Booker T. Jones, Sharon Jones, Matt Berninger - "Representing Memphis"

Soul legend Booker T. Jones recruited Matt Berninger, singer for the National, and Sharon Jones to duet on this old-school Southern R&B tune about the city of Memphis, TN. The track appears on Booker T.'s new album The Road From Memphis, due May 10 from Anti-.

Listen to "Representing Memphis (Feat. Matt Berninger and Sharon Jones)" and also watch a behind the scenes video on the recording of "Everything is Everything" HERE.

Charles Bradley "Heart of Gold"

Exclusively sold on Daptone Records Store ONLY for the month of April, get it before everyone else!  Also available digitally.

Hot on the heels of his smash-hit debut LP “No Time for Dreaming”, Daptone and Dunham Records  is honored to present Charles Bradley “Heart of Gold” b/w “In You (I Found a Love).”  Like many of the great soul singers before him, Charles Bradley has taken a rock n roll classic and given it a soulful makeover. Backed (once again) by the instrumental juggernaut that is Menahan Street Band, Charles Bradley and the boys take Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold”, and flip it on its head – adding enough horns and groove to transform this track into a bona fide Soul classic.

On the flip is “In You (I Found a Love)”, a mid-tempo, moody album track about a woman playing games with Charles’ heart.  I know what you’re thinking – What kind of monster would do such a thing!? Well, you’ll just have to drop the needle to find out. But, I can tell you one thing; never has a song about heartbreak sounded so raw and unabashed in its sincerity. 

Want to Meet Toni Braxton and her Sisters?

Want to meet Toni Braxton and her sisters? Enter WEtv's contest for a chance to hang out with all the Braxtons at their premiere party in LA for Braxton Family Values, premiering on WE tv April 12 at 9p/8c! Click HERE to enter! 

Win a Braxton Family Values Premiere Party!

Create an RSVP event on Facebook and invite all of your friends and family!  The event with the largest number of RSVPs will have their premiere party catered by WE tv and win exclusive Braxton Family Value treats.  Click here for details!

New Raphael Saadiq Video - Stone Rollin'

R&B crooner Raphael Saadiq performs in a crowded bar in the music video for his latest single, 'Stone Rollin' — an ode to the booty that could be described as an infinitely classier version of Sir Mix-A-Lot’s ‘Baby Got Back.’

The video shows Raphael Saadiq and his band performing while patrons play pool and jam to the music. The musicians includes a drummer, guitarists and a harmonica player, whose contributions give the song a bluesy feel.

As Saadiq sings, a woman confidently strides into the bar and reaches the floor in front of the band, where she dances as Saadiq serenades her: “You make a blind man walk away from home / You’ll tell your girlfriend you wanna be alone / It makes an old man throw away his cane / Girl, what your booty doin’, I just can’t explain.”

Saadiq continues, “You don’t call her fat, that girl is stacked / Everything is wide and she walk with much pride.”

Alicia Keys - To Direct Lifetime movie Project Five

Alicia Keys can sing, write and act -- now she can add director to her resume.

Keys is one of four high-profile women who have signed on to direct a Lifetime movie called Project Five.  The movie is an anthology of five short films with interconnected stories, all of which explore how breast cancer affects people's lives.

In addition to Alicia, Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore and Patty Jenkins, the latter of whom directed the Oscar-winning Charlize Theron film Monster, are on board with the project.  A fifth director will be announced in the coming weeks.

Jazz Roots - Music of the Americas

Sony Masterworks Jazz, Larry Rosen, and Quincy Jones Debut First Historical Jazz Compilation linked to the JAZZ ROOTS Concert Series

JAZZ ROOTS: MUSIC OF THE AMERICAS

Compilation available April 5, 2011

Documents Jazz from African drums through today

Includes artists Olatunji, Scott Joplin, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck, Tito Puente, Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Wynton Marsalis, Chris Botti, and more

MASTERWORKS Jazz is an imprint of Sony MASTERWORKS. For email updates and information please visit www.SonyMasterworks.com.

For more information, please visit: www.jazzroots.net

“JAZZ ROOTS presents the music of the Americas in a most compelling fashion,” says Alex Miller, General Manager / SVP, Sony Masterworks. “Larry Rosen’s long career in the music business from musician to producer to entrepreneur has a track record of very successful enterprises, and we are honored to play a role in celebrating this musical legacy.

“The JAZZ ROOTS series was developed to bring communities together around our common culture, which includes music performance, education, and entertainment. We targeted performing arts centers across the country because that is where communities come together to address our performing arts.” said producer Larry Rosen. Rosen continues: “To help tell this great American story, we have joined forces with the iconic music artist/producer Quincy Jones and his Quincy Jones American Popular Music Curriculum. Our combined efforts for this Sony Masterworks 2-CD compilation will bring this amazing story to fans and students around the world.”

Legendary artist/producer Quincy Jones implements his American Popular Music Curriculum program into schools across the country in collaboration with the JAZZ ROOTS education program.

