Needle Drop Record

Author Oliver Cadam once said, “To would-be writers, don't worry about imagination; real-life and human nature will provide you with more shocks and surprises than you could ever conjure in your head. Just look around and observe.”

Ziggy Marley once said, “Reggae has a philosophy, you know? ... It was my dad’s idea that music is supposed to be more than simply about entertainment and making a living, but about being of service as an integral part of the consciousness of the world.”

Celia Cruz once said, “Music is a gift that should be shared with the world.” She also said, "Music has no borders, no nationality. It speaks to everyone." This week's Needle Drop Record embodies both of those philosophies.

After visiting Dr. King's Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Pops Staples said to his kids, “Now if he can preach this, we can sing it. That could be our way of helping towards this movement.” This week's Needle Drop Record finds the lone Staples still standing, still singing for freedom.

Aretha Franklin once said, “We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. It's our basic human right.” Indeed. This week's Needle Drop Record declares that same sentiment in no uncertain terms and they are no less groovy for their efforts.

United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor once said, “The Latina in me is an ember that blazes forever.” And what a fire hers is. This week's Needle Drop Record comes from a Latina artist who burns just as brightly.

Author Ralph Ellison once wrote, “...because jazz finds its very life in an endless improvisation upon traditional materials, the jazzman must lose his identity even as he finds it.”

Surf guitar legend Dick Dale once said, “You know, music is sex. It's a sensual driving mode that affects people, if it's played a certain way.” I'm Kelly McCartney and this week's Needle Drop Record is... I think you'll agree, played a certain way.