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Friday, February 9, 2018

Harry Todd the peoples guy!









"First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All"... so he pick the right org for sure! Because he was born to be just that!







Its rare that we find people who live life, no I mean REALLY, LIVE>>>LIFE! This man knows no foe, is a friend to all he meets. He is not only smart, charming, and caring. He is charismatic, astute, cunning, and happy! If ever there was indeed a measure of a man, this Cat is immeasurable ( and I mean that in a good way). He gives with his heart and cares with his soul. He is an organizer and most certainly a joy to be around. 






He is, Harry C. Todd, and he is my friend! So you may ask yourself., "well... who the hell is Harry Todd and what does he have to do with House music"? - ok fair enough question.


 Harry is yet another shining example of what House music is and should not be. House is never selfish, never mean, always open to invite those who wish to live life! That gregarious personality, sweet smile, and even temper makes him a joy to be around, much like the music he so enjoys. 


Harry entered this world on February 10th 55 years ago, and his birthday party is the reason for this Blog. Because, while we are gifted by Harry's friendship, he loves us so much he gave us all one night of pure power. Bringing out some of the best Detroit has to offer! 


Image may contain: 9 people, including Karyn M Neely, people smiling, people standing and nightAlways a pleasure to be around. Harry made each one of us feel that, no matter where you are on the Harry Todd (yes, we normally say his whole name) "friend-o-meter" you are just as important to him as someone he's known his entire life. Just like the music, no matter where you are in life this House music makes feel., important, special, loved, charmed, secure!
I'm willing to bet not one of you can say Harry Todd hasn't been there for you in one form or another...again, just like the music. He isn't pretentious or standoffish, he is refreshing, welcoming,honest, and kind! - in case you haven't figured it out by now, I am a BIG FAN of Harry's !


Subtle in judgement a teacher without knowing you've been taught. Neither condemning or conforming he is a role model, an Alpha male and not just by Fraternal affiliation. 


Now on to this soiree., with some other niceties thrown in about Harry Todd. I think ( cause I'm not Harry) when he was considering what to do for his 55th, he considered, not only himself but also the people. "who do we like? what do we want to hear? who are our favs"? So he gathered the heavy hitters of Detroit DJ's and brought them together on a cold February night to warm our souls and move our feet. 


Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, night, hat, indoor and outdoorThe night started with Delano Smith., wait before I go on, just to have these DJs here at home?! at the same time?! was a feet something like phenomenon.
...ok, back to Delano, he came in and started the night off just as it should have been. Light, lively, provoking thoughts of, "what kinda of mischief can I get into after this set"- ?! House music has a way of doing that to you ya know. I love how Delano controls the board(s) always in complete control. With the look of a seasoned gentleman and the heart of a teen/ young adult still enjoying the passion that has taken him around the globe. 

Image may contain: 1 personJammin John Collins ( good Lord I love that man!) was up next, now I have to pause here cause I was eating chicken and having the most enjoyable conversation with Warner Owens- Harry Todd's Frat brother and educator. John, who also doubles as Harry Todd's Frat brother gave us another kind of life with his music. but um, the chicken and conversation was really good so I can't give you the "real" on his set. While I tried hard to listen to everyone., cause I knew my next Blog was going to be about this party. Just having a simple conversation was occupying most of my ear- sorry Mr. Collins just know, I know, your set was da'bomb er' I think lol. It always is so, no worries..

ANYWHO...


Image may contain: one or more people, hat and sunglassesEddie, ( I call him Edward) Fowlkes: side note.. It was almost impossible to find a picture of this Cat alone, Eddie also doubles as Harry Todd's frat brother. He came in on some cosmic, technoish, houseish kinda vibe (0r was that John Collins?) which I LOVE! Eddie always gives me chills when he plays and an education in music to boot. BUT as luck would have it, Warner and I were STILL having a conversation. There were more than a few tracks that he played that elevated my consciousness last night., and for that, I thank you Edward ( hey, I only call you that when I'm alone never to ya face) 

Image may contain: 1 person, sunglassesBruce came in and laid some smackith down, he was on another level last night. I do so enjoy hearing Bruce play like that no top 4o House tracks he is so much more than what some think. The man is good at what he does. BUT, by this time I was beyond zooted so... yeah, just know Bruce's set was good.

Image may contain: one or more people and beardNow, if this Cat is in the room and on the box just know I'm going to support him 10000% not only his he one of the hottest and globally known DJs he is also my friend! Rick Wilhite gave the people what they wanted to hear, and watching him, ALWAYS a pleasure because he just loves music so much! 

Image may contain: 1 person, indoorThe one DJ I missed just happens to be by far and away my most treasured DJ amongst ALL the DJs in my DJ collection. So with a heavy heart I can not give you any information on the illustrious Norm Talley. I'm so sorry Fav, I wasn't driving so I had to jet when my homie was ready. But I am willing to bet at least one of my kids that you blew folks away. Hey, it's what you do!  and even though his wife is my favorite Talley, he will always be my favorite DJ, I miss hearing him. - insert sad face with a few tears.


All the beautiful people were there. Tracey Marvin even flew in for Harry, and she HATES the cold., like for real. If Tracey could shoot the cold and kill it she would.  You see HCT, we love you so much that we will brave the elements just to see you smile, just to celebrate your special day. Because my friend, you make us all feel  loved.  Harry didn't just speak to everyone there, he talked to everyone there. Harry supports just about everyone and that is why we support and celebrated him. He looked like new money and he most certainly spread-ed the wealth. We all left feeling good, great even. The music and the food was on point and free  just like the music is free or freeing.
One should NEVER have a birthday party and charge folks- that's just stupid, greedy and ensures a birthday celebration will be attended by only a handful of folk!

Yes...yes...yes, Harry Todd pulled some magic out of his perfectly quaffed hair last night.  Styled by the one and only Tree Graves, who doubles as the owner of TV where the party was held. And the great thing about it is, I'm sure he did it for somewhat selfish reason's, hell its IS his birthday and those are some of his favs so why not. But to pull together a line up of DJs who are away more than they are home was again, something like a phenomenon.

 He was considerate of time the party was from 5 to 11 meaning we could all get up and go to work the next day without that dragged feeling. This party will go down as one of the best of the best for 2018. 

Image may contain: 5 people, including Mark Elzy, people smiling, people standing and suitThat is how an Aquarian celebrates his birthday ..surrounded by friends who love him. Not just an inner circle of "yes men/women", but by many of all kinds, Doctors, Lawyers, Indian Chiefs you name them, they were there! We danced, enjoyed each others company, and the DJs

Let the music Play


P~