Black House Black Joy Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

We're celebrating Black Music Month—a time to honor and reflect on the rich tapestry of Black music and its profound impact on our lives, culture, and spirits.

Today, we have a special guest, Musicologist Flisadam Pointer—an accomplished entertainment journalist and author. Flisadam joins our producer to discuss her earliest memories of music and explore the deeply spiritual essence of Black music. She shares insights on Sylvester, our Queer legend, and the undeniable influence of House Music.

This week on the Black House Black Joy podcast, we talk about the history of the criminalization of dance, tracing its roots from jazz cabarets to modern-day raves in the UK.

In honor of Black Music Month, we explore how dancing and public expression are not only beautiful acts but also powerful political statements. Join us as we hear from the insightful voices of WBGO On Air Host Sheila Anderson, Dance Music Scholar Nico Rosario, and Journalist Craig Seymour.

Celebrating Black Music Month allll year:

Subscribe to Craig Seymour's Substack

https://substack.com/@craigspoplife

Listen to China Moses:

https://www.mixcloud.com/TheBoAtPod/china-moses-jazz-adjacent-the-boat-pod-february-2024/
https://www.mixcloud.com/ChinaMosesradio/jazz-adjacent-china-moses-may-2024/

Producer Shayna Wakefield sits down with Tameko Star. They discuss the legacy of Livin' Joy, growing up in Germany, the challenges of claiming your intellectual property in the music business and how she is living her dream singing and working with young people. Tameko Star is a Euro dance singer, songwriter and lead singer of Livin' Joy's iconic top 10 hits, “Don’t Stop Movin’”, “Follow the Rules”, “Where Can I Find Love” and cover of "Dreamer' releases new single entitled, “Something Beautiful”. The first single off of her forthcoming 2023 EP. Follow Tameko:www.tamekostar.comwww.instagram.com/tamekostarwww.Facebook.com/tamekostar1New single ‘Something Beautiful’ out now: https://hypeddit.com/tamekostar/somethingbeautiful Livin' Joy are an Italian and American Eurodance group who released various successful hits during the mid-1990s, including "Dreamer", "Don't Stop Movin'", "Follow the Rules" and “Where Can I Find Love”.[1] The group consists of American singer Tameko Star,[ and Italian brothers Paolo and Gianni Visnadi

Get to know DJ Beloved! He is one of New Jersey's most sizzling DJs, who has revolutionized the music industry with his remixes. We delve into the mind of DJ Beloved, whose exceptional remix of Tamar Braxton's sensational hit, "Love and War," catapulted his music to international acclaim, resonating with audiences worldwide. Additionally, his infectious remix of Tank's electrifying anthem, "When We," continues to ignite dance floors with its irresistible beats. Unveiling the essence of DJ Beloved's success, this interview unearths his dedication to fostering a vibrant community and shaping a legacy of DJs for the next generation.

DJ Beloved shares his invaluable insights into the significance of unity and nurturing budding talent, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. Join us on this extraordinary journey as we uncover the passion, vision, and unrivaled artistry of DJ Beloved, an icon who has redefined the boundaries of musical brilliance. Here is how you can find DJ Beloved: https://www.facebook.com/thdjbeloved www.Instagram.com/TheDJBeloved www.Twitter.com/TheDJBeloved https://belovedpresentsmusic.bandcamp.com/

In this episode, we begin with UK artist DJ Shy One who explains the technical aspects of turntablism and the creative process of including jazz in her House Music sets. Black House Black Joy producer Shayna Wakefield and WBGO radio host Sheila Anderson, unpack the history of jazz in mainstream culture and its historical parallels to House music as a radical Black music tradition. Dr. Jasmine Henry speaks about the struggles of higher education institutions not accepting electronic music as Black music and how she found purpose and comfort when she places Jersey Club at the center of her research.

