Soul Pod Classics

Story by Gail Nobles
Music Intro by Gail Nobles
Vocals by Gail Nobles
Photo: Public Domain Wikipedia
Photo 2: Spotify Photo Card

Podcast Opening:**
Goodevening, music lovers! Welcome to another exciting episode of Soul POD Classics. Today, we’re going to talk about two brothers who made waves in the music world during the early days of rock and roll. Frankie Lymon, the boy soprano known for his dazzling voice and unforgettable hits, captured hearts as the lead singer of the groundbreaking group, The Teenagers. We'll dive into their iconic song "Why Do Fools Fa...

Story by Gail Nobles
Intro by Gail Nobles
Photo: Spotify Promo Card

Hello, music lovers! Today, we're turning the spotlight onto a fantastic vocal group from the 1950s that really made waves in the black pop scene: The Four Tunes. This talented quartet, made up of Pat Best, Jimmy Gordon, Jimmie Nabbie, and Danny Owens, captivated audiences with their smooth harmonies and soulful sound.

One of their standout tracks is "Careless Love," a classic R&B and Soul song that originally came out as part of a 78 RPM record in 1949, paired with "You're Heartless."...

Story by: Gail Nobles
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Photo: Wikipedia Fair Use

Hello Everyone! I’m Gail Nobles. Let’s talk about the incredible Hiroshi Sato, a true gem of Japanese music! Born on June 3, 1947, this guy was more than just a singer-songwriter—he was a key player in the jazz fusion and soft rock scenes back in the late '70s and '80s. They even call his style “city pop,” a smooth blend of funk and soul.

Hiroshi was a master at the keyboard, creating those groovy basslines that get you moving and sophistica...

Story by Gail Nobles
Music Intro by Gail Nobles
Photo: Spotify Promo

We're talkin' about a smooth crew called The Originals. These fellas were big shots on the Soul charts.

In 1976, they decided to take a little trip. They packed their bags, dusted off their hearts, and slipped on their happy shoes! That's right, they were headin' **"Down to Love Town"**!

This track is a solid gold disc-o-tech explosion! It's got that four-on-the-floor beat that makes you wanna move, mixed with their soulful roots. The dance floors went absolutely wild for it...

Story by: Gail Nobles
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles

Today we got a sound from the Motor City! That's right, we're talkin' about the fabulous Temptations and their smash, "The Way You Do the Things You Do"!

This was the big one, the shot heard 'round the world that put the Tempts on the map! Penned by the poetic genius himself, Smokey Robinson, along with his Miracle-mate Bobby Rogers, this tune is so smooth.

Before this, those boys were hustlin'. But this record? **BAM!** It shot right up the charts, bustin' into the Top 20 and...

Story by: Gail Nobles
Keyboardest: Gail Nobles
Photo: Spotify Promo Card

There’s a song that’s filled with rhythm and soul! Let’s dive into the musical magic of the Spellbinders!, “Chain Reaction" may not have hit the Hot 100, but it went all the way up to the number 18 spot on the Bubbling Under Hot 100, proving that nothing can keep a good tune down! Released in 1966 as part of their album *The Magic of*, this track had all the right ingredients — soaring harmonies.

The Spellbinders had a modest but mighty run on the charts, br...

Photo: Columbia Records
Usage: Wikipedia Public Domain
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Record Player effect: Pixabay.com
Story by: Gail Nobles

Hello, I’m Gail Nobles & you’re listening to Beneath the Hits on Soul POD Classics. Today’s topic: The Same Love That Made Me Laugh by Bill Withers.

Alright, folks, let’s talk about “The Same Love That Made Me Laugh” by The Bill Withers, a tune that really speaks to the heart. This song is all about the ups and downs of love. You...

Photo: Spotify Promo Card
Keyboardist ending music: Gail Nobles
Vocal: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Hi, I’m Gail Nobles & you’re listening to Soul POD classics. The timeless power of music to evoke emotion and tell a story. Candi Staton, with her soulful voice and heartfelt delivery, brought a touching narrative to life in her 1972 rendition of "In the Ghetto." Opening with the stark imagery of snow falling on a cold, gray Chicago morning, the song immediately immerses us in a scene that is equal parts...

Story by Gail Nobles
Intro Gail Nobles
Photo by Raph_PH - SWonderBSTHyde060719-72
Wikipedia CC BY 2.0

In "He's Misstra Know-It-All," a highlight from Stevie Wonder’s groundbreaking 1973 album *Innervisions*, we encounter the all-too-familiar character of the “know-it-all.” The song cleverly critiques the blend of arrogance, deceit, and the superficiality that often comes with a false sense of knowledge or authority.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who projects an image of wisdom, moving through life with a “counterfeit dollar” that symbolizes the illusion of value. The line “He's a man with a p...

Story by: Gail Nobles
Photo by: Wikipedia - Public Domain
Voice actress: Gail Nobles

Good evening, I’m Gail Nobles, and today, we embark on a soulful journey through the life of a woman whose voice not only captured hearts but also transformed the musical landscape: Aretha Franklin.

.Aretha, known as the "Queen of Soul," blended gospel and blues music, creating a powerful sound that connected with many people. It was in the hallowed halls of the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, under the guidance of her father, Rev. C.L. Franklin, where th...

