IT IS becoming increasingly difficult in this era of hip hop and rap ' to differentiate one artiste from the other in terms of originality and approach. In those days, it was possible to identify an artiste by the nuances of his peculiarities, but there is now the tendency for everybody to sound the same. Where then is the creativity'Four musicians dominated the 70's soul music scene with their distinctive and individual sound identities. While others were singing along conventional melodic progressions that were easily identifiable, men such as Isaac Hayes who was also named 'Black Moses,'Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield and Barry White were winning the hearts of popular music lovers with their innovative styles.Barry white was not necessarily the greatest crooner of the four, but his voice was evidently the biggest, most guttural and natural. After all, he cannot be said to be greater than Curtis Mayfield who endeared himself to his numerous fans, including this writer, with his light weight, falsetto voice. However this is strictly a matter of choice and preference. The point is that Barry White did not need to make any effort at projecting. He just needed to open his mouth and let the words out. And the sound would begin to vibrate, float and reach out with great intensity.I recall the days before the advent of CDs when commercial music was recorded on vinyl. This device made it convenient for tight cues by dee jays. Besides, broadcasters took the pains to play the records before hand in order to regulate and maintain the same acceptable levels on the air. It was only Barry White's music that usually defied sound control and management, almost damaging the programme level metre, which moved with agitation and restlessness beyond set levels as a result of overloading.Popular all over the world and known in all circles as 'The Love Man,' 'The Maestro' ' which indeed, he was, Barry White died in July 2003.He was renowned for postulating new boundaries on the universal language of love. He had a soul of passion, a trait which is evident in everything he recorded. He was an icon.Barry White's music reigned supreme for over 25 years. Inspired in the 60s by the likes of Holland and Dozier, two powerful composers and The Supremes Barry's original vision was to write, arrange and produce music for an all girl group.As far as this endeavour was concerned, he was able to achieve his dream by bringing together an all female group of three singers called Love Unlimited, and featuring his wife, Goldean. Dominated by Goldean's soaring vocals, Love Unlimited broke into the limelight in 1972 with the debut album, From a girl's point of view, we give you which immediately hit gold. The album also included Walking in the rain with the one I love, a single which stood at number 14 on the Billboard single category. This initial success launched him into the business of song writing and music production.Barry White's vocal talent oozed out naturally. He did not even know that he could sing. He was not convinced but was encouraged by people who recognized this talent and he decided to give it a go, along with producing.Barry White's debut album, I've got so much to give lived up to its title and instantly hit gold. It also produced a three star Billboard single, I'm gonna love ya just a little more baby. This song did not only launch him into the competitive soul music scene, but it also put him on the path to success as most of his fans were young girls who were fascinated by his lyrics. They constituted the bulk of the record-buying public.Using his early success as a springboard, Barry White ventured into what were at the time uncharted waters. His lifelong dream had been to write and produce soul music for a full orchestra. But the authorities at his record label, 20th Century Fox, were skeptical. Soul music ' for an orchestra' After some convincing, however, the Love Unlimited Orchestra became a reality. Its debut album, Rhapsody in White struck gold upon release off the strength of a number one Billboard single called, Love's theme.Riding on the crest of his continued success, Barry White went on to record several more gold albums, including Stone Gon, Just another way to say I love you. Barry White sings for some one you love. The man is black and can't get enough which featured two Billboard singles and fan anthem, You are the first, the last, my everything and Can't get enough of your love, Babe.By the end of the 70s, Barry White had produced 22 albums and scored hit singles such as It's Ecstasy when you lay down next time and Let the music play. Pleased with himself, he took 18 months off to rest in 1983.Barry White's music, because of the love theme and romantic nature, was popular at discotheques with lovers who used it for 'smoochies' on the dance floor. This was in the '70s, but the disco era, having faded from prominence and a new mixture of soul and rap having taken its place, Barry found himself a flash-out-of-the-water with the then contemporary music scene. Mixing his traditional soft-souled sound with the signs of the times, he returned to the charts in the mid-80s with hits such as I wanna do it good to ya and Sho You Right.Barry White continued to write and produce remarkably chart-worthy music. His success, Come on and Practice what you preach, which landed at number one on the Billboard R & B chart, combined his early 70s groove sound with a '90's emphasis on lyrics and vocal.His notable songs which are still enjoying some popularity on the evergreen stable include Never, never gonna give up, I'm gonna love you. My Everything, Love Babe, Just the way you are, Down next to me, Your sweetness is my weakness among man others ' which will appeal to the 'old school' who were around in the 70s and the new generation who care to listen.
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