(*******WARNING: HAZARDOUS TO NEOCON DELUSION*******)
Music is the greatest love of my life because love is only perfect within a love song. When I read Barry White’s great autobiography, I learned that he loved music for the very same reason. His life story reads like a romantic and poetic love letter to music and black women, especially his mother. I felt spiritually connected to Barry. I adore him and I will miss his spirit on earth so very much...
In 1982, I was 18 years old and a founder of radio station WBML FM at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I was also WBML’s original general manager and risque specialty show deejay. I created, produced, and hosted a sultry show called “Soulful Sounds of Ecstasy”. It featured classic love songs and erotic sensual special effects. Barry sang my appropriately smoldering theme song “Sheet Music”. I was a fan of Barry long before I was a radio star...
The first Barry song that I recall hearing as a child was his classic instrumental “Love Theme”. It was the first time I heard soul music become an actual symphony. Barry’s magic was that each of his compositions was an awesome orchestration that blended the perfect mix of symphonic melody and sexy soul. Barry was more than a musician. He was a uniquely gifted maestro.
In 1989, when I created, produced, and hosted the legendary “Les Chanteueses Africaines (The African Female Singers)” at WRFG FM in Atlanta, Barry’s renowned proteges (including his ex-wife Glodean) opened my first show with their classic vocal version of “Love Theme”. In 1992, at WIGO AM in Atlanta, on the maverick talk show that I created, produced, and hosted called “Outlook” ,
Barry’s music often glided me into my breaks. In 1996, I debuted “Les Chanteuses Africaines” at KPFA/KPFB/KFCF FM in California’s bay area. At KPFA, Barry’s scintillating duet with Tina Turner, “Never in Your Wildest Dreams”, was always in my rotation by request.
Barry loved African-American people and ebony women. He respected and revered black women and black love. He magically infused his music with the essence of these souful passions so expertly that anyone could feel them just by listening to his musical genius. His music moves me deeply and it always will. His timeless musical masterpieces include:
Change
It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me
Never Never Gonna Give You Up
What Am I Gonna Do With You
I’m Qualified To Satisfy You
Playing Your Game Baby
Your Sweetness Is My Weakness
Love Makin' Music
and many more...
Barry took the Billy Joel classic “Just The Way You Are” to a new cosmic level. I loved Barry just the way he was. My love is eternal like the magic of his music.
I truly believe in God and in the power of prayer. I also beleve in fate. I am very happy that Barry will no longer suffer from the physical illness that he endured during his final days on earth. I wish that more of his fans had prayed for him as earnestly as they do for more recent Top 40 artists when they endure crises... I find peace in knowing that Barry was a beautiful man whose special genius and spirit now grace a superior place.
Rap music seems to have dominated the industry. Rap music highlights rhythm more than melody. Gifted composers of classic original melodies like Barry seem to be relics. I really miss real soul music. The timeless and melodious soul music that Barry created was in a symphonic class of its own.
Barry will always hold a special place in the soundtrack of my life. He lives eternally inside my radio mixes. Barry is my eternal maestro in the uniquely soulful orchestrations that will forever play in my heart and soul...
A TRIBUTE TO BARRY WHITE
The beautiful Barry White with his African coif:
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