Music legend James Mtume keeps music history alive as lecturer

Music creator James Mtume is continuing his legacy as a lecturer.

Whether his contribution to music comes as composer, producer or performer, James Mtume has carved an indelible impression from all sides. Yet for all the decades he has been putting out innovative sounds, he has underscored it with his activism. A brilliant and informed orator, he has carved out a place as a  political commentator and activist via the airways such as his popular New York talk show, Open Line,  formerly on WBLS FM.

His is a rich and storied past, which encompasses his work as an activist during the turbulent 60's era movements, his years performing with Miles Davis, and then continued into his chart-topping R&B years as a band Mtume. In that span he has also composed hits with guitarist/partner Reggie Lucas such as "The Closer I Get to You," (Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway) leaving an imprint in music that is distinctive.

With the albums Kiss This World Goodbye (1978), In Search of the Rainbow Seekers (1980), Juicy Fruit (1983), You, Me and He (1984), and Theater of the Mind (1986), the group earned 11 charting singles: "Give It on Up (If You Want To)" (number 26 R&B), "Juicy Fruit" (number one R&B), "You, Me and He" (number two R&B), and "Breathless" (number nine R&B). 

Mtume created a unique sound with his "sophisti-funk," and turned an era on end with hits for the likes of Phyllis Hyman, the Spinners, Lou Rawls and  Stephanie Mills. He and Lucas both won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for writing and producing fellow R&B artist Stephanie Mills' top-ten hit "Never Knew Love Like This Before", for which she also won a Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. 

His much-sampled beats and rhythms, as in the Notorious B.I.G.'s "Juicy" and dozens of other songs have made Mtume's music a staple of R&B and Hip Hop. As a producer for neo-R&B acts such as Mary J. Blidge, he has become a guiding force for yet another generation. 

Enjoy a riveting example of Mtume's continued presence as world-spokesman and musical leader.

To discover more of Mtume, stay connected at www.jamesmtumeonline.com