#0049 A (musical) celebration of life

Hey Loved One,

So, I hold my hand up: I am one of those people who, if I love you, I will celebrate you.

Whether you are my cousin who just became a deacon this weekend, making our family’s chest burst with pride (well done Joy!), or you are someone I have never met, but your work has moved my soul.

I used to chastise myself for being a sensitive soul when I was younger. I felt deeply, and while life has made me more selective about how open I am to those feelings, sometimes things happen that I cannot help but be moved by.

This edition is a little different. It is music-focused, celebrating the lives of those who were pure, abundant talent and who resonated deeply with me.

So today, I am your DJ for a short set, giving you a little music to discover or rediscover.

Why?

Because it has been a strange week, where multiple musical legends have passed, and I have this belief that every time you play an artist’s music, they light up wherever they are. Even though they are no longer physically with us, their energy still lives on.

I have always had this vision of them feeling the impact of their work in a new and ongoing way each time someone presses play.

ANGIE STONE

This list starts with Angie Stone, the songstress who passed away over the weekend.

Her single Wish I Didn’t Miss You speaks to my entire heart. She sings about an old lover who consistently disappoints her, yet she still misses him. When I put this song on full blast, I feel it in my entire soul. Not necessarily for any of my exes, though I am sure I have played it through one or two breakups, but definitely for whoever Miss Angie was singing about.

It is one of those songs where you have to get on your knees, clutch your chest, and belt it out like you will never love anyone harder than them. I cried when I heard she had passed. I know that sounds strange, to cry for a woman I never met, but I am unapologetic about it.

Favourite lyric: "One of these days it is going to happen to you. Missing a love like I am missing you. One of these days when your dreams come true. That is the one that is going to do it to you." It is the original Rolling in the Deep. (“You’re gonna wish you never had met me”) Spiteful but true.

LUTHER VANDROSS

Next comes Luther, the ultimate voice of love. If you have not watched his documentary yet, please do. It has been 20 years since his passing and 44 years since the absolute classic that is Never Too Much was released. While that is a staple in any playlist, I want to highlight two others that speak to me: Here and Now, my wedding song, had I chosen to get married. Give Me The Reason, the complete opposite of Here and Now, a song that makes me want to shout, “Who hurt you, Luther? We ride at dawn!”

Favourite lyric: "The love that we share makes life so sweet. Together we will always be. This pledge of love feels so right and I need you." It took all my strength not to write it how he sings it.

And the whole chorus of Give Me The Reason? is the politest f*** off ever sung to music.

TINA TURNER

Then we have Miss Tina Turner, a living legend with too many hits to choose from: Private Dancer, Thunderdome, GoldenEye. But my favourite is her version of Let’s Stay Together by Al Green. Apologies to Mr Green, but when Miss Tina sang it, it was no longer his song. Respectfully.

Favourite lyric: "Why? Why do people break up? Then turn around and make up." I had no business singing this as a tween and I wondered what it truly meant for a long time. I think I understand now. A lot of the time you wish it’s love. Most of the time it’s stupidity.

GEORGE MICHAEL

George Michael is one of my all-time favourites. Between Freedom 90 and Fastlove, he had hit after hit. But for this list, I have chosen As, his duet with Mary J. Blige, a cover of the Stevie Wonder classic.

Favourite lyric: "Until the rainbow burns the stars out of the sky, until the ocean covers every mountain high, until the dolphins fly and parrots leave at sea, until we dream of life and life becomes a dream." In case you don’t know what forever looks like Stevie’s done told you.

QUINCY JONES AND MICHAEL JACKSON

Next is Quincy Jones, a true musical genius. His work is extensive, but my song of choice comes from an album he produced: Off The Wall by Michael Jackson. I Can’t Help It, written by Stevie Wonder, is another song that makes me want to clutch my chest.

WHITNEY HOUSTON

Miss Whitney is the definition of a voice of a generation. I will not say which song is my favourite because I will change my mind repeatedly, but for this list, I have chosen For The Love Of You - and Isley Brothers cover - and You Give Good Love . Although, knowing me, by the time I send this newsletter, I will probably think I should have chosen I’m Your Baby Tonight or Run to You instead. But I have already given myself a caveat, so let us roll with it.

Favourite lyric: "Glad to be here alone with a lover unlike no other. Sad to see a new horizon slowly coming into view." The way she delivers this line melts me every time.

TY

Next, we move to TY and his meditative Music 2 Fly 2. I had the privilege of knowing TY and experiencing the release of his later work. But this song? Unfortunately, I only discovered it after his passing in May 2020.

I have always wished I had found it earlier so I could have told him how much I loved it, and how the line, “You were never supposed to win…so win everything” has become a mantra in my life.

Originally, I thought about sharing Heart is Breaking instead, as it gives a glimpse of TY’s personality and brings back great memories of seeing him perform.

WHO WOULD YOU ADD?

There are so many more I could mention, but for now, I want to acknowledge and send love to these artists who pursued their love of music and blessed us with it.

You are forever loved. Forever appreciated. But now I turn to you. If you were my co-DJ, who would you add to the playlist? Let me know, and I will add your responses to the Spotify list.

Until next week, loved ones

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