RIP Lynch ( Roger Troutman II ) — Magic Spell 89 R&B Music Video retrorhythms 2026-09-21 | RIP Lynch ( Roger Troutman II ) — Magic Spell 89 R&B Music Video
Tyler Collins 1992 Interview with Donnie Simpson retrorhythms 2024-01-08 | Tyler chatted on Video Soul in advance of her sophomore album.
Loneliness and the Fear of Losing Touch retrorhythms 2023-07-26 | How do you think about forming friendships with people you feel drawn to but know you are only likely to truly connect with for a short period of time? Here are my thoughts.
Justin singing Always the Last to Say Goodbye retrorhythms 2023-07-02 | I've long adored this song recorded by the late Quentin Elias; penned by Ernie Lake, Marjorie Maye, and Robert Graziose. The music was produced by Christian Moeyaert and Ernie Lake.
Saxophonist Jason Jackson — 2023 Interview by Justin Kantor (Excerpts) retrorhythms 2023-05-21 | Listen to portions of my chat with the contemporary jazz sax player who's been making waves the last couple of years with radio hits such as "All the Way," "Groove All Night," and "Workin' It Out." Read the full interview at theurbaninfluencer.com/article/jason-jackson-goes-all-in-with-a-funky-sax-style.
Mayte Garcia — I Dont Care — 1990 R&B Dance Pop retrorhythms 2023-04-09 | One of a handful of songs Mayte cut prior to meeting Prince which were issued after she joined him professionally. She co-wrote the tune with Amri Shroff and the track's producer, Marc Cassandra (aka Peter Ries).
Magazine Collection retrorhythms 2023-03-07 | Perusing a box of mostly music-related mags that I've collected from the '80s through the 2010s.
Josie Aiello — Ready or Not — Unreleased 1986 R&B Boogie Soul retrorhythms 2023-02-18 | A short excerpt of this Frannie Golde/Robert Kraft-composed nugget was played in the background of a scene in the 1986 romcom, 'Seven Minutes in Heaven.' Aiello went on shortly afterward to feature as a vocalist on the 'Starlight Express' soundtrack album. Many thanks to the ever-prolific and uber-talented Franne for sharing and allowing me to share this awesome hidden gem!
Gene Rice 1991 Interview with Donnie Simpson retrorhythms 2023-01-22 | The Maryland-born singer-songwriter chatted on Video Soul about his debut album, 'Just for You,' and first single, "You're Gonna Get Served."
Geraldine Hunt performing Its Over 1984 Hi-NRG / Disco / R&B retrorhythms 2023-01-02 | Rare TV appearance of the late "Can't Fake the Feeling" singer/songwriter's independent '84 single, which she co-penned with producer Peter Dowse.
Justin performing It All Begins With You, 12/16/2022 retrorhythms 2022-12-17 | Song written by Denise Rich, George Lyter, and Michael O'Hara; music produced by Jody Watley.
Walter Christopher 2010 Interview by Justin Kantor (Excerpts) retrorhythms 2022-12-10 | I conducted this interview for SoulMusic.com, but much of the content I wrote for the site during the 2010's cannot be found on the revamped site. So, enjoy some of my chat with this classy soul vocalist known for songs such as "So Amazing" and "Can't Wait."
Tim Owens — Im Hooked — Rare 1991 R&B Video retrorhythms 2022-08-03 | Beginning/ending cut. Tio's first single, which he co-wrote with Frances Deane; produced by Derek Bramble.
Robert Guillaume — Precious Angel — 1984 A/C Soul retrorhythms 2022-04-24 | My favorite cut from the late actor-singer's first LP. Written by Bruce Sudano, Joe Esposito, and Bob Incorvaia; produced by Beau Ray Fleming.
Presenting Sheena Easton 2-CD Reissue: A Private Heaven by Cherry Pop retrorhythms 2022-02-21 | Justin shows and discusses the new 31-track expanded edition of Sheena's 1984 platinum album, featuring her mega-hits "Strut" and "Sugar Walls."
Wendy Moten 1993 Interview with Donnie Simpson retrorhythms 2022-02-02 | Long before 'The Voice,' Wendy chatted on Video Soul in support of her self-titled debut album, featuring the hits "Step by Step," "Come in out of the Rain," and "So Close to Love."
Here and Now — Are You Ready —1994 Video — Hip Hop Acid Jazz R&B retrorhythms 2022-01-02 | Rare first video from Wyatt and Derrick's one and only album.
10 of My Favorite LP Record Covers retrorhythms 2021-09-20 | Albums by Terri Gonzalez, Jesse Green, Imagination, Krystol, Billy Ocean, Diana Ross, Sugar Babes, Tank, and Jane Terry are discussed as I show the covers and give some background information on each LP.
Funky Poets Live — I Only Have Eyes for You : 1994 retrorhythms 2021-09-06 | Paul, Ray, Christian, and Gene on Video Soul giving an a cappella rendition of the Warren/Dubin composition made famous in 1958 by The Flamingos... This song was the third single from the Funky Poets' one and only album, 'True to Life.'
Unboxing: Belinda Carlisle — A Woman & A Man 25th Anniversary Deluxe 3 LP Box Set — Demon Records retrorhythms 2021-08-27 | Liner notes writer Justin Kantor presents Demon's 25th anniversary vinyl box set reissue of Belinda Carlisle's 1996 album, 'A Woman & A Man.' The set includes the original album, plus 17 bonus tracks. Purchase at amzn.to/3sQDzjJ.
Entouch — Drop Dead Gorgeous 1991 R&B / New Jack Swing Video retrorhythms 2021-08-08 | Rare clip for Eric, Free, and Quenton's first single from the group's self-titled '91 album.
Fonda Rae 1995 Interview by Justin Kantor (excerpts) retrorhythms 2021-08-03 | As a teen, I got to converse with Fonda upon the release of her updated version of "Over Like a Fat Rat," for my magazine, 'The Hip Key.' I was a bit nervous, as I didn't know a lot of her history at the time. But since there aren't all that many interviews with her floating around, I thought I'd share this for historical purposes in the interest of longtime fans.
Johnny Mathis 2021 Interview by Justin Kantor for Deniece Williams Box Set (Excerpts) retrorhythms 2021-06-25 | Music journalist Justin Kantor spoke with Johnny Mathis in February for SoulMusic Records' new eight-CD Deniece Williams box set, 'Free: The Columbia/ARC Recordings 1976-1988.' The set features 11 original Niecy albums + a disc of bonus mixes. Justin's historical essay in the accompanying booklet contains quotes from exclusive new interviews with Niecy, Johnny Mathis, Nathan East, Monte Moir, Bill Neale, Greg Mathieson, Michael Jeffries, Diane Warren, and Michele Val Jean. Here are audio excerpts from the phone conversation with Johnny. Full track-listing and details can be found at bit.ly/35uZ3rG. The set can be ordered from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Imports CD's, Dusty Groove, Juno, and many other fine music retailers.
In Memory of Teeny and Chester retrorhythms 2021-05-09 | Set to "Forever" by Bianca featuring Chanté Moore, these pictures and videos are of my beloved late Nanday Conure best friend, Teeny (1996-2021), along with her lifelong friend, my steadfast, late Quaker Parrot soulmate, Chester (1994-2023). I miss you both so much. The song was written by Bongo Bob Smith and Walter Afanasieff. It's one that I often sang with Chester and Teeny and which held very special meaning for us.
Randy Crawford performing Loves Mystery 1994 retrorhythms 2021-02-07 | At the Jazz Open Stuttgart. Song written by Randy with Misha Segal.
Don Newkirk — Small Thing 1991 R&B/New Jack Swing Video retrorhythms 2021-01-31 | From the Livin' Large movie. Written and produced by Newkirk.
Kathie Lee Gifford — We Dont Make Love Anymore (2000) retrorhythms 2020-12-24 | Written by Kathie Lee with producer Phil Galdston, this track is one of a handful of hidden gems from her all too quickly dismissed 'Heart of a Woman' album.
Justin singing The Medicine Song retrorhythms 2020-10-25 | Written by David "Hawk" Wolinski; popularized by Stephanie Mills. Impromptu performance.
Pia Zadora 2020 Interview by Justin Kantor for BlogCritics :: Excerpts retrorhythms 2020-08-15 | Portions of my chat with Pia about her music career, from childhood Broadway plays through the 1980s, on to the present day. Read full interview at blogcritics.org/exclusive-interview-pia-zadora-reflects-on-her-music-career/.
Justin singing Celine Dions If There Was Any Other Way retrorhythms 2020-07-24 | My take on this classic single from her first English-language album penned by Paul Bliss and produced by Christopher Neil.
Classic TV Press Photos, 1949-2005 retrorhythms 2020-07-12 | Sharing and discussing studio publicity photos for TV series from the 1950s, '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, and 2000s.
Lenny Williams 2020 SoulTracks Interview by Justin Kantor (Excerpts) retrorhythms 2020-06-21 | Lenny discusses his first single on Fantasy; his beginnings with Tower of Power; and several chapters of his subsequent solo career in these excerpts. Music journalist Justin Kantor conducted this extensive interview for SoulTracks, which can be read in full at soultracks.com/story-now-then-lenny-williams.
RIP Bonnie Pointer performing More and More 1979 retrorhythms 2020-06-09 | Composed by Donald Baldwin and Jeffrey Bowen, this is my favorite tune of Bonnie's (from her debut self-titled album). Produced by Berry Gordy and Jeffrey Bowen.
Vocal/Guitar Rehearsal ( Words That Arent Spoken ) 2000 @ Berklee retrorhythms 2020-05-28 | My friend who composed (and played on) this asked to not be credited, as she's since gone on to a very accomplished musical career and is a bit humble about her past! But I thank her for allowing me to share this tape, as I love the song and am so glad that I got the chance to sing it. I learned a lot in the process!
Singing Brenda Russells In Over My Heart retrorhythms 2020-05-09 | Justin practicing this underrated gem from Brenda's Soul Talkin' CD. Penned by her with Denise Rich and Mary Unobsky.
5 80s/90s R&B/Pop Albums That Deserved Better Promotion retrorhythms 2020-05-05 | Stacy Earl * Glenn Medeiros * Billy Ocean * Brenda K. Starr * Ruby Turner ... I discuss albums by these artists spanning 1988 to 1993 which had commercial success despite a lack of support from their labels. Parts of the conversation include the absence of promotional videos for hit singles and a shortage of other media focus.
Soul & Funk CD Reissues with liner notes by Justin Kantor retrorhythms 2020-04-14 | Jonathan Butler, Melba Moore, Meli'sa Morgan, Krystol, Pointer Sisters, Average White Band, Donna Summer, Tasha Thomas, Curtis Hairston, Evelyn King, Yvonne Elliman, and Vivian Reed... These are all superb artists whose work has been reissued in recent years by fine labels such as SoulMusic Records, Edsel, and Big Break. I've had the honor of penning historical essays (liner notes) for the accompanying booklets. Here, I discuss both the musical content of these releases and the artists/producers/musicians whom I interviewed for my essays.
Jackson Family Vinyl ( Part 2 : 7 45s ) — Rebbie, Randy, Marlon, La Toya, Jermaine, Janet, Jackie retrorhythms 2020-04-05 | Here are some of the 7" vinyl pieces I've collected on seven of the great Jacksons over the years.
Jackson Family Vinyl :: Jackie, Janet, Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon, Michael, Rebbie retrorhythms 2020-03-30 | Sorry for mistakes; this was done off the cuff. Showing and discussing my 12"/LP collection of the Jacksons' solo efforts (everyone except Tito, for reasons explained).
The Hip Key 90s R&B Rap Review Radio Segment by Justin Kantor :: Tina Moore // The Nonce // M-People retrorhythms 2020-03-16 | Aired on Hampton Roads' 103 Jamz (WOWI), music journalist Justin Kantor's "The Hip Key" was an on-air supplement to the same-named magazine he published from 1992-1996. The mag consisted primarily of album and single reviews (eventually spanning nearly all genres of modern music), while the radio segment focused on R&B and hip-hop releases. This one spotlights Tina Moore's self-titled debut album, as well as a single by The Nonce and M-People's American debut CD.
Phil Hurtt 2019 Interview for Sister Sledge box set by Justin Kantor retrorhythms 2020-03-13 | For SoulMusic Records' 2020 six-CD box set of Sister Sledge's Atco/Cotillion/Atlantic recordings, music journalist Justin Kantor penned a 10,000-word historical essay appearing in the accompanying booklet. This features exclusive new interviews with Kathy Sledge, Alfa Anderson, Nick Mundy, and legendary Philadelphia songwriter-producer Phil Hurtt. Here, he discusses his seminal work with the family quartet in the early '70s before they went on to international fame.
Why Im Supporting Senator Amy Klobuchar in the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary retrorhythms 2020-02-29 | Amy's track record of effectiveness and efficiency is far more impressive than the empty promises of Bernie Sanders, and she has the know-how to get things done quickly on all of the important issues.
Amy Klobuchar, 2020 Democratic Presidential Candidate, in Falls Church, VA (2/28/2020) retrorhythms 2020-02-29 | The Minnesota senator and most promising 2020 Democratic presidential candidate speaks on student loans, climate change, scapegoating, foreign policy, winning elections across party lines, what courage means in modern times, the corona virus, and teamwork at a rally held at the State Theater.
Hon. Michael T. Futrell introducing Amy Klobuchar at 2/28 rally in Falls Church retrorhythms 2020-02-28 | Former Virginia State Delegate Futrell introducing 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, Senator Amy Klobuchar, at her February 28 rally at State Theater in Falls Church! With Amy's opening thanks.
Lisa Taylor — Secrets of the Heart — 1992 R&B Soul Video retrorhythms 2020-01-06 | Lisa sang with Rose Royce before her solo album, and also recorded with Colour Club later in the '90s. This is the title track from her LP, penned by the late Sami McKinney with Michael Dunlap; produced by Sami and the late Robert Brookins.
Maxine Nightingale — Love Tonight — 1986 Pop/Dance retrorhythms 2019-12-15 | Rare track from Maxine's last LP, Cry for Love. Penned by F. Landau/R. Zanelli; produced by Charlie Bravo.
Rude Boys — My Kinda Girl Live Segment on Video LP 1992 retrorhythms 2019-12-01 | As part of the Rude House episode, Joe, Ed, Larry, and Melvin performed the first single from their second album ... written by Gerald LeVert and Edwin Nicholas. Host Madelyne Woods chats for a sec with the guys before they sing.
Melody Stewart — Its a Lady Youre Talking To — 1984 Synth-Pop Dance retrorhythms 2019-08-16 | Title cut from Melody's third album. Produced by John Farley. Written by Farley/Miller.
Justin singing Thank You ( The Cover Girls ) retrorhythms 2019-08-11 | Song written by Andy "Panda" Tripoli, Tony Moran, & Andy Marvel. This beautiful ballad was the second single release from The Cover Girls' 1992 album, 'Here It Is.' I listened to it obsessively that summer. Over 25 years later, it still "shines through." Enjoy!
RIP Colonel Abrams 1992 Interview with Sherry Carter (Part One) retrorhythms 2019-08-01 | I'm sorry that I didn't get this posted during Colonel's lifetime. I hope that fans, friends, and family can enjoy this if they haven't seen it before. This is part of an interview on Video LP promoting his third album, 'About Romance.'
