While listening to my “High School Slow Jams” playlist, I came across some wonderful Facebook photos taken of the East Chicago Washington High School class of 1985. Last weekend, they met to celebrate our 40th class reunion, one that I terribly regret being physically unable to attend. But they blessed us all with pictures of hugs, kisses, and wonderful smiles of adults who created those bonds as teenagers. Many, as children.
Although I could only enjoy the reunion through the imagery, it doesn’t mean I can’t give back something I know my classmates will remember fondly – the awesome music from our era. Back when music was real.
And one form of music I will always associate with my graduating class is the classic R&B Slow Jam. Prince, Midnight Star, Zapp, Jeffrey Osborne, Atlantic Starr, Peabo Bryson, DeBarge. So many wonderful artists who brought music that made you get on the dance floor and STAY on it, hoping the night would never end.
And we got to enjoy it at the highest level, being the only class in school history (or any school I can think of, for that matter) who held its After Prom on the Star of Chicago cruise ship on Lake Michigan. The most magical night of my youth, ending in a celebratory display of fireworks over the Chicago midnight skyline.
But it wasn’t just there. When I look back on the many school-sponsored dances, house parties, and dance halls in the city, I remember the fantasies of dancing with those beautiful ladies from East Chicago becoming reality. Good times…
Good times, indeed.
But enough about that. Click the Soundcloud link below to hear my tribute to days that, although we will never see them again, can be relived in our hearts, our minds, and our dreams. Of course, there are dozens of songs that could be added, but I think this is enough for you to kick back and travel back to the days of EC Dub for a little over 90 minutes. I’ve even added some classics from a few years prior, but still, during our high school run.
Enjoy it now and share it with a friend. TEhe mix won’t be up for long.
Washington Senators forever…
Happy 40th, my brothers and sisters. I love and miss you all. This mix is dedicated to the memory of our beautiful classmates who are no longer with us. Someday we’ll all be together again.
All the way live, in ’85!!!
I know some of you are looking for a dance mix as well. We’ll see. Also, tracks are not normalized, as I was rushing to get it posted for you. So some tracks will have slightly higher or lower volume settings. Adjust accordingly. When/if I get time, I may reproduce and repost it. Remember, I’m not a DJ…
Like what you read? Enjoyed the mix? Leave a comment in the section below. And be sure to sign up at the bottom to receive future email notifications from Kenny’s Camera, Cooking & Crazy Confessions at ZootsBlogSpot!
Kenny's Camera, Cooking & Crazy Confessions! 
Kenny,
My first response is WOW, just WOW! This is great and it just brings a smile to my face hearing these songs that did take me back to our Senior year and High school in general.
I’m sorry you couldn’t make it back to the reunion, it would have been great to see you. Thank you for the time you spent creating this great “soundtrack of a special time in our lives”!!
Connie Butts-Betts
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Connie,
Reading your response, I’m believe it’s safe to say that you enjoyed it, which is my highest priority and hope. I love my old school music, so much so that I rarely listen to anything current, if ever. It’s just not the same. The purity, the drive, stories, the lifestyles. So much is different, so it’s darn-near impossible for people to show that in the music they produce.
It’s been eating at me since I knew I couldn’t make it to the reunion. Seeing all of those happy smiles in the photos only made it worse. But it also did my heart good, seeing you all together again.
That’s why I made the mix, to give you all something to add to celebration of our 40th, as well as for those who couldn’t attend.
Thanks so much for listening and thanks for reading! Hope you stay awhile…
Kenny
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