Story by Gail Nobles
Music Intro by Gail Nobles
Vocals by Gail Nobles
Photo: Public Domain Wikipedia
Photo 2: Spotify Photo Card

Podcast Opening:**
Goodevening, music lovers! Welcome to another exciting episode of Soul POD Classics. Today, we’re going to talk about two brothers who made waves in the music world during the early days of rock and roll. Frankie Lymon, the boy soprano known for his dazzling voice and unforgettable hits, captured hearts as the lead singer of the groundbreaking group, The Teenagers. We'll dive into their iconic song "Why Do Fools Fall in Love," which became an anthem of a generation. But that’s not all! We’ll also explore the journey of his brother, Lewis Lymon, who tried to carve his own path in music with his group, The Teenchords. While he and his band had a tough time reaching the same heights as Frankie, their story adds a unique twist to the rich tapestry of doo-wop and rhythm and blues. So sit back, relax, and let’s uncover the tale of these two talented brothers and their impact on rock and roll history!———————— Music Intro 🎶

In the world of music, Frankie Lymon was a shining star during the early rock and roll and rhythm and blues era. Born on September 30, 1942, he became famous as the lead singer of The Teenagers, a doo-wop group consisting of five boys, all teenagers themselves, and one of the first integrated groups in music history. Frankie, with his incredible boy soprano voice, helped the group achieve great success with their iconic hit "Why Do Fools Fall in Love," released in 1956. That song became their biggest and most recognizable hit, introducing audiences to their catchy rhythms and harmonies.

The original lineup of The Teenagers included three African-American members—Frankie Lymon, Jimmy Merchant, and Sherman Garnes—along with two Puerto Rican members, Joe Negroni and Herman Santiago, making them a symbol of diversity in music at that time.

Frankie’s younger brother, Lewis Lymon, also wanted to make a name for himself in music. In the wake of Frankie’s success, Lewis formed his own group called The Teenchords in 1956. While they shared a similar name and sound, they didn’t reach the same level of national fame as Frankie’s group. The Teenchords had their moments, such as regional hits like "I’m So Happy," but they could never replicate the chart-topping success of "Why Do Fools Fall in Love."

Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers paved the way for early rock and roll, capturing hearts with their youthful enthusiasm and unforgettable songs, while Lewis Lymon and The Teenchords tried to follow in his footsteps, reflecting the influence and legacy of their famous family name.

I'm Gail Nobles! Thank you so much for listening!

About Soul Classic Music

Story by Gail Nobles
Intro by Gail Nobles
Photo: Spotify Promo Card

Hello, music lovers! Today, we're turning the spotlight onto a fantastic vocal group from the 1950s that really made waves in the black pop scene: The Four Tunes. This talented quartet, made up of Pat Best, Jimmy Gordon, Jimmie Nabbie, and Danny Owens, captivated audiences with their smooth harmonies and soulful sound.

One of their standout tracks is "Careless Love," a classic R&B and Soul song that originally came out as part of a 78 RPM record in 1949, paired with "You're Heartless." This song beautifully expresses the heartache of lost love, making it a timeless piece that has connected with listeners for decades.

Their rendition of "Careless Love" showcases the group's impressive vocal ability and rich harmonies, which helped cement their status in the music world. This traditional folk song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but The Four Tunes put their own unique spin on it, bringing a fresh perspective to a beloved classic.

Fans of music history will certainly appreciate The Four Tunes and their contributions to the genre during a vibrant era. So, join us as we celebrate their legacy and the unforgettable sounds of the 1950s!

I’m Gail Nobles & You’re listening to Soul POD Classics.

About Soul Classic Music

Story by: Gail Nobles
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Photo: Wikipedia Fair Use

Hello Everyone! I’m Gail Nobles. Let’s talk about the incredible Hiroshi Sato, a true gem of Japanese music! Born on June 3, 1947, this guy was more than just a singer-songwriter—he was a key player in the jazz fusion and soft rock scenes back in the late '70s and '80s. They even call his style “city pop,” a smooth blend of funk and soul.

Hiroshi was a master at the keyboard, creating those groovy basslines that get you moving and sophisticated sounds that made you feel right at home in the city. One of my favorites from him is the track "Say Goodbye" from his 1982 album *Awakening*.

