Editorial STUFF

B&S 1051: In our print issue, we bring you a deft blend of modern music heroes, yesterday's legends and tomorrow’s icons today. Our cover this issue we welcome back global godfathers of afro-rock, Osibisa, as they celebrate being the first release on the brand new Marquee record label and also marking 50 years since they became the first-ever African band to play the iconic venue of the same name. How do you follow those legends? Well, how about with another one! Tragically, the soul music world recently lost The Supreme’s icon, Mary Wilson. In this issue, we feature an in-depth 2009 interview with the Motown royal, which has previously never been added to our pages, as we pay our respects to the estimated 50 million record selling, music record-breaking founder member of all-female supergroup, The Supremes, along with fellow Motown soul stars, Diana Ross and Cindy Birdsong. Other must-read interviews this issue include top Belfast electronic music production/DJ duo, Bicep. Grammy-nominated US soul/r&b singer, musician, bandleader, television personality and this issue’s One To Watch, Jon Batiste. Singer-songwriter, record producer and pioneer of Italian soul music, Al Castellana. Ever busy American DJ, producer and record executive DJ Spen. Multi-talented US r&b/soul singer, actor, writer, producer and recently Sam Cooke playing showman, Bradd Marquis. Damn-fine Dutch jazz, funk & soul five-piece Tristan, who boast brand new frontwomen, Jaycilee. Last, but by no means least, independent smooth-jazz rooted US Christian singer-songwriter, Heistheartist. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE… We welcome back Duncan Payne’s highly engrossing look back at the history of black music through the pages of Blues & Soul magazine in his not to be missed regular feature the B&S Years. In this issue 1981 comes under the spotlight with comment on the music tastes of that year, Best Of charts and the year’s Readers Poll winners. Duncan provides yet more must-read entertainment with part one of his 50th Anniversary celebrating Philadelphia International Records retrospective. Charts include B&S Upfront Urban Chart, Ben Lovett's Grooveyard Essentials Dance Chart, Bigger's R&B filled Smoove Grooves Chart, THE coolest r&b/soul must-have list on the planet A.K.A. the Hip List and Richard Searling’s Soul Party playlist. B&S columnists: Ralph Tee delivers all the latest release news low-down in the world of soul music, Ben Lovett highlights essential dance tracks and news, Bigger’s finger on the pulse up-front column reveals who's trending in the world of r&b, Richard Searling presents the latest northern soul happenings and news and Frank Elson takes a look back at issue 120 and his October 1973 Checking Out The North column. Lastly, don’t forget to check out our Soulful Social pages, where you can have your say! Find us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (all @BluesandSoul) and let us know what you think and we could be adding your comments to our next print issue! Till then, stay safe and get the jab! Lee Tyler (Editor) Insta/Twitter @LeeTyler13 #BlackLivesMatterB&S