Q Memors

AI Background MusicGuitar bass, guitar, strings, and bells played by: Keyboardist Gail NoblesStory by: Gail NoblesPhoto: Spotify Promo CardPhoto: In courtesy of Ace RecordsIn a surprising twist, the catchy song "I Found Lovin'" by the Fatback Band, which first hit the airwaves in 1983, never made it onto the U.S. R&B charts. Co-written by bassist Johnny Flippin and new singer Michael Walker, who also sang lead vocals, the track was part of the album *With Love* and quickly gained popularity.The song initially made waves in the UK, reaching number 49 on the Singles Charts in 1984. It was re-recorded and released again in 1986, climbing to number 55 in the UK. However, the song's biggest success came in January 1987, when the original version rocketed to number 7 on the charts.Despite its catchy beat and the buzz on American Urban contemporary radio stations, "I Found Lovin'" strangely did not make an appearance on the U.S. R&B singles chart during any of its releases. This missed opportunity is puzzling for fans and music lovers alike.The song was also featured early in the 2002 film *Brown Sugar*, though it was not included in the official soundtrack, further highlighting its unique status. With its infectious rhythm and soulful vibe, "I Found Lovin'" truly deserves a place among the greats of R&B, and its absence from the charts remains a mystery.I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Q Memors.Radio Music MemoriesThis episode includes AI-generated content.

Intro Commercial by: Gail NoblesPhoto: Spotify Promo CardKeyboardist: Gail NoblesIn a remarkable showcase of melodic charm and heartfelt lyrics, Kool & the Gang's "Joanna" has captivated listeners since its release in 1983, establishing itself as one of the defining tracks from the album *In the Heart*. Within a matter of weeks, the song connected deeply with a diverse audience, rocketing to #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. The only competition it faced at the time was Culture Club's mega-hit "Karma Chameleon," which held the top position.The enduring appeal of "Joanna" lies in its emotive expression and the band's signature blend of R&B and pop sensibilities. With smooth instrumentation and touching lyrics, the song tells a touching story of love and longing, striking a chord with fans across both the United States and the United Kingdom, where it similarly achieved a #2 ranking on the singles chart.Adding to its impressive accolades, "Joanna" dominated the U.S. R&B chart, clinching the #1 position and reinforcing Kool & the Gang's status as one of the era's leading musical forces. The track's success can be attributed not only to its infectious melody but also to the band's ability to engage emotionally with their audience, making it a staple in playlists of both the past and present.As we look back on the legacy of "Joanna," it is clear that the song remains a timeless classic, resonating with new generations while still standing proud in the pantheon of 1980s hits. The blend of heartfelt lyrics, smooth harmonies, and a catchy groove continues to endear it to fans old and new, securing the song's place in music history.I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Q Memors.Radio Music Memories

Podcast Cover by: Gail NoblesKeyboardist: Gail NoblesStory by: Gail NoblesHello, I'm Gail Nobles on Q Memors! And I remember the day when nothing much was going on. That's when I heard Michael Jackson's Billie Jean. It was a few years since I last heard Michael Jackson's music, but his classic hits still popped up on the radio, especially tracks from his "Off the Wall" album. Songs like "Off the Wall" and "Rock With You" seemed to play more than others. My journey with Michael's music has been long, but it really took off in 1983 when I first heard "Billie Jean" from his "Thriller" album. The song had such a smooth beat and bass that I couldn't help but groove to it. As I listened to the beginning, I had a feeling it was Michael Jackson before he even began to sing. His unique sound was unmistakable.When the lyrics kicked in, and he sang, “People always told me be careful what you do,” I was certain it was him. I hurried to grab my little boom box to record the song, only managing to get part of it. I replayed it over and over, enjoying every moment. Back then, radio stations often played longer versions of songs, and everyone was enjoying "Billie Jean," bobbing their heads along to the rhythm. At that time, nobody had seen Michael's famous moonwalk yet.One day, while riding in the car with my parents, I heard "Billie Jean" again, but this time it was a rock band covering it. I asked, “Who’s that singing MJ’s song?” I only heard their version a couple of times, but Michael’s original remained a huge hit. "Billie Jean" soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and quickly became one of his top singles, matching his earlier hits with the Jackson 5.Years went by, and I hadn’t seen Michael perform in a long time. One evening, while watching Casey Kasem on "American Top 10," I was surprised to see a man in a stylish pink shirt with shiny, curly hair. It was Michael Jackson! His look was different; I only remembered him with his Afro from earlier days. I hadn’t seen any of his older music videos like "Rock With You" or "Don’t Stop 'Til You Get Enough," so I didn’t realize how much he had changed. His videos weren’t being aired much like in the days of NTV when music videos were at the forefront of music promotion. It seemed like I had missed the chance to see his older classics..But then I caught a glimpse of his "Billie Jean" video, and it felt magical. The sidewalk lit up as he danced, creating a visual that was unlike anything else I had ever seen.The magic reached its peak during the legendary "Motown 25" special, where he performed "Billie Jean" solo alongside his brothers. That’s when I saw the moonwalk for the first time. It was pure magic! Michael Jackson truly was an icon, bringing a unique style and energy to music that  struck fans everywhere.Radio Music Memories