The lyrics really hit home, don’t they? He talks about breaking free from a tough mindset and leaving something behind, but not without a touch of understanding and hope. It’s all about moving on, even when it’s hard.

Hiroshima left us in October 2012, leaving behind a legacy of 14 albums. Give his track 'Goodbye' a listen—feel those rhythms and let Hiroshi Sato’s music take you on a smooth journey. He truly was a great legend.

Thank you for listening to Soul POD Classics.


About Soul Classic Music

Story by Gail Nobles
Music Intro by Gail Nobles
Photo: Spotify Promo

We're talkin' about a smooth crew called The Originals. These fellas were big shots on the Soul charts.

In 1976, they decided to take a little trip. They packed their bags, dusted off their hearts, and slipped on their happy shoes! That's right, they were headin' **"Down to Love Town"**!

This track is a solid gold disc-o-tech explosion! It's got that four-on-the-floor beat that makes you wanna move, mixed with their soulful roots. The dance floors went absolutely wild for it! It shot straight to the #1 spot on the Disco chart!

America knew a good thing when they heard it. The single hit #93 on the Soul Charts (where The Originals had previously found their success) but had a better showing on the Hot 100, peaking at #47.

So, if you've got the blues and you're lookin' for a cure, The Originals have your prescription. They're going down to a place where the music is hot and the good times are rollin'!
This is Gail Nobles tellin' you to grab your someone special and get on down to Love Town! 
Thank you for listening to Soul POD Classics.


About Soul Classic Music

Story by: Gail Nobles
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles

Today we got a sound from the Motor City! That's right, we're talkin' about the fabulous Temptations and their smash, "The Way You Do the Things You Do"!

This was the big one, the shot heard 'round the world that put the Tempts on the map! Penned by the poetic genius himself, Smokey Robinson, along with his Miracle-mate Bobby Rogers, this tune is so smooth.

Before this, those boys were hustlin'. But this record? **BAM!** It shot right up the charts, bustin' into the Top 20 and sittin' pretty at number eleven! It went all the way to the top, numero uno!

But the wildest part? This song's got legs! It's been a hit in four... count 'em, **FOUR**... different decades! From the swinging 60s right through to the 90s! It's that timeless!

Everybody wanted a piece of this action. Hall & Oates cut a version with the Tempts' own Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin that nearly snagged a Grammy! And then, dig this, a cool reggae crew from across the pond called UB40 took it and made it a smash all over again!

So there you have it! A stone gas of a song that just won't quit! It's the Temptations with "The Way You Do the Things You Do"! This one's for all you lovers out there! Keep the record spinning. Don’t let go of that tune.

You’re listening to Soul POD Classics. I’m your host, Gail Nobles.

About Soul Classic Music

Story by: Gail Nobles
Keyboardest: Gail Nobles
Photo: Spotify Promo Card

There’s a song that’s filled with rhythm and soul! Let’s dive into the musical magic of the Spellbinders!, “Chain Reaction" may not have hit the Hot 100, but it went all the way up to the number 18 spot on the Bubbling Under Hot 100, proving that nothing can keep a good tune down! Released in 1966 as part of their album *The Magic of*, this track had all the right ingredients — soaring harmonies.

The Spellbinders had a modest but mighty run on the charts, bringing their sweet sound not just to American shores but also to Canada and the UK. Their debut single, "For You," made its mark by climbing to No. 23 on the R&B charts and even flirting with the Pop charts at No. 93! It's proof that the Spellbinders captured the heart of the groove-loving public!

This group was no wallflower! They hit the road and turned up the heat, touring alongside legends like Arthur Conley, Joe Tex, and the inimitable Jackie Wilson. They even took their show across the pond, making waves in the UK in 1965 and 1966. You couldn’t catch a breath in the high-energy atmosphere of the legendary Manchester Twisted Wheel, where their Northern Soul vibes drew in fans from all over. Legend has it that the guitar slinger himself, Jimi Hendrix, traveled north just to catch the Spellbinders live! That’s how you know they were creating some serious buzz!

