Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain
Podcast: The Journey of Shared Burdens (The Weight)
Podcast inspired by: The Staple Singers
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles

There’s a song about everything we go through. A story about me and you. My story reflects the themes of the song ‘The Weight’ by The Staple Singers .

Sometimes I’m a weary traveler on a journey to find hope and purpose. As I walk,  I encounter people from all walks of life who are struggling with their own burdens.

I’ve met people who felt lost and alone. I have tried to offer them companionship and encouragement. Together we try to share our struggles. Some people carry the weight of sadness. I try to help them see the light and to remind them that they are not alone.

Finally, I realize that, though I had been on a challenging path. The connections I made along the way had transformed my journey together with the friends I met. They created a community where no one had to carry their weight alone.

When you have time, give ‘The Weight’ a listen by The Staple Singers. I’m Gail Nobles, and you’re listening to Actors, Stories, and Film .

About Actors, stories, and film.

Story by: Gail Nobles
Intro by: Gail Nobles
Photo: Steven L. Smith (QZVX.COM), Bellingham, WA, USA - Vimeo
Usage: CC BY 3.0

I vividly recall the moment I first encountered Irene Cara's anthem, "What A Feeling." Instantly, I sensed it was destined for great success. The song captured my heart from the very first note. The opening lines touched deeply, almost feeling like she was speaking directly to me: “First, when there’s nothing but a slow glowing dream.” And then, as the tempo quickens, I find myself swept away, caught up in the exhilarating rush of “Well, I hear the music…”The song became more challenging for me when Irene Cara launched into the chorus of "What I Feelin’." My mom always said it was a fantastic tune for me to practice my singing skills. As the years passed, my mom grew increasingly worried about the silence surrounding Irene Cara in the music scene.

In 2022, my mother had already passed away, leaving a void that was hard to fill. I stumbled upon Irene Cara's song once more and decided to look her up on social media, hoping to drop her a birthday message. After sending my wishes, I found myself eagerly awaiting her response. A few months later, the news hit me hard: Irene had passed away too in November. It was a deep blow, especially as I watched so many of my beloved stars leave us. All I could think was, "What now? Not another one." It felt like something was terribly wrong with so many icons departing from this world.

In July 2025, I found myself captivated by some videos of Irene Cara. As I listened, I felt a gentle message in her voice, reassuring me: "It's okay. Go on through." It seemed that Irene didn't want her passing to cast a shadow over my life and wanted me to move forward. Instead, she encouraged me to embrace life to the fullest, to remain focused on the present and the future, rather than lingering in the sadness of her absence. I could almost hear her say, "You've got that rhythm. You've got that feeling."

Well, that's the story for today. Thank you for listening to Actories, Stories, and Film. I'm your host: Gail Nobles.

Photo: Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com
Acting by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles
All voices by: Gail Nobles

Actress: If we truly are one big family, then why should anyone have to beg for a meal?

Actor: I want to believe that, but the world doesn’t always work that way.

Actress: But that shouldn’t stop us. We may feel weak but together we’re strong. We are writing this song. Oh people!

Gail Nobles: We’re diving deep into the soulful waters of Patti LaBelle’s “Oh People,” a heartfelt song that’s like an anthem call to arms for unity. This divine song reminds us all that we’re part of one big, loving family. Can you feel that rhythm?

Now, think about those touching lines—if we were truly one big family, there wouldn’t be any hunger, no one left struggling on the street. Patti’s got a powerful message here—she’s saying that dignity is not just a wish but a right for every single soul on this planet. Ain’t that beautiful?

We’ve got a hot topic that’s just cookin’ in the world of rhythm and blues! We’re talking about a captivating tune that strummed its way right into our hearts and took a respectable trip up the charts! Yes, indeed! This song reached number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, hitting that sweet spot at number 7 on the R&B charts. Now that’s a groove that gets you moving!

But wait, there's more! Our song also serenaded fans across the pond, reaching number 26 in the United Kingdom and making waves in Europe! It crested at number 31 in the Netherlands, and even found its way to New Zealand, where it peaked at number 36. What an international sensation.

Written by the dynamic duo of Andy Goldmark and Bruce Roberts, this tune served as the second single from her eighth studio album, “Winner in You,” released back in 1986! And who could forget the sonic magic of Richard Perry behind the production boards, bringing the whole package to life? That’s what you call a winning combination.

And when Patti Labelle sings, “If I tell you you’re a part of me,” you just know she means it! It’s all about that faith, that connection. There’s no space for disbelief in this groove; it’s about standing united. Just take her hand and let’s dream together, because when we share those dreams—ohhh—magic happens!

Separately, we may stumble, but together? We rise! We are stronger, folks! That’s what the song means. It’s all about collaboration, love, and strength in numbers. Patti’s here to tell us we’re not just singing lyrics; we’re living these words!

So let’s join together, build that world we desire, because when the music plays, and hearts align, there’s no stopping us! Let’s celebrate the beauty of unity with Patti LaBelle guiding the way—together, forever! Ohhh, people! Keep writing this song of life with love and harmony!

The world is your stage! Keep on groovin', and let's keep the music alive!

You’re listening to Actors, Stories, and Film. I’m your host, Gail Nobles.

Photo: Stax Records
Usage: Wikipedia Public Domain
Background Music: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles
Actor: Gail Nobles

Let me tell you about a sensational groove that brings a little sunshine into our lives. The magnificent, William Bell and his soulful classic Every Day Will Be Like A Holiday.What a masterful tune he shared with us.

Let’s dive into the lyrics because they tell story that connects with the heart. When he sings “Every Day Will Be Like A Holliday”, William isn’t just talking about a day off work or some ribbon tied package. No, no! He’s painting a vivid picture of blissful companionship. Imagine the joy, the freedom, and that feeling you get when your loved one scrolls back into your life. It’s like every day turns into a celebration, a festive occasion filled with joy and love.

Now he continues to sing and his words were: "When my baby, when my baby comes home.”
A powerful declaration, isn’t it? There’s an unstable logging here a sense of hope that just makes you feel all warm inside. This anticipation, the idea that something beautiful is on the horizon, is what keeps the soul alive.

“I’ll never have to worry about sitting by the phone,” he said in his singing. Oh,  the way he captured that anxious waiting. How many of us have felt? The dread of waiting for someone to call, to check in, to say, “Hey I’m thinking about you.” But in Bells’ world, all those words vanish when love arrives. There is an undeniable comfort in knowing you’re no longer alone and that’s what makes every moment a holiday.

“And when she gets here, I’ll never be alone.” Isn’t that the truth, the profound joy found and companionship in knowing you have someone who shares in your life, It’s like a warm hug on a cold day. A reminder that love is the ultimate gift, turning the ordinary into something miraculous.

Each day can be a celebration if we carry that love in our hearts- an every day holiday that makes life all the more vibrant and cherished.

Thank you for listening to Actors Stories and Film. I’m Gail Nobles. Have a Merry Christmas, and don’t forget to check out William Bells’ Every Day Will Be Like a Holliday.

Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles ©️ 2024
Photo: Pixabay.com

Hello song listeners!  It's your girl Gail Nobles, and I'm about to spin you a tale that will tickle your toes and twist your mind.

Once upon a time in the 1970s in a little town where the streets whispered secrets and the night aired with excitement ,there was a traveling carnival that rolled in one fateful evening. The neon lights flickered like fireflies, and the sounds of laughter mixed with the enticing aroma of caramel corn. But this wasn't just any carnival. This was the famous sideshow spectacular.

 Now at the heart of this carnival was a charming young couple. Christopher and his girl Lily. Christopher was a dreamer, and Lily had a smile that could light up the dark.

