westcoastmusic

America Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame

The Vocal Group Hall of Fame was created to present the music of the Inducted Vocal Groups to people of all generations, to educate, entertain and enlighten the world to the astounding legacy of music left by these Vocal Groups of the past and to pave the way for Vocal Groups of the future. The band America (Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell...) will be soon inducted into the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame for the 2007 edition. That's now official!

Induction ceremony and information will be made available at The Vocal Group Hall Of Fame website (Sharon, Pennsylvania).

John Hall elected at the House of Congress

John Hall elected at the House of Congress for the Democratic Party.

Congrats to our good friend John Hall (from the band Orleans) who has just been elected at the House Of Congress (New York District 19) in The USA and won:
John Hall (Democratic challenger): 51 % (86 491 votes),
Sue Kelly (Republic incumbent): 49 % (90 019 votes).
More details at his website John Hall For Congress.

In the seventies, John Hall became active in the anti-nuclear movement, in environmental issues and co-founded Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE) concerts and helped to coordinate the famous "No Nukes" event at Madison Square Garden (with The Doobie Brothers, Jackson Browne, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Jame Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, Carly Simon, Nicolette Larson, Tom Petty...).

Since then, John Hall has continued working for alternative energy and environmental causes. His musical group at the time, the John Hall Band, released two albums, after which John Hall released a number of solo albums, the latest being the infectious and well-received Rock Me on the Water in 2005. During the 80's and 90's, Hall also wrote songs for other artists and reunited with Orleans in 1990, 1996, 2000 and 2003.

In late October 2004, John Hall publicly protested the use of the Orleans hit song, "Still the One," by the Bush presidential campaign at its campaign events. Since the Bush campaign had never received permission to use the song, it agreed not to play the song again.

John Hall is a member of the Classic Rock band Orleans. We are proud to have such a new representative at the House Of Congress. And at this present time, we also have congrats thoughts to his family: Pamela and Sofi, and music friends and partners.

(Picture: John Hall with Jackson Browne, Jackson Browne Fundraiser Weekend).

Bon Jovi at the Live 8 now, Bon Jovi and The Live 8

Bon Jovi at the Live 8 now, Bon Jovi and The Live 8.

Overnite the folks in the Bon Jovi camp sent word about how things are taking shape in Philadelphia, where the band (along with a slew of other artists and an expected crowd of more than 1 million) is now on stage at Live 8 in Philadelphia.

The band arrived into Philly in the late morning and headed to the event site. Jon Bon Jovi did press interviews with news outlets as varied as ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, Extra, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood... so keep your eyes open for that. Jon headed to the stage with Richie Sambora, Tico Torres, David Bryan, Hugh McDonald, Jeff Kazee and Bobby Bandierato do their soundcheck.

The band ran thru "Livin' On A Prayer", "It's My Life" and "Have A Nice Day" a few times before heading offstage. Jon Bon Jovi was also pulled aside by Graham Norton who is onsite interviewing artists for the BBC - look for some of that footage to quite possibly end up on the bigscreens in Hyde Park today.... can't promise anything --- it's quite the music and media and logistical event to put together!!

Later in the evening, Bon Jovi had some invited folks to a cocktail party where they played the new Bon Jovi album, "Have A Nice Day", mixed in with other Bon Jovi music. Jon, Richie, David, Tico and Hugh attended -- as did Rob Thomas, Sarah McLachlan, Josh Groban, Chris Tucker. Two of the players from Jon Bon Jovi's Philadelphia Soul Arena Football Team, Keita Crispina and Sean Scott also joined the band for the hang.

So, the band does LIVE 8 and then head off to have a Fourth of July holiday with their friends and family -- lots of stuff happening in the week ahead with the videoshoot taking place at the end of the week. So, Happy Fourth of July weekend to you and yours (and if you're not celebrating the holiday - still have a great, great weekend!) Tune into LIVE 8 and more news from the camp will be with you during the week.

Bon Jovi "100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can't Be Wrong" box set: ORDER IT NOW.

live8, music, bon jovi

BET Awards Winners: Ciara, John Legend, Omarion, BET Awards winners

BET Awards Winners: Ciara, John Legend, Omarion, BET Awards winners.

BET's annual mega-salute to superlative performances in music, sports and entertainment again lit up the Hollywood skyline and the majestic Kodak Theatre, with rapper/producer impresario Kanye West grabbing awards for Best Male Hip Hop artist and for Video of the Year for his spiritual composition "Jesus Walks." First-time BET Awards nominees Ciara and John Legend each walked away with trophies, as Ciara won for Best Collaboration for her tandem with rapper Missy Elliott on "1, 2 Step," and Legend scored as Best Male New Artist. BET also used the star-studded night to honor music legend Gladys Knight with the network's Lifetime Achievement Award, and Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta with the BET Humanitarian Award.

