Celebrating a life…Lee Solters

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Smokey Smokey Robinson Wows the High Seas

Aboard the Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas, veteran entertainer Smokey Robinson wowed the opening night audience as Tom Joyner’s annual Fantastic Voyage set sail from the West Coast port of San Pedro for the first time this year. Rerouted because of the swine flu threat in Mexico, this year’s voyage sails northward stopping in San Francisco and Victoria, B.C. before returning to Los Angeles on May 24. Joyner still broadcasts daily from the ship on the syndicated “Tom Joyner Morning Show.”  Other entertainers coming on board this year include Charlie Wilson and the Gap Band, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, KEM, Chuck Brown, Kool Moe Dee, Slick Rick, Kurtis Blow, Michael McDonald, Luke, After 7 and Morris Day & the Time, among others. The Fantastic Voyage annually raises millions for the HBCUs with its Party With A Purpose.

BMI Pop Awards Honor Gamble & Huff As Icons

The 57th Annual BMI Pop Awards in Los Angeles honored legendary writing/production team Gamble & Huff with its prestigious Icon Awards, which also included a musical tribute to them by Estelle, Michael Bublé and Gavin DeGraw. Songwriter of the Year honors resulted in a record-setting eight-way tie this year, saluting Polow Da Don, T-Pain, Alan Chang, Matchbox Twenty’s Paul Doucette and Brian Yale, Chris Brown, Maroon 5’s Adam Levine and Colbie Caillat who also won Song of the Year honors for “Bubbly.” Universal Music Publishing Group was named Publisher of the Year.(l-r) BMI Icon Awards honoree Leon Huff, Motown Record Label founder Berry Gordy, BMI Icon Awards honoree Kenneth Gamble and songwriter Eddie Holland. –Photo courtesy of Arnold Turner/wireimage

New “King of Pop” Hails “Kings of the Court”

While Justin Timberlake can’t lend his basketball talents to the NBA, he’s
given the league something even better. The NBA superfan will narrate the
NBA Entertainment doc Dream Season: 23 & 24 presented by NIKE highlighting Kobe Bryant’s and LeBron James’ pursuit of this year’s championship — and intensifying the hoops debate of ‘Who’s better.’ Timberlake, a courtside fixture at Lakers games, joins a roster of A-listers who’ve given their chops to past NBA specials including Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker,Terrence Howard, Djimon Hounsou, and Chris Rock.
The one-hour special premieres on ESPN on Thursday, May 21 (7pm ET).

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Chrisette Michele On How To Say Good-Bye ‘And It Comes To Me…Like An Epiphany’

 

