"Life"

By: Bonaventure A. Akinlosotu II

A few months ago, I asked some of my friends to send me their top 5 artist they’d like to see live in their prime, that are are already dead and gone.  This conversation started with my dad and I a of couple weeks prior when he posed the question to me.  Immediately, I thought of Mike Jack and Jimi Hendrix. I feel like every living being should have Mike on their list or they don’t deserve to have a music opinion. Ha!  He changed a lot for music and became someone beyond what you call a MEGA STAR.  In my opinion, he’s the greatest entertainer EVER.

Amongst my friends’ list, Michael was the most common person named, of course, or else I wouldn’t have respected their opinions enough to ask Lol……. but “no Lol”.  Other common artists mentioned by my friends, but not on my list, were Prince, Luther Vandross, Aaliyah, Miles Davis, Tupac and Whitney Houston. So without further adieu, below are my top 5 artist that I’d like to see perform live in their prime…

1.  Michael Jackson

I think this goes without saying. He’s the greatest entertainer of our lifetime.  Right before his death, he was embarking on the “This Is It” tour and I for sure was gonna make that happen.

Venue: {The Rose Bowl} A California outdoor stadium that seats nearly 100K.  His performances perfectly fit a stadium vibe.  In this very venue, he headlined the halftime show for Super Bowl XXVII.  His halftime show greatly increased the overall ratings and this changed how the NFL booked their Super Bowl halftime performances going forward. 

2.  Jimi Hendrix

He is the star of all stars that influenced the lives of many artists not only with his music but his style as well. He was in, arguably, the greatest Rock ‘N’ Roll band of all time, The Band of Gypsys. He headlined Woodstock, the festivals of all festivals, and showed what it meant to be a “rockstar”.

Venue: {Woodstock} Billed as “3 Days of Music & Peace,” was the largest and most popular festival of its time.  It was said that 500,000+ showed up for the festivities with Jimi Hendrix closing the once in a lifetime festival.

3.  Bob Marley

Honestly, Bob can be number one on my list. I can imagine the euphoric feeling of being out in the grass chillin’, and vibin’ to his music. There may not be a better musical experience out there. He made worldly and conscious music for all.

Venue: {Coachella Valley Music Festival} Another California outdoor experience with it being today’s miniature version of Woodstock.  The artsy and laid back atmosphere in California would be perfect for a Marley experience 😏.

4.  Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye, in my opinion, was one of the best male vocalist of his time, and not to mention created perfect love making music. If I was making a “Top 5 date’s night” list, this would surely be number 1 on the list.

Venue: {Carnegie Hall} One of the most prestigious venues in the world with the main hall seating about 3,000 people. The five levels and auditorium seating makes for a good view from every seat in the room.

5.  James Brown

Before Michael Jackson, he held the title as “the greatest entertainer in show business”.  Without him, it wouldn’t be a Michael Jackson, Prince, or the genre “Funk” at all. He also had the courage to front the black struggle in America in the 60s. His electric shows blurred the color lines in the Civil Rights era.  What do they say? “Music is the one thing that could bring all races together?” Ehhhh

Venue: {Apollo Theater} James Brown actually recorded one of the most critically acclaimed albums ever here. Live At The Apollo Ranked 25th on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums Of All Time” list as well as being inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame. With its historical significance, it was easy to choose this venue.

So that’s my top 5.  Weeks after I posed this question, I thought of other ways I could’ve asked for their list to make this broader. We could’ve included artists in general who were no longer in their prime but still alive.  A few that came to mind were Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Earth Wind and Fire, The Isley Brothers, and Diana Ross.  Did we miss any that were on obvious choices to be in the top 5? Also, what live show have you seen that you will always remember?!?!?!

-Bonaventure A. Akinlosotu II

Contributions:

Larry Eatmon|William Garrett|Travis Wheeler|Joseph Bradley|Jasmine Pittman|Stanley Phillips|Cambrin Daniel|Raymond Dawkins|Dequaris Reed|

Edits: