Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts
By Alyce Wilson
Last night I heard some sad news. The Maestro of Love, Barry White, has died of kidney failure at age 58.
The big man with the velvet voice said that music was his spiritual love. This comes through in the smooth passion in his voice.
I can understand what he meant by being in love with music, because I feel the same way about writing.
Safe to say, I've written virtually every day since I was about 10. And if anybody ever questioned my dedication, I told them it's something I must do. It's integral to who I am. It's what I'm here to do.
I think Barry White felt the same way about music. He never stopped recording. He never stopped singing and writing, even in later years with his failing health.
After his decades of hits, he was finally honored with a Grammy in 2000, when he won two, for best male performance and traditional R&B vocal performance, for "Staying Power." Deservedly so.
It was reported that, because of his condition, his last days were filled with pain. So now, at least he's free of that pain. Maybe now, in spirit form, he can become one with his spiritual lady, music.
Ahhh, Barry White, you know we love you. Can't get enough of your love.
I was at the Neil Young concert Wednesday night, so I missed "Fame," the contest to select a "triple threat": someone who can dance, sing and who has an electric personality.
I recorded it, naturally, and watched it later. I wasn't surprised that Harlemm Lee, my favorite, was one of the contestants selected to move on. He gave an emotional performance of Whitney Houston's "Greatest Love of All." My boy can sing!
While I wasn't around to vote for him, I have confidence he'll advance. Judging by the number of hits to my site from searches for his name -- compared to zero for the other contestants -- his popularity has a life of its own. (Incidentally, the other two names that generate hits are Debbie Allen, who's the producer and choreographer, and Carnie Wilson -- of Wilson Phillips fame -- who's a judge.)
As promised, Carnie Wilson brought a shirt that said "Planet Harlemm," but hers wasn't as cool as mine, which I designed and then ordered from 99dogs.com. I expect it to come in a short while. And no, I'm not going to offer it for sale, because it wouldn't be fair to Harlemm to make money off his image.
It's an original artwork by me. Which is mine. There can be only one!
More thoughts on "Fame":
May 29, 2003 - Fame, Remember My Name!
June 26, 2003 - Planet Harlemm
July 10, 2003 - Magical Harlemm
Moral:
You can't get enough of Barry White.
Copyright
2003 by Alyce Wilson
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