Photo: Spotify Promo
Intro: Gail Nobles

Tonight, we're takin' a trip across the big pond, all the way to the vibrant heart of Togo, because I've got a story that'll have you boppin' in your seats!
This is the story of the *one and only* – AFIA MALA!

Now, back in '74, this young lady, she was *cookin'*! Straight outta Vogan, she was crowned the Best Togolese Singer of the Year! Yeah, you heard me right! You could feel the earth movin' under her feet, success written all over her!

Life threw a curveball so hard, it almost knocked her right out of the park. A near-fatal traffic accident. Six long months in the hospital... talk about a downer! Her pops, bless his heart, thought her days of swingin' to a beat were done. He figured it was time for somethin' else, somethin' *safe*. Music was over!

BUT DESTINY HAD OTHER PLANS!

Fast forward to 1984. A decade later, the magic was still there! Radio France International, that's the big time overseas, was holdin' a talent competition called "Discovery." And guess who blew the roof off the place? Our girl, Afia Mala! Her song, "**Ten Homte (Black Earth)**", it connected with the people. I'm talkin' chills down your spine, tears in your eyes kinda stuff! The listeners voted it their *favorite*! That was her sign! That was the green light!

And she took off like a rocket! Eight albums later, this "Princess from Vogan" (and that's what they call her!) she’s holdin' court with the queens of African music! She's standin' tall, singin' loud and clear!

And let me tell ya somethin' else! In 1989, she dropped an album called "Desir" with a killer track called "**Koma**".

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

Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles
Photo: Public Domain Wikipedia

Today, we’re talking about a real soulful brother who had a pen and a voice that could move mountains: Sir Mack Rice! Yeah, that's right, the man behind "Mustang Sally," that scorchin' slab of soul that gets everyone swingin' their hips! AND, he co-wrote "Respect Yourself," a message we ALL need to hear.

But hold on, there's MORE to the story! Seems like our Sir Mack dug deep into the heart of another legend: Muhammad Ali! That's right, The Greatest of All Time, gets the soul treatment on a record put out on the May Day label back in the 70s.

Let's break down some of the lyrics. Sir Mack ain't just singin' about a boxer. He's preachin' about a MAN:

“Muhammad Ali known world Wide. For his prediction. No turn aside..."*

He knew his worth! The man could see the future in the ring and wasn't afraid to tell the world about it! No hesitation, no backin' down.

 “He would look into a man’s eyes. He got a whole lot of pride..."*

Those eyes saw straight through you! Ali carried himself with a power and a confidence that was undeniable. Pride in himself, pride in his people.

“Every time he step into the ring he got power on his side. He’s a warrior for the people. He’s a champion..."*

This ain't just about knockouts. This is about standin' for somethin'! Ali was a warrior for his beliefs, for his community. He was a champion in the ring AND outside it. Sir Mack's capturing that spirit, that fight, that raw, untamed POWER!

A soulful tribute to a legend, written by another legend, Sir Mack Rice. This tune's more than just a record! It's about the power of pride, the strength of conviction, and the undeniable soul of the one and only Muhammad Ali! Now go out there and be a champ yourself! Keep those records spinnin'! Keep those songs playing.

Gail Nobles, podcasting off! Thank you for listening to Soul POD Classics.

Music Intro by: Gail Nobles
Beat and bass: Remix live
Horns and Strings by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles
Voices by: Gail Nobles
Photo: Public Domain Wikipedia 

Today I'm talkin' 'bout the super-freaky, stone-cold groover, the one and only... RICK JAMES!
Hi! I’m Gail Nobles and you’re listening to Soul POD Classics.

Back in '73, he inked a deal with A&M, slingin' out "My Mama" and ignitin' dance floors all the way over in Europe. Now that's what I call a global groove, daddy-o!

