0 Diana Ross Challenges Gen X'ers on the 2007 BET Awards

• Review
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/28/2007

Not only did Diana Ross throw out a peace offering olive branch to former Supreme Mary Wilson, but the "boss" used her microphone during the Tuesday, June 26, 2007 BET Awards to suggest to younger artists that long careers are possible without relying on gimmicky vulgar language. Ms. Ross also suggested to the hip hop crowd that it is possible to be classy, contemporary, and cool without diving into the salacious behavior used in many videos/live performances. The lifetime achievement award presented to Diana Ross was one of the 4 big highlights of the BET Awards. In the Ms. Ross tribute, Stevie Wonder performed "Upside Down," Chaka Khan sang "I'm Comin' Out," and Erykah Badu styled and profiled on "Love Hangover." Gerald Levert and James Brown received posthumous tributes. Public Enemy and Bootsy Collins performed a medley of James Brown hits. Jennifer Holliday & Jennifer Hudson opened the show with a blockbuster semi-duet performance of "And I am Telling You" from Dreamgirls. In 3 hours plus, America heard a year's worth of howling from "charm school" headmaster Mo'Nique, the evening's host. Enough said. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Respect Yourself - The Stax Records Story comes to PBS

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/28/2007

Between 1959 - 1975, Stax became one of the most important classic soul record labels in history. The top 4 classic R&B labels include Motown, Philadelphia International, Atlantic, and Stax. 2007, the 50th anniversary of Stax, has seen a flurry of activities reminding us of the important Stax label contributions. First there was the release of the excellent double CD Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration. June 22nd in Memphis, Tennessee, legendary artists from the label got together to benefit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Now, PBS will air Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story, beginning on Wednesday, August 1. Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Booker T. & the MGs, Richard Pryor, and Jesse Jackson all appeared on the Stax label. You won't want to miss this historic TV special. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Save Internet Radio

• Commentary
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/26/2007

We'll join thousands of webcasters today, (Tuesday, June 26, 2007), for approximately 24 hours, to raise awareness in support of the SaveNetRadio.org coalition. Our two online music streams Powerhouse Radio and FabFourSoul will benefit from this mobilization when the U.S. Congress takes action to avert an impending July 15, 2007 crisis: the end of online radio for thousands of webcasters. I completely support the Save Net Radio movement, and since you're a fan of online classic soul, you should too. Today's action is an extremely important political statement. Find out how you can help by visiting SaveNetRadio.org. Thank you! Previous Post | Next Post

0 Diana Ross Tribute and James Brown Salute Headline the BET Awards

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/26/2007

The Hollywood spotlight shines on the 2007 BET Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Tuesday evening, June 26. Look for Diana Ross to receive a lifetime achievement award. You'll also see posthumous classic soul tributes to both James Brown and Gerald Levert . Actor Don Cheadle will receive a humanitarian achievement award. The BET Awards always have some of the best musical performances. This year should be no different. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Destiny's Child Kelly Rowland Ready as Ms. Kelly

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/20/2007

Can Kelly Rowland catch a break? The Destiny's Child member finally releases her highly anticipated Ms. Kelly album in stores and online Tuesday, July 3, 2007. Ms. Kelly has been delayed several times over the past year, probably to avoid head-to-head competition with DC kindred spirit Beyonce's B'Day. It's ironic that Ms. Kelly drops just 3 days before Beyonce' kicks off her Summer tour in New Orleans. Kelly will be featured in a mini-concert appearance on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live, Wednesday, June 27, at 12:05 am Eastern. Lucky fans of the "by invitation only" event have been advised "not to wear white, light blue, beige, or logos" because according to the TV producers, this apparel doesn't come across well on camera. Look for Sony Music to give Ms. Kelly a big push. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Prince heads to U.K. with 21 Nights Music Tour to Save Planet Earth

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/19/2007

20 years ago in the Spring of 1987, Prince's "Sign of the Times" was a #1 R&B hit. The reincarnation of the unpredictable Prince continues to pick up momentum right now in 2007. His next album, Planet Earth, is scheduled for release on Tuesday, July 24. Prince will perform 21 shows in 21 nights later this Summer during his London, U.K. tour at the new O2 Arena. Here are the official dates: August: Wednesday 1st, Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th August: Tuesday 7th, Friday 10th, Saturday 11th August: Tuesday 14th, Friday 17th, Saturday 18th August: Friday 24th, Saturday 25th August: Tuesday 28th, Friday 31st September: Saturday 1st September: Thursday 6th September: Sunday 9th, Wednesday 12th, Thursday 13th September: Sunday 16th, Thursday 20th, Friday 21st The first 15 shows sold out in just hours, so the promoters added another 6 shows. Tickets went on sale this past Friday, June 15th for the final 6 London performances. Previous Post | Next Post

