The Bar-Kays: Then and Now
The Bar-Kays, 1978. Back row, from left to right:
Charles Allen, Frank Thompson, Winston Stewart,
James Alexander, Michael Beard and Harvey Henderson.
Front row, left to right:
Lloyd Smith, Larry Dodson, Sherman Guy
and Mark Bynum.
Here's the comment I received from over at Imeem, and it's so good that I imported it:
starr jamz
"Great inside story & reviews Miss !
Yeah , the mighty Bar-Kays are known for their tight shows onstage. So far i wasn't able to visit one unfortunately. The son of James Alexander is also active in the recording-industry , and nick-named himself as Jazze Phae. He releases his own work with the Jack Splash & Plantlife-projects , and he collaborated with rhymer-singer , Cee-Lo Green , as the duo Gnarls Barkley. There's a video on YouTube , where Larry Dodson from the BK´s is interviewed , and he tells they´re doing a cartoon-project with James' son. Another interesting track by Jazze Phae can be found here on Imeem. It´s called "Right Now" and is listed under the group-name "The Heart Attack" or simply "Heart Attack". This jam has definitely an 70's flava , with solid horn-arrangements added to it. And Cee-Lo's voice lifts it all up to the next level ( in my opininion ) ... worth 2 check.
Peace!"
And then my response:
Ms Old School 1:48pm
"Excellent feedback starr, and I thank you from the heart.
I will follow-up on Jazze Phae too--thanks again for the info and comment."
edie
I'll be back with the links..stay tuned!
James Alexander, Michael Beard and Harvey Henderson.
Front row, left to right:
Lloyd Smith, Larry Dodson, Sherman Guy
and Mark Bynum.
The Bar-kays Today
Made of Phalon Jones, James Alexander, Jimmie King, Carl Cunningham, Ronnie Caldwell and Ben Cauley, The original Bar-Kays were the spiritual sons of the Mar-Keys.
I love The Bar-kays and back in the day had all of their albums. When my ex-husband was an air personality at WAWA-AM 1390 here in Milwaukee, he would talk about James Alexander, whom he'd met when he was Program Director at Memphis soul Station/WDIA, all the time. Anyway, I'm in the mood to blog about them today and because of a fantastic comment from one of my readers, will expand on it a bit. Ha ppy Sunday by the way...
"Where there's smoke there is fire," the saying goes. But where there's smoke and fire, it just might be a live performance by a certain funkomaniac group of Memphians who have been setting audiences ablaze for the past three decades. Fire, smoke, vibrant costuming, and even a live, 12 foot Python snake are all just part of what's in store for audiences these days at a typical stage performance by the Barkays. Spontaneity and excitement have been a trademark of the group ever since their inception in the late 60's and today's Barkays have boosted their high-energy act into an even higher gear for the new millennium crowd. An energy that's sure to be equally present on their upcoming new CD. Simply titled "The Real Thing," their first studio album in 7 (seven) years.
The single "You're My Joy," is getting rave revues from radio. While the musical tastes of the fans have evolved many times since the band's origination, the Barkays, have proven no stranger to evolution. Beginning as a house band with Stax Records in Memphis in 1966, their potent, dynamic sound would carry them to a chart-topping perch the very next year with their first smash single, "SOUL FINGER." It was that dynamism that landed them the spot as the backup group for the legendary "soul" singer Otis Redding on his finale, as Redding and four members of the band would perish in a tragic plane accident. The young surviving members, James Alexander and Ben Cauley, then reformed the band, with the help of Allen Jones who became their producer and manager.
In the rebuilding process, there would be no diminishing of the standards of professionalism and showmanship. Among those recruited would be Larry Dodson, who would evolve into not only another pillar of the band (as well as lead singer), but the corner stone of their future. Soon the new Barkays were the premiere house band for Stax Records. Throughout the '70's, they would be backing up some of the most distinguished names in A & B music. However, "The Barkays" ran a string of their own hits pioneering a trail in the "funk" music genre including, "SHAKE YOUR RUMP," "ATTITUDE," "MOVE YOUR BOOGIE BODY," "SEX-O-MATIC," "ANTICIPATION," "HOLY GHOST," "FREAKSHOW ON THE DANCE FLOOR," "HIT AND RUN," "SHE TALKS TO ME WITH HER BODY," "TOO HOT TO STOP,"and many other hit singles. In the late '80's, after over twenty years of the grueling demands, James Alexander left the Barkays. Shortly thereafter, another mainstay producer/manager, Allen Jones, passed away.
