RAPHAEL SAADIQ RECORDS WITH FANTASIA December 22, 2008

 

Fresh from a fall North America tour supporting John Legend, singer/producer Raphael Saadiq is heading back to the studio to work on a new album for “American Idol” winner Fantasia, reports Billboard.com.

 

       Saadiq hopes to provide her with “something soulful but really strong, something like maybe a little bit of Aretha (Franklin) mixed up with a little bit of LaBelle. I think that would sound really good on her.”       

       Since the demise of his former group Tony! Toni! Tone!, Saadiq has set up shop in the recording studio with a number of production and collaboration credits. But his own current album, “The Way I See It,” has rekindled the R&B artist’s appetite for the road.      

       “I’ve never really toured as a solo act,” Saadiq, who was also a member of the short-lived all-star group Lucy Pearl, tells Billboard.com. “I would do a record and go out for 12 dates and come back.”       

       But pride in “The Way I See It,” with its echoes of vintage Motown, Philadelphia and Chicago soul, inspired Saadiq to slot some more time in for touring.      

       “I just wanted to get a record out there that I thought would match the world — every type of person, people all over the world from the States to Europe to Russia to everywhere,” he explains. “I felt like that style of music works all over the world, and I wanted to make a contribution in ‘08 and ‘09 and ‘10 and create something that would take me around the world.”      

       In the new year, he plans to travel to Europe for promotional television appearances and press, followed by a concert tour there in February, with North American dates to follow in March. In the summer Saadiq, plans a run of European festivals.

BEYONCE, BRODY DISCUSS ‘CADILLAC’ KISS December 4, 2008

 

Darnell Martin, the writer/director of “Cadillac Records,” admitted at Monday’s premiere that she took some “dramatic license” in creating a make-out scene between Etta James and the head of her label, Leonard Chess.      

       But, Adrien Brody, who plays Mr. Chess, said he had no problem with the historical inaccuracy of kissing James, who is played in the film by Beyonce Knowles.

 

       “Let’s just say it wasn’t a deal breaker,” the grinning actor told the New York Daily News. “When I met Etta [the real one], she told me, ‘Leonard and I did not do those things!’ So, yes, it was somewhat embellished. But what’s wonderful is the truth Beyonce brings to that moment. That justified it.”      

       Beyonce, who came to the premiere with husband Jay-Z, said she didn’t find the intimacy repellent.      

       “It wasn’t so bad,” she said. “I remember when he kissed Halle Berry. He’s not shy! Not at all.”      

       Meanwhile, Cedric the Entertainer, who plays bluesman Willie Dixon, said he was upset that “they wrote me out of a scene with Beyonce.”      

       Following the premiere, cast members Mos Def, Gabrielle Union and Emmanuelle Chriqui hit the after-party at Marquee with guests Leonardo DiCaprio, Diddy, Ne-Yo, John Legend, Kevin Connolly, Akon and Russell Simmons.

Watch the trailer for “Cadillac Records”:

SAADIQ TO PERFORM LIVE ON PHILLY RADIO December 4, 2008

 

Raphael Saadiq, whose new Columbia album “The Way I See It” puts a new school spin on Gamble & Huff’s musical legacy, has been invited to perform a special mini-set at the duo’s legendary Philadelphia International Records Studios on Friday (Dec. 5).      

       Currently on tour with labelmate John Legend, Saadiq’s performance will air as a WDAS radio special from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday – hosted by legendary Philly DJ Butterball Tamburro – honoring the music and history of Philadelphia International Records.       

       Saadiq will open for John Legend at Philadelphia’s Tower Theater later that evening.       

       “It’s incredible to perform for Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff in the studio where they made the music that changed my life,” said Saadiq. “For me, this is a dream come true.”

 

       Meanwhile, Saadiq continues to support “The Way I See It,” which features guest artists Joss Stone, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z and more. He opens for Legend on the following tour dates:

    12/04    University Park, PA  PSU Bryce Jordan Center
    12/05    Philadelphia, PA     Tower Theatre
    12/06    Fairfield, CT        Fairfield University Alumni Hall
    12/08    Baltimore, MD        Lyric Opera House
    12/09    Washington, DC       Constitution Hall
    12/10    Greenville, SC       Peace Center Concert Hall
    12/12    Charlotte, NC        Ovens Aud.
    12/13    Durham, NC           PAC

JOHN LEGEND EXPANDS TOUR November 14, 2008

 

John Legend has just confirmed a second leg of concert dates in North America as part of his world tour to promote “Evolver,” his third studio album via G.O.O.D. Music/Columbia.

