DR's "Me and Rock and Roll"

[Andy]

A few years ago I bought some DR albums that I didn't already have. So I dusted off the turntable and listened to one of them for the first time ever. It came out in 1974, and the album's cover is dated, that is, it shows it's from that era. Now, I put it on at dinner time and at the precise moment it starts to play, there is some thunder and lightening outside. The kids start dancing to it, my little one is in her high chair, and everyone is having a good time. I hear some tracks that are really good, DR's vocal range stands out teriffically well. As soon as the record stops, so does the lightening and thunder. I guess David always brought that to all of his songs.

[molly]

Andy it seems even Nature appreciates David's music.

[Common]

Hey Andy! It's funny that you bring that up. In Gladys Knight's book, she made a statement that David came to one of their shows & joined them to sing I Wish It Would Rain. When David started singing, she said the rain came pouring down! Whew! Now that's powerful!

Now speaking of this particular LP, what songs do you like off of it? I love Take Me Clear From Here (sounds a little like a Staple Singers-type groove) & City Stars. Ironically, the song was written by Dobie "Drift Away" Gray. Matter of fact, I have his LP but never listen to it! Anyway, I also like Smiling Faces Sometimes as well. I surely can relate the topic of this song. There's alot of truth in it!

[Andy]

Hi Common: I'm at work right now and I'd have to go home to check. I didn't want you to think I as rude, so I'm posting this short "Hello" right now. I do remember City Stars b/c when it came on I went to the cover to look up the title. I met Gladys Knight once in an elevator in Atlantic City. She was appearing at Ceasar's and I told her I had seen her shows years ago in NJ when it was the warm up act for the Temps. Realizing my foot in mouth mistake, I quickly told her her show was better than theirs, which was true. I did not tell her my favorite Temp. ,however, was no longer with the group. Best Regards, AJA

[der68]

;DHello Andy,Common,and Molly. Common I read that in Gladys book too. I know David loved Gladys he called her "A Lady". he respected her vocal skills too. David admired many fellow entertainers. And judging from the times I was in his company that feeling was mutual. David recieved a lot of respect from his peers. David's "Home Going" {funeral} was an example of how much he was respected and loved by his fellow entertainers. They really came out in force to say good-bye to him. That day seemed so chaotic to me for many reasons. I remember aksing CC {David's play sister} why wasn't more than one service planned. Of course she had nothing to do with that,but I felt for his family that everything was so public. My heart really went out to his kid's ,Sandra,and Jimmy it seemed they were surrounded by this huge out pouring of fans,friends,and lovers. I'm sure each of them would have liked to say good-bye a little more privately then they did.Molly did you ever meet CC?

[Common]

Hey Andy! That's okay. I know you're busy. Just wanted to know what your favorite songs were from that LP.

Hi der68! When I was on a music mailing list, they had interviewed a female soul singer, who I wouldn't mentioned, & she was very good friends with DR. The music site had promised to print the transcript of the interview but never did. Another singer who knew David was Betty Lavette. She had a lot of admiration for him too. So it seems like David was quite popular with his peers. Another thing, did you get a chance to read Martha Reeves' book? If so, what did you think of it?

[der68]

Hello Common. No I have never read Martha Reeves book. Does she speak of David?

[molly]

Hello der. I met and knew CC. She and David were very close as you know. We were never really tight. The only thing we had in common was David.

[Common]

Hey der68! Yes, Martha did speak about David here & there in her book. She mentioned about the fact that David had come to her defense when a promoter wasn't paying up for the night's performance. She also mentioned briefly about David & Tammi. It was really no more than a couple of pages.

[Andy]

HI Comm on: Take Me Clear was the song. You got it. Strange, I never heard in on the radio and yet it has a good quality to it. It's actually an interesting album. Please see my last post on my dictionary. VTY, AJA

[Andy]

Hi der: Thanks for the "Hello". Gladys Knight was every bit a classy lady when she took the time to talk to my wife and me. She was such a tiny,tiny thing, but she oozed warmth and friendship.

[molly]

Hey Andy. I agree with you and David. Gladys Knight is a lady. I love her.

[Common]

One thing I found ironic is that David did a remake of The Tempts' Superstar. From some accounts, it's been said that The Tempts' version was supposed to be a "message"() record towards David & Eddie. Does anyone know if there was any truth to this rumor?

[molly]

I've heard the same thing. Actually I think its in The "Greazy Ones" book.