and perform at music festivals, nightclubs and concert halls.  In 2011, she decided to stop touring at the Ohio State University. She let her fans know she had been trying to retire after being in the business for 55 years. Nancy Wilson had a magical ability to perform and her vocals were polished. Ms. Wilson leaves behind her three children, two sisters, and five grandchildren.  Her husband Rev Wiley Burton preceded her in death 2008.   

 

Ms. Wilson, you are a true Angel in the sky your fans will miss you and we thank you for sharing your talent with the world.

 

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Spotlight

AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CARLA COOKE, DAUGHTER OF THE KING OF SOUL!

by BELINDA
written by BELINDA
When I was given the opportunity to conduct an interview with Carla Cooke, I must say to call it an honor is definitely an understatement.  The daughter of the late, great legendary “Sam Cooke” is definitely a chip off the old block. Carla has her own unique style as an artist of a legendary singer. But when you first hear her sing without knowing she’s “The King of Soul” daughter, you can hear something so familiar in her beautiful voice. 
A voice so strong in vocal range yet so soothing to the ear but the familiarity is that of her Dad. Put it all together and you get the lovely Carla Cooke.  With upcoming shows, tours, and a new CD, Ms. Cooke has taken time from her busy schedule to give BackBeat R&B an exclusive interview about her Music, Life, and her Dad. 
BB:   Do you feel people always have a certain expectation of you since you are the daughter of the late great” Sam Cooke”?    If so why?

Carla:  When people hear that I am the daughter of a Legendary artist namely Sam Cooke, I believe they wonder “Is she as good as her father vocally?”. Because he was such an extraordinary artist that people around the world still admire even today, much is expected of me especially since my show features my father’s music.

BB:   I believe children of legendary artist build their musical career under their own name, not thru their parent. Do you agree with that statement?

Carla:  Many children of legendary artists build their career under their own name. However, they still identify with their legendary parent, especially when they are starting out. They get more recognition in stating that they are the child of an artist that people have heard of in the music industry. Being the child of a legendary artist, I feel we have the right to do so. It is our legacy one that I am very proud of and it should not be hidden.BB:  What made you want to become a professional singer?     

Carla:  I really do believe it’s in my blood. Since I was a little girl performing in front of my Barbie dolls, music has been embedded in my heart and soul. I grew up in the church singing in choirs from the children’s choir to the adult choirs. I had my first taste of performing on my own when I was asked to give a concert at my church. I accepted but I was nervous about it, so I asked two of my friends to join me. We became known as “Redeemed and began giving concerts each year for Youth Month. With all that musical training and being immersed in music, I knew that becoming a professional singer was something that I would seek to do.

BB:   Do you ever become nervous or scared when you sing one of your Dad’s signature songs?

Carla:  I never get nervous singing my Dad’s signature songs. In fact, it brings me so much joy when I have the opportunity to sing his songs to others. I love it immensely. Each time it feels like he’s right there with me on stage.

BB:    What do you love about performing on stage?

Carla:   I like putting smiles on the audience face when singing my father’s music. I truly love engaging with the audience.  I like having them sing with me and dance with me when I perform “Twisting the Night Away”. It’s just a great feeling when people connect with you while you’re singing a song on stage and touch their hearts in a special way.

BB:   I grew up on your Dad’s music, I love your CD “Time To Remember” because you sing a few of your Dad’s song. What is your favorite Sam Cooke song?

Carla:  There are several favorite songs of mine, but the on that stands out is “A Change is Gonna Come”.

BB:   I heard you write your own songs, what is the inspiration behind certain songs that you have written?

Carla: Pretty much like my Father, my inspiration behind writing songs is LOVE… Love is one thing that everyone can relate to and it’s even more powerful when portrayed through a song.

BB:   I read you are the Mom of 7 children. Did any of them go into music?  

Carla:  In my 31 years of marriage, I am the proud mother of 3 sons and 4 daughters including twin girls. Two of my daughters sing on my shows with me. One daughter has written and recorded a Christian CD. We are currently recording a Christian song together for her new EP.

BB:   Do you have any upcoming Tours, Anything new for Carla Cooke?   Would you please direct my audience to your website?

Carla:   I have upcoming shows in Chicago, Illinois on January 17-20, 2019; Robinson, Illinois February 14, 2019, and Ann Arbor, Michigan on February 15, 2019, with more to come. I am also on the Malt Shop Cruise 10th Anniversary sailing with Smokey Robinson, The Beach Boys and more November 2-9, 2019. I have a new CD that will be out next year. I am so excited about this CD. You can find future dates and news about me on my website carlacooke.com. I’d like to ask your readers to Please like my page and follow me on Facebook @thecarlacooke. I am on Instagram and Twitter @thecarlacooke as well.              

BB:   Your Dad made a powerful impact on the world with his soulful beautiful voice. What would your legacy be?

Carla:  I pray that I could leave a mark in this world musically. Music is a part of me and forever will be. It’s a blessing to be able to travel and bring not only my father Sam Cooke’s music but my music to so many people around the world.

 

BackBeat R&B would like to take the time to thank Carla Cooke for her candid interview and wish her and her family a very Happy New Year.  For her upcoming tours go to     http://carlacooke.com

 

 

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
NewsSpotlightWho's Touring

AIN’T TOO PROUD TO BEG! A SNEAK PEAK BEHIND THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ” THE TEMPTATIONS”

by BELINDA
written by BELINDA

The Temptations Life story is brought to the stage in musical form featuring their Chart-topping hit, ” Ain’t Too Proud” brings electrifying energy. Coming to Broadways Imperial Theatre in Spring 2019, you will be dancing in your seats. A Breathtaking, mesmerizing and magical experience. the singers make it smooth and effortless. So, please go and see the hit musical of the year “Aint to Proud”!

