fast train – a tribute to solomon burke

Solomon Burke was an American Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter who claimed to be the man for whom the term “soul music” was coined. He died three days ago at Schiphol Airport, outside Amsterdam, on his way to a concert performance.

I first learned of the man and his music through watching The Wire, the greatest TV show of all time. The song, “Fast Train”, written by Van Morrison, was performed by Burke during the third season finale montage.

Burke is the father of 21. He has 90 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, according to reports. He wrote on his website, “This is a difficult time in the world, and I would like to ask each of you to find ways to be a part of positive solutions. There is something that each of us can do, and it’s just a matter of searching your own soul to find the way that you can give to others. Some of us can give of our time and talent, and some of us can donate money or items. The trick is to give without looking to receive – to give of yourself to your family, your friends, your community, and the world community with love.”