Showing posts with label Alicia Keys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alicia Keys. Show all posts

Friday, December 29, 2023

"The Color Purple (Music from and Inspired by)" Soundtrack Album Has Arrived


Warner Bros. Pictures, WaterTower Music and gamma. Announce December 15th Arrival of THE COLOR PURPLE (MUSIC FROM AND INSPIRED BY)

All Star Line-up Includes Stars From the Film and the Music World, Including Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Usher, Megan Thee Stallion, Mary J. Blige, Fantasia Barrino, Jennifer Hudson, Missy Elliott, Halle Bailey, Keyshia Cole, Coco Jones, Taraji P. Henson, Ciara, Jorja Smith, Mary Mary and More

First Single, Lifeline, Written, Co-Produced and Performed by Alicia Keys, Out Now


LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures, WaterTower Music and gamma. announce their partnership in curating the soundtrack album for the upcoming, newly reimagined motion picture release of The Color Purple. A star-studded musical journey, THE COLOR PURPLE (MUSIC FROM AND INSPIRED BY) features beloved songs from director Blitz Bazawule’s bold new film, in addition to original material inspired by the rich tapestry of the film’s narratives. The album became available December 15th.

The Color Purple’s preeminent onscreen ensemble delivers stunning performances, creating an emotional journey through Fantasia Barrino’s soulful melodies, Taraji P. Henson’s emotive depth, Colman Domingo’s captivating energy, Danielle Brooks’ powerful resonance, H.E.R.’s contemporary artistry, and Halle Bailey’s radiant vocals. New songs from the film combined with source material from Grammy Award-winning songwriters of The Color Purple musical, Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, promises an auditory experience that’s both fresh and deeply nostalgic.

New material on this collection, stirred by the story’s rich emotional journey, is exquisitely performed by vocal powerhouses Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Megan Thee Stallion, Jennifer Hudson, Keyshia Cole, Jorja Smith, Coco Jones, Ciara, Mary Mary; collaborations include a breathtaking duet by Usher x H.E.R. and a special remix by Missy Elliott.

And finally, the film’s sweeping end credit song, written and produced by lauded hitmaker The-Dream, is performed by the film’s transcendent north star, Fantasia.

The first offering from this musical bounty is its first single, Lifeline, written, co-produced and performed by Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum superstar Alicia Keys. Keys’ production partners include Tricky Stewart (Beyoncé and Rihanna); Marshmello (Selena Gomez, Juice Wrld) and TMS (Dua Lipa, Lewis Capaldi). Lifeline, released today, is Alicia’s heartfelt ode to the unequivocal comfort emanating from friends, family and community that holds us up as we face life’s challenging moments.

The creative engine for the project includes the film’s executive music producers, Grammy-winning film composer Nick Baxter, Tony-nominated composer and lyricist Stephen Bray, and multimedia artist Blitz Bazawule, who in addition to directing The Color Purple, was co-director on Beyoncé’s Black is King.

Additionally, the album is executive produced by music legend Quincy Jones and Scott Sanders, both of whom produce the new film and collaborated to create the Tony-winning Broadway musical, and gamma. Co-founder & CEO Larry Jackson.

“I am so immensely proud that the filmmakers and Warner Bros. Pictures chose us to collaborate on a hugely cultural album that musically brings to life this reimagined classic,” comments Jackson. “The Color Purple, in its many iterations, is unquestionably hallowed ground in black culture. Just as film director Blitz Bazawule has done a spectacular job in taking the film to another level artistically, we, too, wanted to bring an equally adventurous, creative take to this expanded soundtrack. Complementing the fabulously infectious musical moments of the new film, we wanted to further celebrate the stories of the film’s protagonists with additional current, contemporary songs that thematically spoke to their relatable experiences and struggles. And deeply influenced by the great, iconic R&B/pop soundtracks of the 1990s, I’ve always wanted to make an ‘Inspired By’ soundtrack that had cultural legends and new artists of a genre come together for a piece of art that defines a moment in time. I feel great pride in what the team at gamma. has creatively achieved with The Color Purple (Music From And Inspired By) and I hope everyone else enjoys what I feel is the BEST R&B soundtrack since some of the most iconic ones of the ‘90s!”

The score for the film, composed by Kris Bowers, will be released on December 25.

ABOUT THE COLOR PURPLE:
Warner Bros. Pictures invites you to experience The Color Purple, a bold new take on the classic story of love and resilience. Directed by Blitz Bazawule, the film is produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones. The screenplay is by Marcus Gardley, based on the novel by Alice Walker and the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray.

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents an Amblin Entertainment Production, A Harpo Films Production, An SGS Pictures Production/A QJP Production, The Color Purple. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and opened in theaters in North America on December 25, 2023 and will open internationally beginning January 18, 2024.

ABOUT WATERTOWER MUSIC:
WaterTower Music, the in-house label for the Warner Bros. Discovery companies, releases recorded music as rich and diverse as the companies themselves. It has been the soundtrack home to many of the world’s most iconic films, television shows and games since 2001.

ABOUT gamma.:
gamma., founded by CEO Larry Jackson and President Ike Youssef, is a modern media and technology enterprise created to revolutionize the way artists create, distribute, and monetize their content and brand. Announced gamma. repertoire includes a long-term agreement with entertainment icon Snoop Dogg for exclusive rights to market and distribute the iconic Death Row Records catalog including new music from Snoop Dogg and R&B rising star October London; mega, a joint venture with multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning superstar Usher & industry pioneer L.A. Reid; a global partnership with 3x Grammy-nominated, Diamond-certified recording artist French Montana; music from rap’s new queen Sexyy Red through a partnership with Open Shift; a new multi-media project from multi-platinum artist/entrepreneur Russ; and a partnership with multi platinum iconic rapper and mogul Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group. Digital distributor Vydia is a wholly-owned division of gamma.

The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in New York, London, Miami, Nashville, Lagos and Dubai.

thegamma.com
Vydia.com

---------------------------


Thursday, November 12, 2020

Nominations for "2020 Soul Train Awards" Announced; Tisha Campbell & Tichina Arnold to Host

Tisha Campbell & Tichina Arnold Return as Third Time Hosts of the “2020 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” Presented by BET Airing Sunday, November 29th, 2020 at 8 PM EST

H.E.R. Leads With 8 Nominations, Followed by Chris Brown With 7 Nods, Beyoncé and Young Thug Round It out With 6 Noms Each

#SOULTRAINAWARDS

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BET announces the hosts and nominees for the “2020 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” across 12 different categories. The annual celebration recognizes the best in Soul, R&B and Hip Hop from both established industry legends and the next generation of promising artists. Taking place on Sunday, November 29th, 2020 the “2020 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” PRESENTED BY BET will simulcast on BET, BET Her, VH1 and MTV2 at 8 PM EST with a one-hour pre-show beginning at 7 PM EST, followed by the broadcast television debut of DJ Cassidy’s groundbreaking virtual series “Pass the Mic.”

Actor, singer and writer Tisha Campbell (“Martin,” “My Wife & Kids,” “Last Man Standing,” “Outmatched”) will once again join actor, singer, and writer Tichina Arnold (“Martin,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “The Neighborhood,” “The Last Black Man in San Francisco”) as host and co-producers of this year’s awards. The iconic best friend duo, both on the 90’s hit show “Martin” and in real-life, will return to the “SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” stage for the third time, bringing their dynamic comedy and infectious personalities to this year’s ceremony.

H.E.R. leads the nominees for this year’s awards, receiving eight nominations including ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist’ and double nods in each of the ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriters Award,’ ‘Best Collaboration’ and ‘Video of the Year’ categories. She is followed by Chris Brown, who received seven nominations including ‘Album/Mixtape of the Year,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘Best Dance Performance,’ ‘Best Collaboration’ and ‘Video of the Year’ for the hit single “Go Crazy” with Young Thug.

Beyoncé and Young Thug received six nominations, including ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Video of the Year.’ Other top nominees include Chloe x Halle, Summer Walker and Usher with five nods each, followed by YG with four nominations. Brandy and PJ Morton round out the group with three nods apiece.

The “2020 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” PRESENTED BY BET will feature an exciting lineup of unforgettable performances including special moments and appearances by some of the brightest stars in Black culture and entertainment. The annual event is committed to showcasing Soul Train’s impact on arts of music and dance from the 70’s to today.

Directly following the “2020 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS,” DJ Cassidy will present the broadcast television premiere of his hit virtual series “Pass the Mic”, on BET. The special will be a celebration of the most definitive, iconic and prolific R&B classics of the 1980’s. “DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic: BET Soul Train Edition” brings legendary, musical heroes to the comfort of audience’s living rooms around the world to dance hard, sing loud, and smile big.

Internationally, the “2020 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” PRESENTED BY BET will simulcast on BET Africa on November 29, 2020, at 3:00AM CAT; BET France on December 1, 2020 at 9:50PM CET; and BET UK and BET South Korea on December 2, 2020 at 9:00PM GMT and 9:00PM KST, respectively.

Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE), and JCE’s Jeannae Rouzan–Clay and Dionne Harmon will Executive Produce the “2020 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS.”

