A Diamondsaur Comes (Roaring) Back!

A diamondsaur is someone whose work is celebrated, timeless, and has become a silk thread in the fabric of human life, and possibly/has launched the careers of others.  A human being like this is an icon ; they are masterful at what they do.

So, it is time,

it’s time we start to boldly speak Valerie Simpson’s name
in the same breath we mention such women musicians as Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell, Diana Ross, Celine Dionne, Chaka Khan and others.

Valerie Simpson and Nick Ashford’s songs launched the careers of Diana Ross and Chaka Khan.

What I know for sure, to borrow one of Oprah Winfrey’s (another icon) famous expressions, is: when a diamondsaur returns, they’re visibly back in the game of their profession, with impactful and uplifting intent.

When Valerie Simpson appeared, stunning, on stage in the Allen Room at the world renown Jazz at Lincoln Center last Thursday evening, tears trickled down my face.  She

 
looked celestially beautiful
full of health and joy
in her above the knee
black sleeveless dress
with an elegant overlay in the back
her feet embraced with
red satin pumps
her presence
commanded our spirit
to dance and rejoice
along with hers
still she remained the
professional
yet so benevolent
that we could freely be
in awe
with as much integrity
as her own genius

Ms. Simpson delivered a concert that would be etched in the memory of the hearts of all who attended the one-night only event.  As she and her excruciatingly gifted band performed songs from her new album, Dinosaurs Are Coming Back Again (http://www.amazon.com/Dinosaurs-Are-Coming-Back-Again/dp/B0086PGOBA) Ms. Simpson encouraged us to be and do whatever we dream of doing...and don’t wait.  Her crystal-clear, melodious voice and concerto-caliber piano play brought us to our feet time and again, including an encore.

All I kept thinking was she’s back! She’s an American icon, I don’t care (about others’ opinion/definition), she’s an American icon... She’s the “dinosaur” who is back...again. You know what?  she ‘shut it down’...I’m just sayin’.

- Dinosaurs Are Coming Back Again--For anyone who questions what offerings they can still make, this song says: Be encouraged. I love Nick Ashford's fairy tale-real lyrics here.    -Valerie Simpson, Dinosaurs Are Coming Back Again Album Notes, 2012

Thank you for reading.

~ Quelyn, Author of

Validation Denied Grace Bestowed:somewhere between the ghetto and God was something called foster care...

FOR APPEARANCES, BOOK SIGNINGS & TALKS CONTACT:

The Butterfly Book Tour™Team / beyondlabelz@yahoo.com

Validation Denied Grace Bestowed is available at

iUniverse.com, (812)330-2909 or (800) 288-4677

….and bookstores everywhere!

Copyright©2013 Quelyn Purdie