Local Voices on Front Row Center Icons
We asked local musicians, DJs, and photographers to share their thoughts about Front Row Center: Icons of Rock, Blues and Soul, on view at the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts through May 1, 2021.
Kristin Neville
B.B. King: I met BB when my husband Charles and his brothers (The Neville Brothers) were on a tour with him in the early 2000s. Charles’s connection to him went way back to when he was 17 or 18 and was stationed in Memphis, in the Navy. He met BB on Beale St. and ended up going out on the road with his band, and went AWOL from the Navy. I remember Charles talking about how BB called to talk with his mother to let her know that he was taking good care of her son. He struck me as a kind and gracious man, who gave his all to the music. He was also very sweet to our son Khalif when we met and gave him one of his guitar picks. Khalif was only about six years old, but at that time was trying to learn how to play a small guitar. This gift from BB was very inspiring to Khalif and he used that pick to play. A couple of years later, Khalif named his pet snake, BB the King Snake:)
Jimi Hendrix: As a blues musician, Jimi took the blues and rock ‘n’ roll to an entirely new space and experience, while reinforcing rock’s origins in Black music. When my husband Charles lived in NYC in the late 1960s, he played with John Hammond Jr. at the Gaslight Lounge on MacDougal Street in the Village. Jimi was playing right across the street at the same time and would sometimes come to sit in with them. I guess Charles was at the right place at the right time…part of something amazing unfolding musically and culturally, and witness to an incredible talent emerging. Two kindred hippie spirits…
Kristin Neville
Guest Curator, Horn Man: The Life and Musical Legacy of Charles Neville
Now on view at the Wood Museum of Springfield History
Hector El Nene
I think that it’s great that we are celebrating the life of these legends, Especially Lauryn Hill, Who I’ve always been a fan of growing up, I love her style, delivery, her versatility and soulful sound, She was and still is the true definition of a complete artist, I love music, We all do!, So let’s do more events like these to keep music legends like these alive for the new generation and beyond.
Hector El Nene
“Sal Pa’ Fuera Show” On Bomba Radio
Monday-Friday, 2 pm-7 pm
Lisa Quiñones
I love this photo of Van Halen at the Cow Palace in 1984. It’s a perfect visualization of the unity, connection and shared euphoria of musicians and their fans in a live music setting. It viscerally captures the energy rushing through them all, passing from the outstretched hands of the fans and soaring up through the instruments and the musicians. The way the band is lit it’s like they’re glowing from all the energy swirling through the crowd. There’s nothing quite like being in the crush of fans, singing songs you know by heart side by side with your favorite musicians. It’s magic, and this photo brings that feeling to life.
Lisa Quiñones
Lisa Quiñones Photography
Andrew Cade
B.B. King is the epitome of the Blues genre. When I think of Blues, B.B. King’s name appears. His music resonates with me because his music conveyed the narrative that many relationships were encountering during difficult and good times in the South. He was a great vocalist, harmonica player and one of the best blues guitarist that I have heard.
The first time that I heard Lauryn Hill sing was when she was featured in Sister Act 2. I knew she was something special and unique. I later followed her and became a huge fan of the band, The Fugees. I remember playing her hit Killing Me Softly over and over again. Her vocal ability was unique and different and her rap lyrics were clean, fresh and positive. Hopefully, her new project will be released soon.
Andrew Cade
WTTC 90.7 FM
David Molnar
The photographic collection of live performances transports the viewer back to a time when rock ‘n’ roll was much younger. Back to the music halls and small venues allowing us to witness in black and white photographs some of the most outstanding performers in music history.
Hulst’s images capture the raw, emotional power of their live performances but also reminds us of the proverb that a flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long.
David Molnar
Photographer
Media Sponsor: Full Power Radio
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