Night School #188: Hurtis Hadley & Norman Sylvester

Tonight on Night School, it is my honor to host members of the M&M Band: Hurtis Hadley & Norman Sylvester. The group is yet another 1970s-era Albina soul act, obscured by the sands of time. 

Perhaps best known for his early work, Hurtis led one of Albina’s original soul groups of the mid-1960s: The Fabulous Majestics featuring Lanny Hunt. The Majestics toured extensively throughout the region, playing clubs, teen dances, and battles of the bands. After the group’s demise, Hurtis and his wife, Dorothy, opened the first Black-owned bakery in the city of Milwaukie, a close suburb of Portland. More recently, Hurtis has played a pivotal role in Oregon Historical Society’s current exhibit, “Racing To Change: Oregon’s Civil Rights Years.” You can tour the exhibit through June, and if you catch him at the right time, you may get Hurtis as your docent!

To many, Norman Sylvester needs no introduction. Known locally as the “Boogie Cat,” Norman has for decades remained a leading voice in our region’s blues scene. It is a little known fact that he once led a smoking hot soul group entitled, Rated X. Among his many accolades, he has recently taught music & social change curriculum at Irvington Elementary. His upcoming Inner City Blues Festival benefits Health Care For All Oregon, a campaign dedicated to Universal Healthcare.

We have so much to talk about this evening…and amazing soul music to play!