Episodios

  • Whitney-The Soundtrack of our Spirit 11:14:25 9.39 PM

    Whitney-The Soundtrack of our Spirit 11:14:25 9.39 PM
    Nov 15 2025
    Story by: Gail Nobles
    Song: No Better Love
    Song by: Gal Nobles © 2025
    Photo: Wikipedia
    Usage: Public Domain

    You know, we meet a lot of people, and we hear a lot of stories. But every so often, a voice comes along that seems to exist outside of time, outside of the trends. A voice that doesn't just perform a song, but seems to channel something… universal.

    That was Whitney Houston.

    We’ve been thinking about her lately, about that incredible instrument of a voice and the sheer style she brought to everything she did. And it occurs to me that Whitney’s music and style can… transcend. Long after the news cycles have moved on, her art remains, as powerful and clear as the day it was recorded.

    There’s something about her music that simply… inspires. It pulls something up and out of you. I was thinking about that just the other day, and a melody, a feeling, just floated into my mind. I could hear Whitney singing these words, with that perfect blend of gospel power and pop grace:

    *“There is no better love.*Now, these words came from my mind,*There is no better love.*But I was *hearing* Whitney. *I need you here beside me.**I need you here to guide me.*There is no better love.”

    That’s the mark of a true artist, isn’t it? They become a vessel for our own hopes, our own faith, our own need for connection and guidance. She gave a voice to the feelings we all have but can't always express so beautifully.

    It’s a reminder that the greats never really leave us. Their work becomes a part of our own internal landscape, a soundtrack we can call upon for strength, for comfort, for a moment of pure, unvarnished inspiration.

    And for that… there is no better love.

    I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to the Whitney Soul Podcast.

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    4 m
  • Aaliyah Effect-Hip Hop Minor Key 11:12:25 5.30 PM

    Aaliyah Effect-Hip Hop Minor Key 11:12:25 5.30 PM
    Nov 12 2025
    Story by: Gail Nobles
    Cover Illus. by: Gail Nobles
    Music Intro & Voices by: Gail Nobles

    You see it all the time, the same snapshots of the baby girl, Aaliyah. The same clips, the same sounds. And we spin 'em, don't we? We gotta! We spin 'em to keep the flame burning, to keep that legacy alive and kicking.

    But here's the real scoop, the real gas: it's the *stories* that fuel the fire. Every fan, every kid who ever got a picture with her, has a story. A true story! A thought. An opinion. *That's* the new stuff. That's what keeps her music fresh in our hearts.

    Now, let me lay my own opinion on you. To me, when Aaliyah came on the scene with those crazy beats from Timbaland and Missy, she made hip-hop... *clean*. She made it fun! It was music to bring people together—at the cookout, at the party, on the dance floor. The thought of shooting and killing? Man, that never entered the room to us. She was climbing to the top without all that mess, trying to do something good in music.

    Was she perfect? Come on, now. She was a young girl, finding her way. I'm sure she made some wrong turns. But if you really listened, if you *knew* her through her music, you knew her heart. Her voice told love stories.

    Now I hear some jokers in the back alley saying, "Ah, she couldn't sing like Whitney." Well, knock it off! We only needed one Whitney. Aaliyah was something else—something new, something futuristic. She was cutting-edge! She was making it with *that* voice, the one we all loved. She was mysterious, she didn't have time to show us everything, and maybe some folks didn't deserve to see it.

    But she showed us enough. She brought a new sound, a new style, a new feeling. And that, my friends, is the real story.

    So let's keep the pictures spinning, but let's start sharing the stories, too. That's how we keep her with us.

    This is Gail Nobles, podcast sounding off, and remember... keep spinning the platters that matter. Thank you for listening to the Princess of R&B podcast all about Aaliyah

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    4 m
  • Machine Soul Collective ft. Marli Vox 11:5:25 4.08 PM

    Machine Soul Collective ft. Marli Vox 11:5:25 4.08 PM
    Nov 5 2025
    Photo: Spotify Promo Card
    Story by: Gail Nobles
    Music Intro by: Gail Nobles

    Today’s topic is COMING CLOSER TO YOU by Machine Soul Collective featuring MarlI Vox. You can check out their song on Spotify. For now, let’s kick things off with a brief music intro. I hope you enjoy it.

    Hey there, music lovers! I've got something special to share! Let's talk about the Machine Soul Collective, an electrifying group that fuses human creativity with cutting-edge AI to create mind-blowing music! They’re like the dream team of sound, crafting tunes that go straight to your soul!

    One of their standout tracks is "Coming Closer (To You)," featuring the incredible Marli Vox on vocals. Wow! Marli's voice infuses the song with life and emotion, transporting us to a place of longing. and yearning. The lyrics are dripping with sweet metaphors about love, connection, and the heat of the moment. You know those feelings when you think back on someone special? This song captures that magic perfectly!

