The Blackbyrds - Cornbread, Earl and Me

Today Marks The 49th Anniversary of The Blackbyrd’s “Cornbread, Earl and Me (Soundtrack) Originally Released in June 1, 1975.

“Cornbread, Earl and Me (Soundtrack)” is a movie soundtrack track that features The Blackbyrds and was composed by jazz musician Donald Byrd. The album was released in 1975 on Fantasy Records.

The Blackbyrds provided the soundtrack for the 1975 blaxploitation film Cornbread, Earl and Me, which featured the movie debut of Larry Fishburne.

The soundtrack peaked at #19 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Album charts, #39 on the U.S. Billboard Jazz Album charts and at #150 on the U.S. Billboard 200.

Track-listing

1. Cornbread

2. The One-Eye Two-Step

3. Mother / Son Theme

4. A Heavy Town

5. One-Gun Salute

6. The Gym Fight

7. Riot

8. Soulful Source

9. Mother / Son Talk

10. At The Carnival

11. Candy Store Dilemma

12. Wilford's Gone

13. Mother / Son Bedroom Talk

14. Courtroom Emotions

15. Cornbread

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

 

Tom Browne - Brown Sugar

Today Marks The 45th Anniversary of Tom Browne’s Debut Studio Album “Browne Sugar” Originally Released on May 30, 1979.

“Browne Sugar” is the debut album by jazz/funk trumpeter Tom Browne. It was released in 1979 on GRP Records.

The album peaked at #6 on the U.S. Billboard Jazz Albums chart, #50 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Albums chart and at #147 on the U.S. Billboard 200 Album chart.

Track-listing

1. Throw Down

2. I Never Was a Cowboy

3. Herbal Scent

4. Brother, Brother

5. The Closer I Get to You

6. What's Going On

7. Promises for Spring

8. Antoinette Like

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Bernadette Cooper - May the Best Girl Win

Today Marks The 3rd Anniversary of Bernadette Cooper’s EP “May the Best Girl Win” Originally Released on May 30, 2021.

“May the Best Girl Win” is an Ep by Klymaxx’s front-woman and band leader Bernadette Cooper, it was released in 2021 on Gotu Records.

The EP consist of five different takes on the same song with different styles from R&B, funk, jazz, house from founder of 80s girl funk band Klymaxx.

The EP also features guess appearances from singers Penny Ford, Klymaxx’s Lorena Lungs, Craig T. Cooper and Vjuan Allure.

Track-listing

1. May the Best Girl Win (He’s My Husband)

2. May the Best Girl Win (Osunlade)

3. May the Best Girl Win (The 4 Diva Rules)

4. May the Best Girl Win (Mr. & Mrs. Cooper)

5. May the Best Girl Win (Just Be Fabulous & Cuddle)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology. 

The Isley Brothers - Harvest for the World

Today Marks The 48th Anniversary of The Isley Brothers’ 14th Studio Album “Harvest for the World” Originally Released on May 29, 1976.

Harvest for the World is the fourteenth studio album released by The Isley Brothers on their T-Neck imprint on May 29, 1976.

The album peaked at #1 on the US Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and at #9 on US Billboard Pop Albums chart.

Three singles were released from the album “Who Loves You Better”, The album’s title track "Harvest for the World" and "People of Today".

“Who Loves You Better” peaked at #2 on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, #3 on the US Billboard R&B Singles Chart and at #47 on the US Billboard Pop Singles Chart.

"Harvest for the World" peaked at #9!on the US Billboard R&B Singles Chart and at #63 on the US Billboard Pop Singles Chart.

"People of Today" peaked at #3 on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.

(At Your Best) You Are Love was a fan favorite though it wasn’t released as a single it was in heavy rotation on urban radio stations abroad.

The song was covered by many artists including Aaliyah, Althea Hewitt, Justice Der and M.Y.M.P. as well as a few others.

The album sold over 500,000 copies in the first three weeks of release, making it one of the fastest-selling records ever (it passed the million sales mark in the early 2000s).

