Rhythm Rave Radio acknowledges the great achievements of our African- American pioneers in music. Without them, we could not celebrate and enjoy the freedom of music today.
Sha Rock aka Sharon Green began her career in 1976 as a B-Girl in the Bronx, New York. In 1977, she joined the Hip Hop group Funky 4 + 1 More. She became the first female emcee to join an all male Hip Hop Group.
Sha Rock is credited with being the First Female Pioneer to go full circle in a MC rhymin’ battle. She was responsible for introducing Hip Hop Culture to various nationalities & countries throughout the world.
In 1979, The Funky 4 + 1 More signed to Enjoy Records. MC Sha Rock became the first Female Pioneer emcee worldwide, known to have a record deal. They would later sign to Sugar Hill Records. The Funky 4 + 1 More was the first Hip Hop group to appear on national television. They appeared on Saturday Night Live on Feb 14, 1981 season 6 alongside Deborah Harry of the famous rock group “Blondie”. In 1984, Sha Rock made a guest appearance in the legendary Hip Hop movie “Beat Street”. In Beat Street, she performed in the Hip Hop group US Girls, alongside Debbie D and Lisa Lee. If you haven’t seen Beat Street, make sure to check it out. Sha Rock is one of the highlights in the movie. She has appeared on 20/20 in the 1981 special “Rappin’ To The Beat”, hosted by Hugh Downs. She also appeared in the TV Documentary “Beat This: A Hip Hop History (1984)”.
Sha Rock continues to work with young women throughout the world on self-empowerment. She opened the first Performing Arts School in the Central Texas area, which services a military community of 80,000. The Performing Arts School teaches all areas of the arts to include the culture of Hip Hop and its origins. Throughout her soeaking engagements and endorsements, Sha Rock has worked in the criminal justice field for the past 16 years. Sha Rock also finds time to mentor children throughout the world and within her community.
Sha Rock stands as a Hip Hop icon, a role model, and most importantly, as the foundation of female emcees. I thank her for all the years she dedicated of her life for our culture. She’s the Queen of our Hip Hop Culture. Respect the Foundation.
Rhythm Rave Radio acknowledges the great achievements of our African- American pioneers in music. Without them, we could not celebrate and enjoy the freedom of music today.
Charlie “Bird” Parker August 29,1920 – March 12, 1955
The only child of Charles and Addie Parker, Charlie Parker was one of the most important and influential saxophonists and jazz players of the 1940’s.
When Parker was still a child, his family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where jazz, blues and gospel music were flourishing. His first contact with music came from school, where he played baritone horn with the school’s band. When he was 15, he showed a great interest in music and a love for the alto saxophone. Soon, Parker was playing with local bands until 1935, when he left school to pursue a music career.
From 1935 to 1939, Parker worked in Kansas City with several local jazz and blues bands from which he developed his art. In 1939, Parker visited New York for the first time, and he stayed for nearly a year working as a professional musician and often participating in jam sessions. The New York atmosphere greatly influenced Parker’s musical style.
In 1938, Parker joined the band of pianist Jay McShann, with whom he toured around Southwest Chicago and New York. A year later, Parker traveled to Chicago and was a regular performer at a club on 55th street. Parker soon moved to New York. He washed dishes at a local food place where he met guitarist Biddy Fleet, the man who taught him about instrumental harmony. Shortly afterwards, Parker returned to Kansas City to attend his father’s funeral. Once there, he joined Harlan Leonard’s Rockets and stayed for five months. In 1939, Yardbird rejoined McShann and was placed in charge of the reed section. Then, in 1940, Parker made his first recording with the McShann orchestra.
During the four years that Parker stayed with McShann’s band, he got the opportunity to perform solo in several of their recordings, such as Hootie Blues, Sepian Bounce, and the 1941 hit Confessing the Blues. In 1942, while on tour with McShann, Parker performed in jam sessions at Monroe’s and Minton’s Playhouse in Harlem. There he caught the attention of up-and-coming jazz artists like Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk. Later that year, Parker broke with McShann and joined Earl Hines for eight months.
The year 1945 was extremely important for Parker. During that time he led his own group in New York and also worked with Gillespie in several ensembles. In December, Parker and Gillespie took their music to Hollywood on a six-week nightclub tour. Parker continued to perform in Los Angeles until June 1946, when he suffered a nervous breakdown and was confined at a state hospital. After his release in January 1947, Parker returned to New York and formed a quintet that performed some of his most famous tunes.
From 1947 to 1951, Parker worked in a number of nightclubs, radio studios, and other venues performing solo or with the accompaniment of other musicians. During this time, he visited Europe where he was cheered by devoted fans and did numerous recordings. March 5, 1955, was Parker’s last public engagement at Birdland, a nightclub in New York that was named in his honor. He died a week later in a friend’s apartment.
Charles “Yardbird” Parker was an amazing saxophonist who gained wide recognition for his brilliant solos and innovative improvisations. He was, without a doubt, one of the most influential and talented musicians in jazz history.
Celebrity Bullshit 