Our storytellers take us on a journey ranging from the allure of Club Zanzibar, the captivating art of vogue, the sacredness of the dance floor as a place of worship, the profound legacy of disco, and of course to the vibrant city of Newark. Storytellers in the order of appearance: Jamara Wakefield Craig Seymour Pucci Revlon Donald Ransom Shayna Wakefield Ricky Tucker DJ Millie Millz Photography by Cano El Nene Model: House Music dancer Sha-Nae Nicole

Kym Mazelle  is a pioneer of house music in the United Kingdom and Europe.] She is credited as "The First Lady of House Music In 1990, Mazelle joined the British music group Soul II Soul. Her lead vocals on the single "Missing You" on their second album Vol. II: 1990 – A New Decade achieved major success worldwide. 

She talks with producer Jamara Wakefield about her musical experiences growing up in a Chocolate City like Gary Indiana, what led her to become the first woman to receive a major record deal for House Music, and how her music ended up a sensation in the UK.

Our producer Shayna Wakefield sits down with Dynelle Rhodes, one-half of the iconic duo The Weathers Girls and the daughter of the late Izora Armstead. In this episode, Dynelle shares intimate details about her mother's journey and the origin of The Weathers Girls.

Izora Armstead, known for her unforgettable alto voice, rose to fame as one-half of Two Tons O' Fun, lending her powerful vocals as a backup singer for disco sensation Sylvester. However, it was their own record deal that brought them into the spotlight, leading to the release of three consecutive chart-topping dance hits. In 1982, the duo underwent a transformation, becoming The Weather Girls, and their sensational single "It's Raining Men" catapulted them into mainstream pop success.

Dynelle Rhodes takes us on a captivating exploration of her mother's extraordinary musical career, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped The Weathers Girls' legacy. With personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes revelations, she delves into the powerful bond she shared with her mother and the influence Izora had on shaping her own musical path.

Join us as we celebrate the enduring power of their sound and honor the remarkable contributions of Izora Armstead and The Weathers Girls to the music industry.

In this episode of the Black House Black Joy podcast, our storytellers discuss the resiliency of House Music culture in New Jersey clubs and festivals. These festivals were built with the goal of building up Black communities in Newark. Will these spaces continue to thrive without funding? As we look to the future are these spaces at risk? Listen and share your thoughts with us on social media. Storytellers in the order of appearance: Dr. Jasmine Henry DJ Omar Abdallah Charles Mitchell DJ Jihad Muhammad Jamara Wakefield DJ Mix Mash

For House Heads, the dance floor is more than just a place to move their bodies to the beat. It's a space where they can fully immerse themselves in the music, connect with others who share their passion, and experience a sense of community and belonging. In this episode, we listen to the New Jersey-based dancers and creatives who view this space as sacred and life-changing.

Storyteller voices in order of appearance:

• DJ Dan Dan aka Dan Shiver   Soulful House Nation

• Dr. Jasmine Henry  Jasmine Henry Audio & Musicology | New Jersey

• Jamara Wakefield www.twitter.com/JamaraProducer

• Jo Jo Abenavi Wright 

• Alice Jenkins 

• Charon Jenkins 

• Ramona  "Momo TV" Henry  Momotv Henry | Facebook

• Eddie Nicholas  Eddie Nicholas Tracks & Releases on Traxsource

• DeeDee Bridgewater 

• Ras Anthony Wiggins 

Special thanks to our In The Wake production team: Producer Shayna Wakefield, Editor Kayleigh Hepworth, Associate Producers Chantaya King & Natalya Dumont. Photography by Cano El Nene  Music by DJ Ron V and Rasmir Mantree 

Black House Black Joy podcast is the production of WBGO Studios with production assistance from Corey Goldberg, Billy Robinson, and Stevan Smith.  

If you are enjoying this content please leave us a review on Apple podcasts.  

Follow us on social media:

www.twitter.com/HouseMusicNJ

www.instagram.com/BlackHouseBlackJoy

www. facebook.com/BlackHouseBlackJoy

Our podcast is the perfect companion to the upcoming film docu-series "Black House, Black Joy", which explores the same themes and stories in visual form. blackhouseblackjoy.com – New Jersey House Music Documentary Project

Notes: Dan Shiver's History of Soulful House was recorded circa 2016 hence his reference that Frankie Knuckles passed away a few years ago on March 31, 2014 (aged 59)