Happy Birthday George Clinton

“Style is whatever you want to do, if you can do it with confidence” - George Clinton

(George Clinton)

George Clinton was born on July 22nd, 1941 in Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA. He grew up in Plainfield, New Jersey. During his teen years Clinton formed a doo wop group called The Parliaments.

(The Parliaments)

In the early 1960’s Clinton was a staff songwriter for Motown. Clinton changed the name of the Parliaments to “Parliament” and “Funkadelic”.

(Parliament Funkadelic)

Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic dominated diverse music during the 1970s with over 40 R&B hit singles and 3 platinum albums.

(A Parliament Funkadelic concert)

In 1982 Clinton became a solo artist. He also produced albums for Bootsy Collins and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The primary reason for recording under his own name was due to legal difficulties with his record label. Also in 1982 Clinton signed to Capitol Records under 2 names, his own as a solo artist and as the P-Funk All-Stars. The same year he released the album “Computer Games”. The single “Atomic Dog” reached #1 on the R&B charts and #101 on the pop charts.

(Clinton in 1982)

In 1985 he was recruited by the Red Hot Chili Peppers to produce their album “Freaky Styley”. Also during the 1980’s many hip-hop and rap artists cited Clinton's earlier music as an influence.

(Clinton in 1985)

His music was sampled heavily by many Hip Hop artists. In 1989 he released the album “The Cinderella Theory”.

(Clinton in 1989)

In 1990 he appeared in the movie Graffiti Bridge. Also in 1990 Clinton appeared in the movie House Party.

(Clinton in House Party(1990))

In 1993 he released “Hey Man, Smell My Finger”. In 1994 he appeared in the movie PCU. Also in 1994 Clinton did a song with Ice Cube called “Bop Gun”.

(Clinton (Right) with Ice Cube (Center) and Bootsy Collins (Left))

In 1995 Clinton made a song with 2 Pac called “Can’t C Me”. In 1996 he released “T.A.P.O.A.F.O.M. (The Awesome Power of a Fully Operational Mothership)”. In 1997 he appeared in the movie Good Burger.

(Clinton in Good Burger(1997))

In 1999 he appeared in the movie The Breaks. In 2007 Clinton featured on Snoop Dogg’s album “Tha Blue Carpet Treatment”.

(Clinton (Right) and Snoop Dogg (Left))

In 2008 Clinton released “George Clinton and His Gangsters of Love”. In 2009 George Clinton was awarded the Urban Icon Award from Broadcast Music Incorporated. Also in 2009 Clinton was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. In 2015 Clinton made a song with Kendrick Lamar called “Wesley’s Theory”.

(Clinton (Left) and Kendrick Lamar (Right))

Today he turns 76 years old and we would all like to say happy birthday George Clinton.

Albums by George Clinton

• “Computer Games” (1982)
• “You Shouldn't-Nuf Bit Fish” (1982)
• “Some of my Best Jokes Are Friends” (1985)
• “R&B Skeletons in the Closet” (1986)
• “The Cinderella Theory” (1989)
• “Hey Man, Smell My Finger” (1993)
• “Dope Dogs” (1993)
• “T.A.P.O.A.F.O.M.” (1996)
• “How Late do U Have 2BB4UR Absent?” (2005)
• “George Clinton and His Gangsters of Love” (2008)

Films Starring George Clinton

• Graffiti Bridge (1990) as George
• House Party (1990) as a DJ
• PCU (1994) as himself
• Good Burger (1997) as Dancing Crazy
• The Breaks (1999) as himself

Videos of George Clinton

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmmzbVM5BMw  “The Parliaments w/ Funkadelic LIVE Eddie Hazel 1969 "fixed" video”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owx-bsEtITo  “George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic - Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YCcgZdRrY4  “Parliament - Flash Light (Live)”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AQaLeMZqJU  “Parliament-Funkadelic - One Nation Under A Groove - 11/6/1978 - Capitol Theatre (Official)”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGDUgA1wZNg  “(Not Just)Knee Deep - Funkadelic”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuyS9M8T03A  “George Clinton - Atomic Dog”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRdtSPc2phU  “House Party DJ George Clinton”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxl4lQ8tmdM  “george clinton - paint the white house black”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MRtkAEDbjU  “George Clinton - If Anybody Gets Funked Up (It's Gonna Be You)”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjsvqQUcqCs  “Ice Cube - Bop Gun”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_1HhKO8Uck  “Good Burger dance scene - Demented Hills”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6626kfkCEM  “Interview with the Godfather of funk, George Clinton | Channel 4 News”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxKBVfPlGgE  “Funkadelic - Ain't That Funkin' Kinda Hard on You? (Remix) ft. Kendrick Lamar, Ice Cube”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz3JScGO6WQ  “George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic LIVE at NAMM 2015/3 - Give Up the Funk”

Anniversary of Noble Drew Ali's Death

“Moors, study yourself” - Noble Drew Ali

(Noble Drew Ali)

Noble Drew Ali was born as Timothy Drew on January 8th, 1886 in North Carolina, USA. In 1913 Noble Drew Ali founded the Canaanite Temple in Newark, New Jersey.

