Corey Smith

Corey Smith is one of modern country’s hottest young Indie artists! His music epitomizes keeping it real! He learned early in his career that to get people to listen, you had to grab them with lyrics that hit close to home. The real beginning of Corey's career started when he won a songwriting contest in 2002 where the prize was to be able to record an album. "Undertones" was released in 2003.

He's a family man who grew up and still lives in a small town in Georgia. He graduated from UGA with a Social studies Education Degree, married his college sweetheart and became a high school teacher. He taught school for 5 years and by the time he quit already had 3 albums under his belt. I love his music, I love his voice, I love what he stands for and if you don't check out his music you will have missed out on one of life's greatest adventures!

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Chris Brown…The Man & His Music!

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.

Official Chris Brown World      Official Chris Brown Myspace Page

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The Beautiful & Talented...Laura Izibor!

Official Laura Izibor Website      Official Laura Izibor Myspace

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!

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A Rising Star…Zac Brown Band!

Zac Brown Band Official Website

Zac Brown Band Official Myspace Page

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!

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Lionel Richie…Still The bomb!

Official Lionel Richie Website
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!

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Adam Lambert...Finally Giving Him Recognition!

          Official Adam Lambert Website

          Official Adam Lambert Myspace

        

 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!

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Flash in the Pan...Eamon!

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!

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Cute, Sexy and Talented…Jay Sean!

Official Website

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.

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One of the finest Britain has to offer…Peter Spence!

Peter Spence - Official Myspace

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!

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Jonathan Clay!

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.

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Culture Club featuring Boy George!

Before there was Adam Lambert the most beautiful man in my lifetime was Boy George, front man for the 1980’s most popular group “Culture Club”. He was unique and knew exactly who he was. The other members of the band were Roy Hay on guitar and keyboards, Mikey Craig on and Jon Moss on drums. This group was so hot they transcended color lines and got just as much play on r&b radio stations.

The first song I heard by Culture Club was “Time” or was it “Do you really want to hurt me”, I’m not sure but I thought the group sounded amazing and I know they rocked audiences throughout the 80’s. Both songs are featured on their first album “Kissing to be Clever” which made Boy George a worldwide celebrity!

Boy George was born George Alan Dowd on June 14, 1961 in London. He was discovered by music exec Malcolm McLaren and after performing with Bow Wow Wow featuring Annabella Lwin went on through trial and error to form the group who became known as Culture Club by 1981. The name chosen once they realized the group consisted of and Irish transvestite, a Jamaican, a Jew and an Englishman. The group signed with Virgin Records in the UK and Epic Records in the US (Virgin didn’t have a US Rep at the time) and alas, their debut album “Kissing to be Clever”. During the 80’s Culture Club had seven straight top ten hits in the UK and six top ten hits in the US. By the time the second album “Colour by numbers” was released in 1983 the band was the most popular pop/rock group in America and England. The album featured the hit song Karma Chameleon and became no. 1 single in the UK and no. 2 in the US. The third album “Waking up with the house on fire” didn’t go over quite as well in the US because it only reached platinum status while albums one and two went quadruple platinum.

Another wonderful thing about Boy George is his biting wit! Basically he didn’t take crap from anyone and would give as good as he got which also added intrigue to the group.

The downfall to a lot of great rock bands tend to be drugs and Culture Club was no exception. During 1985 Boy George fell prey to heroin and his relationship with fellow band member Jon Moss which had always been rocky began to fall apart completely. The next album “Luxury to Heartache” wasn’t on the charts very long and in July of the same year Boy George was arrested in the UK for possession of Cannabis and a few days after that Michael Rudetski who played keyboard on the Luxury to Heartache album was found dead of a heroin overdose in Boy George’s home. While Boy George battled his heroin addiction as well as a dependence on prescription drugs Culture Club broke up. Boy George began a solo career in 1987. He didn’t have a hit again in the until his song “The Crying Game” in 1992 which was featured in the movie by the same name in 1995. The Crying Game is an excellent movie featuring Forrest Whitaker, Miranda Richardson and Irish actor Stephen Rae and was nominated for an academy award.

