Story by: Gail Nobles Cover Illus.by: Gail Nobles Aaliyah's impact on music is clear, especially when we look at the evolution of a genre called New Jack Swing. This genre first popped up in the late 1980s and became known for mixing R&B with hip-hop. Think of it as music that had catchy beats and a fusion of live instruments with electronic sounds. Teddy Riley was one of the main producers behind this style, and artists like Keith Sweat and Bobby Brown helped bring it into the mainstream. N...
Oct 08, 2025•4 min
Chaka Khan Photo: The Heart Truth - Chaka Khan in Chris March Usage: Wikipedia Public Domain Podcast Cover Art By: Gail Nobles Story by: Gail Nobles Intro by; Gail Nobles “Tell Me Something Good” is today’s topic by the fabulous Chaka Khan! You know, when I first heard that iconic song, I was just a baby girl. The chorus grabbed everyone’s attention and made everybody sing along! You could feel the vibe change when that part hit. Everybody would chime in, and it felt like a big ol' sing-along pa...
Oct 03, 2025•3 min
Story By: Gail Nobles Photo: Public Domain Wikipedia There's still a lot of talk about Michael Jackson, and I'm not here to gossip. I take what I hear with a grain of salt, but I do pay attention. Recently, I came across a video of Michael on stage with Jay-Z and others. I'm not sure what the full story was. All I saw was him greeting the fans, but he didn’t seem very happy as he walked away. Maybe he was just exhausted. This was at the Summer Jam in 2001, and I'm only just now seeing it. A lot ...
Sep 12, 2025•4 min
Intro : Gail Nobles Story by: Gail Nobles Photo : Derek Cason Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0 Alright, let’s groove to this! “A Mother for My Children” by The Whispers is a soulful tune that hits deep, blending that funky vibe with a touch of disco magic. It came out in 1973, a time when music was all about feelings and rhythm. Now, the lyrics tell a heartfelt story. Here we have a man who’s feeling pretty lonely, struggling to raise his two kids all by himself. The little ones are asking about th...
Aug 30, 2025•2 min
Photo: Raph_PH - DRossLongleat010722 (9 of 43) Usage: Wikipedia CC BY 2.0 Keyboardist: Gail Nobles Story by: Gail Nobles Some people mocked Diana Ross about her long hair and sexiness, especially during her time with the Supremes. However, when her hits "Upside Down," "I'm Coming Out," and "The Boss" first played, all criticism faded away. People were too busy dancing and snapping their fingers to say a word. Despite the rumors and criticism, Diana Ross remained true to herself. Many fans contin...
Aug 19, 2025•4 min
Story: Jimmy-The Rhythm of Redemption Story by Gail Nobles © 2025 Illustration by Gail Nobles Jimmy landed a job at a radio station, where he was known as the Red Panda—an unforgettable figure in a large red costume. He was considered the best radio disc jockey in the world, drawing children who eagerly ran to keep up with him as he strolled down the street. Although he wasn't feeling great, he hid his mood from the children. Upon arriving at the station, he was frustrated about the music, excla...
Aug 06, 2025•6 min
Music Intro (inspired by the words of Irene Cara) by Gail Nobles Vocal by Gail Nobles Story by Gail Noblex Photo: Public Domain Wikimedia Commons Good evening, I’m Gail Nobles. Tonight, we celebrate the remarkable legacy of Irene Cara, a true icon of music and film. Best known for her powerful voice and unforgettable hits, Irene captivated the world with her songs like "Fame" and "Flashdance... What a Feeling." Her contributions not only brought her fame, but also inspired generations of artists...
Jul 23, 2025•4 min
Photo: Steven Miller - Christopher Cross Usage: Wikipedia CC BY 2.0 Intro by Gail Nobles It seems Christopher Cross, known for his smooth sounds and sailing vibes, may have a past shrouded in… psychedelic mystery. This "Ride Like The Wind," a song that whispers of sun-drenched escapes and urgent journeys, isn't quite the breezy yacht rock anthem we thought. Instead, it's allegedly the confession of a multiple murderer, a desperate fugitive fleeing the hangman's noose for the promise of sanctuary...
Jul 05, 2025•4 min
WHITNEY SOUL PODCAST A Grain of Sand Story by: Gail Nobles Song by: Gail Nobles Inspired by Whitney Houston Vocals by Gail Nobles Illustration by Gail Nobles It’s always fascinating to delve into the spiritual lives of artists, particularly someone as iconic and, in many ways, as tragic as Whitney Houston. To hear her describe her relationship with God as a central pillar of her existence, especially given the tumultuous journey she faced, really underscores the power that faith can hold. She us...
Jun 18, 2025•4 min
PODCAST AM MEMORIES Olivia Newton John - A Little Bit of Love Photo: Leahshia Gaston Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0 Intro: Gail Nobles Story by: Gail Nobles The tune, "A Little More Love," it hit the charts like a meteor shower in '79. It Peaked at number three. But listen to these lyrics. Olivia Newtown John is singing bout the night draggin' on, waitin' in the heat. Sounds like a lonely scene. But then she drops the bomb! "I know, know that you'll have your way 'Til you have to go home." Sounds...