The complete list of nominees for the “2020 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” PRESENTED BY BET:

BEST NEW ARTIST
GIVEON
LAYTON GREENE
LONR.
SAINT JHN
SNOH AALEGRA
VICTORIA MONÉT

SOUL TRAIN CERTIFIED AWARD
BRANDY
FANTASIA
KELLY ROWLAND
LEDISI
MONICA
PJ MORTON

BEST R&B/SOUL FEMALE ARTIST
ALICIA KEYS
BEYONCÉ
BRANDY
H.E.R.
JHENÉ AIKO
SUMMER WALKER

BEST R&B/SOUL MALE ARTIST
ANDERSON .PAAK
CHARLIE WILSON
CHRIS BROWN
PJ MORTON
THE WEEKND
USHER

BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL AWARD
BEBE WINANS
KIRK FRANKLIN
KORYN HAWTHORNE
MARVIN SAPP
PJ MORTON
THE CLARK SISTERS

RHYTHM & BARS
CARDI B FEAT. MEGAN THEE STALLION - WAP
DABABY FEAT. RODDY RICCH - ROCKSTAR
DJ KHALED FEAT. DRAKE - POPSTAR
DRAKE FEAT. LIL DURK – LAUGH NOW CRY LATER
MEGAN THEE STALLION - SAVAGE
RODDY RICCH – THE BOX

SONG OF THE YEAR
BEYONCÉ - BLACK PARADE
CHLOE X HALLE - DO IT
CHRIS BROWN & YOUNG THUG - GO CRAZY
H.E.R. FEAT. YG - SLIDE
SUMMER WALKER & USHER - COME THRU
USHER FEAT. ELLA MAI – DON’T WASTE MY TIME

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
BRANDY - B7
CHLOE X HALLE - UNGODLY HOUR
CHRIS BROWN & YOUNG THUG - SLIME & B
JHENÉ AIKO - CHILOMBO
SUMMER WALKER - OVER IT
THE WEEKND - AFTER HOURS

THE ASHFORD AND SIMPSON SONGWRITER’S AWARD

  • BLACK PARADE – WRITTEN BY: AKIL KING, BEYONCÉ KNOWLES CARTER, BRITTANY CONEY, DENISIA ANDREWS, DEREK JAMES DIXIE, KIM “KAYDENCE” KRYSIUK, RICKIE CASO TICE, SHAWN CARTER, STEPHEN BRAY (BEYONCÉ)
  • DO IT – WRITTEN BY: CHLOE BAILEY, HALLE BAILEY, SCOTT STORCH, VICTORIA MONÉT, VINCENT VAN DEN ENDE, ANTON KUHL (CHLOE X HALLE)
  • GO CRAZY – WRITTEN BY: CAMERON DEVAUN MURPHY, CHRISTOPHER BROWN, DOUNIA AZNOU, JEFFREY LAMAR WILLIAMS, JOHNNY KELVIN, KANIEL CASTANEDA, OMARI AKINLOLU, ORVILLE HALL, PATRIZIO PIGLIAPOCO, PHILLIP PRICE, SAID AZNOU, SORAYA BENJELLOUN, TRÈ SAMUELS, TURRELL SIMS, WAYNE SAMUELS, ZAKARIA KHARBOUCH (CHRIS BROWN & YOUNG THUG)
  • I CAN’T BREATHE – WRITTEN BY: H.E.R. (H.E.R.)
  • PLAYING GAMES – WRITTEN BY: SUMMER WALKER, BRYSON TILLER, LONDON HOLMES, KENDALL ROARK BAILEY, CAMERON GRIFFIN, AUBREY ROBINSON, BEYONCÉ KNOWLES, KELENDRIA ROWLAND, LETOYA LUCKETT, LATAVIA ROBERSON, LASHAWN DANIELS, FRED JERKINS III, RODNEY JERKINS (SUMMER WALKER FEAT. BRYSON TILLER)
  • SLIDE – WRITTEN BY: CHARLES CARTER, ELIJAH DIAS, H.E.R., JERMAINE DUPRI, KEENON DAEQUAN RAY JACKSON, ROGER PARKER, RON LATOUR, SHAWN CARTER, STEVEN ARRINGTON, TIARA THOMAS, WAUNG HANKERSON (H.E.R. FEAT. YG)


BEST DANCE PERFORMANCE
BEYONCÉ, SHATTA WALE & MAJOR LAZER - ALREADY
CHLOE X HALLE - DO IT
CHRIS BROWN & YOUNG THUG - GO CRAZY
DANILEIGH FEAT. DABABY - LEVI HIGH
MISSY ELLIOTT - WHY I STILL LOVE YOU
TEYANA TAYLOR - BARE WIT ME

BEST COLLABORATION
CHRIS BROWN FEAT. YOUNG THUG - GO CRAZY
H.E.R. FEAT. YG - SLIDE
NE-YO FEAT. JEREMIH - U 2 LUV
SKIP MARLEY & H.E.R. - SLOW DOWN
SUMMER WALKER & USHER - COME THRU
USHER FEAT. ELLA MAI - DON’T WASTE MY TIME

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
BEYONCÉ, BLUE IVY, SAINT JHN & WIZKID - BROWN SKIN GIRL
CHLOE X HALLE - DO IT
CHRIS BROWN - GO CRAZY FEAT. YOUNG THUG
H.E.R. - SLIDE FEAT. YG
LIZZO - GOOD AS HELL
SKIP MARLEY & H.E.R. - SLOW DOWN


ABOUT BET:
BET, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIACA, VIAC), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news, and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel is in 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, sub-Saharan Africa, and France. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions including BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET HER, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks - BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe.

ABOUT JESSE COLLINS ENTERTAINMENT:
Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE) is a full-service television and film production company and has played an integral role in producing many of television’s most memorable moments in music entertainment. JCE has a multi-year overall agreement with ViacomCBS Cable Networks. On the theatrical film side, the company also has a first look on JCE’s film development projects which could include Viacom’s film entities such as Paramount Players. The award-winning and critically acclaimed television that JCE has produced includes miniseries—The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story; scripted series—American Soul and Real Husbands of Hollywood; children’s series—Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices; award shows—BET Awards, Black Girls Rock!, BET Honors, UNCF’s An Evening of Stars, BET Hip Hop Awards, ABFF Honors and Soul Train Awards; specials—John Lewis: Celebrating A Hero, Love & Happiness: An Obama Farewell, Change Together: From The March On Washington To Today, Stand Up for Heroes, Dear Mama, Amanda Seales I Be Knowin’, Def Comedy Jam 25 and Leslie Jones: Time Machine; as well as competition/game shows—Sunday Best, Hip Hop Squares, Nashville Squares and Rhythm & Flow. Jesse Collins, founder & CEO of the company, is the executive producer of all programming and is also a producer for the iconic Grammy Awards. He will next executive produce The Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show. Go to jessecollinsent.com for more information on the company.

ABOUT SOUL TRAIN HOLDINGS:
SOUL TRAIN HOLDINGS, LLC was formed in May 2008 and is owned by InterMedia Partners and a partnership between Magic Johnson Enterprises and Ron Burkle's investment firm, The Yucaipa Companies. The iconic franchise and catalog consists of more than 1,100 episodes and 40 specials from Don Cornelius Productions, Inc. Soul Train is the longest running, first-run, nationally syndicated music program in television history. During its 35-year run, the show featured lasting innovations such as the Soul Train line and the legendary sign off “Love, Peace and Soul.” At the heart of the show was Don Cornelius, the dancers and influential artists such as James Brown, Al Green, Ike & Tina Turner, Hall & Oates, Donna Summer, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Whitney Houston, David Bowie, Prince, Run D.M.C. and Destiny’s Child.

Follow us @BET_PR 

-------------------------

 

Sunday, April 19, 2020

"Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort" Airs Wed., April 22nd

Anthony Anderson Joins Kelly Rowland, Terrence J, and Regina Hall as Host of “SAVING OUR SELVES: A BET COVID-19 RELIEF EFFORT” Special Set to Air on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 8 PM EDT

Performances by Alicia Keys, John Legend, Usher, Jhene Aiko, Chloe X Halle, CeeLo Green, H.E.R., Ella Mai, Jermaine Dupri, Ludacris, Swae Lee, Tyrese Gibson, Buju Banton, DJ D-Nice, SiR, D Smoke and Charlie Wilson

Gospel Performance by Kirk Franklin, Fantasia, Jonathan McReynolds, Kelly Price, Tasha Cobbs, Le’Andria Johnson and Melvin Crispell III

Additional Appearances by Tiffany Haddish, Idris Elba, Ciara, Don Cheadle, Mike Epps, Deon Cole, Angela Rye, Dr. Rheeda Walker, Charlamagne Tha God, Symone D. Sanders, DJ Khaled and Chance The Rapper

Special to Simulcast Across BET, BET HER, BET International Channels and to Over-the-Air Broadcast Viewers via Bounce

BET Has Partnered with United Way to Create a Relief Fund to Receive Financial Donations That Will Be Disbursed to Local Charities That Provide Food and Emergency Assistance to Those Who Need Help Most

For More Information Visit BET.com/COVID19

#BETCOVIDRELIEF

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BET announces comedian and actor Anthony Anderson as the fourth host of the upcoming “SAVING OUR SELVES: A BET COVID-19 RELIEF EFFORT,” special. Anderson joins stars Kelly Rowland, Terrence J, and Regina Hall as host for the two-hour special broadcast. “SAVING OUR SELVES: A BET COVID-19 RELIEF EFFORT,” is set to air on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 8 PM EDT.

Performances include Alicia Keys with a special tribute to New York City, and a Gospel moment with Kirk Franklin featuring Fantasia, Jonathan McReynolds, Kelly Price, Tasha Cobbs, Le’Andria Johnson, and Melvin Crispell III. Exclusive performances by John Legend, Usher, Jhene Aiko, Chloe X Halle, CeeLo Green, H.E.R., Ella Mai, Jermaine Dupri, Ludacris, Swae Lee, Tyrese Gibson, Buju Banton, DJ D-Nice, SiR, D Smoke, and Charlie Wilson.

Additional celebrity guest appearances will include Tiffany Haddish, Idris Elba, Ciara, Don Cheadle, Mike Epps, Deon Cole, Angela Rye, Dr. Rheeda Walker, Charlamagne Tha God, Symone D. Sanders, DJ Khaled and Chance The Rapper.

Expanding the reach of the telecast, BET will simulcast the special across BET and BET Her domestically, as well as their channels internationally bringing awareness to over 90 million homes. Additionally, BET will join forces with Bounce to help expand the audience to include free, over-the-air broadcast viewers with Bounce simulcasting “SAVING OUR SELVES: A BET COVID-19 RELIEF EFFORT.”

Addressing the communities around the world, a global check-in segment for “BET SAVING OUR SELVES: COVID-19 RELIEF EFFORT” will highlight how various regions around the globe are coping through COVID-19. BET Breaks’ International talent Nomalanga (South Africa), Flora Coquerel (France), and Jourdan Riane (UK) will report on how the pandemic is affecting their countries. British Hip Hop Artists behind the viral “Don’t Rush” social media challenge, Young T and Bugsy, and Idris Elba’s wife, Sabrina Elba, will make appearances as well. Internationally, the show will be broadcast on Saturday, April 25 in the UK at 9:00 pm BST, Korea at 9:00 pm KST, Africa at 6:00 pm CAT, and France at 10:30 pm CEDT.

