“I don’t like to be categorized because I think that I am an instrument, and if you play me, I’ll make whatever particular sound is supposed to come out for that color. And so, in the overall spectrum of things, I’m just trying to be true to myself – what I feel my mission is.” – Donna Summer in a 2008 interview with CNN

Yesterday The Godfather of GoGo, today The Disco Queen.   This morning, Thursday, May 17, 2012, at the age 63, Donna Summer lost her battle with cancer.

5 Grammys

6 American Music Awards

Three Multi-Platinum Albums

An NAACP Image Award

You get the point.

Donna Summer, crowned by the media as “The First Lady of Love” and “The Sex Queen of the ‘70s” suffered hardships, abuse, depression, anxiety attacks and suicide attempts.  But she always came out on top.  Producing such hits as, “Love to Love You Baby”, “Last Dance” & “Hot Stuff” – Summer had, according to the Recording Academy, “a dynamic voice and unique musical style that helped define the dance music genre in the ’70s.’”

Donna Summer is only one of two females (the other being Cher) to have scored a No.1 song in each of the last four decades. Only Madonna has charted more dance hits than Summer.

“Early this morning, we lost Donna Summer.  A woman of many gifts, the greatest being her faith.  While we grieve her passing, we are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy. Words truly can’t express how much we appreciate your prayers and love for our family at this sensitive time.” – a statement of the family of Donna Summer

How she’ll continue to live on…

Summer’s impact on music is so vast it’s nearly incalculable.  Her music has survived through the years & has been brought to life by a variety of other artists, including… Continue reading →

Chuck Brown.  Godfather of Go-Go.  Washington DC legend.  After several weeks of postponing & cancelling shows due to pneumonia, Chuck Brown has passed away.  He was pronounced dead of multiple organ failure today, Wednesday May 16, 2012, at Baltimore’s John Hopkins Hospital.  He was 75 years old.

With a unique mix of funk, soul and Latin party sounds, Chuck Brown was responsible for a plethora of hits including “Bustin’ Loose”, “Block Party”, “Wind Me Up!”, “Hoochie Coochie Man”…and the list just goes on.  As the Washington Post notes, Brown’s signature was a gravelly voice that “capitalized on funk’s percussive pulse to create go-go.”

Today you can visit the block of 7th Street in Northwest Washington, DC between Florida Avenue and T Street which was renamed “Chuck Brown Way” in 2009 in his honor.

Brown’s manager, Tom Goldfogle told National Public Radio (NPR), “He was 75 years old with a career spanning four decades. His family continues to be grateful for the outpouring of love and support.”

Mark your calendars ladies and gentleman!

2012 CARIBBEAN WINE FESTIVAL
May 26-27, 2012
$20.00 (21 and older)
$15.00 (18-20 years old)
Under 18 FREE with adult
Photo ID REQUIRED
Gates Open at 10:00a.m.

While the steel drum band plays and the reggae beats fill the air, sip Linganore wines and enjoy the mellow vibes. Bring your family and friends for a day of wine tasting.  I go to at least one of their wine festivals every year and have a blast! And you Must try the Skipjack wine.  Sounds of the Caribbean provided by The DC Pan Jammers & The Image Band.  Hope to see you there!

SAM

http://www.linganorewines.com/index.html