 

 

 

 

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!  CLICK THE LINK:  Ain’t To Proud

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Spotlight

“GET YOUR LOVE” TODAY WITH TINA MAZYCK!

by BELINDA
written by BELINDA

Ms. Tina Mazyck has a natural talent for melody and tempo. When you listen to her new single ” Get Your Love,” you know she is an artist to watch out for Today, Tomorrow, and Forever. With her Soulful sound, she is an artist that is exploding. Not bad for a songstress whose first love is Opera and then finally returns to the R&B and Pop Genre of music.

In 2016, releasing her first EP “Mazyck,” in which she wrote and arranged her song “Sweet Between” from the same album exploded on YouTube views which led to it going viral on radio stations across the country. Her love for singing since the age of 5 and listening to other artists is what makes Tina as great as she is.

BackBeat R&B had the pleasure and honor of interviewing this extremely talented young woman who has a voice like no other and makes it look easy and Flawless.

BB-  As a new and upcoming R&B Artist, is there anything special that you do to get into a creative mindset?
Tina– I don’t really do anything special. Whenever I get the urge to create, I follow it and just go with that 98% of the time. I feel like I can create music at any time. The other 2% of the time, I just listen to an instrumental to get the creativity flowing and sometimes listen to other artists I like.
BB-   How did you get started in the music business and do you write your own music?
Tina- I’ve always had a love for singing since I was 5 years old. I used to sing with my sisters and friends. In high school, I became popular because of my singing, so I decided to pursue music after high school. I took voice lessons, was trained in opera, took performance classes, open mic, showcases, singing competitions and even tried out for American Idol. I write my own music, even though it was hard at first. I am much better at writing than I was a year ago.

BB- Do you feel that you chose your “passion” or did it choose you?  
Tina-  It chose me. I was born loving and appreciating music. I made my first song at 5 and it was about being a cowboy. I would always make up songs about any and everything. I also used do performance nights where I would sit my sisters down along with the cats and I would put on a show for them.
BB- What inspired you to choose the singing field? 
Tina- I pretty much didn’t want to not do anything with it. Everyone around me loved my voice and was always telling me to pursue it for years. One of the biggest indicators that made me want to make music was when I would listen to music on the radio. I would always find myself putting my spin on it to make it sound more satisfying. I have always chosen singing.
BB-  Who is your greatest influence? 
Tina- Mariah Carey and Patti LaBelle.
BB- Do you have a favorite singer? 
Tina- Beyonce. I love how she performs and brings people together with her music.
BB-  What would be your dream venue in which to perform?
Tina-I would love to perform at Madison Square Garden one day.
BB-  Who would you love to collaborate with and where?
Tina- I’d want to collaborate with The Weeknd, Luke James, Beyonce, Kanye West and SZA on a song. Even perform live with them.  
BB-  If you hadn’t chosen the singing field, what would your alternate career path be?
Tina- It would be skincare. I love natural skin care and making my own products at home. I do plan on opening a skin care line once I am where I want to be in my music career.
BB- So, what’s new for Tina Mazyck? (Upcoming shows, performances, etc)
Tina- Right now I am in creating mode. I am working on writing and making new music. Every month I will be dropping a new song/ visual. I will be performing/ touring hopefully in the spring of 2019. My next song release will be at the end of November.
0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
SpotlightWho's Touring

“BETCHA BY GOLLY WOW” @ MY FATHER’S PLACE FEATURING RUSSELL THOMPKINS JR & THE NEW STYLISTICS!

by BELINDA
written by BELINDA

Russell Thompkins Jr. and The New Stylistics” took “My Father’s Place” in Roslyn New York,  by storm last Saturday evening. The legendary lead singer and his New Stylistics performed with an even greater vengeance singing super hit’s like, “You Make Me Feel Brand New”,  ” You’ll Never Get To Heaven”, “People Make The World Go Round”  “You are Everything” and “Betcha By Golly Wow” along with a host of other classic songs.

His phenomenal band opened up the show introducing the group with a musical melody and variety of classic hit songs that put Mr. Thompkins and The New Stylistics on the map. He talked about being in the music business for fifty years and when he started singing he said, “I am going to take you back to the 70’s”. He did just that, his range of voice is awesome and world class.  His Philly sound is vibrant and one that fans never forget. His songs have been copied and sung by the finest music legends in the world. The music of RTJ and the New Stylistics is romantic, powerful, full of energy and mesmerizing. His signature song, “Betcha By Golly Wow”,  is a song you just sit back, feel and enjoy. 

Russell Thompkins Jr and The New Stylistics were exceptional at My Father’s Place, they engaged with their audience, today’s generation better learn to appreciate artists like them.

Classic music that will last forever because it was created from the depth of pure soul and the songs are timeless. Thank you RTJ and the New Stylistics for sharing your talent with the world.

 

Belinda Barnes with RTJ & The New Stylistics @ My Father’s Place in Roslyn, New York on November 17, 2018 

 

For More on Russell Thompkins Jr & The New Stylistics click on the link to his website @http://www.russellthompkinsjr.com/

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts