Episodes

  • The Lost Generation 9:5:24 3.34 PM

    The Lost Generation 9:5:24 3.34 PM
    Sep 5 2024
    Intro by: Gail Nobles
    Ending music by: Gail Nobles
    Story by: Gail Nobles

    Today's topic The Lost Generation. Got to bring back the music. The music of love. A time when music was great with soul and had the sound of smooth harmonies. And I'm thinking of a fabulous group known as the lost generation.

    With their silky vocals and that sweet R&B groove, they brought us tunes that made the world smile. They knew how to stir those emotions sending love notes through the airwaves straight to your heart. It’s time to revive that love music.

    Whether it's their iconic hits or those deep cuts that made you feel like you were floating on a cloud, we owe it to ourselves to bring back the sounds that defined a generation.

    Now let me tell you about the group Lost Generation. The members Lowrell Simon, Fred Simon (brothers),Jesse Dean, Leslie Dean and Larry Brownlee began singing together in 1969. This was after Jesse Dean completed time in the United States Army. Shortly after forming, Lowrell Simon's childhood friend, Gus Redmond (who was by that time promotional head at Brunswick Records), had the group record with producer Carl Davis. The result of these sessions was the single "The Sly, Slick and the Wicked", which became a hit in the US, and whose sales earned Brunswick Records enough profits to buy itself out and dissociate itself from its parent company, Decca Records, that same year. Lowrell Simon was inspired for the song's title by the film title The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

    The group scored a few further hits, and disbanded in 1974. Members Brownlee and Fred Simon later joining Mystique. Lowrell Simon embarked on a successful career as a songwriter and, in the late 70's, a solo artist. Larry Brownlee died in 1978. Fred Simon currently sings bass vocals with The Chi-Lites. Lowrell Simon died in 2018 of multiple health complications.

    They were a group that had great vocal arrangements. They were like a sweet potion blending powerful leads with silky background harmonies that transported you straight to the heart of the soul experience. The band sound was a perfect marriage of passion and skill.

    So as we reminisce about the year 1969, let's not forget The Lost Generation - the torch barriers of soul music keeping the flame alive in an ever-changing musical landscape. I'm Gail Nobles, and you're listening to the Cat Bear.
    Show more Show less
    4 mins
  • Records & Podcasts 8:26:24 1.11 PM

    Records & Podcasts 8:26:24 1.11 PM
    Aug 26 2024
    Hello groovy podcast listeners. It's your host Gail Nobles on the Cat Bear. I've got something that got folks scratching their heads - records and podcast. Now let me break it down for you.
    Picture this: You hear the music from your radio. That's the vibe my friends, but here's the kicker - when it comes to podcasts, we’re throwing those vinyl grooves right out the window. Why? Let me tell you.

    Podcasts all about the spoken word. Imagine a conversation between your favorite host, dishing out stories, news, and laughter. They don't need no crackling vinyl or spinning disc. It's all digital now, screamed right into your ears through the magic of the Internet.

    Next up, the flexibility. In the world of podcasts, we're not limited by the length of a record. Who needs to flip it over? A podcast can take you on an adventure, whether it's a quick 15 minute chat or an epic two hour deep dive. No side A or Side B, just straight up freedom.

    And Hey! Let's not forget about production. Those dreamy sounds you hear in my podcast or crafted with care, mixing in music, sound effects, and all sorts of audio wizardry. Records are just grooves and a slab of wax or a multimedia feast for your ears.

    Just look on the bright side. You got a chance to do something new. I wish I could play a few minutes of a 45 record, but I can't. It's against the podcast rules. While we love the sound of vinyl spinning. podcasts are forging their own path through the airwaves, bringing conversations and stories directly to you. You won't hear those records playing in the background of a podcast. It's all about the magic of technology.

    I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for tuning into the Cat Bear. The podcast sound the podcast way.
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • The Shooting Star Aaliyah 8:23:24 1.54 PM

    The Shooting Star Aaliyah 8:23:24 1.54 PM
    Aug 23 2024
    Story by: Gail Nobles
    Cover art by: Gail Nobles

    We celebrate the sensational sound of a truly captivating Queen of Urban Pop. The one and only Aaliyah. Princes of R&B with a voice that flows like velvet and moves that could mesmerize the hardest of hearts. That's what her song Death of a Playa is all about. Hmm! Hm! Aaliyah was the epitome of cool that brought that sultry blend of R&B and hip-hop straight to the fourth front of our minds and our stereo speakers.

    Born with a gift and an inimitable style. A unique style and different. Aaliyah burst onto the scene like a shooting star lightning up the charts with timeless classics that make you want to groove and sway. Her smooth hypnotic melodies wrap around you like a warm embrace while her infectious spirit uplifts and inspires turning each performance into a magical experience.

    Whether she was enchanting us with one in One in a Million or showing her powerful side with Try Again Aaliyah had a unique ability to connect with her audience, leaving us all yearning for more of her dazzling presence. Just like right now, we wish to see her again. With her signature look, striking confidence, and undeniable talent she stood out from everyone else. She was a trailblazer for generations to come. We see that every day. We see people inspired by her.

    Aaliyah, a star whose light will shine bright and forever echo in the hearts of music lovers everywhere!

    I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening. You can now turn up The Queen’s music and groove.
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • Selena 8:21:24 8.14 PM

    Selena 8:21:24 8.14 PM
    Aug 22 2024
    Intro by: Gail Nobles
    Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain

    So many of Selena's fans are missing her. Her songs still play in the minds and hearts of many.


    Selena Quintanilla is a beloved icon whose music continues to resonate with fans around the world. Her Tejano, pop, and regional music not only showcase her incredible talent, but also her vibrant spirit and culture songs like “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” Como La Flor” and Amor Prohibido remain timeless-timeless classics that evoke nostalgia and emotion. Her legacy continues through her music, and her influence can be seen in many contemporary artists. Fans celebrate her life keeping her memory alive in their hearts.

    Check out Selena Quintanilla 2022 album if you haven't done so already. The album originated in 2011 by Selena's Brother and music producer A.B. Quintanilla who wanted to modernize previously released and unreleased songs recorded by Selena. A.B. was able to de-tune Selena's voice making her sound older than she really was in the original recordings.

    The album is entitled Moonchild Mixes debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard Top Album Sales, including number eight on the Top Latin Albums, number one on the Latin Pop Albums and number two on the Regional Mexican Albums charts with 5000 album equivalent units.

    I'm Gail Nobles. Today's topic Selena.
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • How Patti LaBelle Got Her Stage Name 8:20:24 2.03 PM

    How Patti LaBelle Got Her Stage Name 8:20:24 2.03 PM
    Aug 20 2024
    EXPLANAE MOMENT

    Music Intro by: Gail Nobles
    Photo: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0


    How Patti LaBelle Got her Stage Name is today's topic. I'm Gail Nobles

    Patti LaBelle's real name is Patricia. She said in an interview it was a car dealership in Philadelphia that decided to give her the name Patti LaBelle. It means The Beautiful, and he didn't see the beauty in Pattie. She said he was a lying man.

    Patti said that he had a record label, and his name was Harold B Robinso. He had a studio in the basement of the car dealership. When he saw Patti he said she was too black and too ugly and we know that's not true. Harold said she couldn't do anything, but he heard Patti's voice and found out that she could sing. He was overwhelmed by her voice. And look at Patti now. Beautiful and singing. She started out singing with a group before she went solo. The group was called Patti LaBelle and the Blue Bells.