The focus of the initiatives is to combat the racial disparities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent findings have shown that Black Americans are being disproportionately harmed by the health and financial devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic. BET, in partnership with the NAACP, United Way Worldwide, leaders in the African American creative, civil rights and business communities will provide critical financial, educational and community support directly to the African Americans hardest hit by this crisis. Corporate brand donors who have generously contributed to the fund include Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Toyota, Salesforce, McDonald’s, AARP, Pine-Sol®, Morgan Stanley, TJ Maxx, Weight Watchers, and NBA.

You can now donate to the fund online via BET.com or by texting BETGives to 51555. More information on BET’s partnership with UWW and additional extensions of our relief efforts are forthcoming. For further details, please visit BET.com/COVID19.


About BET
BET, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIACA, VIAC), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news, and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel is in 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, sub-Saharan Africa, and France. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions including BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET HER, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks - BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe.

About United Way
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. Supported by 2.9 million volunteers, 9.8 million donors worldwide and $4.7 billion raised every year, United Way is the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofit. We’re engaged in 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories worldwide to create sustainable solutions to the challenges facing our communities. United Way partners include global, national and local businesses, nonprofits, government, civic and faith-based organizations, along with educators, labor leaders, health providers, senior citizens, students and more. For more information about United Way, please visit UnitedWay.org. Follow us on Twitter: @UnitedWay and #LiveUnited.

About BOUNCE
Bounce (@bouncetv) is the popular multi-platform entertainment network targeting African Americans, with programming seen over-the-air, on cable, on DISH channel 359, over-the-top on Roku®, on mobile devices via the Bounce and Brown Sugar apps and on the web via BounceTV.com. Bounce features a programming mix of original series and movies, off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and events and more. Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).

------------------------


Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Recording Academy Announces "Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince"

Prince's Prolific Career Celebrated with "Let's Go Crazy: The GRAMMY® Salute to Prince"

All-Star Lineup Set to Perform Songs from Prince's Remarkable Catalog During Live Concert Taping on Jan. 28

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just two days after the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards®, the Recording Academy®, AEG Ehrlich Ventures and CBS will celebrate the unparalleled career of 38-time GRAMMY® nominee and seven-time GRAMMY winner Prince by presenting "Let's Go Crazy: The GRAMMY® Salute to Prince." The live concert taping will be held Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. PT at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The special will be broadcast later in 2020 on the CBS Television Network. Tickets are on sale now and available for purchase here.

The special will feature a lineup of all-star artists paying tribute to Prince's unprecedented influence on music, including GRAMMY Award-winning artists Beck, Common, Gary Clark Jr., Earth, Wind & Fire, Foo Fighters, H.E.R., Juanes, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Coldplay's Chris Martin, Mavis Staples, St. Vincent, and Usher, and singer/songwriter Susanna Hoffs. Plus, a historic joint performance by several of Prince's most celebrated musical friends and collaborators, including GRAMMY Award-winning band the Revolution, past GRAMMY Award nominee Sheila E., and legendary funk band Morris Day And The Time. Additional performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

"Prince. The Purple One. His Royal Badness — regardless of how you identify him, he is indisputably one of the greatest musical virtuosos of all time," said Deborah Dugan, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. "With his subversive attitude and commanding nature, he straddled musical genres and created electrifying music that was bursting with character. He continues to serve as an inspirational icon for artists and fans worldwide, and we are so honored to pay tribute to his legacy at this year's post-GRAMMYs® special."

"One of the true joys of producing the GRAMMY Awards is both working with and being able to tribute your heroes, and Prince gave me the opportunity of doing both," said Ken Ehrlich. "His GRAMMY appearances, though few, were historic, and it's with mixed feelings that we approach this opportunity to celebrate the amazing legacy he left us. We've gathered a remarkable collection of artists across genres and across generations to salute one of music's truly singular iconic writer/performers, and believe me, it's a tall order to do him justice."

Prince's start in music broke grounds by successfully negotiating with Warner Bros. Records to not only let him produce his 1978 debut album, For You, but to play all 27 instruments featured on the album. In 1984, Prince achieved international fame with the release of his album and film Purple Rain. He has more than 40 RIAA certifications, ranging from platinum to diamond. His catalog includes 19 Top 10 singles and five No. 1 hits, including the GRAMMY-winning "Kiss," as well as five chart-topping albums, including the GRAMMY-winning Purple Rain. Prince has garnered seven GRAMMY Awards, and 38 GRAMMY nominations, and he was presented with the Academy's President's Merit Award in 1985. In 2004, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received the Icon Award at the 2013 Billboard Awards. Releasing nearly 40 studio albums, Prince has solidified his mark as one of the most influential artists of all time.

"Let's Go Crazy: The GRAMMY Salute to Prince" is produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures, LLC, with the cooperation of the Prince Estate. Ehrlich is executive producer, Ron Basile and Chantel Sausedo are producers, and David Wild is the writer/producer. Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Sheila E. are the co-musical directors of the special. To learn more about Prince, visit Prince.com and follow @Prince on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


About the Recording Academy
The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards — music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy's social communities on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

----------------------

Friday, January 24, 2020

Camila Cabello, Jonas Brothers Among Performers at 2020 Grammys

Camila Cabello; H.E.R.; Jonas Brothers; Bonnie Raitt; Rosalía; Run-D.M.C; Tyler, The Creator; and Charlie Wilson Will Take the Stage on the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards®

As Previously Announced, Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato Join Stellar Lineup of Performers

Hosted by Alicia Keys, Music's Biggest Night® Airs Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, on CBS

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Recording Academy® has confirmed the next slate of performers for the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards®. Set to perform on Music's Biggest Night® are current GRAMMY® nominees Camila Cabello; H.E.R.; Jonas Brothers; Rosalía; and Tyler, The Creator; 10-time GRAMMY winner Bonnie Raitt, who will pay tribute to Lifetime Achievement Award recipient John Prine; Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipients Run-D.M.C will join Aerosmith; and 13-time GRAMMY nominee Charlie Wilson. They join previously announced performers Aerosmith, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Lizzo, Demi Lovato, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani. Live from STAPLES Center, and hosted by Alicia Keys, the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

No stranger to the GRAMMY stage, Camila Cabello is nominated this year with Shawn Mendes for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance ("Señorita").

GRAMMY winner Ariana Grande is nominated for Record Of The Year ("7 Rings"), Album Of The Year (thank u, next), Best Pop Solo Performance ("7 Rings"), Best Pop/Duo Group Performance ("Boyfriend") and Best Pop Vocal Album (thank u, next).

Two-time GRAMMY winner H.E.R. is nominated for Record Of The Year ("Hard Place"), Album Of The Year (I Used To Know Her), Song Of The Year ("Hard Place"), Best R&B Performance ("Could've Been") and Best R&B Song ("Could've Been").

Taking the stage once again, multiplatinum powerhouse trio Jonas Brothers are nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance ("Sucker").

Making her GRAMMY stage debut, flamenco pop star and five-time Latin GRAMMY® winner Rosalía is nominated for Best New Artist and Best Latin Rock, Urban Or Alternative Album (El Mal Querer).

Taking Music's Biggest Night's stage for the first time, three-time GRAMMY nominee Tyler, The Creator is nominated for Best Rap Album (Igor).

The 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for the Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Ben Winston is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, Chantel Sausedo is the talent producer, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers.


ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY
The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards — music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy's social communities on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

--------------------------

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Lizzo, Billie Eilish Among Performers at 2020 Grammy Awards

Aerosmith, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani to Perform on the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards®

Hosted by Alicia Keys, Music's Biggest Night® Airs Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, on CBS

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Recording Academy® has confirmed its first slate of performers for the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards®. Set to take the stage on Music's Biggest Night® are 2020 MusiCares Person of the Year® Aerosmith, who will perform a medley of some of their legendary hits; first-time nominee breakout stars Billie Eilish and Lizzo will each make their GRAMMY stage debuts; and powerhouse artists Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani will take the GRAMMY stage together for the first time. Live from STAPLES Center, and hosted by Alicia Keys, the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

Four-time GRAMMY®-winning band Aerosmith first performed on the GRAMMY stage on the 33rd GRAMMY Awards in 1991. This year, they are appearing as the MusiCares Person of the Year, being recognized for their considerable philanthropic efforts over five decades and undeniable impact on American music history.

Making her GRAMMY performance debut, first-time GRAMMY nominee Billie Eilish is nominated for Record Of The Year ("Bad Guy"), Album Of The Year (When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?), Song Of The Year ("Bad Guy"), Best New Artist, Best Pop Solo Performance ("Bad Guy"), and Best Pop Vocal Album (When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?).

Also taking the stage for the first time, Lizzo received her first GRAMMY nominations this year for Record Of The Year ("Truth Hurts"), Album Of The Year (Cuz I Love You [Deluxe]), Song Of The Year ("Truth Hurts"), Best New Artist, Best Pop Solo Performance ("Truth Hurts"), Best R&B Performance ("Exactly How I Feel"), Best Traditional R&B Performance ("Jerome"), and Best Urban Contemporary Album (Cuz I Love You [Deluxe]).

Three-time GRAMMY winner Gwen Stefani will perform with current GRAMMY nominee Blake Shelton. Shelton is nominated this year for Best Country Solo Performance ("God’s Country").

The 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for the Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Ben Winston is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, Chantel Sausedo is the talent producer, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers.


ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY
The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards®—music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy's social communities on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

------------------------


Saturday, February 9, 2019

Presenters for the 61st Annual Grammy Awards Have Been Announced

Recording Academy™ Announces Presenters for the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards®

Music's Biggest Night®, Hosted by Alicia Keys, Airs Live on CBS, Feb. 10

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--An eclectic all-star lineup of artists, musicians, actors, and comedians will take the stage as presenters at the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards®. This year's presenters include current GRAMMY® nominees Kelsea Ballerini, Leon Bridges, Luke Combs, and Charlie Wilson; GRAMMY winners Alessia Cara, Eve, John Mayer, Bob Newhart, Smokey Robinson, Swizz Beatz, and Meghan Trainor; recording artist Kane Brown, South Korean pop sensation BTS, past GRAMMY nominee Cedric The Entertainer, actress Nina Dobrev, professional football player Julian Edelman, actress Anna Kendrick, actress Jada Pinket Smith, and actor Wilmer Valderrama.

