My Classic Soul

With an incredible career as an ‘A’ list musician, songwriter, producer, film composer and recording artist in his own right, Marcus Miller has worked with some of the true legends and icons within contemporary music including Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, David Sanborn and many others.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.SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and renowned entertainment journalist Janine Coveney discuss El DeBarge’s trademark falsetto vocal style and his place in the lineage of sensual soul singers such as Marvin Gaye.

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!

The Isley Brothers have been making their mark as pioneers for five decades and their recent induction into the Lifetime Achievement category of The SoulMusic Hall Of Fame by popular vote online is recognition of their incredible contribution to contemporary music 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.

Released in 1973, Donny Hathaway’s “Extension Of A Man” set was a musical showcase for his artistry as a composer, musician and vocalist with tracks like the timeless and ever-relevant “Someday We’ll All Be Free,” the much-loved instrumental “Valdez In The Country” and his achingly soulful cover of “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know.”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.

Released in 1981, the best-selling album “What’cha Gonna Do For Me” by the iconic Chaka Khan gave her ever-expanding global audience an opportunity to hear her musical diversity with the jazz standout “And The Melody Lingers On (A Night In Tunisia),” the dance music classic “I Know You, I Live You” and the Grammy-nominated title track. 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.

The creators of such ‘70s classics as “Don’t Cost You Nothing,” “Send It,” “Over & Over” and “Stay Free,” the dynamic duo of Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson can assuredly be considered soul music trendsetters and pioneers through their unparalleled legacy as multi-talented producers, songwriters and performers.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.

Originally released in 1991, the million-selling-plus “Private Line” album was the launching pad for soul man the late Gerald Levert’s solo career following his success with the group Levert.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.

Released in 1977, the group Chic’s self-titled debut album set the stage for a run of massive global hits that still resonate today. From “Dance, Dance, Dance” and “Everybody Dance” to the anthems like “Le Freak,” “I Want Your Love” and “Good Times,” Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards created a distinctive sound with Chic that impacted contemporary music worldwide.SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and renowned entertainment journalist Janine Coveney discuss the impact of Chic’s first album and beyond, sharing their own memories of what Chic’s music meant for them personally.

A recent inductee into The SoulMusic Hall Of Fame, Sylvester played a pioneering role as a black and openly gay artist in the late ‘70s, contributing such classics as “You Make Me Feel Mighty Real” and “Over & Over.” SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and acclaimed performer, producer, journalist and the founding faculty member at New York University's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, Jason King discuss Sylvester’s influence on popular culture and his groundbreaking work that opened the doors for some of today’s ‘out and proud’ artists and performers.

FIRST TAKE: 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION is available exclusively here: https://store.soulmusic.com/first-take-50th-anniversary-deluxe-edition-1.html Originally released in 1969, “First Take” served as the iconic Roberta Flack’s introduction to international music audiences. SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and renowned entertainment journalist Janine Coveney discuss in depth the 2020 deluxe edition of the LP and Roberta’s song choices, some of which are as relevant today as ever.

Originally released in 1980, “Give Me The Night” provided the multi-talented George Benson with a new level of global success. Produced by Quincy Jones, the LP included timeless dance floor classics such as the hypnotic title cut and “Love X Love.” As SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and music industry veteran Michael Lewis discuss, the multi-million-selling album showcased George’s artistry as a musician and vocalist appealing to R&B, jazz and pop audiences worldwide.

Originally released in 1983, Stompin’ At The Savoy represented the end of an era for groundbreaking group Rufus with the iconic Chaka Khan. As SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and longtime colleague Michael Lewis discuss, the LP captured the band’s dynamic energy and Chaka’s fiery vocals and also gave us the timeless anthem, “Ain’t Nobody".

Join SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and music industry veteran Michael Lewis as they discuss the role that black music pioneers such as Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder and others have played in creating timeless songs that have empowered, uplifted and inspired generations globally in the quest for equal rights, justice and freedom.

Join SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and major-label A&R specialist Darone Bowers as they recall the 90s birth of Neo-Soul, including artists like Maxwell, D'Angelo, Lalah Hathaway and more, plus the originators who influenced this movement.

TLC! En Vogue! Xscape! Destiny's Child! Join SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan as he welcomes A&R specialist Darone Bowers to talk about their favorite girl groups.Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MyClassicSoulVisit us at SoulMusic.com

SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan is joined this week by powerhouse producer and songwriter Preston Glass to discuss his work with the legendary Maurice White and Earth, Wind & Fire. They’re joined by Jeff Jeff Vasishta, ‘Variety’ magazine contributor for a lively discussion about Maurice’s work and global impact on the world of music.Visit us at My Classic Soul on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MyClassicSoul/

Host Bethany Dawson welcomes SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and A&R Specialist Darone Bowers as they chat about how David got his start in music journalism, the many artists he's interviewed and how Soul Music has evolved over the decades.

SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan and A&R man Darone Bowers talk about all things Anita Baker and her classic album RAPTURE.

Join SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan as he interviews the original Funky Divas - En Vogue! They discuss their entire career and their plans to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut BORN TO SING.

Kathy Sledge joins SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan discuss her nearly 50 years in the music business, working with Nile Rodgers and CHIC and what Sister Sledge are up to in 2020.

Host Bethany Dawson and Soul Music historian David Nathan talk Soul Food - not only the history of our favorite dishes but fun stories of soul musicians and their favorite eats

Host Bethany Dawson is joined by SoulMusic.com David Nathan to talk "baby makin' music!"

Host Bethany Dawson is joined by SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan for a deep dive into Roberta Flack's debut album, First Take and the special 50th anniversary edition.

Soul Music historian David Nathan joins host Bethany Dawson on a deep dive into this classic Aretha Franklin album.

January marks the 52nd anniversary of Otis Redding’s seminal hit “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of The Bay”. What was it like when Otis Redding burst upon the scene in the mid-60s? Join us as Soul Music archivist David Nathan tells us the impact Otis had on the music scene and how he continues to inspire us more than 50 years later.