“It’s so important that Americans and particularly our children learn about their culture. This series is simply imperative.” said icon Quincy Jones. “We are happy to be part of this extraordinary endeavor….You can’t know we’re you’re going unless you know where you’ve come from.”

Aretha Franklin Celebrates her 69th Birthday!

Aretha Franklin celebrated her 69th birthday in New York city last Thursday, with a large crowd of celebrities, friends, family, and huge cake! After losing 85lbs, the Queen of Soul surely deserves a little treat.

During the evening she gave a brief but rousing performance in front of her friends at a Central Park hotel.

Tony Bennett, Smokey Robinson, music mogul Clive Davis, Bette Midler and Gayle King were among the celebrities on hand to pay tribute to her.

"It's a fabulous moment," said Aretha Franklin.

Jazz musician Roy Ayers, singer Nnenna Freelon, and Tito Puente all gave mini-concerts in honor of Aretha Franklin's birthday.

Prince Wins Oscar for 'Purple Rain'

Today is a very special day, 26 years ago in 1985, Prince won an Academy Award for the music he provided in the movie "Purple Rain.

He won in the category of "Best Original Song Score", beating out "The Muppets Take Manhattan" and Kris Kristofferson's "Songwriter." He did not perform that night, but we do have his acceptance speech below.

 And here's the masterpiece we all love.

Jill Scott Honors Philly Roots On New Album

Jill Scott recently filmed a music video for her new single, “Shame,” with fellow Philly native Eve at the Cecil B Moore Recreational Center in northern Philadelphia. She visited the center frequently as a youth and recently donated money to prevent it from being shut down.

“I really wanted to go back to my original state. I love hip-hop, and I was born to it,” Scott told CNN. “I needed to come back to it, it’s been awhile, and I’m in a new environment.”

Through her own Blues Babe Foundation, Scott was able to save the center which was going to be shut down due to lack of funding. The foundation replaced the roof, gym floor and basketball court.

“When I found out it was closing, it just hurt my feelings because kids like me needed a place to go,” she said. “We just started to really take care of this facility because we don’t want it to shut down… Every community needs a rec center. I put a lot of my love and my heart here.”

Jill Scott’s new album, The Light Of The Sun, is due out later this year.

George Michael Discusses Upcoming Tour and New Single

As previously mentioned last Tuesday, George Michael has announced plans for his upcoming tour and the name of his new single.

Yesterday, George Michael announced on Twitter that he has "just finished" a "full-on house track" called "Every Other Lover In The World".

He also said he’s finalizing dates for a tour, which he promises will be "special".

"Hey everyone two things to titillate the loyal," he wrote. "Just finished new single, Produced with @stereogamous..called ‘Every Other Lover In The World’ (sic)

"And finalising tour dates, details very soon!

"Have some amazing venues lined up, not your usual arena tour, something way more special…:)

"Full on house track, hope u are all ready….

"Oh, I forgot to mention…I meant next f*****g single and f*****g exciting tour news ahead! ( can’t believe I forgot…:)

"Must remember….if it’s important, swear!

"Ahhh, bless you all….minge…."

He also cleared up his statement in which he said that this his 2008 tour would be his last:

"Just to clear it up, never said I was giving up, said it was the last ARENA tour people…which it was :)(sic)"

So much exciting news coming from George Michael, hopefully he will make another world tour!

Sade Announce "The Ultimate Collection"

Sade has announced the release of "The Ultimate Collection" the follow up to the platinum-selling Soldier Of Love. "The Ultimate Collection" will drop on May 3rd and will include a two-disc album and three new songs. "Moon & The Sky" (featuring Jay-Z) as well as Sade’s classic songs from the Best Of collection and the greatest hits off of Lover's Rock and Soldier Of Love will be featured on this amazing collection.

"The Ultimate Collection" can pre-order starting from today at Sade.com, as an extra bonus people purchasing "The Ultimate Collection" will have exclusive early access to tickets of Sade’s summer tour beginning March 30th in select markets.

Sade’s North America summer tour with guest star John Legend will start on June 16th in Baltimore.

Track listing:

Disc 1
1. Your Love Is King
2. Smooth Operator
3. Hang On to Your Love
4. The Sweetest Taboo
5. Is It a Crime
6. Never as Good as the First Time
7. Jezebel
8. Love Is Stronger Than Pride
9. Paradise
10. Nothing Can Come Between Us
11. No Ordinary Love
12. Kiss of Life
13. Feel No Pain+
14. Bullet Proof Soul+

Disc 2
1. Cherish the Day
2. Pearls
3. By Your Side+
4. Immigrant+
5. Flow+
6. King of Sorrow+
7. The Sweetest Gift+
8. Solider of Love+
9. The Moon and the Sky+
10. Babyfather+
11. Still in Love With You**
12. Love Is Found**
13. I Would Never Have Guessed**
14. The Moon and the Sky (Remix Featuring Jay-Z)**
15. By Your Side (Neptunes Remix)+
+ Not on The Best of Sade
** Never Before Released

Bootsy Collins Sits in with The Roots Tonight on Fallon

Tonight, catch legendary funk bassist Bootsy Collins sit-in with The Roots on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon in advance of his new album 'Tha Funk Capital of the World' (4/26, Mascot Records).

