Random Thoughts: Soulful Detroit at 16

[ralpht]

As many of you know, I am not the originator of this website. Soulful Detroit is the brainchild of Lowell Boileau and David Meikle. I showed up in the very early days, at the invitation of David, to do a webisode on my former recording studios, Tera Shirma Sound. That was a long time back and David is no longer with us so Lowell and I continue.



When I was first asked to moderate the forum I readily accepted before realizing I knew Jack about moderating anything. So I threw myself into the task and let the chips fall where they may. At first it was easy. Membership was small and, other than discussing things with the few members, there really was little to moderate. But Soulful Detroit caught fire and the membership grew quickly. With so many new faces came so many new personalities and at times these differing personalities would clash and I would have to learn how to put out fires. I think I have learned a little over the years and try my best to treat everyone fairly when disagreements occur. There are times some on the forum might let me know I got something wrong when dealing with a problem. They may have a point and I apologize if anyone thinks I have treated them unfairly. I can only say I try and call the shots as I see them.



Having said that: What's with some of you people and the Supremes? Or anything connected to the Supremes? Nothing has puzzled me more about the goings on here than the dust-ups that have occurred in the aforementioned names.These are a bunch of talented women in all incarnations of the trio. But they are also human. I'll never forget the day I would pick up Jean Terrell at her hotel to deliver her to Motown. During the drive over she was somewhat shy and said little. Of course I probably wasn't saying much myself, realizing that I had Diana Ross's replacement in my car. And as time went on the transitions would continue and Diana would go on with her solo career. Were there a few bad moments along the way? Sure. So what! We all have bad days and times in our lives, but the forum has a way of taking some issue and boring into it until disagreements arise and I have to moderate something. Hopefully, this year these types of disagreements will ease. I must admit that lately things have been quite peaceful. So, my hope for the coming year is that all the women of the Supremes, along with Ms. Ross, will be given the respect these women deserve. They are true pioneers in the music business. Please keep this in mind.



Detroit

It has been a while now since I left Monterey California and even though I'm looking down the barrel of my fourth winter, I couldn't be happier with my decision. I love Michigan and all the years away couldn't get the thought out of my mind that I was supposed to return someday. Besides, living in California and moderating a Detroit based music forum seemed somewhat off to me. Now my world is beginning to make sense.



Losses

This past year would bring another round of realities reminding us that we are not immortal and more of our favorite artists would pass. At the age of seventy four, I can, to a degree, accept the fact that these things are going to occur and occur with greater frequency. I'm not quite sure where I am in that line, but I know I'm getting towards the head and someday an angel is going to pull my hole-card and I'm toast.

I suppose out of all the forum losses over the years, there were two that seemed to hit me the hardest. Babbitt and The Count.

Babbitt

You really had to know the guy. When they say someone is "bigger than life", they are talking about Babbitt. We grew up together playing in bands. First, in the Detroit Teen Club system which gave valuable opportunities to us young musicians to showcase our bands, gain experience and make a little money. Local clubs and then "the road" would follow. The road taught us many things. Don't get too full of ourselves because we were, more than likely, going to get our asses kicked a few times while out there. It happens and it teaches you a few things.

And then the studio scene: Babbitt was all over the Detroit studio scene. At Tera Shirma, I could be in the front office while the guys for a recording date were drifting in. Through the closed studio door I could still hear Babbitt's boisterous laugh and feel glad he was around.

Babbitt would pass on the same day I would learn of the passing of my mother. Talk about a sucker punch.



The Count

His real name was Steve Gronas, but to us, he was, and always will be, The Count. He was a true music fan and brought much to Soulful Detroit's table. He had an interesting job. He was a specialty painter for the Ford Motor Company. He didn't just paint cars, he Painted them. The Count's work was seen in a multitude of auto shows around the world. The dude knew his work. One of these days I hope to fulfill a dream of mine and find a ‘57 Buick Roadmaster convertible and have it "done" by one of the talented car guys I see on television. The Count was going to paint it for me. Triple black. Top, interior and body. The Count’s talented mind took it a step further: midnight black with a hint of metallic violet deep within. Maybe some tasty pin striping. It was never to be though, but I know it would have rocked.



So here we are, gang. another year together. Each week I approve about ten new members, so it seems we are ever growing. Not perfect but I think we all try here to make it informative and friendly. It blows my mind that sixteen years have passed. Now this place is a part of my everyday life. Many thanks to you all for your many contributions here. I have always said I've learned more from the members here than all my years in this crazy business. Happy Birthday, Soulful Detroit.