And let’s not forget their appearances on the iconic *Top of the Pops*! What a thrill to be beamed into living rooms across Britain. Although "Chain Reaction" and another groovy tune, "Help Me," may not have exploded into the mainstream at the time, they found a passionate life among Northern Soul enthusiasts. The UK scene embraced their irresistible rhythms and heartfelt lyrics with open arms, keeping the Spellbinders’ legacy alive!

The Spellbinders were a bustling part of the soul and rhythm narrative of the '60s! So let’s keep spinning those records and celebrate the sounds that shaped our souls!
You’re listening to Soul POD Classics. I’m your host, Gail Nobles.

About Soul Classic Music

Photo: Columbia Records
Usage: Wikipedia Public Domain
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Record Player effect: Pixabay.com
Story by: Gail Nobles

Hello, I’m Gail Nobles & you’re listening to Beneath the Hits on Soul POD Classics. Today’s topic: The Same Love That Made Me Laugh by Bill Withers.

Alright, folks, let’s talk about “The Same Love That Made Me Laugh” by The Bill Withers, a tune that really speaks to the heart. This song is all about the ups and downs of love. You know, it can bring us joy and laughter, but it can also lead to pain and tears.

When Bill sings about love being "like a chunk of gold," he’s saying that love is precious and hard to come by. It’s something you really cherish, but it can be tricky to hold on to. Then he brings in that image of a rose, which is beautiful and soft but can also be fleeting. When love’s gone, it creates that heartache that we all know too well.

And oh, that chorus hits hard: “Why must the same love that made me laugh make me cry?” It’s a real reflection on how love can bring both happiness and sorrow. It’s a universal feeling—how something that once brought you joy can also cause deep sadness. Bill captured that struggle perfectly. It’s a song that connects with anyone who’s loved deeply, reminding us of love’s bittersweet nature.

Bill Withers was a shining star during his time with Sussex Records, a cool little label based in Los Angeles that was run by the savvy Clarence Avant. Sussex came to life in 1969 and did its thing until 1975.

You’re listening to Beneath The Hits. I’m your host, Gail Nobles


About Soul Classic Music

Photo: Spotify Promo Card
Keyboardist ending music: Gail Nobles
Vocal: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Hi, I’m Gail Nobles & you’re listening to Soul POD classics. The timeless power of music to evoke emotion and tell a story. Candi Staton, with her soulful voice and heartfelt delivery, brought a touching narrative to life in her 1972 rendition of "In the Ghetto." Opening with the stark imagery of snow falling on a cold, gray Chicago morning, the song immediately immerses us in a scene that is equal parts beautiful and heartbreaking.

We meet a "poor little baby child" who enters the world under the most challenging circumstances. It's a moment filled with hope yet underscored by the harsh realities of life. As his mother cries, we feel her pain—her mixed emotions of love and struggle, highlighting an all-too-common plight for many. In just a few lines, Staton captures the weight of despair, but also the resilience that often accompanies it.

The lyrics speak to the universal struggles of life in impoverished neighborhoods, making them connect far beyond the specifics of a ghetto in Chicago. “For if there’s one thing that she don’t need,” she sings, “it’s another little hungry mouth to feed.” This line is a gut punch. It beautifully illustrates the cycle of poverty and the overwhelming burden that too many mothers bear.

Staton’s rendition isn't just a song; it's a call for empathy and understanding. It sheds light on the systemic issues that contribute to such heartbreaking circumstances, reminding us of the importance of compassion in our communities. So often, we hear stories like this—each with its layers of complexity and humanity—and we’re prompted to reflect: How can we contribute to change?

"In the Ghetto" stands as a soulful anthem that transcends time, urging listeners to not only hear the words but to feel them deeply in their hearts. With Candi Staton's brilliant voice, this song becomes a touching reminder of the fragility of life and the strength found within community, love, and hope. Through her artistry, we’re invited to look closer, to be aware, and ultimately, to care. And isn’t that what great music—and great storytelling—is all about?

I'm Gail Nobles & you're listening to Soul POD Classics.

