Will Downing in 'Classique' Form

July 24, 2009

With more than 21 years in the business, Will Downing's new album, Classique, finds him only adding to his considerable allure.

The Music in Spike’s Message

Twenty years later, what does it mean to Do The Right Thing?

Black Men And Baseball

My father loved the game partly because his generation of black ballplayers hinted at what racial equality might look like in America.

Black Radio Doesn't Deserve Our Help

Why should we run to black radio’s defense when it has failed black communities so terribly?

The Return of Leela James

Let’s Do It Again is James’ collection of 11 classic soul and R&B songs. And it says more about her stature than any amount of record sales ever could.

The Secrets of Bobby Womack

Now that the last “soul man” has been honored by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, he can finally put his demons behind him.

The Living Link That Expired

Black intellectuals remember the late John Hope Franklin, the courtly gentleman scholar who connected generations of black thought.

What Ever Happened to Dionne Farris?

The crooner who stole Arrested Development’s track nearly 20 years ago is back—on the Internet. While you’re reuniting with Farris, check out the new crop of black female artists who are keeping soul music honest.

Katrina’s Second Line

With the help of its Oscar nod, the Katrina doc Trouble the Water has brazenly summoned the voices and spirits of those—who by force or choice—have not returned since the hurricane.

Woman to Woman

The Fantasia/Jennifer Hudson duet is not just a catfight on wax. It's part of a long tradition of soul singers venting about their man.