BET's big night exploded with amazing performances and special salutes as Hollywood power couple Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett Smith served as hosts for the first time. Bringing the audience to their feet, a surprise reunion of Lauren Hill and the Fugees started the night off with a killer performance of their old school hits Ready or Not, and Killing Me Softly. Other superstar performers included living legend Stevie Wonder, smoking hot "Dirty South" rapper T.I. along with Mariah Carey, Destiny's Child, Toni Braxton, Ludacris, Missy Elliott, former B2K phenom Omarion, Mike Jones, Fantasia, Tye Tribbett and The Game joining in an "off the meter" throw-down that rocked the house and the homes of millions fortunate enough to have tuned in for BET's biggest show of the year. A sparkling list of Hollywood's celebrity A-List also joined the show as presenters, including Halle Berry, Tom Cruise, Alicia Keys, Steve Harvey and Mario.

The night also had some solemn moments as BET paid memorial tributes to actor Ossie Davis, attorney Johnnie Cochran, singer Rick James and rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard, all of whom died since last's BET AWARDS show.

The following is a list of all winners from the 2005 BET Awards:

Best Female R&B Best Male R&B
Alicia Keys Usher

Best Group Best Collaboration
Destiny's Child Ciara featuring Missy Elliott (1, 2 Step)

Best Female Hip Hop Best Male Hip Hop
Remy Martin Kanye West

Best New Artist Best Gospel Artist
John Legend Donnie McClurkin

Best Actress Best Actor
Regina King Jamie Foxx

Female Athlete of the Year Male Athlete of the Year
Serena Williams (Tennis) Shaquille O'Neal (Basketball)

Kanye West (Jesus Walks) Omarion (O)

John Legend "Get Lifted" new CD: ORDER IT NOW.

music, john legend.

Alicia Keys, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Jermaine Dupri, Smokie Norful, Sean Paul Top Honorees at 18th Annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards

Alicia Keys, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Jermaine Dupri, Smokie Norful, Sean Paul Top Honorees at 18th Annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards.

Jermaine Dupri and Alicia Keys were named Songwriters of the Year at the 18th Annual ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Awards held tonight at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. Over 700 music and entertainment luminaries gathered to celebrate some of today's most popular music as awards were presented to the songwriters and publishers of the top ASCAP songs on the 2004 R&B, Hip-Hop and Rap charts. Songwriters and super-producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis were honored with the prestigious ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award, which is given to members who have had a major impact on the legacy of Rhythm and Soul music.

Two new awards were introduced at tonight's ceremony -- Top Gospel Artist of the Year, and the Jamster sponsored "Top Ringtone Song of the Year." Grammy winning EMI Gospel recording artist Smokie Norful, who opened the show with a stirring performance of the song "Power," was presented with the award for Top Gospel Artist of the Year. Top Ringtone Song of the Year went to "In Da Club," written by 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, and Mike Elizondo. ASCAP is the first U.S. performing rights organization to license and distribute royalties to its songwriter members for ringtone performances.

Among the honorees and notables attending the elegantly attired celebration were Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Jermaine Dupri, Alicia Keys, Paula Abdul, Clarence Avant, Big Boi of OutKast, Jerome Benton (formerly of The Time), Terrell Carter, Chingy, Ciara, DJ Quik, Faith Evans, Free and A.J. of BET's 106th & Park, Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Everette Harp, India.Arie, Janet Jackson, Kenny Lattimore, Leon, Lil' Mo, Loon, Ludacris, MC Lyte, Marcus Miller, Chante Moore, Mya, Smokie Norful, Petey Pablo, Kim Porter, Kelly Price, Holly Robinson Peete & Rodney Peete, Teddy Riley, Donnie Simpson, The Game, The Underdogs, The Youngbloodz, Timbaland, Twista, Nancy Wilson, and more.

With four award-winning songs apiece, Jermaine Dupri and Alicia Keys shared the enviable Songwriter of the Year Award. Recently recognized with the prestigious Golden Note Award at the 2005 ASCAP Pop Music Awards, Dupri has a keen eye for spotting talent and a natural instinct for writing and producing hit songs. He was honored tonight for "Burn," "Confessions Part II," "My Boo" and "U Should've Known Better." As a multi-talented singer, songwriter, pianist and producer, Keys possesses the innate ability to channel raw emotions into captivating songs that are both universal in sentiment and spirit. She was honored this evening for the songs: "Diary," "If I Ain't Got You," "My Boo" and "You Don't Know My Name." Keys also collected the award for Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song of the Year for "If I Ain't Got You."