 

       The new string of North American dates run from January 12 through February 7, with London-based singer/rapper/songwriter Estelle serving as Legend’s special guest. The first artist signed to John’s HomeSchool Records label, Estelle hit No. 1 on the UK charts with her single “American Boy” and is featured on “No Other Love,” a track from “Evolver.”      

      Legend kicks off his world tour Nov. 19 in Minneapolis with the first leg wrapping up December 13 in Durham, North Carolina.

 

       Songs on “Evolver” include the single “Green Light” (featuring Andre 3000), “It’s Over” (featuring Kanye West), “Everybody Knows,” “No Other Love” (featuring Estelle), “Satisfaction,” “This Time,” “Cross The Line,” “I Love, You Love,” “Good Morning,” “If You’re Out There,” and “Quickly” (featuring Brandy).

 

      Below is John Legend’s tour itinerary:

November 2008
19 – Minneapolis, MN – Northrop Auditorium
20, 21 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre
24 – East Lansing, MI – Wharton Center for Performing Arts
26 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple Theatre
28 – Toronto, Ontario – Roy Thompson Hall
29 – Montclair, NJ – Wellmont Theatre

December 2008
1 – Montclair, NJ – Wellmont Theatre
2 – Boston, MA – Orpheum Theatre
4 – University Park, PA – Bryce Theatre @ Penn State
5 – Philadelphia, PA – Tower Theater
6 – Fairfield, CT – Fairfield University/Alumni Hall
8 – Baltimore, MD – Lyric Theatre
9 – Washington, DC – Constitution Hall
10 – Greenville, SC – Peace Center
12 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
13 – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center

January 2009
12 – Oakland, CA – Paramount Theatre
13 – Universal City, CA – Gibson Amphitheatre
16 – La Jolla, CA – RIMAC Arena
22 – Dallas, TX – Nokia Theatre @ Grand Prairie
23 – Austin, TX – Bass Concert Hall
24 – Houston, TX – Verizon Wireless Theater
26 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
28 – Orlando, FL – Bob Carr Performing Arts Center
29 – Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall
30 – Miami, FL – The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater

February 2009
3 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
5 – New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall
6 – Mashantucket, CT – MGM Grand Theater @ MGM Foxwoods
7 – Atlantic City, NJ – Borgata Events Center

Makeba returns home; Legend on Latin Grammys; N. Richie hosts Lighting ceremony; civil rights DVD; Flo Rida in Gap ad; Van Peebles on panel; Lohan praises first ‘colored’ prez November 12, 2008

 

The body of singing legend and activist Miriam Makeba, also known as “Mama Africa,” will return home to South Africa sometime today, per the wishes of her family. The widely-respected artist will have a funeral service and cremation, according to foreign affairs spokesman Ronnie Mamoepa.

 

       *Five-time Grammy winner John Legend and 12-time Latin Grammy winner Juanes will team for a performance on the 9th Annual Latin Grammy Awards telecast, set for tomorrow (Nov. 13) at the Toyota Center in Houston and broadcast live on the Univision Network from 8 – 11 p.m. ET/PT. Tickets are available at the Toyota Center Box Office atwww.toyotacentertix.com, or by dialing 1.866.4HOUTIX (1.866.446.8849).

 

       *The U.S. Fund for UNICEF announced that Nicole Richie and her husband, UNICEF Ambassador Joel Madden, will host UNICEF’s 2008 Beverly Hills Snowflake Lighting ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 22 at the intersection of Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Blvd. The ceremony highlights the City of Beverly Hills’ “Light the Night” annual holiday event where the UNICEF Snowflake and the 20 Baccarat chandeliers that grace Rodeo Drive are illuminated to kick off the holiday season. Festivities begin at 3 p.m. with the official lighting at 6 p.m.

