Anthony Hamilton

Thanks to Marcus Bee, who covered my program for me last week! Last month marked the first trailer for a documentary film about the life of the late Amy Winehouse; now a second clip has arrived. On July 3, Amy will premiere in the U.K. and will feature rare footage, never-before-heard recordings, and home movies of the singer throughout her life, much of the film narrated in her own words. “I don’t think I’m gonna be at all famous, I don’t think I could handle it, I would probably go mad,” a recording of the late star reveals in the clip. The film is directed by Asif Kapadia and produced James Gay-Rees. Winehouse died in 2011 from alcohol poisoning at the age of 27. Watch the second trailer below: (singersroom)

Lauryn Hill just can’t stop winning. The “Doo-Wop” singer will be given the Golden Note Award at ASCAP’s 28th annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards this year. According to Billboard, the event will take place June 25 in Los Angeles at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Hill’s prodigious career will be glorified that night as she will join past recipients Dr. Dre, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and Pharrell in receiving the award. In addition to receiving the award, Hill will also touch the stage and perform a slew of classics. ASCAP President, Paul Williams, gushed about her innumerable accomplishments in a statement. He touched on her “ability to push boundaries and capture the humanity that surrounds us.” He continued paying homage by saying, “Ms. Hill’s talent as a songwriter is undeniable and reflects her singular take on the world we live in.” More at boombox

B.B. King Recalled With Love, Humor at Mississippi Funeral. INDIANOLA, Miss. — May 30, B.B. King's early life personified the blues: He was born to dirt-poor sharecroppers in the cotton country of the Mississippi Delta and left alone by the deaths of his mother and grandmother when he was a child. But he never let those circumstances hold him back or define him, a minister said Saturday at the funeral of the blues legend. More @ ABC News

We also lost a Southern Soul singer, Mel Waiters on the 25th May, he was 59. Video at foot of page - RIP

Playlist for Sunday 31-05-15



Teddy Pendergrass - Whole Town Is Laughing at Me
Angie Stone - Brotha
Kenny G - G-Bop
Kenny Lattimore - Find Away
Shirley Jones - Because I Love You
Gladys Knight - Soon
Joyce Elaine Yuille - Follow The Sun
Atlantic Starr - When Love Calls
Jill Scott - Family Reunion
Sheree Brown - Your Love Lifts Me Higher
Rosie Gaines - Good Times

Sheree Brown

Anthony Hamilton x3

1 I'm Tired 2 Spend Some Time 3 Why

Jodeci - Get On Up (Remix)

Vivian Green - Get Right Back To Me Baby

Kenny G - Help Yourself To My Love

Kashif - Help Yourself To My Love

Calvin Richardson - Home In A Minute

Papik - Let The Music Play

Gwen Guthrie - Love in Moderation

J.Rawls - Inhale, Exhale

Anthony Hamilton's biography:

Anthony Cornelius Hamilton (born January 28, 1971, Charlotte, North Carolina.) is an American R&B singer-songwriter, and record producer who rose to fame with his platinum-selling second studio album Comin' from Where I'm From (2003), which featured the title track single "Comin' from Where I'm From" and the follow-up "Charlene". He is also known for the song "Freedom" from the soundtrack album of Django Unchained cowritten and sung as a duo with indie soul singer Elayna Boynton. Hamilton started singing in his church's choir at age ten. He attended South Mecklenburg High School where he sang in their award winning choir under the direction of Mark Setzer. In 1993, he left Charlotte and headed to New York City, where he signed with Andre Harrell's Uptown Records. Hamilton also co-wrote the 1999 hit "U Know What's Up" for singer Donell Jones.[2] In 2000, he joined soul singer D'Angelo's international tour in promotion of the Voodoo album, on which he was a backup singer. More at Wiki

Ben E. King (RIP)

Blues Boy King RIP - thanks for the music!

The music industry is mourning over the passing of another legend. B.B. King, known to many as the King of Blues, died in Las Vegas at the age of 89, his lawyer confirms. King had recently returned home after a short stay in hospital, where he was treated for high blood pressure and diabetes. This was his second hospital stint in a month. King, who has lived with diabetes for more than 20 years, canceled remaining shows on his 2014 tour last October after falling ill in Chicago. He is said to of died peacefully in his sleep. Born in Mississippi as Riley B King, he is considered to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time. In 1987, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. King also won 15 Grammy Awards, his last coming in 2009 for his album 'One Kind Favor.'
King's top hits include "Lucille," "Sweet Black Angel" and "Rock Me Baby." (singersroom)

Betta Taste Restaurant in Brearley Street, Aston which has been closed by cops!  A Caribbean restaurant has been shut down following reports of illegal parties, trouble involving weapons and underage girls on the premises. Betta Taste in Aston has been closed for three months after an order was granted to West Midlands Police following months of work by local officers. The back-street restaurant, in 105 Brearley Street, is listed as specialising in halal Caribbean cuisine. Aston Police tweeted: (radio sandwell)

