Whilst digging through a 73 copy of Black Music I noticed a half page ad for The Top Rank Suite in Stoke featuring Soul Sam as the guest DJ. That's 33 years ago! Its very impressive that he's still one of the countries top DJs.

Just got me thinking about the practicalties of noting that. Would a Lifetime Achievement Award in general be a good idea? 1 DJ per year? Or is it a naf idea?

Thread inspired by said ad, obviously appreciate others would have different views for nominations.

I'm not asking for nominations!!!

Whilst digging through a 73 copy of Black Music I noticed a half page ad for The Top Rank Suite in Stoke featuring Soul Sam as the guest DJ. That's 33 years ago! Its very impressive that he's still one of the countries top DJs.

Just got me thinking about the practicalties of noting that. Would a Lifetime Achievement Award in general be a good idea? 1 DJ per year? Or is it a naf idea?

Thread inspired by said ad, obviously appreciate others would have different views for nominations.

I'm not asking for nominations!!!

============

Remember Mark Bicknell suggesting something similar a while back (can't recall the actual post)

The only problem I would see is that certain people would have more chance of achieving said award dependant on the venues they worked.

If you worked Kings Hall, and I take it the voting would be done by the N/S populace, then you would probably be more likely to get the award because of the number of punters who frequent the place.

If you ran lifeline/soultown for instance you may be actually breaking new records and leading the way forward, but that may not be recognised because less punters attend these events?

Do you think it would be a good idea Col?

Winnie:-)

Whilst digging through a 73 copy of Black Music I noticed a half page ad for The Top Rank Suite in Stoke featuring Soul Sam as the guest DJ. That's 33 years ago! Its very impressive that he's still one of the countries top DJs.

Just got me thinking about the practicalties of noting that. Would a Lifetime Achievement Award in general be a good idea? 1 DJ per year? Or is it a naf idea?

Thread inspired by said ad, obviously appreciate others would have different views for nominations.

I'm not asking for nominations!!!

I think Lifetime Achievment recognation awards would be a good thing for such dedications and convictions to the Scene But what should we recognize it with?

An Ultra special rare record ,Probably allready got a copy.

An Engraved cup or Tankard,Naaaaahh

A gilded illuminated dedication of recognition on Vellum.

What would be appropriate to give as recognition for such lifetime contributions?

I think Lifetime Achievment recognation awards would be a good thing for such dedications and convictions to the Scene But what should we recognize it with?

An Ultra special rare record ,Probably allready got a copy.

An Engraved cup or Tankard,Naaaaahh

A gilded illuminated dedication of recognition on Vellum.

What would be appropriate to give as recognition for such lifetime contributions?

For Sam's 60th a number of people clubbed together and bought him a new record box - would be a fitting award for a DJ lifetime achievement award.

Or a pair of gold plated headphones on a plinth possibly might be another suitable memento

For Sam's 60th a number of people clubbed together and bought him a new record box - would be a fitting award for a DJ lifetime achievement award.

Or a pair of gold plated headphones on a plinth possibly might be another suitable memento

=====

for me the first lifetime acheivement award should go

KEITH MINSHULL

djed at nearly every major venue the scenes ever provided...f

he would be my choice,,even tho he cant remember the stuff he played at wigan in 78!!!

=====

for me the first lifetime acheivement award should go

KEITH MINSHULL

djed at nearly every major venue the scenes ever provided...f

he would be my choice,,even tho he cant remember the stuff he played at wigan in 78!!!

Sorry, but it is a naff idea. But since the scene seems to be heading the way of wallowing in dewey eyed nostalgia, I'm afraid it just might happen.

John.

For Sam's 60th a number of people clubbed together and bought him a new record box - would be a fitting award for a DJ lifetime achievement award.

Or a pair of gold plated headphones on a plinth possibly might be another suitable memento

Yeah you work 25+years in a factory and your gafers present you with a portable telly and a £25 gift voucher for Asda. Your work mates on the otherhand take you out for a pi*s up and a takeaway and you remember the laugh you had on that night and appreciate that much more than the telly!