 

       *”Dare Not Walk Alone,” a feature-length documentary about little-known events in America’s civil rights struggle, is now available on DVD from Brooklyn-based artist and director Jeremy Dean. While documenting Dr. King’s heroic campaign to end segregation, the film also paints a disturbing portrait of lingering inequality, some 40 years later, in one community where that campaign was waged. The “Dare Not Walk Alone” trailer can be seen at the film’s Web site: http://darenotwalkalone.com.  

 

      *The Gap has recruited rapper Flo Rida and singers Trey Songz and Janelle Monae for its new “Merry Mix It” ad campaign. The clip features a “street smart rendition” of “Jingle Bells” that will be used in select store-video displays, as well as online and in movie theaters beginning tomorrow (Nov. 13).

 

       *IFP will present conversations with Melvin Van Peebles, as well as Gus Van Sant and HBO’s Sheila Nevins at the Gotham Independent Film Awards Series. The program will include panels featuring breakthrough director and actor nominees from the 18th annual Gothams, as well as Museum of Modern Art screenings of “Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You” award contenders. The series runs Nov. 20 to Dec. 6 at venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn. A complete schedule and lineup of participants is available here.

 

      *Lindsay Lohan, a supporter of Barack Obama for president, actually used the term “colored” when discussing her joy over the Election Night results. In an interview with “Access Hollywood’s” Maria Menounos that aired Monday night, Lohan said of Obama: “It’s so amazing. It’s our first colored president. So that’s like – I’m so thrilled to be a part of the country while that’s going on.” View clip here.  

WILL.I.AM TO DEBUT NEW OBAMA VIDEO ON ‘OPRAH’ November 7, 2008

 

The new will.i.am video celebrating Barack Obama’s victory that was supposed to debut on his website Wednesday – but didn’t – will now make its premiere this afternoon on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” reports the Associated Press.

 

       The Black Eyed Peas leader had said “It’s A New Day” would debut on dipdive.com the day after Obama was elected. A rep for the artist Will.i.am’s now says the Chicago-based talk show will broadcast the clip, with other celebrities on hand. Dipdive.com will then post it later in the day.

 

       Will.i.am became a part of 2008 election lore when he debuted the video “Yes We Can” in February to millions of online views. Several stars including Ryan Phillippe, John Legend, Scarlet Johansson appeared, reciting lines from an Obama speech over will.i.am’s music.

JOHN LEGEND BLANKETS CBS WITH NEW CD October 28, 2008

 

Music from John Legend’s new CD “Evolver” will appear in several CBS television shows, as well as in a promotional campaign for the network’s “November Sweeps.”

 

      Tonight’s episode of “NCIS” will feature the track “No Other Love,” while Thursday’s (Oct. 30) episode of daytime drama “The Young and the Restless” will include the new song “Cross the Line.”

 

      Legend has given “Green Light,” the album’s first single, to CBS for use in the network’s upcoming fall lineup promotional campaign, “The Biggest November Ever is Ready to Go on CBS.” The on-air promo spots will feature shots from John’s “Green Light” music video intermixed with images from the network’s hit dramas, comedy and reality programs.

 

       Separately, Legend will also make appearances on CBS’s morning news and late night programming. He’s been booked for an appearance on “The Early Show” this morning, followed by a Thursday performance on the “Late Show with David Letterman.”

SPRINGSTEEN, JOEL ROCK FOR OBAMA October 20, 2008

Music heavyweights Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel shared a New York stage Thursday night to drum up financial support for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign and the Democratic Party.

 

      The singers alternated between each other’s songs and clearly had fun, noted the Associated Press. India.Arie, John Legend and Springsteen’s wife, Patti Scialfa, joined in to perform the pair’s biggest hits. When they launched into “Born to Run,” Springsteen said, “This is for the senator.”

 

       Obama appeared at the end of the historic concert at Hammerstein Ballroom, calling the event “a magical evening.” He said he wouldn’t ruin the moment with a long speech, then proceeded to make a speech comparing the struggling, everyday people in Joel’s and Springsteen’s songs to the people he’s met on the campaign trail, reports the Associated Press.

 

       He warned supporters not to get too cocky because he leads in the polls. “Don’t underestimate the capacity of Democrats to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Don’t underestimate our ability to screw it up,” Obama said. “I want everybody running scared.”      