Then he heads back to Buffalo, cooks up the Stone City Band, and starts cookin' with gas! "Get Up and Dance!" Hits the streets, and they are on FIRE. Motown's Gordy Records, they know a good thing when they hear it, so they snatched 'em up faster than you can say "Super Freak!"

And then, in April of '78, the world went wild! "Come Get It!" dropped like a bombshell, and boom, a number one R&B smash with "You and I"! And let's not forget about "Mary Jane," that sweet, sweet siren song that had everyone swayin'! This album went platinum! Rick James went from a local hero to a national treasure, savin' Motown's bacon in the process!

'79? More of the same! "Bustin' Out of L Seven" had everybody struttin' their stuff, climbin' those Billboard charts. Then, "Fire It Up!" set the whole world ablaze! And get this, he took Prince, that Minneapolis mack daddy, and Teena Marie, that soulful sista, on tour with him. That's what I call spreading the love!

Now, "Garden of Love" in '80, it was a little softer, a little smoother, but don't you fret! Because '81 brought the HEAT! "Street Songs" was the album that blew the roof off! Punk funk, rock, new wave... Rick blended it all together like a master chef! "Ghetto Life," "Fire and Desire" with Teena Marie, "Give It to Me Baby," and of course... that anthem, that mantra, that call to arms... "SUPER FREAK"! Top 20 on the pop charts, millions sold! This record went triple platinum!

And Rick James? He didn't stop there! "Throwin' Down," "Cold Blooded," he kept the hits comin'! He even started producing other artists, The Mary Jane Girls... "All Night Long," "Candy Man," "In My House"... pure fire! And he even gave The Temptations a hit with "Standing on the Top!" That's Rick James, the man with the golden touch!

Smokey Robinson, Eddie Murphy, The A-Team? This cat was everywhere! After "The Flag" in '86, he hopped over to Warner Bros., and "Wonderful" hit the streets in '88. Yeah, you heard me right... RICK JAMES! He's a legend, he was a funk master, a true original.
Rick James was the man that changed the game!

 Keep it real, keep it funky, and keep it locked on to Gail Nobles! Peace out!

Intro by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles
Cover Art by: Gail Nobles

We’re taking a trip back to the vibrant disco-infused soul of the early '70s, all wrapped around a song that’s got a groove that'll make you move! I'm talking about "I'm Doin' Fine Now" from the sensational American R&B group New York City. Released in 1973 from their debut album – the same name, don’t ya know – this tune soared into the hearts of listeners, reaching number 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

If you’ve ever had your heart stomped on, this is *the* song for you. The opening lines hit like a ton of bricks: "Remember the day you up and left, I nearly cried myself to death." Can’t you feel that pain? That longing? It’s like a trip down memory lane, taking us to a place where love was both sweet and sour. But hold on, because the magic doesn’t just lie in the heartache. The groove picks up as the narrative unfolds—a meeting with someone new, and boy, doesn’t she change everything? Suddenly, our narrator claims, “Oh girl, I’m doin' fine now, without you, baby.”

It’s all about that resilience! This song captures the moving on and finding that hope again. The harmonies? Tight as a drum! The instrumentation? Jiving and alive! The energy of this track is contagious, and it spread like wildfire across the charts! It was even the 46th most successful song of 1973 in the good ol' US of A.

With the smooth melodies bouncing off the walls, it's no wonder the song found its way into the hearts of so many, hitting number eight on the Billboard Easy Listening chart. So whether you’re reminiscing or ready to groove, "I'm Doin' Fine Now" is the anthem you need. It’s a celebration of moving on. So feel the groove, and remember, sometimes you gotta let go to find your flow. Keep it real, my friends!

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

Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain
Intro by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

We’re about to take a shimmering trip through the vibrant world of music! Get ready for a little discussion on a groove that flew into our hearts and minds like a hot butterfly—yes, I’m talking about "Papillon," also known as "Hot Butterfly," from the dynamic Gregg Diamond!

