Memphis (Epochal) Minute - November 21, 1941
Some days I wonder what God or the Universe is doing. On July 4, 1826, just before dying, John Adams was reported to have said “Thomas Jefferson survives.” Without Twitter, he could not have known that he was the last of the Founding Fathers - Jefferson had died hours earlier. On November 21, 1941, two more “Founding Fathers” took their first breath - in Memphis Tennessee. They both attended Booker T. Washington High School, but became rivals working for competitors. For the latter half of the 60’s however, they were part of a team that once again made Memphis THE music destination. Working together at Satellite, which became Stax Records, they helped create the Memphis soul sound. And when they were done writing and playing for Rufus and Carla Thomas, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Eddie Floyd, and all the other music that matters? They spread that foundation. The songwriter born that day has over 1700 writing credits to his name. The saxophone player, with his trumpet-playing partner played on 14 Grammy-winning songs, 52 No. 1 hits and 113 Top 10 singles. The writer has worked with Will Smith and Mariah Carey. Today he continues to cultivate Memphis music with Made in Memphis Entertainment. The sax player helped bring world class musical talent to Memphis and toured with some. As a music mercenary, he went back to Hi Records where he started and played with Al Green on “Let’s Stay Together”. When Neil Diamond and Dusty Springfield came to American Studios, he was there for “Sweet Caroline” and “Son of a Preacher Man.” When American’s Chips Moman got Elvis back to record in Memphis, he was there for Mark James brilliant but “Suspicious Minds.” He and his partner played on Robert Cray’s early hits, and toured with the bluesman. He had to retire when Alzheimer’s took his skills. The disease took his life in 2012.
Born on this day in 1941, when the stars and planets aligned to shine on Memphis - Andrew Love of the Memphis Horns and Stax songwriter David Porter, who really does survive - and thrive!
"Hold On, I'm Coming" (Porter/Hayes) - performed by Sam and Dave, with Andrew Love, Wayne Jackson, Booker T and the MG's.