Photo: Wikipedia
Usage: CC BY-SA 2.0
Story by: Gail Nobles

Well, let's step back in time for a moment to December 26th, 1962. Detroit, Michigan, a city humming with the energy of the auto industry and a burgeoning music scene. And there, on page 16 of the Detroit Free Press, we find a fascinating glimpse of a local entrepreneur on the rise.

Ken Barnard, a staff writer for the Free Press, profiled a man who was quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with: Berry Gordy. Now, the headline, in those...

Intro by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles
Photo: Wikimedia Public Domain

JAMES BROWN!
The Hardest Working Man in Show Business, the Godfather of Soul, Soul Brother Number One! He was a singer, he was a *force* of nature, a *movement*!

He started out at King Records back in '56. King gave him the launchpad, and he blasted off! But the man was too big to be contained. He had a vision, a sound, a *funk* that needed to spread like wildfire!

He started *Try Me Records* back in...

Photo: Spotify Promo
Intro: Gail Nobles

Tonight, we're takin' a trip across the big pond, all the way to the vibrant heart of Togo, because I've got a story that'll have you boppin' in your seats!
This is the story of the *one and only* – AFIA MALA!

Now, back in '74, this young lady, she was *cookin'*! Straight outta Vogan, she was crowned the Best Togolese Singer of the Year! Yeah, you heard me right! You could feel the earth movin' under her feet, success written all over he...

Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles
Photo: Public Domain Wikipedia

Today, we’re talking about a real soulful brother who had a pen and a voice that could move mountains: Sir Mack Rice! Yeah, that's right, the man behind "Mustang Sally," that scorchin' slab of soul that gets everyone swingin' their hips! AND, he co-wrote "Respect Yourself," a message we ALL need to hear.

But hold on, there's MORE to the story! Seems like our Sir Mack dug deep into the heart of another legend: Muhammad Ali! Th...

Music Intro by: Gail Nobles
Beat and bass: Remix live
Horns and Strings by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles
Voices by: Gail Nobles
Photo: Public Domain Wikipedia 

Today I'm talkin' 'bout the super-freaky, stone-cold groover, the one and only... RICK JAMES!
Hi! I’m Gail Nobles and you’re listening to Soul POD Classics.

Back in '73, he inked a deal with A&M, slingin' out "My Mama" and ignitin' dance floors all the way over in Europe. Now that's...

Intro by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles
Cover Art by: Gail Nobles

We’re taking a trip back to the vibrant disco-infused soul of the early '70s, all wrapped around a song that’s got a groove that'll make you move! I'm talking about "I'm Doin' Fine Now" from the sensational American R&B group New York City. Released in 1973 from their debut album – the same name, don’t ya know – this tune soared into the hearts of listeners, reaching number 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

If you’ve...

Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain
Intro by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

We’re about to take a shimmering trip through the vibrant world of music! Get ready for a little discussion on a groove that flew into our hearts and minds like a hot butterfly—yes, I’m talking about "Papillon," also known as "Hot Butterfly," from the dynamic Gregg Diamond!

First off, let me set the stage. This track first fluttered into existence in 1978, debuting on Diamond's album *Bionic Boogie*. It was the 1980 version by the one an...

Intro by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Let’s get into a classic treasure from the heart of the funky universe! Yes, indeed, I'm talking about the sensational Archie Bell and the Drells and their infectious groove from 1976—"Don’t Let Love Get You Down!"

Now, if you’ve ever found yourself on that rollercoaster ride of love, feeling bruised and battered, trust me, this soulful jam is your anthem! Right from the start, Archie’s smooth vocals take you on a journey. He opens up with a heartfelt message—reminding us...

Story by: Gail Nobles

Hello everyone. Turn up the volume high, 'cause we’re groovin’ to the sound of the sensational Jackson Sisters! That’s right, we’re talkin’ about the fantastic five from Compton who blew up the soul and disco scenes in the 70s, not to be confused with any ol' Jackson families—these sisters are a whole vibe of their own!

Their journey is one for the record books! Formed back in 1971 and rooted deep in the vibrant soil of Detroit, these ladies brought — not just music — but a sound, a truth, a groove...

Story by: Gail Nobles

It’s time to take a little trip down the soulful lane, and trust me, you don’t want to miss this ride! Let’s talk about Gwen McCrae, the queen of the groove, who took K.C. and the Sunshine Band’s classic “Please Don’t Go” and turned it into an absolute masterpiece!

When Gwen opens her mouth to sing, you can feel the electricity crackling in the air! That voice of hers is a an instrument and force of nature! She pours every ounce of her soul into that song...

Photo: Public Domain Wikipedia 
Intro: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Lend me your ears, because we're about to dive into a soul sensation that’ll get your feet tapping! I'm talking about none other than Wilson Pickett's powerhouse track, "Engine No. 9." This song rides the rails of rhythm and blues straight into the hearts of listeners everywhere!

Released as part of Pickett's eleventh studio album, Wilson Pickett in Philadelphia, this track truly embodies the soul spirit of the late '60s. It was released in 1970. It's a ful...