Matthew Ward Photo David Ball - Original work Wikipedia CC BY 2.5
Donna Summer Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Back in 1983, when I first caught wind of that magical duet between Donna Summer and Matthew Ward, my mind was racing! I heard that gorgeous, soulful voice, and I thought, "No way! That’s gotta be Peabo Bryson singing with the Queen of Disco!" After all, Peabo was the king of those smooth ballads back in the day, and you couldn’t help but think of him when you heard those heavenly harmonies.

But lo and behold, just today, I finally laid my eyes on Matthew Ward! And boy, was I stunned! I had never seen the guy before, and I was thinking, “Wait a minute, this can’t be right. Is this some kind of mix-up?” But it was no mistake, my friends! It was indeed Matthew Ward, and his voice is absolutely a treasure! A rich, soulful sound that just sweeps you off your feet! And what’s even cooler is that he’s also known for his Contemporary Christian Music—talk about versatility!

Now, if you don’t know the tune "Love Has a Mind of Its Own," let me give you the scoop. It comes from Donna Summer’s album **She Works Hard for the Money** and was released in December 1983 as the third single. The magic is really in the collaboration—though Matthew didn't get credited on the sleeve, he brought a special magic to this ballad, and it surely resonates with the heart.

The song itself made a splash on the charts! It peaked at number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 35 on the R&B chart, and hit number 19 on the Adult Contemporary chart! It lingered on the charts 12 weeks.

So, whether you thought it was Peabo or not, there’s no denying the brilliance of Donna Summer and Matthew Ward together. It’s a duet that reminds us just how beautiful love and music can be—each note bringing us together in harmony.

I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening.

Radio Music Memories

Story by: Gail Nobes
Photo: Efields1 - Own work
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Let’s take a little trip back to the early '80s when Richard Dimples Fields graced the airwaves with his inspiring tune, "Don’t Ever Stop Chasing Your Dreams." This song wasn’t just a catchy melody; it was packed with wisdom.

In the song, Richard shares some powerful thoughts, reminding us that a wise man builds his house on a strong foundation, like a rock, while a foolish man builds on sandy ground. This metaphor tells us to lay a solid groundwork in our lives, to chase our dreams, and to stay true to what really matters.

The chorus is a catchy call to action: "Don’t ever stop chasing your dreams. Things aren’t always as bad as they seem." It’s like a warm hug for anyone feeling down, encouraging us to keep pushing forward and believing in ourselves.

What’s interesting about this record is that it has a unique vibe. It felt like a demo at first, with real conversations intwined into the music. There’s a touching moment with a little boy who seems to be Richard’s son, adding a personal touch that makes the song even more beautiful. With those heartfelt elements, it wasn't just a song—it was a message of hope and perseverance.



Radio Music Memories

Photo: Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com
Wikipedia: CC BY-SA 2.0
Intro keyboardist and Vocals by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Today’s topic is LL Cool J who brought us some unforgettable memories with his hit “I Need Love.”

On the radio, I was hearing remixes in the 1980’s. Rap mixes within rap mixes with fast tempo and beats. Voices were proud and boastful. And one night, just out of the blue I heard the most beautiful catchy tune that was unusual for a rap. The slow keyboard sound caught my ear and then the beat dropped. It was LL Cool J with his rap hit: I Need Love. I was in high school. The song quickly became popular. Some boys in class would get together to write down the words and say the rhyme using their desk in class for a drum while the teacher was out of the class. Girls sat to listen. The rap was loved. It was different than any rap ever heard. It was about love.

One night, I was at home listening to the disc jockey live on the radio playing the song at the roller skating rink. More and more people were entering in there as that song was played. I thought a fight would soon break out, but there was no way I was expecting that at the moment they played LL Cool J hearing the words “I Need Love”.

Soon, after hearing the rap being played on the radio, I saw LL Cool J’s music video featuring a girl sitting on the bed, crying and heartbroken, as LL walked away. Many girls in the crowd were screaming, reaching out for him, but LL was growing tired of that kind of life. The heartbroken girl still loved LL, but her feelings were hurt by her father’s disapproval, as he snatched her picture of him off the wall. My eyes were glued to the television as I waited to see what would happen next. The next thing I knew, the girl reached LL Cool J through the crowd, and they were back together again. After watching the video, I understood the deeper meaning of the rap.

"I Need Love" is the second song released from LL Cool J's album called Bigger and Deffer. It shot to number 1 on the Hot Black Singles chart and hit number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song was also one of the first rap hits to get popular in the UK, reaching number 8 on the UK Singles Chart. In 1988, it won a Soul Train Music Award for Best Rap Single.

I i’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Q Memors - a show about music radio memories.

Radio Music Memories

Photo: Penni Gladstone, Los Angeles Times -
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY 4.0
Intro by: Gail Nobles

Welcome to Q Memors, where we celebrate the golden days of radio and relive the classics that defined our listening experience. Today, I'm thrilled to share a timeless favorite: ‘You Are’ by Lionel Richie. This song brings back memories and ignites that special longing we all cherish from the good old radio days. Let’s take a moment to enjoy the magic of this classic together!”

Where were you when you first heard Lionel Richie’s “You Are”. I guess it was my elementary school days when I heard it and the moment the sound hit my ears. I knew we had a hit on our hands. Richie comes in smooth like butter back by harmonies from the singers. Right now, I can feel the vibe. The groove with the bass, drums, guitar and keys setting the stage. Then the chorus drops with that fiery beat, horns, and the rhythm taking us higher. That’s how you know it’s a timeless jam.

“You Are!” Dropped as a single back in ’83, this song was penned by the talented Richie and his then-wife, Brenda. It’s featured on his self-titled debut solo album, which hit the scene in ’82!  “You Are” soared to the top five on not one, not two, but THREE major Billboard charts! I still remember catching a glimpse of that video on America’s Top 10—totally made me fall in love with the song even more!  I actually purchased the single, and I found the record sleeve to be fantastic, showcasing a picture of Lionel Richie on the cover. Those were the golden days of music.

You’re listening to Q Memors. A show about music radio memories. Today’s topic: Lionel Richie “You Are”.

Radio Music Memories