Gospel

(ThyBlackMan.com) This marks the third time I’ve written about the late, great Aretha Franklin – and for good reason. Her musical career spanned more than five decades, earning her the well-deserved title of “Queen of Soul” through socially conscious anthems, gospel-infused power, and unmatched vocal artistry. Yet, tucked within her vast discography lies an equally remarkable body of love songs. These tracks capture every shade of the emotion – from […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Vice President JD Vance’s handling of the press is masterful, and some of his interactions with them have taken on iconic status. For example, in January, Vance was being interviewed by Margaret Brennan on “Face the Nation.” While asking Vance about the Trump administration’s immigration policies, Brennan protested that Afghan refugees who were not being allowed to come to the United States had been “heavily vetted.” Vance pushed back, […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Donald Trump knows a good deal when he sees one. He also knows that a good deal can fail if the rules are stacked against it. That is the reality facing America’s freight rail system today. The proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger has the potential to be one of the most significant transportation upgrades in decades. It could create a true coast-to-coast freight corridor, help relieve bottlenecks, […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Michael Jackson’s musical legacy is often defined by his chart-topping dance hits, record-breaking albums, and groundbreaking performances. But there’s another side to his artistry — one rooted in tenderness, romance, and vulnerability. Across his career, Michael delivered love songs that could make listeners smile, ache, or lose themselves entirely in emotion. Whether they were smooth ballads, mid-tempo grooves, or soaring declarations, these songs showcased his ability to connect to […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Dynasty may not have received the same mainstream saturation as some of their R&B and funk contemporaries, but for those who know, their discography is pure gold. Emerging from the late 1970s as part of the SOLAR Records family alongside Shalamar, The Whispers, and Lakeside, Dynasty carved a distinctive lane with their blend of funk-driven grooves, shimmering harmonies, and dance floor-ready rhythms. These weren’t just songs for the moment—they […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of writing about the music and legacy of Reverend James Cleveland several times — and each time, the response from readers has been overwhelmingly positive. This marks my fourth deep dive into his extraordinary body of work, a testament to how much he remains a fan favorite among gospel lovers and casual listeners alike. His name continues to appear in reader requests, […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Did you know that nearly 40 million Americans are hit with a surprise tax each year on gains they never received? $1,500 is the average amount millions of savers pay the IRS every year in phantom gains taxes. Why? Because buried deep in our outdated tax code is a policy that penalizes Americans holding mutual funds in brokerage accounts. When mutual fund managers make trades within a fund, even […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Been a while, my apologies. Had to drive my daughter back to university for the fall in Virginia, and daughters are way more complicated than sons. Add to this getting prepared to teach this fall and working on a screenplay, I had to rewire my reaction from right-brain to left-brain activity daily. So I will take a little space in the time continuum to drop a little perspective on […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) In 2008, Madeline “Kara” Neumann, age 11, died of diabetic ketoacidosis in Wisconsin. Her parents treated her symptoms with prayer instead of medical care. The day before she died, Kara could no longer talk while suffering terrible stomach pains. Yet her adults still wouldn’t take her to a doctor. A Wisconsin jury convicted the mother of reckless homicide. This is one of several famous cases involving parents charged with […]