Friday, February 24, 2006

DC Shine 2/17 & 2/24

Okay, there seems to be a pattern. The past coulple of weeks I have only posted on Fridays. Well it's Friday and I am back...school and work still kickin' a sista's ass. I never got a chance to do DC Shine last week, so I will start out by doing two today.

First up, we have Peaches & Herb. Now, of course this another one for the old schoolers. Many people may not remember them but they had quite a few hits in the '70s. Once you hear "Reunited", one of their most famous hits, you will be reminded. And of course, there's "Shake Your Groove Thing", the big disco hit that is now featured in many commercials. Herb was indeed born in Chocolate City and began singing in the church when he was a little boy. Francine Hurd Barker, the original "Peaches" also was born in Washington, D.C. They became a group in January of 1965 when they signed to local record company, Date Records, and the rest is history. Herb still lives in the area. He owns a beauty salon that is quite popular. Another little known fact is that there have been three or four different Peaches, all of them DC natives.

Last, but not least is vocalist, movie and stage actress Pearl Bailey. Ms. Bailey was born in Newport News, VA, however, she was a lifelong resident of Washington, DC. She began her career on U Street, just around the corner from Howard University. She worked in a small club called the Jungle Inn, and from there went on to perform at Republic Gardens, further up U. Pearl is famous for her roles in films such as the all black version of Hello Dolly and Carmen Jones. At age 67, Pearl Bailey graduated from Georgetown University with a bachelor's degree in theology. In 1968, 1971, 1973 and 1989 she published books on her life, cooking, and educational experiences. In 1975 Pearl Bailey served as a special ambassador to the United Nations and in 1988 received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Doing these DC Shine's really helps me to look at my city in a different light. I grew up in the era of crack and Marion Barry [so sad that you can read that two ways :0( ], so it's nice to be reminded of all the wonderful things that DC has produced.
D- Said It@ :: 11:20 AM :: 1 Said Something About It

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