Listen to lead single "Don't Take My Funk" on YouTube!

AUDIO: Don't Take My Funk Away (ft. Catfish Collins and Bobby Womack)

The star-studded album, featuring fellow P-Funkers George Clinton and Bernie Worrell, along with Snoop Dogg, Chuck D, Ice Cube, Samuel L. Jackson, Bela Fleck, and more, is already earning raves:

“Effortlessly groovy.” – Rolling Stone

“Invigorating tunes…that get your ass up and dancing.” – Relix

“Writhing, lively.” – Ebony

“Bootsy's back…and it's a groove worth waiting for.” – USA Today

“One of the most scratched, sampled and quoted artists in urban music.” – Sister 2 Sister

Lauryn Hill is on Tour and Joins Twitter!

After performing many shows throughout the winter, Lauryn Hill is going on the second leg of her comeback tour "Moving Target: Extended Playdate Series". This tour will take Ms. Lauryn Hill all over the United States for some unforgettable shows.

"One of the benefits of playing venues smaller than the ones I’m used to allows me the opportunity to not only reconnect with my supporters but to expose them to a portion of the musical journey I’ve been on which the world for the most part has not had access to," says Lauryn Hill. "It’s an exciting and REAL process which these audiences will get to witness."

Lauryn Hill also launched a Twitter account @MsHillMvngTrgt, make sure to follow her to get the latest news on her tour and of course directly communicate with her.

"Moving Target: Extended Playdate Series" Tour Dates:

3/23 – Tampa, FL – The Ritz

3/26 – Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues

3/30 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage

4/3 – Oahu, HI – Aloha Tower

4/9 – Portland, OR – Arlene Schnitzer Hall

4/12 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield

4/15 – Indio, CA – Coachella Music and Arts Festival

4/18 – Los Angeles, CA – Club Nokia

4/23 – Denver, CO – The Fillmore

5/7 – New Orleans, LA – Jazz and Heritage Festival

Loleatta Holloway - The Finest Diva in Dance Music History Has Passed Away

Disco-era songstress Loleatta Holloway, 64, died last night (March 21) after suffering a heart failure. Her passing was confirmed by her manager Ron Richardson.

The singer's 1980 single "Love Sensation" was a hit on its own, and lived on via several high-profile samples over the years: U.K. group Black Box used it in 1989 for "Ride On Time," and most notably, hip-hopper turned actor Mark Wahlberg (then Marky Mark) reworked her vocals on his "Good Vibrations."

The sheer power of the notes her lungs expelled turned mere singing into an emotional tempest, huffing and puffing until she blew the house down. She was and will be remembered as a true music legend.

Raphael Saadiq Performs Stone Rollin' on The Tonight Show

Raphael Saadiq performed his single Stone Rollin' last night on the Tonight Show. The single is also the title for his upcoming album, which is set to be released on May 10th, and not today. The new album will celebrates the classic sounds of the 60's and 70's with a futuristic twist.

Stone Rollin' is the follow up to Raphael Saadiq's 2008 solo album The Way I See It, which boasted four Billboard R&B chart singles and was nominated for three GRAMMY Awards including Best R&B Album.

George Michael Tour News and New Video "True Faith"

George Michael has been hinting on Twitter that contrary to his 2008 statement about never touring again, he will in fact go on tour in the near future.

George Michael also debuted the video for his Comic Relief charity single "True Faith" this week and took a swipe at the critics who declared it a flop.

"What makes me laugh is that after 30 yrs they still act as if it’s newsworthy that I don’t sell to kids/ the singles market the way I did :) Face it paps, hacks and haters… The album will sell great, the tour will sell out, and the fans remain some of the loyalest in the world. Nothing you can do about that…" - George Michael on Twitter.

Check out the video for "True Faith" below:

Les Nubians Release New Single "Afrodance"

If you haven't had the pleasure to hear the music of Grammy Award-nominated "Afropean" Soul duo Les Nubians, then you have to definitely check them out now! They recently released their latest single titled "Afrodance" off of their upcoming third studio album "Nu Revolution" which is scheduled for release on April 19th, 2011 via Shanachie Entertainment.

The new album is said to be "a relentlessly enchanting and energetic mix of R&B, Hip Hop, African Music and other world elements" with special guest appearances from African music legend Manu Dibango, indie soul veteran Eric Roberson, South African pop stars Freshly Ground and Polish MC John Banzai amongst others.

TAKE A LOOK - Aretha Franklin's Columbia Records Years

TAKE A LOOK works to redefine the recordings Aretha Franklin did during her time with Columbia Records.

A total of 7 studio album and multiple sessions between 1960-1966, and places them in the historical context of the early 1960s to show how even then, as an 18 year old, Aretha was pushing the lines of race, gender, and soul in her recordings with Columbia.

