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From The Desk Of Sam Phillips: Harry Belafonte’s “Sing Your Song”

SamPhillipsLogoOver the last 30 years, Sam Phillips has had one of the more unusual and varied careers in what can broadly be called pop music. Her first success came in the early ’80s via contemporary Christian music, under the name Leslie Phillips; she was, regrettably, marketed as “the Christian Cyndi Lauper.” Flash forward to 2013, and the alternative Lauper-less sounding artist is self-issuing Push Any Button, her first physical release of new material in seven years. It’s not a radical change in style, but it’s livelier and more fun than anything she’s done since her Virgin era. Many of the 10 songs contain hints of that intersection of rockabilly and country that the other Sam Phillips made his name with, and some include almost countrypolitan string arrangements. Phillips will be guest editing on magnetmagazine.com all this week. It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that her prose and reflections are just as interesting and evocative as her songwriting. Read our bran new feature on her.

HarryBelafonte

Phillips: My parents had Harry‘s records, and I grew up listening to him but didn’t know his story until I saw this film. He is now one of my heroes. This is not only a wonderful music documentary, but an important story in American history as well. Harry is a national treasure, and this film would be a delightful addition to any school curriculum. Do you get the feeling that I like this movie? I could go on and on, but I will stop here. I think I might watch it again tonight …

Video after the jump.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpNk860pTO4

2 replies on “From The Desk Of Sam Phillips: Harry Belafonte’s “Sing Your Song””

I could not agree more. Mr. Belfonte is an American treasure and continues to be. A strong voice of wisdom. We need more like him. People not afraid to speak their mind when it comes to inequality, prejudice and to stand up strong, determined, even though everyone else may be sitting down.

I too grew up listening Mr. Belafonte. I have always considered his voice to be one of the most beautiful male voices ever; certainly one of the most beautiful I have ever heard. Listen to his vinyl album “Love Is A Gentle Thing” (if you can find it) and be prepared to be stunned. And, although I am not a Christian, his song “Take My Mother Home” (the studio version) is one of the most bone-chilling ever. Simply put, he IS the man.

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