    You're listening to Explanae Moment. Thank you for listening.
    Show more Show less
    2 mins
  • Stephanie Mills .. Power of Love 8:5:24 2.06 PM

    Stephanie Mills .. Power of Love 8:5:24 2.06 PM
    Aug 6 2024
    Intro by: Gail Nobles
    Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain

    Hello I'm Gail Nobles.Welcome to the show. I Have Learned To Respect the Power of Love is a song that was written by Angela Winbush and Renée Moore, of the singing duo Renée and Angela. It is a song recorded and performed by Stephanie Mills and was the second single released from her 1985 self-titled album. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart, and remained number one for two weeks in May 1986. I Have Learned to Respect the Power of Love was Stephanie’s 16th entry on the chart. The song was one of her most successful in the R&B soul markets.

    I love Stephanie Mills song about the power of love because I can detect something religious when she sings about love. I could also detect that there was also something religious about Never Knew Love Like This Before which was her first release in 1980. It was also a hit song by Stephanie Mills. Both songs were hits and successful.

    I'm Gail Nobles. Today's topic: Stephanie Mills - I've Learned To Respect the Power of Love
    Show more Show less
    2 mins
  • Quincy Jones-Ai No Corrida 7:27:24 8.34 PM

    Quincy Jones-Ai No Corrida 7:27:24 8.34 PM
    Jul 28 2024
    Intro by: Gail Nobles
    Story by: Gail Nobles
    Photo: Canadian Film Centre
    Usage: Wikipedia CC BY 2.0

    Ai No Corrida" is a song by the English singer and multi-instrumentalist Chaz Jankel, written by Jankel and Kenny Young. It was first recorded in 1980 and featured on Chaz Jankel's debut album Chas Jankel for A&M Records.

    Quincy Jones's 1981 recording of the song was a top 30 hit in the United States, and won the Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental and Vocals in 1982.
    When they say Ai No Corrida, Ai (愛) is the Japanese word for "love", while Corrida is the Spanish word for "bullfight".

    Quincy Jones’s 1981 album The Dude yielded the hits “I know Corrida” “Just Once” and “100 Ways” both sung by James Ingram.

    Quincy Jones is a musical genius and widely regarded as one. His career span several decades, and he has made significant contributions to various genres including jazz, pop, and R&B. Jones has produced and arranged music for some of the biggest names in the industry including Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Aretha Frankli. And of course you know his work on albums like MJ's Thriller remains one of the best selling albums of all time.


    I'm Gail Nobles. Today's topic: I know Corrida.
    Show more Show less
    2 mins
  • Shotgun Tom Kelly 7:24:24 7.22 PM

    Shotgun Tom Kelly 7:24:24 7.22 PM
    Jul 24 2024
    Intro by: Gail Nobles
    Photo: Lynda Marrokal
    Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0


    Shotgun Tom Kelly is a radio and television personality, and I like his style. I like how I heard him talk while playing the 60s. I like his voice. He is a radio and television personality. He is a two-time Emmy award winner, Billboard Air Personality of the Year winner, an inductee into the California Music Hall of Fame (2023),and recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

    Born in San Diego, Kelly worked at KDEO, KPRI, KGB, KCBQ, KOGO, KBZS and KFMB-FM[5] before replacing the late Don Steele in the afternoon slot at Los Angeles oldies station KRTH-FM, K-Earth 101. In August 2015, he was taken off the air and became KRTH's "Ambassador," doing personal appearances throughout Southern California. He eventually returned to the air as a weekend host. He exited KRTH in November 2016. In September 2018, he debuted on SiriusXM Satellite Radio's '60s On 6 channel (now known as the 60s Gold channel).

    Shotgun Tom's voice is featured in the motion picture Déjà Vu, starring Denzel Washington, and on America's Most Wanted and Spike TV's 1000 Ways to Die.
    He's a great radio personality star.

    “Yeah we're going up to Massachusetts to hear the Bee Gees song. I love this.” ~ Shotgun Tom Kelly

    I'm Gail Nobles. Today's topic: Shotgun Tom Kelly.
    Show more Show less
    4 mins