Gospel

(ThyBlackMan.com) This is the fourth time I’ve written about Sam Cooke—and fans still keep asking for more. And honestly, it makes perfect sense. Sam Cooke is one of those rare artists whose catalog runs so deep, even longtime listeners find themselves uncovering hidden treasures. His music isn’t just timeless—it’s alive. Every phrase, every note, feels personal, like he’s singing directly to your spirit. While many fans are familiar with the […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) The president is doing his best to inflame passions within and at California. Calling in the National Guard against the governor’s wishes is a provocation. Sending in Marines to add drama to his show is an insult as well as incitement. The Marines are not a fashion accessory. They are trained to confront foreign threats, not in policing the streets of American cities. On Sunday, when the demonstrations in […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) President Donald Trump and many of his allies in Congress are making grand claims about the economic growth they say will result from the recently proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Trump has accused critics of not understanding the budget proposal, “especially the tremendous GROWTH that is coming.” A closer examination of the economic realities involved reveals that these claims are dramatically overstated. I have no objections on principles to […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) What is prayer? In simplest terms it is talking with God. Knowing how to pray, however, is not enough. We must learn to pray effectively. That means we must pray in such a way that we experience God’s intervention in the things we pray about. Effective prayer begets more prayer. In other words, when a person prays and sees the difference prayer makes in her life, she will become […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Shirley Horn was never one to chase the spotlight. Instead, she let the music whisper, sway, and ache on its own terms. A master of restraint, she redefined jazz vocal performance by doing less and saying more. Accompanying herself on the piano, Horn’s phrasing and timing could freeze time—each syllable laden with intent. Her interpretations of ballads and standards didn’t just communicate heartbreak or romance—they embodied it. Today, when […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) When people think of Jimi Hendrix, they often picture the explosive stage presence, flaming guitars, and unforgettable hits like “Purple Haze” or “All Along the Watchtower.” But there’s another side to Hendrix—one that’s often overlooked. Beneath the rock icon exterior was an introspective artist, a composer of moods, and a man deeply connected to emotion, storytelling, and sonic experimentation. This list isn’t about the most famous Hendrix songs—it’s about […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Brian Wilson, the genius behind The Beach Boys and one of the most groundbreaking songwriters and producers in modern music history, has passed away. The news of his death has reverberated through the music world like a somber wave crashing upon the shore—echoing with the harmonies he once crafted, the personal demons he fought, and the legacy he leaves behind. May he rest in peace. Born on June 20, […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) When I first stumbled across Freddie Hubbard’s music, I didn’t expect it to hit so hard—emotionally, spiritually, and musically. But that’s the thing about Hubbard: his trumpet doesn’t just play notes, it tells stories. Whether you’re knee-deep in jazz already or just starting to explore the genre, Hubbard is one of those names you can’t skip. He blended technical brilliance with raw feeling, and he made jazz feel alive—playful […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) There is a term called the fog of war which was made popular following WWII. It pertained to the uncertainty of war; how often tactical decisions were made lacking the Information or intelligence required which led to uncertainty. In modern times it came to mean a covering or obscuring of truth. We now know wars are waged by deception by the leaders on both sides of the conflict, simultaneously directed against the […]