The room is abuzz with industry chatter, as record label executives and staff, retailers, press and some other chosen few enjoy libations and each other’s company. They are patiently waiting for a rarity in today’s fickle music industry: an artist with a sophomore album. She is Chrisette Michele and her new Def Jam album is called Epiphany.
Debuting at #1 with her new album on Soundscan with first week sales of more than 83,000, the Grammy Award-winning songbird proves label head Antonio “L.A.” Reid right: she has staying power. She’s a keeper. Her single, “Epiphany,” had already been the precursor of this fact, topping both UAC and Urban playlists and charts.
Indeed, as she elegantly takes the stage, the room comes alive with the sudden realization that this is a star. There is something about this young lady and the way she wraps her rainy-day voice around a song, soaking it with a fresh yet old school flavor. Her live performance draws you into an intimacy with her that is compounded by her voice of experience that knows how to elevate each note into its own choir of recognition. That’s her magic: she compels you to listen and, inevitably, to enjoy.
The debut single, “Epiphany,” showcases her unique style inside a springy tune with precocious percussion and a compelling rhythm that allows her festive voice to shine in ‘spring forward’ sparkly colors. Star songman Ne-Yo produces and writes a variety of the album’s cuts, but Michele is without question the star of this show, as she takes cuts like “Playing My Song” and bounces them along with a sweetness while at the same time filling them with passion and fervor. Her style is different than the current crunch of lightweights driven by hip beats – it’s not ‘churchy’, it’s not urban… it’s very sexy and laid back. Sometimes scintillating, sometimes sad.
And she’s not afraid to take chances, as on “Blame It On Me,” where the story she so gracefully weaves takes a journey into heartbreak. That song is actually an amazing collaboration between Claude Kelly and Michele writing, with Chuck Harmony producing. A producer/songwriter who is part of Ne-Yo’s production collective Compound Entertainment, Harmony has worked on projects with Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson and Celine Dion.
Michele’s debut album, I Am, earned her a Grammy and was certified Gold. Despite its success, Michele felt she needed to step up more for her next LP. “I felt like I was a little too shy and laidback my first time out. On my new project, I wanted to raise the bar and step out of my comfort zone. I wanted to make songs that were more edgy, youthful and urban.”
Encouraging her to stretch her vocals as well as the topics in her lyrics, Ne-Yo and Harmony provided the right combination of keyboards and beats to set off the LP at a perky pace. “Ne-Yo took out time from his crazy schedule to talk about direction for some of the songs, including the pain of break-ups and the joys of new love,” she explains, adding the significance of the title track. “That word ‘epiphany’ just meant so much to me because it was during the time that I was preparing to record that something clicked in my spirit.”
Singing the praises of her collaborators, Michele identifies her favorite song on the album. “Another One,” also written by Ne-Yo and Harmony, opens with a lovely and languid acoustic guitar. “That is my favorite song on the album,” she admits. “Nobody captures New American music like Ne-Yo and the Compound crew.”
Epiphany continues where I Am left off, laying out the organic evolution of this artist whose talents promise much more depth and longevity.  Super producers Rodney Jerkins and Claude Kelly (Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears, Leona Lewis) started that evolution with I Am, and Ne-Yo and Harmony elevate Epiphany with new pop wizardry that further establishes Michele as a career artist.
On top of a media blitz on television in May that had her appearing on the top three networks from CBS’s “The Late Show with David Letterman” where she performed her single “Blame It On Me.” to NBC’s “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” (5/22) and CBS’ “Early Show” (5/23), she was also featured in a first of its kind intimate concert on VH1-Soul And VH-1 Soulstages called “Chrisette Michele Presented by Infiniti,” which re-aired May 18 and May 21.
Having gained valuable experience touring with a live band and fellow singers Raheem DeVaughn and Solange Knowles, Michele says she loves performing live because it allows her to feel feedback from fans. “To me, nothing is more important than touring. Communicating with the audience through song can be magical. Singing in the studio is one thing, but you must be able to bring it to the stage, too.” And she kicks off a new tour with soulmates Anthony Hamilton and Musiq Soulchild on May 28th in Houston at the Reliant Arena that promises to feed that hunger for communicating directly with her audiences. At a recent two-evening special at the King of Prussia Mall outside Philadelphia, presented by leading beauty retailer Sephora, Michele proved she’s ready to bring her brand of beautiful music to soulstages across America.
Also interested in an acting career, Michele says she caught the bug after appearing on an episode of “Girlfriends.”  “That experience was amazing because they allowed me to have so much input and led me to write my own scenes.”
Fans, both old and new, are logging in with such declarations as “fan for life” (tpearson) and  “blown away!” (ChocLitFactory). “It’s this album that is getting me through my situations,” blogs ChynaBlack, “Keep doing it girl!” For the artist who initially turned down “Irreplaceable” that Beyoncé later blew off the charts, Michele is now espousing the new female empowerment anthems for 2009: “I think I’m just about over being your girlfriend.” Bringing both elegance and edge to her new ‘epiphany,’ she coos good-bye with the touch of an iron hand in a velvet glove.

Where to Find Chrisette Michele On Tour
With Anthony Hamilton and Musiq Soulchild

M a y 2 8    H o u s t o n ,   T X            Reliantt   A r e n a
2 9    Dallas ,   T X            Nokia Live   G r a n d   P r airie
3 0     S o u t h a v e n ,   M S         D e S o t o   C e n t e r
3 1    S t .   L o u i s ,   M O        F o x   T h e a t r e
J u n e 0 4    L o s   A n g e l e s ,   C A        Nokia  Live Theater
0 6      O a k l a n d ,   C A              P a r a m o u n t   Theater
11    C o l u m b u s ,   O H        Palace   T h e a t r e
1 2    Detroit ,   M I              O p e r a   H o u s e
1 3     Chicago ,   I L            Arie  C r o w n   T h e a t r e
1 6    Newark,  N J             N e w   J e r s e y   Performing   A r t s
1 8    N e w   Y o r k ,   N Y        W a M u   T h e a t r e   a t   M S G
1 9      Washington ,   D C        D A R   Constitution Hall
2 1    Baltimore ,   M D        Pier Six Pavilion
2 5     A t l a n t a ,   G A              F o x   T h e a t r e
2 6     A u g u s t a ,   G A             Ball Auditorium
2 7    Birmingham ,   A           B J CC Concert Hall
2 8      Charlotte ,   N C         O v e n s  Auditorium