BBC News – South Africa’s richest black man, Patrice Motsepe, has announced he is giving away half his wealth to improve the lives of the poor. The mining magnate said the money would be handled by the Motsepe Foundation to address education and health issues.bills in africa. He said he was inspired by the word’s two wealthiest men, Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, who are encouraging billionaires to donate to charity. (more)


Play list for Sunday 17-05-2005



Gerald LeVert - That's The Way I Feel About Ya
Jamie Foxx - Wish U Were Here
Kim Waters - Between The Sheets
Rena Scott - Nightdancing
Jagged Edge/Major Damage - Trying To Find..
Hil St. Soul - Smile
Donnell Jones - Do What I Gotta Do
Algebra Blessett - U Do It For Me
Whispers - Never Too Late
Eric Benet - Don't Let Go
Ca$e + Joe - Faded Pictures

Ben E. King x3
1 Street Tough 2 Spoiled
3 Supernatural Thing

Drizabone - Brightest
Terri Walker - Drawing Board
Syleena Johnson - All This Way For Love
Phil Perry - You Send Me
Lisa Stansfield - You Can't Deny It (US mix)
Tony Monrelle - Every thing's Alright
Just Right Band/Ve Al - I Want More
Gary Taylor - Eye To Eye

Ben E. King Biography:

Benjamin Earl King (September 28, 1938 – April 30, 2015), known as Ben E. King, was an American soul and R&B singer. He was perhaps best known as the singer and co-composer of "Stand by Me"—a US Top 10 hit, both in 1961 and later in 1986 (when it was used as the theme to the film of the same name), a number one hit in the UK in 1987, and no. 25 on the RIAA's list of Songs of the Century—and as one of the principal lead singers of the R&B vocal group the Drifters. More are Wiki

Willie Hutch

Stunning debut album out by Joyce Elaine Yuille entitled Welcome To My World. Joyce grew up in the East Harlem section of Manhattan, better known as Spanish Harlem or El Barrio. She decided to focus on something distinct after many years of “live” performances in Europe... A tangible yet multifaceted project: the album you have before you.

“When you perform youʼre giving a lot of emotion, youʼre giving a lot of energy, but once the concert is finished, I feel it’s important that people can still connect with you, the music
and what they felt while they watched you and listened to you perform live. You know? The whole thing with me as a performer, is I want to leave a good and lasting impression on people”.

“Welcome To My World” represents a transition for Joyce: whereas for some musicians the recording studio is a safe haven, for others it may represent an intimidating environment: with her debut album, Joyce embraces a new challenge that is able to carry forth her stage energy and perfectly recreates in the studio that strong “live” element which characterizes her performance. As she explains, “When Iʼm recording, I basically try to put myself in a scenario where Iʼm doing a live show and that helps me overcome the fear of being in the studio and making mistakes, because when youʼre doing live, you just go, youʼve got to do it, you got to sing, you know, whatever is going on inside you, you just have to bring that out and I try to do the same thing, while Iʼm in the studio”.

As you listen to her warm vocals throughout the album, which include a slight hint of soulful prowess, thereʼs no fear that cannot be overcome. Her heartfelt interpretations welcome us into her world, where an intricate and honed voice texture reveals her incredible qualities as an interpreter. Nuances of Jazz, Soul, Swing, Blues: “Welcome To My World” is Joyceʼs gift to us – for the fortunate ones who have had the pleasure of hearing her live it would be effortless to recognize her warm timbre and equally warm heart – this album is concrete proof of her talent and personality.

Joyce co‐wrote most of the songs on the album, original compositions and her lyrics that reveal her profound nature through music – “I wrote a number of songs that kind of reflect my life situation, situations in my friends lives, world events, situations I see daily, maybe just walking down the streets.” Songs like “Late I Rise”, a tune that speaks about perseverance and staying positive, or “Come With Me (The Ride Is Free)”, where she urges us to forsake our biases, to refuse to partake in prejudices and judgement and just enjoy our time on earth, respecting others and ourselves. “A Time For Love Again”, composed by Marco Bianchi with Joyce’s lyrical skills, is another example of how this album goes beyond music and expresses a powerful and strong message: with this song Joyce speaks about disillusionment in love, telling us how thereʼs no sense in closing ourselves in a shell and giving into the fear of feeling and the ability to love again. We can all love again, reach out to others and feel amorous again. The album also includes some stand out covers, classics such as Marvin Gayeʼs “Itʼs Madness” and Donny Hathawayʼs “Trying Times”.

