Saturday, February 07, 2009

Elvis Costello and Smokey Robinson


Channel surfing the other day, I came across a programme in which Elvis Costello was interviewing Smokey Robinson on stage at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. Two music legends in conversation.

It was a magical moment. Smokey told the story of when he met Ray Charles for the first time and Charles helped him out of a difficult situation. In fact, it would have been a disaster had it not been for Charles's intervention. Read all about it at Celebrating the Legend that Is Motown.

Smokey also talked about working with Marvin Gaye and how he "Marvinised" every song he sang - he made every song his own.

In this Black History Month/African Heritage Month, we may be very aware of the suffering we have endured and our fight for survival. It's also important to remember and celebrate the good times.

Then I saw the end credits. And who produced this TV gem? Among others, David Furnish and Sir Elton John.

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