This is a review of a concert by Diana Ross. Craig Seymour reflects on Diana Ross's impact as an iconic figure and the lessons her songs have taught.

talks about the significance of The Village Voice and how he got his first piece published in the paper. Seymour discusses Tricia Romano's excellent The Freaks Come Out To Write: The Definitive History of The Village Voice, the Radical Paper That Changed American Culture, and quotes from music critic Ann Powers and Richard Goldstein about the importance of the publication. Seymour reflects on his journey to writing for the paper and shares his review of Sparkle's "Be Careful" and its significance to '90s R&B.

In this episode, I discuss the music of Black gay pride.

In this episode, I read my 1998 review of Aretha Franklin's A Rose Is A Rose.

I reflect on my first music review and what it's meant for my life.

James Baldwin, Phyllis Hyman, Sylvester, Larry Levan, Cissy Houston, her daughter Whitney, Luther Vandross, Labelle -- you likely know most of these names, but you might not be familiar with singer Marc Sadane or Sir Dane, as he is also known. Throughout his extraordinary life & career, he's crossed paths with all these folks and has the stories to tell. I am so honored to be able to share my conversation with him. This is history, y'all. 

Mr. Sadane also features in my recent HITS article: "How Black Gay Men Changed Pop Music"

Part I

Part II

Mr. Sadane's Facebook Page

Links to a few songs we discuss:

Marc Sadane - "One Minute From Love"

Marc Sadane - "One Way Love Affair" 

Marc Sadane - "Never Gonna Stop This Heart Of Mine"

Stephanie Mills - "Don't Stop Doin' What 'Cha Do"

In this episode, I talk with musician/writer Tim Dillinger about his essay "Remembrance: Teena Marie." (https://soulmusic.com/perspectives-teena-marie-remembrance/). Here's a playlist of the songs we discuss during our discussion: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/18teHvU0MdgEjlCojTCQrk?si=3eb3b26a4ff04fb5.

Other links:

Tim's article "New Time Religion: The Holy Ghost Falls Down in the Club, Reclaiming Tramaine Hawkins’ Mainstreamed Gospel:" https://godsmusicismylife.substack.com/p/new-time-religion-the-holy-ghost?s=r

Craig's Pop Life Playhouse: https://www.craigspoplifeplayhouse.com/

In this Black Music Month special episode, I reflect upon my review of Aretha Franklin's 1998 album A Rose Is Still A Rose. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter. Thanks!