Something from the people would mean more and its not the amount it would cost more the thought

Ide certainly paypal a contribution to a fund, think its a great idea.

=====

KEITH MINSHULL

he would be my choice,,even tho he cant remember the stuff he played at wigan in 78!!!

I think it's just as well Keith cannot remember some of the stuff he played at Wigan in 78 Is he denying all knowledge of Muriel Day, Jackie Trent, Barry St John, Judith Durham, Sandy Shaw etc....?

I think it's just as well Keith cannot remember some of the stuff he played at Wigan in 78 Is he denying all knowledge of Muriel Day, Jackie Trent, Barry St John, Judith Durham, Sandy Shaw etc....?

Saw Keith at Buxton Pavillion doing his stall last autumn, He was really Mad because they had put a £50 charge on him to run his table by the council and then the pavillion owners were charging the punters £3 to go in the hall to browse the dealers and no body was willing to pay it so no one was going in!

He took a loss on that one.

Edited March 30, 200619 yr by Mr M

For Sam's 60th a number of people clubbed together and bought him a new record box - would be a fitting award for a DJ lifetime achievement award.

Or a pair of gold plated headphones on a plinth possibly might be another suitable memento

Could get a hold of this and put it on a plinth , hold a poll as to who it may be presented to? Put all the candidates in hat and do a secret Draw? Present it up to the Winner Totally out of the blue,Cam cord it for all and put it on SS?

www.austinrecords.com/gallery/pages/621369-R1-004-0A.htm

Edited March 30, 200619 yr by Mr M

I think it's just as well Keith cannot remember some of the stuff he played at Wigan in 78 Is he denying all knowledge of Muriel Day, Jackie Trent, Barry St John, Judith Durham, Sandy Shaw etc....?

==

but he was great at stafford....did some great spots at the top of the world..imo

Could be hand print in a paving stone outside what was the Twisted Wheel in Manchester or the 100 club or maybe Wigan were the Casino was.

=====

for me the first lifetime acheivement award should go

KEITH MINSHULL

djed at nearly every major venue the scenes ever provided...f

he would be my choice,,even tho he cant remember the stuff he played at wigan in 78!!!

He was sharing the bill with Sam on above ad.

Sorry, but it is a naff idea. But since the scene seems to be heading the way of wallowing in dewey eyed nostalgia, I'm afraid it just might happen.

John.

If it ever goes ahead I move that it be called 'Not The John Alden Award'

If minshull got one i would sell my records and close my venues,its a good idea but just not practical.

If minshull got one i would sell my records and close my venues,its a good idea but just not practical.

* agree totally on both comments above (if its allowed for an overseas to comment on a uk created scene). Hate politics myself but just the fact that someone mentions M (helped him carry heavy recordboxes after stoke last Summer cause it looked heavy and didn´t even get a little thank you) as a winner scared me off totally....

I have nothing against Sam or any other DJ but I think the soul scene already gives far too much credit to DJs and record dealers at the expense of the artists, writers and producers who made the music.

Also consider that one of the key "skills" in being a top DJ on the soul scene today is being able to afford to pay the huge prices. That isn't a skill in my opinion. Neither is covering up records or keeping tracks exclusive so they aren't available to wider audiences.

One particular thing that annoys me is when people refer to a record as a "Stafford sound" when it was made in Chicago or an "Eighties Sound" when it was recorded in 1969. And to refer to a 1970 recording as "modern soul" is comical ...only thirty-six years AFTER the event.

It also annoys me when I hear that a so-called "upfront" or "progressive" DJ has just "discovered" a record in 2006 that some of us bought as a new release thirty years ago.

Let's face it, most of us are living thirty or forty years BEHIND the times. There's nothing wrong with that but we didn't make the music and we don't deserve any awards.

The awards should have been given to others - many of whom are now dead.

Paul Mooney

I have nothing against Sam or any other DJ but I think the soul scene already gives far too much credit to DJs and record dealers at the expense of the artists, writers and producers who made the music.