Previously announced GRAMMY performers include Yolanda Adams, J Balvin, Camila Cabello, Cardi B, Brandi Carlile, Chloe X Halle, Miley Cyrus, Andra Day, Dan + Shay, H.E.R., Fantasia, Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Little Big Town, Post Malone, Ricky Martin, Maren Morris, Shawn Mendes, Janelle Monáe, Kacey Musgraves, Dolly Parton, Katy Perry, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mark Ronson, Diana Ross, Arturo Sandoval, Travis Scott, St. Vincent, and Young Thug.

Live from STAPLES Center, and hosted by Alicia Keys, the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

The 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for the Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Ben Winston is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, Chantel Sausedo is the producer, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers.


ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY
The Recording Academy™ represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards—music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy's social communities on Instagram, Tumblr, and YouTube.

----------------------------

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Cardi B, Janelle Monae Among Performers at 2019 Grammy Awards

GRAMMY® Nominees Camila Cabello, Cardi B, Dan + Shay, Post Malone, Shawn Mendes, Janelle Monáe, and Kacey Musgraves to Perform on the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards®

Music's Biggest Night® Airs Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, on CBS

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Recording Academy™ has announced the first group of artists to perform on this year's 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards®. Taking the stage on Music's Biggest Night® will be current nominees Camila Cabello, Cardi B, Dan + Shay, Post Malone, Shawn Mendes, Janelle Monáe, and Kacey Musgraves. Live from STAPLES Center, and hosted by Alicia Keys, the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

Making her GRAMMY® performance debut, Cabello received two nominations for Best Pop Solo Performance ("Havana [Live]") and Best Pop Vocal Album (Camila).

Cardi B is nominated for Record Of The Year ("I Like It"), Album Of The Year (Invasion Of Privacy), Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with Maroon 5 ("Girls Like You"), Best Rap Performance ("Be Careful"), and Best Rap Album (Invasion Of Privacy).

First-time GRAMMY nominees Dan + Shay are up for Best Country Duo/Group Performance ("Tequila").

First-time GRAMMY nominee Post Malone received four nominations, Record Of The Year ("Rockstar" with 21 Savage), Album Of The Year (Beerbongs & Bentleys), Best Pop Solo Performance ("Better Now"), and Best Rap/Sung Performance ("Rockstar").

Taking the GRAMMY stage for the first time, Mendes is nominated for Song Of The Year ("In My Blood") and Best Pop Vocal Album (Shawn Mendes).

Current two-time GRAMMY nominee Monáe is up for Album Of The Year (Dirty Computer) and Best Music Video ("PYNK").

Two-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Musgraves is up for four GRAMMY Awards, Album Of The Year (Golden Hour), Best Country Solo Performance ("Butterflies"), Best Country Song ("Space Cowboy"), and Best Country Album (Golden Hour).

The 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for the Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Ben Winston is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, Chantal Sausedo is the talent producer, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers.


ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY
The Recording Academy™ represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards—music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy's social communities on Instagram, Tumblr, and YouTube.

----------------------


Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Alicia Keys to Host 61st Annual Grammy Awards

Fifteen-Time GRAMMY® Winner Alicia Keys to Host the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards®

Music's Biggest Night® Airs Live on CBS Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019

Click Here For Alicia Keys Announcement

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Recording Academy™ and CBS announced today that 15-time GRAMMY® Award winner Alicia Keys will host the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards®, marking her first time as master of ceremonies for Music's Biggest Night®. Taking place at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, the GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.

"I know what it feels like to be on that stage, and I’m going to bring that vibe and energy," said Keys. "I'm so excited to be the master of ceremonies on the biggest night in music and celebrate the creativity, power and, magic. I'm especially excited for all the incredible women nominated this year! It's going 'UP' on February 10!"

"A dynamic artist with the rare combination of groundbreaking talent and passion for her craft, Alicia Keys is the perfect choice as host for our show," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. "Throughout her exciting career, I have watched her become a powerful force within the music industry and beyond. As an artist who speaks to the power of music, we are thrilled to have her on board for what's sure to be an unforgettable GRAMMY Awards."

"Alicia is one of those rare artists who meld true musical genius with heartfelt emotional lyrics to create a unique approach to everything she does. We have no doubt that she'll bring all of that as she guides millions of GRAMMY viewers through what we believe will be a very special show in February," said longtime GRAMMY Awards Executive Producer Ken Ehrlich.

Keys is a modern-day Renaissance woman—a 15-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter/musician/producer, an accomplished actress, a New York Times best-selling author, a film/ television and Broadway producer, an entrepreneur, and a powerful force in the world of activism. Since the release of her monumental 2001 debut album, Songs In A Minor, Keys has sold more than 30 million records and built an unparalleled repertoire of hits and accomplishments.

The 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for the Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Ben Winston is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers.


ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY
The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards—music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy's social communities on Instagram, Tumblr, and YouTube.

----------------------


Sunday, October 16, 2016

Erykah Badu to Host "Soul Train Awards 2016"

The Godmother of Soul, Erykah Badu, to Take the Vegas Stage as Returning Host of SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2016

Drake Dominates with 12 Nominations Followed by Fellow Hitmakers Beyoncé, Rihanna and Bryson Tiller

Multi-Platinum and Three-Time Grammy Award-Winning Producer, Singer, Songwriter Edward Theodore "Teddy" Riley to Receive the Legend Award

Grammy Award-Winning, Multi-Platinum Singer Brandy to be Honored with Second Annual Lady of Soul Award

Soul Train Awards to Air on Centric and BET, November 27th at 8PM ET

#SoulTrainAwards

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CENTRIC announced the everlasting godmother of soul, Erykah Badu, will return to host the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2016. The four-time Grammy Award-winning soul singer and songwriter will once again take over the Vegas stage with her eccentric style, cerebral music, incomparable spirit and comedic commentary. The yearly celebration will honor the best in Soul and R&B from returning legends to the next generation. Filmed November 6, 2016 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2016 will air on CENTRIC and BET on November 27th, 2016 at 8PM ET.

CENTRIC also announced the all-star nominees they will honor at the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2016 across 12 different categories. Drake leads the pack with 12 total nominations including two nominations for the highly coveted Video of the Year Award for his feature on Rihanna’s single “Work” and this year’s mega hit “Hotline Bling.” Beyoncé follows with 8 nominations including Best R&B/Soul Female Artist, Album/Mixtape of the Year for her groundbreaking album “Lemonade,” and multiple honors for lead single “Formation” including Song of the Year, Best Dance Performance and The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award. Rihanna, Kanye West, DJ Khaled and Usher also received multiple nominations this year including Video of the Year, Album/Mixtape of the Year and Best Collaboration. The next generation of soul is also being recognized, including Bryson Tiller, Chance the Rapper and Anderson .Paak who are multi-nominees across categories including Best New Artist, Best R&B/Soul Male Artist and the Rhythm & Bars Award (Formerly Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year.)

Multi-platinum and three-time Grammy Award-winning producer, singer-songwriter, artist, musician and technology expert Edward Theodore "Teddy" Riley, also known as the creator and king of New Jack Swing, is set to receive the coveted Legend Award. His major accolade was Michael Jackson’s “Dangerous LP” which sold over 32 million copies worldwide. Riley produced number one hits for countless icons which have governed the airways for decades. As a founding member of the multi-platinum Grammy-winning group Blackstreet and a member of the group Guy, which became a multi-platinum group, Riley's New Jack Swing sound was the epic lifeline that forever changed the design for R&B and Hip-Hop music. He is the first African-American producer to bring Korean Pop (K-Pop) music to the USA and has been producing number one hits on Billboard charts for nearly a decade.

The 2nd annual Lady of Soul Award will be presented to singer-songwriter and actress Brandy. The platinum selling artist and actress has sold over 40 million records and received numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy Award, one American Music Award, and seven Billboard Music Awards. Last year’s inaugural Lady of Soul Award went to R&B torchbearer Jill Scott. Both Brandy and Teddy Riley are being recognized for their longstanding presence in the music industry and influence on the world of soul and R&B music past and present.

The SOUL TRAIN AWARDS will feature an exhilarating lineup of memorable performances and viewers can expect special appearances by some of the brightest stars in entertainment. The event annually showcases Soul Train’s impact on the history of music and dance from the 70s to today.

The party doesn’t stop there; visitors can also look forward to the entire SOUL TRAIN WEEKEND November 3-6. Kicking off Thursday, and taking over Mandalay Bay, the celebration will feature soulful experiences including performances by Jill Scott, Tyrese, Monica, Anthony Hamilton, Jazmine Sullivan, Bell Biv DeVoe, Yuna, Tish Hyman, Kid Capri and a special night of comedy with the cast of BET’s The Comedy Get Down with Cedric 'The Entertainer,’ D.L. Hughley, George Lopez, Eddie Griffin and Charlie Murphy.

Soul Train Weekend VIP Packages are available for purchase and offer exclusive access, premium seats to all concerts and events, plus VIP status to unforgettable after-parties. Four Day ticket packages are also available and will allow guests to have the convenience and access to attend great concerts throughout Soul Train Awards Weekend. VIP and four day package and amenities and pricing can be found at Soultrainweekend.com.

Want to cover the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2016 red carpet? Head to www.betpressroom.com now and complete the application!

The SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2016 is produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment. Executive Producers of the network telecast are as follows: Debra Lee, Stephen Hill and Connie Orlando from BET; and Jesse Collins from Jesse Collins Entertainment.

For show information, please visit BET.com/SoulTrain, the official site for SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2016.

