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    0 Tribute to Ahmet Ertegun by Narada Michael Walden

    Ahmet Ertegun: July 31, 1923 - December 14, 2006 Ahmet Ertegun, a U-S immigrant from Turkey, was a founder of Atlantic Records. He helped popularize R&B and soul music to the masses. See the red Atlantic label above. In the spirit of Christmas, here's a tribute to Ahmet Ertegun written by producer/artist Narada Michael Walden. "Ahmet, God shines down upon your precious heart and soul, His choice Blessings for the love you have given on a regular basis of your life. Our hearts are heavy with sadness because you were so Damn Cool. You who've been witness to so many miracles in your life. The Birth of Jazz with Louis Satchmo Armstrong as its Father. The Discovery of the Genius of Soul Ray Charles. The making way of the new sound for The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The promoting of the Hot fresh sounds of Joe Turner, Ruth Brown who joins you in Heaven, and a host of others who created early Rhythm and Blues, Rock and Soul. You were not only there but helped make it happen. You and your Brother Neshway, who was always supportive of my career with Atlantic since 1976. Ahmet, I love you for taking me under your wing and teaching me the ropes. You so loved Barry White and inspired Phil Collins with his message. You were a delight and knew how to charm the beautiful ladies. I thank you most recently for introducing me to your long time friend Diana. She's beautiful and kind and knows you well. You kept us up with my friend Danni, till 4 in the morning at Kodak Theater bar explaining to us the history of Jazz and the evolution of music. That Louis was in fact the Father of Jazz and changed everything with his phrasings and Genius. And that we should make the Louis Armstrong Story Film. Then you'd swing over to memory lane where you brought sandwiches to the shivering cold Stones fans in London waiting for tickets all night long, to look out for them. How White people have always borrowed from the Black man's music. How delighted you were that to this day, that the Black man's sound and influence from the streets is still profound and rules. How to make Hits was still a big and major motivation for you even to the end as we were working co producing your Turkish artist and friend Tarkan. So many things I can say about you my friend but in closing, I'll never forget your embrace with Stevie Wonder last year after the Grammies and your profound tears with him and your wife. Brother Brother Brother, it is because of you , so many of us have had a voice and were able to be heard and loved round the world. As you are so loved and beloved round this world and in the hearts of true music lover's everywhere. I will love and cherish you... Eternally, Your Brother Always, Narada Michael Walden" "PS: I recorded 7 solo albums for Atlantic Records 1976 thru the 80's, and dozens of productions from my first of Don Cherry 1976 thru Stacey Lattisaw's, Let Me Be Your Angel LP and thru her career - to Sister Sledge, All American Girls, in the disco period (which later became the Hit "Sex Bomb" for Tom Jones)." "Ahmet, You have always been a friend of mine." Previous Post | Next Post

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    0 2006 American Music Awards are Fan Favorites

    The American Music Awards grab the spotlight tonight, Tuesday, November 21st. Last week we had the World Music Awards featuring a guest performance by Michael Jackson. Are these award shows canceling each other out? VH1's hip-hop Awards, BET's hip-hop Awards, MTV's video Awards, the NAACP Image Awards, The Grammy Awards, etc., etc., etc. People love to win awards. Entertainment companies love to promote their names. As a result, these programs are all over television. The 2006 American Music Awards are chosen by music fans rather than artists or experts making this event special. Dick Clark Productions has lined up Beyonce', Carrie Underwood, Dixie Chicks, Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban, Mary J. Blige, Nelly Furtado, Pussycat Dolls, Rascal Flatts, Snow Patrol and Tenacious D to perform. Look for lots of "B," "C," and "D" listers as presenters. Yes, there are a few "A" list presenters too. Here are the nominees in the category of R&B/Soul... Favorite Male Artist: Chris Brown Jamie Foxx Ne-Yo Favorite Female Artist: Mary J. Blige Mariah Carey Keyshia Cole Favorite Band, Duo or Group: The Black Eyed Peas The Isley Brothers Jagged Edge Favorite Album: The Breakthrough - Mary J. Blige The Emancipation of Mimi - Mariah Carey Unpredictable - Jamie Foxx The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California will have all the action on the ABC-TV Network with host Jimmy Kimmel. Previous Post | Next Post