May 23, 2025•3 min
Photo: Vannessajg - Own work Usage: CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikipedia Voice acting by: Gail Nobles Keyboardist: Gail Nobles I’m Gail Nobles and we're diving deep into a soulful number that had everyone gettin' down back in '90! We're talkin' about After 7's "Can't Stop"! This song soared all the way to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100! And that ain't all - it grabbed the number one spot on the R&B charts! This record was golden! Certified Gold by the RIAA, and you know that means people were lovin' it...
Apr 28, 2025•3 min
Story by: Gail Nobles Keyboardist: Gail Nobles Photo: WBLS | Wikipedia CC BY 3.0 Today we’re going to talk about the soulful sounds of "Angel of Mine,” a true R&B classic that has graced the ears of music lovers everywhere. Originally brought to life by the talented British girl group Eternal, this tune made its mark on their 1997 compilation, *Greatest Hits*. But folks, hold on to your hats, because the real magic happened when singer Monica took the reins in 1998 and turned this song into ...
Apr 14, 2025•3 min
Photo: Steven Collazo - Own work Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0 We’re diving into the world of the ‘80s with a song that can light up any dance floor! I’m talking about “Inside Out” by the sensational Odyssey! This classic hit from 1982 is a song of emotions that captures love and longing! Can you feel that beat? The rhythm just sweeps you off your feet and pulls you right in! Written during an era of transition, when disco was making waves and synth-pop was just around the corner, Odyssey took t...
Apr 14, 2025•3 min
Photo: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0 Intro by: Gail Nobles Story by: Gail Nobles When it comes to the hottest R&B in this generation, Silk Sonic is definitely holding the top spot in my heart. Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, man, they’ve got that special magic that you just don’t find anywhere else in music today. It’s like they’ve tapped into a timeless sound that feels fresh yet nostalgic, and that blend is oh-so-sweet. Take a song like "Leave the Door Open" The way they harmonize, the smoothness ...
Mar 25, 2025•4 min
Intro by: Gail Nobles Story by: Gail Nobles Cover Art by: Gail Nobles Well, well, well, welcome back to Post Recording! Yes, indeed, the name has changed — it’s now Post Recording, previously known as Post Girl’s Recordings! It’s been a hot minute, but we’re back and groovier than ever! Today, we’re diving into the kaleidoscopic world of none other than Sly Stone! When you lay your eyes on the box set titled "Sly Stone and the Family - Higher," it's like walking through a vibrant dream! The bril...
Mar 15, 2025•3 min
Music Intro by: Gail Nobles Photo: Wikimedia Public Domain Today we're diving deep into one of the grooviest grooves to ever hit the charts! You know the name, you know the moves, and you definitely know the magic—I'm talking about none other than Michael Jackson's sensational hit "Rock With You!" Written by the sensational Rod Temperton and brought to life under the legendary production of Quincy Jones, this track hit the airwaves like a bolt of lightning in October 1979—an electric spark that ...
Mar 08, 2025•4 min
Intro by: Gail Nobles Story by: Gail Nobles Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain WHITNEY TRIBUTE Singer: I’m praying to myself 🎶 Gail: There’s a vocal powerhouse who lit up the charts and our hearts with her inimitable talent. Singer: I am only human Gail: Today’s topic: Whitney Houston - Only Human. Yes, she was only human. The vocal powerhouse who lit up the charts and our hearts with her inimitable talent. But, oh man, let me tell you, behind that golden voice was a woman who put it all on the lin...
Feb 18, 2025•5 min
Rediscovering the Rhythm Intro by: Gail Nobles Story by: Gail Nobles Hey, hey, hey! Gather 'round, music lovers, because you’re tuned into “The Sound of the Cat Bear,” your go-to podcast where we’re spinning those hits in true Gail Nobles style! We're diving deep into the heart of the rhythms and rhymes, revisiting the golden days when music wasn’t just something to hear—it was a way of life, a feeling, a visceral connection to the world around us. Let’s roll back the clock to a time when rock ‘...
Feb 12, 2025•4 min
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles Story by: Gail Nobles Cover Art by: Gail Nobles Ladies and gentlemen, lend me your ears because we’re about to get into a real gem from the disco era that’s gotten under our skin and into our hearts—Cheryl Lynn’s "Got to Be Real"! The track wasn’t just another song; it was an anthem, a call to authenticity in a world that sometimes wanted us to be anything but ourselves! Released on August 14, 1978, "Got to Be Real" was created by Cheryl Lynn, along with talented songwri...
Jan 20, 2025•3 min
THE PODCAST AM Looking back onSolid Gold Soul, I came across some radio memories from WJMO AM Cleveland dating back to 1995 on YouTube. The show featured Solid Gold Soul with David Jackson, which was also broadcasted on WELS-FM in Kinston, NC. I used to listen to Solid Gold Soul frequently and still recall the catchy jingle celebrating classic soul hits from the 60s and 70s. They showcased incredible tracks like Martha Reeves & the Vandellas' “Honey Chile, Third Finger, Left Hand,” which I m...
