Needle Drop Record

Celia Cruz once said, “Music is a gift that should be shared with the world.” She also said, "Music has no borders, no nationality. It speaks to everyone." This week's Needle Drop Record embodies both of those philosophies.

Ziggy Marley once said, “Reggae has a philosophy, you know? ... It was my dad’s idea that music is supposed to be more than simply about entertainment and making a living, but about being of service as an integral part of the consciousness of the world.”

Aretha Franklin once said, “We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. It's our basic human right.” Indeed. This week's Needle Drop Record declares that same sentiment in no uncertain terms and they are no less groovy for their efforts.

Chrissie Hynde once said, “If you're an artist, you need to work. It doesn't matter how old you are or who you are. If you draw, you draw. I'll make music as long as I can sing and stand up and hold a guitar and I feel like doing this.” And so it is that we arrived at this week's Needle Drop Record.

Stevie Nicks once said, "I'm gonna spend my life writing poems and turning them into music that'll affect people, touch their hearts. I'm going to write the songs that people can't write for themselves." This week's Needle Drop artist definitely writes songs that people can't write for themselves.

Raul Malo once said, “The similarities between the world cultures, that’s what we’re after. It’s one world, and music is one language. Whether you speak English or Spanish doesn’t matter. Music is inclusive and it is a universal language. I think now, more than ever, we need it.”

Surf guitar legend Dick Dale once said, “You know, music is sex. It's a sensual driving mode that affects people, if it's played a certain way.” I'm Kelly McCartney and this week's Needle Drop Record is... I think you'll agree, played a certain way.

After visiting Dr. King's Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Pops Staples said to his kids, “Now if he can preach this, we can sing it. That could be our way of helping towards this movement.” This week's Needle Drop Record finds the lone Staples still standing, still singing for freedom.