Episodes

  • In this Season Finale of Season Two of VHC, I'm taking the time to reflect on the amazing season we've had. From the live music events to the topics, artists and songs explored. We'll also discuss some challenges that have led to some new opportunities and new discoveries in my creative process.

  • In this episode before the Season Two Finale, we are taking a deep dive into some folk music history and share some of the early 20th century folk songs and folklore that were gathered and recorded by literary great, documentary filmmaker and anthropologist, Zora Neale Hurston.

    SONG CREDITS:
    “Don't Let Your Deal Go Down Blues” by Charlie Poole ℗ 1925 Columbia Phonograph Co.

    “Kumbaya” by The Plantation Singers ℗ 2024 Boone Hall Plantation

    OTHER CREDITS:
    Folk Songs recorded by Zora Neale Hurston

    Website link: The Florida Memory website, State Library & Archives

    https://www.floridamemory.com/learn/classroom/learning-units/zora-neale-hurston/documents/audio/#:~:text=The%20track%2Dlining%20rhythm%2C%20%22,a%20sawmill%20in%20Polk%20County

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  • In this episode, we are taking a journey into the “Gospel Pipeline” to R&B and Soul, exploring the gospel roots of R&B, Soul, Pop and Hip-Hop artists, specifically those who are the epitome of that, Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin.

    Song Credits:

    “Nothing But the Righteous” by The Mighty Clouds of Joy ℗1962 UMG Recordings, Inc.

    “Stomp” by Kirk Franklin – God's Property from KirkFranklin's Nu Nation ℗ 1997 B-Rite

    “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho” by Sister Rosetta Tharpe ℗2011 Originally Released © Airline Records

    “Think” by Aretha Franklin – Aretha Now ℗ 1968 AtlanticRecording Corp.

    “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” by ArethaFranklin – I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You ℗ 1967 Atlantic Recording Corp.

    “Say a Little Prayer” by Aretha Franklin – The AtlanticAlbums Collection ℗ 1968 Atlantic Recording Corp.

    “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Aretha Franklin – Soul Queen℗ 1971 Atlantic Recording Corp.

    “Young, Gifted & Black” by Aretha Franklin – Young,Gifted and Black ℗ 1972 Atlantic Recording Corp.

    “How I Got Over” by Aretha Franklin – Amazing Grace: TheComplete Recordings ℗ 1972 Atlantic Recording Corp. Manufactured and marketed by Rhino Entertainment Company

    “Is My Living in Vain” by XSCAPE – Hummin' Comin' At 'Cha ℗1993 SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

    “Understanding” by XSCAPE – Hummin' Comin' At 'Cha ℗ 1993SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

    “It Don’t Have to Change” by John Legend & The StephensFamily – Get Lifted ℗ 2004 Getting Out Our Dreams and Sony Music Entertainment

    “Is My Living in Vain” by The Clark Sisters – Is My LivingIn Vain ℗ 1980 Sound of Gospel Records

    “I’m Every Woman” by Whitney Houston – The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album ℗ 1992 Arista Records LLC

    “You Give Good Love” by Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston ℗ 1985 Arista Records LLC

    “All the Man that I Need” by Whitney Houston – I'm Your BabyTonight ℗ 1990 Arista Records LLC

    “Run to You” by Whitney Houston – The Bodyguard: OriginalSoundtrack Album ℗ 1992 Arista Records LLC

    “Exhale (Shoop, Shoop)” by Whitney Houston – Waiting ToExhale ℗ 1995 Arista Records LLC

    “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston – The Bodyguard:Original Soundtrack Album ℗ 1992 Arista Records LLC

    “When You Believe” by Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey – ThePrince Of Egypt ℗ 1998 UMG Recordings, Inc.

