Before I Go Any Further

Good Afternoon, Bloggy Friends.

I just can't go any further in my blogging without first paying tribute to two iconic ladies who recently passed away, Eartha Kitt and Odetta. Each of these ladies made a important impact the world, not only as African-American females who broke the barrier in a difficult business, but as out-spoken advocates to the rights of all humanity. I've had them on my mind for some time now, but with the rush of the holidays I never felt that I could write a blog that did them justice. I'm here today with my attempt at a tribute.

Odetta passed away on December 2, 2008, only a day before my very own birthday. She made her mark in this world with her music. She became famous singing spirituals, the blues and folk music. Her mastery influenced some of our greatest artists, including Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin. She used her undeniable musical talent to help lend a voice to the civil rights movement of the 1960's. With her powerful songwriting skills, and vocal abilities, she took the stage to help ignite a fire of passion within the civil rights community. I consider it among one of my greatest blessings to have had the chance to see her live in the last year of her life. She performed at the Sister Rosetta Tharpe Benefit Concert Alan and I attended in January. She stole the evening with her heartfelt renderings of some of the greatest folk classics. I will never forget that evening. She touched me in an inspiring way. Long live Odetta.


Miss Eartha Kitt left this world on December 25, 2008. Most of you would recognize her as the seductive Catwoman in the 1960's television series, Batman. We also inevitably hear her voice each Christmas as she coos through the all-time classic she made famous, "Santa Baby." She made a name for herself as an actress, starring mainly on Broadway and in various cabarets. She also had a successful recording career. She was an exciting, exotic personality that kept audiences yearning for more. In her later years, Eartha Kitt became an outspoken proponent for the gay rights movement. I know her memory will always be kept alive in the hearts and desires of gay men everywhere!

These are two fabulous, legendary ladies who deserve a moment of silence as we all take the time to recognize their contribution to the betterment of our society. I hope you all have a fantastic afternoon. Below I am attaching a video of Odetta performing at the Sister Rosetta Tharpe Benefit last year. Amazing. I will send a free Odetta CD to the first Bloggy Friend who comments. I'll talk to you soon!

Love, Josh

So Long, Mama Afrika

Hey Bloggy Friends,


We lost a legend this week. Miriam Makeba, also known as "Mama Afrika," passed away Monday night at 76. Makeba was famous as a South African singer, who lent her celebrity to the anti-apartheid movement. Her extraordinary talents helped to spread the music of South Africa all across the world. She passed away Monday after collapsing on stage, while singing one of her most famous songs, "Pata, Pata." A spokesperson from her family noted she always said she would, "sing until the last day of my life."

I discovered Miriam Makeba while living in Chicago, after a friend of mine turned me on to World Music. When looking to build my collection, I naturally flocked toward the women of the genre. Makeba's name was among the first I discovered. I love her upbeat tunes that incorporate chants, unique instruments and other distinctive characteristics of the African music genre. When listening to Makeba, I can close my eyes and feel transported to a different place, and a different time. Her contributions to music and her cause will live forever on. Rest in Peace.

In honor of her life, I will send a cd to the first Bloggy Friend to comment.

Love, Josh

Here is a video of Makeba performing one of her most famous tunes, "Pata, Pata."