Also consider that one of the key "skills" in being a top DJ on the soul scene today is being able to afford to pay the huge prices. That isn't a skill in my opinion. Neither is covering up records or keeping tracks exclusive so they aren't available to wider audiences.

One particular thing that annoys me is when people refer to a record as a "Stafford sound" when it was made in Chicago or an "Eighties Sound" when it was recorded in 1969. And to refer to a 1970 recording as "modern soul" is comical ...only thirty-six years AFTER the event.

It also annoys me when I hear that a so-called "upfront" or "progressive" DJ has just "discovered" a record in 2006 that some of us bought as a new release thirty years ago.

Let's face it, most of us are living thirty or forty years BEHIND the times. There's nothing wrong with that but we didn't make the music and we don't deserve any awards.

The awards should have been given to others - many of whom are now dead.

Paul Mooney

Paul

A great point and bloody well put sir :good:

I have nothing against Sam or any other DJ but I think the soul scene already gives far too much credit to DJs and record dealers at the expense of the artists, writers and producers who made the music.

Also consider that one of the key "skills" in being a top DJ on the soul scene today is being able to afford to pay the huge prices. That isn't a skill in my opinion. Neither is covering up records or keeping tracks exclusive so they aren't available to wider audiences.

One particular thing that annoys me is when people refer to a record as a "Stafford sound" when it was made in Chicago or an "Eighties Sound" when it was recorded in 1969. And to refer to a 1970 recording as "modern soul" is comical ...only thirty-six years AFTER the event.

It also annoys me when I hear that a so-called "upfront" or "progressive" DJ has just "discovered" a record in 2006 that some of us bought as a new release thirty years ago.

Let's face it, most of us are living thirty or forty years BEHIND the times. There's nothing wrong with that but we didn't make the music and we don't deserve any awards.

The awards should have been given to others - many of whom are now dead.

Paul Mooney

obviously it works both ways. if it wasnt for the UK's dj's, collectors and dancers a lot of artists wouldnt be getting any credit at all.

you only have to remember the reaction the live acts got at prestatyn the other week. they dont get regular crowds of 3000 people back home.

i aint up for any awards ceromonies but i have a lot to thank the djs/collectors for. without them i wouldnt have had so many great nights over the years.

Shane

I have nothing against Sam or any other DJ but I think the soul scene already gives far too much credit to DJs and record dealers at the expense of the artists, writers and producers who made the music.

Also consider that one of the key "skills" in being a top DJ on the soul scene today is being able to afford to pay the huge prices. That isn't a skill in my opinion. Neither is covering up records or keeping tracks exclusive so they aren't available to wider audiences.

One particular thing that annoys me is when people refer to a record as a "Stafford sound" when it was made in Chicago or an "Eighties Sound" when it was recorded in 1969. And to refer to a 1970 recording as "modern soul" is comical ...only thirty-six years AFTER the event.

It also annoys me when I hear that a so-called "upfront" or "progressive" DJ has just "discovered" a record in 2006 that some of us bought as a new release thirty years ago.

Let's face it, most of us are living thirty or forty years BEHIND the times. There's nothing wrong with that but we didn't make the music and we don't deserve any awards.

The awards should have been given to others - many of whom are now dead.

Paul Mooney

As with some other comments, I agree completely with the above. Sure the DJs entertain us, keep us dancing and we come back for more. Some DJs are obviously better than others, in so far as they search out new sounds and have the foresight to play many tunes which have been overlooked for years. However it is the artists who are the heroes, the people we should be admiring. Records becoming "popular" 30 / 40 years after their release might give some artists some credit, some dues and hopefully some cash but it's often too late to alter their careeers. And remember, for some of them this is their living. It must be great be be performing again in front of adoring fans but it's too late to change their lives. And for every one who makes it over, there are 1000s who don't.

I admire some of the DJs who have pioneered good soul music over the years but an award ....??

Even so, Shane, the main point is that the artists needed some credit THEN, not now that's it's far too late for most of them to benefit from.

As for the "regular" crowds of 3000 people, there are only one or two UK events of that size - and they are only once or twice a year. More typical events attract less than 300 people and very few feature any live acts at all.