    “Joy to the World” by Whitney Houston – The Preacher's Wife℗ 1996 Arista Records LLC

  • In this episode of VHC, we are taking another musical exploration of the iconic music and songs written by songwriting great, Diane Warren! From Cher to Patti LaBelle to LeeAnn Rimes to Aerosmith to Brandy and so much more, no matter the genre, all had songs written by Warren and we’ll include some little-known facts and gems about some of these songs as well. And we’ll also explore how the legacy of Warren’s songs has had on the music world and pop culture.
    Song Credits

    “Rhythm of the Night” by DeBarge ℗ A Motown Records Release; ℗ 1985 UMG Recordings, Inc.

    “Nothing is Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship ℗ 1987 Jefferson Starship, Inc., under exclusive license to Rhino Entertainment Company, a Warner Music Group Company.

    “If I Could Turn Back Time” by Cher ℗ 1989 Geffen Records. Courtesy of Geffen Records under license from Universal Music Enterprises.

    “If You Asked Me To” by Patti LaBelle ℗ A Geffen Records release; ℗ 1988 UMG Recordings, Inc.

    “If You Asked Me To” by Celine Dion ℗ 1992 Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc.

    “I Turn to You” by All-4-One ℗ 1996 Atlantic Recording Corporation for the United States and WEA International Inc.

    “I Turn to You" by Christina Aguilera ℗ 1999 BMG Music

    “How Do I Live” by LeeAnn Rimes ℗ 1997 Curb Records, Inc.

    “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion ℗ 1996 Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc.

    “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith ℗ 1998 Aerodisc Partnership

    “Un-Break My Heart” by Toni Braxton ℗ 1996 Arista Records LLC

    “For You I Will” by Monica ℗ 1996 Atlantic Recording Corporation for the United States and WEA International Inc.

    “Have You Ever” by Brandy ℗ 1998 Atlantic Recording Corporation for the United States and WEA International Inc.

    “Give Me You” by Mary J. Blige ℗ 1999 Geffen Records

  • In this episode, we are diving into the history of "Beefs" in Hip-Hop music history, from The Roxanne Wars of the mid-1980s to the intense East Coast/West Coast rivalries, particularly the “beef” between Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. of the mid-90s to the present day "beefs" including the most recent between rappers, Drake and Kendrick Lamar.

    Song Credits:
    “Roxanne, Roxanne” by U.T.F.O. ℗ 1984 Select Records

    “Roxanne’s Revenge (Street Version)” by Roxanne Shante ℗ 1984 Pop Art Records

    “Roxanne’s Revenge” by Roxanne Shante ℗ 1985 Pop Art Records

    “The Real Roxanne” by U.T.F.O. ℗ 1985 Select Records

    “Woman to Woman” by Shirley Brown ℗ 1974 Truth Records/Stax Records

    “From His Woman to You” by Barbara Mason ℗ 1975 Westside Records

    “Bite This” by Roxanne Shante ℗ 1985 Pop Art Records

    “Who Shot Ya?” by Notorious B.I.G. ℗ 1994 Atlantic Records/Bad Boy/Arista

    “Hit Em Up” by Tupac Shakur (feat. The Outlawz) ℗ 1996 Amaru Entertainment, Inc., under exclusive license to Interscope Records

    “Control” by Big Sean (feat. Jay Electronica and Kendrick Lamar) ℗ 2013 GOOD / Def Jam

    “Family Matters” by Drake ℗ 2024 OVO, under exclusive license to Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

    “6:16 in L.A.” by Kendrick Lamar ℗ 2024 Self-released

    “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar ℗ 2024 Interscope Records, Inc.

  • In this episode as continue to the countdown to the conclusion of Season Two of VHC, it's the last interview/conversation of the season and I got a chance to chat with Rabbi Alon Ferency about his work with coaching artists with their work. We also got a chance to geek out on all things music nerd on various musical topics.

  • In this episode we’re taking a deep dive into the iconic music and artistry of R&B songstress, songwriter and producer, Brandy Norwood as we uncover some classic tunes from her as well as her evolution as an artist through the years that earned her the nickname, “The Vocal Bible”.
    Song Credits:

    “Best Friend (Instrumental)” by Brandy ℗ 1994 Atlantic Recording Corp.