First off, let me set the stage. This track first fluttered into existence in 1978, debuting on Diamond's album *Bionic Boogie*. It was the 1980 version by the one and only Chaka Khan that truly lit the musical landscape on fire! This beauty features the smooth, rich vocals of R&B legend Luther Vandross—oh, when those two got together, they conjured magic!

Chaka Khan’s rendition of "Papillon" just screams seduction. It takes you back to a time when love was sweet and young, painted with the colors of youth—a time when we all felt like we were soaring on gossamer wings, just like those butterflies! You hear that harmonica solo by Hugh McCracken? It’s like a gentle caress, a reminder of the summer breezes that come and go too quickly.

Let’s not overlook the lyrics! "A faded photograph I mailed to you / With feelings I don't want to face"—can’t you just feel the longing and the bittersweet nature of memories? Chaka’s voice wraps around those words like a comforting embrace, evoking emotions that we often try to hide away.

I know it peaked at #22 on the Billboard R&B charts, but don’t get it twisted! It doesn’t tell the whole story. The song is a testament to Chaka Khan’s unmatched talent and the timeless connection her music makes with all of us. It reminds us of the seasons of love, the moments that slip by, and how sometimes we let things “slide on by” before we fully realize their value.

So, whether it's the original groove by Diamond or the soulful magic spun by Chaka Khan, "Papillon" is a fantastic celebration of love, life, and the fleeting beauty of those memories. It leaves you humming and dreaming, captivated by the elegance of a hot butterfly in flight! Keep on groovin’!

You're listening to Soul Pod Classics. I'm you're host, Gail Nobles

Intro by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Let’s get into a classic treasure from the heart of the funky universe! Yes, indeed, I'm talking about the sensational Archie Bell and the Drells and their infectious groove from 1976—"Don’t Let Love Get You Down!"

Now, if you’ve ever found yourself on that rollercoaster ride of love, feeling bruised and battered, trust me, this soulful jam is your anthem! Right from the start, Archie’s smooth vocals take you on a journey. He opens up with a heartfelt message—reminding us all that heartbreak is a universal experience. “I know that you've been hurt by love, once before…” Can you feel that sincerity? It’s like he’s speaking right to your soul!

This is the sort of track that not only gets your feet tapping but also lifts your spirits. Listen closely to the lyrics—it’s a call-to-arms against self-pity! The line "Girl just don't sit around, feelin' sorry for yourself" is the kind of encouragement we all need when love leaves us feeling low. Archie urges you to rediscover your strength and warmth: “Just give your love, to somebody else.” That’s the magic of the moment right there, folks!

And let’s talk about that groove! The rhythm hits you, wrapped in a sweet melody that’s unmistakably Bell and the Drells. You can't help but sway along as those horns blast and the bass line glides through! It’s contagious, and you just want to dance—shake off the blues!
Every time that catchy refrain comes in—“Don’t let love get you down”—it feels like a burst of joyful energy. It's the spirit of resilience! They remind us love may knock us down, but it’s all about getting back up and seeking that love again, that feeling of connection that makes life so rich.

So, take a moment, and play "Don’t Let Love Get You Down," let it wash over you, and let Archie Bell and the Drells lift you high. Whether you're in love, out of love, or somewhere in between, there's always a reason to get back out there and let your heart shine!  Keep that groove alive, my friends!

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

Story by: Gail Nobles

Hello everyone. Turn up the volume high, 'cause we’re groovin’ to the sound of the sensational Jackson Sisters! That’s right, we’re talkin’ about the fantastic five from Compton who blew up the soul and disco scenes in the 70s, not to be confused with any ol' Jackson families—these sisters are a whole vibe of their own!

Their journey is one for the record books! Formed back in 1971 and rooted deep in the vibrant soil of Detroit, these ladies brought — not just music — but a sound, a truth, a groove that shook dance floors and stirred souls! You might’ve caught a glimmer of their glittering talent on Prophasy Records, with hits that got folks movin’ and groovin’!

