Sunday, May 27, 2007

More music

Somehow I got onto a gospel kick. And I have a day off.

Deal, kids.

Anyone in the U.S. who is of "my age" will remember Star Search. Sort of a 1980's low-tech version of American Idol, with different categories such as vocalists and fashion models (yes, seriously - there was a Star Search Spokesmodel category ... I ain't always proud of the 80's, but we did what we could ... ). The first Male Vocalist winner was Sam Harris, who was a bit of an anomaly - white boy, sang Motown, eventually confirmed what everyone knew by coming out as gay. I admit to owning a few of his albums back in the 80's (he is cute, after all), but really didn't like his over-the-top versions, preferring his voice when he remained more subtle. But, I gained more and more respect for him later on, when he started performing in (and winning many awards for his roles in) Broadway shows - and when he came out.

This video was done the week after September 11. He appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show singing "Precious Lord" and "You'll Never Walk Alone". The boy has talent. And knowing that we all remember what that time was like, you'll understand how breathtaking this was back then.

Worth watching.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

if your in a gospel mood, you gotta check out the blind boys of alabama... a bunch of, yes - blind boys, natch, men really - amazing gospel singers. start with the cd higher ground.

after that, just work some mavis staples - you can't go wrong.

Matt said...

Kyle, thanks - don't know the Blind Boys, but just listened to a clip - so cool.

Love to hear more of Mavis Staples!

Anonymous said...

You and Scott are just in musical moods lately, aren't you? You're both putting some great stuff out there for our consumption.

Hey, family picnic today, but Mark wasn't there. I was looking forward to seeing him, but it was a much smaller group today (which was fine for me, I knew everyone's name!) Take care, cuz! Love you always!

A Lewis said...

I really dig those songs...and definitely remember Star Search. We must be close to "that age"!

Kevin said...

But did you see him on the TV show "The Class?" He's playing the BIGGEST queen in the world ...

(although his part ... and that of his wife -- yes, wife -- were diminished/eliminated after a few episodes)

and Star Search ... what's that? I must be far too young to remember that show ... yup ... no recollection whatsoever about Ed McMahon or anything ...

Anonymous said...

Kevin, the wife was "eliminated" from the show, not Sam. And "Perry" was in the show all the way to the last episode. You might find this funny... myspace.com/perrypearl

He's still alive!

DEREK said...

enjoyed this, I was a big Sam fan back in the day too, glad to see he's still around, I think he sounds even better now.