    “Baby” by Brandy ℗ 1994 Atlantic Recording Corp.

    “I Wanna Be Down” by Brandy ℗ 1994 Atlantic Recording Corp.

    “I Wanna Be Down (Remix)” by Brandy (feat. MC Lyte, Yo-Yo & Queen Latifah) ℗ 1994 Atlantic Recording Corp.

    “Stuff Like That” by Quincy Jones (feat. Charlie Wilson, Ray Charles, Brandy, Chaka Khan and Ashford & Simpson) ℗ 1995 Qwest Records, Inc. under exclusive license to UMG Recordings, Inc.

    “Rock With You” by Brandy (feat. Heavy D) ℗ 1995 Qwest Records, Inc. under exclusive license to UMG Recordings, Inc.

    “Missing You” by Brandy, Tamia, Gladys Knight & Chaka Khan ℗ 1996 Elektra Entertainment Group, a division of Warner Communications Inc. for the United States and WEA International Inc.

    “Sittin' Up In My Room (from Waiting to Exhale - Original Soundtrack)” by Brandy ℗ 1995 Arista Records LLC

    “Moesha Theme Song” by Brandy ℗ 1999 Big Ticket Television

    “Impossible” by Brandy & Whitney Houston ℗ 1997 Walt Disney Television, BrownHouse Productions & Storyline Entertainment

    “Top of the World” by Brandy (feat. Mase) ℗ 1998 Atlantic Recording Corporation for the United States and WEA International Inc.

    “Have You Ever” by Brandy ℗ 1998 Atlantic Recording Corporation

    “Angel in Disguise” by Brandy ℗ 1998 Atlantic Recording Corporation

    “Almost Doesn’t Count” by Brandy ℗ 1998 Atlantic Recording Corporation

    “U Don’t Know Me (Like U Used to)” by Brandy ℗ 1998 Atlantic Recording Corporation

    “What About Us?” by Brandy ℗ 2001 Atlantic Recording Corporation

    “Full Moon” by Brandy ℗ 2001 Atlantic Recording Corporation

    “Who is She 2 U” by Brandy ℗ 2004 Atlantic Recording Corporation

    “Talk About Our Love” by Brandy (feat. Kanye West) ℗ 2004 Atlantic Recording Corporation for the United States and WEA International

    “Borderline” by Brandy ℗ 2020 Brand Nu, Inc./ Entertainment One U.S., LP

    “The Boy is Mine (Remix)” by Ariana Grande (feat. Brandy & Monica) ℗ 2024 Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

    “The Boy is Mine” by Brandy (duet with Monica) ℗ 1998 Atlantic Recording Corporation

  • In this very special episode as we kickoff the last eight episodes of Season Two of VHC, we’re paying tribute to music great, a giant in soul/funk music and “Godfather” of all things of the black musical soundtrack when it comes family reunions, weddings, cookouts, graduations and HBCU Homecomings a like. We’re paying homage and celebrating the life, music and legacy of Frankie Beverly of the legendary band, Maze.

    Song Credits:

    "Back in the Stride" by Frankie Beverly & Maze ℗ 1985 Capitol Records

    "Happy Feelings" by Frankie Beverly & Maze ℗ 1977 Capitol Records, LLC

    "Golden Time of Day" by Frankie Beverly & Maze ℗ 1978 Capitol Records, LLC

    "Southern Girl" by Frankie Beverly & Maze ℗ 1980 Capitol Records, LLC

    "Running Away" by Frankie Beverly & Maze ℗ 1981 Capitol Records, LLC

    "Joy & Pain" by Frankie Beverly & Maze ℗ 1980 Capitol Records, Inc.