Their magic really ignited when the rare groove scene exploded over in the UK a decade later! It was like someone flipped a switch and the world caught on to the electrifying energy these sisters brought forth!

Let’s talk about that smash hit, “I Believe in Miracles.” Oh, baby! Written by the talented Johnny Bristol and originally penned by Mark Capanni, this track became an anthem, a declaration of faith in love, life, and those unforgettable dance moments! You know the lyrics: *"Oh, I believe in miracles!"* That infectious, soulful melody can bring a tear to any eye and make even the most reluctant feet start tapping!

Can you feel that groove? Can you hear the harmonies? That blend of voices creates a tapestry that tells stories of joy and hope—music that transcends time! And just when you think you’ve caught every note, they throw in that sweet call for a little love! *“So come on boys, show a little love for me!”* Love and music, hand in hand, uniting us all on the dance floor!

So remember to give a nod to the Jackson Sisters! They’ve paved the way, rocking our worlds with their infectious groove and enchanting melodies. Keep the spirit alive and let their music remind you that we’re all part of this miraculous journey together!

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

Story by: Gail Nobles

It’s time to take a little trip down the soulful lane, and trust me, you don’t want to miss this ride! Let’s talk about Gwen McCrae, the queen of the groove, who took K.C. and the Sunshine Band’s classic “Please Don’t Go” and turned it into an absolute masterpiece!

When Gwen opens her mouth to sing, you can feel the electricity crackling in the air! That voice of hers is a an instrument and force of nature! She pours every ounce of her soul into that song, making you feel every word like it’s written on your own heart. You can hear the heartache, the longing, and the passion coming through every note. It’s like she’s reaching out to you, pulling you into her world of rhythm and blues!

And let’s not forget about that power! Gwen doesn’t just sing; she commands the stage. Her delivery is dripping with emotion, giving a whole new layer to the track that’s both tender and fierce. You can just hear the tears and triumph, the sweet surrender and the raw intensity.
So,, if you haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing Gwen McCrae’s rendition of “Please Don’t Go,” I urge you to listen and let her voice take you on a journey. It’s a soulful sensation that you’ll want to savor and share with everyone you know.

I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Soul Pod Classics.

Photo: Public Domain Wikipedia 
Intro: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Lend me your ears, because we're about to dive into a soul sensation that’ll get your feet tapping! I'm talking about none other than Wilson Pickett's powerhouse track, "Engine No. 9." This song rides the rails of rhythm and blues straight into the hearts of listeners everywhere!

Released as part of Pickett's eleventh studio album, Wilson Pickett in Philadelphia, this track truly embodies the soul spirit of the late '60s. It was released in 1970. It's a full-blown freight train of funky vibes and captivating grooves! With a crack team of musicians behind him and those unmistakable horns blazing, Pickett delivers a vocal performance that can only be described as electrifying!

Now, let’s talk numbers, and boy do they mean something! "Engine No. 9" peaked at #14 on the Pop charts and climbed even higher, hitting #3 on the R&B charts. The man didn’t just ride the train—he was driving it! This track grabbed listeners by the collar and made them take notice, and it’s easy to see why. It’s got that infectious bounce, that catchy hook that gets stuck in your head, and Pickett's voice? It’s like a siren call, welcoming you to join the party!

What I love about “Engine No. 9” is how it combines that classic Southern soul with a distinct Philly flair. You can hear the smooth production, the slick arrangements, and it all comes together for a listening experience that’s as refreshing as a summer breeze. And let’s not overlook those lyrics—simple yet storytelling, full of energy and that unmistakable longing that makes soul music connect with us.

So, crank up those speakers, folks! Let the smooth sounds of Wilson Pickett pour into your ears, and you’ll find yourself riding the rails of emotion, with “Engine No. 9” as your conductor! This track is more than just a hit—it’s a journey through the core of soul music that we all need to take.

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