(Ali in 1913)

The Moor Movement spread across the country during the 1920's as the Moorish Holy Temple of Science, as Noble Drew Ali pioneered in attempts to instill racial pride. In 1925 Noble Drew Ali appeared on the streets of Chicago, proclaiming to the people of the colored race that they were not Negroes. He stated that the fallen sons and daughters of the Asiatic Nation of North America need to learn to love instead of hate, and know of their higher self.

(Ali in 1925)

In 1926 he established Temple No. 9. In 1928 The Moorish Science Temple of America, Inc was officially founded by Ali. The Moorish Science Temple had 35,000 members in 17 temples in cities across the Midwest and upper South. The temples were studied and watched by the police.

(Ali in 1928)

In 1929 Ali attended the inauguration of the Illinois governor. Also in 1929 there were disputes over money which lead many members to leave. Ali was arrested along with other members of the community on suspicion of having instigated the killing of Claude Green-Bey a former member of the Moorish Science Temple. While in police custody Ali was beaten by the officers.

(Ali in 1929)

On July 20th, 1929 Noble Drew Ali died from the injuries of the officers in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He was 43 years old.

(Ali’s funeral)

Today is the 88th anniversary of his death. Take time to remember this great religious leader today.

Anniversary of Jack Johnson's Death

“An individual action, multiplied by millions, creates global change” - Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson was born as John Johnson on March 31st 1878 in Galveston, Texas, USA. As a child he helped his family financially. He then moved to Dallas, TX. He then began to start boxing. At 16 he moved to New York. After beating a stronger man in a fight he believed he could become a boxer. In 1898 he made his professional debut. In 1901 Johnson was arrested due to prize fighting being illegal in Texas.

(Johnson (Middle) in 1901)

The sheriff let Johnson and the man who he was fighting with spar in jail for a reduced bail. In 1903 he won the World Colored Heavyweight championship. In 1908 he won the world heavyweight title. After winning the title media attacked Johnson with racist comments and called for a “great White hope” to defeat Johnson and take the title back.

(Johnson in 1908)

In 1910 Johnson fought James Jeffries and Johnson won which caused racial riots in Texas, Colorado, New York, Washington D.C. and 22 other states.

(Johnson (Right) in 1910)

Johnson refused to fight Black boxers due to the fact he felt he could make more money fighting White boxers. In 1913 he finally fought another Black boxer.

(Johnson in 1913)

In 1915 Johnson lost the title to Jess Willard.

(Johnson in 1915)

Johnson fought professionally until 1938. He did his last fight in 1945.

(Johnson in 1945)

On June 10th, 1946 Jack Johnson died in a car crash in Franklinton, North Carolina, USA. He was 68 years old.

(Johnson’s grave)

Today is the 71st anniversary of his death. Take time to remember this great athlete today.

Videos of Jack Johnson

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAzuDJQkxis  “Jack Johnson KOs Burns This Day In Boxing History - December 26, 1908 -”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnMJL36_oCs  “Jack Johnson vs James J. Jeffries (1910)”

P.S. sorry for the late post

Happy Birthday Charles Drew

“I feel that the recent ruling of the United States Army and Navy regarding the refusal of colored blood donors is an indefensible one from any point of view. As you know, there is no scientific basis for the separation of the bloods of different races except on the basis of the individual blood types or groups” - Charles Drew

(Charles Drew)

Dr. Charles Drew was born June 3rd, 1904 in Washington D.C., USA. In 1922 Drew graduated from Dunbar high school. Drew won an athletics scholarship to Amherst college in Massachusetts.

(Drew in college)

He graduated in 1926. Drew attended medical school at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, receiving his MDCM in 1933, and ranked 2nd in his class of 127 students. Drew later did graduate work at Columbia University, where he earned his Doctor of Medical Science degree, becoming the first African American to do so. In 1939 Drew married Minnie Lenore Robbins, a professor of home economics at Spelman College. In 1940 Drew was recruited by John Scudder to help set up and administer an early prototype program for blood storage and preservation.

(Drew in 1940)

Drew created a central location for the blood collection process where donors could go to give blood. Out of this there was a total collection of almost 15,000 people donating blood, and with over 5,500 vials of blood plasma. In 1941 Drew became the first African-American surgeon selected to serve as an examiner on the American Board of Surgery. Drew had a lengthy research and teaching career and became a chief surgeon. In the 1950 Tuskegee clinic, Drew drove along with three other black physicians. Drew was driving and he was fatigued from the night before from being at a theater. Drew lost control of the vehicle and the car careening into a field, the car somersaulted three times. The three other physicians suffered minor injuries. Drew was trapped with serious wounds; his foot had become wedged beneath the brake pedal.

(Drew in 1950)

On April 1st, 1950 Dr. Charles Drew died from his injuries in Burlington, North Carolina. He was 45 years old. Today is his 113th birthday and we would all like to say happy birthday and rest in peace Charles Drew.   