Jan 03, 2025•2 min
Story by: Gail Nobles Cover Art by; Gail Nobles Let’s swing into the heart and soul of Whitney Houston’s “One Wish (for Christmas),” where the Queen of Heart and Soul herself lifts us up with a beautiful message that’s all about love, unity, and hope. You see, when Whitney sings, “If I had one wish for Christmas, there would be joy and peace here on earth,” she’s not just belting out sweet notes; she’s channeling a universal longing we all share. This magical time of year, it’s about more than j...
Dec 25, 2024•2 min
Story by: Gail Nobles Cover Art by: Gail Nobles Hello everyone, it’s Gail Nobles podcasting some holiday cheer and reflecting on the magical sounds of our Christmas in Washington from 1997. This was an incredible performance, showcasing, Aaliyah silky vocals, and her unique style. The way she took on rendition of the Christmas song when she sang chestnuts roasting on and open fire, you could almost feel the crackling logs and taste of hot chocolate. It’s a performance that truly deserves a spot ...
Dec 25, 2024•2 min
CAT BEAR NEWS Photo: Raph_PH Usage: Wikipedia CC BY 2.0 Hey, music lovers! It’s your favorite DJ, bringing you the latest groove from the heart of the music scene! Today, we’re putting the spotlight on none other than the sensational Dua Lipa, the disco queen of Britain herself! Born on August 22, 1995, she’s a powerhouse singer and songwriter who’s been lighting up the charts and our screens! Dua is not just another pop star; she’s a musical phenomenon! With her rich, unique voice that can smoo...
Dec 17, 2024•4 min
PODCAST AM MEMORIES Intro by: Gail Nobles Photo: Bielawa from MInneapolis, USA - DSC_0470 Usage: Wikipedia CC BY 2.0 Story by: Gail Nobles Let me take you back to the electric sounds of the 1970s! Now, if you tuned into your AM station during that glorious decade, you couldn’t help but catch the unmistakable voice of one Rod Stewart. A true rock-and-roll music artist with charm to spare, he delivered tunes that had us all feeling fine, and none quite as captivating as “Tonight’s the Night (Every...
Dec 06, 2024•3 min
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles Story by: Gail Nobles PODCAST AM MEMORIES Today’s topic is Rupert Holmes. Before we dive in, I want to give a big shout out to all my listeners. Your support means a lot. Now let’s get started. I want to talk about songwriter, Rupert Holmes and his hit song Escape (The Piña Colada song). This tune is a catchy melody and story. I would sing this song with my family listening to AM not knowing what a Piña Colada was when I was a little girl. The song is wrapped up in a tro...
Nov 24, 2024•3 min
Photo: John Mathew Smith Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0 Both Whitney Houston and Natalie Cole has left us. Whitney left us in 2012 and Natalie left us in 2015. Whitney left first and I remember Natalie‘s hit song miss you like crazy released in 1989. Whenever I hear that song, I think of her and Whitney and I miss them like crazy. But they left us some singing memories together. There is an undeniable magic when Whitney Houston and Natalie Cole came together on stage. They left audiences breathle...
Nov 21, 2024•3 min
Steely Dan Photo: Wikimedia Public Domain Cat Bear Cover Art by: Gail Nobles Keyboardist: Gail Nobles Hello everyone slide on into your favorite recliners and let’s groove to that smooth Steely Dan vibe. I’m talking about their classic tune "Hey Nineteen". They had that AM sound on a lazy afternoon you turn it on and you can hear that smooth jazzy guitar riff. It’s like the sun breaking through the clouds Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. They knew how to create those lush arrangements, rock, jazz...
Nov 08, 2024•3 min
Story and cover art by: Gail Nobles Hello, I’m Gail Nobles. Welcome to the Whitney Soul Podcast. Today’s topic: Whitney-Never To Walk in Anyone’s Shadows. There is a powerful message contained within Whitney Houston‘s greatest love of all. She speaks to us about courage and self-affirmation, reminding us that we each hold a light within us. When she says, "I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone’s shadows, " she calls upon us to embrace our own identities and pursue our own dreams. It is a c...
Oct 31, 2024•3 min
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles Story by: Gail Nobles Photo: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.5 I’m Gail Nobles. Welcome to the CAT BEAR. Feel the rhythm of the night. It’s that magical time of year, with whispers of ghosts and shadows dancing under the whispering moonlight. You know what I’m talking about. Halloween is creeping up on us, but let’s not forget the sweet serenades that fill our hearts with love and longing. Now, let’s talk about that soulful sensation from The Spinners. “When the Magic and the Moonl...
Oct 30, 2024•3 min
Story by: Gail Nobles Photo: MikaV - Own work Wikimedia: CC BY-SA 4.0 My dear friends, there are moments in our lives when our hearts are filled with thoughts we cannot share. Times when we carry secrets, unspoken burdens that weigh heavy upon us. We find ourselves in silence, for sometimes, we reveal too much of ourselves, and other times, we crave connection and the warmth of trust. I’m thinking about the words of Aaliyah from her song Are You That Somebody. Let’s reflect upon the words of Aal...
Oct 28, 2024•2 min
