I will share with you my taste in music. I love most music including country, pop, boy bands, r&b, hip hop, reggae, folk and indie music. I will introduce you to new artists, celebrate with you old artist and herald artist who may have passed on.
Craig David born May 5, 2001 in Southhampton England is one of England's finest young R&B sensations. I found a love for Craig David’s music in the late 90’s before he was introduced to America. He along with Artful Dodger’s Mark Hill has produced some great remixed tunes.
David was influenced musically as a teenager by Terence Trent D’Arby, Sisqo and Donnell Jones and started writing his own tracks. “Fill Me In” became a hit for him in 2000 and he became the youngest British male solo artist to have a number one single at age 19. The track was released to the American market in 2001.
The amazingly talented Christopher Maurice Brown aka "Chris Brown" was born May 5, 1989 in Tappahannock, Virginia population 2000! Chris is tall (sexy), good-looking, talented, a singer and a dancer and ladies lets admit he can rock a photo. Chris has been a dancer since he was 2 but didn’t discover that he could also sing until he was eleven but considered rapping before deciding to be a vocalist.
At 13 Chris was discovered by a production team who organized an audition with “Def Jam”. At 15 he was sent to perform for “L.A. Reid” and was signed to Jive Records in 2004. In 2005 Chris Brown released his first studio album (self-titled) which generated a Billboard Hot 100 number-one debut single for "Run It". There were two additional top 10 singles off the album "Yo (excuse me miss)" and "Say Goodbye". Technically “Gimmee That” was the 3rd single and was not originally included on the album but later added. His single "Say Goodbye" is also featured on the “Step Up” Soundtrack. The album itself debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 selling over 155,000 copies in its first week of sales, certified “Double Platinum” 5 weeks later and within a year went "Double Platinum". His 2nd album “Exclusive” was released in 2007 and he had his 2nd US hit “Kiss Kiss”. His 3rd single “With you” reached No 2 on the billboard Top 100. His 3rd album release "Graffiti" was released in 2009 and did not do as well as it probably would have due to the Rihanna incident because most people cannot separate the artist from the man. This was not Chris’s best work but the album did deserve a chance and real fans would have bought the album or not bought the album but the decision would have been based on the album. Chris currently has two new singles out "Deuces" and "No B.S."
In addition to Chris’s solo success he has been featured on several other hits such as "No Air" with Jordan Sparks, "Shortie Like Mine" with rapper Bow Wow and "Shawty Get Loose" with Lil Mama and T-Pain.
In 2007 Chris appeared in the movie "Stomp The Yard" as well as the Christmas movie "This Christmas". He has also appeared in some episodes of the OC which was cancelled in February 2007. Most recently Chris performed a tribute to Michael Jackson at the BET Awards on Sunday June 27, 2010. You can read more on Chris Brown and his BET Performance here.
This is how I discovered Laura Izibor’s music and has since been very proud of her. Last year I was voting for another artist that I really liked on a site for new artist video and loving music as I do I decided to check out some of the other videos of artist I had never heard of . The video was for ”From My Heart To Your” and I loved the energy in the video. The beat was alive, her voice was amazing and it didn’t hurt that she’s a beautiful woman. I bought her album and I’ve been a fan every since.
Laura Izibor, born in May 1987 is a 23 year old Irish R&B singer from Dublin Ireland and her debut Album ”Let The Truth Be Told” was released in Ireland in May 2009 and in the US in June of 2009. It’s an amazing album. The single ”Shine” from the album was the lead track for the movie "Nanny Diaries" and has also been featured in “A Special K” commercial. The track ”mmm” another track from the album can be heard on the Why did I get married Soundtrack and the track ”Carousel” is featured in the movie P.S. I Love You. Laura performed and was the victim in the 100th episode of “Bones” and has opened in concert for Aretha Franklin& John Legend!
The band started the year with three Grammy nominations, “Top New Vocal Group” from the Academy of Country Music Awards and “Breakthrough Video of The Year” from CMT and USA Weekend. The actually won "The Best New Artist Award" for which they justly derserved!
