Harvey Scales
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INSIDE: TO BE YOUNG, FEMALE, BLACK AND FINANCIALLY MARGINALIZED BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID VOL. XLII Number 30 Feb. 13, 2019 www.milwaukeecommunityjournal.com 25 Cents MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN PERMIT NO. 4668 WISCONSIN’S LARGEST AFRICAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER Milwaukee soul music singer, songwriter, PULSE HARVEY SCALES PASSES performer and legend Harvey Scales, who Local music legend co-wrote mega Johnny Taylor hit “Disco Lady” COMMUNITYOF THE co-wrote Johnny Taylor’s smash hit, Photos and question “Disco Lady,” died earlier this week in At- by Yvonne Kemp lanta at age 78. With his band “The Seven Sounds,” Scales dominated the local soul band scene for decades dating back to the ‘60s. His group’s energetic signature sound QUESTION OF had audience rocking, rolling, and sweating out of their seats. The group re- THE WEEK: leased several singles that helped it garner a national following. “With the passing A prolific songwriter, Scales wrote songs for such groups as The O’Jays, The Dramatics, The Dells, and many others. His greatest success and obvious of Harvey Scales, claim to fame was with Taylor and “Disco Lady.” we asked four indi- Milwaukee Ald. Khalif Rainey expressed sadness at learning of Scales pass- ing, calling him Milwaukee’s own legendary soul singer and musician. viduals who knew “I’ve heard from a few people who remember Harvey working at the Amer- him what was their ican Motors plant way back when, and how he was – in many ways – just a normal Milwaukee guy,” Rainey said in a press statement. most memorable “In Milwaukee, before he broke onto the national scene as a songwriter, he moment with the was known as ‘Twistin’ Harvey,’ and in 1961, he and longtime friend, the late Albert Vance, formed the group Harvey Scales and The Seven Sounds, and re- legendary musi- leased several singles that garnered significant attention because of their sound cian/songwriter” and superior dance-friendliness. (continued on page 7) “Harvey was Milwau- Photos by Yvonne Kemp/Photo montage designed by Darrin Reasby kee’s “Legendary” Soul Singer who rose to fame with the Seven Sounds. Harvey influ- enced a lot of young and older musicians YVONNE here and the upper KEMP Midwest area. Harvey’s showmanship is what carried him to fame and he didn’t mind sharing what he learned with up and Melvin J. Bazemore, Sovereign Grand Commander of the United coming musicians. Harvey you will be missed.” Supreme Council-Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry- Prince Hall Affiliation (at left) with William R. Stark, Deputy of the orient of “My memorable mo- Wisconsin, which has four affilliates including two in Milwaukee. —Photo by Thomas Mitchell, Jr. ment is when I was 18 years old. Harvey sent me a Greyhound bus ticket to Louisiana to “In the business come play with him. While I was there, Har- of making good vey taught me how to write music the right TOMMY way. I owe my music ca- GUNN men better!” reer to Harvey; for the Head of Prince Hall Freemasons says experience I got from him when I was young and for Photos by Yvonne Kemp/Photo montage designed by Darrin Reasby there’s nothing secret or cultish about all the music knowledge I learned. But most of all, the Several old-school performers gathered recently two days before 60 years we have been friends. Thanks for the love the death of legendary Milwaukee soul music performer and philanthropic organization and all the years. Rest in Peace “Twistin” Mr. Scales.” songwriter Harvey Scales to perform in “A NIGHT TO REMEM- By Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr. BER PRE-VALENTINES SHOW,” which was held at the Tripoli When it comes to long-held myths and rumors about Freemasonry—cult-like “I met Harvey Scales Shriners Club, located at 3000 W. Wisconsin Ave. Sponsored blood sacrifices, mystic symbolism, and the power to control what goes on in when I was younger world affairs or (God forbid) overthrow governments—the biggest secret is… through my older sisters. by Global Grove Entertainment (owned by Terell Johnson) and there are no secrets! They went to Roosevelt Soother Entertainment Productions (owned by Ms. Dolly), the “Those who know what we do know we are not a cult,” said Melvin J. Baze- Junior High School to- show was a year-and-a-half in the making. Local music agent more, Sovereign Grand Commander of the United Supreme Council-Ancient and gether growing up. His Joyce J. Renee Dye and Michael Henderson (who was one of Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry-Prince Hall Affiliation, Northern Juris- music had high energy, the six acts to perform) created the show, which was also Dye’s diction U.S.A., Inc.