Episodes

  • Remembering Harmony Groups on AM Radio 10:15:24 11.47 AM

    Remembering Harmony Groups on AM Radio 10:15:24 11.47 AM
    Oct 15 2024
    Keyboardist & Vocals: Gail Nobles
    Story by: Gail Nobles

    Let’s take a little trip down memory lane, back to those golden days when AM radio filled the airwaves with sweet voices harmonizing in perfect unison. Oh, those were the times when harmony groups would make your heart sing and your soul sway!

    I learned about Billy Stewart. He was singing “Sitting in the Park” back in the '60s, bringing warmth and joy to everyone tuning in. Fast forward to 1980. We were treated to an updated version by G.Q., who gave us “I Do Love You,” also a Billy Stewart song, reminding us that the spirit of those harmony nights was alive and well!

    Don’t forget Ray, Goodman & Brown and their soulful hit, “Special Lady,” a melodic gem that captivated the hearts of so many. The essence of harmony and rhythm-and-blues brought to mind the thrill of doo-wop—those legendary groups singing sweetly on street corners, just like I caught on TV with Sha-Na-Na.

    For those youngsters who may not have lived through that glorious era, let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the magic of vocal harmony. These groups didn’t need fancy production or flashy instruments; their voices alone created the kind of music that could make you stop in your tracks and feel every note deep in your bones.

    So let’s keep spinning those classics, and remember the rich tapestry of harmonies that defined a generation. Turning on that AM dial was like opening a treasure chest of sound, filled with love, heart, and the magic of the human voice!

    I’m Gail Nobles remembering harmony groups on Podcast AM.
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    3 mins
  • AM Radio In The 70s 10:13:24 11.43 PM

    AM Radio In The 70s 10:13:24 11.43 PM
    Oct 14 2024
    Intro music: Samplefocus.com
    Usage: Standard license
    Story and Cover art by: Gail Nobles

    You didn’t think podcasting could have an AM radio sound, did you? Well, I suppose in this digital age, sound quality is king, but let’s not forget the charm of those crackly, static-filled airwaves we grew up with. Ah, the golden days of radio! There’s something about tuning in to your favorite station, praying that the signal comes in clear so you can enjoy the music without the distraction.

    Once a radio station ceases to exist, it’s as if the very spirit of its history diappears. It’s left like a whisper in the wind—only lingering in the minds of those who once tuned in. Take WHIT, for instance. There I was, a little girl in the 70s, listening to what felt like magic coming from a car radio as I enjoyed a ride. I have a notion that it was an AM station, broadcasting from somewhere that felt like a world away.

    I can almost hear the strains of Randy Newman’s “Short People” floating through the air, mixed with the smooth vibe of Paul McCartney’s “Silly Love Songs.” There was Charlie Dore crooning “Pilot of the Airwaves,” and Debbie Boone telling me, “You Light Up My Life.” How can I forget Melisa Manchester's “Don’t Cry Out Loud,” or Candi Staton’s “Run, Heart, Run Free”, and Yvonne Elliman’s “If I Can’t Have You.” Now, I don’t know if I heard all these hits on WHIT specifically, but the memories are neatly tucked away with that station.

    And let’s not overlook the charismatic Wolfman Jack—how could we forget the man who owned the airwaves? He spun records with the enthusiasm only a true radio DJ could muster.

    AM radio might have been fuzzier than a cat’s fur, and the static could drive you nuts, but there was a certain warmth to those imperfect sounds. The music managed to shine through the noise, and that’s what made it special. I didn’t care about the interference; I was too busy lost in the melodies that carried my dreams.
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    4 mins
  • Jalen Ngonda-Anyone In Love 10:10:24 6.21 PM

    Jalen Ngonda-Anyone In Love 10:10:24 6.21 PM
    Oct 10 2024
    Photo: Drew de F Fawkes
    Usage: CC BY 2.0
    https://flic.kr/p/24Fr2uK
    Keyboardist: Gail Nobles

    Hello, I’m Gail Nobles and Jalen Ngonda is here to take you on a soulful journey with his hit “Anyone In Love.” This vibrant tune is a dazzling blend of doo-wop and modern R&B that’ll take you back to those smooth ballad days. Those days when you first heard the Chilites, Blue Magic, and Enchantment just to name a few. Jalen’s smooth vocals deliver a timeless love story. Anyone could relate to the song who’s ever felt the thrill of romance. It’s a real sensation.

