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Articles by Chris Rizik
Happy Birthday to romantic R&B man Keith Washington
Happy birthday to soul singer supreme, Keith Washington, born November 15, 1960. There was a moment in the early 1990s when Keith Washington appeared to rule the world. He had a #1 hit song, was acting on the biggest daytime soap opera, and was considered an up-and-coming songwriter to boot. And those talents have carried him — with some real ups and downs — for more than three decades in the spotlight.
First Listen: Stevie Wonder helps Marva King on “Heartbreak”
(November 9, 2026) As a native of Flint, Michigan, I have a special place in my heart for my hometown mate, singer extraordinaire, Marva King. For four decades “the Queen” has been a force in popular music, first as a member of Stevie Wonder’s Wonderlove, and later working with artists ranging from Michael Jackson to Prince, with whom she recorded and toured as a featured New Power Generation vocalist.
First Listen: Marva King shines on “Heartbreak,” and Stevie Wonder joins in
(November 9, 2026) As a native of Flint, Michigan, I have a special place in my heart for my hometown mate, singer extraordinaire, Marva King. For four decades “the Queen” has been a force in popular music, first as a member of Stevie Wonder’s Wonderlove, and later working with artists ranging from Michael Jackson to Prince, with whom she recorded and toured as a featured New Power Generation vocalist.
SoulTracks Lost Gem: A Howard Hewett performance that deserved more
From the time he sang his first note as a member of Shalamar, Howard Hewett was a showstopper. His immediately recognizable, warm tenor voice proved itself on both dance jams and tender ballads. And those talents continued to display themselves as he transitioned to a solo career. Not all of his solo songs received the shine that they deserved, and one of his most beautiful love songs went somewhat overlooked by his core audience.
SoulTracks Lost Gem: A Howard Hewett performance that deserved more
From the time he sang his first note as a member of Shalamar, Howard Hewett was a showstopper. His immediately recognizable, warm tenor voice proved itself on both dance jams and tender ballads. And those talents continued to display themselves as he transitioned to a solo career. Not all of his solo songs received the shine that they deserved, and one of his most beautiful love songs went somewhat overlooked by his core audience.
SoulTracks Lost Gem: The Four Tops “Believed In You And Me” before Whitney did
One of the greatest groups to ever come out of Detroit, the Four Tops (Read the full biography here) consisted of four singers who made history with their music and their longevity, only being separated by death. And while the Tops had literally dozens of hits over three decades of active recording, there were some terrific album cuts by them that didn’t get the shine they deserved — or that got the shine in the hands of someone else.
Song of the Month: Gordon Chambers and James Day create beautiful tribute
When two of the great songwriters of our time get together, the result is usually memorable. And when they combine to write about someone who was so special to one of them, then you can really get something special. That’s the case with the new song “Love Was You,” written by longtime SoulTracks favorites Gordon Chambers and James Day and performed by Chambers. The song is a dedication to Day’s beloved mother, who died last year.
First Listen: Porcelan is keeping it “To Myself”
(October 30, 2026) Almost a decade ago, legendary Stax songwriter and producer (and SoulTracks Lifetime Achievement Award winner) David Porter introduced us to talented young singer Porcelan via the stunning ballad “The Real Thing Don’t Change.” Since then, Porcelan has fallen off our radar a bit, but now she re-enters our world with the cool ballad, “To Myself.” Co-written by Porcelan with Charles Wright, “To Myself” tells the story of a woman who is feeling somewhat possessive about her...
R.I.P. Melvin Sephus of The Rude Boys, hitmakers of “Written All Over Your Face” Original
(October 29, 2026) We are sad to report to SoulTrackers the passing of Melvin Sephus, a founding member of the 90s R&B hitmaking group The Rude Boys. The Rude Boys were best known for the 90s hit “Written All Over Your Face,” but they delivered several memorable songs during their all-too-brief time in the spotlight. The Rude Boys first joined together in Cleveland, Ohio with members Sephus, Larry “Bingo” Marcus (d. 2016), Joe Little III, Edward “Buddy” Banks (d.
First Listen: Glorious song from Wardell Piper finally released after nearly 50 years
(October 29, 2026) Fifty years is a long time, especially in the music world. But that is how long a terrific recording from Philly soul legend Wardell Piper has sat on the shelves. Fortunately, the obscurity of “Anywhere” is about to end. A founding member of Philadelphia vocal group First Choice, Piper had a string of hits in the group setting before setting off on a solo career.
