Today commemorates the 47th Anniversary Of Martin Luther Kings “I Have A Dream” speech in 1963. In acknowledgment of that historical speech I share with you three clips. The entire MLK speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and two songs inspired by the words of Martin Luther King.

Martin Luther King – I Have A Dream – August 28, 1963

Common – I Have A Dream

Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions – People Get Ready

More At: MLK Online

As summer winds down and we edge ever closer to Labor Day and the formal start of another school year it’s natural that thoughts drift to memories of summers past. For me, the memory of summers past are ignited simply by watching Grease — the perennial summer film. The movie represents nostalgia for summers that never were and for an era that never was.

And yet – as I watch and listen to the now classic songs I smile and long for those long lost days.

Summer love & innocence. Long since gone and immortalized forever, via the 1978 film Grease, starring John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John.

Summer Nights – Featuring John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John

Hopelessly Devoted To You – Olivia Newton-John

You’re The One That I Want – John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John

This post pays tribute and praise to one of the greatest groups to come out of the Stax Records era of soul gospel — The Rance Allen Group. I discovered The Rance Allen Group a few years ago via The Wattstax Concert Film. Since then, I’ve enjoyed listening to, & watching, the soulful singing of the group’s leader Rance Allen. As you’ll see from the video clips below, his soulful devotion shines through every performance & his singing stands among the most powerful in contemporary soul gospel music.

From Wikipedia:

The Rance Allen Group was formed by vocalist, guitarist, pianist, and songwriter Rance Allen (b. Monroe, Michigan) with his brothers Tom (drums) and Steve (bass guitar); another brother, Esau (percussionist), joined the group on an intermittent basis. During an appearance at a gospel talent contest in Detroit, Michigan, they came to the attention of one of the judges, record promoter Dave Clark, who worked for Stax Records. The group was the first to be signed to the Stax imprint Gospel Truth, and they recorded for the Stax organization throughout the 1970s.

Rance Allen Group – There’s Gonna Be A Showdown

Rance Allen Group – Lying On The Truth – Wattstax, 1972

Rance Allen Group featuring Kirk Franklin – Something About The Name Jesus