Back In The Dave

Thanksgiving is down the block! It's the kickoff to the Christmas and holiday season. Like many, I use this time to express thanks.

As usual, I take things too far, and since 2007-2008, the holiday has become my time to dig deeper into my spirt. The reason being is, after experiencing so many losses, I wanted to learn all that I could about how we transition from our physical selves, I wanted answers to my question "what happens when we die?"

Ultimately, I was taken on a life-changing spiritual adventure. I got more than the answers I was looking for and I'm so "thankful."

Percussionist Antonio (Tony) Rodrequiz sits in the studio with me as we listen to and discuss Salsa music!

Tony has been playing conga drums since the age of 23. A late start by musician standards, but his love for drums and music made all the difference.

In a short period, Tony was traveling the world with some of the hottest artists and musicians in Salsa and Latin music. A long-time friend of my wife. I was told Tony was part of the package when I asked her to marry me. I was like, ok, "cool to me!"

Together Tony and I listen to some of the most awesome Salsa music during the 20th century. Tony also shares the touching story of his dad's transition and how he, his family and friends used the music his dad loved to send him off!

Michael Rozelle tells a heartfelt story about his dad, the great Harry Rozelle. Or as his fans during the 1950s Chicago music scene nicknamed him, Mr. WestSide! The struggles between a musician father and his son and the deep love he had for his wife and children! When you hear Mr. WestSide sing and play the boogie! The hair on your arms will rise!

During June and July of 1990, my dad's heart began to fail dramatically.

I didn’t know it at the time, but this was the beginning of the end of my dad’s life. The events that would unfold over the next five weeks would challenge me to the core of my being. They would forever change me in ways that continue to affect my life to this very day.

When you hear the term "Soul Food," what comes to mind? African American's, baked macaroni and cheese, collard greens with smoked neck bone, black-eyed peas and rice, grits, cheese, and butter? I grew up eating all of that and more! Yet as a songwriter, I know music to be soul food! This four-part episode takes you to the heart of your soul!

Get ready to Lean on one another. Try a little Peace and Mercy. Dance and reach out! And if all that fails. Keep on moving!

When you hear the term "Soul Food," what comes to mind? African American's, baked macaroni and cheese, collard greens with smoked neck bone, black-eyed peas and rice, grits, cheese, and butter? I grew up eating all of that and more! Yet as a songwriter, I know music to be soul food! This four-part episode takes you to the heart of your soul!

Get ready to Lean on one another. Try a little Peace and Mercy. Dance and reach out! And if all that fails. Keep on moving!

When you hear the term "Soul Food," what comes to mind? African American's, baked macaroni and cheese, collard greens with smoked neck bone, black-eyed peas and rice, grits, cheese, and butter? I grew up eating all of that and more! Yet as a songwriter, I know music to be soul food! This four-part episode takes you to the heart of your soul!

Get ready to Lean on one another. Try a little Peace and Mercy. Dance and reach out! And if all that fails. Keep on moving!

When you hear the term "Soul Food," what comes to mind? African American's, baked macaroni and cheese, collard greens with smoked neck bone, black-eyed peas and rice, grits, cheese, and butter? I grew up eating all of that and more! Yet as a songwriter, I know music to be soul food! This four-part episode takes you to the heart of your soul!

Get ready to Lean on one another. Try a little Peace and Mercy. Dance and reach out! And if all that fails. Keep on moving!

I'm going to do something I've not done since I launched the show!

Summer 1975 was the summer I'll never forget. Fun was the only activity taking place. Joy, happy, exciting, girls, danger, mischief, adrenaline rush are just some of the words that describe it.

It was a summer full of music, block parties, blockbuster movies and more. It was a Summer Jam!