Happy 85th Birthday to Otis Williams, last original member of The Temptations
Happy birthday to Otis Williams of the Temptations, born October 30, 1941. It is impossible to talk about the development of soul music since the early 60s without repeatedly coming back to the Temptin’ Tempts. In the 60s they redefined the soul group, from the impeccable look they brought to the stage, to their focus on group choreography, to, most importantly, the immediately identifiable 5-part group harmony they mastered.
Boyz II Men to record country album
(October 27, 2026) Warner Records Nashville made an announcement today that may shock the R&B world, as the label signed legendary group Boyz II Men to take their talents to “their next chapter and an all-new country album.” Warner Nashville President Cris Lacy elaborated: “Boyz II Men’s global influence is decades in the making.
Happy Birthday to Randy Jackson of The Jacksons
Happy Birthday to Randy Jackson, the youngest brother of the greatest musical family in the world, born on October 29, 1961. The quiet, least known Jackson family male, Randy Jackson is nonetheless an immensely talented artist who carved out his own creative and strategic direction, both within the family act and on his own.
Lindsey Webster and Stokley from Mint Condition deliver an a cappella gem
(October 22, 2026) Last year singer extraordinaire Lindsey Webster released the hit album Music In Me, which featured a tasty duet remake of the Teddy Pendergrass/Stephanie Mills classic “Two Hearts” with help from Mint Condition lead vocalist Stokley. Now Music in Me has been reissued in a new “a cappella” format, highlighting the vocal performances of the album, free of the musical arrangements.
First Listen: Russell Taylor transforms a classic
(October 20, 2026) It is entirely too infrequently that we get to write about singer and songwriter Russell Taylor. He is one of those artists who has been part of the story of both SoulTracks and the indie soul movement for two decades – a compelling performer who has courageously approached both the musical and lyrical content of his work.
World Premiere: Ania Garvey & T-Connection’s Theo Coakley deliver an instant classic
(October 19, 2026) We’ve been covering the compelling sounds of Ania Garvey for a few years, and SoulTrackers have always responded to the palette of styles she has incorporated in her work. For her newest single, Ania teams with a music legend and delivers a sensuous ballad that has the feel of an instant classic. “Let Me Soothe You” reminds us of the elegant soul duets that dominated Black radio in the 1980s from artists like Anita Baker, Melba Moore, Freddie Jackson, and Meli’sa Morgan.
First Listen: Jeffrey Dennis brings us a new “Fantasy”
(October 16, 2026) We’ve been sharing the music of teacher, spiritual leader, author and behavioral health professional Jeffrey Dennis for a few years, and SoulTrackers have responded to it big time. Jeff always shows a keen sense of what adult soul fans want to hear and he brings the material and production that seems to always connect. He also often brings along singer extraordinaire Anesha Birchett Moody to complete the picture.
First Listen: Madison Ryann Ward shines again
(October 14, 2026) – It was eight years ago that this reviewer was absolutely floored by the incredible ballad “Mirror” and the young singer behind it. The singer was Madison Ryann Ward, and she burst onto the scene with the dramatic Rex Rideout-produced single, announcing to the world that she was a new artist to watch.
On This Day in 1980: Earth Wind & Fire released “Faces,” and the critics are still wrong today
October 14, 1980: Earth, Wind & Fire releases Faces album Here’s a tip: At the next party you’re attending, be sure to avoid discussing religion, politics or Faces. That’s only half in jest, as fans of “The Elements” know that the 1980 double album Faces stands as the most divisive, controversial, and oddly forgotten great album by Earth, Wind & Fire (okay my use of “great” kind of gives away where I am on this one).
Lost Gem: Wayne Brady helped All-4-One’s Jamie Jones on “Don’t Stop”
Longtime SoulTrackers know that we feel that the quartet All-4-One created some of the best harmonies of the 90s and beyond (and they’re still recording great albums to this day). But fewer know that All-4-One lead singer Jamie Jones has also established himself as a top notch songwriter and producer, working with his production team The Heavyweights and delivering hits for artists ranging from Regina Belle to Noel Gourdin.