Zac Brown Band's debut album “The Foundation” was released in November 2008. Their latest album “Pass the Jar” features a few friends and was released on May 4, 2010. The band consists of Zac Brown (lead vocal, guitar), Jimmy De Martini (vocals, violin), John Driskell Hopkins (vocals, bass), Coy Bowles (guitar, organ), Clay Cook (vocals, guitar, organ, mandolin, pedal steel) and Chris Fryar (drums). While the band a country band they also have mass appeal to lovers of bluegrass, jam bands and reggae because their sound is so versatile. They also have a strong endorsement by “Kid Rock” who has performed in the past with the band.
The band has an entrepreneurial spirit in that they have their own record label “Southern Ground”, launched in 2009. They’re also launching a line of steak rubs and barbecue sauces under the label name and their new cookbook “SBB Southern Ground Cookbook” is currently available to buy. The band has another project where they are working on a charitable foundation to run a children’s camp. This is an awesome band so give them a listen!
Randy Houser, born in Lake, Mississippi and whose father was also a musician had formed 2 different bands by the time he finished attending college, however, his career didn’t officially get started until he moved to Nashville, TN to pursue a songwriting career in 2002. His first song cut which he co-wrote Honky Tonk Badonkadonk was a top 5 single for Trace Adkins.
Shortly after this Randy decided to pursue the performing side of music and in 2008 signed with “Universal South Records”, an independent record label. His first single “Anything Goes” was released in May 2008. The song entered the country music top 40 on the Billboard Charts that same month. His debut album by the same name was released later that year in November.
Randy has a new single out I’m all about it” and his new album will be released later this year. Randy is not only a great singer/songwriter but he’s a good-looking guy with a fun personality (my own personal opinion) so check out his music!
The first time I knew of Lionel Richie was when he joined the Commodores as lead singer in the early 70’s. Richie was born Lionel Brockman Richie Jr in Tuskegee, Alabama (home of Tuskegee University) which is where he attended college before becoming singer, songwriter and composer. While with the Commodores they had many successes (Easy, Three Times A Lady and Brick House).
Richie left the Commodores in 1981 and released his first (self-titled) solo album in 1982. The album hit No.3 on the charts and sold over 4 million copies. Over the span of his career he has done other major projects. He wrote and produced “Lady” for Kenny Rogers and today this song still remains one of Kenny’s most popular songs. He wrote, produced (and performed with Diana Ross) the title track for the motion picture “Endless Love” in 1981 at the request of the director “Franco Zeferelli”. The track spent 9 weeks at no.1 and garnered numerous award and became Motown’s all-time best selling single. In 1985 Richie co-wrote with Michael Jackson the global anthem “We Are The World”. The track included 45 top recording artists and won five Grammy Awards and helped raise millions of dollars for famine relief in Africa. In 1986 he won an Academy Award for best song for "Say You, Say Me" written for the motion picture "White Knights" starring Broadway star Gregory Hines and ballet star Mikhail Baryshnikov. He was also nominated the same year in the same category for “Miss Celie’s Blues from the Steven Spielberg film "The color Purple".
All of the above accomplishments were before I was even a Lionel Richie fan and only a lukewarm fan of the Commodores. I just remember feeling that Lionel Richie thought he was all that and a bag of chips when in actuality "He Was". His most recent albums “Coming Home” released in 2006 and "Just Go" released in May of 2009 proves that he’s still as talented as ever and I am definitely a fan!
Donnie Klang is a refreshing new artist from season 3 of Making the Band 4 and he is talented! His debut album titled “Just A Rolling Stone” is currently in stores. The album is off the chain and has some great club music.
Donnie is signed to Bad boy records’ and was originally tried out for a spot to be part of a band but Diddy felt his potential would be best recognized as a solo act and boy was he right!
Donnie has always it seemed been in the entertainment business; modeling as a kid, film work as an adolescent and finally decided he wanted to pursue music in high school, ergo his appearance on making the band.
American Idol 2009 (season 8) runner up Adam Lambert was not one of my favorites on the show. I recall voting for him one time because I really loved his unique take on "Tracks of my tears". Once I knew it was between him and Kris Allen for the title of American Idol I urged all my friends and acquaintances to vote for Kris and the outcome pleased me to no end. I just did not like Adam. I felt he was too over the top, too flamboyant...simply too out there.