 One magical evening with the moon shining bright, the carnival drew in a thong of thrill-seekers. The side show was electric, and Christopher thought he was losing Lily to another man's charm. He stood off to the sidelines with his heart aching, but Lily looked into Christopher's eyes as the other man was trying to steal Lily away. She was caught up into the carnival and all the magic, but Christopher sad eyes brought her back down, and in that moment everything changed. The realization dawned: her heart belong to him. Not the spotlight or the charm of another man.

 Lily turned away and ran into the arms of Christopher and said, “I'd rather choose love, and I'd rather have you.” The audience erupted into applause but what matter most was the connection between Christopher and Lily. They embraced under the carnival lights, a spot igniting a beautiful promise.

 And just like that, the carnival continue to spend a vibrant world of color and sound. Christopher and Lily forged a path of love side-by-side leaving behind what could have been a lost love and heartbreak of the side show.

 When I think about that, I think of the song Sideshow by Blue Magic released in 1974. It was first released on the album Blue Magic. And when issued as a single, it's sold over 1 million copies going to number 1 R&B in April 1974 and number 8 pop in the United States in the summer billboard ranked it as the number 19 song for 1974.

 I'm Gail Nobles, and you're listening to Actors, Stories, and Film. Tune in again next time for more. Thank you for listening.

Keyboardist: Gail Nobles

Today's topic Let's Do It Again by the Staple Singers written by Curtis Mayfield Let's Do It Again was a soul R&B smash. It was part of the soundtrack for the Bill Cosby/Sidney Poitier film Let's Do It Again. The single reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart on December 27, 1975. It spent two non-consecutive weeks at the top of the Hot Soul Singles chart. It was the last major hit by the group.

The 1975 “Let’s Do It Again” starring Sidney Poitier and co-starring Bill Cosby and Jimmie Walker among an all-star black cast. The film, directed by Poitier, is about blue-collar workers who decide to rig a boxing match to raise money for their fraternal lodge. The song of the same name by The Staple Singers was featured as the opening and ending theme of the film, and as a result, the two have become commonly associated with each other.

Story by: Gail Nobles

Taraji Photo: Public Domain Wikipedia

Tammi Terrell Photo: Public Domain Commons.Wikimedia


Hello! I'm Gail Nobles and I want to talk to you again about Taraji P Henson. Taraji P Henson has played in The Color Purple of 2023 according to the Director Blitz Bazawule. She's actually singing in the movie, and she took some vocal lessons. Taraji has done an outstanding job.

I could always see Taraji playing the life story of Tammi Terrell not knowing that she could sing.

In case you didn't know Tammi Terrell was a singer songwriter widely known as a star singer for Motown records during the 1960s notably for a series of duets with singer Marvin Gaye.
Though Taraji has talent in acting and singing, she might not want to play as Tammy Terrell, but she sure would be perfect for the role. If anyone approaches her with a pleasing offer, that would be awesome.

I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Actors Stories and Film.

by: Gail Nobles
Photo of Janet: NO3
https://flic.kr/p/a15hkH
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY 2.0

Hello! I'm Gail Nobles. Welcome to another episode of Actors, Stories, and Film. Today I'm thinking about the time when I was a little girl watching little Janet Jackson as May West. I didn't know who May West was until I had learned who Janet was imitating. May West was before my time. Janet Jackson was amazing acting as May West when she was a little girl.
I remember on the TV comedy Good Times when she imitated May West while talking on a CB.

“Well, I'm very mature for my age.”

She would put her hands on her hip. Janet Jackson was an awesome May West. I think Janet would say her own lines imitating Mae West, but I remember Janet saying a famous line by May West.

"Why don't you come up and see me sometime.” Janet would pat her hair near the back of her neck just like May West.

I haven't seen Janet Jackson act like May West in decades. Now that she's a grown woman, she probably could act out May West better than she did before. Janet could make a small black and white mini movie and bring it in color acting as Mae West with song and dance. She could show off May West’s style and fashion and add her own.