The Whispers Go Gospel, Sign to Shekinah Glory Ministry

“We’ve been wanting to do this for ten years,” says Whispers founding member Nick Caldwell about the group’s announcement of signing with Chicago-based Shekinah Glory Ministry to record the group’s first inspirational album. The smooth sounding group, formed in 1963 by twin brothers Wallace and Walter Scott with Nicholas Caldwell, Marcus Hutson and Gordon Harmon who was replaced by Leaveil Degree in 1973, are best known for their dance-oriented R&B hits like “Rock Steady,” “It’s A Love Thing,” “And the Beat Goes On” and “Keep On Loving Me.” Thankfully, Caldwell adds, “God has allowed us to live long enough to do this inspirational CD that we want to use to inspire people to get closer to God.”
“We are excited and humbled by the coming together of Kingdom Records
and The Whispers,” says Kingdom Records CEO/President, Joan Sullivan, who recently announced gold certification for the label’s release from Shekinah Glory Ministry. ”We are excited because the Whispers have exhibited outstanding musical artistry over the years.  We are humbled that they would choose us in this season of their lives to help fulfill their vision of making gospel music for God’s glory.  The entire Kingdom Records family welcomes The Whispers.”
According to the group’s manager, Pamela Blackman of Joy Management Inc, “There were several offers from big labels but I feel this one is part of a divine plan for The Whispers.” And divine it certainly seems to be as legendary producer/artist Fred Hammond has agreed to produce some of the album’s tracks. With an anticipated release of this fall, the Whispers are eager to record their first gospel project under such divine auspices.

Wayman Tisdale Remembered (June 9, 1964-May 15, 2009)

Known for excellence in both the world of music and basketball, Wayman Tisdale lost his battle with cancer the morning of May 15, 2009 at St. Johns Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the young age of 44.  Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his knee in 2007, which was discovered after a fall down the stairs in his Los Angeles home, Tisdale underwent a vigorous treatment that eventually included amputation of a portion of his leg. Fitted with a prosthetic, which he learned to maneuver in record time, Tisdale had recently finished a 21-day national concert tour that he had kicked off in April.
The three-time All American basketball star from Tulsa, Oklahoma was the first freshman to claim that selection for both sophomore and junior years as well. A gold medalist at the 1984 Olympics, he was the second overall draft pick in 1985, signing to the Indiana Pacers. He also played with the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns before retiring from 12 seasons in the NBA in 1997 to focus on his first love—music.
A self-taught musician, he became an accomplished bass guitarist playing at both his father’s Sunday morning services at the Friendship Church in Tulsa and for the University of Oklahoma Sooners band.  Debuting in 1995 with his first album “Power Forward,” he released a total of eight albums. He was featured in BRE for his 2001 release, “Face to Face,” which topped contemporary jazz charts and for which he was awarded the Legacy Tribute Award by the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. His latest album, “Rebound,” was just released last year on Rendezvous Entertainment after he had recovered so well from his leg amputation.
“People are going to feel different after listening to this record,” Tisdale said, reinvigorated with a new purpose. “They’re going to be happy. There’s going to be a good feeling. “Rebound” definitely has a beginning, a body and an ending and that’s what I wanted to do. That’s why the record starts with the song ‘Rebound,’ to capture people and bring them in. A Japanese voice before the second verse of ‘Rebound’ says ‘I’ve rebounded and you can rebound also.’ That’s what the message is. If I can do it, you can do it.”
His former University of Oklahoma basketball coach Billy Tubbs presented him with the Greenwood Cultural Center’s Legacy Award on April 17, just one week after his most recent chemotherapy treatment. After the banquet that evening, he and his band boarded their bus for Memphis where they kicked off their jazz tour that was scheduled to extend through September. He was scheduled to play the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl on June 13.

