Toshi Reagon and BIGLovely
Photos by Bernie DeChant
Remembering
Michael Jackson 1958-2009
The first voice I remember trying to sing like. I still hear him in my singing today.
The first Big concert I ever saw – Jackson 5 Atlanta, Georgia. I think 1970 or 71 (thank you mom). Screaming girls everywhere—it was so frustrating—you couldn’t hear the music.
Michael totally in control of the stage in every way. I have never seen or heard anyone else be so good as a child.
So good a singer, dancer, on stage with 4 brothers and a backing band of grown men and he is the best musician on the stage.
Almost 40 years later he is gone.
I feel like I feel when one of my teachers die. I have the gift of their teachings but I’m never ready to see them leave the planet.
One of the best things about Michael’s music is how well it is known.
An instant gathering on the dance floor—a spontaneous singalong in a stairwell—Grandma and baby sis dancing at the same time to a familiar tune.
A continuous soundtrack for life. A global superstar–Rest In Peace, MJ.
- A Star Idolized and Haunted, Michael Jackson Dies at 50—NYTimes.com
- Michael Jackson’s Untimely Death at the Age of 50—theroot.com
- Remembering Michael Jackson, “King Of Pop”: NPR Music
- Deepak Chopra: A Tribute to My Friend, Michael Jackson
Read about Toshi’s past Cool Persons… Want something to think about?
Don’t miss:
Toshi in a segment called The Traveling Church of Toshi Reagon from the DISH Network. (aired September 17, 2008)
Written word
Toshi is a featured artist in the book I Got Thunder: Black Women Songwriters On Their Craft edited by LaShonda Katrice Barnett (Thunder's Mouth Press/Da Capo Press, New York, Oct. 2007)
This book features many of today's most important women songwriters: Abbey Lincoln, Angelique Kidjo, Brenda Russell, Chaka Khan, Dianne Reeves, Dionne Warwick, Joan Armatrading, Miriam Makeba, Narissa Bond, Nina Simone, Nona Hendryx, Odetta, Oleta Adams, Pamela Means, Patti Cathcart Andress (of Tuck & Patti), Shemekia Copeland, Shirley Caesar, Tokunbo Akinro, Toshi Reagon, and Tramaine Hawkins.
Toshi on Tour!
Don’t miss Toshi’s only show of the summer
- JULY, 2009
- Thu: 2 @ Noon-2:00 p.m.
Only Show of the Summer!
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
TOSHI REAGON AND BIGLovely at BAM Rhythm &#amp; Blues Festival at Metrotech
MetroTech Commons, between Flatbush Avenue and Jay Street
Stage in Commons area between Tech Place and Myrtle Promenade - OCTOBER 2009
- Sat: 3 @ 9 p.m.
Joe’s Pub 425 Lafayette Street, New York City
Tickets: 212-967-7555 or online | Table Reservations/Seating: 212-539-8778 - Sun: 4 @ 7 p.m.
Joe’s Pub 425 Lafayette Street, New York City
Tickets: 212-967-7555 or online | Table Reservations/Seating: 212-539-8778
Check out Toshi on YouTube and My Space too.
Original score now available:
We become, the new work by LAVA with music and text by Toshi Reagon. Buy We become from Goldenrod Music.
Read more about LavaLove.
Special price before nationwide release:
Get a pre-release copy of Toshi’s new CD, UNTIL WE’RE DONE – a Celebration of Love, Lust and Rock-Roll, at live shows and at Goldenrod Music.
“You Are The Only One”
Just one of a million brilliant moments at the post-election show, November 9, 2009, Joe’s Pub, NYC.
Filmed by J.Bob Alotta