In 2005 Boy George was arrested in New York on suspicion of possessing cocaine but the charges were dropped. He was arrested a year later for falsely reporting a burglary and in 2007 he was arrested for suspicion of assault and false imprisonment. He was given 15 months in jail.

Today Boy George still entertains and does live performances. Although not as pretty as he used to be I feel he is still a beautiful man in a lot of ways. I remain a fan and he has a special place in my heart. I love to pull up the old videos, look at the old photographs and listen to the old albums and I’m sure that all true fans feel the same way!

Culture Club/Boy George Videos

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Rock On Beth Hart!

Beth Hart on Myspace

L A Song was the first song I heard by Beth and to this day it remains one of my favorites and as well as having a copy on CD I still have a copy on a 45 record. Although I loved the song I wasn’t immediately drawn to the singer after all Beth Hart Band was a rock group (currently known as just Beth Hart). Beth is an LA (hence the song title) based blues-rocker that started playing piano at age 4. Beth also won 13 consecutive episodes and went on to win back in 1993 on “Star Search”.

Beth has had some rough years throughout career but has found her way back. She was drinking and doing drugs at a very early age and some time after her first album release she developed a food addiction where she was binging and purging. Beth’s band threatened to quit when due to her drinking she set fire to their tour bus. So in an effort to quit drinking she went to a doctor and ended up with an anxiety drug addiction. Beth got down to 98 lbs but didn’t get her wake up call after 3 rehabs, four lock downs and one jail stint until one night her husband Scott (at the time her boyfriend) thought she was going to die one night. She went into rehab and over time Beth started to heal. She became free of drugs at age 29 and has been totally drug and alcohol free since January 6, 2003. Beth credits her recovery to being part of a 12 step program, being with other people that were addicts and alcoholics. She started to eat and become healthy and realize she was worthy, to be happy for what she had not for what she didn’t have.

Beth started writing again, regrouped her band and started touring. She’s an amazing talent in spite of her rough times and I fell in love with her music in 2003 made it a point to collect every album she ever made. Stoned or sober she is amazing on stage! Her most recent release album release “37 days” is available in stores and is an incredible album. Check out Beth’s music if you haven’t all ready. She has a unique sound and I’m positive you’ll fall in love with her music too!

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Making a name for himself...Will Champlin

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!

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Jesse McCartney...Adorable & Talented!

Official Fan Site

Official Myspace Page

Jesse MCCartney has always been adorable and he is an amazing music artist! For me his breakout song was Beautiful Soul released in September 2004 and was included on the album by the same name. He also released his 2nd album in 2006 called Right Where You Want Me. The real challenge however came when Jesse debuted his 3rd album Departure in 2008. This album was a little different from his previous style. It’s a pop/RnB album and the first track off the album "Leavin" had an adult flavor and was an instant hit which was proven when the track went platinum! The video was definitely a new take on Jesse because he had a new look and was all grown up! The album was re-released as Departure "Recharged" in April 2009 with 4 new songs and a remix of “How do you sleep” featuring Ludacris. I personally love every song on the album!

When I listen to Jesse’s music it’s like listening to it for the first time. It’s that refreshing! He’s amazing on stage and engages his audience. His most recent tour was with American Idol star Jordan Sparks in 2009.

Jesse who recently celebrated his 23rd birthday on April 9, 2010 was born in New York and started out as a member of a boy band "Dream Street" until 2002. Over the years Jesse has contributed to many Disney soundtracks, won several awards, co-wrote Leona Lewis' hit song Bleeding Love, participated in the "Come Together Now" charity project in 2005 for the benefit of 2004 Asian Tsunami and the 2005 Hurricane Katrina victims and has done some acting including appearing on the noted soap opera “All My children from 1998-2001 and has guest starred on Law and Order and Law and Order SVU. More recently he was the voice of Theodore in Alvin & the Chipmunk: The Squeakquel and stars as Andy a football star on Greek which premiers on the ABC Family network.

Jesse is a very well-rounded person and will be releasing his 4th album this year (2010) which will have even more of an RnB/Urban flavor than Departure! I can’t wait! All the best Jesse!

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