0 10 Classic Soul Picks for Father's Day

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/15/2007

Color Him Father - the Winstons Daddy - Beyonce' Daddy Could Swear - Gladys Knight & the Pips Daddy's Home - Jermaine Jackson Dance with my Father - Luther Vandross Father Figure - George Michael Papa was a Rolling Stone - Temptations Papa's got a Brand New Bag - James Brown Song for my Father - Horace Silver Quintet Sugar Daddy - Jackson 5 Put these on your Dad's iPod, or burn them to a CD. When it comes to classic soul, (and a little jazz flava from Horace Silver), Dad never sounded better! Previous Post | Next Post

2 Beyonce' and Mary J. Blige Summer Tour Tickets Top the Charts

• Commentary
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/14/2007

It's a high roller payday for Beyonce' and Mary J. Blige as their Summer tours get ready to cash in on fans who can't get enough of these charming ladies. My eyes almost popped out of my head when I peeped the prices for Beyonce's Saturday, August 11th, 2007 performance at the Trump Taj Mahal Arena in Atlantic City, NJ: $195.75, $165.75, and $95.75 at the low end. Mary J. Blige, at the Borgata on Saturday, July 28th, also in A.C., isn't much better: $135.00, $115.00, and $95.00. These prices are out of control! What happened to reasonably priced live entertainment from these headline performers? Not that long ago, I went to see Patti Labelle at the Trump Taj Mahal Arena in Atlantic City, and the cost of the top ticket was about 1/5th of today's prices. What has happened to drive prices up almost 500%? There are a lot of legitimate reasons, but greed plays a large part in the process as our pockets continue to be picked. Last Summer, (2006), when Madonna tickets were going for around $300 each, people did a double take. Let's face it, at the time, Madonna wasn't burning up the charts to command such a premium. It's time to get real. Beyonce', Mary J. Blige, and other acts are pricing their non-affluent fans out of the market to attend live concerts. The cost factor difference between a music download for .99 cents, a CD for $20, and a $200 concert ticket is mind boggling. Concert ticket prices reflect a growing cultural divide between the bling crowd who can afford the luxury, and working class people who deserve a better break at seeing these acts perform live (who they helped make famous). If you've got the cash, tickets for Beyonce's August 11th show in Atlantic City go on sale this Saturday, June 16th, at 12 noon. Another option is to pray that you score free tickets from a radio station promotion. Now that will be just like hitting the lottery! Previous Post | Next Post

0 Chuck D and Randy Jackson to co-host 50 Years of Stax Records Classic Soul Concert

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/12/2007

Chuck D and Randy Jackson will host 50 Years of Stax: a Concert to Benefit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music on Friday, June 22, 2007, at Memphis, Tennessee's historic Orpheum Theater (at the foot of Beale Street). Isaac Hayes, Booker T & the MGs, Eddie Floyd, William Bell, Mavis Staples, Mable John, the Soul Children, and Angie Stone (among others) are all confirmed to appear. Chuck D, of Public Enemy fame, commenting on his role as a co-host for the benefit says: "The logo of Stax says it all. That finger snap graphic brings a funky sound effect by just looking at it. With it comes a catalog of soul heroes and heroines whose heart, souls and passions still echo across this planet today." Co-host producer, songwriter, and American Idol host Randy Jackson adds: "I am honored to be a part of this amazing music legacy. Stax records is the foundation that R&B was built on. The legendary artists that Stax built are such a huge part of my music roots." Previous Post | Next Post

0 Barry White Salute coming to NYC off Broadway

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/07/2007

Barry White: Guided By Destiny, a new off Broadway musical/concert, is scheduled for a two week showcase production June 14th - June 24th, 2007 at the Times Square Arts Center in New York City. The producers have created original music to go along with original Barry White and Love Unlimited songs. Artist Lanar will play the late classic soul icon Barry White (who passed away on July 3, 2003). Venus Adore is slotted as Glodean White, with Jessica Opong and Gezele Portwood rounding out The Love Not Limited Singers, (a trio performing as Love Unlimited in the production). Barry White: Guided By Destiny will explore the R&B legend's relationships with Muhammad Ali and Elvis Presley (credited with changing his life). Previous Post | Next Post