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If there was ever an artist who was authentic, who was true to her roots, it was Aretha Franklin. I had never heard anyone sing like Aretha; when her "I Ain't Never Loved A Man", was released, a new freedom of expression came to the fore in American culture. To say it spread around the world like a musical fire, is an understatement. Not since the days of singers like Ma Rainy, Bessie Smith and to a great extent, Billie Holiday, had an artist latched onto her feelings with the depth of human heartbreak and joy so openly. You listened to Aretha and you became her heartbreak. As an inexperienced teenager, I understood for the first time that it was possible to love a man deeply and sadly, bemoaning the way he treated you, but still wait for him to come home, with burning desire. Her "Chain of Fools" tore through the hearts of girls and women, realizing they were not the only one, but one of a chain of fools. I learned that If a man wanted a "do right woman, he needed to be a do right man". I learned deep in my own emotions that there was a wildness in my heart and soul that I might have never experienced if I had not listened to Aretha sing out with strength, confidence and strangled or guttural solutions to feeling in a song. She sang tenderly or she could burn the civility off of relationships, like a real natural woman, who would not lay down in submission to a non-deserving fellow. Aretha had guts. She also had timing and great blessing, which pushed her out into the public at a time when sweetness and light shone heavily still in the music scene. Things would never be the same after Aretha showed the world of polished singers that the raw soul could be traversed with musicianship, deep emotion, feeling, joy and passion. Her range was mighty; she was a proper soprano, with a terrific ear, playing a funky and jazzy piano, with churchy inflections. Not since Ray Charles, and James Brown had a singer crossed the genres, colorlines, geography of feeling and remained so authentically black. Only when Prince and Donny Hathaway came along later did that unique depth of epic quality come around again. I was overjoyed during the tributes to Aretha, to learn the Queen of England had approved the Welsh Band to play "Respect" at her Changing of the Guards, outside Buckingham Palace. I think Aretha would had loved that one. Thank you Queen of Soul for your joy and sorrow, shared equally, through your magical talent. We are none of us worthy. Love from, Susaye Greene Scherrie Payne & Susaye Greene formerly of The Supremes with Joyce Vincent rehearse their tribute to "The Queen of Soul" Ms. Aretha Franklin.
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The packed Barnsdall Gallery Theatre in Hollywood, CA. enjoyed "A Lady In Waiting" written by Scherrie Payne, produced by Donald B. Welch. The magnificent cast included Thyais Walsh, Carl Gilliard, Richer, Nicola Pettis & Lauren Elliott. Many celebrity guests were in the audience supporting Scherrie including producer Quincy Jones, Freda Payne, Mary Wilson, Telma Hopkins, Betty Kelley, Tata Vega, Gloria Hendry, Darius McCrary, Judy Pace, Beverly Todd, Stephanie Spruill and many more! Congratulations Scherrie!!!!! (Click on the thumbnail to view the full size photo Scherrie Payne & Susaye Greene formerly of The Supremes with Joyce Vincent were the headliners at the "Mayor's Annual Doo Wop Concert" in Waltham, MA. The planned outdoor concert on the Waltham Common was moved indoors due to the rain, but this didn't stop the fans and music lovers! The Ladies performed an exciting 90 minute set full of The Supremes' hits (spanning 1964-1976) to an enthusiastic audience. Besides The Supremes' classics the Ladies also performed "Knock Three Times" and "Tie A Yellow Ribbon (Around The Ole Oak Tree,") Joyce's hits with Tony Orlando & Dawn. The Ladies received a standing ovation for their trademark rendition of "How Do You Keep The Music Playing" and another standing ovation after their finale of "Happy." Concluding the show the ladies signed autographs, posed for photos and chatted with their fans and friends. A great time was had by all in attendance. A special shout out to Paul Porcelli, Carmine Porcaro, Tom & Barbara Ingrassia, Linda DiStefano, Alice Manica, Von Beckford, Brad Scarton and Brian Walmer. It was great seeing you all, thanks for everything. (Click on each thumbnail image to view the full size photo) Due to inclement weather, the location of the Waltham show has been moved to:
Kennedy Middle School Field House 655 Lexington St. Waltham MA, Scherrie Payne and Susaye Greene Formerly of The Supremes, with Joyce Vincent. 6:00pm-9:30pm. Free concert for all ages! There is limited seating available, so bring chairs. Food and beverages available for purchase.  Joyce Vincent Live on KGLP 91.7 FM Listen in to Joyce Vincent's live radio interview Thursday, August 16th at 1:00PM (Pacific Time) with Yolanda Travers on KGLP 91.7 FM, New Mexico. Call in: 505-863-7626 Or 505-863-7625 with questions for Joyce Vincent
The Motown Jukebox airs live on WCUW (Worcester's community radio station), and streams live online worldwide. Follow the link below to listen live. The interview is available for 2 weeks following the air date at www.radiofreeamerica.com/dj/tom-ingrassia.  Scherrie Payne Live on KGLP 91.7 FM Listen in to Scherrie Payne's live radio interview Thursday, August 9th at 1:00PM (Pacific Time) with Yolanda Travers on KGLP 91.7 FM, New Mexico. Call in: 505-863-7626 Or 505-863-7625 with questions for Scherrie Payne
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