    When you listen to it, you'll feel your heart start to groove. The blend of electronic beats and soulful melodies creates an immersive soundscape that’s simply irresistible! Marli Vox brings an ethereal touch that, combined with the Collective's impressive production, creates an atmosphere that lifts your spirit and makes you want to dance!

    The themes are all about connection and longing—feelings we all know too well. The layered production is rich and inviting, pulling you in and wrapping you up in its vibes. It’s an experience!

    So, if you’re ready to get lost in a world of sound that brings you closer to the magic of music, dive into "Coming Closer (To You)" and let the vibes take you on a journey! And hey, keep that music playing—there's always more to explore! What else tickles your ears? Let’s keep the groove going!

    I'm Gail Nobles on the Cat Bear

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    3 m
  • RIFF 11:4:25 2.17 PM

    RIFF 11:4:25 2.17 PM
    Nov 4 2025
    Intro by: Gail Nobles
    Story by: Gail Nobles
    Photo: Spotify Promo

    Riff is from the vibrant city of Paterson, New Jersey. This dynamite a cappella ensemble is bringing the heat and the harmony back into the R&B soul scene!

    Now, let me take you back to the glorious year of 1989 when RIFF made a splash on the big screen in the unforgettable film, *Lean on Me*. You remember that, don’t you? Morgan Freeman as Mr. Clark, the maestro himself, leading the charge to uplift those kids. And who could forget the magic of the ‘Songbirds’ in that bathroom scene? Oh, the tones and the unity of those voices!

    Fast forward to the '90s, and RIFF dropped their sensational self-titled album, showcasing their spectacular sound that mirrors the soulful spirit of the streets! Their hit single "My Heart Is Failing Me" took the charts by storm in 1991, hitting #25 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and ascending all the way to a silky #6 on the Hot R&B Singles chart! Can you feel the energy? With that sweet, smooth groove, this track has unmistakable charm that captivates your heart.

    And let’s not forget about the group’s journey! Three of the original members — Anthony Fuller, Dwayne Jones, and Michael Best — once swayed with Men of Vizion, but they’ve returned to reignite the passion of RIFF! With two new members in the mix, they're back on stage, continuing to amaze audiences with their incredible singing talent. They’re out there crafting new magic and sharing their gifts with the world!

    I’m Gail Nobles! Keep your ears open and your spirits high, because RIFF is here to stay! Whether you’re in Paterson or anywhere else under this big ol' sky, you can count on RIFF to remind you just how powerful and beautiful R&B can be!

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    3 m
  • Aaliyah-New Jack Swing & Modern R&B 10:8:25 6.16 PM

    Aaliyah-New Jack Swing & Modern R&B 10:8:25 6.16 PM
    Oct 8 2025
    Story by: Gail Nobles
    Cover Illus.by: Gail Nobles

    Aaliyah's impact on music is clear, especially when we look at the evolution of a genre called New Jack Swing. This genre first popped up in the late 1980s and became known for mixing R&B with hip-hop. Think of it as music that had catchy beats and a fusion of live instruments with electronic sounds. Teddy Riley was one of the main producers behind this style, and artists like Keith Sweat and Bobby Brown helped bring it into the mainstream.

    Now, let’s talk about Aaliyah. She burst onto the music scene in the early 1990s with her first album, "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number," released in 1994. This album had a sound that was very much inspired by New Jack Swing, blending R&B rhythms with hip-hop elements. While she came a bit later than the initial wave of New Jack Swing, Aaliyah took what had been established and added her own flair. Her style became smoother and more polished, appealing to a whole new generation of fans.

    To give you some context, the movie "New Jack City" came out in 1991, a few years before Aaliyah's debut album. This timeline shows that although Aaliyah didn’t start the New Jack Swing movement, she certainly played a significant role in carrying its influence into the future. Her music helped shape R&B throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, ensuring that the legacy of New Jack Swing continued even after its peak. Aaliyah really connected the dots between the past and a new, contemporary sound, making her a crucial part of that musical journey.

    I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening.

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    4 m
  • Chaka Khan-Tell Me Something Good - 10:2:25 8.13 PM

    Chaka Khan-Tell Me Something Good - 10:2:25 8.13 PM
    Oct 3 2025
    Chaka Khan Photo: The Heart Truth - Chaka Khan in Chris March
    Usage: Wikipedia Public Domain
    Podcast Cover Art By: Gail Nobles
    Story by: Gail Nobles
    Intro by; Gail Nobles

    “Tell Me Something Good” is today’s topic by the fabulous Chaka Khan! You know, when I first heard that iconic song, I was just a baby girl. The chorus grabbed everyone’s attention and made everybody sing along!