The Barkays decided to take a hiatus. It was in 1991, that Alexander and Dodson, along with Harvey Henderson and Winston Stewart, would "evolve" the group once again. They went to great lengths to insure that it retained the freshness and vitality of the original Barkays while adapting the flair and persona of the '90's. "James and I are old pros," says Dodson, "But our band is very youthful. You have to bridge the gap between the old and the new, if you want to reach the people who buy the product. Soon they were back in the studio for another album-48 HOURS on BASIX Music. They broke new ground with the single, "The Slide" which was widely accepted by enthusiastic dance fans and resulted in strong chart action. The Barkays signed with Curb Records and put together one of their tastiest and most zestful albums.
Produced in Memphis by James Alexander and Larry Dodson, Bryan Smith and Kurt Clayton, the CD, which includes the first single, "Everybody Wants That Love" which was loaded with intriguing production, subliminal voices and, of course, "funk" flavor made world famous by the group. With a career total of 27 LP's, including 5 gold and 1 platinum, 37 single releases and 28 Top Ten singles, the Barkays can expect to add to those figures, and expand on their legendary status. Just one more guarantee that the Barkays' name will live on for a long, long time, Barkays music has been sampled in great numbers recently by Hip Hop artist Teddy Riley and rappers like COOLIO and old schoolers like CAMEO, just to name a few.
Currently riding high on the success of their 27th career album entitled "THE REAL THING," and has produced two hit singles "YOU'RE MY JOY" and their new single "WE CAN'T STAY TOGETHER" which features a duet with the diva of soul Shirley Brown. Larry Dodson and James Alexander are also producing other acts for their own record label JEA/RIGHT NOW RECORDS, in their hometown Memphis, Tennessee. After a show stopping performance on the 1997 HBO Sinbad Summer Jam special, the Barkays experienced a boost in their career and continue to funk their way into the year 2004 with a little help from their "Funky friends."
Presently on tour performing to sell out audiences with a brand new power pack elaborate funky show, the Barkays continue to amaze all. To add to their many accolades and achievements, the Barkays were recently requested to join the roster of rock and roll legends by adding garments of their stage wardrobe and a select piece of equipment into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
"Where there's smoke there is fire," the saying goes. But where there's smoke and fire, it just might be a live performance by a certain funkomaniac group of Memphians who have been setting audiences ablaze for the past three decades. Fire, smoke, vibrant costuming, and even a live, 12 foot Python snake are all just part of what's in store for audiences these days at a typical stage performance by the Barkays. Spontaneity and excitement have been a trademark of the group ever since their inception in the late 60's and today's Barkays have boosted their high-energy act into an even higher gear for the new millennium crowd. An energy that's sure to be equally present on their upcoming new CD. Simply titled "The Real Thing," their first studio album in 7 (seven) years.
The single "You're My Joy," is getting rave revues from radio. While the musical tastes of the fans have evolved many times since the band's origination, the Barkays, have proven no stranger to evolution. Beginning as a house band with Stax Records in Memphis in 1966, their potent, dynamic sound would carry them to a chart-topping perch the very next year with their first smash single, "SOUL FINGER." It was that dynamism that landed them the spot as the backup group for the legendary "soul" singer Otis Redding on his finale, as Redding and four members of the band would perish in a tragic plane accident. The young surviving members, James Alexander and Ben Cauley, then reformed the band, with the help of Allen Jones who became their producer and manager.
In the rebuilding process, there would be no diminishing of the standards of professionalism and showmanship. Among those recruited would be Larry Dodson, who would evolve into not only another pillar of the band (as well as lead singer), but the corner stone of their future. Soon the new Barkays were the premiere house band for Stax Records. Throughout the '70's, they would be backing up some of the most distinguished names in A & B music. However, "The Barkays" ran a string of their own hits pioneering a trail in the "funk" music genre including, "SHAKE YOUR RUMP," "ATTITUDE," "MOVE YOUR BOOGIE BODY," "SEX-O-MATIC," "ANTICIPATION," "HOLY GHOST," "FREAKSHOW ON THE DANCE FLOOR," "HIT AND RUN," "SHE TALKS TO ME WITH HER BODY," "TOO HOT TO STOP,"and many other hit singles. In the late '80's, after over twenty years of the grueling demands, James Alexander left the Barkays. Shortly thereafter, another mainstay producer/manager, Allen Jones, passed away.
The Barkays decided to take a hiatus. It was in 1991, that Alexander and Dodson, along with Harvey Henderson and Winston Stewart, would "evolve" the group once again. They went to great lengths to insure that it retained the freshness and vitality of the original Barkays while adapting the flair and persona of the '90's. "James and I are old pros," says Dodson, "But our band is very youthful. You have to bridge the gap between the old and the new, if you want to reach the people who buy the product. Soon they were back in the studio for another album-48 HOURS on BASIX Music. They broke new ground with the single, "The Slide" which was widely accepted by enthusiastic dance fans and resulted in strong chart action. The Barkays signed with Curb Records and put together one of their tastiest and most zestful albums.