Story by: Gail NoblesRemember those big silver boomboxes? Some were so heavy you could barely lift them. I once asked a classmate in 5th grade if I could have his boombox. He said yes, but only because he knew I wouldn’t be able to carry it since it was so heavy. I wondered how he managed to move it at all. He wasn’t really going to give up his prized boombox. Before 5th grade, I knew another guy who loved to carry his boombox on the school bus and would blast Kurtis Blow’s popular rap song “The Breaks” back in 1980. The bass was really deep, and I was amazed. It was my first time hearing Kurtis Blow after I had heard the Sugar Hill Gang in 1979. I remember him saying that “Kurtis Blow was better than the Sugar Hill Gang.” He would rap along with Kurtis Blow, his voice booming with the bass. I dreamed of having a big boombox playing that song.I'm Gail Nobles, and you're listening to Q MEMORSRadio Music Memories

Story by: Gail NoblesIn the world of radio, our favorite stations often feel like a comforting friend, playing the soundtracks of our lives. But what happens when these stations go silent? Many listeners have found themselves in a bittersweet situation: searching for airchecks—those recordings showcasing the unique voices and music that once filled the airwaves—but coming up empty-handed. Popular websites and collections, like FM Airchecks and the Internet Archive, might not have what we’re looking for.Some radio stations close their doors without leaving behind any trace, and that absence can feel like a loss. For many, the only reminders of those beloved stations are the cassette tapes they recorded back in the day. If you’re fortunate enough to still have those cassettes, you hold onto cherished memories, reliving special moments tied to your favorite songs.When a station goes off the air, it's not just a building shutting down; it can feel like losing a piece of your past. It’s easy to overlook how crucial these stations were in shaping our love for music. Often, the staff may not realize how deeply their broadcasts touched the hearts of their listeners. They might be too focused on the sadness of shutting down, especially when a new station comes along, capturing the attention of fans with a fresh sound.Yet, when we reflect on those stations that have vanished, we remember the joy they brought us—those unforgettable tracks, late-night talk shows, and the thrill of hearing our favorite songs live on air. It serves as a reminder of why we loved radio in the first place. Who knows? One day, perhaps, our beloved stations will find a way to rise again, bringing back the memories and music we hold dear.I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Q Memors.Radio Music Memories

Photo: Carl LenderUsage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0Story by: Gail NoblesKeyboardist: Gail NoblesHello, Today's topic on Q Memors, "Only You". In today's music news, we're spotlighting the R&B band Commodores and their heartfelt song "Only You." This track is part of their album "Commodores 13," released in 1983 by Motown Records. It managed to climb to No. 8 on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and reached No. 20 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart."Only You" was significant as it marked the first single released after the band's famous member Lionel Richie had departed the group the year before. When I heard it, I listened for Lionel Richie. But there was another guy singing in the group. I recorded the song from radio still thinking of Lionel Richie. Back then, now that I think about it, I must of really liked the sound of the song, and now, I see how beautiful it really is.As time passed, I have come to appreciate the beauty of this love song, which was penned by band member Milan Williams. Interestingly, radio programmers at the time were skeptical about the band's future without Richie. They felt that this track was an attempt to replicate the romantic ballads that Richie had made popular while with the band. This led to limited airplay and promotion for "Only You" as Motown tested the waters regarding the band's marketability.Despite the challenges, the Commodores would go on to have just one more significant hit before they moved on to a different record label. Music evolves and artists can still shine, even in the face of change.Radio Music Memories

