0 Mariah Carey - Queen Latifah - Music Notes

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 08/06/2009

Some new music is in the pipeline from a couple of familiar faces: Queen Latifah and Mariah Carey. Latifah returns to her hip hop roots after several adventurous album projects that were designed to capitalize on her expanding television and movie fan base. Queen Latifah's Persona record is scheduled for a Tuesday, August 25, 2009 release. Mariah Carey hopes to cash in on Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel, a new collection coming your way on Tuesday, September 15. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Eddie Floyd Knocks on Wood 60 Times

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 08/04/2009

From 1968 - 1974, Eddie Floyd recorded for Stax Records during the golden age of the Memphis label. Steve Cropper, (Booker T. & the MG's guitarist), and Floyd co-wrote the memorable "Knock on Wood," a classic soul favorite that's been recorded by scores of artists. For a unique hobby Eddie has collected over 60 cover versions of "Knock on Wood" as recorded by other artists, including the Otis Redding - Carla Thomas duet, and the Amii Stewart '#1 song' version from 1979. It was nice to see his "I've Never Found Me A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)" appear on the 2008 soundtrack of the Bernie Mac - Samuel L. Jackson musical comedy Soul Men. "I've Never Found Me A Girl...," as well as "Knock On Wood," appear on the Very Best of Eddie Floyd, remastered and re-released in 2007. In 2008, the reincarnated Stax label released the new album Eddie Loves You So, featuring Mr. Floyd (now in his 70's) updating some of his vintage songs. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Whitney Houston Hosts Free Song Download

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/30/2009

As the momentum builds towards the release of a brand new Whitney Houston album, her promotional push is in high gear. During July, listening parties were held in Los Angeles and New York City for her fans to preview new tracks. "I Look To You," the title track from the album, is a simply arranged, emotionally sung ballad, reminiscent of the slow jam style that appeared on The Bodyguard soundtrack. Whitney's voice navigates the tune effectively. Her pipes resonate with less sonic command than I was expecting, but this song doesn't need exaggerated drama. You can grab "I Look To You" right now, but you have to move fast. A free mp3 download of the appealing song is available at WhitneyHouston.com through Friday, July 31. The release date for the album has been moved up to Tuesday, August 31, 2009. Previous Post | Next Post

0 David Ruffin - Eddie Kendricks - Family Affair

• Audio
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/28/2009

Thanks to their mid-1980's collaboration with Daryl Hall & John Oates, former Temptations David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks captured another brief post Motown era curtain call in the spotlight. The four performed together at 1985's Live Aid concert in Philadelphia, and recorded a set at the Apollo Theater in New York City, (also in 1985). David and Eddie went on to record an album on RCA in 1987: Ruffin and Kendricks. You won't find any iconic Detroit chestnuts on this release, but notable is their 'new jack swing' version of Sly Stone's, "Family Affair." Within the next 5 years, both Ruffin & Kendricks would pass away (Ruffin in 1991, and Kendricks in 1992). Your browser does not support the audio element. Listen to a 2 minute highlight of "Family Affair" by David Ruffin & Eddie Kendricks. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Bill Withers Sings 9 for the Sunshine

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/23/2009

These 9 Bill Withers songs are classics. "Ain't No Sunshine" "Lean On Me" "Lovely Day" "Just The Two of Us" (featuring Grover Washington Jr.) "Use Me" "Grandma's Hands" "Who Is He? (and What Is He To You)" "The Same Love That Made Me Laugh" "Harlem" The West Virginia, singer - songwriter achieved most of his success in a relatively short period, 1971 - 1978. Still, Bill eclipsed the trendy, harder edged dance and pop music of his heyday by commanding graceful instrumentation, great lyrics, genuine emotion, and subtle soul in his songs. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Marlena Shaw Sends a Message to Mr. Right

• Audio
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/21/2009

What do music makers Marlena Shaw, Steve Lawrence, and Donny Osmond all have in common? They injected the same sugary Carole King 'lovers lament' song, "Go Away?," with unique spins turning the poetic story into a popular favorite. Although she didn't record the original, when Ms. Shaw turned "Go Away Little Girl" into "Go Away Little Boy," Marlena created a catchy, original update combining a rap introduction with a charming, memorable pop melody sung with spirit. In the liner notes of her 1999 best of CD collection, we learn that "with no nonsense and no niceties, Marlena sings "'Go Away Little Boy' for all the men who don't have the courage to satisfy a real W-O-M-A-N." The first couple of minutes of the song present a 'rap/monologue' sprinkled with humor and passion, equal to the best ramblings from Millie Jackson, Barry White, or Isaac Hayes. "Go Away Little Boy" originally appeared on Marlena Shaw's 1977 Columbia album, Sweet Beginnings. The monologue portion of the song is called "Yu-Ma." Your browser does not support the audio element. Listen to 30 seconds of New Rochelle, New York, native Marlena Shaw sing the main theme from her sassy hit. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Michael Jackson's A Place with No Name

• Audio
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/17/2009

It's probably a step down for Michael Jackson to sample another artist, but lifting a melody with permission is the sign of the times. Your browser does not support the audio element. "A Horse with No Name" by America was always one of my favorites. Listen to 24 seconds of Michael Jackson's new "A Place with No Name." Yes, he did get permission to use the melody. Look for this posthumous Michael Jackson release soon. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Whitney Houston Looks Good in New Cover Art

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/16/2009

Here's Whitney Houston featured on the cover of her forth coming album I Look To You, slated for a September, 2009 release. As we all know, there's more substance to Whitney than just eye candy. Take a look back at some of the outstanding Whitney Houston recording industry achievements. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Smokey Robinson Passes the Time Flying High with Hits

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/14/2009

Bill (William) Smokey Robinson has been apart of the music scene since Motown captured the hearts of young America way back when. Smokey's sincere comments regarding fond memories of Michael Jackson have been well received in the media during the aftermath of the Jackson tragedy. Time Flies When You Are Having Fun is the brand new Smokey Robinson album, scheduled for release on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, on his own label, Robso Records. Smokey is on the road during his 2009 tour: Wednesday, July 15, Costa Mesa, CA, Pacific Amphitheatre Friday, July 17, Morton, MN, Jackpot Junction Casino Saturday, July 18, Fort Worth, TX, Bass Performance Hall Thursday, July 23, Clarkston, MI, DTE Energy Music Theatre Saturday, July 25, Lisle, IL, Morton Arboretum Friday, July 31, Kelseyville, CA, Konocti Field Amphitheater August: Saturday, Aug. 1, Oakville, CA, Robert Mondavi Winery Friday, Aug. 7, Saratoga, CA, The Mountain Winery Wednesday, Aug. 12, Vienna, VA, The Filene Center September: Friday, Sept. 4, Shreveport, LA, Sam's Town Casino Sunday, Sept. 6, Vinton, LA, Delta Downs Casino Friday, Sept. 18, Galveston, TX, The Grand Opera House Saturday, Sept. 19, Biloxi, MS, Beau Rivage Resort October: Wednesday, Oct 28, Newark NJ, NJ Performing Arts Center November: Friday, Nov 13, Agoura Hills, CA, Canyon Club Previous Post | Next Post  

0 MichaelJackson.com Shares Fan Memories

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/09/2009

You can find one of the best collections of Michael Jackson fan memorial messages at MichaelJackson.com. Previous Post | Next Post