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    0 Powerhouse Radio Classic Soul Screen Saver

    Even though the Powerhouse Radio Tool Bar leads the pack in our free software downloads by several thousand, our Classic Soul Screen Saver is a close second. Watch the movie about how easy it is to grab your free Powerhouse Radio Classic Soul Screen Saver. 2021 update: the video, the tool bar, and the screen saver app have all been sunset, however you can still grab any of our picture sleeves to use as a screen saver from our sister website Picture Sleeve Pop. Previous Post | Next Post

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    0 Whitney Houston Holds Top Ten Career Record

    Here's Whitney Houston in happier days having fun in the studio. When she topped the pop charts in 1988 with her seventh consecutive number one hit, "Where Do Broken Hearts Go," she broke the "six in a row" record held by both the Beatles and the Bee Gees. It's hard being a diva. In addition to the fame and fortune, the tabloid press document your every move. Whitney has been a frequent poster girl in newspaper gossip columns, blogs, and magazines. The tabloids are notorious for lax fact checking when they know coverage of celebrities will generate big sales. Let's not escape the fact however that Whitney Houston has an enviable track record of big time success. Here is her place among all artists with the most number one hits (according to music historian Joel Whitburn). The Beatles Elvis Presley Mariah Carey Michael Jackson Madonna The Supremes Whitney Houston George Michael Stevie Wonder Bee Gees and Artists with the most top 10 hits (source: Joel Whitburn) Elvis Presley The Beatles Madonna Stevie Wonder Michael Jackson Elton John Janet Jackson The Rolling Stones Whitney Houston Paul McCartney What does the future hold for the New Jersey native? In a statement on her web site, visitors can find the following message:"It has been confirmed that Whitney Houston has filed for a divorce. This has been confirmed and announced by Whitney's spokesperson, Nancy Seltzer." Of the three 2006 news section posts on her web site (to date), two have been damage control, while only one promotes her music career...and what a career it's been. Dive right into our Powerhouse Radio:"Whitney Houston Quiz" 1. Whitney Houston's aunt is: a) Thelma Houston b) Gladys Knight c) Chaka Khan d) Dionne Warwick 2. Whitney married Bobby Brown in: a) 1989 b) 1992c) 1994 d) 1991 3. Whitney co-starred in the movie The Bodyguard with Kevin Costner released in: a) 1992b) 1990 c) 1994 d) 1988 Here are the correct answers: 1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (a)  Previous Post | Next Post

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    0 Contemporary R&B Chart Toppers Challenged by Staying Power