    "Before I Let Go" by Frankie Beverly & Maze ℗ 1981 Capitol Records, LLC

    "Get Right Back to My Baby" by Vivian Green ℗ 2015 Make Noise

    "Before I Let Go" by Beyoncé ℗ 2019 Parkwood Entertainment LLC, under Exclusive license to Columbia Records, a Division of Sony Music Entertainment

  • In this episode, it’s the conclusion of the special episodes of live music events of local North Carolina music as we wrap up the summer. I got a chance to go behind the scenes of the rehearsal of a local Charlotte, NC band called, “OneBand” as they prepared for their second anniversary celebration performance at the Divine Barrel Brewing in Charlotte on August, 20.

  • In this episode it is the conclusion of our series of conversations with some amazing guest; musicians, music enthusiasts, songwriters, authors/storytellers and the like. And in this episode, we’re chatting with musician, singer/songwriter Debra Cohen about her amazing and powerful journey, which includes her wide-ranging musical career and incredibly powerful life story.

  • In this episode, we got chance to chat with musician, singer, songwriter, producer and lover of all things nerd, Juan "Punchy" Gonzalez. It was fun and amazing conversation as Punchy shares his amazing musical and life journey and more awesome gems.

    Song Credits:“The Club of Nerd Dads” by Juan Gonzalez ℗ 2020 Juan Gonzalez

  • In this episode, we are continuing our series of conversations with amazing guest who are musicians, music enthusiasts, authors and all inspiring people all around. And in this episode, we chatted with Dr. Robert Wolf, MD about his love for music of all types as well as his family's love for music which is all part of a powerful and inspiring family story of survival in Dr. Wolf’s book, “Not a Real Enemy” and so much more.

  • In this episode, is the first of a few shows that we'll be chatting with different guest who will be sharing their stories, musical journeys, interest and inspirations! We're starting first with talented musician, singer-songwriter, Blake Isbell about his musical journey to where he is now while making a name for himself on the music scene.

    Song Credits:

    "Legalism" by Blake Isbell [appears on the album "Deconstruction" ℗ 2024 Pop Deep Records]

  • In this episode, it’s Part-Two of the live musical performances from The Art of Sound Music Festival in the Cleveland County Arts Council in Shelby, NC. Hear some more musical performances from a Grammy nominated artist from Durham, NC, Pierce Freelon and known as “The Best Wedding Band in Charlotte”, The Next Level Band as they all grace the Art of Sound stage.

  • In this episode, it’s a Two-Part episode with some live musical performances from the Cleveland County Arts Council’s yearly music festival called, The Art of Sound Music Festival in Shelby, NC. Hear performances fromlocal NC musicians like Charlotte’s very own, Val Merza, a local Western NC band, The Derek McCoy Trio and The Tropical Flavor Band.

  • In this episode of VHC we taking a look into the magic that is NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts! We're diving deep into how it all started, the concept of it and what makes it such a great, unique, fun and refreshing platform and venue for artists of all genres, styles and eras!

    CREDITS: All audio is obtained from NPR Musicand NPR’s Tiny Desk performances courtesy of YouTube and NPR Music/NPR Tiny Desk Producer: Bobby Carter

    I DON’T OWN THE COPYRIGHT OF MUSIC ANDPERFORMANCES

  • In this episode is the conclusion of celebration of #BlackMusicMonth with the latest installment of “Justice For Disco Pt. 3” and we’re exploring the artists, singers and musicians, the heroes and sheroes who help cultivate the genre that is Disco. Included in the celebration is the exploring the genius of Gamble & Huff, a Pride Month homage to Sylvester and celebration of the Queens of Disco, like Gloria Gaynor and Donna Summer.

    Song Credits:

    "Soul Makossa" by Manu Dibango ℗ 1972 Fiesta

    "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" by Michael Jackson ℗ 1982 MJJ Productions Inc.

    "Don't Stop the Music" by Rihanna ℗ 2007 Def Jam Recordings, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

    "The Love I Lost" by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes ℗ 1973 Sony Music Entertainment Inc.

    "Love is the Message" by MSFB ℗ 1973 Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment

    "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)" by MSFB (feat. The Three Degrees ℗ 1973 Sony Music Entertainment Inc.