The complete list of nominees for SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2016 are:

Best New Artist
ANDERSON .PAAK
ANDRA DAY
BRYSON TILLER
CHANCE THE RAPPER
RO JAMES
TORY LANEZ

Best R&B/Soul Male Artist
ANTHONY HAMILTON
BRYSON TILLER
MAXWELL
THE WEEKND
USHER

Centric Certified Award
AFTER 7
ANDERSON .PAAK
BILAL
LALAH HATHAWAY
MUSIQ SOULCHILD

Video of the Year
BEYONCÉ - FORMATION
BEYONCÉ - SORRY
DRAKE - HOTLINE BLING
KANYE WEST - FADE
RIHANNA FT. DRAKE - WORK

Best Gospel/ Inspirational Song
DONNIE MCCLURKIN - I NEED YOU
HEZEKIAH WALKER - BETTER
KIRK FRANKLIN - 123 VICTORY
TAMELA MANN - GOD PROVIDES
TRAVIS GREENE - MADE A WAY

Album/Mixtape of the Year
BEYONCÉ - LEMONADE
BRYSON TILLER - T R A P S O U L
DJ KHALED - MAJOR KEY
DRAKE - VIEWS
KANYE WEST - THE LIFE OF PABLO
RIHANNA - ANTI

Rhythm & Bars Award (Formerly Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year)
CHANCE THE RAPPER FT. LIL WAYNE & 2 CHAINZ - NO PROBLEM
DJ KHALED FT. DRAKE - FOR FREE
DRAKE - CONTROLLA
DRAKE FT. WIZKID & KYLA - ONE DANCE
FAT JOE & REMY MA FT. FRENCH MONTANA & INFARED - ALL THE WAY UP

Best R&B/Soul Female Artist
ALICIA KEYS
BEYONCÉ
FANTASIA
JILL SCOTT
RIHANNA

Song of the Year
ADELE - HELLO
BEYONCÉ - FORMATION
BRYSON TILLER - DON’T
DRAKE - CONTROLLA
RIHANNA FT. DRAKE - WORK

The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award
  • HELLO – WRITTEN BY: ADELE LAURIE BLUE ADKINS, GREGORY ALLEN KURSTIN (ADELE)
  • RISE UP – WRITTEN BY: ANDRA DAY, JENNIFER DECILVEO (ANDRA DAY)
  • FORMATION – WRITTEN BY: MICHAEL L. WILLIAMS II, BEYONCÉ KNOWLES, KHALIF BROWN, AAQUIL BROWN, ASHETON HOGAN, (BEYONCÉ)
  • DON’T – WRITTEN BY: JOHNTÁ M. AUSTIN, MARIAH CAREY, BRYAN-MICHAEL COX, JERMAINE DUPRI, TAVORIS JAVON HOLLINS, ISOM BRANDON STEWART, BRYSON DEJUAN TILLER (BRYSON TILLER)
  • NEEDED ME – WRITTEN BY: NICHOLAS VALENTINO AUDINO, RACHEL DERRUS, ADAM KING FEENEY, ROBYN R. FENTY, BRITTANY TALIA HAZZARD, CHARLES HINSHAW JR., LEWIS BERESFORD HUGHES, DIJON ISAIAH MCFARLANE, KHALED ROHAIM, TE WHITI TE RANGITEPAIA MATAA WARBICK (RIHANNA)

Best Dance Performance
BEYONCÉ - FORMATION
DRAKE - HOTLINE BLING
KANYE WEST (DANCE PERFORMANCE FT. TEYANA TAYLOR) - FADE
RIHANNA FT. DRAKE - WORK
USHER FT. YOUNG THUG - NO LIMIT

Best Collaboration
BEYONCÉ FT. KENDRICK LAMAR - FREEDOM
CHANCE THE RAPPER FT. LIL WAYNE & 2 CHAINZ - NO PROBLEM
DJ KHALED FT. DRAKE - FOR FREE
FAT JOE & REMY MA FT. FRENCH MONTANA & INFARED - ALL THE WAY UP
RIHANNA FT. DRAKE - WORK


About CENTRIC
Centric is the only multi-platform lifestyle brand designed to boldly celebrate the diverse and beautiful world of Black women. A 24-hour music and entertainment channel, Centric has its finger on the pulse of an ever-changing beat and delivers compelling content that reflects, inspires and addresses the unique perspectives of Black women.

About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks - BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe.

About Soul Train Holdings
SOUL TRAIN HOLDINGS, LLC was formed in May 2008 and is owned by InterMedia Partners and a partnership between Magic Johnson Enterprises and Ron Burkle's investment firm, The Yucaipa Companies. The iconic franchise and catalog consists of more than 1,100 episodes and 40 specials from Don Cornelius Productions, Inc. Soul Train is the longest running, first-run, nationally syndicated music program in television history. During its 35-year run, the show featured lasting innovations such as the Soul Train line and the legendary sign off “Love, Peace and Soul.” At the heart of the show was Don Cornelius, the dancers and influential artists such as James Brown, Al Green, Ike & Tina Turner, Hall & Oates, Donna Summer, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Whitney Houston, David Bowie, Prince, Run D.M.C. and Destiny’s Child.

About the Orleans Arena
The Orleans Arena, a Boyd Gaming facility located just west of the Las Vegas Strip, is one of the nation’s leading multi-purpose sports and entertainment facilities and the 2014 recipient of the Venue Excellence Award from the International Association of Venue Managers. In addition, the Orleans Arena is one of only a handful of arenas in the United States to achieve LEED Gold Certification and is part of the largest company in Nevada to achieve SHARP Certification for commitments to safe venue operations. According to Venues Today magazine, the Orleans Arena, which hosts more than 200 events each year, consistently ranks in the Top 10 for ticket sales in the United States and internationally among venues of similar size. These events include nationally touring concerts, NCAA basketball conference tournaments, family shows, motorsports and other unique events. For more information, call 702-365-7469 or visit www.OrleansArena.com. Stay connected to the Orleans Arena on Facebook (www.facebook.com/orleansarena) and on Twitter (@orleansarena).

------------------

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Usher, Maxwell, The Roots Head Special Prince Celebration at 2016 BET Awards

Usher, Future and Bryson Tiller Join Alicia Keys, Maxwell and Special Prince Celebration Performers, Sheila E., D’Angelo, The Roots and Janelle Monae at the 2016 “BET Awards”

DJ Khaled, Gabrielle Union, Tinashe, Fantasia, Regina Hall, Nate Parker and More Announced as Presenters

Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross to Host 2016 “BET Awards” Airing Live on Sunday, June 26 from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, CA at 8 P.M. ET

BET Experience at L.A. Live Presented by Coca-Cola® Takes Place June 23-26, 2016

#BETAWARDS

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BET Networks revealed that Usher, Future, and Bryson Tiller will join the ultra-talented line-up of performers at the 16th annual “BET Awards” 2016 on Sunday, June 26, 2016. Hosted by Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, the “BET Awards” will also include previously announced performances by Alicia Keys and Maxwell. As revealed last week, Sheila E., The Roots, D’Angelo, and Janelle Monae are also slated as the first artists to be part of the special celebration paying homage to the creative genius of Prince.

DJ Khaled, Gabrielle Union, Tinashe, Fantasia, Regina Hall, BET’s “Music Moguls” (Damon Dash, Birdman, Jermaine Dupri and Snoop Dog,) Aja Naomi King, Nate Parker, Terrence J, Morris Chestnut, J.B. Smoove, Kimberly Elise, Omar Epps, the cast of BET's New Edition Biopic (Bryshere Y. Gray, Elijah Kelley, Luke James, Algee Smith, Keith Powers and Woody McClain) and BET’s “F in Fabulous” cast (Kamie Crawford, Eny Oh, Stephon Mendoza and Savannah Lynx) were also announced today as presenters for the annual highly-anticipated televised event.

A full list of the 2016 “BET Awards” nominees is now available here.

In addition to this exciting line-up, “BET Awards” has a secret performer! Find out who it is by using the hashtag #BETAwardsReveal on Twitter and Facebook. Once the hashtag is used, your social avatar paired with thousands of other BET Awards fans will reveal a photo of the must-see performer.

The “BET Awards” 2016 will premiere around the world on BET’s international network. It will air in the UK on Tuesday, June 28th at 9:00pm BST, in Africa on Tuesday, June 28th at 7:00pm CAT, and in France on Wednesday, June 29th at 9:00pm CEST.

Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment serves as Executive Producer. Stephen G. Hill, BET’s President of Programming; Connie Orlando, BET’s Senior Vice President of Music; and Specials and Lynne Harris Taylor, BET’s Vice President of Specials serve as Executive Producers for BET Networks.

The “BET Awards” will take place along with the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles from June 23-26, 2016. BET.com is the official site for the “BET Awards” and will have all the latest news and updates about this year's show. VIP Packages for the BET Experience weekend are now on-sale. In addition to VIP amenities throughout the weekend and incredible seats for the STAPLES Center shows, three levels of BETX VIP Packages offer guests the only opportunity to purchase tickets to the highly anticipated BET Awards, broadcast live from Microsoft Theater. The 1,000+ VIP Packages sold out in 2015, so guests are encouraged to purchase now before the allotment is depleted. Full package amenities and pricing for the Diamond, Platinum and Gold VIP Packages can be found by visiting BETExperience.com or by calling (877) 234-8425.


ABOUT BET NETWORKS
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks - BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe.

ABOUT “BET AWARDS”
The “BET Awards” is one of the most watched award shows on cable television according to the Nielsen Company. The “BET Awards” franchise remains as the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is BET's #1 telecast every year. It recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers, and athletes in a variety of categories.

BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA®
BET Networks, an entertainment powerhouse, and AEG, the leading world’s leading sports and live entertainment companies and developer/operator of L.A. LIVE, have teamed up once again to create the BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE (BETX), June 23 - 26, 2016 presented by Coca-Cola®. This four-day festival will be filled with music and comedy concerts taking place at The Novo by Microsoft and STAPLES Center; FREE BET Fan Fest at the Los Angeles Convention Center including seminars, celebrity basketball games, celebrity meet & greets; and other special appearances. The weekend will be capped off with the “BET Awards” on Sunday, June 26, 2016 at Microsoft Theater.

