The Queen of Motown; Aaron Neville’s Doo-Wop Roots; New Music From Trixie Whitley
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Aaron Neville sings in the Soundcheck studio.
(Michael Katzif / WNYC)
In the early 1960s, singer Mary Wells earned the nickname “the Queen of Motown” when she scored multiple hits for the legendary record label -- including her signature song, "My Guy." But there’s a reason that Mary Wells isn’t exactly a household name anymore. Peter Benjaminson, author of the new book Mary Wells: The Tumultuous Life of Motown’s First Superstar, explains.
Plus, legendary singer Aaron Neville revisits the doo-wop songs of his youth with live renditions of songs from his new collection, My True Story.
And, we preview singer Trixie Whitley's new album, Fourth Corner. Stream the triumphant debut album from the powerful blues-rock singer in our Check Ahead series.
Aaron Neville Returns To His Doo-Wop Roots
Singer Aaron Neville has been making hit records since the mid-1960s. With a silky smooth and instantly recognizable voice, Neville’s specialty is New Orleans funk, but his latest album, My True Story, revisits the sound of his youth: doo-wop.
Mary Wells: The Queen Of Motown Revisited
Peter Benjaminson’s new book, Mary Wells: The Tumultuous Life of Motown’s First Superstar, catalogues the highs and lows of the troubled singer’s life.
Is There Such A Thing As 'Too Old To Rock'?
Soundcheck contributor and Billboard editor Joe Levy says that some of rock 'n' roll's biggest and oldest stars are having banner years in their sixties and seventies. What do you think? Is there such a thing as too old to rock?
Video Premiere: SLV, "Enough"
Watch the first video from Pistolera frontwoman Sandra Lilia Velasquez's introspective new EP.
Gig Alert: Cyrille Aimee
The eclectic Jazz singer Cyrille Aimee plays at the Iridium jazz club Wednesday night. Download her track "Sunny Days."
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