Formed by a bunch of funk-loving friends at Alabama’s Tuskegee Institute, the Commodores became one of the major crossover acts of the 70s and launched the career of the biggest male solo star of the 80s. At the early end of the trend for self-contained funk bands, the group, consisting of Lionel Richie on saxophone, Walter Orange on drums, William King on trumpet, Ronald LaPread on bass, Milan Williams (who died in July 2006) on keyboards and Thomas McClary on guitar, found success principally playing local gigs in Alabama before scoring a major coup by successfully auditioning to serve as the warm-up band for the Jackson Five’s 1971 tour. (more…)

One of the best facets of the You Tube phenomenon has been discovery. It is in the spirit of discovery that from time to time we will bring you those “jewels” that we discover while traveling around the You Tube Universe. Such is the wonderful series of interviews that Jarrell Mason has compiled in conjunction with njs4ever.com over the years with pivotal members of the New Jack Swing Era. Enjoy! (more…)

Source: Guardian UK

Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones will record a new version of We Are the World to benefit Haiti. The veteran stars are honouring the song’s 25th anniversary, releasing their tribute alongside new charity tracks by Simon Cowell, and Jay-Z and Bono – who have revealed that they are bringing along Rihanna.

Like the original 1985 recording, which raised money for famine relief in Africa, the new We Are the World will consist of both a song and a video. Organisers are asking artists to stay in Los Angeles for an extra night after the Grammy awards. According to Billboard, Richie and Jones hope to include Usher, Natalie Cole and John Legend, as well as many Grammy nominees.

The late Michael Jackson, one of the song’s co-authors, is also expected to be integrated into the project.

Continue reading this article.

So, I missed the performance of this on American Idol, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. The pairing of Lionel with Akon initially scared me, but it’s really not that bad. What do you think about the single and the album?

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Nice rendition of the Commodores classic, by one of the most gifted singers/entertainers to come out in a long time. This single featuring Smokie Norful, is featured on Heather’s recently released gospel album, Audience of One. Here’s a quote from her discussing the title of the album:

“Explaining the album title, AUDIENCE OF ONE, the Trinidad-born, Indiana-raised, and Northwestern University educated star gives credit to her husband Brian Musso. He reminded her one day about the little church back home, “the joy that I found singing in that empty church to my `audience of one.’ And so that is what this album is… a girl singing to the only audience that really matters… the One Audience who is truly worthy.” “I grew up in the church, actually above the church, and this album not only grants me a way to sing music I’ve always wanted to, but it also gives me a chance to give God some overdue praise for everything He has done, and continues to do for me. I really don’t deserve all that He has given me. I can’t help but be grateful; so, we’ll take the voice He gave and thank Him with it… This is My gift to God. My relationship with Him is paramount.”

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Check out the Commodores, live, after the jump. Listen to Lionel ‘preaching‘ at the end of the song, it’s 1980, but his words are just as relevant today.

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Just in time for Christmas. Buy 1, buy 5, but 10!! Support Real Artists & Real Music.

From Hidden Beach:

The Perfect Present

Dear Friends and Family –

Thank you for being a part of the Hidden Beach Family and for supporting Real Artists & Real Music…

As you may or may not know, “Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement” is the only official musical release approved by the Barack Obama presidential campaign and is now on sale.

“Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement” is a collector’s item featuring musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, Ozomatli, Jill Scott, John Mayer, Los Lonely Boys, Shontelle, John Legend, Lionel Richie and many more.

This season spread the positive messages of “Change” and give the gift of music to your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and loved ones. This CD makes a great stocking stuffer, too!

Currently, we are offering a few special promotions only available at The Hidden Beach Shop.

* Gift Wrap & Send “Yes We Can” CD for $13.48 (Save 10%)
Use the coupon “GIFT” in our store to receive this discount. Specify an alternate Shipping Name & Address and we will wrap the CD and send it as a holiday gift from you to the person on the shipping address. We can also send the CD to your address.

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