    "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" by Sylvester ℗ 1978 Concord Music Group, Inc.

    "Macho Man" by The Village People ℗ 1978 The Island Def Jam Music Group

    "Y.M.C.A." by The Village People ℗ An Island Records Release; ℗ 1978 UMG Recordings Inc.

    "Ring My Bell" by Anita Ward ℗ 1979 Juana Records

    "Never Can Say Goodbye" by Gloria Gaynor ℗ A Republic Records Release; ℗ 1974 UMG Recordings, Inc.

    "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor ℗ 1978 UMG Recordings, Inc.

    "She Works Hard for the Money" by Donna Summer ℗ A Mercury Records Release; ℗ 1983 UMG Recordings, Inc.

    "Love to Love You Baby" by Donna Summer ℗ 1978 The Island Def Jam Music Group

    "Last Dance" by Donna Summer ℗ 1978 UMG Recordings, Inc.

  • In this latest episode of VHC as continue to the celebration of #BlackMusicMonth we're taking a journey into the rock side of things, including celebrating the iconic black rock musicians and artists, including an awesome chat with a local North Carolina musician and artist, J. Timber who shares his story of his musical journey and the artists that helped influence his music and style.

    Song Credits:

    "Fly Away" by Lenny Kravitz ℗ A Virgin Records release, 1998 UMG Recordings, Inc.

    "The Best" by Tina Turner ℗ 1989 Parlophone Records Limited

    "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix ℗ 1967 Experience Hendrix LLC, under exclusive to Sony Music Entertainment

    "Tutti Frutti" by Little Richard ℗ 1957 Puzzle Productions

    "Little Red Corvette" by Prince ℗ 1982 NPG Records, Inc. under exclusive license to Legacy Recordings

    "Down by the Riverside" by Sister Rosetta ℗ 1944 Wnts

  • In this very special episode of VHC we are celebrating Juneteenth along with the continued celebration of BLACK MUSIC MONTH! We’re taking you on a ride into a celebration of Gospel Music. Back in April, I got a chance to chat with musicians and band members of the United House of Prayer of All People in Charlotte, NC along with community historian, Tom Hanchett for an event called, “Gospel SHOUT”. This episode includes conversations about the rich and unique heritage and traditions of the United House of Prayer as well as some uplifting and spirit-filled performances from the different bands fromthe House of Prayer, The Stringband, The Golden Angels and The Cunningham Spiritual Return. All of this tying into the conversation about the historical significance of Black Gospel Music and the fight for freedom in the overall story of American Music History.

    Song Credits:

    "I Won't Be Back" by The Caravans ℗ 1962 Savoy Records, Inc.

    "Lord, Don't Move The Mountain" by Inez Andrews ℗ 1972 Geffen Records

    "Tell It, Sing It, Shout It" by Mahalia Jackson ℗ 2005 Acrobat Music Limited

  • In this very special SURPRISE BONUS EPISODE of VHC there’s some nostalgia in the air over the AMAZING episode of ABC’s “The View” where the show’s co-host and moderator (also legendary iconic actress and E.G.O.T. winner), Whoopi Goldberg reunited with the cast of the iconic 1993 film, “Sister Act 2” in a very memorable reunion celebrating the film’s 30th anniversary.

    Song Credits: I DO NOT OWN RIGHTS TO MUSIC AND MEDIA AUDIO!!!

    Media audio featured is from an episode of "The View" ℗ 2024 ABC Television Studios/Lincoln Square Productions

    "Are You Ready to Love Me?" by The War & Treaty ℗ 2018 Strong World Entertainment/Thirty Tiger Records

    "His Eyes Are on the Sparrow" by Tanya Blount & Lauryn Hill ℗ 1993 Hollywood Records

    "Joyful, Joyful" by LaGuardia High School of Music & Art (featuring Tanya Trotter) ℗ 2024 ABC Television Studios/Lincoln Square Productions ℗ 1993 Hollywood Records