In case you're wondering, May West was an American actress singer, comedian, screenwriter, and playwright whose career Spand over seven decades. She was considered a sex symbol, and that's who Janet Jackson is. People consider her also as a sex symbol.

I'm Gail Nobles. Today's episode: Janet Jackson as May West.

Voice actor quotes by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles
Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain

Taraji P Hanson is an outstanding actress. We all know that movies are just movies, but Hendon can make them seem real as an actress.

I'm thinking about several movies she played in like the movie Hidden Figures. The scene where she has an argument with actor Kevin Costner about the bathroom.

“There is no bathroom, .. and I work like a dog!”

Thouh Henson is just acting, it doesn't look and sound like it, and that's what we want in acting. She played as Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician.

I'm thinking about the movie The Best Of Enemies. She always carried a tough look on her face in that movie.

"We gonna beat school segregation once and for all!"

Henson played as Ann Atwater, a community organizer in Durham, North Carolina. The movie was based on a true story.

Then there's another film starring Taraji P Henson. It’s an action film. She plays as Mary Goodwin. She kills her target Marcus Miller in his apartment and she took care of his son Danny.

“Hey! your mouth. I told you I wasn't gonna let anybody touch you and I meant it.”

The name of that movie is Proud Mary.

Taraji P Henson is a strong actress. She has played plenty of great rolls in movies in her Hollywood career.

I'm Gail Nobles today's topic: Taraji P. Henson

Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Voice actor: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles
Photo: Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0

Think is a song written by Aretha Franklin and her then husband Ted White and first recorded by Franklin. It was released as a single in 1968 from her Aretha Now album. The song reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Franklin's seventh top 10 hit in the United States. The song also reached number 1 on the magazine's Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles, becoming her sixth single to top the chart.


Aretha Franklin did not only sing her song, but she was an actress while singing it. You can tell when you hear the song that she might have lived it somehow. You can hear it in her voice on the record. Aretha was singing with emotion and feeling she could switch her voice for an example: What ya trying to do to me? What ya trying to do to me?

Yeah, Miss Aretha Franklin was something else. She was an actress in her singing. She had the expressions in her face as well as in her voice. She played as Mrs. Murphy in the Blues Brothers singing her song, Think. She was a terrific actress both in singing and for film.

Aretha made a remake of Think in 1989 about drinking and driving, telling the people to: think about it before you turn the key. Before you sit in the driver’s seat. A music video was made for the remake.

I'm Gail nobles, and you’re listening to a podcast about actors, stories, and film. Today’s topic Aretha Franklin, Think.

Saturday Night Live S29E17 Janet Jackson
Uploaded by: SNL at archive.org
Usage: CC0 1.0 Universal

Music - Infinity Brass - Dramatic by: Samplefocus.com
Voice Actor: Gail Nobles
Photo credit: Eva Rinaldi - James Earl, Boyd Gaines, Angela Lansbury
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0

James Earl Jones is an American actor and known for his performances in film, television, and theater. He is one of the greatest actors in American history.He has done live-action acting, voice acting, and commercial voice-overs. Everyone seems to love his deep bass sounding voice that is praised as a "a stirring basso profondo. .."

Jones gained international fame for providing the voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise, beginning with the original 1977 film.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Jones appeared in a number of other successful films like Conan the Barbarian (1982). That’s a film I’ll never forget. That’s the film where you get to see him. Slowly turn into a snake. And we can’t forget The Lion King (1994) just to name a few.

Over his career, Jones has won three Tony Awards (out of five nominations), two Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Grammy Award and more.

In my book James Earl Jones is the King of Voice when it comes to voice acting. He’s great in acting altogether.

Piano chord: Samplefocus.com
2nd Piano: Gail Nobles
Organ: Gail Nobles
Vocals: Gail Nobles

Photo credit: Jeanne Menjoulet
https://flic.kr/p/2aDZQ9z
Usage: CC BY 2.0

It’s a rainy day. Today’s topic: Aretha Franklin. She is not here with us today, but she is with us in her music and in spirit. Those of you that knew Aretha may have the ability to feel her presence, or See her in a dream or something. In a sense, the closeness doesn’t die. You might be blessed to hear her singing in your dreams.