Anniversary of Maya Angelou's Death

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” - Maya Angelou

(Maya Angelou)

Maya Angelou was born as Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4th, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Johnson was nicknamed “Maya” by her older brother. At 3 years old Johnson was sent with her siblings to live with their grandmother in Stamps, AR. At 7 years old she was brought with her siblings to live with their mother in St. Louis, MO. At 8 years old Johnson was sexually abused and raped by her mother’s boyfriend. He was jailed for 1 day and 4 days later was killed by one of Johnson’s uncles. Her siblings and her were then brought back to Stamps, AR with their grandmother.

(Johnson as a child)

At 14 years old she moved with her mother in Oakland, CA. While in high school she worked as the first black female streetcar conductor in San Francisco, CA. At 17 years old she gave birth to her son Clyde Johnson. In 1951 she married Greek electrician, former sailor, and aspiring musician Tosh Angelos. With her new husband and son she moved to New York City, NY and she studied African Dance.

(Angelou as a dancer)

A year later they returned to San Francisco, CA. In 1954 she got a divorce. She danced professionally in clubs around San Francisco. She then changed her name to “Maya Angelou”. From 1954 to 1955 Angelou toured Europe with a production of the opera “Porgy and Bess”. During the 1950’s Angelou became friends with James Baldwin.

(James Baldwin (Left) with Angelou (Right))

In 1957 Angelou released her 1st album “Miss Calypso”. In 1959 Angelou moved to New York City, NY to concentrate on her writing career. In 1960 Angelou met Dr. King and heard him speak. Angelou joined the SCLC and became its Northern Coordinator. Angelou also began her pro-Castro and anti-apartheid activism during this time. In 1961 Angelou performed in Jean Genet's play “The Blacks”. Also in 1961 Angelou and her son moved to Cairo, Egypt. Angelou then moved to Accra, Ghana. Angelou became an administrator at the University of Ghana. She became a freelance writer for the “Ghanaian Times”, wrote and broadcast for Radio Ghana, and worked and performed for Ghana's National Theatre. While in Accra Angelou became good friends with Malcolm X during his visit to Ghana.

(Malcolm X (Left) with Angelou (Right))

In 1965 Angelou returned to the U.S. After the death of Malcolm X, Angelou moved to Hawaii to work on her singing career, then moved to Los Angeles, CA to work on her writing career. She worked as a market researcher in Watts, CA and witnessed the riots in the summer of 1965. In 1967 she returned to New York City, NY. In 1968 Dr. King asked Angelou to organize a march but before they could organize King was killed on her 40th birthday. Angelou then wrote, produced, and narrated Blacks, Blues, Black!, a ten-part series of documentaries about the connection between blues music and black Americans' African heritage.

(Angelou hosting her documentary)

In 1969 Angelou wrote her book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Angelou’s movie Georgia,Georgia was released in 1972 and was the first screenplay written by a black woman. In 1973 Angelou married Welsh carpenter and ex-husband of Germaine Greer, Paul du Feu. Also in 1973 Angelou was nominated for a Tony Award. In 1977 Angelou appeared in a supporting role in the television miniseries Roots.

(Angelou in Roots)

During this period Angelou was given over thirty honorary degrees from colleges and universities from all over the world. In the late 1970’s Angelou met Oprah Winfrey before she became famous.

(Angelou being interviewed by Oprah Winfrey years after they first met)

In 1981 Angelou divorced. Also in 1981 Angelou accepted the lifetime Reynolds Professorship of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC. In 1993 Angelou recited her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton, becoming the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at President John F. Kennedy's inauguration in 1961. The recording of the poem won a Grammy Award.

(Angelou speaking at President Clinton’s inauguration)

In 1995 she delivered her second public poem “A Brave and Startling Truth”. In 1996 Angelou directed the film Down in the Delta. Also in 1996 she collaborated with Ashford & Simpson.

(Ashford (Left) & Simpson (Center) with Angelou (Right))

In 2002 Angelou wrote her book A Song Flung Up to Heaven. In 2008 Angelou supported Hillary Clinton for president, later she supported Barack Obama.

(President Barack Obama (Top) with Angelou (Bottom))

In 2010 Angelou donated her personal papers and career memorabilia to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. The last course Angelou taught at Wake Forest was in 2011. In 2013 Angelou published the book Mom & Me & Mom. On May 28th, 2014 Angelou passed away due to poor health in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She was 86 years old.

(Angelou’s funeral)

Today is the 3rd anniversary of her death. Take time to remember this great poet today.

Books by Maya Angelou

• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969)
• Gather Together in My Name (1974)
• Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas (1976)
• The Heart of a Woman (1981)
• All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes (1986)
• A Song Flung Up to Heaven (2002)
• Mom & Me & Mom (2013)

Videos of Maya Angelou

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqOqo50LSZ0  “And Still I Rise”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC_scsKVEHA  “"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" - Conversations with Oprah: Maya Angelou, 1993 - OWN”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQQThtav41o  “Maya Angelou's Inaugural Poem (1993)”