A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award to Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis in recognition of their outstanding contributions as songwriters, producers and musical innovators whose artistry and humanity continue to influence and inspire the world of music. Renowned industry executive and one of the most influential African Americans in entertainment business history, Clarence Avant, joined ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento on stage to present the award.

Jam & Lewis join an elite group of legendary artists who have received the coveted ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award that includes Peabo Bryson, Earth, Wind and Fire, Rick James, and Chaka Khan.

As part of a musical tribute to Jam & Lewis, India.Arie performed the song "Eyes of the Heart" from the 2003 movie Radio, which she co-wrote with Jam & Lewis, James Horner and Jim "Big Jim" Wright. Music Director Michael Bearden led an all-star band, which featured Everette Harp, Kelly Price, and Terrell Carter performing Jam & Lewis songs.

Publisher of the Year honors were presented for the twelfth time to EMI Music Publishing for their 19 award-winning songs: "Burn," "Confessions Part II," "Diary," "I'm Still In Love With You," "I Don't Wanna Know," "If I Ain't Got You," "My Boo," "My Place," "Runnin' (Dying To Live)," "Slow Jamz," "Sorry 2004," "Splash Waterfalls," "Stand Up," "Tipsy," "U Should've Known Better," "Walked Outta Heaven," "Why?," "Yeah!," and "You Don't Know My Name." ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento presented the award to EMI Chairman and CEO Martin Bandier who was joined on stage by members of his creative team.

Sean Paul was named Top Reggae Artist of the Year, and was also honored for his award-winning song "I'm Still In Love With You" featuring Sasha.

Terror Squad's "Lean Back" written by Remy Ma and Scott Storch was named Top Rap Song of the Year. The song was also recognized in the R&B/Hip-Hop category.

Top Soundtrack Song of the Year honors went to "Runnin' (Dying To Live)" from Tupac: Resurrection by Tupac featuring The Notorious B.I.G., written by Easy Mo Bee, Luis Resto, Tupac Shakur, and Notorious B.I.G. On hand to collect the award were writer Easy Mo Bee, Voletta Wallace, the mother of Notorious B.I.G., and Dina Taylor of Amaru Entertainment.

Among the songwriters with multiple award-winning songs were: Jermaine Dupri and Alicia Keys with four; La Marquis Jefferson, Ludacris, Usher and Kanye West with three each; and 50 Cent, Sean Garrett, Petey Pablo, Luis Resto, Scott Storch, Timbaland, and Twista with two each.

Alicia Keys "The Diary Of Alicia Keys" DVD: ORDER IT NOW.

music, alicia keys.

Stevie Wonder Lifetime Achievement Award, Stevie Wonder award in September

Stevie Wonder Lifetime Achievement Award, Stevie Wonder award in September.

Stevie Wonder will received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his groundbreaking achievements in influencing the direction of popular music worldwide at the 1st Annual Motown Music Fest, to be held September 9, 2005, at the Fox Theater in Detroit.

Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has declared September 9, 2005, as "Stevie Wonder Day." Stevie Wonder will also be presented with a key to the City of Detroit, on this historical day.

A star-studded tribute to Stevie Wonder will be held that evening featuring some of Motown's biggest artists, past and present.

For over five decades, Detroit has been a major influence in the entertainment industry, helping to cultivate music worldwide.

Detroit, home to Hitsville, USA, where Berry Gordon launched the careers of artists such as: The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops and many others.

Stevie Wonder, a child prodigy started performing at the young age of 5. The word quickly spread in Detroit of this gifted young man who played his harmonica. Stevie was taken to Motown's Records' for an audition with its founder Berry Gordon who signed him immediately, thus beginning a career that has spanned over 4 decades.

Stevie Wonder "A Time To Love" new CD: ORDER IT NOW.

music, stevie wonder.

BET Awards 2005 feat. Stevie Wonder, T.I., Ciara, John Legend, Alicia Keys and Halle Berry, BET Awards 2005 on June 28

BET Awards 2005 feat. Stevie Wonder, T.I., Ciara, John Legend, Alicia Keys and Halle Berry, BET Awards 2005 on June 28.

The investigation continues to escalate around BET Awards '05, the network's most celebrated production of the year. While most production details remain firmly under wraps, some key clues have been uncovered regarding BET's "top secret" plans.