ABOUT AEG
AEG is the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company. AEG, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Anschutz Corporation, owns, operates or consults with a collection of companies including over 100 of the world’s preeminent facilities such as STAPLES Center (Los Angeles, CA), StubHub Center (Carson, CA), PlayStation Theater (Times Square, New York), Mercedes-Benz Arena (Shanghai, China), Qudos Bank Arena (Sydney, Australia), Mercedes-Benz Arena (Berlin, Germany), and The O2 arena and entertainment district (London, England). Developed by AEG, L.A. LIVE is a 4 million square foot / $2.5 billion downtown Los Angeles sports, & entertainment district featuring Microsoft Theater and a 54-story, 1001-room convention "headquarters" destination. In addition to overseeing privately held management shares of the Los Angeles Lakers, assets of AEG Sports include franchises such as the LA Kings, LA Galaxy and the Amgen Tour of California cycling stage race. Along with AEG Facilities, other global divisions include AEG Live, the world’s second largest concert promotion and touring companies comprised of touring, festival, exhibition, broadcast, merchandise and special event divisions and AEG Global Partnerships, responsible for worldwide sales and servicing of sponsorships, naming rights and other strategic partnerships. In 2010, AEG launched its AEG 1EARTH environmental program featuring the industry's first sustainability report while in 2011, AEG introduced AXS a comprehensive entertainment platform serving as the company’s primary consumer brand including AXS Ticketing which provides fans the opportunity to purchase tickets directly from their favorite venues via a user-friendly ticketing interface, Examiner.com and the AXS TV network, a linear cable channel focusing on live entertainment and lifestyle programming available in nearly 40 million homes. AEG’s European headquarters are located in London. Global headquarters are in Los Angeles. For more information, visit: www.aegworldwide.com

ABOUT JESSE COLLINS ENTERTAINMENT
Jesse Collins Entertainment is a full service television and film production company founded by entertainment industry veteran Jesse Collins. For more than a decade, Collins has played an integral role in producing some of television’s most memorable moments in music entertainment. Formerly Executive Producer/EVP of Cossette Productions, Collins has produced ground-breaking and award winning television programming including the BET Awards, the GRAMMY Awards, Soul Train Awards, BET Honors, UNCF An Evening of Stars, ABFF Awards and the BET Hip Hop Awards. Collins is an executive producer of the hit TV series, Real Husbands of Hollywood starring Kevin Hart and the upcoming original miniseries based on the iconic music group New Edition that will debut on BET in 2017. He has worked with a myriad of superstar talent including Will Smith, Chris Rock, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Prince and Mariah Carey. Follow Jesse Collins Entertainment @JesseCollinsEnt on Twitter and Instagram and go to http://www.jessecollinsent.com/ for more information on the company.

Follow BET @BET_PR AND @BETAWARDS

-------------------

Friday, February 6, 2015

2015 NAACP Image Award Nominations - Recording and Literature Categories

The 2015 NAACP Image Awards will be presented in a 2-hour special that will air live on Friday, February 6, 2015 on TV One at 9pm ET/8CT (tape-delayed for PT – Pacific Time).  The ceremony will be preceded by a one-hour pre-show, which will air live from the red carpet at 8pm ET/7CT (PT tape-delayed).

Nominees in the Recording and Literature categories for the 2015 / 46TH NAACP Image Awards:

RECORDING

Outstanding New Artist
• 3 Winans Brothers (BMG)
• Aloe Blacc (XIX Recordings/Interscope Records)
• Erica Campbell (My Block Inc./eOne Music)
• Jhene Aiko (Def Jam Recordings)
• Liv Warfield (Kobalt Label Services)

Outstanding Male Artist
• John Legend (Columbia Records)
• Kem (Motown - Capitol)
• Kendrick Lamar (Interscope Records)
• Michael Jackson (Epic Records)
• Pharrell Williams (Columbia Records)

Outstanding Female Artist
• Alicia Keys (RCA Records)
• Beyoncé (Columbia Records)
• Jennifer Hudson (RCA Records)
• Ledisi (Verve Records)
• Mary J Blige (Capitol)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration
• "Being With You" - Smokey Robinson feat. Mary J Blige (Verve)
• "Brand New" - Pharrell Williams feat. Justin Timberlake (Columbia Records)
• "Gust of Wind" - Pharrell Williams feat. Daft Punk (Columbia Records)
• "Love, Marriage & Divorce" - Toni Braxton & Babyface (Def Jam Recordings)
• "Stay with Me" - Sam Smith feat. Mary J Blige (Capitol)

Outstanding Jazz Album
• "Beautiful Life" - Dianne Reeves (Concord)
• "Dave Koz and Friends: The 25th of December" - Dave Koz (Concord Records)
• "Living My Dream" - Jonathan Butler (Rendezvous Music)
• "My Old Friend: Celebrating George Duke" - Al Jarreau (Concord)
• "Up" - Stanley Clarke (Mack Avenue Records)

Outstanding Gospel Album - (Traditional or Contemporary)
• "Duets" - Donnie McClurkin (RCA Inspiration)
• "Help" - Erica Campbell (My Block Inc./eOne Music)
• "I Will Trust" - Fred Hammond (RCA Inspiration)
• "Journey To Freedom" - Michelle Williams (eOne Music)
• "Where My Heart Belongs" - Gladys Knight (Shadow Mountain Records)

Outstanding Music Video
• "i" - Kendrick Lamar (TDE/Interscope)
• "It's You" - KEM (Motown - Capitol)
• "Love Never Felt So Good" - Michael Jackson feat. Justin Timberlake (Epic Records)
• "Pretty Hurts" - Beyoncé (Columbia Records)
• "You & I (Nobody in the World)" - John Legend (Columbia Records)

Outstanding Song
• "Good Kisser" - Usher (RCA Records)
• "i" - Kendrick Lamar (TDE/Interscope)
• "Pretty Hurts" - Beyoncé (Columbia Records)
• "The Man" - Aloe Blacc (Interscope Records)
• "We Are Here" - Alicia Keys (RCA Records)

Outstanding Album
• "Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics" - Aretha Franklin (RCA Records)
• "Beyoncé Platinum Edition" - Beyoncé (Columbia Records)
• "G I R L" - Pharrell Williams (Columbia Records)
• "JHUD" - Jennifer Hudson (RCA Records)
• "Love, Marriage & Divorce" - Toni Braxton & Babyface (Def Jam Recordings)


LITERATURE

Outstanding Literary Work - Fiction
• "A Wanted Woman" - Eric Jerome Dickey (Penguin Random House)
• "An Untamed State" - Roxane Gay (Grove/Atlantic - Black Cat)
• "Another Woman's Man" - Shelly Ellis (Kensington Publishing Corp.)
• "Momma: Gone" - Nina Foxx (Brown Girls Publishing)
• "The Prodigal Son" - Kimberla Lawson Roby (Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group)

Outstanding Literary Work - Non-Fiction
• "Bad Feminist" - Roxane Gay (Harper Perennial/HarperCollins)
• "Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption" - Bryan Stevenson (Spiegel & Grau)
• "Place not Race: A New Vision of Opportunity in America" - Sheryll Cashin (Beacon Press)
• "The Bill of the Century: The Epic Battle for the Civil Rights Act" - Clay Risen (Bloomsbury Press)
• "Who We Be: The Colorization of America" - Jeff Chang (St. Martin's Press)

Outstanding Literary Work - Debut Author
• "Forty Acres" - Dwayne Alexander Smith (Atria Books)
• "Queen Sugar" - Natalie Baszile (Pamela Dorman Books/Penguin Random House)
• "Remedy For A Broken Angel" - Toni Ann Johnson (Nortia Press)
• "The 16th Minute of Fame: An Insider's Guide for Maintaining Success Beyond 15 Minutes of Fame" - Darrell Miller (Dunham Books)
• "Time of the Locust" - Morowa Yejide (Atria Books)

Outstanding Literary Work - Biography/ Auto-Biography
• "Breaking Ground: My Life in Medicine" - Louis Sullivan with David Chanoff (University of Georgia Press)
• "Handbook for an Unpredictable Life: How I Survived Sister Renata and My Crazy Mother, and Still Came Out Smiling (with Great Hair)" - Rosie Perez (Crown Archetype)
• "Life In Motion" - Misty Copeland (Touchstone)
• "Mayor for Life" - Marion Barry, Omar Tyree (Strebor Books)
• "Stand Up Straight and Sing!" - Jessye Norman (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

Outstanding Literary Work - Instructional
• "10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse" - JJ Smith (Atria Books/Simon & Schuster)
• "101 Scholarship Applications: What It Takes to Obtain a Debt-Free College Education" - Gwen Richardson (Cushcity Communications)
• "Afro-Vegan: Farm-Fresh African, Caribbean, and Southern Flavors Remixed" – Bryant Terry (Ten Speed Press)
• "Justice While Black: Helping African-American Families Navigate and Survive the Criminal Justice System" - Robbin Shipp, Nick Chiles (Agate Bolden)
• "Promises Kept: Raising Black Boys to Succeed in School and in Life" - Joe Brewster, Michele Stephenson, Hilary Beard (Spiegel & Grau)

Outstanding Literary Work - Poetry
• "Citizen: An American Lyric" - Claudia Rankine (Graywolf Press)
• "Digest" - Gregory Pardlo (Four Way Books)
• "The New Testament" - Jericho Brown (Copper Canyon Press)
• "The Poetry of Derek Walcott 1948-2013" - Derek Walcott, Selected by Glyn Maxwell (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
• "We Didn't Know Any Gangsters" - Brian Gilmore (Cherry Castle Publishing, LLC)

Outstanding Literary Work - Children
• "Beautiful Moon" - Tonya Bolden (Author), Eric Velasquez (Illustrator) (Abrams/Abrams Books for Young Readers)
• "Dork Diaries 8: Tales From A Note-So-Happily Ever After" - Rachel Renee Russell with Nikki Russell and Erin Russell (Simon & Schuster)
• "Little Melba and Her Big Trombone" - Katheryn Russell-Brown (Author), Frank Morrison (Illustrator) (Lee & Low Books)
• "Malcolm Little" - Ilyasah Shabazz (Author), AG Ford (Illustrator) (Simon & Schuster)
• "Searching for Sarah Rector" - Tonya Bolden (Abrams/Abrams Books for Young Readers)

Outstanding Literary Work - Youth/Teens
• "Because They Marched: The People's Campaign for Voting Rights That Changed America" - Russell Freedman (Holiday House)
• "Brown Girl Dreaming" - Jacqueline Woodson (Nancy Paulsen Books)
• "Revolution" - Deborah Wiles (Scholastic Press)
• "The Freedom Summer Murders" - Don Mitchell (Scholastic Press)
• "The Red Pencil" - Andrea Davis Pinkney (Author), Shane Evans (Illustrator) (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)

--------------------------------

Saturday, February 1, 2014

The 2014 NAACP Image Award Nominations - Recording and Literature Categories

The 2014 NAACP Image Awards will be presented in a 2-hour special that will air live on Saturday, February 22, 2014 on TV One at 9pm ET (tape-delayed for PT – Pacific Time).  The ceremony will be preceded by a one-hour pre-show, which will air live from the red carpet at 8pm ET (PT tape-delayed).

