Lou Rawls dies
 

In Memoriam

Lou Rawls

December 1, 1933 - January 6, 2006



..........We all know that Lou Rawls' music entertained people around the world on vinyl, tape, CDs and in concert performances. Most of us know of Lou's fine work for over thirty years with the United Negro College Fund. During his travels, nothing lit Lou's eyes more than meeting the doctors, lawyers, architects, etc., who had benefited from scholarships as a result of his telethons and other fundraising activities for the UNCF. He truely believed that "a mind is a terrible thing to waste."

.........Having known Lou Rawls for over 25 years, I want you to know that he was a warm individual who was supremely generous in spirit. The quality I have been most impressed with over the years was the fact that Lou was an entertainer who genuinely liked people. In an airport, on the street, in restaurants and backstage Lou was always had a smile, a word, a handshake, a picture or an autograph for those who came up to him. He always ended his encounter with a big smile and his favorite phrase, "Yeah Buddy."

.........Lou will be greatly missed

http://www.lourawls.com/final_frameset.html

RIP



A Natural Man
{spoken}
You know, there was a time when, if someone told you to
do somethin', you did it. Bam! Right on! No questions asked.
It was "Yes, sir" and "Yes, mam". You never said no. You know? Huh.
But, you know, things are changing nowadays. It's a new day,
babies. Folks want to take their own lives into their hands and
make their own choices. No longer do they wanna go along with
the program 'cause everybody say it's right. You know what I mean?
Let me tell ya what I'm talkin' about, ya see, 'cause...

I don't want no gold watch for workin' fifty years from nine till five
A-while the boss is guzzling champagne and I'm beltin' beer in some dive

'Cause I want to be happy and free
Livin' and loving for me
I want to be happy and free
Livin' and lovin' for me
Like a natural man (like a natural man)
A natural man (like a natural man)

Well now, I refuse to listen to people's thinkin' that I live too high
I'm gonna taste it now before my one life streaks on by

'Cause I want to be happy and free
Livin' and lovin' for me
I want to be happy and free
Livin' and lovin' for me
Just like a natural man (like a natural man)
I said a natural man (just like a natural man)

Well now, I tried to do what others say that I should do
They say that I should fit in, fool 'em, fake it, well
Those kinda dues just make me crazy and blue
Man, I just can't take it

So when ya see me walkin', won't ya notice that proud look in my eyes
My feet are on the ground and my soul is searchin' for the sky

'Cause I want to be happy and free
Livin' and lovin' for me
I want to be happy and free
Livin' and lovin' for me
Just like a natural man (just like a natural man)
A natural man (just like a natural man)
Just like a natural man (just like a natural man)
My feet are on the ground (just like a natural man)
My soul is searchin' for the sky (just like a natural man)
Like a natural man (just like a natural man)
No more "Yes, sir" (just like a natural man)
No more "Yes, mam" (just like a natural man)
Huh, 'cause I'm a natural man (just like a natural man)
I'm a natural man (just like a natural man)