Purchase your box set of: TAKE A LOOK: ARETHA FRANKLIN COMPLETE ON COLUMBIA

“Each performance on TAKE A LOOK is a reminder that Aretha was sharing her own diverse and complex vision of what it meant to be “young, gifted, black” (and female)a full 10 years before she would put her own indelible spin on that anthem. During this crucial period, we can hear Aretha’s focused attention to craftsmanship, her emerging interpretative grace and vocal sophistication, indeed, the very evolution of her musical genius.” — Daphne A. Brooks, English and African American Studies at Princeton University

“TAKE A LOOK is a powerful illustration of Aretha Franklin on the threshold of greatness, the story of a skylark preparing to take flight. Her journey begins here.”

“Original analog tapes from every one of her performances were used here; it’s why Aretha feels so “present.” And because these same tapes are forty to fifty years old, it’s also why we occasionally hear echoes known as “print through,” which is due to a kind of aging process. (You certainly won’t hear that on a digital recording!)” — Leo Sacks, January 2011, New York City

Booker T and The Roots Cover "Everything Is Everything"

In this sneak preview of Booker T's forthcoming album "The Road From Memphis", the legendary keyboardist teams up with the Roots to perform a funky, hard-charging instrumental version of Lauryn Hill's hit "Everything Is Everything."

Although Lauryn Hill's vocals were phenomenal on "Everything Is Everything", Booker T also did a phenomenal job with his musical version of the song.

"The Road From Memphis", which hits stores on May 10th, will also include collaborations with Lou Reed, Yim Yames of My Morning Jacket, Sharon Jones and Matt Berninger of the National.

Track listing of "The Road from Memphis":

Walking Papers

Crazy

Progress (feat. Yim Yames of My Morning Jacket)

The Hive

Down In Memphis

Everything Is Everything

Rent Party

Representing Memphis (feat. Matt Berninger of The National and Sharon Jones)

The Vamp

Harlem House

The Bronx (feat. Lou Reed)

Michael Jackson Estate Releases Hollywood Tonight Video

 The storyline of “Hollywood Tonight” charts the journey of a young woman arriving in Hollywood from small town America as she follows her dream to be a star; though her ambition is to be a dancer, her story represents the struggle for every artist or musician struggling to make it in the world.

Wayne Isham, who directed the video for Michael Jackson’s “You Are Not Alone,” returns to one of the very same locations where he filmed in 1995 with Michael – the Pantages Theatre near the famed corner of Hollywood and Vine that has served as a beacon for those drawn to the dream of stardom. In the new video, the Pantages Theater once again becomes the setting for the clip’s spectacular closing but this time they are outside the theater for a “flash mob” dance scene.

What do you think of the song "Hollywood Tonight" and its video?

Bootsy Collins Offers Hollographic 3D Cover Album

Bootsy Collins' new studio album "Tha Funk Capital of the World" will be first released by Mascot Records in the UK on April 25th, and then one day later on April 26th in North America.

There will be a limited amount of the album which will be available with eye-popping holographic 3D artwork (designed by Roy Koch). "The album cover artwork breathes like it is a living being ... it's alive," says Bootsy.

Bootsy's "Tha Funk Capital of the World" album will also be available on double vinyl. Lots of phenomenal artists such as George Clinton and Bernie Worrell will be featured on the album. Others include Snoop Dogg, Chuck D, and Ice Cube; actor Samuel L. Jackson; banjo phenomenon Bela Fleck; the Rev. Al Sharpton; scholar Dr. Cornel West; guitarist Buckethead, and more.

A tour in support of "Tha Funk Capital of the World" will be announced very soon.

George Michael - FAITH Remastered - A Must Have Album!

George Michael's very first solo album "Faith", originally released in 1987 enjoyed tremendous success throughout the end of the 80s. It was a true world-class masterpiece! "Faith" produced six number 1 hit singles in the United States, a major accomplishment for someone who had just released his first album. 

"Faith" was a great transition for George Michael to go from a young pop pinup group "Wham" to become an iconic superstar! He then soon started to duet with major stars such as Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Mary J Blige, and Paul McCartney.

Personally, I have been listening to "Faith" non-stop for many years, I have always loved this album. However, when you didn't think it could possibly get better, George Michael decided to release a remaster of "Faith".

The added tracks "I Believe When I Fall In Love", "Love's In Need Of Love Today", "Fantasy", and the remixes of "Monkey" are sublime! There are also instrumental versions of "Faith" and "Kissing A Fool" which are wonderful.

My personal favorites are "Father Figure" (both versions), "I Want Your Sex" (parts 1, 2, 3), and "Monkey" (all versions, I never understood why this particular track didn't do better, it's a great song and the video was very well made). "I Believe When I Fall In Love" and "Kissing A Fool" are also some of my favorites. However, overall this album is superb, I highly recommend it and I honestly believe that everyone should get their copy of "Faith" Remastered.

Get your copy of "Faith" Remastered or "Faith" merchandise on George Michael's official website.

