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  

0 Michael Jackson's Secret Songs

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/01/2009

Does Michael Jackson have a secret song library bulging with almost 200 unreleased tracks? Several reliable sources are reporting that MJ bequeathed a massive music catalog to his three children Michael Joseph Jr., Paris Michael Katherine, and Prince Michael II, just weeks prior to his death. The secret song catalogue could be worth at least $100 million to Jackson's children. Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson had such high standards rolling with the "A list" tracks, that it's completely believable that a number of potential "B list" hit tracks were recorded and remain in secure vaults. A "B list" Jackson track may still be better than another artist's best material. Previous Post | Next Post

0 50 Ways to Remember Michael Jackson

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/26/2009

On August 14, 2008, I wrote 50 Ways To Love Michael Jackson, in honor of his 50th birthday. May he rest in peace. Michael Jackson, (1958 -2009), one of the great ones. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Michael Jackson Reschedules London O2 Dates

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/18/2009

An amusing release appears on Michael Jackson's official website. I don't believe the explanation his spin doctors have dreamed up regarding concert schedule changes, and you probably won't either. Several of his July, 2009 O2 London shows have been moved into March, 2010. Too bad for any jet setters who planned to fly into the U.K. for some of these selected 2009 dates. Place your bets now on how many more "creative" moves will take place through the rest of the posted concert schedule. The Michael Jackson performance series was originally announced on March 5, 2009. Four months seems long enough to plan this comeback production. Do you believe this explanation? "Due to the sheer magnitude of the "This Is It" concerts at The O2 arena promoters and producers AEG Live and Kenny Ortega, Michael's directorial partner and creative collaborator have elected to move back a few of the opening shows in order to meet the challenges presented by such a massive and technically complex show." "Organizers are determined that all Michael's legions of fans attending the opening nights get to experience the same high quality staging that is planned for all of the spectacular shows." "In order to deliver a phenomenal and unprecedented show - the first show on the 8th July will take place on 13th July 2009." "The subsequent shows on 10th July will be moved to 1st March 2010, 12th July will be moved to 3rd March 2010, and the show on the 14th July will be moved to 6th March 2010." "Randy Phillips, President and CEO, AEG Live added, "Kenny and Michael are, at the same time, both creative pioneers and perfectionists." "This show has grown in size and scope, thereby, necessitating more lead time for manufacture of the set, programming the content for the massive video elements, and, most importantly, more time for full production and dress rehearsals in the worlds busiest arena, The O2." "As much as we agonized over this change in the original schedule, we are sure the fans will understand when they experience the level of entertainment Michael Jackson intends to deliver while also ensuring the safety of the musicians, cast and crew and the crisp execution of the production." "It is AEG Lives sincere hope that those lucky enough to have purchased tickets will have enough time to change their personal schedules and travel plans if they are coming from outside of London." "We do not want anyone to miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience." "Michael, who is directly involved with all aspects of the styling/choreography/band selection and rehearsals, is working around the clock to ensure this is the show to end all shows!" "Kenny Ortega, Michael's directorial partner and creative collaborator said, ?After directing the Dangerous and HIStory tours, I know what the fans expect and myself and the team want to deliver a flawless production." "We apologize to all disappointed Michael Jackson fans and remain extremely dedicated and focused on creating an exceptional live music experience." "AEG Live stressed that anybody who cannot make the rescheduled dates for any reason will get a full refund of the ticket and booking fee. Fans can log on www.MichaelJacksonLive.com for further information and call the 24hr hotline or email." The Schedule: Jul 8, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Rescheduled to Jul 13, 2009 Jul 10, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Rescheduled to Mar 1, 2010 Jul 12, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Rescheduled to Mar 3, 2010 Jul 13, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Jul 14, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Rescheduled to Mar 6, 2010 Jul 16, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Jul 18, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Jul 22, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Jul 24, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Jul 26, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Jul 28, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Jul 30, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Aug 1, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Aug 3, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Aug 10, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Aug 12, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Aug 17, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Aug 19, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Aug 24, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Aug 26, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Aug 28, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Aug 30, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Sep 1, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Sep 3, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Sep 6, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Sep 8, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Sep 10, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Sep 21, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Sep 23, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Sep 27, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Sep 29, 2009 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Jan 7, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Jan 9, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Jan 12, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Jan 14, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Jan 16, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Jan 18, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Jan 23, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Jan 25, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Jan 27, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Jan 29, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Feb 1, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Feb 3, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Feb 8, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Feb 10, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Feb 12, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Feb 16, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Feb 18, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Feb 20, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Feb 22, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Feb 24, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena Mar 1, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena *Rescheduled From Jul 10, 2009 Mar 3, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena *Rescheduled From Jul 12, 2009 Mar 6, 2010 London United Kingdom O2 Arena *Rescheduled From Jul 14, 2009 Previous Post | Next Post