    You could feel the vibe change when that part hit. Everybody would chime in, and it felt like a big ol' sing-along party! Back in those days, you didn’t even need to know what Chaka Khan looked like; it was all about the music. My daddy had a stack of 45s, and we would just put them on the turntable, ready to groove. No fancy record covers mattered because all we wanted was to hear the song. We were thankful that we had the music.

    Now, I’ll be honest, sometimes those words were hard to catch. Back then, you didn’t have lyrics printed out or even closed captions on TV! We just listened, felt the music, and let it move us.

    “Tell Me Something Good,” released in 1974, became a massive hit on that AM radio we all loved. It was part of the album "Rags to Rufus," and that funky groove was crafted by none other than Stevie Wonder. You know, it was the first big hit for Rufus, and once Chaka’s voice took center stage, they switched gears and became “Rufus featuring Chaka Khan” for their next album. That song climbed up the charts—hitting number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and even taking the top spot on the Cash Box Top 100 for a week!

    And let’s not forget that funky guitar talk box by Tony Maiden—it was one of the early songs to use it, making it a true standout. So, whenever you hear that classic, just know it’s a celebration of good vibes and great music, and it all started with a little way of asking, “Tell me something good!”

    I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to the Podcast AM Memories.

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    3 m
  • Reflections on Michael Jackson 9:12:25 4.24 PM

    Reflections on Michael Jackson 9:12:25 4.24 PM
    Sep 12 2025
    Story By: Gail Nobles
    Photo: Public Domain Wikipedia

    There's still a lot of talk about Michael Jackson, and I'm not here to gossip. I take what I hear with a grain of salt, but I do pay attention. Recently, I came across a video of Michael on stage with Jay-Z and others. I'm not sure what the full story was. All I saw was him greeting the fans, but he didn’t seem very happy as he walked away. Maybe he was just exhausted. This was at the Summer Jam in 2001, and I'm only just now seeing it. A lot was happening in my own life back then.

    Watching the video, it struck me, and it was strange to me that Michael was on stage with rappers. Michael wasn’t someone who easily mingled with just anyone, and even famous people felt lucky if he acknowledged them. There are rumors that he even distanced himself from his own family. So, when I hear various things about him, I can’t say how many of them are true. I can’t claim to know everything he was dealing with. What might appear one way could very well be something else.

    There must have been a lot going on in Michael’s life for him to be on stage with Jay-Z. It also surprised me to see him beatboxing while watching an interview with Oprah. Rap music had become really popular, and I guess he felt he had to adapt to the changing music scene. But seeing Michael Jackson with rappers and doing beatbox wasn’t the Michael I was used to knowing.

    In the beginning, I wasn’t sure if Michael Jackson really liked rap music. Back in the 80s, during the making of his album *Bad*, there were rumors about him and Quincy Jones. I heard that Michael once said "rap is dead" when Quincy suggested working with the group Run-DMC for that album. This disagreement was one of the reasons they parted ways after the album *Bad*. Michael wanted more control over his music and felt that Quincy didn’t understand the newer trends, like hip hop.

    I was also surprised that Quincy wanted to work with rap music, but then I learned he actually understood street life. And Quincy Jones made a rap record back in 1989 with his Grammy winning album Back on the Block.

    Sometimes, what we read or watch on TV doesn’t show the whole picture. We often only hear part of the story, and what we know may not even be close to everything that's really going on.

    I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to an all-time MJ podcast where MJ stands for Michael Jackson.

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    4 m
  • The Whispers-Mother for My Children 8:30:25 6.21 PM

    The Whispers-Mother for My Children 8:30:25 6.21 PM
    Aug 30 2025
    Intro: Gail Nobles
    Story by: Gail Nobles
    Photo: Derek Cason
    Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

    Alright, let’s groove to this! “A Mother for My Children” by The Whispers is a soulful tune that hits deep, blending that funky vibe with a touch of disco magic. It came out in 1973, a time when music was all about feelings and rhythm.

    Now, the lyrics tell a heartfelt story. Here we have a man who’s feeling pretty lonely, struggling to raise his two kids all by himself. The little ones are asking about their mom, who’s not around anymore. That’s rough! He's doing all the housework and trying to keep it together, but when Mother's Day rolls around, the kids’ questions just make it harder.

    He’s on the search for a new mother figure for his children, someone to fill that gap in their lives. It’s not about wanting any old buddy; he’s looking for a true mother who can bring love and care back into their home.

    The Whispers wrap this heavy message in smooth melodies and funky beats, creating a sound that makes you want to dance while also tugging at your heartstrings. It’s a classic example of how soul and disco can tell deep stories while keeping you moving! So, take a listen—let the rhythm take you away while you reflect on the love and family vibes.

    I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to The Cat Bear.

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    2 m