Tag: Oldies

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OLDIES SUNDAY: Margarita – Woman Come (1964)

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In recognition of Women’s History Month, we take the time out to feature Women who have made great contributions to our music culture. While we celebrate the Women all year over here, we recognize some through our Oldies Sunday section. Today, our selection comes from the late Anita Mahfood a.k.a. Margarita “The Famous Rhumba Queen” with the track, “Woman Come“.

Produced by Arthur “Duke” Reid and released through the Black Swan label in 1964, “Woman Come” (sometimes labeled “Woman A Come”) was Margarita’s “love letter” to then boyfriend Musician Don Drummond. With Rastafarian influences thanks to backing by The Skatalites, the band that Drummond was a member of and composed songs for. This was Margarita’s first release, and she was one of the first female artists to do so, and sadly her last release. Her lyricism was praised, and was arguably an inspiration for female Dancehall movement in the following decades. The song was a popular one among her growing fanbase, with hopes that she would continue releasing more. Sadly, on December 31, 1965, Margarita’s life was tragically taken at the hands of Drummond (more on that here), but she left a mark that would seal her as a legend in Jamaica. She would be later honoured at the University Of Technology, and at the Jamaica Music Museum.

THANK YOU MARGARITA!

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OLDIES SUNDAY: Bunny Wailer – Electric Boogie (1980)

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Today, we celebrate another Jamaican music Icon who has transitioned to the big session in the afterlife. Today on Oldies Sunday, we go back in time to check out the classic “Electric Boogie” by “Jah B“, the “Blackheart Man”, and the last Wailer, Bunny Wailer.

Produced through his Solomonic Music label and released in 1980, Bunny Wailer gave us a song that was bound to make us move! With his “Electric Boogie”, we were gonna get shockwaves of good energy from the dynamic production, and Bunny’s attention grabbing lyrics. Originally written and recorded in 1976, “Electric Boogie” did not perform very well when released, but when Marcia Griffith re-recorded it and released it in 1983, it began to catch on. When Marcia’s version got remixed and released in 1989 for her “Carousel” album paired with the “Electric Slide” line dance, it became a smash hit, and one of the most successful singles by a female Reggae Artist ever. “Electric Boogie” would also get a re-release in 1989 along with an energetic music video. It was featured on Bunny’s 1993 album, “Just Be Nice“. “Electric Boogie” still gets plays worldwide, and remains one of Bunny Wailer’s most recognized songs. Born Neville Livingston, Bunny Wailer passed away on March 2, 2021 at the age of 73. May his legacy live on!

THANK YOU BUNNY WAILER!

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OLDIES SUNDAY: Mighty Sparrow – Jean & Dinah (1956)

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Closing off another “Black History Month“, today’s Oldies Sunday selection salutes another Black talent who has made an impact on the world and the music culture. Today, we check out Calypso Icon Mighty Sparrow, and go back into time to check out his track, “Jean & Dinah” a.k.a. “Yankee’s Gone“.

Arranged by Cyril Diaz And His Orchestra and released through the Kay label in 1956, this was a song that featured Mighty Sparrow shedding light on the large-scale Prostitution that American Military bases supported in Trinidad and Tobago during the post-war period, the desperation that many Prostitutes went through after the closure of said bases, and the departure of the troops. He mentions a few names other than “Jean & Dinah” (The track was also called “Jean & Diana”) who did what they had to do to make a sale, but when things got bad, their businesses had to downscale. Sparrow also mentions that Night Clubs were feeling the pinch too as they were the go to spots for Military personnel to hang out, and the meet up spot for many Prostitutes to conduct business. With Sparrow’s social commentary and well written lyrics, “Jean & Dinah” became not only his first hit, but the song lead to him becoming a winner in the 1956 Trinidad Road March competition, and wearing the crown at the 1956 Calypso King/Monarch competition. “Jean & Dinah” has become one of his most famous songs, and it helped him to bring Calypso music to various parts of the world. It was covered by American Actor Robert Mitchum in 1957 (A Gentrification move?). A true legend, Mighty Sparrow went on to become “The Calypso King Of The World“, and his influence, sound, and wit birthed generations of artists and the blending of musical styles.

