Rhythm Without Blues: The Dichotomy of a Music Genre

Welcome to my blog Rhythm Without Blues!

My first book entitled, Rhythm Without Blues: The Dichotomy of a Music Genre is due out this year. I am very excited! I have researched this topic for more than 4 years and I have great interviews from Syleena Johnson, R. Kelly, Mickey "MeMpHitZ" Wright, Larry Khan, Michael Blue Williams, Brownstone's Nicci Gilbert, Toxic and many more. I believe you will enjoy this awesome piece of work. Over the next several months, I will blog on topics found in my book. However, first I must give you an understanding of what Rhythm Without Blues really means. Below is an excerpt from Chapter 1: The Introduction. Post your thoughts and comments. Enjoy!

"I think Rhythm and Blues, also known as R& B, has taken a brutal beating over the last 20 years. Beat down by the industry but also beaten by factors beyond its control. This book is real. This book will educate those in the industry and those who want to enter it. My interviews are real and un-edited. I didn’t want to base this book purely on my opinion. I wanted to hear from professional people that understand the music industry and have a pure passion and love for R&B. When I interviewed one of the great R&B singers of our time, R. Kelly, he felt differently. He said, “R&B lives.” However, I question that assumption. How can R&B be living in an industry that does not support it, respect it or promote it? Has R&B lost its feeling, momentum and its substance? If so, why? I looked at Record Labels, particularly the Big 4, Radio, the Leaders/Exec’s, Contracts, Finances, the Organization, the Structure, Marketing, Promotion, the Hip Hop effect, the Digital impact and many other areas that may have contributed to the current state of R&B music and the industry as a whole.
I based this book on many factors. I interviewed artists, executives, producers and industry insiders because I wanted to find out the truth. I wanted some questions answered, “How is R&B living in an industry that does not embrace real music?” What is the record labels role in supporting R&B artists? Why do we have Rhythm Without Blues? What is the Dichotomy of a Music Genre? With those question, I examined, studied and researched why we have Rhythm Without Blues in today’s illustrious and ever-growing billion dollar music industry. When I first came up with the title Rhythm without Blues: The Dichotomy of a Music Genre, I immediately thought, “Oh this will be quite controversial.” Then, as I surpassed those feelings, I began to think about how this book is a much needed necessity for people who think they want to go into the industry and make R&B music. I began to think about all those music minded future executives who want to work for a major record label because they are passionate and love music. Finally, I thought about all those consumers who love R&B but are wondering why the music of today doesn’t inspire them like it did when they went to their first Anita Baker concert and she belted out You Bring Me Joy. So with that being the case, I thought to myself although this book may offend some people and I may be ostracized and thrown completely out of the industry, it’s a much needed tool that will enlighten, inspire, and empower anyone who reads it. It is also for people who want to work in the industry and don’t understand the complexities and politics of it. The information in this book can also be applied to other genres of music within the industry as well.
For me, it’s not just about giving back to the educational world or music environment but it’s about my pure love of the music. I can recall sitting and watching my sister, Syleena Johnson, in the studio writing great tunes and going into the booth and coming up with the coolest melodies I have ever heard. I was there when she recorded, Another Relationship, a song that sent me running to the bathroom to hide the tears that were in my eyes. Or, maybe it is about the time we witnessed the great Patti La Belle in the studio and how her voice was perfect and the same after 30 plus years in this industry. I can recall the first time I met Ronald Isley and I felt like I had just met the Pope. His voice is pure as white snow. Or, the first time I met Charlie Wilson at a studio and he just sang all night acapella with a voice of pure distinction. I can’t forget those endless and sleepless nights at the Chocolate Factory studio watching R. Kelly create songs from scratch and off the top of his head as he juggled between his album and many others. I can recall falling asleep in his studio session and being woke by him singing a gospel song he had just created. Not only did this wake me up out of my sleep but there were tears in my eyes because of the passion and strength of his voice. I can’t forget about my father, Syl Johnson, and his raspy and distinct sound. I use to sneak in the basement at our suburban home to hear him record some of his greatest songs in the late 80’s. I was just a child but I knew he had an awesome voice and would serve as a legend in today’s music world. Today, he is heavily sampled by many great Hip Hop artists. "..................that's all folks....more to come!