Actress GN: Hey! How y’all doing out there?
(Singing)

As you remember Aretha, Keep Pressing On. I’m Gail Nobles & you’re listening to Actors, Stories, & Film (The Lounge Show). Story and Song by Gail Nobles © 2022.

Music by: Samplefocus.com
Soul piano keys emotional; Smash It Bright
Usage: Standard License
Drums by: Gail Nobles

Vocals by: Gail Nobles
Song: Queen of Disco
Intro Song by: Gail Nobles

Music being the way it is today. I can only imagine what Donna Summer would say.

Actress G: Someone found a letter you wrote me on the radio. You wanted to know why the Queen had to go. (Singing) Cause music’s not the same as it use to be like long ago. You need the queen of Disco.

Actress G: We’ll she’s always here with you in music.

Do you remember Donna Summer’s song, The Queen Is Back? It’s on her seventeenth & final studio album, Crayons. Donna Summer is known as the queen of Disco. And when I’m bored with today’s music, I think of the Queen being back. Her music never left.

I’m Gail Nobles. Today’s topic: The Queen of Disco-Donna Summer. You’re Listening to Actors, Stories, & Film (The Lounge Show). I’m you’re host, Gail Nobles.

1968 Stand-up Comedy, * Moms Mabley
Usage: Public Domain
https://archive.org/details/MomsMabley/MomsMabley19681BackhandedInChurch.mp3

Moms Mabley' During the late 1960s, Moms Mabley was a very popular, hilarious, older female, stand-up comedienne. Moms always said WHAT she wanted to, WHEN she wanted to. She pulled no punches. She never held back. She called a spade a spade.

Quotes by: Marvin Gaye
Music by: Gail Nobles
All voices and vocals by: Gail Nobles
Song by: Gail Nobles

Marvin Gaye spoke with feeling just as he did when singing. He put words into songs. He spoke words he didn’t sing in songs, but I heard the music and song while he was only speaking.

Marvin Gaye quote: You know love is misery. I won’t fall in love. I’ll just be loveful. I’ll be kind and good and just have fun.

(Marvin’s words into chorus): “I’m broke. Let Caesar have what he wants.”

Marvin Gaye quote: They can take what they want. I try to keep what I can keep.

The things Marvin sang and talked about is in our day.

(Chorus)

You’re listening to a show about Actors, Stories, and Film. I’m your host, Gail Nobles.

Song by: Sharon Paige & Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes
Song written by: Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff

Actors by: Gail Nobles
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles

Hope That We Can Be Together Soon is a song written by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, that was originally recorded by Dusty Springfield as "Let's Get Together Soon" and was included in her 1970 album, A Brand New Me. The track was produced by Gamble and Huff.

Now, let’s talk about the 1975 version. The composition scored a hit when it was released by Sharon Paige and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in 1975. Unlike most of the group's singles from this time period, Melvin handles most of the vocal duties, while Teddy Pendergrass appears for one line and the closing part of the song. Paige took on a more prominent role in the group after Pendergrass left the group for a solo career.

Released in 1975 from the album To Be True, the song reached number one on the Hot Soul Singles chart in the summer of that year. It reached number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Hope That We Can Be Together Soon is a song I’m sure will come to mind for families that have lived a very far distance away from each other for years distant friends, and most of all lovers.

I’m GailNobles, and you’re listening to actors, stories,and film. The Lounge Show. Thank you for listening.

Intro: by Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles
All photos: Public Domain/ Wikipedia.org

The Temptations & Four Tops
It was Motown 25 when I first saw the Temptations and Four Tops perform together. It was a battle between the two groups in a fun kind of way. I’ll never forget watching them on TV when I heard the announcer say: The Four Tops and The Temptations here to battle it out just like in the old days!