Beyond his career achievements, however, he had two other passions. One was his wife Regina whom he met in high school and his family, which includes four children and a granddaughter, and the other was Oklahoma. The L.L. Tisdale Parkway in Tulsa was named for him in 2005 and he was a member of the Oklahoma Tourism Board and a cornerstone in the UO basketball program. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame still plans to induct him this September.

Oklahoma loved him, as did everyone who met him. States Denny Stilwell, President of his label Mack Avenue Records, “Wayman’s personality and smile are already missed in the music community. He was an inspiration, a hero.  We are all shaken and deeply saddened by his loss and our hearts and prayers go out to his wife and family.”

The website, www.waymantisdale.org, for his foundation is committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals with cancer as well as amputees, a cause he undertook after his own experience.   “I believe the best way to help is to provide support and resources.  I know we can make a difference one person, one family at a time,” he said. “Together we can help change the world.”
An old friend, gospel great Marvin Sapp, joined Tisdale on the song “Grateful,” that ends his last album.

A public memorial service is planned for Thursday, May 21st in his hometown of Tulsa, OK. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donation be made to his Wayman Tisdale Foundation.

Jay-Z Exclusive: Schedules Intimate Shows this July

So far five dates have been confirmed for superstar Jay-Z that will begin on July 3 and 4 at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Backed by his full band, Jay-Z will be performing a series of intimate concerts as he takes a break from finishing his upcoming album, “The Blueprint 3.” Jive artist Ciara, whose album “Fantasy Ride” was just released, will open on the first five dates. More dates will be announced shortly with ticket and tour information available at www.livenation.com. General public tickets go on sale on May 15, but fan club tickets are available now.

JAY-Z  EXCLUSIVES
July 3               Las Vegas, NV            The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort
July 4               Las Vegas, NV            The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort
July 7               Chicago, IL                  Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island
July 10             Uncasville, CT                    Mohegan Sun Arena
July 12             Atlanta, GA                  Chastain Park Amphitheatre

TV One Access Salutes Top 10 Mothers

“TV One Access,” host Tatyana Ali and correspondent Quddus pay tribute to Hollywood’s most inspirational moms in an hour-long special “The Moms of the Year” on Mother’s Day, May 10. Saluting moms who have overcome tremendous odds who are inspiring role models to other African American women, the special recognizes “the ten most amazing moms who do it best!” says Monique Chenault, Senior Producer, “TV One Access.” “These always-on-the-run moms took the time to share with us how they’ve managed to thrive under adversity and triumph over tragedy.” Among the moms saluted are First Lady Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Jada Pinkett Smith, Tina Knowles, Taraji P. Henson, Halle Berry, Angela Bassett and Radio One/TV One founder/CEO Cathy Hughes.

Wendy Williams Back On TV

Taped live in NYC from the WBLS studios where she broadcasts her popular weekday (2-6pm) radio show, “The Wendy Williams Show” launches in national television syndication on July 13.  The trial six-week run of the show in four major markets–New York, Dallas, Detroit and Los Angeles– has proven a “breakthrough in daytime” according to the NY Times, confirming what Debmar-Mercury, the worldwide syndicator that also distributes Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne” and “Meet the Browns,” “Family Feud,” and “South Park,” among others, intends to also prove.   With such segments as “Ask Wendy” and “Hot Topics,” Williams, the 23-year veteran broadcaster and author who doubles as host and executive producer of the show, says she wants the show to be “a respite for viewers, a place to sit back, relax and laugh about topics we can all relate to as women. I know my core audience from my days in radio will be so excited about the TV show and I look forward to bringing new fans to daytime with our really fun mix of segments. This is truly the most exciting time in my life and I feel so honored to have the chance to be in people’s living rooms this summer. Here I am, a Jersey girl, with the opportunity of a lifetime and I plan to make the most of it.”
Adds the show’s Emmy Award-winning executive producer, Rob Dauber, who has worked with Martha Stewart, Oprah Winfrey and Rosie O’Donnell, “Someone like Wendy Williams doesn’t come along every day.  I know that television audiences will really connect with her, not only as a talk show host but also as a person. And our ultimate goal is to provide our viewers with an hour to escape from the everyday challenges we are all dealing with right now.”

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