BET has announced that living legend Stevie Wonder, soulful R&B newcomer John Legend and smoking hot "Dirty South" rapper T.I. will join music superstars Mariah Carey, Destiny's Child, Missy Elliott and The Game, who are slated to burn up the stage with "off the meter" performances at the BET Awards '05. Airing live from Hollywood's esteemed Kodak Theatre on Tuesday, June 28 at 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT, other additions to the lineup include sultry R&B singer Ciara and former B2K phenom Omarion.

Celebrities confirmed to appear or present awards include Halle Berry, Alicia Keys, Steve Harvey, Mario and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Gladys Knight. Humanitarian Award recipient Denzel Washington will make a special video appearance, with wife Pauletta on hand to accept the award on the couple's behalf.

Hollywood power couple Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith will be first- time hosts for BET's electrifying evening, now in its fifth incredible year. Recognizing the biggest and the best in entertainment, music and sports personalities, the BET Awards '05 nods to several industry upstarts as top contenders for statues including four-time nominee Ciara, multi-talented artist John Legend and masterful hip-hop artist/producer Kanye West.

The day before the BET Awards '05, AJ & Free will amp up the excitement with a special awards show-themed edition of 106 & PARK from the heart of Hollywood, previewing the happenings for BET AWARDS '05 with special guests and hot videos on Monday, June 27, from 6-7:30 p.m. ET/PT. On Access Granted: BET Awards Show viewers go behind-the-scenes for an insider's perspective on the inner workings of a major Awards telecast, including a sneak peak at rehearsals, classified artist interviews and the "top secret" preparations in this 30-minute special, only on BET on Monday, June 27, at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

In addition, BET viewers can cast their votes for their favorite performer in the BET.com Viewer's Choice poll at http://www.bet.com/, which will continue in "real time" during the telecast. Viewers can tune in to the ceremony to see if their chosen performer won the Viewer's Choice award, and also check out other interactive features.

BET will televise encore presentations of the BET Awards '05 on Friday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT; Monday, July 4 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT; and Tuesday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Stevie Wonder "A Time To Love" new CD: ORDER IT NOW.

B.B. King 80th Birthday Benefit Concert feat. Bruce Willis and Montel Williams, B.B. King 80th Birthday Benefit Concert on Saturday, July 30

B.B. King 80th Birthday Benefit Concert feat. Bruce Willis and Montel Williams, B.B. King 80th Birthday Benefit Concert on Saturday, July 30.

B.B. King, the music legend, is turning 80 years old, and some of the hottest names in entertainment will be by his side on Saturday, July 30 to honor the artist as the Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. hosts the B.B. King 80th Birthday Benefit concert.

Isle of Capri officials announced today a preliminary lineup for the concert, to be held at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Biloxi. Emmy-award winning television personality, author, activist and talk-show host Montel Williams will serve as master of ceremonies for this once-in-a-lifetime evening.

Headliner entertainment for the evening will include motion picture and television star Bruce Willis, who is also a chart-topping musical artist. The Emmy- and Golden Globe-winner is best known for his roles as an action hero in the "Die Hard" movie series and for his role in the 1980s sitcom/drama hit "Moonlighting." However, Willis has pursued his love of music as a recording artist since 1986, when he released his first album, which went platinum and remained on the charts for 29 weeks.

Joining Bruce Willis will be a variety of blues, country, jazz and rock artists, including Kenny Wayne Shepard, Deborah Coleman, Bobby Blue Bland, Jody Williams, Smokin' Joe Kubeck, Dr. John and Dickie Betts. The concert will also include King playing several of his greatest hits, accompanied by all of the artists in attendance.

"B.B. King has encouraged and inspired so many musical artists and entertained several generations of blues fans; therefore, Isle of Capri is paying homage to this legend with a tribute concert featuring some of the top names in entertainment. Our concert host, Montel Williams, will bring his notable and respected presence to the stage and Bruce Willis, along with our many other talented stars, will provide an evening of diverse and dynamic entertainment," said Timothy M. Hinkley, Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. president and chief operating officer.

Isle of Capri Casinos, Mississippi's largest publicly held company, is hosting the country's only official B.B. King birthday celebration with B.B. King present, to raise funds for the planned B.B. King Museum, located in Indianola, Miss. The $10 million B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center will be dedicated to honoring the international bluesman, preserve the Delta blues heritage and encourage and inspire young artists and musicians.

Tickets for the B.B. King Birthday Benefit, to be held on Saturday, July 30 at 8 p.m., will be available on July 1 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.

B.B. King "Live at Nick's" DVD: ORDER IT NOW.

Brooks and Dunn To Host The 39th Annual CMA Awards in New York City

Brooks and Dunn To Host The 39th Annual CMA Awards in New York City.

