Episodes

  • Aretha Franklin’s Transformative Journey 7:8:25 3.13 PM

    Aretha Franklin’s Transformative Journey 7:8:25 3.13 PM
    Jul 8 2025
    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 the seeds of her incredible talent were sown. Starting with gospel, Aretha learned to express her innermost feelings—not just her joys and hopes, but also her struggles.

    Now, it’s important to note that her father initially held reservations about his daughter crossing over into secular music. He feared that the blues might dwell too heavily on the sordid levels of humanity, far removed from the uplifting messages of gospel. Yet, as stated in an article from *The Evening Sun* back in December of 1973, his elation at her success and her determination to make her mark in the music world outweighed any reservations. “He just felt elated over the fact that I was doing what I really wanted to do,” Aretha reflected, and we can all appreciate that gap between parental concern and artistic freedom.

    Aretha Franklin’s ability to navigate both realms of music—gospel and blues—was indeed a blessing. She brought the fervor and the passion of gospel to mainstream audiences, shining a light on its emotional depth and spiritual power. Her song writing was not merely a mechanical process; it was a dance of spontaneity and introspection. As she framed it, “Sometimes it’s easy; sometimes it’s difficult.” She didn’t just wait for inspiration to strike; she actively sought it out, creating music that spoke to her soul while collaborating with legends like Elton John and the famed Philadelphia duo of Gamble and Huff.

    What’s remarkable is how her music transcends mere entertainment; it offers a voice to the voiceless, echoing the collective hopes, heartaches, and dreams of a generation. Her journey from the sanctuary of the church to the grand stages of the world is proof of her extraordinary talent and resilience.

    So, as we listen to Aretha's timeless classics, let us remember that she wasn’t just singing. She was bridging gaps, breaking barriers, and above all, pouring her heart into every note and every lyric—a true artist in every sense of the word. As we celebrate her legacy, we find not just a musical legend, but a powerful reminder of the beauty found in blending diverse influences to create something profoundly impactful.

    Thank you for joining me on this reflective journey through the life and music of Aretha Franklin, a queen whose reign will forever echo in our hearts. Thank you for listening to Soul Pod Classics.
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    5 mins
  • Global Icon-Berry Gordy 6:12:25 11.00 AM

    Global Icon-Berry Gordy 6:12:25 11.00 AM
    Jun 12 2025
    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 big, bold newspaper fonts of the era, proclaims him Detroit's "Record King." And the story tells us he "sold 'n' soft rock" – perhaps slightly clumsy, but undeniably enthusiastic way of describing the sounds that were emanating from his little studio on West Grand Boulevard.

    What's so remarkable is that this wasn't just another local music story. This was a glimpse of something truly special, something that would reverberate around the world. It's easy to forget now, decades later, the sheer audacity of what Berry Gordy was doing. He was building a music empire, brick by brick, fueled by talent, determination, and a shrewd understanding of the power of music to transcend racial barriers.

    And here's the best part: we *know* how this story ends, don't we? We know that "Berry," as the article calls him, wouldn't just remain a Detroit "Record King." He would become a global icon. Motown, the label he built, would become synonymous with a sound, a feeling, a generation. The music, as you said, is still with us, filling the airwaves with its infectious energy and timeless appeal.

    Think about it: Ken Barnard, that Free Press staff writer, had no idea the magnitude of what he was witnessing. He was simply doing his job, covering a local story. But he was documenting the early days of a legend. And that, in itself, is a powerful reminder of the importance of journalism in capturing the moments that shape history, even when we don't realize it at the time. It's a wonderful little time capsule, this clipping from the Detroit Free Press, a reminder of the power of local talent, the enduring appeal of Motown, and the fascinating way newspapers can connect us to the past.

    I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening.
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    4 mins
  • JB-His Record Label Empire 6:2:25 2.58 PM

    JB-His Record Label Empire 6:2:25 2.58 PM
    Jun 2 2025
    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 '63, under the watch of King honcho Syd Nathan. Named after his own chart-topper, it was meant to showcase the talent burnin' in his own revue. We're talkin' the Poets, Johnny and Bill from the Famous Flames, and even a young lady named Tammy Montgomery, who'd later become the incredible Tammi Terrell over at Motown! But that venture got sidelined when the big man had a tussle with King over his contract in '64.

    But JB? He don't stay down for long!

    Then came *Brownstone Records* in '70, a partnership with the sharp cat, Henry Stone. It was a place for his folks from the Revue that King wasn't giving a chance, like Bobby Byrd and the mighty Vicki Anderson. A quick shot of soul, but it was just a prelude to somethin' bigger!

