Welcome to the SALections!

We hope you find this newsletter inspiring and just maybe it will make you laugh out loud. Here we go.

February 2025

This edition is all LOVE SONGS

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For the Love of You - Isley Brothers

This song was recorded by the 5 Isley Brothers in 1975 on an album entitled, "The Heat is On."

This is the extended mix version which runs 20 minutes. The song was also recorded by Whitney Houston, Regina Belle and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes.

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Just to See her - Smokey Robinson

This song came out in 1987 on the "One Heartbeat" album and Smokey won a Grammy for best R&B performance in 1988.

This dynamic performance by Smokey will capture you and evoke some embers as he woos the ladies with lyrics like - "I would go anywhere, there's nothing I wouldn't do - to see you again."

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What Does it Take - Junior Walker & the All Stars

This song belongs in the gangster of love collection. It is that good and came out in 1969 with Junior singing the lead while playing the tenor sax on this hit.

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Let Me Love You - Ne-Yo

When you have written hit songs for Rihanna and Beyonce, to name just a few, that is some serious talent. Ne-Yo really brings it in this love serenade.

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10:45 in on Tiny Desk Concert

Couldn’t Love You More - Sade

Well she could have 15 songs on the list. Yes, her music is that good. You can make a whole night out of her hits. This is 2 chords that work together beautifully - G major and C with a groove that will set the tone for a great night.

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Never Too Much - Luther Vandross

Another one who could have 15 to 20 songs on the list. Not only did Luther have one of the best voices of all time, but he produced and orchestrated a lot of his music. He also went over his songs line by line with his background vocalists. His performance is nothing short of spectacular.

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I Have Nothing - Whitney Houston

A songbird of the highest order, Whitney Houston had the whole package and then some. She electrified audiences around the world with her amazing talent.

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Love on Top - Beyonce

There is a reason why Beyonce has the most Grammy's of all-time with 32 wins and 99 nominations. Love on Top is Beyonce at her best and this performance is sensational.

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Heaven Must Have Sent You - Marvin Gaye

"Every day, there's so much new to keep me loving you," Marvin sang a number of hits with Tammi Terrell and this was one of their best.

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Marvin Gaye Musical

You Don’t Know My Name - Alicia Keys

She is a 16-time Grammy winner and what a fantasic performer. Alicia Keys is loaded with talent and this number showcases her powerful voice with some smooth background vocals.

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Meet Joe Black - Claire & Brad

This 1998 film showcases Brad Pitt and Claire Forlani. Together they have tremendous chemistry in this scene where they can't stop looking back at each other.

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I Like You So Much

In the Stone - Earth Wind Fire

This song came out in 1979 - written by Maurice White, David Foster and Allee Willis. This song became an anthem for EWF and it is a song that just gets better in time.

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Can’t Get Enough - Barry White

Remember his performance on Ally McBeal? You simply cannot have a list of love songs without Barry White on it.

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Versace on the Floor - Bruno Mars

This one will definitely fog up your mirrors. Bruno brings it in this performance which shows why he is often asked to open award shows.

"Let's just turn down the lights and close the door. I love that dress, but you won't need it anymore. Let's just kiss til we're naked - Versace on the floor."

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The Way You Look Tonight - Michael Buble
​One of the all-time great standards, this song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1936.

Michael with his take on it, which also shows his love for the standards.

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LOVE SONGS

February 2025

“Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place”

Zora Neale Hurston

Cinema Lou

We are delighted at the SALections to have Cinema Lou share his thoughts with us as a Special Contributor.

Cinema Lou - Musicals

Musicals rarely get their due with critics. Yes, there are exceptions.

But with awards season upon us, this year might be different. Yes, ten musicals have won best picture, the last being Chicago in 2002. But think about how many musicals compose the soundtrack of your life. This year two musicals are receiving awards and accolades- Wicked and Emilia Perez (an unlikely musical about a drug cartel boss who gets a sex change operation- yes, that’s a musical).

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I bet you’ve seen musicals that have you dancing in the aisles. From The Wizard of Oz to the many holiday musicals. Sometimes, it’s not a musical, but the musical score that sweeps us away. Remember the theme from Love Story? Psycho? 2001 A Space Odyssey? These are just a couple of the many films that aren’t classified as musicals but whose memorable soundtrack reminds us of a memory in our life.
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There are so many I loved and remember, that bring back fond memories, but if I had to choose one, I’d pick is Grease. But Grease, as great and memorable as it was, was nominated for only one Academy award in 1979 for best song and didn’t win (You’re the One That I Want). It was nominated for 5 Golden Globes, and shut out. But in my humble opinion, Grease is one of the best musicals I’ve seen. It doesn’t have to be an award winner to be great. So what’s your favorite musical?

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LOVE SONGS EXTENDED VERSION

​SALections February Extended Playlist 2025.pdf​​​

28 Songs & 1 Movie Clip

LOVE SONGS

​​​SALections February Playlist 2025.pdf​

14 Songs & 1 Movie Clip

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GRATITUDE

As we begin 2025, what are you grateful for and why?

GIVING THANKS

So what sprinkles your donuts as we move into 2025?

Are you grateful for all those in your life that you love. Your spouse, your family, your kids, your friends, anyone else.

Let's make a conscious decision to make EVERY DAY SPECIAL

with our loved ones. Our time is precious and we are here but

for a few moments, so let's make those moments count.

Life is about connections & the moments that take our breath away.

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THANK YOU – GRAZIE – MERCI – OBRIGADO

That wraps up the February Edition of the SALections with all LOVE SONGS.

WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US IN MARCH

WHEN WE FEATURE ONE OF THE BEST MEN

I HAVE EVER KNOWN IN GENE KAPP.

It's a tribute to a best friend & unbelievable man who is deeply missed & made a significant contribution to everything good in the world.

Love you Gene - Till we meet & laugh again "Captain my Captain"

Before we close it out, we have one last item - what we could all use a little more of as we enter the new year. That is a -

"HARVEST FOR THE WORLD"

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Gather every man

Gather every woman

Celebrate our lives

Be thankful for your children

Special thanks to Barb Berlin, a great friend and my former weekend news anchor & work wife in Richmond for her amazing proofreading skills. Thank you Barb!

See you in March when our SALections will feature GENE KAPP!

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#SALections February 2025

#LoveSongs, #IsleyBrothers, #SmokeyRobinson, #Ne-Yo, #JuniorWalkerandtheAllStars, #Sade, #LutherVandross #WhitneyHouston, #Beyonce, #MarvinGaye, #AliciaKeys, #MeetJoeBlack, #RobertPalmer, #BarryWhite, #BrunoMars, #MichaelBuble, #FebruarySALectionsisallLOVESONGS

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#SALections

#Humor, #Confessions, #SaxSolos, #Concerts, #CinemaLou, #Gratitude, #GivingThanks, #PlacestoVisit, #Concerts, #Secrets #BarbBerlin, #Heroes, #OldPhotos, #Gratitude, #DayTrips, #Promises, #FavoriteDishes, #MomentsThatTakeOurBreathAway

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www.SALectionsofthemonth.com​