       Obama also offered a new explanation for his decision to seek the White House. “I was sitting offstage with (his wife) Michelle, and I … said, ‘Honey, the reason I’m running for president is I can’t be Bruce Springsteen. I can’t be Billy Joel,’” Obama said.      

       Springsteen hugged Joel during “Spirit in the Night,” then ended up laying across the piano as he sang. Joel left the piano and picked up a guitar for “Glory Days.” They even stuck a bit of the Beatles’ “Hard Day’s Night” into the middle of Joel’s song “River of Dreams.”      

       Tickets for the “Change Rocks” concert ranged from $500 to $25,000 each.

 

Performance clips:

 

“Spirit in the Night” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYne9E4LL0c  

“Allentown” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POFZsRuVtQM  

“Born to Run” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Zreaj4hrTo  

MTV, CNN TEAM FOR CONCERT HONORING VETS October 16, 2008

MTV’s Choose or Lose campaign and CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360″ are partnering for a two-night event to support veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

 

      “A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE” will air Oct. 24 on MTV (8 p.m. EDT) from a performance taped in New York the previous day, reports the Associated Press.  BRAVE stands for Bill of Rights for American Veterans, a petition created by MTV and several veterans’ organizations.

 

       The concert, which will also broadcast online at www.vMTV.com, features performances by 50 Cent, Ludacris and Saving Abel, as well as taped performances from Kanye West, Kid Rock, Fall Out Boy, Angels and Airwaves, Nelly, Juanes and Taylor Swift. Also making taped performances are Beyonce, Will Ferrell, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend and others.      

       On Oct. 25, CNN will air a special of “Anderson Cooper 360″ titled “Back From Battle” that focuses on stories of young veterans. News packages from CNN and MTV News will air throughout the special, which will be held in front of an audience of young veterans and their families.      

       “It doesn’t matter where you stand on the war, we can all agree that young veterans serving our country must receive the benefits they’ve earned for their sacrifices,” said Van Toffler, president of MTV Networks. “We aim to elevate these issues and ensure they’re a top priority for our government officials.”

 

John Legend Links W/Raphael Saadiq For Tour Short Tour October 8, 2008

R&B stars John Legend and Raphael Saadiq will be heating up stages across the country as the duo prepare to launch their nationwide tour next month.

According to Billboard, the singers will begin their thirteen-date showcase at a variety of small venues primarily among the East Coast in major cities including Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, Greenville and Charlotte.

The artists are expected to use the tour to support their latest albums from Sony Records with Legend’s Evolver hitting stores at the end of this month while Saadiq’s The Way I See It recently landed in stores a few weeks ago.

Beginning Wednesday, November 19 in Minneapolis, the tour will run through December 13 in Durham, North Carolina.

Nov. 19: Minneapolis (Northrop Auditorium)
Nov. 20: Chicago (Chicago Theatre)
Nov. 24: E. Lansing, Mich. (Wharton Center For Performing Arts)
Nov. 26: Detroit (Masonic Temple Theatre)
Nov. 28: Toronto (Roy Thompson Hall)
Nov. 29, Dec. 1: Montclair, N.J. (Wellmont Theatre)
Dec. 2: Boston (Orpheum Theatre)
Dec. 5: Philadelphia (Tower Theater)
Dec. 8: Baltimore (Lyric Theatre)
Dec. 9: Washington, D.C. (Constitution Hall)
Dec. 10: Greenville, S.C. (Peace Center)
Dec. 12: Charlotte, N.C. (Ovens Auditorium)
Dec. 13: Durham, N.C. (Durham Performing Arts Center)

In related news, Legend’s highly anticipated album is set to arrive in stores later this month. Making a strong buzz with his hit single “Green Light” with OutKast’s Andre 3000, Legend told Billboard his third album will show off a never-before-heard version of himself.

“This album doesn’t sound like me,” he revealed to Billboard. “The tempo is faster than I’ve done before. It will be different for people, because Evolver has a bit more instrumentation than I’ve used before. But it’s not like you won’t recognize the artist-it’s me.” 

Legend’s upcoming project also features appearances by Kanye West, Estelle and Brandy.

Evolver is scheduled to drop on Tuesday, October 28