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”.

My Classic Soul

SPECIAL GUEST MARCUS MILLER

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.

A CLASSIC ALBUM: AL JARREAU – WE GOT BY

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 CLASSIC ALBUM: El DeBarge – IN THE STORM

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”.

Special guest Candi Staton!

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!

A CLASSIC ALBUM: KEITH SWEAT – MAKE IT LAST FOREVER

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.

THE ESSENTIAL ISLEY BROTHERS

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.

A CLASSIC ALBUM: Donny Hathaway EXTENSION OF A MAN

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.

A CLASSIC ALBUM: Chaka Khan - WHAT’CHA GONNA DO FOR ME

Join us for a deep dive into the music and stories of your favorite Soul and R&B artists. David Nathan, noted soul music historian, joins host Bethany Dawson every other week to chat about the lives of the people who made the music that continues to move our souls.

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My Classic Soul

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