The album features the renowned and astounding Finnish sax player Timo Lassy and his band – musicians who are amongst some of the best Jazz players on the international jazz scene. Timo and his guys bring that extra something, a subtlety with a powerful impact and a groove that was needed to fulfill the dream and the vision of Joyce Elaine Yuille. Joyce has excitedly stated, “these guys are wickedly fantastic, I keep telling everyone, donʼt close your eyes on Finnish Jazz scene, because these guys are really kicking major ”! She smiles... (bandcamp)


Playlist for Sunday 10-05-2015



hour one (sorry not edited this week)
Will Downing - This Song Is For You
Charlie Wilson - Magic
Gabor Szabo/Bobby Womack - Breezin'
Rupert Holmes The Pina Colada Song
Staple Singers - Let's Do It Again
Melba Moore - Hard Not To Like You
Plush - We've Got The Love
Steph Mills - Keep Away Girls
Randy Brown - We Ought a Be Doin It
LJ Reynolds - Keys To The World
Jermaine Jackson - You Like Me Don't You

Willie Hutch x3
1 The Way We Were
2 Never Let You Be Without Love
3 Give That Good Old Love

hour two
Benny Golson - Always Dancin' To The Music
Maze feat: Frankie Beverly - Before I Let Go
Vibrations - Shake It Up
Kashif - Help Yourself To Love
Aretha Franklin - Half A Love
Johnny 'Guitar'Watson - Lone Ranger
Al Hudson & His Soul Partners - Spread Love

Willie Hutch's Biography:

Born in 1944 in Los Angeles, California, Hutch was raised in Dallas, Texas. He joined a doo-wop group, The Ambassadors, as a teenager. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High, he shortened his surname when he started his music career in 1964 on the Soul City label with the song "Love Has Put Me Down". After his move to Los Angeles, his music caught the eye of the mentor for pop/soul quintet The 5th Dimension, and Hutch was soon writing, producing, and arranging songs for the group. In 1969, he signed with RCA Records and put out two albums before he was spotted by Motown producer Hal Davis, who wanted lyrics to his musical composition "I'll Be There", a song he penned for The Jackson 5. The song was recorded by the group the morning after Hutch received the call. Motown CEO Berry Gordy signed Hutch to be a staff writer, arranger, producer, and musician shortly thereafter. More @ wiki

Jackson Five

Young Entertainer Of The Year is a great opportunity for young talented individuals to enter the entertainment industry. GT's Records, Yogurt Top Marketing and Wheelerstreet Corporation have collaborated with South Birmingham College and a number of local Radio Stations to create a fantastic opportunity for a winner in the following categories - 1) Singers/Bands,  2) MC/Rap/Spoken Word, 3) Producer/Beat Makers. Each category winner will Win a artist development package worth over £3000 including A Professionally Produced Single, Photo Shoot, Video Clip, Social Media Management, Artist Development & Digital Marketing Coaching Sessions. Please pop over to our Facebook page to support the event. If you or your family have any young budding entertainers who wish to audition please register at GT's web site

R&B singer, Ben E. King has died. He was 76. Ben's agent confirmed that the singer died on the 30th of April from natural causes at his home in New Jersey. His classic evergreen, 'Stand By Me', was covered on many occasions by a multitude of artists, including John Lennon. As a member of the Drifters, Ben co-wrote and sang the lead on 'There Goes My Baby'. The Drifters also hit the charts with 'Save the Last Dance for Me' and 'This Magic Moment'. Ben left the Drifters in 1960 and launched a successful solo career. The 1961 recording, 'Spanish Harlem', gave him his first solo hit.
'Stand By Me' was selected as one of the Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America. Soul fans would look to his 1975 single, 'Supernatural Thing', as a particular career high point. (soulwalking)

Tracklisting for Sunday 3-05-2015



Hour One
Anita Baker - Sometimes
Jaheim - Hush
Gerald Albright - Bermuda Nights
Glady's Knight - Soon
Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud (rmx)
Shirley Jones - Because You Love Me
Calvin Richardson - Home In A Minute
Maze - Lady Of Magic
Rhonda Thomas - When U Know U Know
Next - Just Like That
Unknown - Pump It Up

Jackson Five x3
1 Ooh, I'd Love To Be With You
2 Uppermost 3 Touch

Tracy Carter - Everyday
Vivian Green - Get Right Back To Me Baby
Groove Assn./Georgie B - Old School Magic (NYC Crew remix)
Aretha Franklin - Wonderful
J. Rawls/Venus Malone - Exhale
Don-E - Unbreakable
George Benson - Breezin'

Jackson Five's biography:

The Jackson 5 (sometimes stylized as Jackson 5ive; later known as The Jacksons) is an American popular music family group from Gary, Indiana. Formed in 1964 under the name The Jackson Brothers, the founding members were Jackie, Tito and Jermaine. Marlon and Michael would later join, and the band's name would be changed to The Jackson 5. After participating in talent shows and the chitlin' circuit, they entered the professional music scene in 1967 signing with One-derful! Records and recording several demos, before switching to Steeltown Records and releasing two singles. In 1969 they left Steeltown Records in order to sign with Motown. More at Wiki

Ben E King - Spanish Harlem by mickeynold