Ray Parker Jr.'s 'Unsung'

Recently watched the "Unsung" episode on Ray Parker Jr. Learned stuff about him I never knew, such as that he played guitar for Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan and other artists before starting his solo career. Also didn't know he had a group called Raydio before he went solo. I only knew him as a solo artist growing up.

Funny that one commentator described Ray Parker Jr. as being like "your cool uncle." He's always reminded me of my Uncle Dennis - they look just alike and are around the same age.

Kareem Abdul Jabbar's An Author - Who Knew!

Just listened to Kareem Abdul Jabbar's book "On the Shoulders of Giants: My Journey Through the Harlem Renaissance" on CD, came across it in the library. Very entertaining book with Kareem talking about growing up in Harlem, with guest appearances by the likes of Maya Angelou, actor Avery Brooks and even Billy Crystal talking about the area's rich cultural heritage. A great "read" for Black History Month

Remembering Whitney

Really saddened by Whitney's death.

Some of her favorite songs of mine are lesser-known singles such as "Miracle" from the "I'm Your Baby Tonight" album, "Step By Step" from "The Preacher's Wife" soundtrack and "Try It On My Own" from "Just Whitney."

I thought LL Cool J's opening prayer in her honor at the Grammys and comments about music having the power to heal were classy and on-point. Jennifer Hudson's performance of "I Will Always Love You" was raw and moving.

I thought Whitney was such a fighter that she'd always be around, maybe not topping the charts like she used to but pulling it together enough to have a long career and continue to perform live, make television appearances here and there, maybe even go back to her gospel roots. May she rest in peace.

Rock Hall Inductees

I'm glad the Red Hot Chili Peppers are among the 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Also glad the ceremony will actually be held in Cleveland for the first time in many years.

I've been a Chili Peppers fan for almost 20 years, starting with 1992's "Blood Sugar Sex Magik." That album inspired me to go back and discover some of their older stuff, such as "Mother's Milk." I like that they combine rock with funk and have done collabo's with George Clinton.

Last year I read "Scar Tissue," the autobio by Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kedis. He's done so many crazy things, it's amazing he and the band are still alive and kicking after all these years!

Another 2012 Rock Hall nominee is the late singer/songwriter Laura Nyro. I recently listened to her greatest-hits CD, which my good friend Kim Tolley passed on to me a couple years ago.

I'd always heard Laura Nyro influenced a lot of female artists. I expected her sound to be folkier and jazzier, sort of like Joni Mitchell, considering folky artists like Suzanne Vega who say they were influenced by Nyro. Her sound is more pop than anything and her voice reminds me a lot of Irene Cara. Nyro's music also sounds dated, very 60/70s-specific, not the timeless classic I expected. She does have a dash of soul; I can see why she once worked with Patti LaBelle.

Of the 16 or so songs on Nyro's greatest hits, maybe 2 or 3 I'd listen to again, including "Stoned Soul Picnic," upbeat tune perfect for a cookout or any kind of outdoor gathering.

'Contagion' Is One of Best 2011 Movies

Katy Perry on 'SNL'

Rarely watch "SNL" anymore but caught Katy Perry's hosting gig on Dec. 10. They wasted her outrageous, over-the-top personality on un-funny skits. Was interesting seeing musical guest Robyn, who has transformed from late '90s pop/soul "Show Me Love" incarnation to techno-dance diva.

John Leguizamo: Indie Rocker?

Just watched an interesting low-budget film called "Sueno," a 2005 movie starring John Leguizamo. He plays a budding musician struggling to make it on L.A.'s Latin rock scene. With a hipster haircut that doesn't entirely suit him, Leguizamo sort of resembles a Latin version of John Rzeznik, the lead singer of the Goo Goo Dolls. Elizabeth Pena plays Leguizamo's neighbor, a divorced mom he convinces to join his band as a singer. (She later played his mother in 2008's "Nothing Like the Holidays.")

It's refreshing that this movie shows a side of the Latin community that doesn't involve the usual stereotypes -- drugs, gangs, illegal immigration, etc. As much as I like this movie, it's a bit overly earnest. Some of the dialogue is a bit corny, such as when a beautiful girl Leguizamo's character is pursuing rejects him and he says, "I'm here for you. X marks the spot," which he punctuates by drawing an invisible X over his heart. Also, the plot never really explain why this girl is so resistant to dating him. Whether they end up together in the end, you'll have to see for yourself.

Overall, I'd recommend "Sueno," if for no other reason than for showing minorities in a positive light.
Overal