Whatever Happened To Vernon Burch?

In 1973 I became part owner of a small studio in Hollywood named Hollywood Central Recorders. After an immense amount of work, my partner and I opened our doors in early 1974.

The first, full-up album session we did was for an astounding young man named Vernon Burch. He came in the first week and recorded basic tracks. The second week he came in with a full string section and various other players to sweeten the tracks he recorded the week before. Then, on Saturday, Vernon booked the whole day for guitar over-dubs and lead vocals. We all thought "No Way!" Fourteen songs....guitar ODs along with lead vocals....an almost impossible task. To our amazement, Vernon did it.

Vernon Burch, prior to his coming to Hollywood Central was something of a Whiz Kid, playing with the Del Fonics for a time when he was 13 years old and then the Bar Kays for several years.

Vernon also played the part of Marvin Gaye in the film Hollywood Nights.

I have often thought of this truly gifted man and wondered what happened to him?

This show is an attempt to find Vernon and let our listeners know what has occurred since that time. BluePower will keep you posted.

The tracks on this show are all off the original 7.5 master copy of Vernon's first LP release on United Artists, "I'll Be Your Sunshine". Time has taken it's toll on a couple of the tracks and we apologize for the diminished quality.

A special thanks to our friend Roy Alfred for his assistance in the assembly of these songs.

Thanks for listening....
John Rhys/BluePower.com

Here's the music:

1)...."I'll Be Your Sunshine"....Vernon Burch....I'll Be Your Sunshine....United Artists
2)...."Good Ta Me"....Vernon Burch....I'll Be Your Sunshine....United Artists 3)...."Paradise"....Vernon Burch....I'll Be Your Sunshine....United Artists 4)...."Find A Way"....Vernon Burch....I'll Be Your Sunshine....United Artists

Click here to listen to....Whatever Happened To Vernon Burch?

If you are an aspiring guitarist....please be sure to check out BluePower's Company Store. We have our first basic guitar lesson now available with more lessons being added soon. Help yourself....and help BluePower as well.

BluePower Review....Lisa Haley....King Cake!

A month or so ago, our friend Freebo called and asked if he could have a friend of his send BP a copy of her new CD. Coming from Freebo, of course I said, "Yes!"

Several weeks later we received a box with three CDs inside. The CDs came from Lisa Haley; a marvelous musician, writer and performer.

Upon listening, I heard a wealth of ability and heart. One CD, King Cake, gave me chills in several places and I decided to do a review for our audience consideration. Then I found that the CD has been nominated for a Grammy and rightly so, for the performances and choice of material certainly puts the record in that class.

As usual, I listened thoroughly to all the cuts from King Cake and selected my favorites. I hope you enjoy this talented musician as much as we have here at BluePower.

Here's the music:

1)...."Have a Little Faith"....Lisa Haley....Blue Fiddle Records
2)...."Big Diamond Smile"....Lisa Haley....Blue Fiddle Records
3)...."Always Be Your Guide"....Lisa Haley....Blue Fiddle Records 4)...."Louisiana"....Lisa Haley....Blue Fiddle Records
5)...."Don't You Tell Your Mother"....Lisa Haley....Blue Fiddle Records

Click here to listen to....BluePower Review....Lisa Haley....King Cake!

Click here to go to Lisa Haley's web site!

If you are an aspiring guitarist....please be sure to check out BluePower's Company Store. We have our first basic guitar lesson now available with more lessons being added this month. Help yourself....and help BluePower as well.

We're Baaaack!

Greetings Blues lovers!

Welcome to our first show of 2008. It's been awhile since our last show and I must say I am extremely happy to get behind the microphone one more time.

You all know how much I love the Blues and R&B. I believe that, once exposed, you will find the real heart-beat and feel the joy emanating from the souls of the fine performers we play. The music says it all.

As BluePower begins it's 13th season on the World Wide Web, we look forward to another year of introducing more new and exciting independent artists as well as the old favorites from our extensive archive.

BluePower will have several new features this year along with much more original video. We shall keep you informed.

Thanks so much for the email and cards you sent during the holidays. We read them all. That alone tells us, "It's worth it."

Happy New Year!
John Rhys/BluePower.com

Here's the music:

1)...."Hand Clappin' "....Red Prysock....Mercury Records
2)...."I'm Lookin' For A Love"....Bobby Womack....SAR Records
3)...."Swamp Gumbo"....Rocket Ritchotte....(Title..Salute)
4)...."Cottage For Sale"....Phantom Blues Band....Footprints....Delta Groove Records
5)...."It's Gonna Work Out Fine"....Ike and Tina Turner....Sue Records
6)...."Face To Face"....Professor R.J. Ross and The University of Soul....Lantana Records
7)...."Don't Tell Your Mother"....Lisa Haley....(Title..King Cake)....Blue Fiddle Records

Click here to listen to....We're Baaaack!

If you are an aspiring guitarist....please be sure to check out BluePower's Company Store. We have our first basic guitar lesson now available with more lessons being added this month. Help yourself....and help BluePower as well.