I Cant Give Back the Love I Feel for You - Life of Syreeta Wright

On August 3, 1946 in Pittsburg Pennsylvania, Ms. Syreeta Wright was born. The talented and well known R&B Singer and songwriter was the first wife of singer/songwriter Stevie Wonder in September of 1970. She was an icon known well before she found herself under the arms of another well known musical genius.

Ms. Wright released her first single in 1967 called 'I Can't Give Back the Love I Feel For You.'

Even though she sang, Curtis Jackson (writer of her bio) said she was known in Motown more for her writing. She wrote for great singers such as Diana Ross, The Spinners, and even Stevie Wonder himself. She then finally collaborated with Stevie Wonder on his album 'Where I'm Coming From, co-writing on many songs.

Syreeta Wright made her mark through the years, but was unfortunately taken from the music world in July of 2004. Her music and talents will never be forgotten.

To learn more about Syreeta Wright click the link below.

Who is Syreeta Wright

I believe I can Fly "Inspiration"

Websters dictionary defines the word inspiration as, "stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity." Anything can inspire someone to either make a right or wrong decision in life.

On October 17, 2013 Mr. Jamar Jeffers, a Wilmington Delaware native, took his inspiration of education and made it into a reality.

He spoke to us last Friday and stressed the fact that education and networking is everything. This one man himself coming out of high school with a 1.8 GPA and entering college on academic probation INSPIRED to be great, someone his family would not expect him to be, and he succeeded. He sat down while in college inspired to make a change with his life and put his thoughts to work.

He is now the Director of Development at Breakthrough Atlanta. He is an active member in the Atlanta community where he is member of the Atlanta Nonprofit Professionals, Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals, Delaware State University Alumni Association, Georgia Aquarium Next Wave Society, President Barack Obama's Generation Forty Four Atlanta, National Black MBA Association Atlanta Chapter, and is a proud Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. All these things he wakes up and does everyday because of his Inspiration to succeed.

Minnie Riperton wrote a hit song in the 1975 called "Adventures in Paradise," where she said "I believe any dream that I want to, that ain't the only way of keeping hope alive, and if by chance I give birth to my visions, life is so fantastic it will come as no surprise." This smooth R&B song will have you on your feet dancing but can also make you think, any dream that you have, go out and get it. Life is great, take heed of every opportunity you have and go achieve your goals.

In 1996, the most inspirational song of the century was written and sung by the great R. Kelly himself. "I believe I can Fly," was written and produced for the movie "Space Jam" but became an inspirational record that reached number one on the Billboard top 100 for two years.

I Believe I can Fly
Who is Minnie Riperton

She "Ain't Got No"

"I've got life, I've got freedom... I've got life, and I'm going to keep it." Our focus of the week is the beautiful and "ohh so talented" Nina Simone. 

A woman to add to your collection of hit records. Her smooth style and beautiful voice inspired African Americans around the globe to fight for all that they were promised. 

She was born on February 21, 1933, and raised in Tyron, North Carolina. Ms. Simone received a scholarship to study classical piano at the Juilliard School in New York City, but left early when she ran out of money. She turned her interest to jazz, blues and folk music to relate her talents to all of those that said, “she can’t.” 

She released her first album in 1958 and in the 60’s; with her hit single “Ain’t got No,” she became identified as the voice of the civil rights and wrote songs about the movement. Nina Simone was taken from us April 21, 2003 but her life will never be forgotten. Her ashes were spread over several African countries.


http://youtu.be/GUcXI2BIUOQ
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0493076/

The Art of Music

Music is great for the soul, for the mind and for the spirit. But you can easily turn music into art. The Art Gallery at Delaware State showed and a variety of work of art pieces that had much to do with music. Music emerges from international work that takes a wider, historical approach. The dynamic role of music and the arts in social life and cultural experience bring out the best in all of us. The cutting edge work in the work of art considers how individuals and groups structure social relations, situations, environments. Music causes art work to be experiences no one could ever imagine. Simply put how when and where do music and art do something and ask yourself, how do music and art matter?

"What's Going On" Mavin Gaye

Marvin Gaye was an American Singing icon. Some knew him as a sexual symbol for the 70's while others looked at him as a sweet sound for the ghetto.

Born and raised in the great city of Washington DC in 1939, a great voice was born. This artist was a normal Pastor's child until he evolved into one of America's greatest R&B memories.

The American singer and songwriter and musician took his music beyond limits of expectations.

He helped shape the sound for the great one and only Motown Records in the 1960's bringing them a bag of hits including "How Sweet it is" and "I Heard it through the Grapevine."

Mr. Marvin Gaye took music to a new level with his vocals, skills in the piano, drums and keyboard. He moved the hearts and souls of all people.

Mr. Gaye was honored by many institutions including the Granny Lifetime Achievement Award, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and many more.

Taking on films such as the 1973 documentary "Save the Children" Marvin Gaye showed off every side of his talents.

This soulful icon was unfortunately taken away from us April 1, 1984, being fatally shot by his father twice with the same gun Marvin Gaye gave to him as a christmas gift.

Marvin Gaye will never be forgotten as an icon and symbol for equality and peace for all people.

He may not have been able to share "What's Going On" but through his music we will live on his message and hope for "Pride and Joy."

http://youtu.be/y-5c5o85SGo
Biography of Marvin Gaye

Oldie but Goodie

Hello Music Fans Around the World

Today is the day you have finally found a blog about something we both love and cherish. My name is William Ballentine and I would like to welcome you to my blog "Midnight Train to Good Music." In my blog I will discus with you and let you know about information you may or may not know about classic music from African American artist from the 70's to 90's. Rhythm and Blues is my main focus, and my goal is to concentrate on an "The Artist Hour." This is where I will give information about who the artist is, their hits and what made influential during their time. Come with me, and hop on this time machine back to good music.