In other George Michael news, since a couple of days he has officially joined Twitter, follow him @GeorgeMichael

Disc 1 - Faith Remastered
Faith
Father Figure
I Want Your Sex (Parts 1 & 2)
One More Try
Hard Day
Hand To Mouth
Look At Your Hands
Monkey
Kissing A Fool
A Last Request (I Want Your Sex Part 3)

Disc 2 - Remastered Bonus Tracks
Faith (Instrumental)
Fantasy
Hard Day (Shep Pettibone Mix)
I Believe When I Fall In Love
Kissing A Fool (Instrumental)
Love's In Need Of Love Today
Monkey (7" Edit)
Monkey (A Capella)
Monkey (Jam & Lewis Remix)

Prince Brings "Welcome 2 America" Tour to North and South Carolina!

Prince is bringing his amazing "Welcome 2 America" tour to North and South Carolina! Two of the band members, vocalist Shelby Johnson and drummer John Blackwell are from South Carolina and have already shared their enthusiasms about the upcoming six concerts on Facebook! 

Shelby Johnson on Facebook:
North & South Carolina get READY for the March Madness NPG Style!! I am coming home to FUNK with Prince and the NPG!!! I will post all dates soon ♥ But Greensboro get Ready, Charlotte it's on!! Raleigh too!!! :) OoooooWeee!!! :) :) :) ♥ Shelby J's HOMECOMING!!!

John Blackwell on Facebook:
THE MOTHERSHIP IS ON COARSE TO MY HOMETOWN AND STATE SOUTH CAROLINA AND SISTER STATE NORTH CAROLINA GET READY TO GET FUNKED UP CAROLINAS. NOTHING FINER THAN SOUTH CAROLINA AND NORTH CAROLINA. COLUMBIA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As Prince said when he announced his "Welcome 2 America" tour a couple of months ago "Bring friends, bring your children and bring foot spray because it’s going be funky"!

Tour dates are as follows:

March 21      Columbia, SC - Colonial Life Arena On Sale: 3/15 @ 10am ET

March 23      Raleigh, NC - RBC Center On Sale: 3/14 @ 10am ET

March 24      Charlotte, NC - Time Warner Cable Arena On Sale: 3/14 @ 10am ET

March 26      Greensboro, NC - Greensboro Coliseum On Sale: 3/14 @ 12pm ET

March 28      Greenville, SC - Bi-Lo Center On Sale: 3/15 @ 10am ET

March 30      North Charleston, SC - North Charleston Coliseum On Sale: 3/15 @ 10am ET

Sting Set to Perform @ Montreux Jazz Festival

Sting, accompanied by a symphony orchestra and band, conducted by Sarah Hicks, will extend his celebrated Symphonicity world tour with additional dates across Europe this summer.

Following sold-out performances throughout North America, Europe and Australia, the Symphonicity tour will perform at a number of select festival events in France, Germany, Italy, Eastern Europe and as confirmed today at the Montreux Jazz Festival on July 11.

Symphonicity finds Sting performing his greatest hits, re-imagined for symphonic arrangement. Drawing from a diverse and illustrious career that has produced numerous multi-platinum albums, a staggering list of number one songs, countless accolades and worldwide record sales of nearly 100 million, Sting’s most celebrated songs have been re-interpreted especially for this tour and  will include fan-favorites such as The Police hits “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”, “Roxanne”, “Next To You” and “Every Breath You Take,” to notable songs from Sting’s enduring solo career – “Englishman in New York,” “Fragile,” “Russians,” “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You,” “Fields Of Gold,” and “Desert Rose.” Sting will also be joined by a group of accomplished musicians, comprised of Dominic Miller (Sting’s longtime guitarist), Rhani Krija (Sting’s longtime multi-genre percussionist), Jo Lawry (vocalist) and Ira Coleman (bassist).

To accompany Sting’s world tour, Deutsche Grammophon/Cherrytree Records, recently released a live CD/DVD package, Live in Berlin, with a companion studio album, Symphonicities, also available.

Auditorium Stravinski
July 11, 8pm
STING
Symphonicity
Performing his greatest hits with symphony orchestra and band, conducted by Sarah Hicks.

Tickets on sale from March 9, 10am on www.montreuxjazz.com

George Michael Releases "True Faith"

George Michael has officially released "True Faith" on his website, a song originally made by the 80s group New Order. 

Listen to a three-minute clip of George Michael's new single, "True Faith". It will be available digitally on March 13 and physically on March 14.
 

What do you think of George Michael's take on "True Faith"?

Go to George Michael's website and listen to it there.

Wendy Williams Interviews Aretha Franklin

This week, Wendy Williams interviewed Aretha Franklin and discussed her weight loss, her health, The Grammy Tribute, her fear of flying, Columbia Records and much more. This is the first interview Aretha Franklin has done since her surgery, last December.

There were many rumors from the mysterious ailment she was going through, and I personally really like the answer Aretha Franklin gave regarding what she just went through. Frankly, it's none of our business, as long as she's doing well and feeling well that's all it counts!

