Honouring Legends, Preserving History, and Paying Tribute to Those We’ve Lost

2 days ago4 min read

At Esther Austin Global, we believe that music is more than just sound. It’s history, culture, and lived experiences. It’s a powerful force that has the ability to heal, inspire, and bring people together. Our platforms –Our ' On the Sofa with Esther' podcast on youtube and spotify and TurningPoint: Music and Lifestyle Magazine (Which will be back online in June 2025) were born from a deep passion for giving visibility to the legends and pioneers who have shaped the soundtrack of our lives.

These artists didn’t just make music; they created movements. Their work was pivotal, not just for entertainment, but for offering joy, solace, and activism. Whether it was soul, R&B, Motown, or funk, their music was often the backdrop to pivotal moments in people’s lives – a nostalgic thread that holds deep meaning for generations.

Our Ethos: Acknowledgement, Visibility, and Honour

At the heart of everything we do is our ethos: to acknowledge, to give visibility to, and to honour the legends who paved the way for today’s music and culture. Too often, the contributions of these pioneers are overlooked or forgotten, and we believe it’s our duty to ensure their stories are heard, their legacies celebrated, and their impact preserved for future generations.

Paying Tribute to Musical Legends

In line with this ethos, On the Sofa with Esther has been dedicating time and space to pay tribute to the artists who have passed away recently, artists who Esther Austin has had the privilege interviewing,. Artist who have left behind a rich legacy. Over the past few weeks – and for the weeks to come – we’ve been honouring these legends by sharing their stories, their music, and the memories of those who knew them best.

Some of the recent and upcoming tributes include:

Chris Jasper, formerly of Isley-Jasper-Isley and The Isley Brothers, whose iconic sound influenced countless artists and fans alike. We had the privilege of interviewing Chris and sharing his remarkable journey on our platform. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9J-a2Y1TGI
The Late Angie Stone, a powerhouse in neo-soul whose music spoke to love, struggle, and triumph. We will be hosting a special tribute show on Sunday, 6th April 2025, 8pm GMT, 12pm PST, 3pm EST, featuring those who knew Angie intimately and were part of her world. This promises to be a moving and heartfelt celebration of her life and legacy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNVItHE9aJo&t=59s. Broadcasting on 6th April will be at: www.facebook.com/estheraustin1965
We also had the pleasure of featuring the late Roy Ayers, a jazz-funk and soul legend, in the 2022 Spring issue of our magazine, TurningPoint: Music and LIfestyle https://www.estheraustinglobal.biz/product-page/turningpoint-music-lifestyle-unsung whose timeless contributions to music earned him the title of the "Godfather of Neo-Soul." Sadly, Roy Ayers passed away, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and creativity that continues to influence artists across genres.
Patricia Hodges was a beloved and soulful vocalist, known for her work with Motown and as a key member of the vocal group Hodges, James, and Smith. Her powerful, velvety voice and emotive performances made her a cherished figure in the music world.
Performing alongside the dynamic trio, Patricia and her group became known for their rich harmonies, glamorous stage presence, and memorable hits. They captured hearts with songs like "What's On Your Mind?" and "Somewhere a Valley," cementing their place in the legacy of soulful, Motown-inspired sound.Pat sadly passed away on 22nd February 2025, and on Sunday, 23rd March, On the Sofa with Esther will be paying a live tribute to her incredible legacy to be streamed live at www.facebook.com/estheraustin1965. We will be joined by:
- Alexis Sanders – Pat Hodges’ daughter, who will share personal memories of her mother.
- Stephanie Spruill – an accomplished singer, songwriter, and friend of Pat Hodges.
- Andre Pitmon CEO, Producer from Enthrone Records.
- Trina Parks, actress, choreographer, and the first African-American woman to appear in a Bond film.

We will also be paying tribute to the late Jerry Bell, who died on 20th February 2025, on the show on 23rd March another incredible artist who touched the hearts of many. Jerry Butler was a legendary soul singer, songwriter, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, affectionately known as "The Iceman" for his cool, smooth vocal style. A founding member of the iconic group The Impressions, Jerry Butler helped shape the sound of Chicago soul with hits like "For Your Precious Love."

After launching a successful solo career, Butler delivered timeless classics such as "Only the Strong Survive," "Never Give You Up," and "Hey, Western Union Man," showcasing his deep, resonant voice and heartfelt lyrics. His influence on soul, R&B, and pop spanned decades, and he was known not just for his music but for his work as a politician and advocate for the arts.

Why This Matters

We run these tributes because we believe it’s important to honour those who came before us. Their music provided the soundtrack to our lives – offering hope in difficult times, joy in moments of celebration, and a voice for those who felt unheard. By keeping their legacies alive, we ensure that their impact continues to inspire future generations.

TurningPoint: Music and Lifestyle Magazine

In addition to our podcast, TurningPoint: Music and Lifestyle Magazine also serves as a platform to celebrate music, culture, and the people who make it all happen. Through in-depth features, exclusive interviews, and thoughtful editorial content, we aim to shine a light on the legends and pioneers who have made – and continue to make – a difference.

Join Us in Celebrating Musical History

We invite you to be part of this journey. Tune in to On the Sofa with Esther for our upcoming live tributes, and stay connected with TurningPoint: Music and Lifestyle Magazine for more exclusive content. Together, let’s continue to honour the legends, preserve the history, and celebrate the power of music.

Because at Esther Austin Global, we’re not just telling stories – we’re keeping legacies alive. 🎶

Stay tuned for more details on how to watch our live shows and engage with our upcoming features! Youtube: Esther Austin Global - YouTube Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6sbDItTtR67VLByC3nRi9b?si=Xnpt9UGzQGq5Ts6P-MCvgQ&nd=1&dlsi=70b0b568011b4d81