The Four Tops began first singing a little bit of their song, Reach Out (I’ll Be There). Then the Temptations began singing a little bit of their song, Get Ready. They kept on that way singing different songs in between.

The audience would applaud both groups, and you could hear the excitement in their voices shouting out for them. The Temptations would take over and sing Sugar Pie Honey Bunch by the Four Tops & The Four Tops would end up singing one of the Temptations’ songs. Before long, they were like one group singing one song, and the audience gave them a standing ovation.

Motown 25 was a 1983 TV Special. When Motown returned to the Apollo in 1985, The Temptations and the Four Tops had a battle again. Bill Cosby said: If you got a weak heart, you better leave now because I got a feeling something special is about to happen. We call it the battle of the groups.

In that battle Levi Stubbs was left in my mind. He was an awesome actor in singing. Melvin from the Temptations would sing something like: Bom dom dom dom dom.

And Levi would say: Shut up Melvin!
Melvin: Got you that time.
Levi: Okay! That’s enough! That’s enough!

But it was all love between the two. I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening. Have a Happy New Year.

Photo credit/Jackie Robinson: en.wikepidia.org
Usage: Public Domain
Photo credit/ Nate Parker: By flickr user Soluta - https://www.flickr.com/photos/soluta/2833293190/,
Usage: CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5164724

Today’s topic: Nate Parker Could Play as Retired Jackie Robinson.

Chadiwick Boseman played as Jackie Robinson, but another movie could be made starring Nate Parker. There was more to Jackie than baseball. There are some things that were not shown in the movie starring Chadwick Boseman about Jackie. And Parker might be the perfect man to play as Jackie. He could play as young Jackie and an older and retired Jackie with grey hair. People like to see the actors act & look like the real person.

Jackie Robinson served as lieutenant in the US Army. He played as a major role in the Civil Rights Movement. He continued to break down racial barriers after leaving baseball. These things could be put into a new movie. They did not focus on the life of Jackie Robinson after he left baseball in the movie starring Boseman. There are things you may not know about Robinson that could make another movie.

To me, Nate Parker is a good actor and filmmaker. He played in the movie The Great Debaters starring Denzel Washington, The Birth of a Nation, and American Skin to name a few.

I’m Gail Nobles, and you’re listening to Movies Unmade.

Keyboard: Gail Nobles
Artwork by: Gail Nobles
Voice actor: Gail Nobles
Story and dialogue intro by: Gail Nobles
Fighting Sound: SoundBible.com
Usage: Public Domain
Today’s Topic is Where is Bruce Li.

Bruce Li born Ho Chung-Tao is a Taiwanese actor, martial artist and Bruce Lee imitator. You’ve seen him in films such as Fist of Fury 2, Deadly Strike, and Return of the Tiger just to name a few. After Bruce Lee’s death, Bruce Li’s acting career began. Bruce Lee died in 1973, and I was three years old. I saw clips of his funeral at age 3 and went on thinking that I was watching Bruce Lee whenever I saw Bruce Li in Kung Fu films. Thanks to Bruce Li, I remember Bruce Lee. I couldn’t tell them apart.

At the movie theater I remember being in a long line with my mother and father just to see a Bruce Lee or a Bruce Li film. It is Bruce Li that I remember the most. I always called him Bruce Lee. My favorite film starring Bruce Li is titled Deadly Strike. He played tough in that one. I also like Fist of Fury 2. Seeing Bruce Li play in those films made it seem like Bruce Lee was still around. He was a great Bruce Lee imitator and great actor.

So where is Bruce Li today. In 1985, he ended his career and returned to Taiwan. I wish to see him again in a Kung Fu film as Bruce Li just one more time for old times' sake. Bruce Li is still around, and you can find him on Facebook. It’s great to see him there.

I’m Gail Nobles and Today’s Topic is: Where Is Bruce Li?