R.I.P. Verne Allison, founding member of the legendary R&B act The Dells
(October 7, 2026) We are sad to report the passing of Verne Allison, a founding member and longtime second tenor of legendary soul group The Dells. Allison was 90. While lead singers Marvin Junior and Johnny Carter understandably received much of the spotlight during the Dells’ remarkable career, Allison was an essential part of the vocal blend that made the group instantly recognizable.
Lost Gem: The time that The Isley Brothers, Earth Wind & Fire and El DeBarge quietly teamed on a classic
Back in 2021, when The Isley Brothers and Earth Wind & Fire teamed on the television and web show Versuz, they posted on social media to some fanfare that they would be going into the studio together. Then fans waited for a big release announcement that never happened. The recording finally – and quietly – came out a year later, buried nine songs deep on the Isleys album, Make Me Say It Again, Girl, and included El DeBarge to boot.
Celebrating Airrion Love’s Birthday – A Stylistics Legend
Happy Birthday to Airrion Love, co-founder of the Stylistics, born October 8, 1949. Love has been with the Stylistics since the beginning, his rich baritone gracing such songs as “You Make Me Feel Brand New,” and his leadership keeping the group in the public eye for five decades. At their peak, the Stylistics were perhaps the most consistent hitmakers in Soul Music.
First Listen: Kinsman Dazz Band’s Michael J. Calhoun shows his alter ego
(October 2, 2026) Over the past few years, SoulTrackers have gotten to know Michael J. Calhoun, cofounder of the legendary band Kinsman Dazz Band (later the Dazz Band), who has carried that group’s legacy into the 2020s with a string of hits and SoulTracks Readers’ Choice Award nominations. But Mike also has an alter ego, Bluesmaster Mike (a tribute to his friend Robert Lockwood, stepson of Legendary Bluesman Robert Johnson), who delivers a fun brand of Southern Soul.
On This Day in 1976: Stevie Wonder releases “Songs In The Key of Life”
September 28, 1976 – Stevie Wonder releases Songs In The Key of Life Now matter how you configure the Mount Rushmore of soul music, he is there. Stevie Wonder is virtually without peer in the history and development of music over the past half century. And in his Imperial Period of the 1970s, he issued some of the greatest albums of our lifetimes, including the Grammy winning, Innervisions and Fulfilligness First Finale.
First Listen: Boyz II Men and Lady A team on a song of praise
(September 25, 2026) In some ways they are unlikely collaborators, but in each of their genres – R&B and country – they are legends. Boyz II Men rode the top of the pop and R&B charts throughout the early 90s, wrapping their exquisite harmonies around both funky numbers and soft ballads.
JC Sol and Keith Eatmon heat us up on “Cool Night”
(September 25, 2026) Mississippi-born singer Paul Davis had a big run of soft pop hits in the late 1970s and early 1980s, before he shocked his label and the music industry by abruptly quitting as a performer – right after landing his biggest hit ever.
Lost Gem: The Stylistics returned in hidden glory on “I’ve Got This Feeling”
By 1981, it seemed like The Stylistics were on their third career.
First Listen: All-4-One returns with Beatles tribute
(September 23, 2026) We’ve been following the talented vocal quartet All-4-One from the jump on SoulTracks, and the group, consisting of original members Jamie Jones, Delious Kennedy, Alfred Nevarez, and Tony Borowiak, is still extremely active 30 years after scoring the #1 breakout hit “I Swear.” All that being said, it has been a long 11 years for us since we last heard new recorded music by A41, so it is a special treat to learn of their upcoming January 2027 Fab Four tribute album, The...
We celebrate the birthdays of twins Walter and Scotty Scott of The Whispers
Today we celebrate the September 23 birthdays of Wallace (aka Scotty) Scott and his deceased twin brother Walter Scott (d. 2025). Walter and Scotty were the lead vocal foundation for one of the all-time great vocal groups, The Whispers, creating more than a half century of hits. Formed in LA in the early 60s, the Whispers have certainly taken a “slow and steady” career course in which they have quietly become one of the most successful modern soul groups.
Celebrating Shirley Jones’ Birthday – The Legendary Voice of The Jones Girls
Happy birthday to Shirley Jones of the Jones Girls, born September 22, 1953. If one of the missions of Soul Tracks is to highlight great artists who haven’t received their “props,” we’d need to look no further than this trio of sisters from Detroit. For during a half decade between 1979 and 1984, Shirley, Valorie and Brenda Jones created some of the most glorious Soul music around.