To prove my point, when Adam was asked to perform at the American Music Awards his performance was so over the top complaints were rolling in before the show was even over. I understand the desire to be different, but your actions can't deeply offend society as a whole. For instance, the idea of two women regardless of the connection has never been considered taboo and when Britney Spears and Madonna kissed it wasn't a big deal or a shocker. People I feel were more fascinated than anything. Adam (considered a glam rocker) on the other hand likes to shock people but society is not ready for two guys kissing on stage or for face in crotch entertainment so they took the stance that this was offensive behavior. Adam felt more discriminated against than anything else. Now the idea of two guys kissing turns me on greatly...but that's just me. On the other hand, since then Adam has toned his behavior down a little or at least I'm not aware of any bad behavior, but then again I'm not a fan so I wouldn't necessarily know what he was up to!
I recently had the pleasure of seeing Adam on American Idol as a mentor during Elvis week. I was pleased as punch with the job he did but I must admit the contestants he was mentoring don't exactly have "think outside the box" personalities so fell short of having what should have been a really groovy night. Is it me or has the quality of the idol contestants gone down a little. It takes more than a pretty voice!!! In any case I thought Adam did a great job in his capacity as mentor. I also loved his live laser performance...and while I am not now and never will be an Adam Lambert fan, I do kind of find myself liking him more as a person and I think he is a great entertainer, something I was unable to do while he was a contestant on American Idol. I have since had the chance to check out some of his music. I don't think I will ever be a fan of his music but I wish him much success!
His album "For Your Entertainment" is now in stores and features the song by the same name that was performed on the American music Awards!
What an amazing voice! The first time I heard her sing I became a fan. She’s beautiful, talented, full of good vibrations and a southern girl. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Laura, a Lexington Kentucky native had a recurring role on the soap The Guiding Light, she has starred on Broadway in Hairspray, Wicked and Legally Blonde for which she received a Tony Award nomination. Over the years she has starred in several television shows including Cold Case and Veronica Mars. She also has movie credits which include “Dream Girls, Jumanji, Life with Mikey and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Laura moved to Nashville in late 2008 to pursue her country music career. She signed a record contract with Mercury Records and released her debut album ”Achin and Shakin” on April 13, 2010 which features the hit single ”Giddy On Up”.
Young, adorable and talented and thanks to a recent stint on dancing with the stars, he can dance! Dancing with the stars is where I took notice of Chuck where he partnered with his former girlfriend Julianne Hough and more recently I started to enjoy his music. He has a very masculine, sweet sound that keeps me hanging on his every word and hungering for more when it’s over.
Chuck, a singer/songwriter was born Charles Elliott Wicks in Smyrna, Delaware discovered his desire to pursue a career in country music while attending college and shortly thereafter moved to Nashville in 2002. He signed a recording contract with RCA Records in 2007 and that same year in September released his debut single “Stealing Cinderella” which was his breakout hit, then went on to release his debut album in January 2008.
It took 4 years for Chuck to to find his niche in the music business but he never thought of giving up. He worked hard and believed in himself and it paid off. His new single was released on May 18, 2008 and it has a hot sexy new video to go with it. I’m looking forward to the new album!!!
I don't think so! Now he may be gone from the scene forever since I cannot find any information as to what he is up to these days but he definitely had talent. So for all you people spreading negativity about a one hit wonder across the net, you obviously have not listened to his albums. Eamon has great musicality and every song tells a story. He has a great sound with doo-wop inspired vocals and a great beat and if I had to gauge an opinion "Fuck It" was a hit and was the song that got him noticed but it wasn't even his best song!!!
Eamon was born Eamon Doyle on September 19, 1984 in New York. He released two full length albums "I don't want you back" and "Love & Pain". The thing eamon and his people failed to realize was that the world can be a really fickle place. It's been stated that he lost all credibility with the American public when they found out that the reply from "Frankie" with "Fuck you right back" turned out to be a publicity stunt (an unecessary one) but for me talent is talent and if you're a fan you're a fan. Singers are not super heros, not above reproach, they have shortcomings! alas, I'll miss you anyway Eamon!