Story by: Gail NoblesPodcast Cover by: Gail NoblesIntro: Gail NoblesGood evening, and welcome to our Flashback Feature! Today, we take a journey back to the electric vibes of the 1980s when music was alive with rhythm and unforgettable melodies. One of the hallmark tracks from this vibrant era was “Personality” by the group Dynasty.It's the mid-'80s, and you're enjoying the music from your cassette player boombox. You're listening for the new hits when you hear the catchy tune of "Personality" by Dynasty. The problem is, the DJs, even though they play great songs, often don't share the names of the artists. So, while you love the song, you're not sure who sings it.You grab a blank cassette tape and brace yourself, fingers are over the record button, hoping to capture this musical treasure mid-air. Your heart races as the music envelops you, and in the chaotic scramble to secure a copy of the moment, you’re left with only fragments, desperately hoping for another chance to hear it all again. You sit by your radio, eyes glued to the dial, waiting for a familiar stir of melody. Days slip by, and you excitedly pose the question to friends: “Have you heard ‘Personality’?” They shake their heads, leaving you puzzled. The song, with its captivating rhythm, must be fresh off the block—how is it that your clubbing friends haven’t encountered it on the dance floor?Fast forward to 1986: “Personality” finds its home on Dynasty’s fifth album, *Daydreamin’*. This Los Angeles-based R&B group, masterminded by producer Dick Griffey and Leon Sylvers III, thrived on creating great dance-pop sounds that defined a generation. Their music painted the landscape of late '70s and early '80s R&B, elevating dance halls and living rooms alike with contagious grooves and unforgettable lyrics.Dynasty's ability to connect with listeners, even when names and faces were shrouded in mystery, only added to the allure of songs like “Personality.” It symbolized an era where discovery was often reliant on happenstance and holding your breath in anticipation of a beloved track re-emerging on the airwaves.Today, we celebrate music and memory, and how songs like *Personality*, even heard in fleeting clips, hold a permanent place in the soundtrack of our lives. Stay tuned for more iconic moments in music history right here!I’m Gail Nobles & you’re listening to Q Memors!Radio Music Memories

Story by: Gail NoblesKeyboardist: Gail NoblesVoices: Gail NoblesRoberta Flack Photo: Public Domain Wikipedia Peabo Bryson Photo: Sister CircleUsage: CC BY 3.0 WikipediaI want to take a moment to celebrate radio. In the past, we would simply tune into our favorite stations and we would let the music play. Q Memors would like to refresh your memory. Those were the days filled with beautiful love ballads.Let’s take a trip down memory lane and talk about a classic tune, "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love." This romantic ballad, brought to life by the incredible duo of Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack. Released back in 1983 on their album **Born to Love**, this song quickly became an international hit, and it’s easy to see why!Now, when I think about the love songs we hear today, I can’t help but feel that something’s missing. We used to get these beautiful, sweeping ballads that spoke directly to our feelings. Today’s charts are filled with catchy beats and rapid-fire lyrics, but how many of those songs really make you stop and feel that deep connection? Not many, if you ask me!I'll tell you a little story: When I first heard "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" as a kid, I had no idea about the complexities of love and relationships. I was just a young one, still figuring out the world. But there was something about that melody and those voices that just made me freeze. It was as if the music flowed right into my soul. I could feel the emotions in every note, and I instinctively knew this was a love ballad that deserved my full attention.The way Peabo and Roberta sang together created this beautiful harmony that felt like an embrace. It made everything else fade away, at least for a little while. That’s what we need more of today in music—songs that have that timeless quality, that ability to draw you in and wrap you up in feelings of love and connection.So here’s to "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" and to all the romantic ballads that remind us of the power of love and music. Let’s hope that new artists can tap into that magic with new songs and bring back those classic vibes, because at the end of the day, we could all use a little more love in our listening.You're listening to Q Memors. I'm your host Gail Nobles. Have a wonderful day.Radio Music Memories

Matthew Ward Photo David Ball - Original work Wikipedia CC BY 2.5Donna Summer Photo: Wikipedia Public DomainKeyboardist: Gail NoblesStory by: Gail NoblesBack in 1983, when I first caught wind of that magical duet between Donna Summer and Matthew Ward, my mind was racing! I heard that gorgeous, soulful voice, and I thought, "No way! That’s gotta be Peabo Bryson singing with the Queen of Disco!" After all, Peabo was the king of those smooth ballads back in the day, and you couldn’t help but think of him when you heard those heavenly harmonies.But lo and behold, just today, I finally laid my eyes on Matthew Ward! And boy, was I stunned! I had never seen the guy before, and I was thinking, “Wait a minute, this can’t be right. Is this some kind of mix-up?” But it was no mistake, my friends! It was indeed Matthew Ward, and his voice is absolutely a treasure! A rich, soulful sound that just sweeps you off your feet! And what’s even cooler is that he’s also known for his Contemporary Christian Music—talk about versatility!Now, if you don’t know the tune "Love Has a Mind of Its Own," let me give you the scoop. It comes from Donna Summer’s album **She Works Hard for the Money** and was released in December 1983 as the third single. The magic is really in the collaboration—though Matthew didn't get credited on the sleeve, he brought a special magic to this ballad, and it surely resonates with the heart.The song itself made a splash on the charts! It peaked at number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 35 on the R&B chart, and hit number 19 on the Adult Contemporary chart! It lingered on the charts 12 weeks.So, whether you thought it was Peabo or not, there’s no denying the brilliance of Donna Summer and Matthew Ward together. It’s a duet that reminds us just how beautiful love and music can be—each note bringing us together in harmony.I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening.Radio Music Memories

