Janelle Monae at the White House: "Tightrope"

At the White House, my idol.

Orange Caramel, "Catallena" (lyrics)

documentary on Soul Train "The HIppest Trip"

Soul Train: The Hippest Trip, a documentary from VH1 (2010)



the quality isn't great, so here are a few clips that are highlighted in the show that  I've found in somewhat better shape:

Aretha's performance:


The Soul Train line to "Rock Steady"

Soul Train stories

I'm reading Love, Peace and Soul: Behind the Scenes of America's Favorite Dance Show. Soul Train Classic Moments, by Ericka Blount Danois. Such amazing stories!

The Soul Train line inspired our dancing in Jr High and High school  in the early seventies. Maybe we couldn't do all the moves, but we enthusiastically made our own lines.


Here's a great interview with the author about her book, and Soul Train's incredible story and influence.



From a Rolling Stone post about 12 amazing Soul Train performances, here are two of my favorites: a live, unrehearsed moment from Aretha Franklin and Smokey Robinson:



and a 1975 set from Al Green. Go to 21:50 for the amazing performance of "God Blessed Our Love." Church!
The Soul Train line starts at 33:28

funk music: a documentary

Published on Sep 25, 2013
What is Funk Music?
from the YouTube description:

Where is Funk Music?
What is The Future for Funk Music?

These questions are answered AND this genre of music is explored in:
Funk Music: A Documentary.

Interviews from members of the Funk bands Cameo, Lakeside, Slave, The Time, P-Funk All Stars, Prince's New Power Generation, Ozone, Rick James & The Stone City Band, Slapbak, Julian's Ride and many more.

Produced and Directed by Paul A. Altamirano.

Help keep The Funk alive.