"A lot of things were said. I left that behind," she added. "And I couldn't be feeling any better than I'm feeling right now."

On the Grammy tribute: "Aguilera was good. She was feelin' it, she was feelin' it."

On the suggestion of Queen Latifah playing her in a biopic: "No."

On growing up as the daughter of a famous preacher: "We had food stamps, too. Back in the day, way back in the day, we had food stamps."

On other career choices besides singing: "I may have been a prima ballerina. Or an executive secretary."

Check out Wendy Williams' interview with Aretha Franklin below, and don't forget that we still have TWO more albums to give away!

ENTER MUSIC2NITE'S ARETHA FRANKLIN GIVEAWAY:

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Janelle Monae is to be Featured in "Women Who Rock" Exhibit!

Congratulations to Janelle Monae on her inclusion in the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum! The first ever "Women Who Rock" exhibit will open to the public on Friday, May 3rd.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum will open a ground-breaking and provocative new exhibit that will illustrate the important roles women have played in rock and roll, from its inception through today. Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power will highlight the flashpoints, the firsts, the best, the celebrated and sometimes lesser-known women who moved rock and roll music and American culture forward. The exhibit is sponsored by PNC and Time Warner Cable. Women Who Rock will open to the public on Friday, May 13, 2011.

Janelle will be featured in the Ladies First: the 90's and the New Millenium section of the exhibit. Check out the official excerpt below. Highlighted artists will include Bikini Kill, Meg White, Taylor Swift, Queen Latifah, Janelle Monae, Alicia Keys and Lady Gaga.

Read more about it here.

Jill Scott Signs Record Deal with Warner Brothers Records

Jill Scott has signed a distribution deal with Warner Brothers Records, after a settling a legal battle with her former label Hidden Beach.

Jill Scott is presently in the studio working on her upcoming album, "The Light of the Sun". The album is scheduled to be released in the early summer. While details about the set are still under wraps, the Grammy Award-winning singer gave fans a sneak peek of what to expect when she performed a track from the project during her 20-city national arena tour with Maxwell last year.

Besides being an established singer, Jill Scott is also a poet, actress, and a designer. She recently starred in Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married Too," HBO's "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency," Lifetime Movie Network's "Sins of the Mother" and NBC's "Law & Order: SVU." She also wrote "The Moments, The Minutes, The Hours," a 2005 compilation of poems published by St. Martin 's Press that became a New York Times bestseller.

Mavis Staples Performs on Conan O'Brien

Mavis Staples who recently won her first Grammy Award for Best Americana Album, is experiencing tremendous success with her new album "You Are Not Alone". Last night, she performed "Creep Along Moses" on Conan O'Brien's show. Enjoy a video of her performance below. 

Mavis Staples is currently on a world tour, here's her tour schedule, buy tickets here.

Mar 04 Los Angeles, CA     NAACP Image Awards    

Mar 10 Denton, TX 35 Conferette    

Mar 12 Skokie, IL North Shore Center    

Mar 13 Green Bay, WI Oneida Casino    

Mar 14 Green Bay, WI Oneida Casino    

Mar 15 Green Bay, WI Oneida Casino    

Mar 24 Brownfield, ME Stone Mountain Arts Center With Billy Bragg.

Mar 25 Portsmouth, NH The Music Hall With Billy Bragg.

Mar 26 Burlington, VT Flynn Center With Billy Bragg.

Mar 27 Tarrytown, NY Tarrytown Music Hall With Billy Bragg.

Apr 02 New Bedford, MA Zeiterion Theatre With Billy Bragg.

Apr 08 Meridian, MS MSU Riley Center    

Apr 15 Adelaide, Australia The Gov    

Apr 17 Fremantle, Australia West Coast Blues 'n' Roots    

Apr 20 Melbourne, Australia Palais Theatre With Blind Boys of Alabama.

Apr 23 Byron Bay, Australia Byron Bay Bluesfest    

Apr 24 Byron Bay, Australia Byron Bay Bluesfest    

Apr 25 Sydney, Australia Sydney Opera House With Blind Boys of Alabama.

Apr 26 Sydney, Australia Sydney Opera House With Blind Boys of Alabama featuring Aaron Neville.

Apr 28 Auckland, New Zealand Aotea Centre With Blind Boys of Alabama featuring Aaron Neville.

Apr 29 Wellington, New Zealand     St. James Theatre With Blind Boys of Alabama featuring Aaron Neville.

Apr 30 Christchurch, New Zealand Christchurch Town Hall With Blind Boys of Alabama featuring Aaron Neville.

May 14 Cleveland, OH     Cleveland Convention Center    

May 27 Memphis, TN     Minglewood Hall    

May 28 Helena, AR     Arkansas Delta Family Gosp…    

Jun 03 Woodstock, NY     Levon's Midnight Ramble    

Jun 04 Hunter, NY     Mountain Jam    

7th annual 4-day music and camping festival.

Jun 12 Manchester, TN     Bonnaroo 10th annual 4-day music and camping festival.