    And then, BAM! The main event! *People Records* in '71! This was *his* kingdom! A platform to unleash the raw talent he was surrounded by: Lyn Collins, Bobby Byrd again, Sweet Charles, and the infamous J.B.'s! He even jumped in himself, layin' down organ licks and background vocals.

    It started out under King's wings, but Brown, he knew he needed more! So he signed with Polydor and took People Records with him. This was the real deal! A string of hit records, including the earth-shaking' "#1 R&B hit 'Doing It to Death!'"

    But, like all good things, People Records eventually folded in '76, right around the time the J.B.'s started slippin' away. Still, the music lived on! Polydor put out those *James Brown's Funky People* compilations, three CDs of pure, unadulterated funk.

    So, what's the moral of the story? James Brown wasn't just makin' records, he was buildin' an empire! He gave opportunities, he pushed boundaries, and he showed the world what raw, unadulterated soul was all about.

    And that, friends, is how James Brown built his funky legacy. Now go put on some JB and GET ON UP!

    I’m Gail Nobles and you’re listening to Soul POD Classics!
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    4 mins
  • Afia Mala 5:11:25 8.30 PM

    Afia Mala 5:11:25 8.30 PM
    May 12 2025
    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 her!

    Life threw a curveball so hard, it almost knocked her right out of the park. A near-fatal traffic accident. Six long months in the hospital... talk about a downer! Her pops, bless his heart, thought her days of swingin' to a beat were done. He figured it was time for somethin' else, somethin' *safe*. Music was over!

    BUT DESTINY HAD OTHER PLANS!

    Fast forward to 1984. A decade later, the magic was still there! Radio France International, that's the big time overseas, was holdin' a talent competition called "Discovery." And guess who blew the roof off the place? Our girl, Afia Mala! Her song, "**Ten Homte (Black Earth)**", it connected with the people. I'm talkin' chills down your spine, tears in your eyes kinda stuff! The listeners voted it their *favorite*! That was her sign! That was the green light!

    And she took off like a rocket! Eight albums later, this "Princess from Vogan" (and that's what they call her!) she’s holdin' court with the queens of African music! She's standin' tall, singin' loud and clear!

    And let me tell ya somethin' else! In 1989, she dropped an album called "Desir" with a killer track called "**Koma**".

    I'm Gail Nobles, and you're listening to Soul POD Classics.
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    2 mins
  • Sir Mack Rice-Muhammad Ali 5:6:25 7.23 PM

    Sir Mack Rice-Muhammad Ali 5:6:25 7.23 PM
    May 6 2025
    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! That's right, The Greatest of All Time, gets the soul treatment on a record put out on the May Day label back in the 70s.

    Let's break down some of the lyrics. Sir Mack ain't just singin' about a boxer. He's preachin' about a MAN:

    “Muhammad Ali known world Wide. For his prediction. No turn aside..."*

    He knew his worth! The man could see the future in the ring and wasn't afraid to tell the world about it! No hesitation, no backin' down.

    “He would look into a man’s eyes. He got a whole lot of pride..."*

    Those eyes saw straight through you! Ali carried himself with a power and a confidence that was undeniable. Pride in himself, pride in his people.

    “Every time he step into the ring he got power on his side. He’s a warrior for the people. He’s a champion..."*

    This ain't just about knockouts. This is about standin' for somethin'! Ali was a warrior for his beliefs, for his community. He was a champion in the ring AND outside it. Sir Mack's capturing that spirit, that fight, that raw, untamed POWER!

    A soulful tribute to a legend, written by another legend, Sir Mack Rice. This tune's more than just a record! It's about the power of pride, the strength of conviction, and the undeniable soul of the one and only Muhammad Ali! Now go out there and be a champ yourself! Keep those records spinnin'! Keep those songs playing.

    Gail Nobles, podcasting off! Thank you for listening to Soul POD Classics.
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    3 mins
  • Rick James 5:6:25 4.18 PM

    Rick James 5:6:25 4.18 PM
    May 6 2025
    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 what I call a global groove, daddy-o!

    Then he heads back to Buffalo, cooks up the Stone City Band, and starts cookin' with gas! "Get Up and Dance!" Hits the streets, and they are on FIRE. Motown's Gordy Records, they know a good thing when they hear it, so they snatched 'em up faster than you can say "Super Freak!"

    And then, in April of '78, the world went wild! "Come Get It!" dropped like a bombshell, and boom, a number one R&B smash with "You and I"! And let's not forget about "Mary Jane," that sweet, sweet siren song that had everyone swayin'! This album went platinum! Rick James went from a local hero to a national treasure, savin' Motown's bacon in the process!

