Grammy Award-winning composer and producer, David Foster, has had his share of struggle and success as one of today’s most successful musician. Foster first attempted his music career in his home state New York, where he found no real luck, success, or place to call home. Foster eventually left New York and found great potential for his music career in Los Angeles. A place he felt was more home to him than New York. In Los Angeles, he worked with music idols such as Whitney Houston in Bodyguard, Toni Braxton in “Unbreak My Hear” and “All By Myself” with Celine Dion to name a few. In his film, while music is clearly a driving force in Foster’s life, Foster shares that being a good human being was important in being a musician. Off the Record offers insight into Foster’s journey as today’s most popular and grammy awarding composer/ producer that is not often shared in the lime light. David has 16 Grammys from 47 nominations. Definitely one of my music idols I’d love to meet in this lifetime. Film is available on Netflix.
So I’ve decided that because I love sharing my knowledge of music that comes from my passion of music, I thought I would start somewhat of a new ‘series’ where I will be sharing with you guys a new Jazz artist I’ve learned about every week. I have a whole list that I’ve made to hear new music & styles from these Jazz artists posted on my To-Do lists, just starting at me, waiting to be shared & passed on.
Dinah Washington
Today is going to be about Dinah Washington. Washington’s birth name was Ruth Lee Jones and she was born August 29, 1924 – December 14, 1963. She was an American singer and pianist, who has been cited as “the most popular black female recording artist of the ’50s”. Some of her popular music include “What A Diff’rence A Day Made” (1959) & “Mad About The Boy” (1952) which I will share audio down below. Not sure about you, but it’s refreshing to hear new music especially when it comes from the older days. Great way to appreciate good music nowadays.
I thought this would be a worthwhile post even though we are essentially in the middle of pandemic, and all non essential businesses are shut down. For what it is though this list might be something you can refer back to anytime in the future. If you are a born LA native, you might or might not already be familiar with these stores. For those who are new to the area or simply would like new places to explore, you might find a few on the list that you can add to your next visit. These stores range from selling musical instruments to vinyl & CD’s. While these are only a few from the mix, they might be something to consider for your next visit if interested. For all music lovers out there, I’ve made a list of shops where you can browse or shop:
Sam Ash Music Stores in Torrance
Guitar Center in Hollywood
Amoeba Music (relocating to 6200 Hollywood Blvd in FAll due to COV-19)
Choice Music in Koreatown
TimeWarp Records in Santa Monica
* Due to the current circumstances created by COVID-19, all businesses deemed non essential including music retail, are subject to change locations or hopefully not, close down entirely. Please be sure to check out stores’ website for further updates before visit.
Crowning of Miss Universe, Miss Catriona Gray 2018
Okay so I know this is old news, but I am writing this because this instance addresses women empowerment (imo a word that I feel has been quite overused in beauty influencer world w/ no true backing.. but still nonetheless crucial) & does involve some relevance to music (& also in part being filipino, of course, & also a fashion). For those who may not be familiar, Ms. Catriona Gray was the winner of Miss Universe in 2018. She is half Filipino and half Australian decent. Although she is only half filipino, I must have to admit I admire Miss Gray in so many ways because of what she represents and who she is as a woman. Not only is she a symbolic of beauty, but an embodiment of intelligence & inner beauty as well. Miss Universe has a history in working children in the Philippines and charities to help the community. I find her admirable as one day, I would love to travel as she did, to help others in need. She is also very much a music lover, with a music degree from Berklee College– which was not a surprise for me as a lot of Filipinos love to sing.
Miss Gray with child in Philippines
Anyhow, as everybody else I ended up in a side of YouTube I normally wouldn’t find myself.. Miss Universe Competitions. And while I knew of Miss Gray and haven’t watched her, I decided to watch reruns of her performances that year. And her answer was one that caught my attention, and her dress. The dress she wore, can I just say, was absolutely beautiful & stunning. The Mayor Gown (created with Swarovski crystals & mimicked flowing lava) was designed by Filipino fashion designer Mak Tumang, and was beautiful, sexy, and elegant all in one. A show stopper definitely. But back to my point, in the Top 20, the host, Steve Harvey, asked Miss Gray if she were to write a song, what would she name it. And I was quite surprised & pleased with her answer. She is well- spoken with a kind soul. Feel free to check the video out below to find out.
I didn’t realize how impactful these beauty competitions can be in showcasing female empowerment, strength, and resilience to chase your dreams. And that’s what Miss Gray embodied: A Celebration of World Class Talent. For any dreams out there, never give up on yourself and you’ll find yourself reaping the benefits of your hard work and fortitude.
I know it’s been a minute, but thought I would drop a little something for you guys. Went out of town for a little break to visit my family in Georgia. Had a great time seeing the family again and can’t wait to share more of my trip with you guys on here. In the meanwhile, I have been dying to create new music and have been coming up with new stuff to share with ya’ll. Here’s a little piece I did on Chris Stapleton’s Tennessee Whiskey, in honor of the country side! (maybe soon to be home..??). Anyhow, hope ya’ll enjoy this super rough cover. Don’t want to disappoint and will be coming out with more original stuff in the future. Please like, comment, and follow this post and show some love on my IG Singing Account@the.highsnlows too, for more!
Woke to yet another music video that did not leave me disappointed.
PJ Morton is back and he’s better. Just another remind that great music doesn’t die.
Ready by PJ Morton. Love the soul and blues feel to the song, only makes me and many others excited for his future projects yet to come.
A strong female symbol within both the music industry and political realm, Miss Nina Simone left her mark as a legendary artist and political leader during the Civil Rights Movement. I would like to take a moment to dedicate this post to her, as she was one of the many who have me discover my love for music. You could read more about her biography here and buy her album here The Essential Nina Simone.
Words can’t describe how happy I am to find out the Jamaican singer won the champion UK X Factor title. I have been rooting for him since the beginning that I could not listen to any other artist the same. Can’t really explain it but something in me saw potential in him as soon as he walked on stage― I am glad others saw it too. In all honesty and with no exaggeration, I can say this is the first time a vocal competition show has not disappointed me (.. still salty about the loss of 2012 American Idol Runner Jessica Sanchez).. Simon was right, only good things were bound to happen from his audition. I also adore that his purpose is to simply inspire people with music. It’s not the fame, the money, the prestige and not only his vocal ability to wows me but also his showmanship, personality, and character. From personal observation, he is a humble guy who only wants to spread good messages and set a good example for generations to come. As frank as this sounds, I couldn’t care less about what others have to say about him or even what happens to his professional career after the show is over— he will always be star in my eyes. I could only hope, as an aspiring artist, that I keep his advice and continue believing in myself as he does. With a voice as big as his, he will open the gateway for many others who find pure bliss and solace in good music too. His presence has given me hope not only for my own future, but for the music industry.
Harris is truly a force to be reckon with.
I’ll leave you with this. Harris’ last performance with James Arthur, “The Power of Love”, which is now officially number one on the Top 100 charts of Vodafone in the UK. The song was initially written by Frankie Goes to Hollywood (a UK festive favorite) in the early 80’s. However, I believe Harris (and Arthur) did a phenomenal job of bringing the song back to life. The original version of “The Power of Love” is also posted down below. Appreciate both versions, hope ya’ll enjoy em as much as I did.
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