India.Arie Prepares New Album "Open Door" with Idan Raichel

India.Arie will be working on her next album "Open Door" with Israeli singer and songwriter Idan Raichel. The album will feature Hebrew and English songs, India.Arie doesn't know Hebrew, however she says that Idan Raichel is teaching her the translation.

During a vacation in Israel, she asked locals who the most influential political singer-songwriter was in town. "Everybody said, 'Idan Raichel, Idan Raichel — same name all the time,'" she recalled. "So I just went to his little apartment, I heard his music and was like, 'That's my music!'"

Idan Raichel blends unique Israeli, Ethiopian, Yemenite and Latin sounds, and he is mainly known for his role in the group The Idan Raichel Project. The Project has some 90 revolving members from Sudan, Uruguay, Colombia and Rwanda. They sing primarily in Hebrew, Spanish, Arabic and Swahili, and bandmates range in age from 16 to people in their 80s.

India.Arie and Idan Raichel have previously collaborated on the YouTube video "Gift of Acceptance", which they performed in December at the Nobel Peace concert in honor of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo in Oslo, Norway. They also held special concerts in Los Angeles and Atlanta."People were crying and (there was) a lot of good feedback," said India.Arie, who is also planning an international tour with Idan Raichel.

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George Michael Covers "True Faith"

George Michael has revamped New Order's True Faith hit to help raise cash for charity.

The proceeds from the single will go to Comic Relief, a British charity which previously received the proceeds from George Michael's "As" hit.

Comic Relief founder Richard Curtis is thrilled with George Michael'scontribution to the charity, revealing that he has been very generous with his cash and time in recent years.

"Over the years, George has been the most tremendous supporter of Comic Relief. Out of the blue one year he gave us all the cash from the release of As, his single with Mary J Blige. Then he did a brilliant Little Britain sketch".

"But, most excitingly, he's giving Comic Relief all the money from his new single, True Faith. It's always so moving when people stick with us year after year - and we're thrilled and delighted about the song, and the wonderful video that goes with it."

"We promise we'll use every penny we make from it to save and change lives in Africa and all over the UK." Richard Curtis, Vice Chair, Comic Relief

The video will premiere at on March 19th at the end of Comic Relief's annual Red Nose Day telethon.

 Here's the original version of "True Faith", sung by New Order in 1987.

Aretha Franklin and The Great American Songbook, Win a Copy!

As we've previously mentioned, this week (2/27) marks the 50th ANNIVERSARY of Aretha Franklin’s debut pop album release and arrival on the popular music scene!

THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK celebrates this monumental occasion with a new compilation of the Queen of Soul’s stunning early recordings.

•18 classic songs by the greatest American composers such as: Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, the Gershwin Brothers, Oscar Hammerstein, Billy Strayhorn, and Hank Williams.

•Aretha Franklin was only 18 years old when she moved to New York City to record her first pop album in Columbia Records’ famous studio.

•And for the ultimate Aretha Franklin fans, you can purchase a deluxe 11CD & DVD box-set collecting her entire early Columbia recordings will be released March 22 – TAKE A LOOK: THE COMPLETE ARETHA FRANKLIN ON COLUMBIA.

Don't forget about our incredible giveaway, we have 5 more copies!

ENTER MUSIC2NITE'S ARETHA FRANKLIN GIVEAWAY:

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You will be automatically entered to win a copy of "Aretha Franklin: The Great American Songbook", once you subscribe to, like or follow Music2Nite. It's that easy, and we've got 8 copies to give away! That's 1 copy each day!

This incredible giveaway will run from Sunday, February 27th through Sunday, March 6th 11:59pm EST!

Lenny Kravitz Unveils "Black and White America" Cover Album

Today, Oprah's show featured the smartest and most talented kids including Willow "Whip My Hair Back and Forth" Smith. Willow Smith was the co-host with Oprah and Lenny Kravitz made a guest appearance to inspire a teenage guitar genius.

During the show he unveiled the cover of his next upcoming album "Black and White America". Before the show, he also gave an interview.

Duruing the interview he discussed the inspiration for his new album which is usually his life. Lenny Kravitz always draws from whatever he's going through in his life. He recorded most of it in the Bahamas in a very remote place, where there were not many people. Far away from technology. Kravitz loves working that way because it's organic and true.

Lenny Kravitz will tour for a couple of years straight, starting from the beginning of the Fall. What does he take with him on his tour? Family pictures of family, his daughter, friends, family events. The road can be very ungrounded at times and these pictures are always good to look at.

Musical inspirations and mentors include: Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Jimi Hendrix, Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, The Rolling Stones and many more. Discovered his passion for music when he was 5, he heard a symphony by Chikovsky, afterwards it was The Jackson 5.

What do you think of Lenny Kravitz' cover for "Black and White America"?

Click here to view the backstage interview with Lenny Kravitz.

Esperanza Spalding on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Esperanza Spalding was a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live last night. Jimmy first interviewed her and asked her what she did after winning her Grammy Award for "Best New Artist", her reaction to Bieber fans, she also discussed how she got into music at a very early age and the instruments she's learned to master over the years.