Produced in Memphis by James Alexander and Larry Dodson, Bryan Smith and Kurt Clayton, the CD, which includes the first single, "Everybody Wants That Love" which was loaded with intriguing production, subliminal voices and, of course, "funk" flavor made world famous by the group. With a career total of 27 LP's, including 5 gold and 1 platinum, 37 single releases and 28 Top Ten singles, the Barkays can expect to add to those figures, and expand on their legendary status. Just one more guarantee that the Barkays' name will live on for a long, long time, Barkays music has been sampled in great numbers recently by Hip Hop artist Teddy Riley and rappers like COOLIO and old schoolers like CAMEO, just to name a few.
Currently riding high on the success of their 27th career album entitled "THE REAL THING," and has produced two hit singles "YOU'RE MY JOY" and their new single "WE CAN'T STAY TOGETHER" which features a duet with the diva of soul Shirley Brown. Larry Dodson and James Alexander are also producing other acts for their own record label JEA/RIGHT NOW RECORDS, in their hometown Memphis, Tennessee. After a show stopping performance on the 1997 HBO Sinbad Summer Jam special, the Barkays experienced a boost in their career and continue to funk their way into the year 2004 with a little help from their "Funky friends."
Presently on tour performing to sell out audiences with a brand new power pack elaborate funky show, the Barkays continue to amaze all. To add to their many accolades and achievements, the Barkays were recently requested to join the roster of rock and roll legends by adding garments of their stage wardrobe and a select piece of equipment into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Thomas and the kids with James Alexander of The Barkays:Thomas was Program Director at WDIA-Memphis when he met Alexander. He was on the air as Mark Christian at a local station here in Milwaukee-Station WAWA/1390 when they were reunited. Look at Evan!! LOL!!
Here's the comment I received from over at Imeem, and it's so good that I imported it:starr jamz
"Great inside story & reviews Miss !
Yeah , the mighty Bar-Kays are known for their tight shows onstage. So far i wasn't able to visit one unfortunately. The son of James Alexander is also active in the recording-industry , and nick-named himself as Jazze Phae. He releases his own work with the Jack Splash & Plantlife-projects , and he collaborated with rhymer-singer , Cee-Lo Green , as the duo Gnarls Barkley. There's a video on YouTube , where Larry Dodson from the BK´s is interviewed , and he tells they´re doing a cartoon-project with James' son. Another interesting track by Jazze Phae can be found here on Imeem. It´s called "Right Now" and is listed under the group-name "The Heart Attack" or simply "Heart Attack". This jam has definitely an 70's flava , with solid horn-arrangements added to it. And Cee-Lo's voice lifts it all up to the next level ( in my opininion ) ... worth 2 check.
Peace!"
And then my response:
Ms Old School 1:48pm
"Excellent feedback starr, and I thank you from the heart.
I will follow-up on Jazze Phae too--thanks again for the info and comment."
edie
I'll be back with the links..stay tuned!
Comment
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Comment by Edie Antoinette on December 16, 2007 at 7:47pm
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Thomas has pics of the kids with James Alexander's son Phalon, whom he named after one of the original band members that was killed..Phalon Jones. Phalon as you can see above from starr jamz' comment goes by the nickname Jazze Phae. Here's more bio stuff I found too with some interesting facts, like where the name Bar-kays came from:
When a talented group of Memphis musicians became the session group at Stax Records in 1966 (behind Booker T. & The MGs), they did not know they would birth a musical dynasty. Their name was a play on their favorite drink (Bacardi), but audiences would enjoy their funk-ahol for years. Now decades later, the last descendants of the Bar-Kays legacy, Larry Dodson and James Alexander continue to do their mentors proud.
Most of the original members perished in a tragic accident on December 10, 1967. Otis Redding had just selected the group as his backup band. They were on their way to a concert in Madison Wisconsin when their plane crashed into Lake Manona. Redding, his manager, and Bar-Kays members Jimmy King (guitarist), Ronnie Caldwell (organist), Phalon Jones (saxophonist) and (drummer) Carl Cunningham were killed. Trumpeter Ben Cauley survived the crash. Bassist James Alexander missed the plane trying to return a rental car.
When the work of rebuilding was needed Cauley, Alexander, and producer Allen Jones assembled a new lineup. Guitarist Michael Toles, keyboardist Ronnie Gordon, saxophonist Harvey Henderson and drummers Roy Cunningham and Willie Hall were chosen. The new ensemble had a sound much like the previous troupe and they were the house band on numerous Stax/Volt recording sessions, including Isaac Hayes' ground breaking Hot Buttered Soul. But, the group could never find its musical muse, unable to produce a hit on their own. Disheartened, Cunningham and Gordon left the group. When Winston Stewart joined on keyboards, a new direction was discovered as the band entered the 70s.
