Traviss Whitehead’s Inheritance Tracks
At the SEDA Shownight 13th May 2018, it was Traviss Whitehead’s turn to present his Inheritance Tracks.
My Mum and Dad were never really into music, so my tracks are ones I’ve been switched on to by other great influences and inspirations in my life.
Lou Rawls: Pure Imagination-From Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
This track has the ability to lift me out of a dark place. When I feel like the world is against me, and nothing is going right, it lifts me to a whole new place. It reminds me “I can change the world, there’s nothing to it”. I love Lou Rawls version of this well-known song.
Tom Jones: Resurrection Shuffle-Live at Caesar’s Palace
In my eyes, Tom Jones is awesome; the way he captivates and charms the audience is second to none. When my wife took me to see him live at Wembley Arena I was worried he wouldn’t live up to the pedestal I had put him on. The atmosphere was electric and just listening to it, leaves me buzzing. Tom Jones live, does not disappoint! Let’s face it, anyone who drinks beer on stage and flirts outrageously with the audience and gets away with it, is a total legend.
Barry White: Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Baby
My wife is my Rock, she supports me 150,000% and I am lucky to have her by my side. This is our song and every birthday, Christmas an anniversary card I write to her have the words, ‘Can’t get enough of your love, baby’. I’d stand up in front of anyone in the world and tell them how amazing my wife is because she’s so special. She is truly my soulmate, and, just like this song, she rocks.
Frank Sinatra: Mack the Knife-LA is my Lady Live
I used to do a regular Sunday lunchtime gig with a swing set. This song & album became a favourite. The album was recorded in 1984 & featured anybody who was anybody. It was produced by Quincy Jones & Featured legends such as George Benson, Michael Jackson, Lionel Hampton, Eddie Van Halen, Lionel Richie & Donna Summer to mention but a few. Frank Sinatra had a risky throat operation and the future for his singing career was uncertain. He came back and recorded this album, with a live orchestra in one take, start to finish. In 3 days it was performed and recorded, edited and in the shops. Now that is pure magic!
Nat King Cole: Let There Be Love
This guy could fart in a bottle and I’d think it was amazing. He featured in the Sunday lunchtime swing set and many a bride and groom have cut their cake to this track. I honestly believe that he’s the greatest male vocalist of all time. No matter the genre, he can bring it to life in a way that no one else can. Despite smoking 70 fags a day and a fair few cigars, nothing could take away from that legendary voice.
Jackie Wilson: (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher
This track choice is inspired by a DJ friend I grew up with. It’s such a feel-good song and gets the most amazing reaction whenever it’s played. He has the most immense voice and this song always ‘lifts me higher’.
Natalie Cole: This will Be (an Everlasting Love)
This track has got everything! Playing this track at an event in Biggin Hill aged 16 was the first time I thought, ‘I can take this from novice to pro’. At the time, if I’d said that to my mum, she’d have given me a clip round the ear and told me to “grow up and be sensible”. I was right to follow my instincts on the reaction of this track though. I’ve been doing it ever since and 40 years later I’m still a full-time pro DJ.
Stephanie Mills: I’ve Never Known Love Like This Before.
This may have been a one-hit-wonder, but it was a hit for me and has some poignant meaning. My children are very special to me, I could talk about them forever and I am so proud of them. Tragically, my second child, Katie, passed away from congenital heart disease. I wanted to give up, but I had a loving wife, bills to pay, another daughter who needed me, a son on the way. It was down to me to keep a roof over their heads. So, the day after my beloved Katie died, I had to go back to work. This track came on and I had hundreds of people singing it back to me. It gave me the strength to carry on. I have since raised thousands of pounds for the British Heart Foundation at various fund-raising events by doing the London to Brighton Bike Ride in her honour.