Even today some acts in Chicago (for example) can perform to several thousand people PER WEEK just by singing at a few local clubs. Otis Clay, Cicero Blake and Syl Johnson are classic examples. Our "soul scene" is very small by comparison and the opportunities are very few because most UK soul fans are so retro and so elitist.

I'm just trying to be honest and keep things in perspective.

Paul Mooney

Even so, Shane, the main point is that the artists needed some credit THEN, not now that's it's far too late for most of them to benefit from.

As for the "regular" crowds of 3000 people, there are only one or two UK events of that size - and they are only once or twice a year. More typical events attract less than 300 people and very few feature any live acts at all.

Even today some acts in Chicago (for example) can perform to several thousand people PER WEEK just by singing at a few local clubs. Otis Clay, Cicero Blake and Syl Johnson are classic examples. Our "soul scene" is very small by comparison and the opportunities are very few because most UK soul fans are so retro and so elitist.

I'm just trying to be honest and keep things in perspective.

Paul Mooney

============

Reading Col's initial post though it would seem he was talking specifically about DJs, the topics been widened to include artists. I would like to see artists get more credit, but agree with Shane in general, the DJ's have bought us the sounds or discovered them, and without that input, would we even have heard of the said artists? Also agree a DJ award thing isn't a great idea IMO, could turn into a back slapping contest

Winnie:-)

For Sam's 60th a number of people clubbed together and bought him a new record box - would be a fitting award for a DJ lifetime achievement award.

Or a pair of gold plated headphones on a plinth possibly might be another suitable memento

Sam's 60th August 10th 2001.......still got the flyer, and what a night it was

If minshull got one i would sell my records and close my venues,its a good idea but just not practical.

==================================================================

I have nothing against Sam or any other DJ but I think the soul scene already gives far too much credit to DJs and record dealers at the expense of the artists, writers and producers who made the music.

Also consider that one of the key "skills" in being a top DJ on the soul scene today is being able to afford to pay the huge prices. That isn't a skill in my opinion. Neither is covering up records or keeping tracks exclusive so they aren't available to wider audiences.

One particular thing that annoys me is when people refer to a record as a "Stafford sound" when it was made in Chicago or an "Eighties Sound" when it was recorded in 1969. And to refer to a 1970 recording as "modern soul" is comical ...only thirty-six years AFTER the event.

It also annoys me when I hear that a so-called "upfront" or "progressive" DJ has just "discovered" a record in 2006 that some of us bought as a new release thirty years ago.

Let's face it, most of us are living thirty or forty years BEHIND the times. There's nothing wrong with that but we didn't make the music and we don't deserve any awards.

The awards should have been given to others - many of whom are now dead.

Paul Mooney

=========================================================================

WELL SAID PAUL A man of my own heart, !!!

and the mail you have just posted is one of the best ive ever read never has a truer word ever been written ..Great ! you win the Ian Cunliffe award for Words of Wisdom 2006

WELL SAID PAUL A man of my own heart, !!!

and the mail you have just posted is one of the best ive ever read never has a truer word ever been written ..Great ! you win the Ian Cunliffe award for Words of Wisdom 2006

==============

Is that a wise wisdom award decision, there's only 3 months of the year gone so far......the sages may not agree with you

Sam's 60th August 10th 2001.......still got the flyer, and what a night it was

Fabulous night - no "makeweights" on that line up

Paul does make a fair point, and so do others - so categories so far:

Best live artist

Best new Act

Best new discovery

Best lesser known Oldie revived

Longest serving DJ

Best newcomer DJ

and Top record dealer possibly

We could go on for ever......

If minshull got one i would sell my records and close my venues,its a good idea but just not practical.

I agree Andy you selling your records and closing your venues is a good idea but unlike you I think it is quite practical too. Please can I have first look at your sales list

I knew you had a sense of humor ged after to listening to your spot at salswick sat nite ,[only jokeing m8] rest assured minshull may be gettin a lot of things but an award aint one of them .So looks like the countrys best allniter is safe .