In 1971, the Bar-Kays debuted their first lead vocalist in Larry Dobson. The album, Black Rock, fused the rock and funk influences of Sly and the Family Stone and Funkadelic to a noteworthy level. In August of 1972, the Stax label sponsored Wattstax, a summer concert series in Watts that included the Staple Singers, Isaac Hayes and most of the Stax roster. The revitalized band was received enthusiastically. Shortly after playing on Isaac Hayes' Academy Award winning soundtrack, Shaft, Cauley and Toles defected to Hayes' back-up band. Trumpeter Scoop Allen and guitarist Vernon Burch replaced them.
The group scored a hit with "Copycat," a take-off on the Jimmi Hendrix hit, "Foxy Lady". They would then musically channel the Shaft hit for "Son of Shaft" in 1972, their first Top Ten R&B hit since "Soul Finger." However while their commercial success faltered again professionally they were fortified. Burch left in 1973 replaced by guitarist Lloyd Smith, drummer Michael Beard and trombonist Frank Thompson. They became more commercial, writing their own material and using more synthesizers. After Stax spiraled into bankruptcy in 1975, the band signed with Mercury and achieved commercial success. Their 1976 album, Too Hot To Stop, was a hit powered by the single, "Shake Your Rump to the Funk." They toured with George Clinton's P-Funk entourage on an extensive tour that summer and established their own brand of Bar-Kay funk. Their first gold record, Flying High on Your Love, came in 1977. Money Talks, a reissue of unreleased Stax material produced another Top Ten Hit, "Holy Ghost," in 1978. With the addition of drummer Sherman Guy and keyboardist Mark Bynum, the Bar-Kays were on a creative hot streak.
In 1979 Injoy single, "Move Your Boogie Body," hit Top Five on the R&B charts. In 1981 the album, Nightcruising spawned standouts "Hit &Run and "Freaky Behavior." In 1982, Propositions saw hits in "Do It (Let Me See You Shake)" and "She Talks With Her Body". During the 1980s, the album As One was their only album not to go gold.
When drummer Sherman Guy and trumpeter Charles Allen left in 1983, the group deftly adapted to the growing influences of the dance era. Their 1984 release Dangerous produced several hits that remain signature Bar-Kay moments: "Freakshow on the Dance Floor", "Dirty Dancer", and "Sex-O-Matic". As the heyday of funk passed, future Bar-Kay releases on Mercury would fall by the wayside. By 1987, Larry Dodson, James Alexander, Harvey Henderson and Winston Stewart were the remaining members struck by tragedy again when longtime producer Allen Jones died of a heart attack. Their last release for Mercury was Animal in 1988. It rendered their final Top Ten single of the decade, "Certified True," their last recording with friend Allen.
Lead singer Larry Dodson and bassist James Alexander rekindled the group for the 1994 album, 48 Hours on the independent Basix label. Their release of The Real Thing in 2003 showed promise for a Bar-Kay resurgence, but received little attention. The 2007 release House Party highlights the best of the unheard gems on the earlier CDs and adds six new tracks that show why the Bar-Kays are still masters of the funk.
A 40-year musical odyssey has taken the Bar-Kays through understudying Booker T & the MGs and ten reincarnations. The Bar-Kays have left an indelible mark on American music. With a career that includes 27 albums (5 gold and 1 platinum), 37 singles (28 in the Top Ten) and an invitation into the Rock'n'roll Hall of Fame, the BAR-KAYS are well ready for musical immortality.
By Arnold W. Stovell
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Comment by Shelley "SoleMann" King on December 16, 2007 at 7:47pm
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Yeah you can tell Pedo don't want to be caught with her shirt showing....LOL
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Birdie got on some little gymshoes that looked like golf shoes sort of and the shirts and matching hats were promo gear that read: WAWA 1390 ..Tre and Pedo covered theirs up..
They were at the State Fair Grounds where The Barkays were also performing on the Main Stage--and they were behind stage. WAWA sponsored the concert.
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What them hats say?
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Can't tell because of his bell bottoms....LOL. What kind of shoes Birdie got on....LOL
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Let me go find that pic...LOL, oh, and pardum moi, but Max had on stacks too...LOL
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I'm sayin..that was too too tragic Sole. It didn't seem real to me when I heard it. As to Max's (my nickname for Thomas because of his front teeth) shirt--he knew he was clean. He was a sharp dresser--but it looks so strange now, like them fly guys and bell bottoms and big crazy lookin naturals! I was in my former best friends wedding with what looks like a top to a pantsuit..SCANDALOUS!! But you couldn't tell me I didn't look fly...shoooot. LOLOL!
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You know i'm loving this and although it was years ago and i was just a child, the death of the original Bar-Kays and Otis Redding bring tears to my eyes....Look at your Ex's Shirt...BWAAAA HAHAH
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