0 Countdown to the 2009 Essence Music Festival

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

More music, more voices, and more culture will be jammed into the 15th anniversary of the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, July 3 - 5, 2009, than ever before. The celebration promises to delivery a bayou full of music, motivation, and merry-making. Beyonce', Teena Marie, Al Green, Anita Baker, Salt-N-Pepa, and John Legend lead the evening performance schedule. Dozens of other acts are also on the bill. Daytime events include a big tribute to Bishop T.D. Jakes. 270,000 people attended in 2008. Over 200,000 attended in 2007. Previous Post | Next Post

1 Al B. Sure comes Home for Honey

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/02/2009

When Al B. Sure entered a Sony Music sponsored song contest in the 1980's, luck with talent attracted the ear of judge Quincy Jones, who picked Al B. to receive the top honor from among 50 finalists. With some grooming, Sure eventually went on to release the successful 1988 hit In Effect Mode, featuring his anthem "Nite and Day." On Tuesday, June 23, 2009, Al B. Sure leaps ahead 21 years to release Honey, I'm Home, a brand new album featuring 10 original songs. 2022 Update: Sadly his love blog referenced below is gone, but you can keep up with Al B. Sure on his official website. Laura Krier in southern Spain has a great new audio conversation with "Mr. Nite and Day." You can hear it by visiting the official Al B. Sure love blog and clicking on the "interview with Laura Krier" link. During the interview, Al B. has a great tip for up and coming artists. Sure says, in effect, forget about the technology, it's all about the song. Previous Post | Next Post

0 AWB - Hall and Oates Box Set Bonanzas

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 05/29/2009

New box sets paired with massive vintage catalogue reissues just keep on comin' for many seasoned legacy artists. The complete Average White Band catalogue of 12 albums released from 1973 to 1982 are now recast as four 2-CD slip-cased sets on Edsel Records, under the supervision of original AWB band members Alan Gorrie, Hamish Stuart and Onnie McIntyre. Listen to my classic AWB interview from 1974 with Malcolm Duncan and Hamish Stuart from the band. The group was in New York City appearing at the Bottom Line Club. Our conversation was recorded at NYU's radio station in the Washington Square Loeb Student Center in downtown Manhattan. Straight From Philadelphia is another new box set from Daryl Hall & John Oates scheduled for a June 2, 2009 release. For a pretty hefty price, fans will be able to relive "Sara Smile," She's Gone," and their other soulful sounds. Learn more on their official websites as Hall and Oates and AWB roll on. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Diana Ross Rolls into Foxwoods Country

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 05/12/2009

A now somewhat rare Diana Ross concert appearance is always a treat. Mashantucket, Connecticut, Motown legions will be thrilled to check out Ms. Ross, live, Saturday, May 16, 2009, for an 8 pm show at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Lionel Richie Roams through Deutschland

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 04/23/2009

Lionel Richie's European tour rolls on with May, 2009 dates in Switzerland, Austria, and several cities in Germany. "Forever" "Just Go" "Nothing Left To Give" "Forever And A Day" "I'm Not Okay" "Good Morning" "Through My Eyes" "I'm In Love" "Think Of You" "Into You Deep" "Pastime" "Face In The Crowd" "Eternity" These are the tracks on Just Go, the new album with a revised international release date of Tuesday, May 19th. Previous Post | Next Post