Track-listing

1. Harvest for the World (Prelude)

2. Harvest for the World

3. People of Today

4. Who Loves You Better

5. (At Your Best) You Are Love

6. Let Me Down Easy

7. So You Wanna Stay Down

8. You Still Feel the Need

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

 

Eddie Hazel - The Basement Rehearsals

Today Marks The 10th Anniversary of Eddie Hazel’s 5th Posthumous Album “The Basement Rehearsals” Originally Released on May 28, 2014.

The Basement Rehearsals is a posthumous album by former Parliament-Funkadelic lead guitarist Eddie Hazel and the band Krunchy.

The album was released digitally on May 28, 2014 By Funk To The Max a Dutch based P-Funk record label.

Track-listing

1. I Don't Live Today (1st. Rehearsal Version, 24 November, 1990)

2. Voodoo Child (1st. Rehearsal Version, 24 November, 1990)

3. Power Of Soul (1st. Rehearsal Version, 24 November, 1990)

4. I Don't Live Today (2nd. Rehearsal Version, 24 November, 1990)

5. Power of Soul (2nd. Rehearsal Version, 25 November, 1990)

6. Johhny Connellyy's Theory (Rehearsal Recording, 25 November, 1990)

7. Manic Depression (Rehearsal Recording, 25 November, 1990)

8. Are You Experienced (Rehearsal Recording, 25 November, 1990)

9. I Don't Live Today (3rd. Rehearsal Version, 25 November, 1990)

10. Voodoo Child (2nd. Rehearsal Version. 25 November, 1990)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Heatwave - Current

 Today Marks The 42nd Anniversary of Heatwave’s 5th Studio Album “Current” Originally Released on May 28, 1982.

“Current” is the fifth studio album by funk-disco band Heatwave, released in 1982 on Epic Records.

The album reached #21 on the U.S. Billboard Top Black LPs chart and at #156 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs chart.

Four singles were released from the album Lettin' It Loose" and "Look After Love" were released in the United States and "The Big Guns" and "Hold On to the One" were released as singles in Japan.

The album’s lead single "Lettin' It Loose" reached #54 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart.

"Look After Love" was the second single released in the United States it failed to reach the Billboard charts.

“Current” was the last Heatwave album to feature vocalist Johnnie Wilder Jr. as well as their final album to feature Rod Temperton as the band's primary songwriter, It was also the final Heatwave album to feature Derek Bramble before his departure to focus on a career in production.

British singer and lead vocalist from the group Imagination, Leee John was featured as a guest vocalist providing vocals and harmony work

The album was remastered and reissued with bonus tracks in 2010 by Big Break Records.

Track-listing

1. Lettin' It Loose

2. State to State

3. Look After Love

4. Naturally

5. The Big Guns

6. Find It in Your Heart

7. Hold On to the One

8. Mind What You Find

9. Lettin' It Loose (12" version)

10. Look After Love (Single Version)

11. Mind What You Find (12" Version)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Stevie Wonder - Jungle Fever

Today Marks The 33rd Anniversary of Stevie Wonder’s 3rd Movie Soundtrack “Jungle Fever” Originally Released on May 28, 1991.

“Jungle Fever” is a soundtrack album by American R&B singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Stevie Wonder, recorded for the film Jungle Fever. It was released by the Motown label on May 28, 1991.

The album peaked at 1# on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

Three singles were released from the soundtrack, "Gotta Have You", "Fun Day" and "These Three Words".

"Gotta Have You" peaked at #3 on the U.S. Billboard US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and at #92 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

"Fun Day" peaked at #6 on the U.S. Billboard US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

"These Three Words" peaked at #7 on the U.S. Billboard US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

“Jungle Fever” was certified gold in the United States by the RIAA selling 500,000^ copies.

Track-listing

All songs written by Stevie Wonder, except "Chemical Love", lyrics by Stephanie Andrews.