Happy Birthday to former Spinners and Temptations lead singer G.C. Cameron
Happy Birthday to former Spinners and Temptations member G.C. Cameron, born September 21, 1945. Mississippi native G.C. Cameron first came to national attention in the late 60s as the lead singer for the Spinners. His plaintive wailing on the group’s first major hit, “It’s A Shame,” seemed to announce to the world that a new supergroup was born.
80s star Cherrelle returns with an inspiring new single
(September 16, 2026) It has been more than four decades since a young Cheryl Ann Norton broke into our consciousnesses as R&B hitmaker Cherrelle. Teamed with super-producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Cherrelle deftly delivered a string of solo hits like “I Didn’t Mean To Turn You On” and “Everything I Miss At Home” along with smash duets with Alexander O’Neal (“Saturday Love” and “Never Knew Love Like This”).
SoulTracks Lost Gem: Philadelphia’s The Futures saw love in “Silhouettes”
Another of a seemingly endless string of quality soul groups to come out of Philadelphia in the late 60s and early 70s, The Futures never rose to the upper echelon of Soul Music artists, but nonetheless created a number of fine releases. Consisting of Kenny Crew, James King, John King, Harry McGilberry and Frank Washington, the Futures formed in Philly in the late 60s and hooked up with hitmakers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, signing with Gamble Records in 1971.
Happy Heavenly birthday to legendary Temptations lead singer Ali Woodson
Happy heavenly birthday to the late, great Ali Ollie Woodson, who was born on September 12, 1951. He was, quite simply, the Voice. The name Ali Ollie Woodson may not be familiar to large numbers of readers, but to those in the Soul music business he was known as one of the greatest singers of his generation. In a career that spanned over three decades, he worked as lead singer for the Drifters and (the post-Teddy Pendergrass) Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes.
Celebrating Barry White’s Birthday – The Icon of Soul
Happy birthday to the late, great Barry White, born September 12, 1944. It is fitting that Barry White’s 1994 comeback album was called The Icon Is Love, because to a generation of Soul Music fans, Barry White was an icon who represented the sensual side of love. His deep, sexy voice was mimicked but never matched by any other bass singer, and his dedication to music of love and romance achieved for him singular status among male soul singers of the latter 20th century.
First Listen: Terisa Griffin shines again
(September 10, 2026) It’s amazing that Chicago-based singer/songwriter Terisa Griffin has been part of our lives for two decades. And all these years later, she is more anachronistic than ever. A modern singer whose embrace of the glamor and soulfulness of yore is both authentic and convincing, she remains an artist who is virtually timeless. Griffin has also grown as a songwriter over the years, able to weave dramatic stories that cross musical boundaries of soul, dance, rock and blues.
Happy Birthday to legendary Motown hitmaker Paul Riser, Sr.
Today we wish a very happy birthday to the great Paul Riser Sr., one of the key architects of the “Motown Sound.” Mr. Riser was born on Sept. 11, 1943. Though not a household name, Paul Riser was an integral part of the revered “Motown Sound” and has contributed to many of the great songs of the last half century as a musician and arranger.
First Listen: Charlie Wilson helps Tank on new dance jam
(September 8, 2026) We know R&B man Tank as a sexy soul man, but not necessarily as a dance master. But the performer, born Durrell Artaza Babbs, takes a different direction on his new single, and brings hot Detroit DJ MK and music legend Charlie Wilson along with him. “Highlight” is an out and out dance jam, with a four-on-the-floor beat, heavily autotuned voices, and swirling electronics all around. And it works.
First Listen: Butch Tavares is smooth on solo single
(September 7, 2026) Butch Tavares has been a favorite of soul music fans for over a half century. As the falsetto lead vocalist and choreographer of the iconic family group Tavares, Butch played a key role in a decade of top hits – and made Tavares the first act we ever covered on SoulTracks.
Happy Birthday to R&B and Dance Queen, Gloria Gaynor
Today we wish a very happy birthday to the great Gloria Gaynor, born September 7, 1943. As arguably the “first lady of disco,” Gloria Gaynor has forged a successful and long career almost exclusively devoted to high-powered, booming dance music. It has won for her international acclaim and one of the most recognizable songs of the past half century.