THANK YOU MIGHTY SPARROW

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OLDIES SUNDAY: @Rihanna – Pon De Replay (2005)

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Yesterday (February 20), Pop Queen Rihanna celebrated her 33rd birthday. It’s been a long time since the Bajan sensation emerged on the scene, and now she’s one of Pop’s most iconic artists. Today on Oldies Sunday, we present to you the song that started it all, “Pon De Replay“.

Produced by Vada Nobles, Carl Sturken, and Evan Rogers, “Pon De Replay” was released through Def Jam Records in 2005. The track finds Rihanna requesting the DJ turn her favourite music up so she and her friends can enjoy the party more. The song was the first single off her 2005 debut album, “Music Of The Sun“. The song has Pop, Dancehall, R&B influences, and it turned out to be a hit for the rising star. Prior to its release, it was a part of collection of demo tracks Rihanna recorded in 2004 in hopes she got signed to a record deal soon after. “Pon De Replay” caught the attention of then President of Def Jam Jay Z, and after a successful audition for him and Music Exec. L.A. Reid, Rihanna signed a 6 album contract with the label, and the rest is history. “Pon De Replay” went on to sell 3 Million copies, become a top 10 single in various countries, and catapulted Rihanna onto the Pop scene as the next big star. Fast forward over a decade and a half and a few billion streams later, Rihanna has become one of the most successful artists of all time, is one of the most influential personalities of all time, and has enjoyed lucrative careers in Music, Film, Fashion, and Beauty. It all started from that demo tape.

Check out “Pon De Replay” below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

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OLDIES SUNDAY: Don Campbell – See It In Your Eyes (1993)

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All lovers get ready for this Oldies Sunday selection! In recognition of today being Valentine’s Day, we go back in time to check out UK Singer Don Campbell’s “See It In Your Eyes“!

Produced by Trevor T. with assistance from T. Phillips and Jazzwad and released through Juggling Records in 1993, Don Campbell is on a mission to retrieve a lost love after doing her wrong. Despite her rejections, he can see and feel that she still has a lot of love for him. With Valentine’s Day being a day for those who have strong love for each other, it can also be a day where the spark comes back in a relationship, or two hearts reconnect after being away from each other. Don Campbell’s “See It In Your Eyes” became a huge hit, and is listed as one of the greatest UK Lover’s Rock singles ever. The former member of the Undivided Roots Band struck gold when he made his first release as a solo artist as “See It In Your Eyes” quickly climbed the British Reggae Charts, and helped to gain him accolades at the 1994 British Reggae Industry Awards. The single was also featured on his successful 1994 debut album, “The Album” which was released through VP Records.

To all those celebrating Valentine’s Day, have a happy one. Check out our V-Day playlists, “Dancehall Love“, and “Dancehall Duets“! Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

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OLDIES SUNDAY: Brown Sugar – Black Pride (1977)

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February is recognized as “Black History Month“. While we recognize the Black man’s rise everyday, we continue to recognize some great Black people in music on Oldies Sunday. Today, we go back in time to check out UK group Brown Sugar with their classic single, “Black Pride“.

Produced by Brownie “T” for Dennis Harris Productions and released through the “Lover’s Rock” label in 1977, the song found members Caron Wheeler, Pauline Catlin, and Carol Simms celebrating Blackness during a time where racism and prejudice were still heavy problems in society. Being proud of the skin you’re in is what Brown Sugar emphasized throughout the Lover’s Rock single, but the message still falls on the deaf ears of many today. “Black Pride” become a successful single for Brown Sugar, and is still played to this day. Though the group broke up and reunited a few times over the years, former member Carol found success with a cover of the single when she embarked on a solo career under the name Kofi years later. Say it loud, “I’m Black and i’m Proud“.

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