The Crowned Prince
The Crowned Prince of Philadelphia International Records Dexter Wansel has left us. We’ve be calling his name, and playing his music in our homes for 50yrs, that’s a long time. One of the architects of the soundtracks of our lives. These artists are old friends, in fact they are more than that, they have become family. We call their names not only with familiarity, but with comfort.
From a golden era of insleeves and footnotes, we read all we could about them. We knew every musician who played on everything, who produced, who wrote, even where it was recorded. We did our due diligence.
Their music accompanied us to celebrate, to lament in sad moments, in intimacy or just to relax. They were playing in the background whilst our parents were cooking, doing DIY, and just living life and entertaining. They were always present.
Dexter Wansel wrote everthing, played everything, produced and arranged EVERYTHING. The legacy is too huge to mention, but the real music aficionados know just how huge it is. What a gargantuan legacy he has left us with. The greatness of his compositions, orchestration and production is so overwhelming. When you think about it, it’s refreshing, and when you play it, it’s like oxygen. For me there was no era like it.
It was everyone’s concern when he was unable to attend to the recent Philly legend extravaganza in London. Of course, it had to serious for him not to attend, we just didn’t know how serious.
He sent me all of his latest music, and I have him immortalised in two wonderful interviews, and a beautiful jingle he did for my show. The importance of collating these stories becomes evermore relevant, with the loss of each soldier. Rest well Prince.
Sincere condolences to his family, friends, loved ones, and avid fans.
Peace strength love light and grace.
