'the maestro'

years ago, i watched a cable re-run (forgot what it was) which gave tribute to motown artists...i couldn't forget what one of the guests said - "barry white contributed much to the world population because of his bedroom voice" - i suppose no one could disagree with that, regardless of which generation you belong to...any barry white song could very well pass as an aphrodisiac methinks :-)

my first exposure to his music was with 'love's theme', i was in grade 3 or 4 i think, when uncles & aunts, then in their teens, would play his records full blast...also, an official carrier (not sure now whether it was philippine airlines or cathay pacific) came out and used the song in an aggressive advertising campaign while it's enjoying a tremendous hit in the airwaves. i had fun listening to the grownups ooohing and aaahing with barry. i even remember being required to participate in a stage production with 8 other classmates in grade school, doing an interpretative dance for the song complete with leotards, tights, tutu, ballet shoes and all (eeewww!)...

it seems barry's rise to fame was kinda accidental as he was supposedly just hired to write and arrange music for an all-girl band (one of whom became his wife)...the first single he wrote for them however, was inspired by real conversations they've had as lovebirds which made it even more interesting...expectedly, the song went to the top of the charts...lead vocals was done by barry's wife and here's that song...

Walkin' in the Rain (with the one I love)

an endearing moment was when The Maestro and The Tenor had the opportunity to perform on stage together, i would have loved seeing that live but well, just as most of us in this generation, all we could do is watch it on video...