Music: Gratitude for Musical Epiphanies from the Greats, by Rishi Deva

As I write this article, we are coming into a new year full of hope and possibility. 2012 saw some great musical artists pass on. I would like to pay homage to some who have given me moments of epiphany. To the following artists, thank you for the expanded feeling of love through your musical expression.

In gratitude for your soul’s expression, Ravi Shankar: your ragas will live on.

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In gratitude for changing the face of Disco and EDM (Electronic Dance Music), Donna Summer: Yes I Do Feel Love

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In gratitude to you, Barry Gibb for writing some great songs, including this one sung by Frankie Valli.

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In gratitude to you, Levon Helm, for inventing Americana music and making singing while drumming look so easy. You did Drive Old Dixie Down many times in my youth. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jREUrbGGrgM

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In gratitude for setting my house on fire with Disco Inferno, Jimmy Ellis: your energy will live on at every house party I have.

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In gratitude to you, Whitney Houston, for giving me multiple opportunities to slow dance at school social events and for showing me at an early age that vocalists can be just as emotionally moving as guitarists.

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And finally to the artist I will miss the most. To an artist who sang one of my all time favourite songs, a song that no matter how many times I listen to it still moves me:

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In gratitude for your soul’s expression of the Blues, Etta James. At Last.

 

Rishi Deva (Rishi Gerald) is the CEO of Kupid’s Play Records. He describes Kupid’s Play like this: “Kupid’s Play is the Sound of the I Am Revolution. As an international record label devoted to raising global consciousness we bring awakened artists to the commercial mainstream. Our vision extends beyond a traditional record label. We know impossibilities are not real and build non-traditional revenue models by embracing new technologies in the current economic landscape. We know music is everywhere. Kupid’s Play actively seeks out creative opportunities to get its artists’ music to their fans in new ways ensuring that the Sound of the I Am Revolution is heard.” With two decades of experience in the music industry, Rishi has been nominated for numerous marketing awards and earned a Gold Record in the music industry for management.