    What's the relationship between sales popularity and music quality? I was curious about this question while reviewing one large online retailer's current R&B music chart. A quick scan of these two charts (for the week of October 16, 2006) reveals a big difference between buying preferences and personal evaluation of the quality of the music by the buyers. Here are the top 25 R&B CD's in order: Janet Jackson, 20 Y.O. (2006) Justin Timberlake, FutureSex / LoveSounds (2006) Parental Advisory Fergie, The Dutchess (2006) Ludacris, Release Therapy (2006) Parental Advisory Gladys Knight, Before Me (2006) Solomon Burke, Nashville (2006) Lupe Fiasco, Food & Liquor (2006) Parental Advisory South Park Mexican, When Devils Strike (2006) Parental Advisory Aaron Neville, Bring It On Home...The Soul Classics (2006) Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Thug Stories (2006) Parental Advisory Lloyd Banks, Rotten Apple (2006) Parental Advisory Tego Calderon, El Subestimado (2006) Parental Advisory Crunchy Black, On My Own (2006) Parental Advisory Lionel Richie, Coming Home (2006) Various Artists, What It Is! Funky Soul And Rare Grooves: 1967-1977 (2006) Roots, Game Theory (2006) Parental Advisory Ras Kass, Eat Or Die (2006) Australia; Parental Advisory Beyonce', B'Day (2006) Danity Kane, Danity Kane (2006) Jedi Mind Tricks, Servants In Heaven, Kings In Hell (2006) Young Jeezy, Can't Ban The Snowman (2006) Parental Advisory Daz Dillinger, So So Gangsta (2006) Parental Advisory Natalie Cole, Leavin' (2006) Method Man, 4:21... The Day After (2006) Parental Advisory Dave Hollister, Book Of David - Vol 1 The Transition (2006) Here's another version of the list from the same retailer. It's the top 25 R&B best seller chart, this time based upon customer ranking and reviews of the music... Aaron Neville, Bring It On Home...The Soul Classics (2006) Lionel Richie, Coming Home (2006) Natalie Cole, Leavin' (2006) Dave Hollister, Book Of David - Vol 1 The Transition (2006) Willie Clayton, Gifted (2006) Governor, Son Of Pain (2006) Parental Advisory Cormega, My Brother's Keeper (2006) Parental Advisory Mr. Marcelo, Son Of Magnolia (2006) Parental Advisory K-Ci, My Book (2006) Big Rich, Block Tested, Hood Approved (2006) Parental Advisory Justin (Ft Timbaland) Timberlake, Sexyback Pt.2 (Enhanced) England Ike Turner, Risin' With The Blues (2006) Intruders, Best Of The Intruders: Cowboys To Girls(1995) Pete Rock, Underground Classics (2006) Lil Cuete, #1 Gun (2006) Aretha Franklin, Amazing Grace: The Complete Recordings (1999) Millie Jackson, Caught Up/Still Caught Up (1974) Stevie Wonder, At The Close Of A Century (1999) Box Set Daz Dillinger, So So Gangsta (2006) Parental Advisory Sweet Inspirations, Sweet Inspirations Angela Bofill, Angel Of The Night (1979) Various Artists, Disco Dance (2001) Jibbs, Chain Hang Low (2006) Roots, Things Fall Apart (1999) Paul Butterfield, East-West (1966) What do the differences indicate? First, people really like the CD's by the artists at the top of the second chart. Second, more classic soul artists dominate the second chart. Many of the releases are not even from 2006. Janet Jackson is number one on the sales chart, but doesn't even rank on the second chart! This is no error. "20 Y.O." has sold just over 500,000 copies, and is now being considered a flop. After listening to this CD a couple of times, I agree with the masses. See my review in a future Powerhouse Radio Newsletter. Third, the crew of artists in the "Parental Advisory" club drops dramatically in the second chart. These trendy R&B/hip hop releases dominate the sales chart, but seem to be less valued when reviews are written by the community of music lovers who rank the tunes in chart two. How we feel about music influences whether we'll like a certain amount of exposure to unknown tracks. Too often we typecast artists and genres. We don't listen first before forming opinions. But what if your favorite music betrays you? One writer who has been doing a lot of recent listening is Lonnae O'Neal Parker. Her October 15, 2006 high profile article in the Washington Post, "Why I Gave Up On Hip-Hop," is a confessional laced with conclusions you could easily draw from just eyeballing the trends of these charts. Previous Post | Next Post

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    0 The New Electronic Frontier for Classic Soul

    Take a look at the new music releases, and you'll find lots of old friends attempting to re-enter the spotlight. According to the RIAA, (Recording Industry Association of America), these were the top five genres (in order) based on shipments from record companies: 1996: Rock Country Pop R&B/Urban Rap/Hip Hop 2005: Rock Rap/Hip Hop Country R&B/Urban Pop Overall during the past 10 years, the top five genres remain the same. R&B/Urban hangs in at number 4. Rap/Hip Hop is the biggest gainer - but there's more behind the numbers. In 1996, RIAA research of record buyers concluded that 15-19 year olds represented the largest segment, 17.2 percent. 45 year olds and above represented 15.1 percent of the buyers. Fast forward to 2005. 15-19 year olds have dropped to 11.9%, while 45+ is now the largest buying segment, commanding 25.5% of the market. 20-24 year olds are in 2nd place, with only 12.7%. How we obtain music reflects another interesting change... 1996: Record Store: 49.9% Record Club: 14.3% Internet: (not applicable) Digital Download (not applicable) Concert (not applicable) 2006: Record Store: 39.4% Record Club: 8.5% Internet: 8.2% Digital Download: 6.0% Concert: 2.7% The RIAA numbers show that the gender split between men and women has remained even, about 50 - 50, since 1996. In 2005, it was 48.2% female, and 51.8% male. So when you read about new releases from Lionel Richie, Janet Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Sam Moore (of Sam & Dave fame), The Whispers, and countless others, the numbers back up the fact that the market for these artists is still very strong. Classic Soul is still in the game. Though not the focus of this article, jazz and classical genres have taken the biggest hit over the past 10 years, each losing about 35% of market share with music buyers. Not even considering online radio, in 2005, 14% of music consumers purchased music through the Web. As more music fans become comfortable with commerce in an iTunes world, look for more legacy artists to take advantage of electronic distribution opportunities direct to you and me. Previous Post | Next Post

