Tag: rnb

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First Listen: Crystal Penny’s STANDARDS on Solar Radio

Standards

There’s nothing more thrilling than hearing your music on the radio!

Yesterday, my new song, STANDARDS, by the dynamic duo CRYSTAL PENNY (sisters Crystal Wilson Blackmon and Penni Wilson), produced by Ivan Hampden Jr., was featured on Richard Marzetti’s Soul Life program on Solar Radio Radio, the UK’s #1 music station bringing you soul, jazz, funk, soulful house, R&B, disco and more.

CRYSTAL PENNY began their career known as The Lovations with a string of original classical soul hits that recently went viral. Since then, they have shared the stage or recorded with such icons as Barry White, Maurice White, Rick James, Lou Rawls, Diana Ross, and Curtis Mayfield & the Impressions, among many others. Their sweet harmonies accompany the late maestro Barry White on his classic hit Practice What You Preach.

The two also appeared on OWN network’s reality TV show, Flex & Shanice, starring Crystal’s daughter, Grammy-nominated recording artist Shanice Wilson (best known for her megahit, I Like Your Smile), her husband, actor and comedian, Flex, and their children.

Growing up in a family of gifted singers, the sisters started harmonizing at a young age. With music in their souls, they continue to thrive after five decades of brilliant song.

STANDARDS is a timeless R&B tune brought to life by CRYSTAL PENNY‘s trademark vocal harmonies, engaging melody, and lyrics praising the legendary soul music divas. Already embraced by UK audiences, CRYSTAL PENNY’s new single is a follow-up to their original soul classic recordings (performed under the name The Lovations) that have gone viral.

A 90s dating experience from my years living in San Francisco inspired the song’s lyrics when I discovered how the sentiments expressed in our favorite songs shape our thoughts and expectations about love.

I’ll have much more to share about the song and the talented collaborators I worked with when STANDARDS is released in mid-April on all music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon.

You can hear STANDARDS on Soul Life (1:16 mark). Click on the LINK to LISTEN NOW

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Luther Vandross ‘Live at Radio City Music Hall 2003’ 20th Anniversary Edition Announced

I was there when Luther Vandross recorded his first and only live album at Radio City Music Hall in 2003. It’s a bittersweet memory because it was also Luther’s last live performance. Unfortunately, in April 2003, Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. His Radio City concerts would be his last, and he was at the peak of his powers during these shows. Thankfully, the newly-restored concert recording captures Luther’s masterful showmanship, soulful singing, and deep connection to his audience. Luther’s live concerts were indeed a spectacle. Great music, vocals, lavish costumes, and staging ensured concertgoers got their money’s worth.

J  Records and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, are pleased to announce the deluxe digital release of Luther Vandross – Live Radio City Music Hall 2003 – Expanded 20th Anniversary Edition – The Last Concert on Friday, February 10.

A romantic prelude to Valentine’s Day 2023, Luther’s Radio City rendition of “I’d Rather” [the second #1 Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart-topper from 2001’s Top 10 platinum-selling eponymous album] is being released as a single accompanied by an elegant new lyric video [the first-ever created for the song] premiering online today.

Luther Vandross–the award-winning American singer, songwriter, producer, and performer whose exquisite tenor vocals combined elements of R&B, pop, soul, and indefinable magic while selling millions of records–performed two sold-out shows at New York’s fabled Radio City Music Hall on February 11 and 12, 2003. These shows were part of an annual tradition of performing at Radio City Music Hall on Valentine’s Day.

At these shows, superstar stylist June Ambrose helped me to borrow Harry Winston jewels for Luther and his backing vocalists to wear on stage. The sparkle of real diamonds added to the elegance and excitement of the evening.

J Records released Luther Vandross – Live Radio City Music Hall 2003, an eleven-song edited version of the concert, on October 14, 2003. On the 20th anniversary of Luther’s final shows, J/Legacy are releasing an expanded edition featuring the full concert, with the setlist restored to original concert order and Luther’s on-stage banter providing insight into his personality, sense of humor and commitment to his audience and his songs.

The expanded 20th-anniversary edition of Luther Vandross – Live Radio City 2003 includes the eleven songs from the original release as well as four new tracks–“Power of Love/Love Power,” “Going Out of My Head,” “Any Day Now,” and “Say It Now”–and more.

Luther Vandross – Live Radio City Music Hall 2003 – Expanded 20th Anniversary Edition – The Last Concert
1. Power of Love / Love Power [new track]
2. Happy Valentine’s Day [spoken word]
3. Never Too Much
4. Work It/ Here and Now [spoken word]
5. Here And Now
6. Going Out Of My Head [new track]
7. Stop To Love
8. Love Won’t Let Me Wait
9. Any Day Now [new track]
10. A House Is Not A Home
11. I’d Rather
12. Take You Out
13. Say It Now [new track]
14. Superstar
15. Band Introduction [spoken word and music including :30 seconds of “I Believe”]
16. Intro to “Glow Of Love” [spoken word]
17. Glow Of Love
18. Encore [spoken word]
19. If Only For One Night
20. Creepin’

Luther Vandross ‘Live at Radio City Music Hall 2003’ 20th Anniversary Edition album is available now for preorder on iTunes. Release date February 10, 2023.