About Soul Classic Music

Story by Gail Nobles
Intro Gail Nobles
Photo by Raph_PH - SWonderBSTHyde060719-72
Wikipedia CC BY 2.0

In "He's Misstra Know-It-All," a highlight from Stevie Wonder’s groundbreaking 1973 album *Innervisions*, we encounter the all-too-familiar character of the “know-it-all.” The song cleverly critiques the blend of arrogance, deceit, and the superficiality that often comes with a false sense of knowledge or authority.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who projects an image of wisdom, moving through life with a “counterfeit dollar” that symbolizes the illusion of value. The line “He's a man with a plan” frames this character as someone who knows how to manipulate circumstances to benefit himself, despite the shaky ground beneath him. This portrayal of “Misstra Know-It-All” reveals a charming individual whose slick methods mask the shady practices behind his perceived success.

Wonder’s rhythmic style and melodic flow further emphasize this character's traits. The slow pace of the ballad contrasts with the main character’s frantic behavior—“Playin' hard, talkin' fast”—suggesting an urgency that hints at the fragility of someone whose bravado may be a mere front. With a steady beat, Wonder captures the listener's focus, reflecting how such personalities often monopolize conversations while drowning out genuine truths.

The line “Makes a deal with a smile / Knowin' all the time that his lie's a mile” deepens our understanding of this character's duplicity. His calculated charm may seem appealing initially, but a closer look reveals the insincerity lurking beneath. The "smile" serves as a facade for deception, highlighting a common reality in a world populated by similar individuals driven by self-interest.

“He's Misstra Know-It-All" acts as both a societal critique and a probe into self-awareness. By showcasing a character who embodies confidence alongside deceit, Wonder prompts listeners to ponder the nature of authority and the delicate balance between real wisdom and hollow arrogance. The song urges us to question the credibility of those we elevate and to stay alert to charlatans hiding behind the pretense of knowledge.

Through this track from *Innervisions*, Stevie Wonder not only demonstrates his musical talent but also delves into the intricacies of human nature and the complexities of our interactions with each other.

I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Soul POD Classics.

About Soul Classic Music

Story by: Gail Nobles
Photo by: Wikipedia - Public Domain
Voice actress: Gail Nobles

Good evening, I’m Gail Nobles, and today, we embark on a soulful journey through the life of a woman whose voice not only captured hearts but also transformed the musical landscape: Aretha Franklin.

.Aretha, known as the "Queen of Soul," blended gospel and blues music, creating a powerful sound that connected with many people. It was in the hallowed halls of the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, under the guidance of her father, Rev. C.L. Franklin, where the seeds of her incredible talent were sown. Starting with gospel, Aretha learned to express her innermost feelings—not just her joys and hopes, but also her struggles.

Now, it’s important to note that her father initially held reservations about his daughter crossing over into secular music. He feared that the blues might dwell too heavily on the sordid levels of humanity, far removed from the uplifting messages of gospel. Yet, as stated in an article from *The Evening Sun* back in December of 1973, his elation at her success and her determination to make her mark in the music world outweighed any reservations. “He just felt elated over the fact that I was doing what I really wanted to do,” Aretha reflected, and we can all appreciate that gap between parental concern and artistic freedom.

Aretha Franklin’s ability to navigate both realms of music—gospel and blues—was indeed a blessing. She brought the fervor and the passion of gospel to mainstream audiences, shining a light on its emotional depth and spiritual power. Her song writing was not merely a mechanical process; it was a dance of spontaneity and introspection. As she framed it, “Sometimes it’s easy; sometimes it’s difficult.” She didn’t just wait for inspiration to strike; she actively sought it out, creating music that spoke to her soul while collaborating with legends like Elton John and the famed Philadelphia duo of Gamble and Huff.

What’s remarkable is how her music transcends mere entertainment; it offers a voice to the voiceless, echoing the collective hopes, heartaches, and dreams of a generation. Her journey from the sanctuary of the church to the grand stages of the world is proof of her extraordinary talent and resilience.

So, as we listen to Aretha's timeless classics, let us remember that she wasn’t just singing. She was bridging gaps, breaking barriers, and above all, pouring her heart into every note and every lyric—a true artist in every sense of the word. As we celebrate her legacy, we find not just a musical legend, but a powerful reminder of the beauty found in blending diverse influences to create something profoundly impactful.

Thank you for joining me on this reflective journey through the life and music of Aretha Franklin, a queen whose reign will forever echo in our hearts. Thank you for listening to Soul Pod Classics.

About Soul Classic Music