1. Fun Day

2. Queen in the Black

3. These Three Words

4. Each Other's Throat

5. If She Breaks Your Heart

6. Gotta Have You

7. Make Sure You're Sure

8. Jungle Fever

9. I Go Sailing

10. Chemical Love

11. Lighting Up the Candles

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Con Funk Shun - Candy

Today Marks The 45th Anniversary of Con Funk Shun’s 5th Studio Album “Candy” Originally Released on May 26, 1979.

“Candy” is the fifth studio album by Vallejo, California funk band Con Funk Shun released in 1979 on the Mercury Records label.

The album peaked at #7 on the U.S. Billboard Top Black Albums chart and at #46 on the U.S.Billboard Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart.

Three songs were released from the album "Chase Me", "(Let Me Put) Love On Your Mind" and "Da Lady".

"Chase Me" peaked at #4 on the U.S. Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles chart.

"(Let Me Put) Love On Your Mind" reached #24 on the U.S. Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles chart.

"Da Lady" reached #60 on the U.S. Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles chart.

The album title track “Candy”wasn’t released as a single but received airplays on urban radio stations.

Track-listing

1. Fire When Ready

2. Chase Me

3. Not Ready

4. Da Lady

5. Candy

6. (Let Me Put) Love On Your Mind

7. Main Slice

8. Images

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Vanity - Skin on Skin

Today Marks The 38th Anniversary of Vanity’s 2nd Studio Album “Skin on Skin” Originally Released on May 24, 1986.

“Skin on Skin” is the second and final studio album by singer/actress Vanity, released on May 24, 1986, by Motown Records.

The album peaked at #18 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at #66 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

Two singles were released from the album "Under the Influence" and "Animals".

"Under the Influence" peaked at #9 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and #6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.

"Animals" was the second single from the album it failed to reach the U.S. Billboard charts.

The Rolling Stone Album Guide wrote that "Under the Influence" "masks her vocal limitations enough to seem listenable.

Track-listing

1. Under the Influence

2. Manhunt

3. Romantic Voyage

4. Confidential

5. Animals

6. Skin on Skin

7. Gun Shy

8. Ouch

9. In the Jungle

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology 

Atlantic Starr - We're Movin' Up

Today Marks The 35th Anniversary of Atlantic Starr’s 8th Studio Album “We're Movin' Up” Originally Released on May 22, 1989.

“We're Movin' Up is an album by the American band Atlantic Starr, released in 1989 on Warner Bros. Records.

The album reached #25 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at #125 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

The singles were released from the album "My First Love", "My Sugar" and "Bring It Back Home Again".

"My First Love" peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles chart.

"My Sugar" reached #25 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles chart.

"Bring It Back Home Again" was their third single from the album it failed to reach the Billboard charts.

The album was produced by brothers and bandmembers David Lewis and Wayne Lewis. Singer Porsha Martin replaced Barbara Weathers; Jonathan Lewis joined on keyboards.

The band supported the album with a North American tour that included a stint with Surface.

Track-listing

1. Under Your Spell

2. Bring It Back Home Again

3. I'm In Love With You

4. Don't Start The Fire

5. Love Ain't Fair

6. My First Love

7. Woman's Touch

8. Friends

9. We're Movin' Up

10. My Sugar

11. I Can't Wait

12. You Deserve The Best

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

 

Funkadelic - America Eats It's Young

Today Marks The 52nd Anniversary of Funkadelic’s 4th Studio Album “America Eats It's Young” Originally Released on May 22, 1972.

“America Eats Its Young” is the fourth album (a double album) by Funkadelic, released in May 1972 on Westbound Records.

The album peaked at #22 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and at #123 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

The album released the single “A Joyful Process” it reached #38 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles Chart.

Track-listing

1. You Hit The Nail On The Head

2. If You Don't Like The Effects, Don't Produce The Cause

3. Everybody Is Going To Make It This Time

4. A Joyful Process

5. We Hurt Too

6. Loose Booty

7. Philmore

8. Pussy

9. America Eats Its Young

10. Biological Speculation

11. That Was My Girl

12. Miss Lucifer's Love

13. Wake Up

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

The Kay-Gees - Kilowatt

Today Marks The 46th Anniversary of The Kay-Gees 3rd Studio Album "Kilowatt” Originally Released on May 22, 1978.

