Friday, July 31, 2009

Overlooked not Unheard:OSF First Date Songs










One of its greatest and most talented singer/songwriters is seldom mentioned in conversations concerning the historic heyday of Motown Music. Brenda Holloway, whom soulpatrol.com describes as:
taking some time out, at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, during the late 60's to remind Black women that regardless of whatever is happening in the streets, whatever laws are going to be changed, it is in fact the Black Woman (and NOT the government), who is going to set the Black man free.


One reason for her underexposure may be because she commuted between Los Angeles (her place of birth and residence). It eventually became burdensome, yet she did avoid the hard partying of some of her company colleagues. She retired from music at age 22 and eventually wed a minister after lax promotion by Motown and disdain for the party life. You can find her discography at Soully Oldies.

I remember slow dancing to this sultry and sexy Brenda Holloway cut mingled with pain and anguish at a 1960s party as a young teen. One of my first.

12 comments:

Prof. PC said...

great pick! Alicia Keys covered this one too.

Revvy Rev said...

Didn't know Alicia did this.

Anonymous said...

Hey Rev!

Man, I actually remember that song! But I didn't know all that about Brenda, and it's great background. With such a beautiful voice (soul personified) it's a shame she dropped out so soon, but I can definitely understand her getting fed up with 'the life'. That aspect of the business will truly wear a person down.

Great pick!

Hey Shae! said...

Never heard her, but this song is definitely hot. I can picture Alicia singing this too, her voice is similar.

SjP said...

Oh no you did not!!! See you got me singing this song even before I clicked the play button. Alicia's version is tight - but Brenda own's this song! Great picks.

Have a feeling you might enjoy my picks this week as well...:>)

Ann Brock said...

Rev. great pick and thanks for providing the link.I don't believe I've ever heard of her before now.

Unknown said...

Awesome choice! Classic. This is the sound, the voice that you can "feel", makes you want to cry and you don't even know why!

PPR_Scribe said...

Wonderful OSF pick from a talent deserving more exposure. Thanks for the education and the music. Happy OSF!

Unknown said...

Happy WW! I appreciate the song and the history. Great post!

I invite your blog readers (...those with a strong stomach...) to learn about a female cannibal who ate her own child.

peace, Villager

Hagar's Daughter said...

Rev this brings back childhood memories of my older cousins playing this after talking to their boyfriends or breaking up with their boyfriends or getting dumped by their boyfriends - lol.

Didn't know Alicia covered this song.

CCG said...

REV:

this here, This Here, THIS HERE... touches a Brotha!!!

AWESOME Pick.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!!

BTW; would U happen to know who did the reamke?

CCG said...

OK, I see AK did a remake, but; there was a Brotha who remade it before her, I believe during the late 70's-early 80's.