I think I've had a grand total of two conversations with Keith Nunnally (facebook here), the vocalist best known for his soaring melodies and sweaty grit on classic JM Silk releases "Music Is The Key", "Shadows of Your Love" and Let The Music Take Control" among others.

The upshot: these were conversations I've never forgotten. What began as just a quick hello evolved into some deep discussions of the industry, the community and beyond that a discourse on the peculiarities of human nature. Aside from having one of the strongest voices ever etched into acetate, Keith has some of the strongest, mostly deeply held convictions of anyone I've met, and is certainly one of the most well-rounded folks I've had the pleasure to meet, in the industry or out.

During our first conversation some two or three years ago, Keith mentioned a book he was working on. It wasn't yet another "Who Was House Music's Daddy?" diatribe, the likes of which have come and go without ever having decided anything. No, what he was working on was nothing less than a meditation on the modern African-American family.

During our second conversation, he told me the book was finished, and I can't wait to read this. You can pick it up at Amazon here or, if you're in the Chicago area, meet the author on July 19th from 2pm-5pm at Sonoma Cafe (2845 W. 95th St. in Evergreen Park) - RSVP or get in touch with Keith at keithkimonialexander@yahoo.com.