Recording and Literature nominees for the 2014 / 45th NAACP Image Awards:

RECORDING (Music)

Outstanding New Artist
•         Ariana Grande (Republic Records)
•         Candice Glover (19 Recordings/Interscope Records)
•         K. Michelle (Atlantic Records)
•         RaVaughn Brown (Columbia Records)
•         Zendaya (Hollywood Records)

Outstanding Male Artist
•         Bruno Mars (Atlantic Records)
•         Charlie Wilson (RCA Records)
•         John Legend (Columbia Records)
•         Justin Timberlake (RCA Records)
•         Robin Thicke (Star Trak/Interscope)

Outstanding Female Artist
•         Beyoncé (Columbia Records)
•         India.Arie (Motown Records)
•         Janelle Monáe (Bad Boy/Atlantic)
•         Ledisi (Verve Records)
•         Mary J Blige (Verve Records/Interscope)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration
•         "#Beautiful" - Mariah Carey feat. Miguel (Island Def Jam)
•         "Blurred Lines" - Robin Thicke feat. T.I. & Pharrell (Star Trak/Interscope)
•         "Fire We Make" - Alicia Keys feat. Maxwell (RCA Records)
•         "Hurt You" - Toni Braxton feat. Babyface (Motown Records)
•         "Suit & Tie" - Justin Timberlake feat. Jay-Z (RCA Records)

Outstanding Jazz Album
•         "Summer Horns" - Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, Mindi Abair, Richard Elliot (Concord Records)
•         "The Beat" - Boney James (Concord Records)
•         "The Messenger" - Kevin Eubanks (Mack Avenue Records)
•         "The Morning After: A Musical Love Journey" - Najee (Shanachie)
•         "The Songs of Stevie Wonder" - SFJAZZ Collective (SFJAZZ Records)

Outstanding Gospel Album - (Traditional or Contemporary)
•         "20 Year Celebration Volume 1 - Best For Last" - Donald Lawrence (Quietwater Entertainment/eOne Music)
•         "Azusa: The Next Generation" - Hezekiah Walker (RCA Inspiration)
•         "Best Days Deluxe Edition" - Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music)
•         "Good God" - Shirley Caesar (eOne Music)
•         "Music From the Motion Picture Black Nativity" - Various (RCA Inspiration)

Outstanding World Music Album
•         "Coming from a Lady" - Lady Ele (13 Black Records)
•         "Live At The Royal Albert Hall" - Emeli Sande (Capitol)
•         "Natalie Cole en Español" - Natalie Cole (Verve Records)
•         "Sing To The Moon" - Laura Mvula (Columbia Records)
•         "The Standards" - Gloria Estefan (Masterworks)

Outstanding Music Video
•         "Cocoa Butter" - India.Arie (Motown Records)
•         "Fire We Make" - Alicia Keys feat. Maxwell (RCA Records)
•         "Made To Love" - John Legend (Columbia Records)
•         "Q.U.E.E.N." - Janelle Monáe feat. Erykah Badu (Bad Boy/Atlantic)
•         "Treasure" - Bruno Mars (Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Song
•         "All Of Me" - John Legend (Columbia Records)
•         "Blurred Lines " - Robin Thicke feat. T.I. & Pharrell (Star Trak/Interscope)
•         "Fire We Make" - Alicia Keys feat. Maxwell (RCA Records)
•         "Q.U.E.E.N." - Janelle Monáe feat. Erykah Badu (Bad Boy/Atlantic)
•         "Treasure" - Bruno Mars (Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Album
•         "20/20 Experience - The Complete Experience" - Justin Timberlake (RCA Records)
•         "Blurred Lines" - Robin Thicke (Star Trak/Interscope)
•         "Love In The Future" - John Legend (Columbia Records)
•         "Love, Charlie" - Charlie Wilson (RCA Records)
•         "The Electric Lady" - Janelle Monáe (Bad Boy/Atlantic)


LITERATURE

Outstanding Literary Work - Fiction
•         "A Deeper Love Inside: The Porscha Santiaga Story" - Sister Souljah (Atria/Emily Bestler Books)
•         "Anybody's Daughter" - Pamela Samuels Young (Goldman House Publishing)
•         "Little Green: An Easy Rawlins Mystery" - Walter Mosley (Doubleday)
•         "Never Say Never: A Novel" - Victoria Christopher Murray (Touchstone/Simon & Schuster)
•         "Who Asked You?" - Terry McMillan (Viking)

Outstanding Literary Work - Non-Fiction
•         "Bartlett's Familiar Black Quotations: 5,000 Years of Literature, Lyrics, Poems, Passages, Phrases, and Proverbs from Voices Around the World" - Retha Powers (Little, Brown and Company)
•         "Envisioning Emancipation: Black Americans and the End of Slavery" - Deborah Willis, Barbara Krauthamer (Temple University Press)
•         "High Price: A Neuroscientist's Journey of Self-Discovery That Challenges Everything You Know About Drugs and Society" - Carl Hart (HarperCollins, Harper)
•         "Letters to an Incarcerated Brother: Encouragement, Hope, and Healing for Inmates and Their Loved Ones" - Hill Harper (Gotham Books)
•         "The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross" - Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Donald Yacovone (SmileyBooks)

Outstanding Literary Work - Debut Author
•         "Better Than Good Hair - The Curly Girl Guide to Healthy Gorgeous Natural Hair!" - Nikki Walton with Ernessa T. Carter (Harper Collins- Amistad)
•         "Ghana Must Go" - Taiye Selasi (The Penguin Press)
•         "Nine Years Under" - Sheri Booker (Gotham Books)
•         "On The Come Up" - Hannah Weyer (Nan A. Talese/Doubleday)
•         "The Returned" - Jason Mott (Harlequin MIRA)

Outstanding Literary Work - Biography/ Auto-Biography
•         "Buck: A Memoir" - MK Asante (Spiegel & Grau)
•         "Duke: A Life of Duke Ellington" - Terry Teachout (Gotham Books)
•         "Kansas City Lightning: The Rise and Times of Charlie Parker" - Stanley Crouch (HarperCollins, Harper)
•         "Mom & Me & Mom" - Maya Angelou (Random House)
•         "The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks" - Jeanne Theoharis (Beacon Press)

Outstanding Literary Work - Instructional
•         "Do I Look Like An ATM? A Parent's Guide to Raising Financially Responsible African American Children" - Sabrina Lamb (Chicago Review Press)
•         "Plan D: How to Lose Weight and Beat Diabetes (Even If You Don't Have It)" – Sherri Shepherd with Billie Fitzpatrick (HarperCollins, It Books)
•         "Recruiting and Retaining Culturally Different Students in Gifted Education" - Donna Y. Ford, Ph.D. (Prufrock Press Inc.)
•         "The Entrepreneur Mind: 100 Essential Beliefs, Characteristics, and Habits of Elite Entrepreneurs" - Kevin D. Johnson (Johnson Media Inc.)
•         "The Vegucation of Robin: How Real Food Saved My Life" - Robin Quivers (Avery)

Outstanding Literary Work - Poetry
•         "Chasing Utopia: A Hybrid" - Nikki Giovanni (HarperCollins, William Morrow)
•         "Hum" - Jamaal May (Alice James Books)
•         "The Cineaste: Poems" - A. Van Jordan (W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.)
•         "The Collected Poems of Ai" - Ai (W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.)
•         "Turn Me Loose: The Unghosting of Medgar Evers" - Frank X Walker (University of Georgia Press)

Outstanding Literary Work - Children
•         "I'm A Pretty Little Black Girl!" - Betty K. Bynum (Author), Claire Armstrong-Parod (Illustrator) (Dream Title Publishing)
•         "Knock Knock: My Dad's Dream for Me" - Daniel Beaty (Author), Bryan Collier (Illustrator) (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
•         "Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song" - Andrea Davis Pinkney (Author), Brian Pinkney (Illustrator) (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
•         "Nelson Mandela" - Kadir Nelson (HarperCollins Children's Books/Katherine Tegen Books)
•         "You Never Heard of Willie Mays?!" - Jonah Winter (Author), Terry Widener (Illustrator) (RH Childrens Books; Schwartz & Wade)

Outstanding Literary Work - Youth/Teens
•         "Courage Has No Color, The True Story of the Triple Nickles: America's First Black Paratroopers" - Tanya Lee
  Stone (Candlewick Press)
•         "God's Graffiti: Inspiring Stories for Teens" - Romal Tune (Judson Press)
•         "Invasion" - Walter Dean Myers (Scholastic Press/Scholastic)
•         "Raising the Bar" - Gabrielle Douglas (Zondervan)
•         "Serafina's Promise: A Novel In Verse" - Ann E. Burg (Scholastic Press/Scholastic)

-------------------------------------------


Monday, January 27, 2014

Daft Punk Wins "Album of the Year" at 56th Grammy Awards - Complete Winners List

by Leroy Douresseaux

"Random Access Memories" by Daft Punk is "Album of the Year."

The Grammy Awards (or Grammys) are given out by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States.  The Grammy is an accolade that recognizes outstanding achievement in the music industry.  It is the music industry equivalent to the Academy Awards for film, the Emmy Awards for television, and the Tony Awards for stage.