Esperanza also talked about the four times she played at the White House. While some artists might get nervous meeting President Obama, she was too enamored by musicians in the front row to let her nerves get the best of her.

“He’s very kind and was very gracious,” she explained. “I shook his hand, said hello, tried not to get all googly. Just very gracious. And also, the first time I played for them, Paul Simon was there and Herbie Hancock was there and Stevie Wonder was there. So I sort of was preoccupied with the front row lineup and didn’t have time to be nervous with him or anything.”

Watch Esperanza Spalding on Jimmy Kimmel Live below. There's also a video of her performance for “Really Very Small” she did at the end of the show.

Janelle Monae - Character Approved Honoree

Janelle Monae is the recipient of the Music honor in this year’s Character Approved Awards from USA Network. These awards honor the people who are changing the face of American culture by influencing our opinions, style and views of the world creativity in their respective fields.

Her songs—and her distinctive style—have garnered a Grammy nomination. In 2010, Monáe released the brilliant and imaginative The ArchAndroid (Suites II & III), which was lauded as one of the best albums of the year by the industry and fans alike. It broke into the Billboard Top 20 and earned her two more Grammy nods.

Janelle Monae discusses how she took her music to another level:

Warner Bros. Records - To Release Vinyl Albums For Record Store Day

In honor of Record Store Day (April 16th), Warner Bros. Records has announced the release of a series of vinyl albums and singles. The releases will be available in limited quantities.

Here's a list of the vinyl albums and singles which will be released on April 16th.

• Bad Brains: God of Love (vinyl) plus a bonus 7-inch, two-song single
• The Belle Brigade: The Belle Brigade (vinyl LP)
• Built To Spill: “Ripple” (7-inch picture disc)
• Eric Clapton: Unplugged (Two-disc set on 180-gram vinyl)
• Deftones: Covers (vinyl LP). The disc will include rare cover songs from The Cars, Drive Like Jehu, The Smiths, Sade, Jawbox, The Cardigans, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Japan, Duran Duran, The Cure, and Santo & Johnny
• The Flaming Lips: Heady Nuggs: The First 5 Warner Bros. Records 1992-2002. This five-album collection includes four out-of-print sets. The collection includes 1992′s Hit To Death In The Future Head, Transmissions From The Satellite Heart, Clouds Taste Metallic, The Soft Bulletin, and Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots. The box set will be limited and numbered.
• Fleetwood Mac: Rumours. Both standard (33 1/3 RPM single disc) and audiophile deluxe (two-disc, 45 RPM, 180- gram vinyl) editions.
• Glassjaw: Worship And Tribute (vinyl)
• Jimmy Eat World: Bleed American. 10th anniversary, limited edition, three-disc reissue, featuring a disc of rarities and b-sides pressed on 140 gram vinyl. (Each will be hand-numbered with a gold foil stamp.) There will also be a special run of colored vinyl made exclusive for the Zia Record Store Day tent at Coachella in support of the group’s appearance at the festival.
• Mastodon: Live At The Aragon deluxe two-disc set on 180-gram vinyl and a DVD.
• My Chemical Romance: “Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na). 7-inch picture disc, includes the previously-unreleased “Zero Percent” on the b-side.
• Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (limited-edition white vinyl) and You’re Gonna Get It! (limited-edition blue vinyl).
• R.E.M.: Three. Three 7-inch single 45 RPM discs. The first three singles from the group’s new album, Collapse Into Now, each in individual art gatefold sleeves with previously-unreleased B-sides._ Disc 1: “Mine Smell Like Honey”/”Supernatural Superserious” (live in Raleigh, NC).
  Disc 2: “Oh My Heart”/”Harborcoat” (live in Riga, Latvia)
  Disc 3: “UBerlin”/”What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” (live in Oslo, Norway)
• Regina Spektor: Four From Far (limited-edition 33 1/3 RPM EP on powder-blue vinyl). Three previously-unreleased tracks taken from 2009′s Far recording sessions, none of which have ever been available on vinyl. “Eet” from Live in London is also included.
  Side A: “Riot Gear,” “The Sword & The Pen”
  Side B: “Time Is All Around,” “Eet”

Warner Bros. Records is also launching “Side By Side,” a series of extremely limited-edition 7-inch singles featuring Warner Bros. artists covering other historic and influential WB family artists. Each title will be colored uniquely, and 100 of each pressing will be available randomly on clear vinyl. The first four singles will be released on Record Store Day, with more singles to be announced soon.

• “Havana Affair” (red vinyl): The Ramones, Red Hot Chili Peppers
• “Don’t Want To Know If You Are Lonely” (orange vinyl): Hüsker Dü. Green Day
• “Just Got Paid” (yellow vinyl): ZZ Top, Mastodon
• “Love Hurts” (light-blue vinyl): Gram Parsons & The Fallen Angels (featuring Emmylou Harris), Jenny And Johnny

Warner Bros. Records is an official partner of Record Store Day.

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