Super duo Brooks & Dunn, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, return to host "The 39th Annual CMA Awards" when the gala airs live on the CBS Television Network, Tuesday, Nov. 15 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) from Madison Square Garden in New York City.

"It's great to know we didn't screw it up too bad last year," Brooks said with a laugh. "Obviously we are not comedians, but if we learned anything, it is to stay out of the way and let the great music on the show take care of itself."

"The 'Big Apple' is a well-seasoned pro. As second-year hosts, we are far from that, but we are honored to go to New York and humbly fill in as hosts for this year's CMA Awards," added Dunn.

Since blasting onto the scene with their No. 1 debut single "Brand New Man" in 1991, Brooks & Dunn have had 21 No. 1 singles, sold more than 27 million albums and picked up 14 CMA Awards, including Entertainer of the Year in 1996. They hold 12 CMA Vocal Duo of the Year Awards -- a record for the category. Their ninth Arista Nashville studio album will be released later this summer.

The 2004 CMA Awards, which aired for the first time on Tuesday night, posted an 11.5 rating with an 18 share. CBS estimates that 18.46 million people watched the entire broadcast and more than 37 million viewers watched all or part of the gala event. CBS was first in households, viewers and key demographics during the three-hour broadcast (8:00-11:00 PM/ET). CBS won every half-hour in households, viewers, adults 18-49 and adults 25-54. This was CBS's best delivery in households, viewers and adults 25-54 and adults 18-49 since November 2001.

To put the success of the CMA Awards rating in perspective, during the 2004-2005 television season, the CMA Awards placed third behind the Academy Awards and in a statistical tie with the GRAMMY Awards.

In the week immediately following the broadcast, the Billboard Top 75 Country albums chart reflected a 166 percent increase factoring in new releases from Shania Twain (529,567) and Toby Keith (435,489) according to Nielsen SoundScan. More than 30 other acts, who either performed or presented trophies on the CMA Awards, also enjoyed sales spikes according to Nielsen SoundScan.

CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by the industry professional members of the Country Music Association, which was the first trade organization formed to promote an individual genre of music in 1958. The first "CMA Awards Banquet and Show" was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards were broadcast on network television - making it the longest running music awards program on network television.

The final nominees for the 2005 CMA Awards will be announced during a press conference to be held in New York City in early September. "The CMA Awards" will be held in New York City this year only. The gala returns to Nashville in 2006 for its 40th Anniversary at the Gaylord Entertainment Center.

The CMA Awards are produced by Walter C. Miller and directed by Paul Miller. MJI Programming, a division of Premiere Radio Networks, is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards, which includes Red Carpet coverage and a stereo-radio simulcast of the gala event. Chevy, an American Revolution, is the official automotive sponsor of the 2005 CMA Awards. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2005 CMA Awards.

Brooks & Dunn "The Greatest Hits Collection, Vol. 2" CD (17 tracks): ORDER IT NOW.

Sara Evans People Magazine 50 Most Beautiful, Sara Evans Country Music Artist

Sara Evans People Magazine 50 Most Beautiful, Sara Evans Country Music Artist.

Growing up on a farm in New Franklin, Missouri, a young girl could only dream of one day receiving the distinction of being named a "Beauty" by an international magazine. Sara Evans, country radio's most-played female artist of 2004, joins an elite group today upon the announcement that the award-winning multi-platinum songwriter and singer has been selected as one of People's 50 Most Beautiful. Sara Evans is the only Country artist on the annual list.

"I am very excited to have been chosen," enthused Sara Evans. "It's a dream come true. I love this issue and look forward to reading it every year…especially this year!"

Others appearing on this year's list include cover girl Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston, Hilary Swank, Usher, Jennifer Lopez, Maria Sharapova, David Beckham, Eva Longoria and Heidi Klum. The highly anticipated publication arrived on newsstands last Friday.

In addition to putting the finishing touches on her forthcoming RCA album due out in the summer, Sara Evans was featured on Todayas the show takes over Nashville's Bicentennial Mall on Thursday, April 28.

The CMA award-winner has also just begun performing concerts with superstar Alan Jackson in arenas across the country. She recently concluded a near-sellout tour with Brad Paisley, with whom Sara Evans won a Dove award this month for their collaboration on 'New Again,' a track on The Passion of the Christ – Songs album.

The ACM Album of the Year and Top Female Vocalist nominee is also gearing up for her performance on the CBS telecast of the 40th annual awards show from Las Vegas on May 17. The woman Billboard calls "country's next female superstar" will perform her new single, "A Real Fine Place to Start," which has just arrived at country radio stations.

Sara Evans "Restless" CD (2003): ORDER IT NOW.