They are helmeted, mute, and mysterious, and now, French electronic music pioneers, Daft Punk, are the toast of the music world following their big night at music’s biggest night, the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.  Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter are the guys behind the masks.  They perform as Daft Punk; last night at the Grammy Awards ceremony, however, everyone seemed to be referring to them as “the French robots.”

Daft Punk won four awards, including “Album of the Year” for the album, Random Access Memories, and “Record of the Year” for their worldwide hit song, “Get Lucky.”  The song features Pharrell Williams (who also won the Grammy for “Producer of the Year, Non-Classical”) and Nile Rodgers, a renowned songwriter and producer best known as the co-founder of Chic, one of the bestselling and most popular dance bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Daft Punk’s four Grammy Awards in one night is a first for a French music group.  Random Access Memories also received a Grammy for “Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.”  Since Daft Punk only appears in public behind helmets, Pharrell Williams, who accompanied them on stage, made the acceptance speeches for their awards.

Other big winners at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards included Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Justin Timberlake, Lorde, and Kacey Musgraves.

The eligibility period for the 56th Annual Grammy Awards is October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013.  The 56th annual Grammys awards ceremony was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California and aired on CBS on Sunday, January 26, 2014.  See a complete list of nominees at http://www.grammy.com/nominees

2014 / 56th annual Grammy Awards winners:

1. Album of the Year: "Random Access Memories," Daft Punk

2. Record of the Year: "Get Lucky," Daft Punk Featuring Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers

3. Song of the Year: "Royals," Joel Little & Ella Yelich O'Connor, songwriters (Lorde)

4. Best New Artist: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

5. Best Pop Solo Performance: "Royals," Lorde
6. Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: "Get Lucky," Daft Punk Featuring Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers
7. Best Pop Instrumental Album: "Steppin' Out," Herb Alpert
8. Best Pop Vocal Album: "Unorthodox Jukebox," Bruno Mars
9. Best Dance Recording: "Clarity," Zedd Featuring Foxes
10. Best Dance/Electronica Album: "Random Access Memories," Daft Punk
11. Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: "To Be Loved," Michael Buble
12. Best Rock Performance: "Radioactive," Imagine Dragons
13. Best Metal Performance: "God Is Dead?" Black Sabbath
14. Best Rock Song: "Cut Me Some Slack," Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, Krist Novoselic & Pat Smear, songwriters (Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, Pat Smear)
15. Best Rock Album: "Celebration Day," Led Zeppelin
16. Best Alternative Music Album: "Modern Vampires Of The City," Vampire Weekend
17. Best R&B Performance: "Something," Snarky Puppy With Lalah Hathaway
18. Best Traditional R&B Performance: "Please Come Home," Gary Clark Jr.
19. Best R&B Song: "Pusher Love Girl," James Fauntleroy, Jerome Harmon, Timothy Mosley & Justin Timberlake, songwriters (Justin Timberlake)
20. Best Urban Contemporary Album: "Unapologetic," Rihanna
21. Best R&B Album: "Girl On Fire," Alicia Keys
22. Best Rap Performance: "Thrift Shop," Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Wanz
23. Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "Holy Grail," Jay Z feat. Justin Timberlake
24. Best Rap Song: "Thrift Shop," Ben Haggerty & Ryan Lewis, songwriters (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Wanz)
25. Best Rap Album: "The Heist," Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
26. Best Country Solo Performance: "Wagon Wheel," Darius Rucker
27. Best Country Duo/Group Performance: "From This Valley," The Civil Wars
28. Best Country Song: "Merry Go 'Round," Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves & Josh Osborne, songwriters (Kacey Musgraves)
29. Best Country Album: "Same Trailer Different Park," Kacey Musgraves
30. Best New Age Album: "Love's River," Laura Sullivan
31. Best Improvised Jazz Solo: "Orbits," Wayne Shorter, soloist
32. Best Jazz Vocal Album: "Liquid Spirit," Gregory Porter
33. Best Jazz Instrumental Album: "Money Jungle: Provocative In Blue," Terri Lyne Carrington
34. Best Large Jazz Ensemble: "Night In Calisia," Randy Brecker, Włodek Pawlik Trio & Kalisz Philharmonic
35. Best Latin Jazz Album: "Song For Maura," Paquito D'Rivera And Trio Corrente
36. Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance: "Break Every Chain [Live]," Tasha Cobbs
37. Best Gospel Song: "If He Did It Before... Same God [Live]," Tye Tribbett, songwriter (Tye Tribbett)
38. Best Contemporary Christian Music Song: "Overcomer," David Garcia, Ben Glover & Christopher Stevens, songwriters (Mandisa)
39. Best Gospel Album: "Greater Than [Live]," Tye Tribbett
40. Best Contemporary Christian Music Album: "Overcomer," Mandisa
41. Best Latin Pop Album: "Vida," Draco Rosa
42. Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album: "Treinta Días," La Santa Cecilia
43. Best Regional Mexican Music Album: "A Mi Manera," Mariachi Divas De Cindy Shea
44. Best Tropical Latin Album: "Pacific Mambo Orchestra," Pacific Mambo Orchestra
45. Best American Roots Song: "Love Has Come For You," Edie Brickell & Steve Martin, songwriters (Steve Martin & Edie Brickell)
46. Best Americana Album: "Old Yellow Moon," Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell
47. Best Bluegrass Album: "The Streets Of Baltimore," Del McCoury Band
48. Best Blues Album: "Get Up!" Ben Harper With Charlie Musselwhite
49. Best Folk Album: "My Favorite Picture Of You," Guy Clark
50. Best Regional Roots Music Album: "Dockside Sessions," Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience
51. Best Reggae Album: "Ziggy Marley In Concert," Ziggy Marley

52. Best World Music Album: (TIE) "Savor Flamenco," Gipsy Kings; AND "Live: Singing For Peace Around The World," Ladysmith Black Mambazo

53. Best Children's Album: "Throw A Penny In The Wishing Well," Jennifer Gasoi
54. Best Spoken-Word Album: "America Again: Re-becoming The Greatness We Never Weren't," Stephen Colbert
55. Best Comedy Album: "Calm Down Gurrl," Kathy Griffin
56. Best Musical Theater Album: "Kinky Boots"
57. Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media: "Sound City: Real To Reel," Butch Vig, compilation producer

58. Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media: "Skyfall," Thomas Newman, composer
59. Best Song Written For Visual Media: "Skyfall," Adele Adkins & Paul Epworth, songwriters (Adele)

60. Best Instrumental Composition: "Pensamientos For Solo Alto Saxophone And Chamber Orchestra," Clare Fischer, composer (The Clare Fischer Orchestra)
61. Best Instrumental Arrangement: "On Green Dolphin Street," Gordon Goodwin, arranger (Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band)
62. Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s): "Swing Low," Gil Goldstein, arranger (Bobby McFerrin & Esperanza Spalding)
63. Best Recording Package: "Long Night Moon," Sarah Dodds & Shauna Dodds, art directors (Reckless Kelly)
64. Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package: "Wings Over America (Deluxe Edition)," Simon Earith & James Musgrave, art directors (Paul McCartney And Wings)
65. Best Album Notes: "Afro Blue Impressions (Remastered & Expanded)," Neil Tesser, album notes writer (John Coltrane)
66. Best Historical Album: (TIE) "Charlie Is My Darling - Ireland 1965," "The Complete Sussex And Columbia Albums"
67. Best Engineered Album: "Random Access Memories," Peter Franco, Mick Guzauski, Florian Lagatta & Daniel Lerner, engineers; Antoine "Chab" Chabert, Bob Ludwig, mastering engineers (Daft Punk)
68. Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Pharrell
69. Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical: "Summertime Sadness (Cedric Gervais Remix)," Cedric Gervais, remixer (Lana Del Rey)
70. Best Surround Sound Album: "Live Kisses," Al Schmitt, surround mix engineer; Tommy LiPuma, surround producer (Paul McCartney)
71. Best Engineered Album, Classical: "Winter Morning Walks," David Frost, Brian Losch & Tim Martyn, engineers; Tim Martyn, mastering engineer (Dawn Upshaw, Maria Schneider, Australian Chamber Orchestra & St. Paul Chamber Orchestra)
72. Producer of the Year, Classical: David Frost
73. Best Orchestral Performance: "Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4," Osmo Vänskä, conductor (MinnesotaOrchestra)
74. Best Opera Recording: "Adès: The Tempest," Thomas Adès, conductor; Simon Keenlyside, Isabel Leonard, Audrey Luna & Alan Oke; Jay David Saks, producer (The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; The Metropolitan Opera Chorus)
75. Best Choral Performance: "Pärt: Adam's Lament," Tõnu Kaljuste, conductor (Tui Hirv & Rainer Vilu; Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir; Sinfonietta Riga & Tallinn Chamber Orchestra; Latvian Radio Choir & Vox Clamantis)
76. Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance: "Roomful Of Teeth," Brad Wells & Roomful Of Teeth
77. Best Classical Instrumental Solo: "Corigliano: Conjurer - Concerto For Percussionist & String Orchestra," Evelyn Glennie; David Alan Miller, conductor (Albany Symphony)
78. Best Classical Vocal Solo: "Winter Morning Walks," Dawn Upshaw (Maria Schneider; Jay Anderson, Frank Kimbrough & Scott Robinson; Australian Chamber Orchestra & St. Paul Chamber Orchestra)
79. Best Classical Compendium: "Hindemith: Violinkonzert; Symphonic Metamorphosis; Konzertmusik," Christoph Eschenbach, conductor
80. Best Contemporary Classical Composition: "Schneider, Maria: Winter Morning Walks," Maria Schneider, composer (Dawn Upshaw, Jay Anderson, Frank Kimbrough, Scott Robinson & Australian Chamber Orchestra)
81. Best Music Video: "Suit & Tie," Justin Timberlake Featuring Jay Z - David Fincher, video director; Timory King, video producer
82. Best Music Film: "Live Kisses," Paul McCartney - Jonas Akerlund, video director; Violaine Etienne, Aron Levine & Scott Rodger, video producers

---------------------------------------