    It’s a song of emotional depth, a focus on love, and relationships. Ballads are often characterized by their lyrical storytelling and ability to convey deep feelings, which seems to be present in this track. Therefore, it would be reasonable to classify “Anyone In Love” as a ballad. So check out Jalen’s new single Anyone In Love. I’m Gail Nobles, and you’re listening to the CAT BEAR.
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    2 mins
  • Whitney_Got To Keep on With Music 9:19:2024

    Whitney_Got To Keep on With Music 9:19:2024
    Sep 20 2024
    Photo: asterix611 - Flickr
    Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0
    Story by: Gail Nobles

    Hello, I’m Gail Nobles, and you’re listening to the Whitney Soul Podcast. Whitney was our music. She was The Voice. I’ve learned something important through her every note, every lyric, and her every performance. I learned from Whitney that life is a journey. In the beginning of her career, for me, it come was just all about music and learning how to sing. But Whitney sang her songs as if she had lived them and with feeling. With Whitney singing was more than just singing.

    Whitney was the rhythm that kept hearts beating, kept us singing along with her and her sings. Her lyrics told our stories. No matter where I go, I’ve got one thing to say:


    Gotta keep on with music Gotta keep on with music.

    With every song, Whitney Houston could connect with you, and with her fans, when she was on stage, something beautiful was made.

    She left us music and song to keep on with the musical journey. We’ve got to keep music alive. We can also keep Whitney alive in our hearts and minds. That’s what I mean when I say.:

    Gotta keep on with music Gotta keep on with music.

    I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to the Whitney Soul Podcast.
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    2 mins
  • The Lost Generation 9:5:24 3.34 PM

    The Lost Generation 9:5:24 3.34 PM
    Sep 5 2024
    Intro by: Gail Nobles
    Ending music by: Gail Nobles
    Story by: Gail Nobles

    Today's topic The Lost Generation. Got to bring back the music. The music of love. A time when music was great with soul and had the sound of smooth harmonies. And I'm thinking of a fabulous group known as the lost generation.

    With their silky vocals and that sweet R&B groove, they brought us tunes that made the world smile. They knew how to stir those emotions sending love notes through the airwaves straight to your heart. It’s time to revive that love music.

    Whether it's their iconic hits or those deep cuts that made you feel like you were floating on a cloud, we owe it to ourselves to bring back the sounds that defined a generation.

    Now let me tell you about the group Lost Generation. The members Lowrell Simon, Fred Simon (brothers),Jesse Dean, Leslie Dean and Larry Brownlee began singing together in 1969. This was after Jesse Dean completed time in the United States Army. Shortly after forming, Lowrell Simon's childhood friend, Gus Redmond (who was by that time promotional head at Brunswick Records), had the group record with producer Carl Davis. The result of these sessions was the single "The Sly, Slick and the Wicked", which became a hit in the US, and whose sales earned Brunswick Records enough profits to buy itself out and dissociate itself from its parent company, Decca Records, that same year. Lowrell Simon was inspired for the song's title by the film title The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

    The group scored a few further hits, and disbanded in 1974. Members Brownlee and Fred Simon later joining Mystique. Lowrell Simon embarked on a successful career as a songwriter and, in the late 70's, a solo artist. Larry Brownlee died in 1978. Fred Simon currently sings bass vocals with The Chi-Lites. Lowrell Simon died in 2018 of multiple health complications.

    They were a group that had great vocal arrangements. They were like a sweet potion blending powerful leads with silky background harmonies that transported you straight to the heart of the soul experience. The band sound was a perfect marriage of passion and skill.

    So as we reminisce about the year 1969, let's not forget The Lost Generation - the torch barriers of soul music keeping the flame alive in an ever-changing musical landscape. I'm Gail Nobles, and you're listening to the Cat Bear.
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    4 mins
  • Records & Podcasts 8:26:24 1.11 PM

    Records & Podcasts 8:26:24 1.11 PM
    Aug 26 2024
    Hello groovy podcast listeners. It's your host Gail Nobles on the Cat Bear. I've got something that got folks scratching their heads - records and podcast. Now let me break it down for you.
    Picture this: You hear the music from your radio. That's the vibe my friends, but here's the kicker - when it comes to podcasts, we’re throwing those vinyl grooves right out the window. Why? Let me tell you.