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Mama’s Kitchen Table Makes For An Unforgettable Summer

Earlier this summer, the song Mama’s Kitchen Table by Ivan Hampden Jr. featuring Paulette McWilliams was a new entry on the UK Soul Chart debuting at #15.

Paulette and I co-wrote the lyrics and Ivan produced the track.

The three of us met while working for Luther Vandross.  Ivan Hampden Jr. was Luther’s drummer, Paulette McWilliams was one of his backing vocalists, and I was his assistant.  

Before working for Luther, Paulette was in The American Breed who later became Rufus, and she introduced Chaka Khan to them to take her place. She sang with Quincy Jones, featured on Michael Jackson’s “Off The Wall” and has toured with Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and so many others. She was a guest on Richard Marzetti’s Solar Radio show on June 3, 2022. Click HERE to listen.

Ivan Hampden Jr. is a four-time Grammy winner and, as well as Luther’s albums,  has appeared on albums by Ashford & Simpson, Diana Ross, Roberta Flack, The Temptations, Beyonce, Mavis Staple, and Ann Nesby to name some of the more famous ones.

After Luther’s stroke, related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, I founded the nonprofit, Divabetic in 2003. Since then, I have reached thousands of at-risk people affected by and living with diabetes through live events, videos, and podcasts. I was thrilled to return to music with my friends, Ivan and Paulette. Seeing Mama’s Kitchen Table on the UK Soul Charts brought me so much joy. It was an unexpected but equally enchanting moment in an unforgettable Summer.

 

I’m also thrilled to announce the three of us teamed up again to write the new Christmas song, Pink Champagne, coming out in late Fall.

“Pink Champagne is dedicated to anyone experiencing a painful heartbreak during the holidays,” says Paulette McWilliams. 

Breakups are hard. But the holidays seem to magnify the loneliness of heartache: parties with everyone coupled up, romantic Christmas music and movies, and those annual Christmas letters brimming with friends’ burgeoning families. The airwaves are filled with upbeat holiday classics leaving little room for sadness and contemplation.

Pink Champagne is a story of a woman’s journey from victim to victor at Christmastime. A mindset that Paulette believes can help someone with a broken heart find fulfillment.

“You can’t experience the joy of the holidays unless you let go of the painful emotions instead of holding them in,” she says. “I hope Pink Champagne helps people who are hurting be able to move on.”

Nancy Wilson’s Guess Who I Saw Today and Marlena Shaw’s Go Away Litte Boy inspired my lyrics and story.

A true classic, Guess Who I Saw Today was written by Murray Grand with lyrics by Elisse Boyd.  The delicious, dignified, and elegant Nancy Wilson’s storytelling ability remains unsurpassed. Her timeless tone and delivery satisfy Jazz lovers of all generations.

For the first Lady of Blue Note, Marlena Shaw’s Go Away Little Boy lifted her career to new heights. Her dash of wit and attitude provide a virtual tour de force, a classic moment of 1970’s soul. Marlena’s recording is one part hilarious stand-up routine (a la Millie Jackson or Patti Labelle) and one part slow-jam mood music.

 

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Patti LaBelle Inspires A New Attitude In Diabetes Outreach

Patti LaBelle‘s outspoken attitude about living well with type 2 diabetes at a Luther Vandross Tribute concert changed my life 20 years ago. She said, “diabetes doesn’t control me, I control my diabetes!”. Those words inspired me to coin the phrase ‘Divabetic’ (Divabetic.Org).

My former boss, Luther Vandross, never spoke openly about his type 2 diabetes beyond a prescription refill. At that moment,  watching her on stage, I wished that I had the chance to talk about diabetes self-care with Luther prior to his stroke. Like everyone else, I thought he had his type 2 diabetes in the bag and didn’t need any support, or encouragement. When I found him on the floor after experiencing a stroke (related to mismanagement of type 2 diabetes) in April 2002, prior to the release of Dance With My Father, I deeply regretted my ignorance. To this day, I still wonder “what if?”

Patti LaBelle’s candidness or ‘new attitude’ about her diabetes health is probably the singular reason why I started a nonprofit organization. As hard as it might seem to ask for help, it’s worth it when you know there’s someone looking out for you. You deserve an entourage – a group of loving collaborators supporting you to live your best life!

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

Back by popular demand! The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, hosts this free, fun Virtual Baking Party with our special guest, Stacey Harris, aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, 7 – 8:30 PM, EST on Zoom.

REGISTER NOW

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