—or, as they’re more commonly known, 32nd and 33rd De- gree Prince Hall Masons. style, and soulfulness. We first production effort. Back-up band was Tommy Gunn’s Fast Com- Joyce J. Renee Dye met years later, and he “We’re the most open secret organization there is as to what we do in commu- pany. Noted radio personality Ernie G. was the night’s MC. recognized me and asked JOYCE J. Photo by Yvonne Kemp nities and churches,” Bazemore stressed during a recent interview. if I would be his assistant. Bazemore, a retired executive with General Motors, has headed the organiza- I gave an emphatic “yes.” RENEE DYE tion since July 2018. He serves a three-year term. Bazemore was in Milwaukee Harvey taught me how to make business moves in the in- to preside over the Masons Midwinter Deputies Meeting at the Best Western Plus State GOP legislators Hotel across from Mitchell International Airport. It’s at this mid-year meeting the dustry and introduced me to many legendary artists. We Masons plan their annual national conference, which is held each May. became good friends. He often treated me like a little sis- The Masons are exploring the possibility of coming to Milwaukee for the na- ter, which came with unsolicited advice. Harvey always force removal of Colin tional annual conference in 2020. The city hosted the conference in 2002. looked out for me. I will always love him for that. “ Kaepernick’s name Bazemore said the organization has to take some of the blame for the misin- formation and myths surrounding Freemasonry. “We haven’t been as public (as “From boys to men, I other organizations). If someone wants to know (about 32nd and 33rd Degree had many memorable from Black History Freemansonry) they should join us and find out.” moments with Harvey Month resolution If a male in his 30s (33 years of age to be exact) were to become a 32nd and Scales. The one moment Compiled by MCJ Editorial Staff 33rd degree Freemason, he would learn the organization is “…in the business of I’ll cherish the most is Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who making good men better. That is what we do,” Bazemore said. Once considered a “pagan” organization accused of being an anti-Catholic cult when I stood at his bed- protested police shootings of Black Americans by kneel- Colin Kaepernick by the Roman Catholic Church, Freemasonry adheres to God-inspired values and ing during the National Anthem, had his name removed Kaepernick, who was born in Milwaukee, drew a side and he crossed over a strong moral code of conduct (though it’s not a religious organization) and is from a Black History Month resolution Tuesday by Re- firestorm of controversy after he began kneeling during in my presence. He known for its philanthropic activities. publican members of the Wisconsin state Assembly. the 2016 NFL season while a player with the San Fran- didn’t die, but his Spirit- The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry-Prince Hall Masons is comprised of 26 “ori- LOVELACE Republican legislators blocked the measure until Black cisco 49ers. Supporters say Kaepernick was exercising Man crossed over. It was ents” (“states”). Of those 26 orients, 22 are actual American states. The remaining REDMOND Democratic lawmakers agreed to remove the quarter- his First Amendment right to protest what he sees as like an out of body expe- four “orients” or “states” are comprised of Canada, the Bahamas, the Far East, back’s name. The resolution honors prominent Black racial injustice. Critics say he is denigrating the American and Europe. rience. He was happy, excited, but most of all, he was Americans. Milwaukee Democratic Rep. David Crowley, flag and American principles. Wisconsin is one of the orients. William R. Stark is the Deputy—or leader of— Home. He said to me, we are going to do the biggest who authored the resolution, called the action by the Re- Crowley said Kaepernick was included by the legisla- the orient of Wisconsin. Within the Wisconsin orient, there are four affiliates or Gospel Event Milwaukee has ever seen. ‘God’s Got publicans “a textbook example of White privilege” and ture’s Black lawmakers—along with more than two “Lodges” as they are called. They are: Widow’s Son Lodge No. 1 (Milwaukee), Your Back.’ I knew then it was well with his Soul.” a “slap in the face.” (continued on page 2) (continued on page 2) Send your press release/event information to: [email protected] The Milwaukee Community Journal February 13, 2019 Page 2 and energy into the organization if it is proceed in achieving Bazemore’s vi- being asked to move the organization As a result, Bazemore can use these to survive and thrive. sion and goals. forward…and they’re loving it!” members as ambassadors to recruit. “We have a glorious past. But the “I’m providing the skeleton, but they The workshop was a success, ac- “They’re my ‘pied pipers,’ my foot sol- (organization’s) foundation is showing (the leadership) must provide the meat cording to Bazemore, who saw enthu- diers to tell others interested in becom- Freemasonscontrary, Freemasonry avoids politics, (continued from front page) cracks.” on the bones.