    Podcasts all about the spoken word. Imagine a conversation between your favorite host, dishing out stories, news, and laughter. They don't need no crackling vinyl or spinning disc. It's all digital now, screamed right into your ears through the magic of the Internet.

    Next up, the flexibility. In the world of podcasts, we're not limited by the length of a record. Who needs to flip it over? A podcast can take you on an adventure, whether it's a quick 15 minute chat or an epic two hour deep dive. No side A or Side B, just straight up freedom.

    And Hey! Let's not forget about production. Those dreamy sounds you hear in my podcast or crafted with care, mixing in music, sound effects, and all sorts of audio wizardry. Records are just grooves and a slab of wax or a multimedia feast for your ears.

    Just look on the bright side. You got a chance to do something new. I wish I could play a few minutes of a 45 record, but I can't. It's against the podcast rules. While we love the sound of vinyl spinning. podcasts are forging their own path through the airwaves, bringing conversations and stories directly to you. You won't hear those records playing in the background of a podcast. It's all about the magic of technology.

    I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for tuning into the Cat Bear. The podcast sound the podcast way.
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    3 mins
  • The Shooting Star Aaliyah 8:23:24 1.54 PM

    The Shooting Star Aaliyah 8:23:24 1.54 PM
    Aug 23 2024
    Story by: Gail Nobles
    Cover art by: Gail Nobles

    We celebrate the sensational sound of a truly captivating Queen of Urban Pop. The one and only Aaliyah. Princes of R&B with a voice that flows like velvet and moves that could mesmerize the hardest of hearts. That's what her song Death of a Playa is all about. Hmm! Hm! Aaliyah was the epitome of cool that brought that sultry blend of R&B and hip-hop straight to the fourth front of our minds and our stereo speakers.

    Born with a gift and an inimitable style. A unique style and different. Aaliyah burst onto the scene like a shooting star lightning up the charts with timeless classics that make you want to groove and sway. Her smooth hypnotic melodies wrap around you like a warm embrace while her infectious spirit uplifts and inspires turning each performance into a magical experience.

    Whether she was enchanting us with one in One in a Million or showing her powerful side with Try Again Aaliyah had a unique ability to connect with her audience, leaving us all yearning for more of her dazzling presence. Just like right now, we wish to see her again. With her signature look, striking confidence, and undeniable talent she stood out from everyone else. She was a trailblazer for generations to come. We see that every day. We see people inspired by her.

    Aaliyah, a star whose light will shine bright and forever echo in the hearts of music lovers everywhere!

    I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening. You can now turn up The Queen’s music and groove.
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    3 mins
  • Selena 8:21:24 8.14 PM

    Selena 8:21:24 8.14 PM
    Aug 22 2024
    Intro by: Gail Nobles
    Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain

    So many of Selena's fans are missing her. Her songs still play in the minds and hearts of many.


    Selena Quintanilla is a beloved icon whose music continues to resonate with fans around the world. Her Tejano, pop, and regional music not only showcase her incredible talent, but also her vibrant spirit and culture songs like “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” Como La Flor” and Amor Prohibido remain timeless-timeless classics that evoke nostalgia and emotion. Her legacy continues through her music, and her influence can be seen in many contemporary artists. Fans celebrate her life keeping her memory alive in their hearts.

    Check out Selena Quintanilla 2022 album if you haven't done so already. The album originated in 2011 by Selena's Brother and music producer A.B. Quintanilla who wanted to modernize previously released and unreleased songs recorded by Selena. A.B. was able to de-tune Selena's voice making her sound older than she really was in the original recordings.

    The album is entitled Moonchild Mixes debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard Top Album Sales, including number eight on the Top Latin Albums, number one on the Latin Pop Albums and number two on the Regional Mexican Albums charts with 5000 album equivalent units.

    I'm Gail Nobles. Today's topic Selena.
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    3 mins