On This Day in 1995: Michael Jackson’s “You Are Not Alone” becomes first song ever to debut at #1
September 2, 1995 – Michael Jackson’s “You Are Not Alone” becomes first song ever to debut at #1 In the 1980s it seemed that Michael Jackson could do no wrong. His three album collaborations with Quincy Jones (Off The Wall, Thriller, and Bad) were both critically acclaimed and were among the biggest selling albums of their time – or any time. By 1995, Jackson was still a huge star, but seemingly was no longer singular in his renown.
SoulTracks Lost Gem: Marvin Gaye paid musical tribute to Tammi Terrell in concert
In the annals of music history, few duos have touched so many hearts in such little time as Motown’s team of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. In just three years (1967-69) the two created a string of now iconic songs that not only shot to the top of charts, but have lived on both in their original form and in remakes for over a half century. This incredible duo had their time cut short by Terrell’s tragic illness (brain cancer) and death at only age 24.
Featured Album: Sargent Tucker returns with a summer collection
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Sargent Tucker has been a SoulTracks favorite for over a decade, and he always seems to come through with new music as the summer weather heats up. 2026 is a special year for Sargent, as he follows a string of singles with a brand new album that exemplifies the style that has won over SoulTrackers.
Choice Cut: Heidi Tann makes some delightful “Coffee”
For the last few years, singer and songwriter Heidi Tann has been lighting up the charts with a sound that recalls the sophisticated songs that dominated soul and jazz radio in the 1980s and 90s. Both on solo performances and in collaborations with other artists, she has established herself as an artist on the rise. For her latest single, Heidi teams with talented saxman Tony Exum Jr. on a groovealicious jam that is the first peek at her upcoming album Silk n’ Soul.
Video of the Month: The Kinsman Dazz Band delivers an instant classic
The Kinsman Dazz Band has established an almost-permanent spot on our Spotify playlist, as the band, led by founding member Michael J. Calhoun, continues to release one compelling song after another — from funky jams to smooth, soulful ballads. For KDB’s last single, they’ve brought forward Cleveland-based singer Eddie B. Sands, Jr. for a classic soul love song. “Look At What You’ve Done” could have been a hit any time in the past 50 years, but it sounds particularly rich and fresh in 2026.
Video of the Month: The Kinsman Dazz Band delivers an instant classic
The Kinsman Dazz Band has established an almost-permanent spot on our Spotify playlist, as the band, led by founding member Michael J. Calhoun, continues to release one compelling song after another — from funky jams to smooth, soulful ballads. For KDB’s last single, they’ve brought forward Cleveland-based singer Eddie B. Sands, Jr. for a classic soul love song. “Look At What You’ve Done” could have been a hit any time in the past 50 years, but it sounds particularly rich and fresh in 2026.
Happy Birthday to legendary R&B singer Archie Bell of The Drells
Happy birthday to Archie Bell, leader of the group Archie Bell and the Drells, born September 1, 1944. Archie Bell & the Drells was one of the most enjoyable (but often overlooked) dance groups of the late 60s and early 70s. While their funky Texas (and later Philadelphia) sound was often overshadowed by the music coming from Detroit and Memphis, their contribution to the musical landscape of the time was significant — and always funky.
First Listen: KC & The Sunshine Band help NYNE go “Up and Down”
(August 28, 2026) Back in 1986, the legendary group KC and The Sunshine Band performed the song “Love Goes Up and Down” in the movie Knights of the City, but the melodic cut was never officially released. It’s been 40 years, and now the song has found a new life as a tasty collaboration between KC and artist/producer NYNE. Available in several mixes, “Love Goes Up and Down” is a song about the many stages of love. KC says, “Love goes in many directions.
Happy Birthday to Walter Williams of The O’Jays
Happy birthday to Walter Williams, the ultra smooth tenor voice of the O’Jays, born August 25, 1942. By any measurement, the O’Jays (see our full biography of the O’Jays) must be considered one of the most important Soul Music groups of the past half century and Walter Williams has been the smooth, mellifluous counter to the gruffly soulful leads of Eddie Levert. First with Eddie Powell, then Sammy Strain and, for the past three decades, Eric Nolan, they’ve formed at trio for the ages.
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