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    0 Disappearing 2006 American Music Award Ladies

    In 1973, Roberta Flack won the first American Music Award. Take a look at the 2006 nominees, and you'll find one genre surprisingly missing. While the female Soul/R&B category remains strong, I took notice that the "female hip hop/rap artist" category has been eliminated. Less than five artists qualified for this category in 2006. In 2003, Missy Elliott, Eve, and Lil' Kim were nominated in the category. Missy Elliot won. In 2004, no ladies were nominated. In 2005, Missy Elliott, Lil' Kim, and Trina were nominated. Missy Elliott won. There are lots of reasons why the AMA female hip hop/rap category is not a part of the ceremony this year. The versatile women who have dominated the AMA soul/R&B category in recent years: Alicia Keys, Beyonce', Janet Jackson, and Mariah Carey, all incorporate important elements of hip hop into their repertoire. Fewer ladies currently enjoying commercial success focus exclusively on hip hop for their music careers. Record buyers, legal digital downloaders, and music file sharers also have an impact on the AMA categories because... Dick Clark created the American Music Awards strictly as a popularity contest among music fans. 20,000 record buyers vote each year for their favorite personal artists. If smaller niche music genres are less represented in the 20,000 yearly sample, a more democratic selection process of winners emerges. Remember, the AMA is a populist alternative to the Grammy Awards. So where are the "hip hop ladies?" We had Sugar Hill's Sequence and Salt-N-Pepa in the 80's, TLC in the 90's, and I'd include Destiny's Child in the early 2000's, as dominant stand-outs. Today, groups like Floetry mix lots of different contemporary elements to offer broad appeal beyond strictly hip hop. As the music industry continues to change, I wonder if the AMA "female hip hop/rap" category will be permanently discontinued, or will it be able to make a comeback in 2007? ---------- Discover more about The American Music Awards and the history of the television production, scheduled to be presented this Fall on November 21 as a three hour ABC special event. Previous Post | Next Post

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    4 The Truth about Whitney Houston

    For years, Whitney Houston has been hammered mercilessly in the tabloid press. 2006 is worse than ever, as questionable stories pile up from dubious sources. You may have read the most recent allegations about Whitney's health. Here is the word from Whitney, direct from her official website, posted on May 12, 2006? "False Reports Regarding Whitney's Health" "Please note that reports on Whitney's health circulating in the media at present are not true and totally unfounded." I'm amazed at how fast people will "drop a dime" on the press for a few quick bucks, to sell their "insider stories" to the media. Celebrities put their faith and trust in colleagues, friends, and family members to do the right thing. Unfortunately, loyalty goes out the window when close associates sell their "insider secrets" for a big payday. As a classic soul and pop diva, Whitney Houston is without question, a huge success. She's sold over 120 million albums, and 50 million singles worldwide. The wild side of her lifestyle has been well documented, so the media is not totally to blame when they exploit her legacy. You may have purchased a tabloid just to read a cover story about Whitney. Were you manipulated? Being Bobby Brown, the recent reality television show about her husband and family, got big ratings because of Whitney's presence in the program. The TV show just added to the media frenzy surrounding a well known couple, struggling to remain in the spotlight, and attempting to climb back into the celebrity "A" list. Whitney Houston is a unique talent, who may have foolishly lost her focus, due to demons that she can't control. I'm not going to cast the first stone, but she hasn't received fair press, even if all of the so called allegations are true. Previous Post | Next Post

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