FCN 03/20/2001

Muhammad Inside Music

Gifts from the queens of soul
The latest offerings from
Freda Payne, Natalie Cole and Gladys Knight

by Donald Muhammad
Contributing Editor

With the controversial Grammy Awards behind us, three bold and beautiful Black women have released compelling music, movies and books, which prove at no limit of time that you don�t have to be filthy to make money.

During the Grammy Awards broadcast in late February, numerous Black female multimillionaires paraded across the stage, in most instances, without the agency of a costume befitting the "co-owner of the universe." Meanwhile, Freda Payne, Natalie Cole and Gladys Knight, three glamorous and talented superstars, have demonstrated by their success that there is a better way towards achieving fame and fortune.

Freda Payne�s "Come See About Me" on the Volt label stands out as just one example of an excellent marriage, if you will, between a fine singing voice and a glamorous on-stage presence. Her title tune, a major hit originally recorded by the legendary Supremes, along with 10 other strong songs demonstrate how romantic music can be as compelling without detailed descriptions of the sacred family responsibility of human reproduction, and I cleaned that up!

"I�m doing pop, jazz and R&B," she disclosed in a press statement. "This album encompasses all three of those spectrums."

Her long-time fans will be pleased to know that with this album they can still enjoy "Payne with pleasure." That is, Ms. Payne�s singing and accompaniment typifies how this album "represents a part of me I give to you �" she wrote in the liner notes.

"Natalie Cole: Greatest Hits Volume 1" speaks for itself. Ms. Cole, who supported a rally to protest the killing of Oliver X Beasley in 1990, has also recently released her autobiography, "Angel On My Shoulder," (Warner Books) and a TV movie about her life.

Spirituality, the root of all success, according to Ms. Cole, carried her through the hard trials of self-destructive behavior that previously plagued her.

As a daughter of one of the 20th Century�s most popular entertainers, Ms. Cole�s success stands on its own merits, based upon her qualifications as a champion of good taste and delightful entertainment.

Gladys Knight�s release of "At Last" features a remake of one of her classic recordings, "If I Were Your Woman," "Grandma�s Hands" from the Bill Withers� songbook, and "I Said I Lied" a follow-up to her hit, "Neither One Of Us."

Ms. Knight, one of the world�s unique voices, has successfully combined motherhood, creative wit and business acumen in her quest to achieve her spiritual goals. "It�s in His hands," she disclosed to Johnson Publications in a recent interview.

Ahead, entertainment in the year 2001, a Black odyssey, in the aftermath of the greatest Saviours� Day celebration ever, faces new challenges, which bring young Black America full circle with its destiny. "Live free or die" will be the rallying cry for those who "heed the call y�all" by presenting entertainment exhibiting the best of intelligence at all times!

Think. Reflect. Then get up and do. This is The Final Call.

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