“Kilowatt” is the third album by Jersey City disco funk Band The Kay-Gees released in 1978 days on De-Lite Records.

The album reached #199 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart.

The album was the final and most popular album by the Kool & The Gang protégés, It features a mix of disco and funk, with heavy use of horns, and several popular club singles, including "Cheek to Cheek" and "Tango Hustle".

“Cheek to Cheek” reached #75 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Soul Singles chart.

Track-listing

1. Kay Gee's Theme Song

2. Cheek to Cheek

3. Fat Daddy

4. Tango Hustle

5. Celestial Vibration

6. Kilowatt

7. Kilowatt/Invasion

8. Space Disco

9. Good Feel

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Parliament - Medicaid Fraud Dogg

Today Marks The 6th Anniversary of Parliament’s 10th Studio Album “Medicaid Fraud Dogg” Originally Released on May 22, 2018.

Medicaid Fraud Dogg is the tenth and final studio album by American funk band Parliament on C Kunspyruhzy Records. It was later released on September 12, 2018 in Japan by P-Vine Records.

The album followed a 38-year dry spell since the release of the band's last studio album, Trombipulation. Most of the 23 tracks on the album were written by Clinton in collaboration with his son, Tracey Lewis.

The album featured guest musicians including Fred Wesley and Pee Wee Ellis, one-time James Brown collaborators. It features guest appearances from Scarface and Mudbone.

Track-listing

1. Medicated Creep

2. Psychotropic

3. 69

4. Backwoods

5. Oil Jones

6. Proof Is in the Pudding

7. I'm Gon Make U Sick O'me (feat. Scarface & Mudbone)

8. Antisocial Media

9. All In

10. On Fire

11. Loodie Poo Da Pimp

12. Mama Told Me

13. Set Trip

14. Kool Aid

15. DaDa

16. Pain Management

17. Riddle Me This

18. No Mos

19. Ya Habit

20. Higher

21. Medicaid Fraud Dogg

22. Insurance Man

23. Type Two

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology. 

Marvin Gaye - Dream of a Lifetime

Today Marks The 39th Anniversary of Marvin Gaye’s 18th Studio Album “Dream of a Lifetime” Originally Released on May 21, 1985.

“Dream of a Lifetime” is the eighteenth and first posthumously released studio album by the American recording artist Marvin Gaye released o in 1985 on Columbia Records.

The album peaked at #8 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at #41 on the U.S.Billboard 200 chart.

Two singles were released from the album, "Sanctified Lady" and "It's Madness".

"Sanctified Lady" peaked at #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

"It's Madness" was the second posthumous record released by American soul singer Marvin Gaye, released off his Dream Of A Lifetime album, The song reached #55 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

“Dream of a Lifetime” had modest success as being one of the first releases after his untimely death it would be one of the last posthumously released albums to reach the Billboard charts.

Track-listing

1. Sanctified Lady

2. Savage in the Sack

3. Masochistic Beauty

4. It's Madness

5. Ain't It Funny (How Things Turn Around)

6. Symphony

7. Life's Opera

8. Dream of a Lifetime

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Marvin Gaye - What's Going On

Today Marks The 53rd Anniversary of Marvin Gaye’s 11th Studio Album “What's Going On” Originally Released on May 21, 1971.

“What's Going On” is the eleventh studio album by American soul singer Marvin Gaye. It was released on May 21, 1971, by Tamla Records.

The album peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and at #6 on the U.S. Billboard Pop Albums chart.

The album stayed on the Billboard Top LPs for over a year and became Gaye's second number-one album on Billboard's Soul LPs chart, where it stayed for nine weeks.

Three singles were released from the album "What's Going On", "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" and “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)”.