Story by: Gail NobesPhoto: Efields1 - Own workUsage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0Let’s take a little trip back to the early '80s when Richard Dimples Fields graced the airwaves with his inspiring tune, "Don’t Ever Stop Chasing Your Dreams." This song wasn’t just a catchy melody; it was packed with wisdom.In the song, Richard shares some powerful thoughts, reminding us that a wise man builds his house on a strong foundation, like a rock, while a foolish man builds on sandy ground. This metaphor tells us to lay a solid groundwork in our lives, to chase our dreams, and to stay true to what really matters.The chorus is a catchy call to action: "Don’t ever stop chasing your dreams. Things aren’t always as bad as they seem." It’s like a warm hug for anyone feeling down, encouraging us to keep pushing forward and believing in ourselves.What’s interesting about this record is that it has a unique vibe. It felt like a demo at first, with real conversations intwined into the music. There’s a touching moment with a little boy who seems to be Richard’s son, adding a personal touch that makes the song even more beautiful. With those heartfelt elements, it wasn't just a song—it was a message of hope and perseverance.Radio Music Memories

Photo: Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.comWikipedia: CC BY-SA 2.0Intro keyboardist and Vocals by: Gail NoblesStory by: Gail NoblesToday’s topic is LL Cool J who brought us some unforgettable memories with his hit “I Need Love.”On the radio, I was hearing remixes in the 1980’s. Rap mixes within rap mixes with fast tempo and beats. Voices were proud and boastful. And one night, just out of the blue I heard the most beautiful catchy tune that was unusual for a rap. The slow keyboard sound caught my ear and then the beat dropped. It was LL Cool J with his rap hit: I Need Love. I was in high school. The song quickly became popular. Some boys in class would get together to write down the words and say the rhyme using their desk in class for a drum while the teacher was out of the class. Girls sat to listen. The rap was loved. It was different than any rap ever heard. It was about love. One night, I was at home listening to the disc jockey live on the radio playing the song at the roller skating rink. More and more people were entering in there as that song was played. I thought a fight would soon break out, but there was no way I was expecting that at the moment they played LL Cool J hearing the words “I Need Love”.Soon, after hearing the rap being played on the radio, I saw LL Cool J’s music video featuring a girl sitting on the bed, crying and heartbroken, as LL walked away. Many girls in the crowd were screaming, reaching out for him, but LL was growing tired of that kind of life. The heartbroken girl still loved LL, but her feelings were hurt by her father’s disapproval, as he snatched her picture of him off the wall. My eyes were glued to the television as I waited to see what would happen next. The next thing I knew, the girl reached LL Cool J through the crowd, and they were back together again. After watching the video, I understood the deeper meaning of the rap."I Need Love" is the second song released from LL Cool J's album called Bigger and Deffer. It shot to number 1 on the Hot Black Singles chart and hit number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song was also one of the first rap hits to get popular in the UK, reaching number 8 on the UK Singles Chart. In 1988, it won a Soul Train Music Award for Best Rap Single.I i’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Q Memors - a show about music radio memories.Radio Music Memories

Photo: Penni Gladstone, Los Angeles Times -Usage: Wikipedia CC BY 4.0Intro by: Gail NoblesWelcome to Q Memors, where we celebrate the golden days of radio and relive the classics that defined our listening experience. Today, I'm thrilled to share a timeless favorite: ‘You Are’ by Lionel Richie. This song brings back memories and ignites that special longing we all cherish from the good old radio days. Let’s take a moment to enjoy the magic of this classic together!”Where were you when you first heard Lionel Richie’s “You Are”. I guess it was my elementary school days when I heard it and the moment the sound hit my ears. I knew we had a hit on our hands. Richie comes in smooth like butter back by harmonies from the singers. Right now, I can feel the vibe. The groove with the bass, drums, guitar and keys setting the stage. Then the chorus drops with that fiery beat, horns, and the rhythm taking us higher. That’s how you know it’s a timeless jam.“You Are!” Dropped as a single back in ’83, this song was penned by the talented Richie and his then-wife, Brenda. It’s featured on his self-titled debut solo album, which hit the scene in ’82!  “You Are” soared to the top five on not one, not two, but THREE major Billboard charts! I still remember catching a glimpse of that video on America’s Top 10—totally made me fall in love with the song even more!  I actually purchased the single, and I found the record sleeve to be fantastic, showcasing a picture of Lionel Richie on the cover. Those were the golden days of music.You’re listening to Q Memors. A show about music radio memories. Today’s topic: Lionel Richie “You Are”.Radio Music Memories