My Classic Soul

In this extensive conversation with SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan (who first met Marcus in 1981 when Luther Vandross was on the verge of jumpstarting his solo career), the multi-award winner recalls just a few of the many highlights of his career to date from his days of playing on a non-stop round of studio sessions in the late ‘70s to co-writing the 1982 now-classic “Jump To It” with Luther for Aretha and producing the Miles Davis breakthrough album, “Tutu”.

Released in 1975, “We Got By,” Al Jarreau’s major label debut LP received critical acclaim and heralded the arrival of a totally unique artist. Defying categorization, the album showcased Al’s distinctive vocal style and his skills as a poetic songwriter. SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and renowned entertainment journalist Janine Coveney discuss how “We Got By” was the launching pad for a distinguished four-decade-long career that established Al Jarreau as a one-of-a-kind artist with global appeal.

Released in 1992, “In The Storm” was the third solo album by El DeBarge, who had risen to prominence as the primary lead singer for the family group DeBarge at Motown. The first of two LPs El recorded for Warner Brothers, “In The Storm” presented the soulful vocalist and songwriter in diverse musical settings, with production by the legendary Maurice White (of Earth, Wind Fire fame) and Prince’s Paisley Park team.

A multi-genre musical icon who has been recording since 1953, Candi Staton has the unique distinction of achieving success in the gospel, R&B, pop and dance music over six decades. In this extensive conversation with SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan (who first interviewed Candi in 1977), the multi-award winning singer/songwriter and performer talks about the different stages of her career, the fascinating story behind her 1976 recording of the now-classic “Young Hearts Run Free,” personal health challenges and a revival in popularity thanks to another anthem, “You Got The Love”.

Released in late 1987, the multi-platinum selling album “Make It Last Forever” signaled the arrival of Keith Sweat as an artist who combined the street flavour of the new jack swing movement with his first big “I Want Her” with soulful ballads like the LP’s title track, the now-classic “Make It Last Forever,” Keith’s duet with Jacci McGhee. SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and renowned entertainment journalist Janine Coveney discuss Keith’s staying power as a recording artist and performer for over three decades, his signature vocal style and his sex appeal!

SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and renowned entertainment journalist Janine Coveney discuss some of The Isleys’ classic recordings including “That Lady,” “Fight The Power,” “Harvest For The World” and “Footsteps In The Dark” and share about the group’s impact as funky groove makers and romantic balladeers of the first order.

SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan (who interviewed Donny about the LP in London shortly after its release) and music industry veteran Michael Lewis discuss the album as well as Donny’s enduring influence on a whole generation of singers and musicians.

Her third solo LP with multi-talented producer and arranger Arif Mardin, “What’cha Gonna For Me” featured all-star musicians including members of The Average White Band among others. As SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and music industry veteran Michael Lewis discuss, the album is still considered by many as a an artistic milestone in Chaka’s enduring career.

SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan – who conducted his first interview in the US with Nick & Val in 1974 - and renowned entertainment journalist Janine Coveney discuss the couple’s cultural impact, distinctive imaging, live performances and personal favourites from ‘The Hits, Rarities & Remixes’ collection.

SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and renowned entertainment journalist Janine Coveney discuss Gerald’s heritage as the son of Eddie Levert of The O’Jays, his appeal to the loyal female audience he built as a solo artist and the legacy of great soul music he left.