"What's Going On" peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard R&B/Soul Singles chart, #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the U.S.Cash Box Top 100 charts.

"Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" was the The follow-up single it peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and at #4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and at #9 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The album was an immediate commercial and critical success, and came to be viewed by music historians as a classic of 1970s soul.

In 1985, writers on British music weekly the NME voted it the best album of all time.

“What’s Going On” was ranked number one on Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time".

Track-listing

1. What's Going On

2. What's Happening Brother

3. Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky)

4. Save The Children

5. God Is Love

6. Mercy Mercy (The Ecology)

7. Right On

8. Wholy Holy

9. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology. 

Earth, Wind & Fire - Head to the Sky

Today Marks The 51st Anniversary of Earth, Wind & Fire’s 4th Studio Album “Head to the Sky” Originally Released on May 21, 1973.

“Head to the Sky” is the fourth studio album by American band Earth, Wind & Fire, released in May 1973 on Columbia Records.

The album peaked at #2 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and at #27 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

The album released two singles "Evil" and "Keep Your Head to the Sky".

"Evil" peaked at #19 on the U.S. Billboard Easy Listening chart and #25 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart.

"Keep Your Head to the Sky" peaking at #23 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and at #52 on the U.S. U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

The album has was certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.

Issac Hayes called Head to the Sky one of Earth, Wind & Fire's five essential recordings.

Erykah Badu paid tribute to the album in the music video of her 2008 single "Honey".

Alex Henderson of Allmusic called Head to the Sky an "excellent" album.

Track-listing

1. Evil

2. Keep Your Head to the Sky

3. Build Your Nest

4. The World's a Masquerade

5. Clover

6. Zanzibar

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology. 

The J.B.'s Reunion - Bring the Funk On Down

Today Marks The 25th Anniversary of The J.B.'s 9th Studio Album “Bring the Funk On Down” Originally Released on May 21, 1999.

“Bring the Funk On Down” is an album by The J.B.'s, released in 1999 by P-Vine Records in Japan, and in 2002 it was reissued in the U.S. by Instinct Records.

The album is a The J.B.'s reunion album and is credited as “The J.B.'s Reunion”

“The J.B.'s Reunion” is a version of the J.B.'s including Fred Wesley, Bootsy Collins, Pee Wee Ellis, Bobby Byrd, and Clyde Stubblefield assembled to record the 1999 "reunion" album Bring the Funk on Down, The album was dedicated to the memory of St. Clair Pinckney.

Track-listing

1. Do the Doo

2. On the Spot

3. Up on 45 (Part 1)

4. Carry On

5. Bring the Funk on Down

6. Dynaflo

7. Why Did You Have to Go?

8. What About the Music

9. There's a Price to Pay to Live in Paradise

10. Tag Alone

11. Born to Groove

12. Who Do You Think You're Fooling?

13. Soul Men

14. Mistakes and All

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology. 

Cameo - Knights of the Sound Table

Today Marks The 43rd Anniversary of Cameo’s 7th Studio Album “Knights of the Sound Table” Originally Released on May 18, 1981.

The album peaked at #2 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at #44 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

The album released two hit singles: "Freaky Dancin'" and "I Like It".

"Freaky Dancin'" peaked at #3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and at #43 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.

"I Like It" reached #25 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

The track “Don’t Be So Cool” featured a guest appearance by former Labelle member Nona Hendryx and also received airplay on R&B stations at the time.

Hendryx joined Cameo for a performance of the song on Soul Train that first aired on June 20, 1981.

“Knights of the Sound Table” was the band’s fourth consecutive album to be certified Gold by the RIAA for sales of over 500,000 copies

The album also would be the last Cameo album to feature a ten piece lineup that included many of the band’s original members.

Track-listing

1. Knights by Nights

2. Freaky Dancin'

3. I Never Knew

4. Use It or Lose It

5. The Sound Table

6. Don't Be So Coo

7. I'll Always Stay

8. I Like It

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.