On the B-side of the infectiously raucous smash, "Hit the Road, Jack," Ray Charles recorded another tune..."Just read your paperAnd you seeJust exactly what keeps worrying meYeah, you see, the world is in an uproarThe danger zone is everywhere"
Both songs written by "Poet Laureate of the Blues," Percy Mayfield, and recorded by Charles in 1961, the lyrics of "Danger Zone" sadly rings true at this moment, with man's inhumanity to man continuing to be a relevant and haunting refrain. My hope is that as we bear witness to that reality in unprecedented ways in this digital and social media age, the song will serve as a call to action – one that demands we strive for greater love, justice, and peace more fervently than ever before.
This year, we also bid farewell to giants who immeasurably shaped music and culture. Legends like Quincy Jones and Nikki Giovanni transitioned from the earthly plane, joining the rank of ancestors. Jazz royalty Roy Haynes, Benny Golson, and Albert “Tootie” Heath also earned their wings, signaling a poignant reminder that this epoch of musical genius is winding down. These losses also bring urgency to our role as observers and chroniclers of culture. As the originators take their deserved rest, the mantle falls on us to continue their legacy and ensure their art is passed down.
Through it all, some bright moments remained. Beyoncé took on the entire industry, challenged the white imagination through rectifying historical records with her groundbreaking Cowboy Carter. Elevated artistry emerged from the hyper-dramatic intensity of rap beef (Sidebar: “Woke up lookin' for the broccoli / High-key, keep a horn on me, that Kamasi” was the line we didn’t know we needed to end the year, as Kendrick Lamar remains committed to throwing major props to the torchbearers of jazz). And speaking of hip hop, one of the most sampled pianists of all time played on a teeny, Tiny Desk at 84 years young.
As we close out another year, I hope that this list of a few of my favorite things brings you some joy and discovery. Best wishes for a gracious 2025 and I'll see you a little later in the new year with a brand new season of Milestones: Celebrating the Culture podcast. Many, MANY thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast this year. I promise you an exciting 2025 with more great guests and more celebrations.
DOCUMENTARIES
Going To Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project
The Greatest Night In Pop: We Are The World
Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.
Luther: Never Too Much
Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary
Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple
ALBUMS
Charles Lloyd, The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow (Blue Note)
Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter (Parkwood, Columbia)
Kamasi Washington, Fearless Movement (Shoto Mas Inc.)
Kenny Barron, Beyond This Place (Artwork Records)
Doechii, Alligator Bites Never Heal (TDE/Capital)
Willow Smith, Empathogen (Three Six Zero)
Vijay Iyer, Compassion (ECM)
Common + Pete Rock, The Auditorium Vol. 1 (Loma Vista)
Kendrick Lamar, GNX (PGLang/Interscope)
Joel Ross, Nublues (Blue Note)
Aaron Parks, Little Big (Blue Note)
Julius Rodriguez Evergreen (Verve)
Stefon Harris, Sonic Creed II: Life Signs (Motéma)
BOOKS
My Black Country: A Journey Through Country Music's Black Past, Present, and Future by Alice Randall
High and Rising: A Book About De La Soul by Marcus J. Moore
The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Cher: Part One by Cher
Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell by Ann Powers
LOST / PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED ALBUMS
McCoy Tyner & Joe Henderson, Forces Of Nature: Live At Slugs’ (Blue Note)
Roy Hargrove, Grande-Terre (Verve)
Charles Tolliver / Music Inc, Live at the Captain's Cabin (Reel To Real Recordings)
ALBUM MILESTONES MADE IN 2024
Miles Davis, Kind of Blue (1959) | 65th Anniversary
Stevie Wonder, Fulfillingness' First Finale (1974) | 50th Anniversary
Minnie Riperton | Perfect Angel (1974) | 50th Anniversary
Shuggie Otis, Inspiration Information (1974) | 50th Anniversary
Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, Rags to Rufus (1974) | 50th Anniversary
Joni Mitchell, Court and Spark (1974) | 50th Anniversary
Eddie Palmieri, The Sun of Latin Music (1974) | 50th Anniversary
Return to Forever, Where Have I Known You Before (1974) | 50th Anniversary
Quincy Jones, Body Heat (1974) | 50th Anniversary
Joe Pass, Virtuoso (1974) | 50th Anniversary
Sade, Diamond Life (1984) | 40th Anniversary
Tina Turner, Private Dancer (1984) | 40th Anniversary
Prince, Purple Rain (1984) | 40th Anniversary
Run-D.M.C., Run-D.M.C. (1984) | 40th Anniversary
McCoy Tyner, Dimensions (1984) | 40th Anniversary
Jeff Buckley, Grace (1994) | 30th Anniversary
Nas, Illmatic (1994) | 30th Anniversary
John Coltrane, Coltrane's Sound (1964) | 60th Anniversary
Happy New Year + Happy Discovering!