    '79? More of the same! "Bustin' Out of L Seven" had everybody struttin' their stuff, climbin' those Billboard charts. Then, "Fire It Up!" set the whole world ablaze! And get this, he took Prince, that Minneapolis mack daddy, and Teena Marie, that soulful sista, on tour with him. That's what I call spreading the love!

    Now, "Garden of Love" in '80, it was a little softer, a little smoother, but don't you fret! Because '81 brought the HEAT! "Street Songs" was the album that blew the roof off! Punk funk, rock, new wave... Rick blended it all together like a master chef! "Ghetto Life," "Fire and Desire" with Teena Marie, "Give It to Me Baby," and of course... that anthem, that mantra, that call to arms... "SUPER FREAK"! Top 20 on the pop charts, millions sold! This record went triple platinum!

    And Rick James? He didn't stop there! "Throwin' Down," "Cold Blooded," he kept the hits comin'! He even started producing other artists, The Mary Jane Girls... "All Night Long," "Candy Man," "In My House"... pure fire! And he even gave The Temptations a hit with "Standing on the Top!" That's Rick James, the man with the golden touch!

    Smokey Robinson, Eddie Murphy, The A-Team? This cat was everywhere! After "The Flag" in '86, he hopped over to Warner Bros., and "Wonderful" hit the streets in '88. Yeah, you heard me right... RICK JAMES! He's a legend, he was a funk master, a true original.
    Rick James was the man that changed the game!

    Keep it real, keep it funky, and keep it locked on to Gail Nobles! Peace out!
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    4 mins
  • New York City 4:5:25 3.16 PM

    New York City 4:5:25 3.16 PM
    Apr 5 2025
    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 ever had your heart stomped on, this is *the* song for you. The opening lines hit like a ton of bricks: "Remember the day you up and left, I nearly cried myself to death." Can’t you feel that pain? That longing? It’s like a trip down memory lane, taking us to a place where love was both sweet and sour. But hold on, because the magic doesn’t just lie in the heartache. The groove picks up as the narrative unfolds—a meeting with someone new, and boy, doesn’t she change everything? Suddenly, our narrator claims, “Oh girl, I’m doin' fine now, without you, baby.”

    It’s all about that resilience! This song captures the moving on and finding that hope again. The harmonies? Tight as a drum! The instrumentation? Jiving and alive! The energy of this track is contagious, and it spread like wildfire across the charts! It was even the 46th most successful song of 1973 in the good ol' US of A.

    With the smooth melodies bouncing off the walls, it's no wonder the song found its way into the hearts of so many, hitting number eight on the Billboard Easy Listening chart. So whether you’re reminiscing or ready to groove, "I'm Doin' Fine Now" is the anthem you need. It’s a celebration of moving on. So feel the groove, and remember, sometimes you gotta let go to find your flow. Keep it real, my friends!

    I'm Gail Nobles, and you're listening to Soul POD Classics.
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    3 mins
  • Chaka Khan - Papillon 4:1:25 6.05 PM

    Chaka Khan - Papillon 4:1:25 6.05 PM
    Apr 1 2025
    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 and only Chaka Khan that truly lit the musical landscape on fire! This beauty features the smooth, rich vocals of R&B legend Luther Vandross—oh, when those two got together, they conjured magic!

    Chaka Khan’s rendition of "Papillon" just screams seduction. It takes you back to a time when love was sweet and young, painted with the colors of youth—a time when we all felt like we were soaring on gossamer wings, just like those butterflies! You hear that harmonica solo by Hugh McCracken? It’s like a gentle caress, a reminder of the summer breezes that come and go too quickly.

    Let’s not overlook the lyrics! "A faded photograph I mailed to you / With feelings I don't want to face"—can’t you just feel the longing and the bittersweet nature of memories? Chaka’s voice wraps around those words like a comforting embrace, evoking emotions that we often try to hide away.

    I know it peaked at #22 on the Billboard R&B charts, but don’t get it twisted! It doesn’t tell the whole story. The song is a testament to Chaka Khan’s unmatched talent and the timeless connection her music makes with all of us. It reminds us of the seasons of love, the moments that slip by, and how sometimes we let things “slide on by” before we fully realize their value.

    So, whether it's the original groove by Diamond or the soulful magic spun by Chaka Khan, "Papillon" is a fantastic celebration of love, life, and the fleeting beauty of those memories. It leaves you humming and dreaming, captivated by the elegance of a hot butterfly in flight! Keep on groovin’!

    You're listening to Soul Pod Classics. I'm you're host, Gail Nobles
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    4 mins