CAT BEAR

CAT BEAR

Commentary News about music, and more at the Cat Bear audio station. By Gail Nobles © 2019 https://sites.google.com/view/thecatbear/home There are different shows on the Cat Bear. 1. Postgirl's Recordings, The New Retro, One Note Jam, and The Whitney Soul Podcast.

Episodes

October 8, 2025 3 mins
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 Kei...
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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. Everyb...
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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 ...
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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 tw...
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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 crit...
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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 ar...
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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 o...
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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 ...
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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...
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May 23, 2025 2 mins
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 t...
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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 Gol...
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April 14, 2025 3 mins
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 ...
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April 13, 2025 3 mins
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 ...
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March 25, 2025 4 mins
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 ...
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March 15, 2025 3 mins
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 ...
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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 l...
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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, behin...
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February 12, 2025 3 mins
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 wo...
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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 ...
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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 & ...
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