I saw Jay Sean’s photo before I heard his music but wasn’t very impressed. I was supporting a music artist friend on a voting site. The vote was for the top young r&b male singing artist or something pretty close to that. So when I saw Jay Sean I acknowledged his good looks ( he doesn’t have classic good looks but he is cute and can he take some gorgeous photo) but since I didn’t know who he was I dismissed the fact that he might actually have talent!There eventually came a time that I did get to hear his music and I instantly became a fan. He has an amazing voice and sports and array of love songs that have an exquisitely refreshing overtone.
Jay Sean was born Kamaljit Singh Jhooti (Indian/Punjabi heritage) on March 26, 1981 in Southall London. He’s a British R&B singer and sings under the Cash Money Record Label. His debut album ”Me Against Myself” was released in 2004 and he has since released two additional albums ”My Own Way” in 2008 under his own label Jayded and his latest album release ”All Or Nothing” featuring collaborations with Lil Wayne and Sean Paul and his first American release as well as his first release under the Cash Money/Universal Records Label. He gleaned his inspiration from such R&B artists as Jodeci, Joe & Brian McKnight. *One last little known fact. His first album outsold Jay-Z, Britney spears and Madonna.
Peter Spence is a British Reggae artist with a voice so soothing it brings tears to my eyes! He was born in Birmingham England and was taught guitar by his father. Peter started out as the drummer and then the rhythm guitarist for a group called The Experts in the early 80’s. Through inspiration from other harmonious groups Peter turned singer.
He had his breakthrough hit in 1987 with “Don’t leave me lonely” for which he received a Best Newcomer Award. His debut album “I’ll Be There” was released in 1989 and won Peter awards for Best Reggae Album that year as well as Best Reggae Male Artist at the Black Music Awards Show.
Peter went on to tour and collaborate with other popular reggae artists over the few years such as Tippa Irie and Pato Banton. He also released albums 2) Sapphire & Steel with Tippa Irie in 1991, 3) Unfinished Business in 1999, 4) Lovers Rock 2004, 5) Emotionally charged 2007 and his most recent release 6) Strength in 2008.
The quality of the material that Peter sings and the powerful sound of his vocals are what keeps me listening!
New album “Everything She Was” to be released on June 15, 2010! Besides being a handsome, young, fairly new artist (first album released in 2006 “Whole New Me”) he’s also very talented with a blues/pop sound. He has a very melodic voice and sings a lot of love songs which somehow seems appropriate.
Jonathan started writing music in high school and made a decision at age 20 after 3 years of college to withdraw and fully focus on music. He gleaned tons of exposure from having songs featured on MTV shows such as The Real World and The Hills. Currently he is an independent artist and if you like his music show some love and visit his Official Jonathan Clay Website.
Will Champlin whose father is a lifetime member of the Infamous Rock Band "Chicago" is an awesome person, a talented singer and producer as well as an accomplished piano player. Will also has a funny side too if you should ever get a chance to listen to any of his interviews that are occasionally broadcast live on the internet.
He sings and produces music with a Pop/R&B flavor and his current self-titled album featuring the hit song "Now that we're fallin" for which he won a best R&B/Soul Award in 2008 at the Hollywood Music Awards is currently on store shelves so pick up a copy and show Will some love!
I am a hardcore fan of 21 year old Derulo! He hails from Miami, my neck of the woods and was discovered by music producer J.R. Rotem and mentored by American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. Even though he has written music for Cash Money Records and for other artists such as Danity Kane and Donnie Klang Jason didn't release a first single himself until May 2009 titled "Whatcha Say". The single was a major hit in several countries. His self-titled debut album was released March 2, 2010 and has produced an amazing 9 hits. I purchased the album and rarely do you ever buy an album without at least one song that you don't particularly like...well I dare you to find one on this album. My favorite song off the album...I can't pick just one but I do like "Ridin solo". More recently Jason performed on American Idol and his performance was awesome! I wish Jason much success on his future endeavors!
